Ahmed Ginah, nicknamed the "Mayor of Egyptians in Dar-es-Salaam," left Egypt in 2017 and established his import-export company, Dream Trading, in Tanzania in 2021. He assists fellow Egyptian migrants, providing housing, employment opportunities, and translation services, focusing on those willing to work hard. His success story reflects a broader trend of Egyptians seeking opportunities in sub-Saharan Africa, driven by economic challenges in Egypt and a desire for alternatives to the often perilous journey to Europe.

The number of Egyptians in non-Arab African countries increased from 46,000 in 2017 to 54,000 in 2021, contrasting sharply with the significant number of Egyptians arriving in Italy via the Central Mediterranean route. This southward migration is fueled by economic factors and strengthened diplomatic and commercial ties between Egypt and several African nations. Many migrants maintain a circular migration pattern, returning to Egypt periodically. Other examples, such as Mohamed el-Shafie's cashew processing factories, highlight the diverse business ventures undertaken by Egyptian migrants in Tanzania, leveraging local resources and opportunities.

Impact Statement: The increasing migration of Egyptians to sub-Saharan Africa presents a significant shift in emigration patterns, offering economic opportunities for both migrants and host countries while challenging existing perceptions of migration routes and destinations.

Over 100 aid organizations, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Save the Children, and Oxfam, warned on Wednesday of widespread mass starvation in Gaza. More than 2 million people face severe food and essential shortages following 21 months of conflict. The UN reported that Israeli forces killed over 1,000 Palestinians seeking food aid since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation's late May operations began, effectively undermining the existing UN system. The aid organizations called for an immediate ceasefire, opening of land crossings, and unimpeded aid delivery through UN mechanisms. Israel claims aid is entering Gaza but accuses Hamas of exploiting the crisis. Warehouses full of supplies remain untouched due to access restrictions.

The situation is described as a humanitarian catastrophe, with reports of at least 101 starvation deaths, including 80 children. Palestine Red Crescent spokesperson Nebal Farsakh stated that no food, clean water, or medicine has entered Gaza for over four months. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called the situation a "horror show," condemning attacks on UN offices and highlighting the collapse of lifelines. A joint statement by 27 Western countries criticized Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid. Pressure mounts on the UK to recognize Palestine as a state. The US announced a top envoy will travel to Europe for talks on a ceasefire and aid corridor.

Impact Statement: The mass starvation in Gaza constitutes a major humanitarian crisis demanding immediate international intervention to ensure the delivery of aid and a negotiated ceasefire. The ongoing conflict and its impact on the civilian population represent a significant threat to regional stability.

Al Jazeera Media Network has issued an urgent plea to the international journalistic community, press freedom organizations, and legal bodies to intervene in the ongoing forced starvation and crimes against journalists in Gaza. For over 21 months, the Israeli bombardment and systematic starvation of Gaza's nearly two million people have created a dire humanitarian crisis. Al Jazeera journalists, reporting on the situation, face extreme hardship, risking their lives and their families' safety. On July 19, Al Jazeera journalists began sharing desperate messages on social media detailing their hunger and exhaustion. Anas al-Shariff, an Al Jazeera Arabic channel correspondent in Gaza, described his own struggle with hunger and exhaustion, stating, “I am drowning in hunger, trembling in exhaustion, and resisting the fainting that follows me every moment … Gaza is dying. And we die with it.”

Mostefa Souag, director general of Al Jazeera Media Network, emphasized the network's commitment to amplifying the voices of these journalists and ending their suffering. He highlighted the responsibility of the international community to support these journalists and prevent a complete information blackout. Since October 2023, Israeli forces have killed five Al Jazeera journalists: Samer Abudaqa, Hamza Dahdouh, Ismail al-Ghoul, Ahmed al-Louh, and Hossam Shabat, along with numerous family members of journalists.

Al Jazeera's call to action urges immediate intervention to end the forced starvation affecting journalists and the wider population of Gaza.

Impact Statement: The ongoing situation in Gaza risks silencing crucial reporting on a humanitarian crisis and constitutes a grave threat to press freedom and international humanitarian law.

