Israeli air attacks and gunfire have killed at least nine Palestinians in Gaza, including children. Despite a declared ceasefire, violence continues, and many Palestinians have died since the ceasefire began in October.
Key Facts
Israeli air raids and gunfire killed nine Palestinians, including two children, in Gaza.
One person died near a school in Gaza City during an Israeli air attack.
A shelter for displaced people in Khan Younis was hit, killing four, including a 10-year-old child.
A six-year-old boy was killed by Israeli gunfire in the Zeitoun neighborhood of Gaza City.
Two other attacks in Gaza City killed three people and injured several others.
A ceasefire is in place but has not stopped the violence in Gaza.
Since the ceasefire started in October, at least 1,084 Palestinians have died in Gaza.
The final agreement to end the conflict has not yet been reached.
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South Korea’s Supreme Court confirmed a seven-year prison sentence for former president Yoon Suk Yeol. He was convicted of crimes related to his failed 2024 martial law declaration, including obstructing government processes and using forged documents.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court upheld Yoon’s seven-year sentence tied to his 2024 martial law declaration.
Charges included obstructing cabinet meetings, forging the prime minister’s signature, and blocking his own arrest.
Yoon is already in detention appealing a separate life sentence for leading an insurrection linked to the martial law order.
Prosecutors originally wanted a 10-year sentence; a lower court gave 5 years, later raised to 7 years on appeal.
Martial law lasted about six hours before lawmakers voted to nullify it, causing protests and market turmoil.
Yoon claimed his actions were for public safety and to counter threats from North Korea.
In a separate case, Yoon received a 30-year sentence for sending drones into North Korea to create a crisis.
Yoon was removed from office in April 2025, and his political party lost power in the following election.
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South Korea’s Supreme Court confirmed a seven-year prison sentence for former President Yoon Suk Yeol for actions related to his brief martial law declaration in 2024. The court found Yoon guilty of bypassing cabinet procedures, falsifying official documents, and resisting arrest after his impeachment.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court upheld an earlier court ruling that sentenced Yoon to seven years in prison.
Yoon declared martial law in December 2024 without proper cabinet approval.
He falsified the martial law proclamation and later destroyed the document.
Yoon used presidential security forces to block law enforcement from arresting him.
Martial law lasted only hours before lawmakers repealed it by breaking a blockade at the National Assembly.
The Constitutional Court removed Yoon from office in April 2025 due to illegal procedures in declaring martial law.
Yoon is also facing a life sentence for rebellion and a 30-year sentence for ordering drone flights near North Korea meant to increase tensions.
The brief martial law caused political instability, affected diplomacy, and unsettled financial markets.
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Heavy monsoon rains caused landslides in Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, killing at least 13 refugees, including five children. Authorities used loudspeakers and volunteers to move people from dangerous areas to safer places and evacuated over 1,000 refugees from the risky hills.
Key Facts
Landslides at Rohingya refugee camps in Cox’s Bazar killed at least 13 people in recent days.
Five children died when a landslide hit an Islamic school at the camp.
Refugees began rescue efforts before emergency services arrived.
Authorities relocated more than 1,000 refugees from dangerous hilly areas.
Refugees often hesitate to leave their temporary homes despite warnings.
Bangladesh’s weather office predicts continued heavy rain in the coming days.
Local media reported 22 landslide-related deaths in Bangladesh over three days.
Bangladesh has requested international help to start sending refugees back to Myanmar, but this process is currently stalled.
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A Dutch museum reopened a famous artwork called the "Peanut Butter Floor" in honor of Wim T. Schippers, a Dutch artist who died recently. The artwork, made by spreading a thick layer of peanut butter on the museum floor, will be on display for two months.
Key Facts
Wim T. Schippers was a Dutch artist who passed away last month at age 83.
The "Peanut Butter Floor" was first created by Schippers in 1969 as part of a series involving unusual floor coverings.
The artwork involves spreading about 800 pounds of smooth peanut butter over a 25-square-meter floor space.
The peanut butter was spread to a thickness of about 2 centimeters using drywall trowels.
This is the third time the piece has been displayed, with previous shows in 1997 and 2011.
The peanut butter was donated by a Dutch brand called Calvé.
The artwork is known for its strong peanut butter smell inside the museum.
Visitors have interacted with the piece in the past, sometimes stepping into it or adding bread and chocolate sprinkles as a prank.
