At least three civilians were wounded in a Cambodian rocket strike on Thursday, following renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia near the disputed Emerald Triangle border region. Fighting erupted near two temples on the border between Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province. Both governments accused the other of initiating the conflict. Thailand's military claimed Cambodian forces fired first, targeting civilians with two BM-21 rockets, while Cambodia stated Thailand violated a peace agreement and opened fire on its forces.

The incident involved exchanges of fire, the deployment of a Thai F-16 fighter jet, and claims of casualties on both sides. Cambodian Defense Ministry spokeswoman Maly Socheata stated that the Cambodian armed forces acted in self-defense. The clashes followed Thailand recalling its ambassador from Cambodia and expelling Cambodia's ambassador a day earlier, citing the recent injury of a second Thai soldier from a landmine in the disputed area.

Thailand's embassy in Phnom Penh urged its citizens to leave Cambodia immediately. The dispute centers on the Emerald Triangle, a region where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet, and which contains several ancient temples, and has been a source of contention for years.

At least one civilian was killed and three others injured, including a five-year-old child, in a rocket and artillery strike during renewed clashes between Thailand and Cambodia on Thursday. Fighting erupted near temples on the border between Thailand's Surin province and Cambodia's Oddar Meanchey province, focusing on the disputed Emerald Triangle region where the borders of Thailand, Cambodia, and Laos meet. Both governments accuse each other of initiating the violence. Thailand claims Cambodian forces opened fire first, while Cambodia accuses Thailand of "unprovoked military aggression."

Thailand closed all border crossings with Cambodia following clashes reported in at least six locations. Thailand deployed six F-16 fighter jets, claiming one destroyed a Cambodian military target; Cambodia stated that Thai jets dropped bombs on a road. The escalating conflict follows Thailand recalling its ambassador from Cambodia and expelling Cambodia's ambassador after a second Thai soldier lost a limb to a landmine in the disputed area within a week. Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet requested an urgent meeting of the UN Security Council to address the situation.

Impact Statement: The renewed border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, resulting in civilian casualties and military escalation, significantly threaten regional stability and international relations.

A clash between Thai and Cambodian troops occurred near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple in Oddar Meanchey Province, northwestern Cambodia. The Thai military stated that Cambodian troops, preceded by a surveillance drone, opened fire on Thursday. This incident follows a May clash resulting in a Cambodian soldier's death and escalating tensions, including border crossing closures and trade restrictions by Cambodia on Thai goods. A Thai soldier lost a leg in a landmine incident on Wednesday.

In response to the escalating situation, Thailand recalled its ambassador from Cambodia, expelled Cambodia's ambassador, and downgraded diplomatic relations. Cambodia reciprocated by withdrawing its diplomats from Thailand, ordering Thai diplomats to leave, and reducing diplomatic relations to the lowest level, represented by the rank of “second secretary”. Earlier accusations of landmine placement by Cambodia on the Thai side of the border further fueled the conflict.

Impact Statement: The escalating border conflict and diplomatic downgrade significantly strain relations between Thailand and Cambodia, impacting trade and regional stability.

Iranian state media reported a Wednesday encounter between the USS Fitzgerald and Iranian forces in the Gulf of Oman. Footage shows an Iranian helicopter warning the destroyer to alter course, claiming it was approaching Iranian territorial waters. Iranian media described the encounter as tense, stating the destroyer initially threatened to target the helicopter before eventually departing.

The US Central Command countered that the interaction was "safe and professional," with no impact on the ship's mission. A US defense official, speaking anonymously to Reuters, called Iranian reports of tension "falsehoods and attempts...to spread misinformation," claiming the interaction occurred in international waters and identifying the Iranian aircraft as an SH-3 "Sea King" helicopter.

This incident follows a recent 12-day war between Iran and Israel, in which the US military conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated Iran's commitment to its nuclear program and expressed pessimism regarding the ceasefire.

Impact Statement: The differing accounts highlight ongoing tensions between Iran and the US in the region.

This is an update on global events as of Thursday, July 24. No specific events or details were provided in the source material.

Impact Statement: No significant impact is detailed in the provided text.

The escalating violence in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, has led to a dramatic increase in sexual assault, particularly against women and girls. Helene, 19, recounts her abduction and repeated rape over two months by armed gang members, resulting in her pregnancy. She now lives in a safe house with at least 30 other survivors, the youngest being 12 years old. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports a near tripling of sexual assault patients since 2021, with survivors describing multiple attackers and increasingly brutal methods. These attacks are often part of larger-scale assaults, used by gangs to terrorize communities.

