Iraq’s Integrity Commission conducted raids in Baghdad’s Green Zone, seizing millions in cash and jewelry. These items are connected to corruption and illegal wealth charges against many officials.
Key Facts
The raids took place in Baghdad’s Green Zone, a secure area for government buildings.
Officials arrested are accused of corruption and growing their wealth illegally.
The Integrity Commission led the operation.
They seized millions of dollars in cash and valuable jewelry.
The action aims to fight corruption within the government.
Multiple officials were arrested during the raids.
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President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Jared Kushner met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt to discuss a US-backed peace plan for Gaza. The talks involved efforts to disarm Hamas, withdraw Israeli troops, and rebuild Gaza under a new Palestinian administration, but Israel has rejected the plan so far.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner, President Trump’s Middle East envoy, met Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt.
The meeting was part of efforts related to a US-backed 15-point peace plan for Gaza.
The plan calls for Hamas and other groups to disarm completely.
Israel has rejected the peace plan and demands Hamas be fully disarmed first.
Kushner also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and planned to meet Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
The Board of Peace, led by President Trump, is the international body managing the peace process.
Eight Muslim countries condemned Israel’s rejection of the US peace plan.
The conflict started with a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, leading to a large number of casualties and displacement in Gaza.
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A ferry in Zimbabwe capsized on Lake Kariba last week, and the death toll has risen to 84 as more bodies are recovered. Authorities continue searching for missing victims after rescuing 77 people, with official reports indicating the ferry was carrying many more passengers than allowed.
Key Facts
The ferry capsized due to strong waves on Tuesday on Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
The official death toll has reached 84 people, up from 72 the previous day.
Seventy-seven people were rescued from the disaster.
The ferry was authorized to carry 90 passengers but likely had more than 153 onboard.
Search efforts to find missing victims are ongoing.
Among the dead, 18 are children, with 16 aged 10 or younger.
The ferry was traveling from Kariba town to remote rural and fishing communities.
Lake Kariba is the world’s largest man-made lake and is shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said in an interview that ongoing Israeli attacks on Lebanon worry Turkey a lot. He expressed concern about the impact these attacks could have on the region.
Key Facts
President Erdogan spoke to Al Jazeera in an exclusive interview.
He discussed Israel’s ongoing attacks on Lebanon.
Erdogan said these attacks are a serious concern for Turkey (Ankara).
Turkey is worried about the effects of these attacks on regional stability.
The statements show Turkey’s interest in the conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
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Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to discuss a peace plan for Gaza that Israel has rejected. The talks focused on Hamas disarming and ending its role in Gaza’s governance, while violence in the region continues despite a declared ceasefire.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner met with Hamas leaders in Egypt to push President Trump’s Gaza peace plan.
Hamas expressed commitment to the peace deal but wants Israel to meet its own obligations first.
The peace plan calls for Hamas to disarm and for Israel to withdraw troops from Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected the peace plan.
Kushner also met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and planned talks with Netanyahu.
The US has historically avoided contact with Hamas, which it labels a terrorist group, but is now engaging directly.
Despite a declared ceasefire in October 2025, Israeli air strikes on Gaza have continued, causing casualties.
More than 73,300 people have died in the conflict since October 2023, including over 1,250 Palestinians since the ceasefire.
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Moroccan security forces arrested nearly 300 migrants trying to enter the Spanish city of Ceuta from Morocco. The arrests follow increased border security after social media posts encouraged mass attempts to cross into Spain.
Key Facts
Moroccan state TV reported 294 sub-Saharan African migrants were arrested trying to enter Ceuta.
Authorities also arrested 61 Moroccans accused of helping migrants cross.
Migrants aimed to enter Ceuta, a Spanish city on Morocco’s northern coast.
Security was increased after social media calls urged new mass crossings.
Two weeks earlier, tens of thousands tried crossing into Ceuta, resulting in at least 90 deaths.
Over 20,000 Moroccan security personnel guard the border daily.
Many migrants come to Morocco fleeing poverty, conflict, or instability, hoping to reach Europe.
Ceuta and Melilla are Spanish enclaves on the Moroccan coast often used by migrants to enter Europe.
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Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to restore global oil shipments. He said Turkey and Iran both support keeping oil flowing through this key waterway, which is currently affected by tensions between the US and Iran.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow, important waterway for global oil transport.
President Erdogan wants the Strait of Hormuz to be reopened for oil shipments.
Oil flow through the strait is disrupted due to tensions between the United States and Iran.
Both Turkey and Iran support continuing oil shipments through this route.
The statement highlights the importance of the strait for global oil supply.
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Drone and missile attacks on Sunday killed 19 people in both Russia and Ukraine. The strikes targeted civilian areas and infrastructure, including a book market in Kyiv and a steel plant in Kryvyi Rih, as both sides increased long-range attacks in the ongoing conflict.
Key Facts
At least 19 people died in drone and missile strikes in Russia and Ukraine on August 16, 2026.
Ukraine launched drone attacks killing five people in the Rostov region of Russia and more casualties in Belgorod, Kursk, and Moscow regions.
