Spain has installed a floating barrier in the sea to stop migrants from crossing from Morocco into its territory of Ceuta. This action follows a large and sudden increase in migrants entering Ceuta, which led to at least 67 deaths. The European Union is holding emergency talks to respond to the situation.
Key Facts
About 60,000 migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco in a few days, creating a migration crisis.
At least 67 people died during the crossing due to drowning or accidents at the border.
Spain installed a 500-meter floating barrier in the sea to block further crossings.
The barrier stands 30 to 70 centimeters above water and extends about one meter below the surface.
Spanish authorities returned over 48,000 migrants to Morocco within 48 hours.
Spain’s Interior Minister said people-smuggling networks exploited vulnerable migrants.
The EU called an emergency meeting with interior ministers to discuss coordinated action.
Spain’s Prime Minister criticized Italy for suspending passport-free travel with Spain because of the crisis.
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An explosion at a restaurant in central Moscow killed at least three people and injured 15 others. Authorities are investigating the cause and circumstances of the incident.
Key Facts
The explosion happened at a restaurant in central Moscow, on Kudrinskaya Square.
At least three people died from the blast.
Fifteen people were wounded and are receiving medical care.
Russian emergency services, forensic experts, and investigators are working at the site.
The exact number of casualties and details about the explosion are still being determined.
Russian state media reported the information, citing local officials and the Moscow Investigative Committee.
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Thousands of people gathered in Amsterdam to watch the annual Pride boat parade as part of the WorldPride event. Police increased security with patrol boats after a recent attack at a Pride event in Berlin.
Key Facts
Amsterdam held its yearly Pride boat parade with around 80 decorated boats.
The event is part of this year’s WorldPride, attracting visitors from different countries.
Participants wore costumes and danced while traveling along the city’s canals.
Police patrolled the waterways in motorboats to boost security.
The extra security measures followed an attack at a Pride event in Berlin that caused one death and many injuries.
The parade included music, colorful decorations, and celebrations.
The event took place on a Saturday.
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At least three people died and 15 were injured when a restaurant exploded in central Moscow. The blast happened around 8 p.m. local time, and it is believed to have started in the kitchen, though the exact cause is unknown.
Key Facts
The explosion occurred at a restaurant on Kudrinskaya square in Moscow.
It happened at about 8 p.m. local time (5 p.m. GMT).
Three people were killed and 15 others were injured.
The restaurant was holding a wedding reception with around 50 guests at the time.
Witnesses reported seeing injured people carried out covered in blood.
Roads near the explosion site were temporarily closed.
A planned cycling event nearby was canceled because of the blast.
Police and armed officers quickly sealed off the area after the explosion.
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Wildfires in western Europe have mostly calmed, but a major fire in Greece is causing serious damage and forcing many people to evacuate. France still has large wildfires under control, with many residents recently allowed to return home after evacuations.
Key Facts
Wildfires in much of western Europe are easing, but Greece faces dangerous fires with strong winds.
About 300 people in Greece were evacuated by sea from the resort area of Porto Germeno.
Greece’s recent fires recall the deadly 2018 wildfire near Athens that killed 104 people.
Firefighting efforts in Greece include 500 firefighters, water-dropping planes, helicopters, and international crews from France and Romania.
In southwestern France, a huge fire in Gironde burned an area four times the size of Paris but is now contained.
About 198,000 people in France have returned home after what could be the largest peacetime evacuation in the country.
Europe is warming faster than the rest of the world, causing drier vegetation that spreads fires more easily.
Strong winds in Greece are making firefighting very difficult, sometimes stopping aircraft from dropping water on fires.
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Israeli strikes hit several residential buildings in Gaza overnight, killing at least eight people according to local sources. These attacks follow a recent claim by Hamas that it agreed to a ceasefire deal promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump, which includes disarming Hamas and withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Key Facts
At least eight people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza during the night and seven more on the previous day.
The strikes targeted residential buildings and damaged medical supplies at a hospital.
