Israel's ongoing war on Gaza, beginning in October 2023, has resulted in over 59,000 Palestinian deaths and 143,000 injuries. A blockade and militarized distribution system have caused widespread starvation, with over 100 Palestinians, including 80 children, dying from starvation in recent weeks. Analysts describe the conflict as "sociocidal," aiming to destroy Gaza's societal structures and identity. Aid agencies, including over 100 organizations, have issued open letters urging Israel to allow aid into Gaza, while Al Jazeera and AFP have called for the protection of journalists trapped within the enclave, many of whom are suffering from malnutrition.

Experts like Derek Summerfield and Alex de Waal highlight the devastating physical and psychological impacts of the mass starvation, emphasizing its deliberate nature and prolonged timeline. Yossi Mekelberg analyzes the conflicting motivations within the Israeli government, ranging from ultranationalist ambitions to cynical political maneuvering. Mouin Rabbani describes Israel's strategy as aiming to make conditions intolerable, forcing Palestinians to flee and preventing their return. Despite international concern and supposed ceasefire negotiations, the war continues, leaving Gaza's population starving, alone, and hunted.

Impact Statement: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza, driven by Israel's actions, is causing mass starvation and societal collapse, resulting in a potential long-term displacement of the Palestinian population and causing significant international concern.

Neymar, 33, had a heated exchange with a fan following a controversial referee decision that disallowed his late goal during Santos' 2-1 defeat to Internacional. The incident occurred on Wednesday night at Vila Belmiro stadium. Videos show Neymar engaging in an agitated discussion with a fan before being escorted away by a teammate. The disallowed goal, scored in added time, would have tied the game.

Santos, currently 17th in the 20-team Brazilian Serie A, are now in the relegation zone. The bottom four teams are relegated to Serie B at the end of the season. Neymar's return to Santos this year has been plagued by injury, a red card for handball, and a COVID-19 infection.

Impact Statement: The disallowed goal and subsequent fan confrontation highlight Santos' precarious position in the relegation battle and Neymar's difficult season.

The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) Commissioner-General, Philippe Lazzarini, reported that his workers in Gaza are fainting from hunger due to the deepening crisis. He stated on X that a colleague described the situation as people being "walking corpses," surviving on minimal food, often just lentils, if at all. One in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, with cases increasing daily, according to UNRWA. Meanwhile, Israel reported eight soldiers wounded in a car-ramming attack it called a "terror attack" near Kfar Yona. The EU is assessing the situation and considering all options if Israel fails to uphold a recent agreement to improve humanitarian aid to Gaza, including increased food shipments and reopening crossing points. Separately, Palestinian health officials reported two Palestinian teenagers killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank, bringing the number of Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October 7, 2023, to over 955, according to the UN. The UN also reported that Taliban authorities are committing human rights violations against Afghans returning from Iran and Pakistan. Further, Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in civilian deaths. International news agencies called on Israel to allow journalists access to and from Gaza. Reports from Gaza detail severe malnutrition among children, with one seven-month-old weighing only 4kg. A ceasefire deal is under discussion between Israel and Hamas, involving hostage releases and increased aid to Gaza. However, disagreements remain, particularly regarding Israeli military withdrawal. The head of the World Health Organization called the starvation in Gaza "man-made mass starvation" due to the blockade. Brazil is joining South Africa's genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and UK diplomats are pressing for Palestinian state recognition. The Archbishop of York condemned the situation as "depraved" and "barbaric." Israel's President visited Gaza and reported intensive negotiations regarding hostage releases.

Impact Statement: The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is escalating rapidly, with widespread starvation and death. International pressure is mounting on Israel to address the situation, while negotiations for a ceasefire continue amidst ongoing conflict and significant human rights violations.

Russian forces aim to establish buffer zones along the Ukraine border, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. This announcement follows a third round of peace talks in Istanbul (date unspecified), which concluded without a ceasefire agreement. A brief meeting between delegations lasted only 40 minutes. While a prisoner exchange involving approximately 250 individuals on each side occurred on the Ukraine-Belarus border, key disagreements remain regarding a ceasefire and a proposed meeting between Presidents Putin and Zelenskyy.

Despite the prisoner exchange, which President Zelenskyy hailed as bringing over 1,000 Ukrainian prisoners home after multiple exchanges, both sides continued their attacks. Overnight, Russia launched 103 attack drones and four missiles, resulting in casualties in Ukraine and Russia. Zelenskyy reported three deaths in Kharkiv and injuries in Cherkasy, while Russian officials reported a fatality and injuries in Krasnodar due to falling drone debris. Zelenskyy reiterated Ukraine's proposal for an immediate ceasefire.

Impact Statement: The ongoing conflict and lack of progress in peace talks continue to cause significant human suffering and displacement.

