Israel’s military ordered hundreds of thousands of residents to leave Gaza City ahead of an expanded operation, signaling a new phase of the war likely to intensify urban combat and humanitarian strain. The move comes amid renewed diplomacy over a ceasefire and hostage deal, while recent attacks underscore the risks of broader regional escalation.
Source: The New York Times
France’s government collapses after no-confidence vote, deepening EU uncertainty
Prime Minister François Bayrou was ousted in a no-confidence vote, forcing President Emmanuel Macron to name yet another prime minister within a year. The political turmoil complicates France’s fiscal plans and could hamper EU coordination on budgets, defense, and Ukraine policy in the months ahead.
Source: The New York Times
Nepal’s prime minister resigns after deadly Gen Z protests over social media ban
Following protests that left at least 19 dead, Nepal’s Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli resigned amid public fury over a sweeping social media ban and entrenched corruption. The unrest, led largely by young demonstrators, highlights how digital controls can quickly morph into broader crises of governance and legitimacy.
Source: The New York Times
Czech Republic says it broke up Belarusian spy network operating across Europe
Prague’s counterintelligence service announced it disrupted a Belarus-linked spy network built with the help of agencies in Hungary and Romania, a case likely to strain intra-European security cooperation. The network’s exposure underscores intensifying intelligence contests on the continent and growing hybrid threats tied to authoritarian states.
Source: The Washington Post
Russia launches largest drone barrage of the war against Ukraine
Moscow fired more than 800 drones in a massive attack on Kyiv and other targets, killing at least four and striking areas near key government facilities. The unprecedented scale is seen as both a battlefield tactic and a political message as the Kremlin seeks leverage amid shifting diplomatic calculations.
Source: NPR
North Korea tests new ICBM rocket engine, signaling advances in long-range capability
Kim Jong Un oversaw a test of a new intercontinental ballistic missile engine, part of a drive to field systems capable of striking the U.S. mainland. The move is likely to prompt tighter coordination among Washington, Seoul, and Tokyo, and could trigger further sanctions or military posture adjustments.
Source: The Washington Post
BRICS leaders push new trade mechanisms to counter U.S. tariffs
At a virtual summit hosted by Brazil’s President Lula da Silva, BRICS leaders discussed expanding intra-bloc trade tools to mitigate exposure to U.S. tariff hikes. The talks reflect a broader push for alternative financial and trade pathways among Global South powers amid rising protectionism.
Source: MercoPress
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