Multiple women describe attacks that involve murder, rape, and arson, often committed in front of family members. The crisis has displaced over 1.3 million people, with half the population facing acute hunger. The lack of effective governance since the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse has exacerbated the situation. Gangs control approximately 90% of the capital, hindering the efforts of a UN-backed security force. While the Haitian authorities have employed mercenaries, including those from the US, using drones, fear and violence persist, with vigilante groups adding to the armed presence on the streets. Humanitarian organizations, facing funding cuts, express serious concerns about the escalating violence and the long-term impact on vulnerable women and children.

Impact Statement: The ongoing gang violence and widespread sexual assault in Haiti represent a major humanitarian crisis, demanding urgent international attention and intervention to address both the immediate needs of survivors and the root causes of the conflict.

England and Spain will face off in the Euro 2025 final, a repeat of the 2023 World Cup final which Spain won. The match, set for Sunday, pits the two top teams in Europe against each other. Former England players Ellen White and Steph Houghton expressed excitement and confidence in England's ability to win, highlighting the "one-off game" nature of the final and England's capacity to beat anyone on their day.

Significant changes have occurred in both squads since the World Cup final. England has seen key player retirements, including goalkeeper Mary Earps, midfielder Fran Kirby, and captain Millie Bright, leading to a "new era" and the emergence of new players. Spain, while retaining core players like Aitana Bonmati and Alexia Putellas, has seen a change in management and the absence of Jenni Hermoso due to the off-field controversies surrounding the previous federation president, Luis Rubiales, who was found guilty of sexual assault.

Despite the changes, England's recent victory over Spain in February and their decent overall record against them suggest a competitive match. Experts point to the midfield battle as crucial, with the need for England to find a way to counter Spain's possession-based style.

Impact Statement: The Euro 2025 final will be a highly anticipated rematch with significant implications for both national teams' legacies and the future of women's football in Europe.

North Korea has significantly increased its military partnership with Russia, supplying munitions, deploying troops (estimated 18,000+), and gaining valuable combat experience in Ukraine. This includes training in modern warfare techniques, using advanced weaponry, and operating sophisticated equipment. Ukrainian intelligence reports indicate that North Korea provides 40% of Russia's munitions. Captured North Korean prisoners of war demonstrated unwavering loyalty to their regime, highlighting the ideological commitment of their troops. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy directly warned South Korea in June about the implications of this growing threat, which may lead to upgraded weapons targeting Seoul and Tokyo.

South Korea's response has been muted, raising concerns among analysts. While condemning North Korean missile launches near its own territory, Seoul has remained largely silent about North Korea's activities in Ukraine. This silence is attributed to a mix of strategic ambiguity, economic factors (Russia being a major trading partner), domestic political divisions regarding North Korea policy, and bureaucratic inertia. Experts warn of the potential for long-term implications, including a reshaped Asian military balance and an outdated South Korean military doctrine.

Impact Statement: North Korea's military transformation, fueled by its involvement in the Ukraine war, poses a significant threat to regional stability and challenges South Korea's existing defense strategies. The lack of a robust response from Seoul raises concerns about its ability to address this emerging threat effectively.

Marcus Rashford has joined Barcelona on a season-long loan from Manchester United, with an option to buy for €30 million at the end of the 2025-26 season. Barcelona will cover his wages. Rashford expressed excitement about joining the club, stating it's "a club where people's dreams come true." He cited positive conversations with manager Hansi Flick as a key factor in his decision. The move follows a period of reduced playing time at Manchester United, stemming from a reported falling out with manager Ruben Amorim.

Rashford acknowledged the changes at Manchester United, expressing gratitude for his time there but indicating a desire for a new chapter in his career. Barcelona described Rashford as a versatile attacker with strong finishing abilities. Rashford revealed he attempted to join Barcelona in January but ultimately moved to Aston Villa on loan before securing this transfer. He emphasized Barcelona's family-like atmosphere as a key attraction.

Manchester United issued a statement wishing Rashford well. Rashford's move to Barcelona comes after a difficult season for United, who finished 15th in the Premier League.

Impact Statement: This transfer represents a significant move for Rashford, potentially revitalizing his career and adding attacking depth to Barcelona. It also marks a notable change for both clubs.