At least 11 people were killed in heavy fighting along the Thai-Cambodian border on Thursday, involving both countries' troops and the use of heavy weapons, rockets, and fighter jets. The fighting, near the disputed Prasat Ta Moan Thom Temple in Surin province, Thailand, follows weeks of escalating tensions stemming from a May incident where a Cambodian soldier was killed and a February dispute over the temple. Each side blames the other for initiating the attack, and both countries have severed diplomatic relations and closed border crossings. Thailand reported retaliatory air strikes, while Cambodia denied initiating hostilities, accusing Thailand of violating its territorial integrity.

The fighting resulted in civilian casualties in Thailand, including the death of an eight-year-old child. Six people died in a single rocket strike at a gas station in Sisaket province. The Thai military reported that six F-16 fighter jets were deployed in response to the Cambodian attacks. The death toll in Cambodia remains unclear. Both countries' Prime Ministers have engaged in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the conflict; Cambodia has called for a UN Security Council emergency meeting, while Thailand's acting Prime Minister stated the dispute must be resolved according to international law. ASEAN and other nations have appealed for de-escalation.

Impact Statement: This significant escalation of border conflict between Thailand and Cambodia, involving air strikes and substantial civilian casualties, poses a severe threat to regional stability and underscores the urgent need for international mediation.

The International Seabed Authority (ISA), celebrating its 30th anniversary, is working to regulate deep-sea mining to prevent uncontrolled exploitation of rare earth minerals crucial for technology production. ISA Secretary-General Leticia Carvalho stated that the deep seabed is the common heritage of humankind and belongs to no single nation or corporation, urging the United States—which operates independently on deep-sea licensing—to join the ISA. The ISA is drafting a mining code to ensure the deep-sea’s protection and has already issued 31 exploration contracts to firms from 20 countries, though commercial mining awaits the code's finalization.

Despite the challenges of high costs and operational complexities inherent in deep-sea mining, UN Secretary-General António Guterres emphasized the importance of international cooperation to ensure sustainable and inclusive governance of this shared resource. The ISA recently launched a Deep-Sea Biobank to preserve and share knowledge of deep-sea biodiversity and resources, underscoring a commitment to responsible exploration and the sustainable use of this critical resource.

Impact Statement: The ISA's efforts to regulate deep-sea mining will significantly impact the future of rare earth mineral extraction, balancing technological advancement with environmental protection and equitable access to resources.

Alfred Yekatom and Patrice-Edouard Ngaïssona, former leaders of the Anti-Balaka militia in the Central African Republic (CAR), have been convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The convictions stem from their roles in brutal attacks against civilians, primarily from the Muslim Seleka population, during the 2013-14 civil war. Yekatom received a 15-year sentence, while Ngaïssona was sentenced to 12 years. The ICC found them guilty of crimes including murder, torture, forcible transfer, and persecution, targeting Muslims based on collective guilt for Seleka abuses.

The Trial Chamber found Yekatom responsible for crimes committed in Bangui, Yamwara, and along the PK9-Mbaïki axis. Ngaïssona was found guilty of aiding and abetting similar crimes. Some charges, including pillaging and the use of child soldiers, were not upheld. The court noted that while religion was used by armed groups, the violence wasn't initially religiously motivated, with witnesses testifying to prior peaceful co-existence between Muslims and Christians. The trial, which began in February 2021, involved 114 prosecution witnesses, 56 defense witnesses, and 1,965 victims participating through legal representatives.

Impact Statement: The convictions mark a significant step towards accountability for atrocities committed during the CAR conflict and may influence future efforts to address violence and persecution.

The United Nations is strengthening its partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to address various global conflicts. UN Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Khaled Khiari, briefed the Security Council, highlighting the OIC's crucial role in peace efforts, upholding international law, and achieving lasting political solutions. The collaboration, aligning with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter and the Pact for the Future, focuses on several regions, including joint UN-OIC work in Gaza on recovery and reconstruction, support for international mediation in Sudan, engagement in the UN-led "Doha Process" in Afghanistan, and advocating for Rohingya repatriation in Myanmar.

The OIC's involvement includes backing for UN envoys, promoting women's rights, and pushing for accountability and citizenship rights. Further collaboration is evident in election observation training, a new staff exchange program, combating Islamophobia, and counter-terrorism initiatives, strengthened by a March 2024 memorandum of understanding. The UN emphasizes the OIC's significant influence in conflict zones and its value as a partner in promoting peace and multilateralism.

Impact Statement: The strengthened UN-OIC partnership signifies a potentially enhanced approach to resolving complex global conflicts through increased collaboration and leveraging the OIC's regional influence.

A deadly exchange of fire along the Thailand-Cambodia border on Thursday resulted in the deaths of at least 11 civilians and one soldier. Both countries claim the other initiated the violence, with the dispute stemming from a 1953 border demarcation by France and reignited in May following a previous border skirmish. UN Secretary-General António Guterres urged both sides to exercise restraint and seek a peaceful resolution through dialogue. The incident is the latest escalation in a long-standing border conflict.

