Israel-Gaza: Israel arrests 19 militant suspects after Gaza flare-up
Israel says it has arrested 19 members of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad in raids across the occupied West Bank, after carrying out airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip.
Eleven people have been killed in the air strikes, including a child and PIJ leader Tayseer Jabari.
Israel said the strikes followed an "immediate threat" from the group.
Scores of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel overnight, most of them intercepted, Israel's military said.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza in just over a year.
The 11-day war in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead before a ceasefire was agreed. read more
Israel says it has arrested 19 members of the Palestinian group Islamic Jihad in raids across the occupied West Bank, after carrying out airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip.
Eleven people have been killed in the air strikes, including a child and PIJ leader Tayseer Jabari.
Israel said the strikes followed an "immediate threat" from the group.
Scores of rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel overnight, most of them intercepted, Israel's military said.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza in just over a year.
The 11-day war in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead before a ceasefire was agreed. read more
Alex Jones must pay $49.3m for Sandy Hook hoax claim
US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay $49.3m (£41m) in damages after falsely claiming a 2012 school shooting was a hoax.
A jury in Texas ruled the radio host must pay $45.2m in punitive damages, in addition to $4.1m in compensatory damages they awarded a day earlier.
The two-week defamation trial was brought by the parents of a child killed in the attack.
Twenty children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook in Connecticut.
The lawsuit was filed by Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, the separated parents of six-year-old Jesse Lewis, who died in the primary school shooting. read more
US conspiracy theorist Alex Jones has been ordered to pay $49.3m (£41m) in damages after falsely claiming a 2012 school shooting was a hoax.
A jury in Texas ruled the radio host must pay $45.2m in punitive damages, in addition to $4.1m in compensatory damages they awarded a day earlier.
The two-week defamation trial was brought by the parents of a child killed in the attack.
Twenty children and six adults were killed at Sandy Hook in Connecticut.
The lawsuit was filed by Scarlett Lewis and Neil Heslin, the separated parents of six-year-old Jesse Lewis, who died in the primary school shooting. read more
Israel-Gaza: Death toll rises as Israel kills second top militant
Israel has killed a second top militant from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, as the death toll continues to rise from air strikes in Gaza.
Six children and several PIJ fighters - including leaders Khaled Mansour and Tayseer Jabari - are among the 32 Palestinians reported to have died.
Nearly 600 Palestinian rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel since Friday, an Israeli official said.
Israel says it launched the operations due to "immediate threat" from PIJ.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza since an 11-day conflict in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead. read more
Israel has killed a second top militant from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, as the death toll continues to rise from air strikes in Gaza.
Six children and several PIJ fighters - including leaders Khaled Mansour and Tayseer Jabari - are among the 32 Palestinians reported to have died.
Nearly 600 Palestinian rockets and mortars have been fired at Israel since Friday, an Israeli official said.
Israel says it launched the operations due to "immediate threat" from PIJ.
The latest violence is the most serious flare-up between Israel and Gaza since an 11-day conflict in May 2021 left more than 200 Palestinians and a dozen Israelis dead. read more
China-Taiwan: Beijing conducts new military drills near island
China's military says it is continuing large-scale military drills around Taiwan after its previously announced live fire exercises ended on Sunday.
The Chinese army's Eastern Theatre Command said that it would practice anti-submarine attacks and sea raids.
The earlier four days of exercises were Beijing's response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island.
Taiwan has accused China of using these drills as practice for an invasion of the island. read more
China's military says it is continuing large-scale military drills around Taiwan after its previously announced live fire exercises ended on Sunday.
The Chinese army's Eastern Theatre Command said that it would practice anti-submarine attacks and sea raids.
The earlier four days of exercises were Beijing's response to US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to the island.
Taiwan has accused China of using these drills as practice for an invasion of the island. read more
Trump says FBI agents 'raided' his Mar-a-Lago Florida home
Ex-US President Donald Trump has said his Florida home was "raided" by the FBI, and that agents broke open a safe.
Mr Trump said in a statement that Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach was "occupied by a large group of FBI agents".
The search was reportedly connected to an investigation into Mr Trump's handling of official papers.
US media reports that the search is related to documents which the president may have taken to Mar-a-Lago on leaving the White House.
Mr Trump's lawyer, Christina Bobb, told NBC News that some papers had been seized during the search. read more
Ex-US President Donald Trump has said his Florida home was "raided" by the FBI, and that agents broke open a safe.