Peter Reynolds, 80, and Barbie Reynolds, 76, a British couple detained in Afghanistan since February 2024, are facing critical health issues while imprisoned by the Taliban, according to their son, Jonathan Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds reports his father is suffering from serious convulsions and potential early-onset Parkinson's disease, while his mother is severely anemic and malnourished. The couple, who had lived in Afghanistan for 18 years and ran education projects, were deemed innocent by a judge but remain detained in harsh conditions, including a period of six weeks in a basement without sunlight.

Despite a Taliban official stating in February 2024 that their release was planned "as soon as possible," the couple's release has yet to occur. Their son expressed worry over their rapidly deteriorating health, citing a recent communication on June 15th revealing the severity of their conditions. The UN has also condemned their detention as "inhumane" and warned of the risk of death without immediate medical care.

The couple's situation highlights the challenges faced by foreign nationals in Afghanistan under Taliban rule, especially given the UK's limited diplomatic presence following the 2021 withdrawal. Their case underscores the concerns over human rights and the safety of foreign citizens in the country.

Impact Statement: The deteriorating health of the British couple and the lack of their release despite assurances raises serious concerns about the Taliban's treatment of foreign nationals and the effectiveness of international pressure in securing their freedom.

The China Meteorological Administration reported that the number of high-temperature days since mid-March is the highest on record. Since mid-July, 152 national weather observatories have recorded temperatures exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). The heatwave, impacting an area home to over 200 million people, stretched from Chongqing to Guangzhou last week. In some central and southern provinces, apparent temperatures reached as high as 50C (122F), combining heat, humidity, and wind. This prolonged heatwave, coinciding with the Sanfu season (mid-July to August 19th), is impacting agriculture, manufacturing, ports, and healthcare services.

China, the world's largest emitter of greenhouse gases since 2006, is also a major renewable energy producer aiming for carbon neutrality by 2060.

Impact Statement: The record-breaking heatwave in China is significantly impacting various sectors and underscores the challenges posed by climate change.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) issued an urgent plea on Tuesday, demanding that Israel facilitate the immediate evacuation of its freelance journalists from Gaza. The agency described the journalists' situation as "appalling" and "untenable," citing reports of starvation among its staff. The Society of Journalists, an independent AFP journalists' association, warned that colleagues in Gaza risk dying of hunger, highlighting the case of a photographer, Bashar, who reported losing the strength to work due to starvation. Al Jazeera Media Network also called for international action to address the crisis, emphasizing the suffering of journalists in Gaza. Oxfam similarly reported that its staff in Gaza are facing starvation.

At least 15 Palestinians, including four children, starved to death in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total to 101 since the start of the conflict, according to Gaza health officials. Israel’s blockade of humanitarian aid, implemented in March, has only partially been lifted via the GHF aid agency which has been boycotted by the UN and major aid groups. The UN Human Rights Office reports that over 1,000 Palestinians seeking food aid have been killed by Israeli forces near GHF distribution points.

Impact Statement: The starvation crisis in Gaza, impacting journalists and aid workers, represents a severe humanitarian emergency and raises serious concerns about freedom of the press and the potential for mass casualties.

At least 101 Palestinians have died from starvation in Gaza, prompting the European Union to warn Israel of potential action if humanitarian aid pledges aren't met. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that "all options remain on the table" if Israel fails to deliver on its commitments to increase aid flow into Gaza. Kallas called Israel's killing of civilians seeking aid "indefensible" and said she spoke with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar about the issue. Despite previous agreements to increase aid trucks, crossing points, and routes, aid officials report no increase in humanitarian assistance.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, will travel to Europe, possibly to Rome, for ceasefire talks and discussions on establishing an aid corridor for Gaza. The US State Department expressed hope for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridor, but spokesperson Tammy Bruce cautioned that the situation is dynamic. Israel, which cut off most goods in March, has allowed limited aid through the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), bypassing the UN. Over 1000 Palestinians have been killed at or near GHF aid distribution points, according to the UN. The GHF has rejected the UN's figures.

Israel and Hamas remain divided on the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal in any ceasefire agreement, according to officials involved in US-mediated talks for a 60-day truce involving prisoner exchanges. Qatar has called for increased international pressure on Israel, citing its treatment of Palestinians and broader regional instability.

