Basim Khandakji, a Palestinian author, won the 2024 "Arabic Booker Prize" while in an Israeli prison. Afterward, he was placed in solitary confinement and later released after serving 21 years. He remains exiled and currently resides in Egypt, separated from his family in Nablus.
Key Facts
Basim Khandakji won the 2024 “Arabic Booker Prize” while in Israeli prison.
Following his award, Israeli prison guards placed him in solitary confinement for 12 days.
He served 21 years of his life sentences before being released.
Khandakji cannot return home to Nablus and is in Egypt waiting to reunite with his family.
He was originally convicted in 2004 for involvement in a suicide bombing under a forced confession.
He reported experiencing and witnessing systematic abuse, including solitary confinement and starvation, in Israeli prisons.
After an attack on Israel in 2023, prisoner conditions worsened, with increased deaths and alleged torture.
Nearly 9,000 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons, with many held under administrative detention without trial.
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A rebel group called the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claims to have captured the Sudanese army headquarters in el-Fasher, a key city in the Darfur region. This event marks a significant shift in Sudan's civil war, with RSF allegedly gaining control over much of Darfur. The conflict in Sudan has caused severe humanitarian issues, including the displacement of millions.
Key Facts
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claim to have taken over the Sudanese army HQ in el-Fasher.
RSF announced they destroyed military vehicles and seized equipment at the 6th Division HQ.
Verified videos show RSF fighters inside the base.
This takeover signifies a loss for government forces, leaving RSF in control of Darfur.
The RSF has besieged el-Fasher for 18 months, affecting around 300,000 people.
Satellite images in August showed earthen walls built to trap el-Fasher residents.
The UN accuses RSF of committing crimes against humanity during the siege.
Sudan's conflict has displaced about 12 million people and resulted in over 150,000 deaths.
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Fighting in Sudan's city of el-Fasher has intensified as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) claim to have taken a key military base from the Sudanese army. The RSF's ongoing siege has led to civilian suffering and disruption of resources, with tensions in the area escalating.
Key Facts
The RSF claims to have seized a major Sudanese Armed Forces base in el-Fasher.
The base, known as Six Infantry Division, was a key army stronghold in North Darfur.
The RSF has besieged el-Fasher for 18 months, worsening conditions and causing starvation among 250,000 residents.
Civilians have experienced drone and artillery attacks and report assaults by RSF soldiers.
A United Nations mission accused the RSF of crimes against humanity during the siege.
UN agencies highlighted a grave risk to thousands of children due to lack of food and healthcare.
The conflict in Sudan began in April 2023, resulting in tens of thousands of deaths and massive displacement.
President Trump has mentioned efforts to resolve the conflict but is focused on other global issues.
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At least three people died in Russian drone strikes on Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, overnight into Sunday. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky reported the attacks, which also injured many, including children. The strikes come amid increased pressure from the U.S. on Russia to negotiate a peace deal.
Key Facts
Three people died in overnight Russian drone strikes on Kyiv.
Ukrainian President Zelensky stated that over 100 drones were launched by Russia.
About 60 of these drones were identified as Iranian-designed Shaheds.
Kyiv’s air defenses intercepted or redirected 90 drones.
Thirty people were injured, with seven being children, due to the strikes.
Several apartment buildings in Kyiv were damaged by the attacks.
The U.S. has imposed sanctions on Russia's major oil companies to pressure for a peace deal.
The European Union has also imposed new sanctions against Russia.
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A mother in England eagerly awaited her children's first school photos but was surprised when they turned out awkwardly. After sharing the images of her children looking uncomfortable on TikTok, her post quickly gained attention from many parents who related to the experience. Despite the unexpected result, she still purchased the photos, including a smiley version not yet delivered.
Key Facts
Paige Higgins, a mother from England, was excited about her children’s first school photos.
Her children, Barley (4) and Blaise (3), appeared stiff and unsmiling in the final photo.
The siblings found it uncomfortable to sit close for the photo, leading to the awkward image.
Higgins shared the photos on TikTok, where her post was viewed over 958,000 times.
Many parents commented on her post, sharing similar experiences with school photos.
Despite the initial shock, Higgins bought both the awkward and a smiley version of the photos.
A teacher defended school photographers, explaining the difficulty in getting young kids to smile.
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Hurricane Melissa is expected to hit Jamaica as a strong storm, causing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. It has already affected Haiti and the Dominican Republic, and warnings are in place for parts of Cuba as well. The hurricane may become a category five storm, which is the strongest type, but it is expected to weaken slightly before reaching Jamaica.
Key Facts
Hurricane Melissa could become a category five storm, meaning it will have very strong winds.
The storm's current wind speeds are up to 120 mph (195 km/h).
It is causing heavy rains and flooding in the Caribbean and is expected to hit Jamaica by Tuesday.
Forecasts predict up to 30 inches (76cm) of rain and sea surges as high as 13ft (4m).
Hurricane Melissa has already caused two deaths in Haiti due to landslides.
Warnings and preparation advice have been issued for Jamaica, Cuba, Haiti, and the Dominican Republic.