Separately, the UN is providing humanitarian aid in Syria, particularly in Rural Damascus and Dar’a governorates, to over 500 families displaced by recent violence in Sweida governorate. Aid includes food, medical supplies, and psychosocial support. Access to Sweida governorate remains limited due to security concerns, but the UN continues dialogue with Syrian authorities to improve access. In Ukraine, at least five civilians were killed and 46 injured in attacks across several regions over two days, with Kharkiv, Cherkasy, and Odesa City among the hardest hit areas. Aid workers are assisting those affected.

Impact Statement: The border clash between Thailand and Cambodia raises concerns about regional stability and the potential for further escalation. The ongoing humanitarian crises in Syria and Ukraine highlight the urgent need for continued international aid and support.

A United Nations report released Thursday details serious human rights violations committed against Afghans returning to their country, primarily from Iran and Pakistan. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report cites threats, torture, mistreatment, and arbitrary arrests and detentions targeting women, media workers, civil society members, and those affiliated with the former Afghan government. These abuses occur despite the Taliban's claims of amnesty. Over 1.8 million Afghans returned in 2025 alone, with a projected three million by year's end, according to UNHCR.

The report highlights the particularly dire situation faced by women, with one former television journalist describing her effective house arrest and lack of opportunities since her involuntary return. Many returnees, including former government officials and security forces members, live in hiding due to real or feared threats of reprisals, despite the announced amnesty. Testimony includes accounts of torture and mock executions.

The UN urges states to cease returning Afghans facing a risk of serious human rights violations, recommending expanded resettlement opportunities prioritizing at-risk groups including women, former government officials, media professionals, and human rights defenders.

Impact Statement: The report significantly raises concerns about the human rights situation in Afghanistan and calls for international action to protect vulnerable returnees.

The UN has issued dire warnings about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where widespread starvation is claiming lives alongside ongoing conflict. Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA, reported that one UNRWA worker described the population as "walking corpses," highlighting severe malnutrition among children and adults. At least 100 people have reportedly died from hunger, with the WHO documenting at least 21 child deaths from malnutrition. One in five children in Gaza City is malnourished, a number escalating daily due to restricted aid access. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the WHO, stated that starvation is "another killer" in Gaza, alongside the ongoing bombardment. For 80 consecutive days (early March to mid-May), no aid entered Gaza, pushing the population to the brink of famine. While some aid has since resumed, it remains insufficient, and over 1,000 people have died trying to access food since May 27th. Hospitals, repeatedly attacked, are no longer safe havens, and aid workers are also suffering from severe food shortages. The UN calls for the immediate release of 6,000 trucks of desperately needed supplies currently stranded in Jordan and Egypt.

Impact Statement: The ongoing conflict and blockade of Gaza have created a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, with starvation threatening the lives of thousands, particularly children. The international community's failure to provide adequate and unrestricted humanitarian aid is exacerbating the crisis and causing widespread suffering and death.

Saudi Arabia will invest approximately $3 billion in Syrian real estate and infrastructure projects. This investment, announced by Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih on Thursday at a Damascus conference, is part of a broader $6.4 billion in deals. The investment follows a recent easing of US sanctions on Syria and aims to support the new Syrian government, which took power after rebels toppled longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad. A large Saudi delegation of investors and representatives visited Damascus earlier this week for meetings and a business forum.

The investment comes as Syria faces ongoing internal challenges. Deadly clashes between minority groups, particularly in Suwayda province, have raised concerns about the country's stability. These clashes involved Druze fighters and Bedouin tribes, escalating to include Israeli air raids in Damascus and Suwayda. A ceasefire, brokered by the US, is currently in place, and the Syrian government has begun evacuating hundreds of Bedouin families from Suwayda.

Impact Statement: Saudi Arabia's significant investment could play a crucial role in Syria's economic recovery and reconstruction efforts, but the country's ongoing internal conflicts pose significant challenges to stability and long-term development.

Michelle Agyemang, a 19-year-old forward, has become a key player for England's national team in the UEFA Women's Euro 2025 tournament. A late call-up to the squad, Agyemang scored crucial equalizing goals against both Sweden and Italy, dramatically shifting the momentum of those matches and leading the Lionesses to the final. Her performances, including a double-nutmeg finish against Italy, have earned her widespread praise from teammates and former players alike. Chloe Kelly also scored a vital goal in extra time against Italy.

Agyemang's journey has been remarkable. Just four years ago, she was a ball girl at Wembley Stadium. Now, she's a pivotal player in a major international tournament, a testament to her talent and rapid development. Her composure and skill, despite her limited international experience, have been highlighted by coaches and commentators.