Hamas announced an agreement to a ceasefire deal that involves their disarmament and a gradual Israeli withdrawal.
Israel continues military actions, claiming to target Hamas weapons storage and militants.
The Israeli military denies plans to withdraw without full Hamas disarmament.
Palestinian health officials condemned the damage to critical medical supplies as a severe loss.
Gaza's civil defense, working under Hamas authority, reported casualties and injuries from the strikes.
Media access to Gaza is limited, making independent verification of the situation difficult.
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A tanker named Caroline Bezengi, which is under international sanctions, has been leaking crude oil off the coast of Oman near a protected marine area. Satellite images show the leak spreading over a large area, raising concerns about environmental damage and the possibility of a bigger oil spill if the ship breaks apart during the monsoon season.
Key Facts
The Caroline Bezengi tanker is about 274 meters (899 feet) long and flagged by Cameroon.
It has been grounded off Qibliyah Island, near Oman’s Dhofar coast, since June after an explosion onboard.
This tanker is sanctioned by the U.K., European Union, Canada, and Switzerland for carrying Russian oil linked to destabilizing Ukraine.
Satellite images from late July show oil covering roughly 20 square kilometers (8 square miles) around the tanker.
The oil leak has spread onto the shores of Qibliyah Island and nearby marine protected areas in the Arabian Sea.
Rough seas and strong monsoon winds from May to September increase the risk of the ship breaking and worsening the spill.
The tanker is estimated to be carrying over 800,000 barrels of crude oil.
Environmental groups warn that the leak is damaging sensitive ecosystems and could lead to a larger oil disaster.
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A truck exploded early Saturday outside a police base in Cucuta, Colombia, injuring 11 officers and killing a police dog. The Colombian government blamed the National Liberation Army (ELN), a rebel group involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining, for the attack.
Key Facts
The explosion happened outside a police headquarters in Norte de Santander Province, near the Venezuela border.
Eleven police officers were injured, and a police dog died from the blast.
Colombian Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez offered a $60,000 reward for information on those responsible.
The ELN has about 6,000 fighters and has fought Colombia’s government for decades.
The ELN started as a social justice group in the 1960s but now mainly profits from illegal activities.
Peace talks between Colombia and the ELN broke down last year after violent attacks.
Incoming President Abelardo de la Espriella plans to use stronger military action against the ELN and criminal groups.
The previous peace deal with another rebel group led to disarmament but created a power gap that the ELN is trying to fill.
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Israeli forces detained seven Palestinians, including two children, during raids in the West Bank. Separately, Israeli settlers attacked a Palestinian couple on their farmland, causing injuries that required hospital treatment.
Key Facts
Seven Palestinians, including two 16-year-olds, were detained by Israeli forces in raids across the West Bank.
The raids happened in multiple locations: Tubas, Nablus, Bethlehem, and Hebron governorates.
Israeli settlers assaulted a Palestinian man and his wife on their farm near Ramallah, causing injuries.
Settlers set fire to a car, damaged another, and spray-painted racist graffiti in Surif near Hebron.
Three Palestinian men were attacked with pepper spray and their vehicle was hit by an all-terrain vehicle in an assault by settlers.
Israeli forces forced three Palestinians in Beit Jala to demolish their own homes due to building permit issues.
Over 11,000 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank were recorded in the first half of this year.
The United Nations and international officials have expressed concern over settler violence and settlement expansion, which they say violates international law.
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President Donald Trump threatened more military strikes on Iran amid rising tensions in the Middle East, especially around the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, Kuwait reported drone attacks linked to Iran, and Israel conducted heavy air strikes on Gaza after Hamas agreed to disarm.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. will continue hitting Iran "very hard" until Iran cannot sustain it.
The U.S. accused Iran of breaking a truce agreement by attacking commercial ships and killing American soldiers.
The U.S. State Department warned Americans in 10 Middle Eastern countries to be cautious due to escalating tensions.