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Flooding caused by Tropical Storm Maysak in southern China has killed 39 people, mostly due to a dam breaking in Nanning city. The storm brought heavy rain, flooding towns and causing damage, with large rescue efforts ongoing to help those affected.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Maysak caused flooding in southern China’s Guangxi region.
A dam in Nanning city broke, leading to 26 deaths.
The total death toll from the flooding is 39 people.
Some areas received up to 90 centimeters (35 inches) of rain.
Around 130,000 people were evacuated to safer places.
Rescue teams used drones and 5,700 boats to reach stranded people.
Over 8,000 rescue workers are involved in the relief efforts.
Floodwaters are going down, but more rain is expected in the coming days.
Repairs on roads and power have been made, restoring electricity to over 60,000 homes.
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The UK and Thailand are working together to stop a big increase in cannabis smuggling from Thailand to the UK. New strict penalties in Thailand include fines and possible jail time for anyone caught trying to fly cannabis out of the country.
Key Facts
There has been a sharp rise in cannabis smuggling from Thailand to the UK, especially to northern England.
The UK’s National Crime Agency (NCA) is cooperating with Thai authorities and the UK Home Office to fight this problem.
Anyone caught carrying cannabis out of Thailand must pay a fine of about £68 per kilogram to Thai Customs.
If the fine is not paid, the person faces up to two years in jail in Thailand.
In the first half of 2026, 600 drug couriers were caught at UK airports.
The average smuggler carries about 26 kg (57 pounds) of cannabis.
In 2024, UK Border Force seized over 167,000 kg of cannabis, worth an estimated £2 billion.
The UK Foreign Office has updated travel advice for Thailand to warn about the new penalties for smuggling.
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Justin Baldoni and his wife Emily spoke publicly for the first time in nearly two years about their ongoing legal dispute with actress Blake Lively. They said they are healing and grateful, even though the legal battle has been difficult, and they are focusing on their family and recovery.
Key Facts
Justin Baldoni and Blake Lively were involved in a legal dispute related to the 2024 film "It Ends With Us."
Much of Lively’s case, including sexual harassment claims, was dismissed by a federal judge, but a retaliation claim against Baldoni’s PR team was allowed to continue.
Baldoni’s company, Wayfarer Studios, and Lively agreed to settle the case but are still in court over legal fees.
Baldoni and his wife had not spoken publicly about the case until they posted a joint video on Instagram.
They chose not to comment earlier to let the legal process play out without adding to public noise.
The couple expressed gratitude and said they are healing from the experience, even though it has been painful.
Lively’s lawyers recently claimed in court that Baldoni’s company owes over $7 million in attorneys’ fees related to a dismissed defamation lawsuit.
The Baldonis plan to focus on their family and continue the healing process.
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In eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, misinformation about Ebola is causing attacks on health workers and treatment centers. False rumors claim Ebola does not exist or that health workers have harmful intentions, which makes it harder to control the outbreak. Safe burial practices, important to stop the disease spread, face resistance due to these false beliefs.
Key Facts
Over 1,700 people have been infected and 580 have died in the current Ebola outbreak in DR Congo since mid-May.
Health workers trying to conduct safe burials have been attacked, including an incident where four Red Cross volunteers were hurt.
Misinformation includes claims that Ebola is fake, that health workers infect people on purpose, or that the Ebola response is a money scam.
At least 12 violent incidents linked to resistance against Ebola control have been documented, including attacks on treatment centers.
A treatment center was set on fire on 1 July in Bafwabango, with clashes resulting in a police officer's death.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, and bodies remain infectious after death, making safe burials critical.
No approved vaccine or treatment exists yet for the Bundibugyo species causing this outbreak, but trials for treatments have begun.
Funeral practices involving touching the deceased can spread Ebola, so alternatives have been promoted, but cultural traditions and mistrust complicate acceptance.
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Two British women accused a US airman stationed at RAF Lakenheath in England of sexual assault and rape. Instead of being tried by a British court, the airman was prosecuted in a US military court and was convicted of sexual assault on one woman but acquitted on other charges.
Key Facts
Rebecca reported to police in England that a US airman raped her in June 2020.
The police handed the case over to the US Air Force, so the airman was tried in a military court in England, not in a British court.
The airman, Tyrion Davis, was convicted of sexually assaulting his estranged wife, Emily, but acquitted of other charges.
Both women described traumatic experiences during the investigation and trial process.