Agyemang's impact is significant, demonstrating the potential for young, previously unknown athletes to make a substantial difference at the highest levels of competition. Her story inspires and underscores the unpredictable nature of sporting success.

BBC News, AFP, AP, and Reuters issued a joint statement expressing extreme concern for journalists in Gaza, who are reportedly unable to feed themselves or their families due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. These journalists, described as "the world's eyes and ears on the ground," are facing the same dire conditions as the population they cover. The news organizations urged Israeli authorities to allow journalists access to and from Gaza and ensure adequate food supplies reach the region. This follows warnings from over 100 international aid organizations and human rights groups regarding mass starvation in Gaza, with MSF, Save the Children, and Oxfam stating that their colleagues and the people they serve are "wasting away." Israel, while accused of hindering aid delivery, claims that charities are serving Hamas propaganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that a quarter of Gaza's population faces famine-like conditions, directly attributing this to the blockade.

The ongoing blockade and the resulting food shortages are impacting the ability of international news organizations to report from Gaza, placing journalists at risk. The situation underscores the severe humanitarian emergency unfolding in Gaza and the significant challenges faced by both the population and those documenting the crisis.

Two Palestinian boys, Ahmad Ali Asaad Ashira al-Salah (15) and Muhammad Khaled Alian Issa (17), were killed by Israeli forces in al-Khader, south of Bethlehem, in the occupied West Bank. Their bodies were withheld by the Israeli army. At least 25 more Palestinians were arrested in multiple West Bank raids the same day. The incidents are part of a broader escalation of violence in the West Bank since the start of the war on Gaza.

Since October 7, 2023, at least 948 Palestinians, including 204 children, have been killed by Israeli soldiers in the West Bank, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). From the beginning of 2024 to June 2025, over 2,200 Israeli settler attacks were reported, resulting in over 5,200 Palestinian injuries and nearly 36,000 forced displacements. Amjad Abu El Ezz, a lecturer at the Arab American University, stated that the violence is part of an Israeli strategy to prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state. Israel’s parliament also symbolically voted to annex the West Bank. The Palestinian Mujahideen Movement condemned this as a dangerous escalation.

The ongoing violence and displacement in the West Bank have significant humanitarian consequences and exacerbate the already tense political situation.

Patrick Devine, a Boston Harbor City Cruises captain, describes frequent flooding on Long Wharf, a common occurrence exacerbated by "wicked high tides" (king tides) and rising sea levels. Businesses like the Chart House restaurant have adapted, incorporating flood-proofing measures into their operations. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) projects a significant rise in Boston's sea levels by 2030, 2050, and 2100. This contrasts with the Trump administration's denial of the climate emergency and cuts to agencies like FEMA, impacting weather prediction capabilities.

Boston, however, is proactively addressing the issue. Mayor Michelle Wu established the Office of Climate Resilience (OCR) in 2024, spearheading over 100 projects to protect the city's coastline by 2070. These projects include elevated parks and updated building codes designed to withstand a one-meter sea-level rise. The city utilizes nature-based defenses like wetlands and integrates climate resilience into new developments, as seen in East Boston's redeveloped areas. Funding comes from city and state budgets, supplemented by grants and private investment, mitigating the impact of federal cuts.

While Boston's efforts showcase a proactive approach, the article highlights the contrasting inaction of other US cities, notably Florida, illustrating the challenges of implementing climate resilience strategies amidst political denial. The financial implications of inaction are significant, with potential costs of a major flood exceeding $2.3 billion, emphasizing the importance of proactive measures.

Impact Statement: Boston's experience demonstrates a model for coastal cities to adapt to rising sea levels, but the lack of federal support and political will in other areas remains a significant challenge.

Bella Culley, 19, from Billingham, Teesside, UK, appeared in Tbilisi City Court on drug smuggling charges. She faces up to 20 years imprisonment or life if convicted of possessing 12kg of marijuana and 2kg of hashish found in her luggage at Tbilisi International Airport on May 10. Culley maintains her innocence, claiming she was "forced to do this through torture" and had no intention of breaking the law. Her lawyer echoed this, stating a lack of evidence suggesting intent.

The court hearing lasted 30 minutes, during which Culley exchanged smiles with her mother, Lyanne Kennedy. Culley, who is pregnant, underwent medical tests recently, and her mother became emotional upon learning the gender of her grandchild. The prosecution detailed the quantity of drugs found, while Culley stated, "I never thought that something like that would happen to me," and expressed hope the court would "see my story through my eyes." The next hearing is scheduled for September, unless a plea deal is reached. Culley will remain in prison until then. Culley initially went missing in Thailand before her arrest in Georgia. The British Embassy advised the family not to speak to the press.

Impact Statement: The case highlights the potential for severe penalties for drug offenses abroad and the challenges faced by British citizens involved in legal proceedings in foreign countries.