At least 10 more Palestinians have died from starvation in the besieged Gaza Strip, bringing the malnutrition death toll since October 2023 to 111, according to health officials. This comes as at least 100 other Palestinians, including 34 aid seekers, were killed in Israeli attacks over the past 24 hours, Gaza's Ministry of Health reported on Wednesday. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported 21 children under five among the malnutrition deaths, citing an 80-day period between March and May when no food was delivered, and current deliveries remain insufficient. 111 organizations, including Mercy Corps and the Norwegian Refugee Council, declared that "mass starvation" is spreading, with aid blocked outside Gaza.

Al Jazeera reported that hunger is as deadly as the bombs, describing a situation of "engineered famine," while the UN World Food Programme emphasized the need for safe access to distribution points free from armed actors. Recurring attacks on aid seekers have overwhelmed Gaza's hospitals, impacting even medical workers and essential services. American doctor Nour Sharaf from al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City reported people dying of hunger after days without food. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes continue, including the killing of two Palestinian journalists, bringing the total number of media workers killed since October 2023 to 231.

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is in Europe for “very sensitive negotiations” regarding a Gaza ceasefire and captive release, involving mediation by Qatar and Egypt with US backing. A Palestinian official stated that Hamas responded to a 60-day ceasefire proposal, but amendments are needed on Israeli military withdrawal and aid distribution during a truce.

Impact Statement: The ongoing conflict and blockade in Gaza are causing a humanitarian crisis, with mass starvation and death tolls rising. Negotiations for a ceasefire and captive release are underway, but significant obstacles remain.

Aitana Bonmati scored in the 113th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Spain over Germany in their Women's Euro 2025 semifinal match on Wednesday. The win sends Spain to the final against England on Sunday in Basel, a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final which Spain also won 1-0. Spain's goalkeeper, Cata Coll, made several crucial saves, including a double save in injury time, to keep Germany at bay.

Germany, despite having significant crowd support at Zurich’s Letzigrund Stadium, and despite strong performances from goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger, were unable to overcome Spain's late goal. The match was notable for being the first time Spain ever defeated Germany. Germany was also playing without three starters due to suspension and injury.

A victory for Spain in the final would make them the first nation to hold both the World Cup and European Championship titles simultaneously since Germany approximately 15 years ago.

Impact Statement: Spain's victory sets up a highly anticipated final against England and positions Spain as a dominant force in women's international football.

Aitana Bonmati's goal in the 113th minute secured a 1-0 victory for Spain over Germany in the UEFA Euro 2025 semifinal. Germany, despite numerous missed scoring opportunities from players like Giovanna Hoffmann, Klara Bühl, and Carlotta Wamser, failed to capitalize on their chances against Spanish goalkeeper Cata Coll. Spain's victory came after a strong defensive performance that ultimately withstood Germany's pressure. The winning goal came after a poor German clearance, allowing Bonmati to shoot past goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

Spain will now face England in the final on July 27th, a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final which Spain also won 1-0.

Impact Statement: Spain advances to the UEFA Euro 2025 final, setting up a rematch against England.

Aitana Bonmati scored in the 115th minute to secure a 1-0 victory for Spain over Germany in the UEFA Euro 2025 semifinal. Germany, despite numerous missed scoring opportunities from players like Giovanna Hoffmann, Klara Bühl, and Carlotta Wamser, ultimately fell to Spain's superior finishing. The German team, already depleted by injuries and suspensions, played well defensively against Spain’s controlled possession but couldn't capitalize on their own chances. The goal came after a poor German clearance allowed Spain to quickly transition and Bonmati slotted the ball past goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger.

Spain will now face England in the final on July 27th, a rematch of the 2023 World Cup final which Spain also won 1-0.

Impact Statement: Spain advances to the UEFA Euro 2025 final, setting up a rematch with England.

Humanity's consumption of Earth's resources surpassed the planet's capacity to regenerate them on July 24th, 2025, according to the Global Footprint Network and York University. This marks the annual Earth Overshoot Day, arriving over a week earlier than in 2024, primarily due to reduced ocean CO2 absorption. The overconsumption is evidenced by deforestation, biodiversity loss, and rising atmospheric carbon emissions—a trend continuing since the early 1970s. Countries like Qatar, Luxembourg, and Singapore reached their national overshoot days as early as February. In contrast, Uruguay's overconsumption isn't projected until December 17th, due to its reliance on renewable energy.