Kuwait reported drone attacks by Iran on vital facilities but no casualties.
A tanker was hit near the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route, damaging its engine room with no casualties.
Israel launched heavy strikes on Gaza, targeting Hamas sites and storage facilities.
Hamas agreed to disarm, raising cautious hope for peace in Gaza.
The conflict increased travel warnings and concerns about stability in the region.
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Michigan and Minnesota reported cyberattacks targeting the technology that controls their water systems. Officials say the attacks did not cause public health problems, and investigations are ongoing, with agencies suspecting possible involvement by Iranian hackers.
Key Facts
Both Michigan and Minnesota experienced cyberattacks on multiple water system operations.
Minnesota had over 30 water systems affected, while Michigan reported nine.
All water systems reportedly continued safe operation during the attacks.
The incidents involved tampering attempts with technology used to remotely control water equipment.
Federal agencies issued warnings about Iranian hackers targeting water and wastewater systems.
The FBI and other agencies are investigating but have not named any suspects.
Similar cyberattacks have occurred in the past, including a 2016 attempt on a dam near New York City.
Local water plants often lack resources to implement strong cybersecurity measures, making them vulnerable.
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An explosion near a cafe in Moscow killed at least three people and injured 15 others. Authorities are investigating the cause and have closed nearby metro station entrances and blocked traffic in the area.
Key Facts
The explosion happened near a restaurant on Kudrinskaya Square in Moscow.
It occurred around 8:10 pm local time on Saturday.
Three people died and 15 were injured with different levels of severity.
Police, firefighters, and emergency responders arrived quickly at the scene.
The cause of the explosion is not yet known and is under investigation.
Traffic near the explosion site has been blocked temporarily.
Entrances to the nearby Barrikadnaya metro station were closed for safety.
The Interior Ministry reported details on the Russian social media platform Max.
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Ten climbers, including famous British-Nepali mountaineer Nirmal Purja, died in an avalanche on Broad Peak in Pakistan. Rescue teams are working to recover their bodies despite difficult weather.
Key Facts
The avalanche happened on Broad Peak, a mountain in Pakistan.
The climbers belonged to a 10-member expedition led by Nirmal Purja.
Nirmal Purja was known for climbing the world's 14 highest peaks in 189 days.
Four bodies were found by rescuers, and three were recovered despite bad weather.
The climbers came from different countries and shared a passion for mountaineering.
Rescue efforts involved military helicopters and local teams, including sherpas.
The accident highlights the dangers of high-altitude climbing, such as avalanches and harsh weather.
Bodies of some climbers are being transported to hospitals or the capital city Islamabad.
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In Gaza, a race was held to highlight the struggles of children who have lost one or both parents during the ongoing conflict with Israel. Many children face severe challenges, including lack of basic needs, healthcare, and emotional support amid a growing humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
Israeli attacks since October 2023 have killed more than 73,000 people in Gaza.
Over 58,000 children in Gaza have lost one or both parents according to UNICEF.
Around 17,000 children are unaccompanied or separated from their families.
Many children experience repeated displacement and limited access to healthcare, education, and protection.
A running event called a “marathon” was organized in Khan Younis to raise awareness and support for orphaned children.
The event aimed to give orphaned children a chance to participate in community activities.
Families that lose a main provider struggle more to secure basic needs like water and food.
One child, Saif Hijazi, was severely injured and paralyzed, illustrating the personal impact of the conflict on children and families.
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Iraq and Turkey have agreed to increase oil exports through a pipeline to the Turkish port of Ceyhan for one year. This deal aims to reduce Iraq’s dependence on Gulf shipping routes, which have been disrupted due to conflicts in the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
Iraq and Turkey signed a one-year deal to boost oil exports via the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline.
The deal guarantees at least 750,000 barrels of Iraqi oil per day will flow through the pipeline.
The pipeline was mostly inactive since 2023 due to disputes but had limited exports last year.