Impact Statement: The worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the international diplomatic efforts to secure a ceasefire and aid corridor have significant implications for regional stability and the lives of Palestinians in the besieged territory.

A section of oak hull discovered on the island of Sanday in Orkney, Scotland, has been identified as belonging to HMS Hind, a 24-gun Royal Navy frigate. The discovery, made by a schoolboy in , was confirmed in February 2024 after 18 months of research by archaeologists from Wessex Archaeology and Historic Environment Scotland (HES), alongside local volunteers. Dendrochronological analysis dated the wood to spring 1748, and archival research linked the remains to the Hind, built in Chichester in 1749.

HMS Hind served in numerous significant conflicts, including off the coast of Jamaica, the sieges of Louisbourg (1758) and Quebec (1759) during the Seven Years' War, and the American Revolutionary War. Later, it was decommissioned, sold, and renamed The Earl of Chatham, serving as a whaling ship before its wreck off Sanday on April 29, 1788. Remarkably, all 56 crew members survived the wreck, according to the Aberdeen Journal. The identification involved painstaking analysis of the timbers and extensive research into maritime archives.

The well-preserved 10m x 5m section of the hull is currently being preserved underwater at the Sanday heritage centre. The project highlights the collaboration between archaeologists and the local community of Sanday, whose members possess valuable historical knowledge and whose island has long used shipwreck timber for building materials.

Impact Statement: The discovery sheds new light on the history of HMS Hind and the maritime activities of 18th-century Britain, showcasing the importance of community involvement in archaeological research and the preservation of historical artifacts.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) will release its first advisory opinion on climate change on Wednesday. The opinion, resulting from a case brought by Vanuatu and other nations, will address countries' responsibilities to prevent climate change and potential consequences for polluters. The court considered tens of thousands of pages of submissions and two weeks of oral arguments, aiming to create a definitive international standard from existing environmental law. The opinion is expected to clarify nations’ obligations and address the question of legal consequences for major contributors to the climate crisis.

Vanuatu argued that the ICJ, with its broad jurisdiction, is uniquely positioned to address the issue comprehensively, including aspects of human rights law and the laws of the sea. Conversely, major fossil fuel-producing countries, such as the United States, pointed to the 2015 Paris Agreement as sufficient legal framework. Vanuatu's Minister for Climate Change, Ralph Regenvanu, expressed hope the ICJ would declare addressing climate change a legal obligation, highlighting the historical injustices and the need for reparations for past harm. Vishal Prasad, a climate activist involved in initiating the case, emphasized the existential threat climate change poses to Pacific Island nations.

Impact Statement: The ICJ's opinion could significantly influence international climate law and future climate negotiations, potentially impacting the responsibilities of nations and the pursuit of climate justice.

Interpol has withdrawn its red notice for Paul Watson, founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, at the request of its Commission for the Control of Interpol's Files (CCF). The red notice, issued at Japan's request in 2010 following an encounter with a Japanese whaling ship, was deemed "disproportionate" by the CCF. Watson, 74, was arrested in Greenland in July 2024 based on the Japanese warrant but released in December after Denmark refused extradition. He has since returned to France.

Watson stated, "Finally I am free," after the decision. His lawyer, William Julie, cited the disproportionate nature of the charges, the passage of time, Denmark's refusal to extradite, and other countries' inaction on Japan's requests as reasons for the CCF's decision. While the red notice is removed, Sea Shepherd France president Lamya Essemlali noted that a Japanese arrest warrant remains, meaning Watson could still face arrest and prosecution in Japan.

Impact Statement: While the Interpol red notice removal is a significant development for Watson, the Japanese arrest warrant remains active, leaving his long-term freedom uncertain.

England's women's football team, the Lionesses, have reached the Euro 2025 final despite facing numerous setbacks. Their journey has been marked by overcoming significant adversity, including a poor opening game loss to France, key player injuries and retirements (Mary Earps, Fran Kirby, Millie Bright) prior to the tournament, and several dramatic come-from-behind victories. Despite these challenges, the team secured wins against the Netherlands (4-0), Wales (6-1), Sweden (after a penalty shootout), and Italy (2-1 in extra time). Manager Sarina Wiegman praised the team's resilience and ability to persevere. Jess Carter faced racist abuse during the tournament and was left out of the starting XI for the semi-final, yet received considerable crowd support.