Jamaican authorities are urging residents to secure their homes and gather essential supplies.
Scientists explain that warmer ocean temperatures increase the chances of stronger hurricanes.
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Hundreds of protesters in Malaysia demonstrated against President Trump’s visit due to his support for Israel's war on Gaza. Trump attended the ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur, where he oversaw a ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand and announced new trade deals. Despite expected larger turnout, fewer protesters gathered in Kuala Lumpur, expressing their opposition to U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East.
Key Facts
President Trump visited Malaysia to attend the ASEAN summit.
Protests occurred in Kuala Lumpur due to Trump’s support for Israel in the Gaza conflict.
Demonstrations were held in Independence Square and Ampang Park.
The protest locations were moved away from the ASEAN summit venue by authorities.
Protesters expressed opposition to U.S. foreign policy, calling it imperialism.
The ceasefire deal in Cambodia and Thailand was overseen by Trump at the summit.
Police anticipated between 1,000 and 1,500 protesters, but fewer attended.
The protest drew participants from various segments of Malaysian society.
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In Gaza, Palestinian Rasha Abu Sbeaka is struggling with stage 3 breast cancer after surviving several bombings during Israel's military actions. Due to the damage to Gaza’s healthcare system and the closure of border crossings, she cannot access the medical care she needs. Small numbers of critically ill patients are evacuated for treatment, but Abu Sbeaka and many others remain without help.
Key Facts
Rasha Abu Sbeaka, from Gaza, has stage 3 breast cancer.
She survived several bombings during Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Gaza’s healthcare system is heavily damaged, limiting access to necessary treatments.
Closed border crossings prevent her from getting care outside Gaza.
Small numbers of patients get evacuated for treatment through the World Health Organization.
Around 15,000 patients need evacuation, including 3,800 children, but only a few are being helped.
Israel has kept the Rafah border crossing with Egypt closed despite a ceasefire agreement to open it.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney stated that trade might move away from the United States due to President Donald Trump's new 10 percent tariff on Canadian goods. Carney mentioned that these tariffs and different climate policies could change global trade relationships.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a 10 percent tariff on Canadian goods.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spoke about the impact of these tariffs at a business forum in Kuala Lumpur.
Carney believes these changes could make trading with the U.S. more expensive.
The U.S. government's protectionist policies may affect American competitiveness.
Canada might look to strengthen trade relationships with other countries.
This is Carney's first public comment after the new tariff announcement.
The tariffs may affect the global supply chain and trade patterns.
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French police arrested two men linked to the robbery of jewellery from the Louvre Museum. The heist happened in broad daylight on October 19, when thieves stole eight precious items worth an estimated $102 million.
Key Facts
French authorities arrested several men for the Louvre Museum jewellery robbery.
Investigators made the arrests on Saturday evening.
One suspect was caught at Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport.
Another suspect was arrested soon after in the Paris region.
The Louvre heist involved intruders using a truck’s extendable ladder to access a gallery.
Thieves stole eight pieces, including a necklace that Napoleon Bonaparte gave to his wife.
The stolen jewellery is worth about $102 million, with great cultural significance.
The robbery has sparked discussions in France about museum security.
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Two people were arrested for stealing valuable jewels from the Louvre museum in Paris. The theft involved a group of thieves who used tools to break into the museum during the day and escaped quickly. Police are investigating the case.
Key Facts
Two men were arrested linked to the jewel theft at the Louvre.
The stolen items include a tiara, necklace, and earrings.
The suspects are from the suburb of Seine-Saint-Denis.
The thieves used a mechanical lift and power tools to access the museum.
A lapse in security allowed the theft; some areas lacked CCTV cameras.
The thieves entered at 09:30 and left on scooters by 09:38.
French cultural sites are increasing security after the incident.
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A note found on a house door in Wichita, Kansas, revealed that tenants left behind cats when they moved. The management team found the cats in poor health and, with help from an animal rescue group, ensured they received care. One of the kittens is set to be adopted by an employee who helped rescue them.
Key Facts
A handwritten note on a door in Wichita said former tenants left two cats behind.
The management team found the mother cat and her kittens; the adult male cat was missing.
The cats were unhealthy, with fleas and worms, but received care from an animal rescue group.
The Wichita Animal Action League took the cats in, and they are now being fostered.
Nearly 1.4 million cats entered U.S. shelters in the first half of 2025.
It's common for tenants to leave pets behind upon moving out.
A management employee plans to adopt one of the rescued kittens.
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President Donald Trump stated that while he doesn't feel the need to mediate peace between Pakistan and Afghanistan, he is confident that the conflict will soon be resolved with U.S. assistance. Clashes between the two countries have escalated, and despite a recent ceasefire, tensions remain high. Both nations are engaged in ongoing negotiations to seek a more permanent peace settlement.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed confidence that the conflict between Pakistan and Afghanistan will be resolved soon with U.S. help.
Recent clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border are the deadliest in years, with accusations of harboring terrorists.
A ceasefire was brokered by Qatar, but negotiations are still ongoing in Turkey to establish long-term peace.
Pakistan has threatened an "open war" with Afghanistan if peace talks fail.
