Gaza: Famine unfolding, says global hunger monitor
A famine is unfolding across Gaza, according to the UN-led Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which says conditions have “worsened dramatically” in recent months. Gaza’s food consumption is now at its lowest since the Israel-Hamas conflict began, with over a third of the population going entire days without food. Malnutrition and starvation-related deaths are rising rapidly - at least 147 people have died, including 88 children. The IPC reports that famine thresholds have been breached in most of Gaza and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City. Although Israel has eased restrictions on aid entry, humanitarian groups say the volume remains critically insufficient. Aid convoys are often overwhelmed by desperate civilians, and the World Food Programme warns that unless unimpeded and large-scale aid is delivered immediately, mass starvation will intensify. Experts are calling for food, medicine, and essential supplies to be allowed in without obstruction. Despite denials from the Israeli government, evidence from UN agencies, clinics, and aid workers paints a dire picture. Without swift, unhindered intervention, Gaza faces an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe.
Beijing: 30 dead and 80,000 evacuated after flooding
At least 30 people have died and over 80,000 have been evacuated following devastating rainstorms and floods in Beijing and surrounding regions. Chinese authorities confirmed the deaths, with 21 caused by drowning - many in underground spaces that filled rapidly - and others from electrocution and building collapses. The Miyun District northeast of Beijing recorded nearly 543mm of rain. The storms have severely impacted infrastructure, cutting power to 136 villages and damaging 31 roads, complicating rescue and relief efforts. President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang have urged “all-out efforts” to rescue the missing, resettle the displaced, and minimise further casualties. An orange alert - the second-highest emergency level - remains in effect as more rain is forecast. The deluge has affected several provinces including Hebei, Jilin, and Shandong. China’s National Development and Reform Commission has allocated £21 million in emergency funding to support relief operations. With fears of additional flooding and landslides, authorities are on high alert, monitoring rivers, reservoirs, and urban drainage systems to prevent further tragedy. Relief efforts continue as the region battles ongoing extreme weather.
Cambodia and Thailand agree to ceasefire
Thailand and Cambodia have agreed to an immediate and unconditional ceasefire following deadly border clashes that escalated last week. The breakthrough came during mediation talks in Malaysia, hosted by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Both Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet and Thai acting leader Phumtham Wechayachai expressed gratitude for the mediation efforts of Malaysia, China, and U.S. President Trump - who reportedly made ceasefire a condition for future trade discussions with Washington. Clashes between the two nations have historical roots, including a long-standing dispute over an 11th-century temple near the border. The most recent escalation, which began after the death of a Cambodian soldier in May, displaced over 300,000 people. The ceasefire, effective from midnight local time, will be followed by a meeting between military commanders and defence attachés, coordinated under ASEAN. Both sides described the talks as constructive and expressed hope for rebuilding trust and restoring normalcy. This agreement marks a vital step toward long-term peace and stability in a region long plagued by territorial tensions and sporadic violence.
New York shooting: gunman ‘went to wrong floor’
A tragic mass shooting unfolded in a Manhattan skyscraper when Shane Tamura, 27, entered the building housing the NFL headquarters and killed four people before taking his own life. Tamura, a former high school football star and casino security guard, left a note blaming the NFL for concealing the risks of chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a brain disease linked to repeated head trauma. Believing he suffered from CTE, he intended to confront the NFL but mistakenly took the wrong elevator. Among those killed were NYPD officer Didarul Islam, Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, Rudin Management staffer Julia Hyman, and security guard Aland Etienne. An NFL employee was also injured but survived and managed to warn colleagues. The rifle used was self-assembled and the revolver legally purchased. President Trump, local officials, and researchers have commented on the tragedy. The case has renewed concerns over gun violence, mental health, and the long-term impacts of contact sports. Investigations continue in Nevada and New York as families and communities grieve the senseless loss.