The Lionesses' route to the final has included multiple last-minute goals and dramatic comebacks, showcasing their determination and ability to overcome seemingly insurmountable odds. Their performance reflects exceptional teamwork and resilience, overcoming challenges both on and off the pitch.

Impact Statement: England's success highlights the team's mental fortitude and ability to overcome significant obstacles to reach the Euro 2025 final.

England defeated Italy in the Euro 2025 semi-final, winning 2-1. However, the victory came despite a largely underwhelming performance, with criticism aimed at manager Sarina Wiegman's tactical decisions and substitutions. Key players like Chloe Kelly and Michelle Agyemang spent significant time on the bench, while the team displayed a lack of cohesion and clear playing style throughout much of the match. The winning goal resulted from a penalty rebound, highlighting the element of luck in the victory.

The match saw Italy's strong defensive display, and England only managed to win due to a fumble by Italy's goalkeeper and a fortunate penalty. The article questions whether England's win was a result of skill or chance, highlighting concerns about the team's performance and tactical approach under Wiegman's leadership. The author suggests a need for England to develop a clearer playing identity and calls for a shift towards younger players.

Impact Statement: England's unconvincing victory raises concerns about their preparedness for the Euro 2025 final and highlights the need for tactical and personnel changes to secure future success. The team's performance also prompts a broader discussion about England's national identity in women's football.

Hikmat al-Hijri, the 60-year-old spiritual leader of Syria's Druze community, has become a controversial figure following recent deadly violence in Sweida province (July 2024), which resulted in over 500 deaths. Critics label him a traitor and warlord, citing his belligerent stance against the new Syrian government and alleged ties to the former Assad regime. Supporters, however, view him as a defender of the Druze community against the government and its potentially dangerous allies. Al-Hijri, who inherited his position after his brother's death in 2012, has shifted his political allegiances over time, supporting the Assad regime during the Syrian Civil War (2011-2024) before later opposing it. His actions, including rejecting ceasefires negotiated by other Druze leaders, and his call for international intervention, including from Israel, have further complicated the situation.

His controversial actions, including rejecting ceasefires and appealing for international intervention including from Israel, which led to Israeli airstrikes in Damascus on July 16, have fueled intense debate over his role in the escalating violence. Disagreements within the Druze leadership itself—between Al-Hijri, Yousef Jarbou, and Hammoud al-Hanawi—further complicate the situation. The lack of consensus is exacerbated by ongoing negotiations between the Druze and the interim Syrian government, led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, regarding the community's future within the country.

Al-Hijri's actions have significantly deepened sectarian tensions in Syria. While a ceasefire is currently holding, the situation remains volatile, and the Druze community's relationship with the new government appears to be deteriorating.

Impact Statement: The ongoing conflict and the highly polarized views surrounding Hikmat al-Hijri highlight the fragility of Syria's post-conflict political landscape and the deep-seated sectarian tensions within the country.

Over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces since late May while attempting to access food aid distributions, according to UN officials. These deaths occurred amidst worsening starvation conditions in Gaza, with the UN Secretary-General António Guterres describing the situation as a "horror show" and stating that "the last lifelines keeping people alive are collapsing." The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have targeted aid distribution points and attacked facilities belonging to the World Health Organization (WHO), including the main aid hub in Deir al-Balah. Furthermore, Israel cancelled the work visa of the most senior UN aid official in Gaza, Jonathan Whittall. High-level officials, including UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, have condemned Israel's actions, with Kallas stating that "all options were on the table" if Israel fails to uphold aid pledges. The UN’s main agency for Palestinians, UNRWA, described Gaza as a "hell on earth," highlighting the suffering of its staff and other aid workers due to hunger and exhaustion.

A joint statement from 27 Western countries criticized Israel's restrictions on humanitarian aid and called for an immediate end to the conflict. The UN World Food Programme reported that a quarter of Gaza's population faces "famine-like" conditions, with almost 100,000 women and children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) assessment indicated that 10% of Gaza's population faces catastrophic hunger levels. Despite international criticism, aid agencies criticized the lack of meaningful action from governments who signed the joint statement.