Mr Trump said in a statement that Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach was "occupied by a large group of FBI agents".
The search was reportedly connected to an investigation into Mr Trump's handling of official papers.
US media reports that the search is related to documents which the president may have taken to Mar-a-Lago on leaving the White House.
Mr Trump's lawyer, Christina Bobb, told NBC News that some papers had been seized during the search. read more
Ukraine war must end with liberation of Crimea – Zelensky
The war in Ukraine began with Crimea and must end with its liberation, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Ukraine's president was speaking after a string of explosions hit a Russian airbase there, killing one person.
Mr Zelensky did not mention Tuesday's blasts but said: "Crimea is Ukrainian and we will never give it up."
Russia's defence ministry said ammunition detonated at the base. Meanwhile, Ukraine denied any responsibility for the explosions.
In a separate development, Ukrainian officials say 13 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and another one in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south. read more
The war in Ukraine began with Crimea and must end with its liberation, President Volodymyr Zelensky has said.
Ukraine's president was speaking after a string of explosions hit a Russian airbase there, killing one person.
Mr Zelensky did not mention Tuesday's blasts but said: "Crimea is Ukrainian and we will never give it up."
Russia's defence ministry said ammunition detonated at the base. Meanwhile, Ukraine denied any responsibility for the explosions.
In a separate development, Ukrainian officials say 13 people were killed in overnight Russian strikes in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, and another one in the Zaporizhzhia region in the south. read more
China says Taiwan military drills are over after Pelosi visit
China says it has completed nearly a week of military drills around Taiwan following a visit to the self-governing island by US politician Nancy Pelosi.
Sea and air operations were successful, said China's military, which vowed to keep patrolling the Taiwan Strait.
Ms Pelosi's brief trip incensed Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.
Taiwan has accused China of using the drills as practice for an invasion.
The island's government rejects Chinese claims of sovereignty and sees itself as distinct from the mainland. Beijing seeks to isolate the island internationally. read more
China says it has completed nearly a week of military drills around Taiwan following a visit to the self-governing island by US politician Nancy Pelosi.
Sea and air operations were successful, said China's military, which vowed to keep patrolling the Taiwan Strait.
Ms Pelosi's brief trip incensed Beijing, which views Taiwan as a breakaway province to be reunited with the mainland - by force if necessary.
Taiwan has accused China of using the drills as practice for an invasion.
The island's government rejects Chinese claims of sovereignty and sees itself as distinct from the mainland. Beijing seeks to isolate the island internationally. read more
Ukraine war: Crimea airbase badly damaged, satellite images show
Satellite images appear to show major damage and a number of destroyed Russian warplanes at a Crimea airbase following explosions there this week.
The Saky base in the west of Russian-ruled Crimea was rocked by a string of blasts on Tuesday, killing one person.
The base's runways appear intact, but at least eight aircraft seem damaged or destroyed with several craters visible.
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility - but this new evidence suggests the possibility of a targeted attack.
The images, from the US-based Planet Labs, show large areas of scorched earth left from fires that erupted. read more
Satellite images appear to show major damage and a number of destroyed Russian warplanes at a Crimea airbase following explosions there this week.
The Saky base in the west of Russian-ruled Crimea was rocked by a string of blasts on Tuesday, killing one person.
The base's runways appear intact, but at least eight aircraft seem damaged or destroyed with several craters visible.
Ukraine has not claimed responsibility - but this new evidence suggests the possibility of a targeted attack.
The images, from the US-based Planet Labs, show large areas of scorched earth left from fires that erupted. read more
UN alarm as Ukraine nuclear power plant shelled again
More shelling of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been reported, with Ukraine and Russia again blaming each other for the attack.
Each side said there were 10 hits on the office and fire station of Europe's biggest power plant on Thursday.
At a meeting of the UN Security Council called to discuss the situation, the head of its nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, warning it was a "grave hour".
UN Secretary General António Guterres also said it could "lead to disaster".
China and the US both called for UN experts to be allowed to urgently visit the plant, but similar demands in the past have so far not been acted upon. read more
More shelling of Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant has been reported, with Ukraine and Russia again blaming each other for the attack.
Each side said there were 10 hits on the office and fire station of Europe's biggest power plant on Thursday.
At a meeting of the UN Security Council called to discuss the situation, the head of its nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, warning it was a "grave hour".