Russia reported intercepting 822 Ukrainian drones during the night.
Russian strikes killed multiple people in Ukrainian regions including Kryvyi Rih, Zaporizhzhia, Sumy, and Donetsk.
A popular outdoor book market in Kyiv was destroyed by a missile strike, damaging rare and antiquarian books stalls.
The ArcelorMittal steel plant in Kryvyi Rih partially stopped operations after damage from the strikes.
President Zelensky called for more air defense support, citing large numbers of incoming drones, guided bombs, and missiles.
Ukraine accused Russia of receiving missile and troop support from North Korea, complicating the conflict.
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Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has started his campaign to win a historic fourth term. He will face Flávio Bolsonaro, son of jailed former President Jair Bolsonaro, in the October election. Lula promises to improve education, healthcare, and security while criticizing Bolsonaro’s past government.
Key Facts
Lula launched his fourth-term campaign in São Bernardo do Campo, where his political career began.
He criticized Jair Bolsonaro’s handling of Covid-19 and rising gun ownership during Bolsonaro’s 2018-2022 presidency.
Lula aims to improve education and healthcare and develop Brazil’s rare earth mineral resources.
Lula also wants to fight wealthy organized criminals living in luxury, rather than just low-income areas.
Lula first became president in 2002 after leading strikes that ended Brazil’s military dictatorship.
Bolsonaro was jailed in 2025 for 27 years due to a failed attempt to overturn the election results.
Flávio Bolsonaro announced his presidential bid with a campaign event at Rio’s Copacabana beach.
Recent polls show Lula slightly ahead of Flávio Bolsonaro, with a potential run-off election in October.
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A large wildfire near Blaenavon in South Wales has been burning for over three weeks, but recent efforts including military help offer hope it is being controlled. The fire has spread over a wide area, threatening homes, farmland, and property, while extreme heat and drought have caused many other wildfires across the UK.
Key Facts
The wildfire has burned more than 4,000 hectares (about 9,800 acres) near Blaenavon in South Wales.
The UK military was deployed to assist firefighters, the first time since 2018 for wildfire support.
The fire burns deep underground in peat, which continues to smolder and reignite despite efforts to extinguish it.
Around 36 wildfires are still active in the UK, with 11 declared major incidents due to extreme heat and dry conditions.
Firefighters use new technology like thermal imaging drones to locate hot spots and improve safety.
Helicopters drop water from local reservoirs to help control the fire.
The fire has endangered local homes and farmland, but current efforts have helped protect some properties.
Residents are concerned about worsening wildfire risks because of climate change and changing weather patterns.
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Jared Kushner, a U.S. negotiator and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, met with a Hamas leader in Egypt to discuss a plan for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Gaza. Kushner will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to try to advance the stalled peace efforts for Gaza after a ceasefire.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner met Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt as part of a diplomatic effort on Gaza’s future.
The talks focus on a U.S.-backed 15-point road map for Hamas to disarm and Israel to pull back from Gaza.
Netanyahu publicly rejected the plan last week, creating tension with the Trump administration.
Kushner plans to meet Netanyahu to discuss the peace process and the road map.
Regional countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE accused Israel of blocking peace efforts.
Hamas wants Israel to stop attacks and withdraw to a pre-agreed line before disarming.
The ceasefire that ended major fighting was helped by Kushner and other diplomats last year.
The White House and other mediators have not yet commented on the current talks.
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U.S. envoy Jared Kushner met with Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt to discuss a peace plan aiming to end the conflict in Gaza. Kushner plans to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to seek support for the deal that calls for Hamas to disarm and Israel to withdraw from Gaza.
Key Facts
Jared Kushner, a U.S. envoy and President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, met Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya in Egypt.
The meeting is part of efforts to revive a 15-point U.S.-backed plan for a Gaza ceasefire and reconstruction.
The plan requires Hamas to disarm and Israel to pull back from the Gaza territory.
More than 2 million people live in Gaza, which remains controlled by Israeli forces after recent warfare.
Kushner will meet Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, who rejected the peace plan last week.
Regional countries like Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Jordan, Pakistan, and Indonesia criticize Israel’s rejection of the plan.
The peace plan and ceasefire talks are supported by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey.
Hamas says it is committed to the plan and awaits the start of a 14-day negotiation period to implement it.
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Rom Braslavski, a former Israeli captive, asked Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to allow him to execute Palestinian prisoners by hanging. Minister Ben Gvir said he plans to work on making this request happen.
Key Facts
Rom Braslavski was previously held captive in Israel.
He requested permission to hang Palestinian prisoners.
The request was made to Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister.
Ben Gvir said fulfilling this request is one of his top goals.
The method of execution requested is hanging.
This issue involves prisoners held in relation to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The story focuses on the interaction between a former captive and a government minister.
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Israeli soldiers entered the village of Qusra, located south of Nablus in the West Bank, which is under Israeli occupation. A local resident said the army used their home as a military post during the raid.
Key Facts
The village of Qusra is in the West Bank, an area controlled by Israel but claimed by Palestinians.
Israeli troops conducted a raid in Qusra.
