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World News
Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Hospitals in England are struggling to keep up with patient demand due to increased NHS waiting lists. The number of planned procedures waiting to be completed rose in July, and many appointments were canceled due to a doctors' strike. The NHS is trying to address these challenges while also improving cancer care and managing high emergency service demand.
Key Facts
NHS waiting lists for routine treatment in England rose to 7.4 million in July.
A doctors' strike in July caused 50,000 appointment cancellations.
1,429 patients waited more than 18 months for treatment in July, up from June.
The government aims to treat 65% of patients within 18 weeks by March 2026.
Only 61.3% of treatments met the 18-week standard in July.
NHS Providers report high pressure on emergency services and staff.
Cancer care showed progress, with 69.2% of urgent referrals treated within 62 days in July.
Ambulance response times improved, despite ongoing pressure.
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At least 22 Palestinians were killed amid ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, adding to prior casualties. Amnesty International has criticized the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza City as unlawful. Many people are fleeing, but some cannot afford transportation or find shelter.
Key Facts
22 Palestinians, including children, were recently killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza.
These deaths add to the 72 Palestinians killed over the previous 24 hours.
Israel is carrying out a military campaign in Gaza City against the group Hamas.
Rights group Amnesty International calls the displacement of Palestinians from Gaza City "unlawful and inhumane."
Approximately 200,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Gaza City recently.
Some people are unable to leave due to transport costs or lack of shelter.
The World Health Organization (WHO) announced it will stay in Gaza City despite Israeli orders to evacuate.
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Zambia is seeking more compensation from a Chinese-owned copper mine after a toxic spill earlier in the year. The spill, involving harmful metals, polluted a major river and affected local communities. The company responsible has disputed findings of the spill's extent, but Zambia insists on a thorough assessment to ensure proper compensation.
Key Facts
Zambia wants more compensation from Sino-Metals Leach Zambia after a toxic spill that happened in February.
The spill occurred when a dam holding mine waste collapsed, polluting the Kafue River.
The spill released harmful metals like cyanide, arsenic, and lead into the river, which is a key drinking water source.
A South African company found the spill involved about 1.5 million tonnes of toxic waste.
The World Health Organization's safety levels for metals were exceeded in water samples after the spill.
The Finnish government and the U.S. embassy issued health alerts due to the contamination.
Zambia's Vice-President emphasized compensation should be based on a detailed impact assessment.
Local communities report ongoing health issues and have not all received promised compensation.
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A journalist investigates how Germany's efforts to prevent anti-Semitism have led to the suppression of any criticism of Israel, especially regarding its actions in Gaza. Critics of Israel in Germany face arrests, job losses, and bans. The situation raises questions about democracy and human rights in the country.
Key Facts
Antony Loewenstein, an Australian journalist, is examining how Germany handles criticism of Israel.
Germany has strict measures that result in critics of Israel facing arrests, job losses, and being banned.
A Jewish philosopher described the situation as a "McCarthyism" for the 21st century, comparing it to the U.S. period of extreme anti-Communism and blacklisting.
Loewenstein explores the irony that efforts to fight anti-Semitism might be empowering right-wing groups linked to Germany’s past fascism.
Germany granted Loewenstein citizenship in 2011, though it historically persecuted his family.
The investigation includes meeting those affected by the laws against criticizing Israel and those enforcing them.
The report touches on issues related to democracy and human rights in Germany.
Far-right groups in Germany, traditionally associated with anti-Semitic views, are claiming to support Israel.
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Ireland's national broadcaster, RTÉ, has announced that it might not participate in the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest if Israel takes part. RTÉ expressed concerns about the loss of lives in Gaza and other issues. Slovenia and Spain have also shown the possibility of withdrawing if Israel participates.
Key Facts
Ireland may skip the 2026 Eurovision if Israel is included.
RTÉ cited the ongoing situation in Gaza as a reason for their stance.
Slovenia's broadcaster RTVSLO also plans to withdraw if Israel participates.
Spain's Culture Minister mentioned a potential withdrawal for the same reason.