Afghanistan's negotiators submitted a draft document to Pakistan proposing a ceasefire monitoring channel.
President Trump claims his administration has ended eight international conflicts in recent months.
Experts question the validity of the claim that these conflicts have been fully resolved by the Trump administration.
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The National Weather Service has issued warnings for heavy snow across parts of the Western United States. Some areas in Wyoming might see up to 18 inches of snow and wind gusts reaching 60 mph. The snow and strong winds are expected to make driving conditions hazardous, especially on bridges, mountain roads, and passes.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service has warned of heavy snow from today through Monday in parts of the Western U.S.
Wyoming could see snowfall up to 18 inches, with winds gusting up to 60 mph.
Yellowstone National Park is expected to get between 6 and 12 inches of snow, with some areas receiving up to 15 inches.
The Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains may receive up to 18 inches of snow.
Winds of up to 45 mph in Yellowstone and up to 60 mph in other areas could create blizzard conditions.
The NWS advises drivers to carry a flashlight, food, and water and drive cautiously.
Winter storm warnings and advisories extend to various mountain ranges in Wyoming, including the Absaroka and Wind River Mountains.
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This article features a series of photographs capturing significant global events over the past week. It includes images of demonstrations and marches in various countries like the Philippines and Hungary.
Key Facts
The article includes a photo collection from various global events.
A farmer-led anticorruption demonstration took place in Manila, Philippines.
A "Peace March" occurred in Budapest, Hungary.
The photos highlight significant happenings in different parts of the world.
This series provides a visual summary of the week’s important global events.
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Mia, a five-year-old Border collie, returned to an animal rescue shelter in Minnesota after being found in poor condition on a street. Originally adopted in 2022, she was brought back due to violations of adoption terms. Mia's story highlights the challenges of rehoming pets and the importance of microchipping.
Key Facts
Mia is a five-year-old Border collie who was taken back by the Aussie Rescue of Minnesota.
She returned to the shelter three years after her initial adoption.
Mia was found exhausted on a busy street and identified through a microchip.
Approximately 10 million pets get lost each year in the U.S., with many ending up in shelters.
Only a small percentage of dogs and cats without IDs or microchips reunite with their owners.
Mia's former owner rehomed her without notifying the shelter, breaking the adoption contract.
Mia is otherwise healthy but needs to lose weight, having increased from 50 to 87 pounds.
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The PKK is moving its fighters out of Turkiye to northern Iraq as part of a peace process with Turkiye. This decision follows the group's disarmament after years of armed conflict. The PKK aims to shift from military action to engaging in democratic politics.
Key Facts
The PKK announced it will move all its fighters from Turkiye to northern Iraq.
This move is part of a peace process with Turkiye.
The PKK ended its 40-year armed struggle in May.
Over the years, the conflict with the PKK resulted in around 50,000 deaths.
The PKK wants Turkiye to create laws for democratic participation.
In July, the PKK held a ceremony to destroy its first batch of weapons in Iraq.
President Erdogan called the disarmament an important turning point.
The PKK aims to defend Kurdish minority rights through democratic means.
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President Donald Trump visited Malaysia where he participated in signing a document aimed at resolving a conflict between Thailand and Cambodia. Although described as a "peace deal," Thailand's foreign minister referred to it as more of a "pathway to peace." The agreement followed a ceasefire due to trade pressure from President Trump.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump visited Malaysia for a peace agreement event.
The conflict involves a long-standing border dispute between Thailand and Cambodia.
The signed document was termed a "peace deal," but Thailand's foreign minister called it a "pathway to peace."
A ceasefire in the region was reached in late July.
The ceasefire ended five days of clashes, which resulted in more than two dozen deaths.
The ceasefire was influenced by trade pressure applied by President Trump.
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An overnight Russian air attack on Kyiv killed at least three people and injured dozens more. Several Russian drones were involved, and the attack caused fires and damage to residential buildings. The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has been ongoing since February 2022.
Key Facts
Three people died in the Russian air attack on Kyiv.
At least 27 people were injured, including six children.
The attack involved several Russian drones.
Fires broke out in a nine-story residential building in Kyiv's Desnyansky district.
Drone fragments also damaged buildings in Kyiv's Obolonsky district.
The air raid alert in Kyiv lasted about 1.5 hours.
Russia's war on Ukraine began with a full-scale invasion in February 2022.
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President Donald Trump claimed that his administration ended eight wars in eight months during a ceremony in Malaysia. Analysts suggest that his claims are exaggerated, as many conflicts remain unresolved or have ongoing tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump said his administration ended eight wars in eight months.
He made these claims during a ceasefire ceremony between Thailand and Cambodia.
Analysts believe Trump's statements are exaggerations, as many conflicts are not fully resolved.
Trump said no other U.S. president has solved wars, though historical examples suggest otherwise.
His administration took credit for various international ceasefires, including an Israel-Hamas truce.
Some conflicts, like Egypt-Ethiopia's diplomatic disputes, are misrepresented as wars by Trump.
Analysts and experts question the accuracy of the president's claims and their portrayal.
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