Gaza’s Eid al-Fitr turned into a day of mourning as Israeli airstrikes and food shortages overshadowed celebrations. Families prayed among ruins instead of mosques, struggling for basic necessities. In Rafah, the bodies of 14 emergency workers were pulled from rubble a week after an Israeli attack—the deadliest on Red Cross and Red Crescent workers since 2017. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that some victims were found bound and shot, sparking international outrage. Meanwhile, ceasefire talks continue with mediation from Egypt and Qatar. Israel insists on military operations, claiming security threats, while Palestinians demand an end to the conflict. (PC: X/ Al Jazeera)

Thai police detained four Chinese nationals for unlawfully entering the site of a collapsed 30-story building in Bangkok's Chatuchak District, following a 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar. The individuals were attempting to retrieve 32 documents from the site without authorization. The collapsed structure, an under-construction high-rise for the State Audit Office, was a project involving a joint venture between Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited and a Chinese-backed construction firm, which is now under investigation. The detained men, subcontractors for the project, claimed they needed the documents for an insurance claim. Authorities have initiated legal proceedings against them for violating public safety regulations. (PC: NDTV & Thai PBS World)

US President Donald Trump has again raised the idea of running for a third term. In an interview with NBC News, he said, “I’m not joking. There are methods with which you could do it.” Trump did not explain how he could bypass the 22nd Amendment, which limits presidents to two terms. Some speculate he could run as vice president and later take over. He also claimed that Americans would support him, saying, “I have the highest poll numbers of any Republican in 100 years.” However, a Gallup poll shows his approval rating at 47%.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has issued a stark warning to Iran, threatening military action if Tehran refuses to negotiate a nuclear deal. In an interview with NBC News, Trump stated, "If they don’t make a deal, there will be a bombing the likes of which they have never seen before." Iran has rejected direct talks, with President Masoud Pezeshkian refusing to engage with the U.S. on its nuclear program. Since Trump withdrew from the 2018 nuclear agreement and reimposed sanctions, tensions have escalated. With ongoing U.S. airstrikes in Yemen, fears of a broader conflict in the region persist.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas leaders could leave Gaza if they lay down their weapons. He claimed Hamas is weakening under military pressure. "We are willing to discuss the final phase. Hamas will lay down its weapons. Its leaders will be allowed to go out," Netanyahu said. The statement came after Hamas agreed to release five hostages in exchange for a ceasefire. Israel has sent a counter-proposal to mediators. Israel resumed attacks in Gaza earlier this month, blocking aid. Gaza officials say over 50,000 Palestinians have died since the conflict began in October 2023. (PC: Reuters)

Europe is reassessing its defense strategies following a harsh critique from the U.S., including a blunt remark by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth calling the continent "PATHETIC" for relying on American defense support. The remark, coupled with President Donald Trump's confrontation with Ukraine's President Zelensky, has prompted Europe to confront its defense shortcomings. In Germany, Chancellor-in-waiting Friedrich Merz has pushed to scrap the "debt brake" limiting defense spending, signaling a significant shift in Europe's military policies. This reassessment reflects growing concerns about self-defense amid the ongoing Russian threat. ( PC: CNN )

Norway is reactivating key Cold War-era military bunkers, including the Bardufoss Air Station and Olavsvern naval base, as tensions with Russia escalate. The bunkers, built during the Cold War to protect military assets from Soviet threats, are now being restored to safeguard modern equipment like the F-35 fighter jets and nuclear submarines. Despite the collapse of the Soviet Union, the strategic importance of these facilities near the Arctic Circle remains high. The bunkers, some dating back to World War II, are vital in preparing Norway’s defense infrastructure amid growing concerns over Russian aggression. ( PC: BBC )

One of Russian President Vladimir Putin's luxury Aurus limousines erupted in flames after an explosion near the Federal Security Service (FSB) headquarters in Moscow. The £275,000 vehicle was engulfed in fire, attracting bystanders who rushed from nearby bars to try and extinguish the blaze before emergency services arrived. The cause of the explosion remains unclear, and authorities have not confirmed if the incident was an attack targeting Putin. Investigations are underway to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the fiery event. The incident has raised security concerns in the Russian capital. ( PC: CNBC )

Hundreds of international students, particularly from India, have been stunned after receiving emails from the US Department of State revoking their F-1 student visas. The crackdown, which stems from the Trump administration’s scrutiny of campus activism, extends to students who have shared, liked, or commented on "anti-national" posts on social media. This includes political content and memes. The US government has emphasized that violating visa terms could result in deportation and difficulty reapplying for US visas. This controversial policy has sparked debate about free speech and its intersection with immigration laws. ( PC: Hindustan Times)  

Hamas has accepted a ceasefire proposal mediated by Egypt and Qatar, agreeing to release five hostages, including an American-Israeli, in exchange for Israel permitting aid into Gaza, a temporary pause in fighting, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel has responded with a counter-proposal, details of which remain undisclosed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has emphasized that military operations will continue until all hostages are returned and Hamas is disarmed. Concurrently, Israel has expanded ground operations in Gaza's southern city of Rafah. The ceasefire negotiations aim to address the ongoing conflict that has resulted in significant casualties and humanitarian concerns. (PC: Reuters & Mint)