RTÉ expressed concern about the situation in Gaza and media access issues.
Over 70 former Eurovision contestants have previously called for Israel to be banned from the competition.
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Peter Mandelson, a British politician, was removed from his role as the UK's ambassador to the US after connections to Jeffrey Epstein became public. Mandelson, known for his influence in the Labour Party, has had a prominent but tumultuous 40-year career in British politics.
Key Facts
Peter Mandelson was removed as the UK's ambassador to the US due to links with Jeffrey Epstein.
Mandelson got the ambassador role in December 2024 to build ties with the Trump administration.
He has been a significant figure in the Labour Party, helping modernize it in the 1990s.
Mandelson played a key role in electing Tony Blair as Labour leader in 1994.
He held various government positions, including Northern Ireland secretary and business secretary.
Known for his behind-the-scenes influence, Mandelson had a reputation as a political strategist.
Over his career, he resigned twice from government positions due to controversies.
Despite setbacks, Mandelson remained a significant figure in both UK and EU politics.
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Reform UK leader Nigel Farage is facing questions about the funding of a home worth £885,000, purchased by his partner, Laure Ferrari, in Clacton. Farage claims Ferrari bought the home with her own money, but a BBC investigation found no clear evidence of significant family wealth to support this claim. The investigation raises issues about possible tax avoidance linked to the property's ownership.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage is the leader of Reform UK and an MP for Clacton.
A home worth £885,000 in Clacton was bought by Farage's partner, Laure Ferrari, without a mortgage.
Farage claims Ferrari used her own funds from her wealthy French family to buy the house.
BBC could not find evidence of sufficient family wealth to fund the purchase.
Farage denies providing funds, stating his partner is the sole owner and beneficiary.
The purchase avoided additional stamp duty charges due to it being in Ferrari's name.
Questions arise due to Farage's previous criticism of others for avoiding stamp duty.
Ferrari's family business in France was liquidated without selling its assets.
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Ukraine reclaimed 62 square kilometers of territory in eastern Ukraine last month, even as Russia's President Putin claimed that Russian forces were advancing. Ukraine's military reported gains in the Donetsk region, while Russia increased drone attacks on Ukrainian cities. Russian losses have continued despite ongoing assaults.
Key Facts
Ukraine recaptured 62 square kilometers of territory in August.
Most of Ukraine's recent gains were in the Donetsk region.
Russia captured area around Dobropillia but lost more ground than it gained.
Ukrainian forces reported retaking 26 square kilometers near Pokrovsk.
Russian forces claimed to have made total gains of 499 square kilometers in August.
Russia has escalated drone and missile attacks against Ukraine, targeting multiple cities.
Ukraine claims to have intercepted 87% of drones and half of the missiles during a recent wave of attacks.
Russian assaults have resulted in significant Russian casualties, estimated at over 299,000 since the beginning of the year.
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French police are investigating incidents where pigs' heads were left outside mosques in Paris, potentially linked to foreign intelligence activities. Authorities suspect two foreign nationals, possibly connected to Russian intelligence, carried out the acts, which resemble previous provocations in France. Investigators linked a Serbian car and Croatian phone to both the pigs' heads incident and other similar acts in recent months.
Key Facts
French police found pigs' heads outside nine mosques in Paris and nearby suburbs.
A 14-year-old girl who survived a stabbing attack in Southport, England, testified at a public inquiry about the events. During the attack in July 2024, three children were killed, and several others, including the girl, were injured. The inquiry seeks to understand the background of the attacker and any missed opportunities by authorities to prevent the incident.
Key Facts
A teenage girl described the attacker in the Southport incident as inhuman during a public inquiry.
The attack occurred at a dance workshop in July 2024 in Merseyside, UK.
Three children, aged nine, seven, and six, were killed, and ten others, including children and adults, were injured.
The attacker, identified as Axel Rudakubana, was 17 years old at the time.
The inquiry is examining the attacker’s history and whether authorities missed any chances to intervene.
The girl, who suffered serious injuries, shared her experiences of trauma and ongoing recovery challenges.