UN Secretary General António Guterres also said it could "lead to disaster".
China and the US both called for UN experts to be allowed to urgently visit the plant, but similar demands in the past have so far not been acted upon. read more
Taliban break up rare protest by Afghan women in Kabul
Taliban fighters have dispersed dozens of female protesters in Kabul, almost a year after the militant group seized power.
About 40 women marched through the Afghan capital demanding rights, before the Taliban broke it up by firing into the air.
The fighters seized their mobile phones, stopping one of the first women's protests in months.
Since the Taliban takeover, women rights' have been severely restricted.
The protesters chanted demands for "bread, work and freedom", carrying a banner reading "August 15 is a black day" - a reference to the day the Taliban captured Kabul in 2021. read more
Taliban fighters have dispersed dozens of female protesters in Kabul, almost a year after the militant group seized power.
About 40 women marched through the Afghan capital demanding rights, before the Taliban broke it up by firing into the air.
The fighters seized their mobile phones, stopping one of the first women's protests in months.
Since the Taliban takeover, women rights' have been severely restricted.
The protesters chanted demands for "bread, work and freedom", carrying a banner reading "August 15 is a black day" - a reference to the day the Taliban captured Kabul in 2021. read more
Salman Rushdie off ventilator and able to talk
Author Salman Rushdie has been taken off a ventilator and can talk again, nearly two days after being stabbed.
Mr Rushdie, 75, was attacked while speaking at an event in New York state and was in a critical condition.
He has faced years of death threats for his novel The Satanic Verses, which some Muslims see as blasphemous.
The man charged over Friday's attack has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, and has been remanded in custody without bail.
Hadi Matar, 24, is accused of running onto the stage and stabbing Mr Rushdie at least 10 times in the face, neck and abdomen. read more
Author Salman Rushdie has been taken off a ventilator and can talk again, nearly two days after being stabbed.
Mr Rushdie, 75, was attacked while speaking at an event in New York state and was in a critical condition.
He has faced years of death threats for his novel The Satanic Verses, which some Muslims see as blasphemous.
The man charged over Friday's attack has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, and has been remanded in custody without bail.
Hadi Matar, 24, is accused of running onto the stage and stabbing Mr Rushdie at least 10 times in the face, neck and abdomen. read more
Salman Rushdie: Iran blames writer and supporters for stabbing
As news emerged of Friday's attack, eyes turned to Tehran where the fatwa - religious edict - calling for the writer's assassination was first issued more than three decades ago.
But on Monday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani - giving the country's first official reaction - said Tehran "categorically" denied any link, adding "no-one has the right to accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran".
However, he said freedom of speech did not justify Mr Rushdie insulting religion in his writing.
"In this attack, we do not consider anyone other than Salman Rushdie and his supporters worthy of blame and even condemnation," the spokesman said during his weekly press conference in Tehran.
As news emerged of Friday's attack, eyes turned to Tehran where the fatwa - religious edict - calling for the writer's assassination was first issued more than three decades ago.
But on Monday, Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani - giving the country's first official reaction - said Tehran "categorically" denied any link, adding "no-one has the right to accuse the Islamic Republic of Iran".
However, he said freedom of speech did not justify Mr Rushdie insulting religion in his writing.
"In this attack, we do not consider anyone other than Salman Rushdie and his supporters worthy of blame and even condemnation," the spokesman said during his weekly press conference in Tehran.
Ukraine hits Russian Wagner mercenary HQ in east
Ukrainian artillery has struck a headquarters of Russia's shadowy Wagner paramilitary group of mercenaries in eastern Ukraine, reports say.
The extent of damage to the military base of the group - which has been linked to war crimes - is not clear.
Luhansk's governor claims its secret location was revealed after a Russian journalist shared its address.
Last week, pro-Kremlin correspondent Sergei Sreda posted a photo on Telegram of the base with its apparent address.
The image, shared on the social media site but since deleted, shows five people in military uniform with a street sign in Popasna, Luhansk visible in the top left corner. read more
Ukrainian artillery has struck a headquarters of Russia's shadowy Wagner paramilitary group of mercenaries in eastern Ukraine, reports say.
The extent of damage to the military base of the group - which has been linked to war crimes - is not clear.
Luhansk's governor claims its secret location was revealed after a Russian journalist shared its address.
Last week, pro-Kremlin correspondent Sergei Sreda posted a photo on Telegram of the base with its apparent address.