Iraq wants to reduce reliance on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, affected by the U.S.-Iran war starting in February.
Before the conflict, Iraq exported about 3.5 million barrels of oil daily, mostly through southern ports using the Strait of Hormuz.
Current exports are around 200,000 barrels per day, so this deal would increase volume but not reach prewar levels.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi described the deal as a step to ensure steady oil flow and strengthen economic ties with Turkey.
Plans are being discussed for a new pipeline connecting southern and western Iraq to ports in Turkey and Syria.
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Italy is issuing the highest heat alert in nearly all major cities as a strong heatwave hits the country. The government warns people to avoid direct sunlight, stay indoors during peak heat hours, and drink plenty of water to reduce health risks.
Key Facts
19 Italian cities, including Rome, Milan, Venice, and Naples, are currently on red alert for extreme heat.
By Monday, 25 out of 27 major cities will be on the highest heat alert, with only two cities at a lower alert level.
Temperatures have reached the mid-30s Celsius (mid-90s Fahrenheit) in many parts of Italy.
The heatwave is caused by a strong subtropical high-pressure system coming from North Africa.
Health officials advise staying indoors between 11:00 am and 6:00 pm and drinking plenty of fluids.
Nearby European countries like France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece are also facing large wildfires fueled by heatwaves.
Climate change is making Europe warm faster than the rest of the world, increasing the risk of heatwaves and wildfires.
Thousands of people have been evacuated in several countries due to dangerous wildfires spreading in hot, dry conditions.
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Nirmal Purja, a well-known British-Nepali mountain climber, and nine other climbers died in an avalanche in Pakistan while climbing one of the highest mountains in the world. Rescue teams are working in difficult conditions to recover their bodies. Purja is remembered for inspiring many people to pursue mountain climbing.
Key Facts
Nirmal Purja was a famous mountaineer of British-Nepali origin.
He and nine other climbers died in an avalanche in Pakistan.
They were climbing one of the world's tallest mountains when the accident happened.
The expedition company confirmed their deaths on Saturday.
Rescue teams are facing dangerous conditions during recovery efforts.
Purja was known for encouraging a generation of climbers to aim higher.
The incident took place in the Asia-Pacific region.
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Russian missile strikes hit Kyiv early Saturday morning, causing multiple explosions across the city. At least nine people died, and dozens were injured in these attacks.
Key Facts
The missile strikes took place in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine.
The attacks happened early on a Saturday morning.
More than a dozen explosions were reported across the city.
At least nine people were killed in the strikes.
Dozens of others were injured.
The strikes were carried out by Russia.
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Israeli forces have moved into southern Syria beyond a border agreement line set in 1974. This has affected people living there, and there are no signs that Israeli troops will leave the area soon.
Key Facts
Israel has sent troops into southern Syria past the 1974 disengagement line.
The presence of Israeli forces is disrupting daily life for local residents.
The 1974 disengagement line was an agreement to separate Israeli and Syrian forces.
Israeli troops have not indicated any plans to withdraw from these areas.
The information was reported by Al Jazeera journalist Hannah Raslan from southern Syria.
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Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez criticized some European countries for their negative response to the recent migration crisis in Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa. Tens of thousands of migrants crossed from Morocco, but the Spanish government regained control quickly and returned most migrants, while calling for more EU cooperation on migration.
Key Facts
Between 50,000 and 60,000 migrants entered Ceuta from Morocco in a few days; most have since returned.
At least 67 people died during the crisis, including from drowning and a stampede.
Spain restored border control in 48 hours and provided help to migrants.
Spain worked closely with Morocco, but received little support from other EU countries.
Italy and some northern European countries criticized Spain, even suggesting suspending Spain from the EU’s border-free Schengen area.
Spain says it has reduced irregular migration and has the EU’s second most secure external border.
Spain called for an urgent EU meeting to plan a shared response to migration crises.
The crisis revealed tensions within the EU over how to handle borders and migrants.
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