Qatar
Emir Condemns Israeli Attack on Hamas Leaders in Doha
The Emir of Qatar has condemned Israel’s attack on senior Hamas political leaders in Doha, the country’s capital.
The leaders had gathered to deliberate on the latest U.S.-backed peace proposal aimed at ending nearly two years of conflict. However, Israel struck the meeting venue. In a surprising turn, most leaders escaped the assassination attempt.
Following the strike, the Emir denounced Israel for violating Qatar’s sovereignty and for targeting figures engaged in peace dialogue. He said the attack underscored Israel’s lack of interest in ending a war that has already claimed more than 64,000 Palestinian lives in 22 months.
Israel has acknowledged responsibility for the attack, which drew condemnation from the United Nations (UN), France, Britain, Türkiye, Germany, China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, and others. U.S. President Donald Trump, while critical of the strike’s manner, defended Israel’s bid to eliminate Hamas leadership.
America
UN Security Council to Debate Israel’s Doha Strike
The UN Security Council (UNSC) will meet today to discuss Israel’s attack on Hamas leaders in Qatar. Though the assassination attempt failed, the strike has sparked global outrage at Qatar’s request.
Israel has admitted carrying out the operation. Critics note this is part of a broader pattern, with Israel also striking Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Tunisia, and Egypt, in addition to its ongoing war in Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem.
Tunisia
Gaza Aid Flotilla Comes Under Second Attack
The Gaza aid flotilla has suffered a second attack in days, this time while refueling in Tunisia.
No casualties were reported, but the incident highlights the risks facing the mission, which seeks to break Israel’s blockade on Gaza. The blockade restricts food, water, medicine, and fuel, while leaving the enclave’s power grid, hospitals, and schools in ruins.
The current flotilla, made up of 50 boats carrying activists from about 40 countries, is ferrying food, medicine, and other essentials. A previous mission was intercepted at sea by Israeli commandos.
Poland
Warsaw Downs Russian Drones in Airspace
Polish authorities say they shot down several Russian drones overnight as they flew over the country’s territory. The drones were apparently en route to Ukraine, which has been at war with Russia since 2022.
Though Russia has yet to comment, the incident marks a sharp escalation in Polish-Russian tensions.
During the interceptions, Warsaw airport was temporarily closed, and border residents were ordered indoors. At dawn, troops were deployed to recover drone debris, some of which was found in the village of Wyryki.
Israel
Netanyahu Admits Responsibility for Qatar Strike
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that Israel carried out the strike in Doha targeting Hamas leaders.
Five Hamas members and a Qatari security officer were killed, though the group’s political leadership survived. They had been meeting to discuss U.S. proposals for ending the nearly two-year conflict.
Netanyahu said Israel bore “full and sole responsibility” for the operation. The UN Security Council is set to debate the strike later today.
Nepal
Troops Patrol Streets Amid Calm
Government troops have begun patrolling Kathmandu and other Nepalese cities following days of unrest.
The protests erupted after authorities banned social media access, sparking violent demonstrations in which parliament and public buildings were torched. The prime minister resigned, and a nationwide 5 p.m. curfew was imposed.
The presidency has called for unity as soldiers maintain order in the streets.
Palestine
Protests Erupt Against Gaza Evacuation Order
Thousands of Palestinians have protested Israel’s latest evacuation order in Gaza City, which remains under heavy bombardment.
Residents said there are no safe places left to flee. Israel insists the city must be seized for its security, but critics, including former Israeli military officials, warn the assault risks endangering hostages still held by Hamas.
About 50 hostages remain in Hamas custody, with only 20 believed to be alive. Hamas has said it will exchange them for Palestinian prisoners and a ceasefire, but Israel demands the group disarm and relinquish political power.
The U.S. is leading mediation efforts.
America
New York Police Hunt Killer of Elderly Couple
Police in New York have launched a manhunt after an elderly couple were murdered in their home.
CCTV footage captured the suspect banging on the back door of the residence. Investigators believe the couple were beaten before being killed and their home set ablaze.