One villager reported that soldiers occupied their house and used it as a barracks.
Qusra is located south of the city of Nablus.
There are Israeli military and settler outposts near the village.
The West Bank remains a tense area with ongoing Israeli military presence and settler activity.
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Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella has asked U.S. President Donald Trump to temporarily suspend high tariffs on Colombian goods. This request aims to help Colombia’s economy recover after a strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake that caused many deaths and damaged thousands of homes.
Key Facts
Colombia was hit by a powerful earthquake measuring 7.4 on the Richter scale.
The earthquake killed at least 289 people and injured nearly 4,000.
Thousands of homes were destroyed or damaged, especially in western Colombia.
President Abelardo de la Espriella recently took office and is an ally of President Trump.
De la Espriella asked Trump to suspend U.S. tariffs on Colombian products temporarily.
The U.S. has sent $26.5 million in aid including food, shelters, and health supplies.
About 143 people are officially missing, but some civilian groups suggest more are missing.
Rescue efforts continue despite the usual survival window for earthquake victims having passed.
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Brazil’s President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and opposition candidate Senator Flávio Bolsonaro officially started their campaigns for the upcoming October presidential election. Lula held a large rally near Sao Paulo, while Bolsonaro gathered supporters in Rio de Janeiro, marking the first day candidates were allowed to campaign.
Key Facts
The presidential election in Brazil will take place in October 2026.
President Lula addressed over 10,000 supporters at Vila Euclides Stadium near Sao Paulo.
Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, held a rally at Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro.
Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest for a conviction related to an attempted coup and did not attend the campaign events.
Lula warned against foreign interference in Brazil’s elections and criticized alleged U.S. actions that might favor Bolsonaro.
Lula emphasized that Brazil’s rare minerals would be used for the benefit of Brazilian people, not foreign countries.
Both candidates made appeals to women voters, who make up about 53% of Brazil’s electorate.
Lula promised to present detailed policies soon, including education and measures to prevent violence against women.
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Fifteen Palestinians, including two children, are trapped inside three homes in Qusra, West Bank, surrounded by Israeli settlers and military forces. They lack food, water, and electricity, and efforts to deliver aid have been blocked, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.
Key Facts
The siege in Qusra has lasted more than a week, with 15 Palestinians trapped inside three homes.
Israeli settlers and military forces surround the homes, cutting off basic supplies like food, water, and electricity.
The United Nations reported the trapped residents are living in fear and unable to meet their basic needs.
A UNICEF aid convoy was blocked by the Israeli army, allowing limited food delivery but stopping water supplies.
Israeli settlers attacked workers trying to repair utilities in the area.
The Israeli army declared the area a closed military zone and set up a military post nearby.
Residents inside the homes say they will remain despite the siege and refuse to leave their land.
Some political analysts say the siege is part of a larger plan to force Palestinians from their land.
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Four Renaissance artworks by Antonello da Messina were stolen from a museum in Messina, Sicily, during an Italian holiday. The stolen pieces are very valuable and are considered important to the region's cultural identity.
Key Facts
The theft happened Saturday night at the MuMe museum in Messina.
Thieves took three panels from the San Gregorio Polyptych and another double-sided panel depicting Virgin Mary and Christ.
The stolen art is valued between 70 and 80 million euros (about 81 to 92 million US dollars).
Museum alarms were working and guards were present during the theft.
The artworks are central to the cultural heritage of Messina and were created by a famous Renaissance artist.
Italian police are investigating, and the museum was closed for evidence gathering.
The theft occurred during the Assumption holiday celebrations in the city.
Experts say these famous artworks are very hard to sell openly due to their recognition.
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Two fires started within minutes on the Greek island of Salamina near Athens, causing two deaths and forcing evacuations. Nearly 200 firefighters and many boats and aircraft are working to control the fires and prevent them from joining into a larger blaze.
Key Facts
The fires began around 14:40 local time and spread quickly due to strong winds.
About 90 people have been evacuated from the island by sea.
Five patrol boats and several private boats are helping with the evacuation.
Around 50 fire engines and several aircraft are fighting the fires.
Firefighters aim to stop the fires from merging over a mountain on Salamina.
The island has about 37,000 residents, many of whom are elderly.
The fire risk was high on the day the fires started.
Wildfires are affecting many parts of Europe due to hot weather.
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Hundreds of workers in California who cut and shape engineered-stone countertops have been diagnosed with silicosis, a serious lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust. The California Department of Public Health reported 592 confirmed cases from 2019 to 2026, with 31 deaths and 65 workers needing lung transplants.
Key Facts
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny silica dust particles that damage the lungs permanently.
Engineered stone used for countertops can contain over 90% crystalline silica.
Cutting, grinding, or polishing these stones releases silica dust into the air, putting workers at risk.
Symptoms include cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and chest pain, but some people may have no obvious signs.
The disease is incurable but preventable with proper protections.
California is tracking the largest known outbreak in the U.S., but other states also have cases.
Silicosis can take years to develop, but high exposures cause faster illness.
The reported cases likely underestimate the true number of workers affected.
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