Survivors and families are providing testimonies during the inquiry’s first phase.
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The U.K. Prime Minister fired the British ambassador to the U.S., Peter Mandelson, due to his connections with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. New information in emails revealed a closer relationship between Mandelson and Epstein, leading to his removal from the position.
Key Facts
The U.K. Prime Minister is Keir Starmer.
Peter Mandelson was the British ambassador to the U.S.
Mandelson was removed because of his links to Jeffrey Epstein.
A "birthday book" described Epstein as Mandelson's "best pal."
Emails showed Mandelson questioned the fairness of Epstein's first conviction.
The decision to remove Mandelson was based on new information and concern for Epstein's victims.
The emails indicated a deeper relationship than previously known.
The news also mentioned controversial notes in Epstein's book from public figures like Trump and Clinton.
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Nepal's army is having talks with protesters to choose a temporary leader after the government's removal. The protests, which began over a social media ban, have led to soldiers on the streets of Kathmandu. Ex-Chief Justice Sushila Karki is a leading candidate for the interim position.
Key Facts
Nepal's army is in talks with protesters to select an interim leader.
The protests started due to a government-imposed social media ban.
Soldiers are patrolling Kathmandu amid ongoing tensions.
The President of Nepal, Ramchandra Paudel, is seeking a peaceful solution.
Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki is a top candidate to be interim leader.
There is support and opposition regarding Karki's potential appointment.
Protests have caused closures of shops, schools, and colleges in Kathmandu.
A nationwide curfew that began on Tuesday is still in place.
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Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of death from infectious diseases, killing around 1.2 million people each year. A recent study suggests that cuts in U.S. foreign aid could increase TB cases and deaths significantly in the coming years. The study highlights the impact of these cuts on countries with high TB rates, where the U.S. had been a major funder of TB programs.
Key Facts
Tuberculosis (TB) is the top killer among infectious diseases worldwide.
Approximately 1.2 million people die from TB each year.
The study projects that U.S. aid cuts could lead to 10 million more TB cases and 2.2 million more deaths by 2030.
The U.S. accounted for over 55% of external foreign aid for TB in 2024.
U.S. aid has funded TB programs in high-burden countries, helping with screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
The study notes a decrease in TB diagnosis and treatment in countries like Bangladesh due to aid cuts.
Some countries have seen a preliminary drop of 10 to 15 percent in new TB case diagnoses.
Ongoing funding gaps could worsen the situation, with longer gaps having a greater impact.
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An Israeli-Russian academic named Elizabeth Tsurkov was held captive in Iraq for over two years and recently released in a prisoner exchange with Israel. Israel released two prisoners, one identified as Imad Amhaz, in exchange for Tsurkov's freedom. Tsurkov was taken by Kataib Hezbollah in Baghdad while doing academic research in 2023.
Key Facts
Elizabeth Tsurkov is an academic with Israeli and Russian citizenship.
She was released after being held captive in Iraq for more than two years.
The release was part of a prisoner exchange deal with Israel.
Israel released two prisoners, including a man named Imad Amhaz.
Amhaz was identified by Israel as linked to Hezbollah, but Lebanese officials say he was a civilian.
Tsurkov disappeared in March 2023 while doing research in Baghdad.
She was reportedly abducted by Kataib Hezbollah, a group in Iraq's security forces.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced her release, but reports suggest his role was minimal.
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At least 35 people died in Israeli air strikes on areas controlled by the Houthis in Yemen. The Israeli military claims it targeted military sites in response to attacks from the Houthis. The Houthis say the strikes hit civilian areas, including newspaper offices, and promised to respond.
Key Facts
Israeli air strikes in Yemen focused on Houthi-controlled regions, killing at least 35 people.
Israel targeted sites in Sanaa and al-Jawf, claiming they were military operations linked to the Houthis.
The Houthis claim the strikes hit civilian areas, including a medical station and newspaper offices.
The Israeli military cited recent Houthi missile and drone attacks as the reason for the strikes.
Videos showed smoke and damage from the explosions, with first responders on the scene.
The Israeli Prime Minister confirmed previous strikes had targeted Houthi government members.