Impact Statement: The escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, fueled by Israeli actions and the severe limitations on aid access, is resulting in widespread death and suffering, triggering significant international condemnation and raising concerns about potential war crimes.

On Monday, 28 countries including the UK, Japan, and numerous European nations issued a joint statement demanding an immediate end to the Israeli war on Gaza. The statement, signed by foreign ministers, condemned the "inhumane killing of civilians, including children," and criticized Israel's handling of humanitarian aid, calling it "dangerous" and a violation of international humanitarian law. The statement also addressed the 1,139 Israelis killed and over 200 taken captive in Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and called for the immediate and unconditional release of the captives currently held by Hamas. The statement explicitly denounced Israel’s plan to establish a concentration zone in Rafah as a violation of international law.

The statement highlighted the suffering of civilians in Gaza, which has seen over 59,000 deaths and 140,000 injuries since the start of the conflict. It urged Israel to comply with its obligations under international law and lift restrictions on aid. The 28 signatory nations also opposed any territorial changes in the Occupied Palestinian Territories and condemned continued settlement building and violence. Among the signatories, nine countries recognize the State of Palestine.

Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected the statement, claiming it is "disconnected from reality" and that Hamas is spreading lies. Hamas, however, claims Israel rejected a ceasefire proposal that would have secured the release of all captives. Israel continues to block essential humanitarian supplies, including medicine and food, citing concerns about dual-use potential by Hamas. Aid groups warn that these restrictions are pushing Gaza's health system toward collapse.

Impact Statement: The joint statement marks a significant escalation of international pressure on Israel and could influence future diplomatic efforts to resolve the conflict.

Russian authorities are systematically involving children in the design and testing of drones used in the war in Ukraine, according to an investigation by the exiled Russian news outlet, the Insider. The investigation revealed that nationwide competitions, starting with video games like "Berloga," identify talented students who are then recruited by defense companies. Teenagers involved confirmed their participation in modeling drone components, often concealing the military applications under the guise of civilian projects. One teenager stated, “We were forbidden to say that it was needed for the war, and we invented civilian applications.”

The program progresses through competitions like "Big Challenges," leading to recruitment by companies often under international sanctions. The Insider interviewed three teenage finalists working on drone technology who detailed their awareness of the military applications but were encouraged to hide this involvement. Children are also reportedly involved in the production of larger drones, including the Geran-2 kamikaze drone, as shown in a Russian army television documentary. Footage from the documentary showed teenagers working at the Alabuga factory in Tatarstan, a facility producing Geran-2 drones and subject to EU sanctions.

Employing children in military facilities violates numerous international conventions. The investigation highlights Russia’s use of "patriotic" and militarized education to draw youth into the war effort in Ukraine.

Impact Statement: The use of children in the Russian military-industrial complex raises serious ethical and legal concerns, violating international conventions and potentially exposing children to harm.

The Food and Agriculture Organization's (FAO) chief economist, Máximo Torero Cullen, previewed the upcoming State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI) report, revealing a significant global food crisis from 2020 to 2024. The report attributes the crisis to a confluence of factors: COVID-19-related inflation, the war in Ukraine disrupting food and commodity exports, and intensified climate shocks. Food prices only returned to pre-COVID levels in 2024, leaving households struggling for years to afford adequate nutrition.

Rising food prices led to decreased household purchasing power, resulting in the consumption of cheaper, less nutritious food, reduced meal frequency, and unequal food distribution within families, often impacting women and children the most. The impact was particularly severe in Africa and Western Asia, where food import dependence and currency depreciation exacerbated the problem. A 10 percent increase in food prices correlated with a 2.7 to 6.1 percent rise in moderate to severe wasting among children under five. Low-income countries were disproportionately affected, with some experiencing food price inflation as high as 30 percent in January 2023.

The SOFI report recommends targeted fiscal support, particularly social protection measures, to shield vulnerable populations. It also emphasizes the importance of preventing trade disruptions, coordinating economic policies, enhancing market transparency, and improving institutional preparedness to mitigate future crises.

Impact Statement: The report highlights the devastating consequences of interconnected global challenges on food security and nutrition, particularly for vulnerable populations. The recommendations underscore the need for proactive policies and international cooperation to prevent future crises.