Israeli ministers announce plans for new illegal settlements in Gaza and the West Bank
Israeli ministers have announced plans to create three new settlement outposts in northern Gaza and over $400 million in funding for the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, as settler violence is increasingly supported by the authorities.
The Israeli army commander declared that Israel now controls 65% of Gaza, significantly exceeding the limit stipulated in the US-brokered ceasefire agreement.
The new plans, announced just before the October elections, have raised concerns about expanding Israeli control over Palestinian territories and further expelling Palestinians from their homes.
Europe's most effective tool for cutting greenhouse gas emissions risks weakening
The European Commission has proposed changes to the emissions trading system, the EU's main mechanism for reducing greenhouse gases, giving some industries more time and flexibility to reduce pollution, which has drawn criticism from environmentalists.
The proposal also foresees the expansion of the system to urban waste, private jets and some international flights, while free permits for polluting sectors will continue until 2038 and the pace of reduction in pollution permits will slow down.
Critics warn that this could allow around 2 billion tonnes more carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and weaken the EU's efforts to achieve its target of cutting emissions by 90% by 2040.
Protests against Fedorov's dismissal continue as Zelensky tries to repair rift with Poland
For the second day in a row, thousands of Ukrainians protested against the sudden dismissal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov, as President Volodymyr Zelensky said he was forced to choose between him and the army chief, Oleksandr Syrskyi.
Meanwhile, Zelensky is trying to repair relations with important ally Poland, while Ukraine continues drone attacks on targets in Russia and Moscow reports that it has neutralized dozens of drones near the capital.
Russia, on the other hand, has increased attacks on Ukrainian ports in the Black Sea, killing people, damaging civilian ships and hitting grain exports.
US begins seventh night of strikes on Iran as conflict in Hormuz escalates
The US has launched a seventh consecutive night of attacks on Iran, as the conflict over the Strait of Hormuz escalates and Tehran has responded with attacks on American targets and countries hosting US bases.
American attacks have hit bridges, energy infrastructure and other strategic points in Iran, causing dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries, while the fighting has also exacerbated the oil transportation crisis in a strait that before the war carried about a fifth of the world's oil and gas supply.
Meanwhile, Iran has threatened retaliation against countries hosting US forces, while the US has continued its naval blockade and seizure of ships in the Gulf of Oman, raising fears of further repercussions on global energy markets.