Yemen’s Houthi health ministry stated that 28 people died in Sanaa and 7 more in al-Jawf.
Houthi spokespeople declared their intent to retaliate against Israeli actions.
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On a recent Friday morning, Abu Salah Khalil and his family were informed they needed to evacuate their apartment in Gaza City's Mushtaha Tower quickly because it was going to be bombed by Israeli forces. The family, along with other residents, left the building with only moments to spare, and the tower was destroyed shortly after.
Key Facts
Abu Salah Khalil's family, along with 17 relatives, lived in an apartment in Mushtaha Tower, Gaza City.
The family had just prepared their only meal of the day when they learned the building would be bombed.
Residents were given 30 minutes to evacuate, forcing many to leave their belongings behind.
The tower was a refuge for multiple displaced families and one of the first high-rises to be targeted in the recent escalation.
Abu Salah's father is disabled due to a previous bombing, and evacuating was particularly challenging for his family.
The building was bombed twice before it collapsed, leaving Abu Salah's family homeless.
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The Irish postal service, An Post, issued special edition stamps to honor Westlife, an Irish boy band celebrating their 25th anniversary. These stamps, featuring current band members, recognize Westlife's global impact and success. The band thanked An Post and their fans for the tribute.
Key Facts
An Post created limited edition Westlife stamps for the band's 25th anniversary.
Westlife has sold more than 55 million records globally and achieved 14 UK number one hits.
The stamps honor the band members Kian Egan, Mark Feehily, Nicky Byrne, and Shane Filan.
The stamps include booklets and a souvenir band stamp sheet.
The band expressed gratitude for the commemorative stamps and for their fans' support.
The band initially disbanded in 2012 but reunited six years later.
Original member Brian McFadden, who left in 2004, does not feature on the stamps.
An Post's stamps manager described the stamps as a tribute to Westlife's success and Irish culture.
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An Israeli attack in Qatar targeting Hamas leaders has led to a muted response from former U.S. President Trump and criticism regarding the U.S.'s credibility in the region. Qatar, a U.S. ally and host to a significant U.S. military base, expressed strong disapproval of the attack. The incident has raised concerns about the strength of U.S. partnerships in the Middle East.
Key Facts
Israel attacked Hamas leaders in Qatar, an ally of the United States.
The attack did not kill top Hamas leaders but resulted in six deaths, including a Qatari security officer.
The White House's response was delayed, and Trump's comments were seen as lacking firmness.
Qatar denied claims it was informed about the attack beforehand.
Israeli threats of further attacks on Qatar added tension.
Experts suggest this incident could damage the U.S.'s role as a mediator in the region.
Comparisons were made to past U.S. responses, such as its stance in the 2019 drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities.
Qatar officials stated the targeted meeting was related to a ceasefire proposal, not a secret gathering.
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South Africa's highest court decided that men can legally take their wife's last name. This ruling changes a previous law that only allowed women to adopt their husband's surname and must now be amended by Parliament.
Key Facts
South Africa's Constitutional Court ruled that men can take their wife's surname.
The decision overturns a previous law that only let women take their husband's surname.
Two couples brought the case to court, claiming the old law was discriminatory.
The court agreed that the law was an example of gender-based discrimination.
Parliament must now change the Births and Deaths Registration Act to align with this ruling.
The ruling confirms a prior decision made by a lower court on the same case.
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Former Premier League referee David Coote pleaded not guilty to a charge of making an indecent image of a child. Nottinghamshire Police charged him following their investigation earlier this year, and he will appear in court again in October.
Key Facts
David Coote, a former Premier League referee, faced a legal charge related to an indecent image of a child.
He appeared in Nottingham Magistrates' Court and denied the charge.
The police charged him on 12 August after finding a video file in February.
The charge involves activities like downloading or sharing inappropriate child images.
Mr. Coote was given conditional bail and will next appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 9 October.
He was previously sacked by the Professional Game Match Officials Limited in December.
UEFA, European football's governing body, banned him until 30 June 2026 due to unrelated past comments.
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