World affairs briefing — November 2, 2026.

UN records 397 settler attacks in West Bank through October 26

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said it documented 397 Israeli settler attacks causing injury or property damage in the occupied West Bank from October 1 to 26. OCHA described this as the highest monthly total since its monitoring began in 2006, although the count did not cover October’s final five days. It said 62 attacks occurred between October 20 and 26, affecting 49 Palestinian communities.

What changed The October 1–26 count surpassed every previous monthly total in OCHA's monitoring series before the month had ended.

Why it matters For West Bank residents, this record measures documented physical harm and property damage—not simply threats or confrontations.

Algeria begins second operation to clear waste at French nuclear test site

Algeria’s Defence Ministry said a second operation to remove radioactive waste from former French nuclear test sites began Sunday at the Beryl E2 tunnel site in the In Ekker area. The ministry said the work is being conducted under its supervision and in coordination with a national agency responsible for rehabilitating former test and explosion sites. The report says Paris has refused to provide maps showing where waste was buried or to take responsibility for clearing it.

Why it matters Algerian authorities are undertaking radioactive-waste removal without French burial maps—a potential constraint on locating waste across the former test sites.

What to watch next Whether France supplies the burial maps or assumes a cleanup role remains unresolved; the report announces no agreement or timetable.

Medical sources say eight Palestinians killed in Gaza strikes

A medical source at Nasser Hospital told Anadolu that five Palestinians were killed in an airstrike in al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis; a source at al-Shifa Hospital said three others, including a child, were killed in an attack on al-Thawra Street in Gaza City. The al-Shifa source also reported six wounded. The report describes the attacks as occurring amid continued violations of a ceasefire, citing medical and local sources.

Why it matters The reported impact extended beyond casualties: local sources described children panicking near schools in al-Mawasi, indicating disruption to a civilian setting.

Trump weighs Iran options as advisers reportedly question Hegseth’s account of the war

Khaama, citing The Atlantic, reported that President Donald Trump sought views from close allies on War Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Dan Caine as he considers next steps in the conflict with Iran. The report says the two presented options ranging from limited strikes to broader operations, but no order to resume attacks had been issued and Trump had not announced a decision. The Pentagon rejected claims that Hegseth gave an overly optimistic account, while the White House said Trump had full confidence in both officials.

What changed A campaign some US officials expected to be brief has lasted longer than anticipated; Trump is now reportedly seeking assessments of the officials who promised a quick outcome.

Why it matters Regional allies face contingency planning for both renewed US strikes and Iranian retaliation, even though Trump has not made a final decision.

What to watch next The unresolved decision is whether Trump resumes military action after the November 3 midterms; that timing is under consideration, not a confirmed strike schedule.