Rebecca discovered that the military jury was made up entirely of the airman’s military peers, not regular civilians.
Davis worked at RAF Lakenheath, an American airbase in rural Suffolk, England.
The legal process for US military personnel in the UK can differ significantly from normal British criminal rule.
Both women’s names were changed to protect their privacy.
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A leading architectural historian, Jennifer Alexander, says there is no proof that marks found on old English buildings are related to witches or magic. Instead, these symbols are likely practical marks made by stonemasons training apprentices and organizing work.
Key Facts
English Heritage and Historic England have identified many marks on historic buildings as "witches’ marks" or ritual protection symbols.
Jennifer Alexander, a professor at Warwick University, says these marks are actually practice designs for stonemason training.
Daisy wheels (also called hexafoils) are common symbols made by apprentices learning to use compasses on stone.
Some marks thought to be magical are practical geometry exercises or mason’s ciphers used to organize building work.
English Heritage found many such marks at Gainsborough Old Hall, describing them as ritual symbols, but this view is disputed.
Historic England has encouraged the public to find witches’ marks but notes different theories about their meaning.
Alexander states that marks like overlapping Vs or letters are practical signs used to help build structures, not magical symbols.
While some symbols might serve to ward off evil, the majority of these marks relate to construction processes.
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Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is set to sign a significant uranium deal with India during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Australia. Modi will address around 30,000 Indian-Australian community members in Melbourne, highlighting strong ties between the two countries.
Key Facts
Australia and India are preparing to finalize a major uranium agreement, ending years of shipment delays.
The two countries signed a civil nuclear deal in 2014, but shipments were paused due to concerns about uranium use in weapons.
Modi’s visit to Australia includes a speech to a large crowd of 30,000 Indian-Australians at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium.
Prime Minister Albanese praised Modi and business leaders for improving Australia-India relations in recent years.
Modi is a popular figure among the Indian diaspora in Australia, attracting significant attention during his visit.
Some human rights groups criticize Modi’s government for issues like restrictions on journalists and minority targeting in India.
Security concerns arose, including a death threat against Modi and a far-right protester being removed from his hotel.
The visit aims to boost trade, education, and economic connections between Australia and India.
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Asian stock markets mostly fell while oil prices rose due to new attacks between Iran and the United States. The conflict resumed after President Donald Trump declared the temporary ceasefire over, leading to U.S. airstrikes on Iran and Iranian attacks on nearby countries.
Key Facts
The United States launched new airstrikes on Iran.
Iran responded by firing on Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.
President Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over.
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index gained 1.6%, helped by tech stocks.
South Korea's Kospi index rose slightly 0.1% after dropping 5.4% the day before.
China's Shanghai Composite index fell 0.5%, influenced by higher inflation linked to the Iran conflict.
Oil prices increased, with Brent crude reaching around $79 per barrel, up from $72 before the Iran war.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a key route for oil transport affected by the conflict.
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UK police arrested pro-Palestine activists who blocked a factory run by UAV Engines Ltd, a British company owned by Israeli arms maker Elbit Systems. Activists say Elbit’s weapons are used in the conflict in Gaza.
Key Facts
Activists protested at a UK factory owned by UAV Engines Ltd.
UAV Engines Ltd is a subsidiary of Elbit Systems, an Israeli arms company.
Elbit Systems is one of the largest makers of drone engines worldwide.
The activists blocked access to the factory as part of their protest.
UK police arrested the activists for their actions.
Protesters claim Elbit’s weapons are used in the Israel-Gaza conflict.
The event connects to wider political tensions related to the conflict in Gaza.
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has received many foreign awards during his international visits, including some created specially for him. These awards recognize his leadership and contributions but have sometimes included errors or been criticized as focused more on his image than on diplomatic relations.
Key Facts
During a June 27-29 visit to Seychelles, Modi received a new award called “Guardian of the Blue Horizon.”
The Seychelles award certificate had spelling mistakes, including the country’s name spelled incorrectly.
Seychelles officials said the image of the certificate was a draft, not the final version.
Modi has received over 30 foreign awards during his time as India’s leader.
On a recent visit to Indonesia, he was given the country’s highest civilian award, the Bintang Adipurna.
Modi received Slovakia’s highest decoration, the Order of the White Double Cross, reserved for foreign nationals.
He was the only person to receive the Speaker of the Knesset Medal in Israel, created just before his visit.