Mathis Wackernagel, Global Footprint Network co-founder, highlighted the cumulative effect of exceeding Earth's biocapacity, leading to measurable ecological debt. He noted that high-income countries typically consume more resources, though other factors exist, citing Qatar's energy-intensive air conditioning and desalination. Paul Shrivastava, co-president of the Club of Rome, advocates for shifting from an extractive to a regenerative economic model. The Global Footprint Network proposes solutions, including carbon pricing, smart cities, renewable energy transition, reduced food waste, and decreased meat consumption, to postpone Earth Overshoot Day.

Impact Statement: The early arrival of Earth Overshoot Day underscores the urgency of addressing unsustainable consumption patterns and transitioning to a more environmentally responsible global economy.

Brazil's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Wednesday it is finalizing its intervention in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case alleging Israel's commission of genocide in Gaza. The case was initially brought by South Africa. Brazil's statement cites "ongoing atrocities" and the "shameless use of starvation as a weapon of war" against Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the West Bank. The intervention follows President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva's earlier condemnation of Israel's actions as genocide at a BRICS meeting.

Several other countries, including Spain, Türkiye, and Ireland, have also requested intervention, urging the ICJ to declare Israel in violation of the 1948 Genocide Convention. The ICJ previously ordered Israel to prevent genocide in Gaza in January 2024, but this has had minimal impact. Israel's blockade of Gaza, the use of GHF (a group closely tied to Israel and the US) for aid distribution, and resulting deaths of over 1,000 Palestinians waiting for aid at GHF sites, have drawn international condemnation. The UN has denounced these sites as "death traps".

Impact Statement: Brazil's intervention significantly increases international pressure on Israel regarding its actions in Gaza, potentially influencing the ICJ's ruling and shaping future international relations.

Seven-month-old Mohammed, weighing barely 4kg, embodies the dire situation in Gaza, where mass starvation is rampant. His grandmother, Faiza Abdul Rahman, describes the family's struggle to find food, with even a single piece of pita bread costing a significant portion of their meager funds. The hospital ward is overflowing with severely malnourished children, and two remaining pediatric teams in Gaza City struggle to cope with up to 200 children daily seeking treatment. Dr. Musab Farwana, a pediatrician, describes the devastating impact of the famine, noting the lack of basic nutrients and medical supplies, including the recent death of a child due to the unavailability of intravenous potassium.

The crisis is attributed to a near two-year blockade imposed by Israel, restricting food shipments well below starvation rations for Gaza's 2.1 million people. The World Health Organization's head, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called the situation "mass-starvation – and it’s man-made," highlighting the insufficient aid channeled through a secretive US-backed organization. Families are resorting to desperate measures, risking their lives at distribution centers described as "death traps," and children are forced to beg or sell trinkets to survive. Even those with money struggle due to soaring food prices. The impact extends beyond malnutrition, increasing vulnerability to diseases due to weakened immunity.

Impact Statement: The ongoing blockade of Gaza has led to widespread mass starvation, resulting in numerous deaths and a humanitarian crisis of immense proportions, requiring urgent international intervention.

Recent violence in Sweida province, Syria, has left around 600-1200 people dead, according to differing reports from the Syrian Network for Human Rights and the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. The conflict, between Druze fighters and Bedouin communities, began approximately 10 days prior to reporting and prompted the Syrian government to evacuate roughly 1,500 Bedouin-Sunni families. This violence adds to pressure on the interim government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, a former rebel militia leader. Previous intercommunal violence in March resulted in approximately 1,500 deaths. A fact-finding report on the March incidents concluded that over 1,426 people were killed due to widespread criminal activity, but Syrian military commanders were not responsible.

Al-Sharaa's government faces internal and external pressure. Internally, hardcore elements within his own support base may clash with other community groups, potentially igniting another civil war. Externally, pressure comes from former Assad regime supporters, Iranian-affiliated forces, and criminal groups. Experts express concerns about al-Sharaa's ability to maintain control, particularly given the sectarian divisions among his supporters and the desire for revenge among various community groups. Despite these challenges, al-Sharaa retains some support, particularly among Sunni Syrians, but faces skepticism from minority groups. International actors such as the US and Gulf states are supporting al-Sharaa due to their interest in maintaining stability, while Israel's actions are viewed as counterproductive.

Impact Statement: The ongoing violence and political instability in Syria threaten regional stability and complicate efforts towards a lasting peace. The success or failure of al-Sharaa's government will have significant implications for the future of Syria and its relationships with regional and international actors.