The image, shared on the social media site but since deleted, shows five people in military uniform with a street sign in Popasna, Luhansk visible in the top left corner. read more
Alaska primary: Sarah Palin seeks comeback backed by Trump
Republican Sarah Palin, who is eyeing a political comeback, is through to November's election in Alaska in the state's House of Representatives race, US media project.
Her rivals are Republican Nick Begich III and Democrat Mary Peltola. The fourth contender is not yet known.
Ms Palin, 58, rose to prominence as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008.
She largely left the spotlight before the 2016 election of Donald Trump, who has become her key ally and supporter.
This year Alaska's party primaries have been replaced with open primaries - the top four runners advance to the poll. read more
Republican Sarah Palin, who is eyeing a political comeback, is through to November's election in Alaska in the state's House of Representatives race, US media project.
Her rivals are Republican Nick Begich III and Democrat Mary Peltola. The fourth contender is not yet known.
Ms Palin, 58, rose to prominence as a vice-presidential candidate in 2008.
She largely left the spotlight before the 2016 election of Donald Trump, who has become her key ally and supporter.
This year Alaska's party primaries have been replaced with open primaries - the top four runners advance to the poll. read more
Ukraine war: Russia to allow inspectors at Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant - Putin
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said UN officials will be granted permission to visit and inspect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex.
The Kremlin made the announcement after a call between Mr Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
It came as claims of fighting near the plant continued, with four civilians reportedly injured by Russian shelling.
Separately, the US pledged on Friday to send more arms and ammunitions to assist in Ukraine's war effort.
In a read-out following the call between the French and Russian leaders, the Kremlin said, Mr Putin had agreed to provide UN investigators with "the necessary assistance" to access the Zaporizhzhia nuclear site. read more
Russian leader Vladimir Putin has said UN officials will be granted permission to visit and inspect the Zaporizhzhia nuclear complex.
The Kremlin made the announcement after a call between Mr Putin and French President Emmanuel Macron.
It came as claims of fighting near the plant continued, with four civilians reportedly injured by Russian shelling.
Separately, the US pledged on Friday to send more arms and ammunitions to assist in Ukraine's war effort.
In a read-out following the call between the French and Russian leaders, the Kremlin said, Mr Putin had agreed to provide UN investigators with "the necessary assistance" to access the Zaporizhzhia nuclear site. read more
Darya Dugina: Daughter of Putin ally killed in Moscow blast
The daughter of a close ally of Russia's President Vladimir Putin has been killed in a suspected car bomb.
Darya Dugina died after an explosion on a road outside Moscow, Russia's investigative committee said.
It is thought her father, the Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin who is known as "Putin's brain," may have been the intended target of the attack.
Mr Dugin is a prominent ultra-nationalist ideologue who is believed to be close to the Russian president.
Alexander Dugin and his daughter had been at a festival at an estate near Moscow, where the philosopher gave a lecture. read more
The daughter of a close ally of Russia's President Vladimir Putin has been killed in a suspected car bomb.
Darya Dugina died after an explosion on a road outside Moscow, Russia's investigative committee said.
It is thought her father, the Russian philosopher Alexander Dugin who is known as "Putin's brain," may have been the intended target of the attack.
Mr Dugin is a prominent ultra-nationalist ideologue who is believed to be close to the Russian president.
Alexander Dugin and his daughter had been at a festival at an estate near Moscow, where the philosopher gave a lecture. read more
377A: Singapore to end ban on gay sex
Singapore will repeal a law that bans gay sex, effectively making it legal to be homosexual in the city-state.
The decision, announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on national TV, comes after years of fierce debate.
LGBT activists in Singapore have hailed the move as "a win for humanity".
The city-state is known for its conservative values, but in recent years an increasing number of people have called for the colonial-era 377A law to be abolished.
Singapore is the latest place in Asia to move on LGBT rights, after India, Taiwan and Thailand. read more
Singapore will repeal a law that bans gay sex, effectively making it legal to be homosexual in the city-state.
The decision, announced by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong on national TV, comes after years of fierce debate.
LGBT activists in Singapore have hailed the move as "a win for humanity".
The city-state is known for its conservative values, but in recent years an increasing number of people have called for the colonial-era 377A law to be abolished.
Singapore is the latest place in Asia to move on LGBT rights, after India, Taiwan and Thailand. read more