In 2018, Modi shared the UN’s highest environmental honor, the Champions of the Earth Award, with France’s President Macron.
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President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa during the NATO summit in Turkey. He announced plans to remove Syria from the U.S. state sponsor of terrorism list, which will take effect in 45 days unless blocked by Congress.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the NATO summit in Turkey.
Trump said he will take Syria off the U.S. state sponsor of terrorism list.
The removal will become official after 45 days.
Congress has the power to block this decision.
The state sponsor of terrorism list identifies countries the U.S. considers to support terrorism.
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An Italian region called Calabria is allowing Cuban doctors to work in its hospitals despite pressure from the United States to end the program. Over 200 Cuban medical workers help staff hospitals in this poor southern region, improving healthcare where local doctors are scarce.
Key Facts
Calabria is the poorest region in Italy and has serious shortages of healthcare workers.
More than 200 Cuban doctors work in remote hospitals across Calabria.
Cuban doctors are known for treating patients well even with limited resources.
The U.S. government opposes Cuba’s international medical program and wants it stopped.
Some countries in the Caribbean and Central America have ended Cuban medical missions due to U.S. pressure.
Calabria’s governor refused to stop the Cuban program, saying the region depends on these doctors.
Calabria has lower wages, higher unemployment, and weaker public healthcare than northern Italy.
Cuba sent doctors to Italy during the COVID-19 pandemic, and Calabria kept them even after the pandemic ended.
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Western Europe experienced its hottest June ever, with temperatures about 3°C above average, causing three heatwaves, widespread wildfires, and record-breaking high temperatures. The EU and UK faced severe challenges, including bigger wildfires than usual and prolonged hot weather, as scientists link these events to ongoing climate change.
Key Facts
Western Europe’s June 2026 temperatures were 3.06°C above recent decade averages.
The hottest June globally was recorded in 2026, with temperatures 0.56°C higher than 1991-2020 average.
Wildfires burned 56% more land in the EU than normal, with France and Spain experiencing fires far above the usual size.
Spain’s Barcelona reached 40.5°C, setting a new local heat record.
A firefighter in France died while fighting wildfires in the Alps.
The UK faced a third heatwave in six weeks, with temperatures reaching 34°C and unusually warm nights causing poor sleep for many people.
Firefighters warn that many wildfires start from small sparks like discarded cigarettes or barbecues.
Scientists link these intense heatwaves and wildfires to climate change caused by pollution and environmental damage.
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Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record in 2026 due to an intense heatwave caused by a "heat dome," a high-pressure system that traps heat. This heatwave caused extreme temperatures, health problems, and thousands of deaths in several countries, highlighting the effects of climate change on the region.
Key Facts
The average temperature in Western Europe in June 2026 was 20.74°C, over 3°C higher than the 1991-2020 average.
This June was the hottest on record for Western Europe and the second hottest June globally.
The heatwave was caused by a "heat dome," a high-pressure system that traps heat like a lid on a boiling pot.
Thousands of deaths were linked to the heatwave, especially in France, Spain, and Belgium.
More than 410 million Europeans experienced temperatures above 35°C between June 15 and 30.
High humidity during the heatwave made it harder for people to find relief, even at night.
Climate change is making heatwaves more frequent, intense, and longer-lasting in Europe.
Global ocean temperatures were the highest on record for June, partly due to the developing El Niño weather pattern.
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Western Europe experienced its hottest June on record due to a strong heatwave and a weather pattern called a "heat dome." The region's average temperature was over 3°C higher than usual for the period 1991-2020, with many countries setting new temperature records. This heatwave caused health problems, drought risks, and wildfires, and experts link it to human-caused climate change.
Key Facts
Western Europe's average temperature in June 2026 was 20.74°C, the highest ever recorded for that month.
Temperatures were more than 3°C above the average from 1991 to 2020.
The heatwave was driven by a "heat dome," a high-pressure system that traps heat like a lid on a pot.
Over two-thirds of Europeans, about 410 million people, experienced temperatures above 35°C during the heatwave.
The Mediterranean Sea also had record-high water temperatures, which reduced nighttime cooling and worsened heat impacts.
The heatwave led to thousands of deaths, mainly in France, Spain, and Belgium.
Human-caused climate change made this severe heatwave much more likely and intense than past natural events.
Experts say many old European buildings were not designed for such hot weather, creating a need for better adaptation to climate change.
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