AFP

Taiwan conducted a hot-refueling drill involving Apache and Black Hawk helicopters during the Han Kuang military exercise at Taoyuan. The exercise emphasized defense against drone threats at forward arming and refueling points, featuring counter-drone ground teams armed with anti-drone guns. This preparation highlights Taiwan's focus on helicopter vulnerability to drones, a threat pattern seen in Ukraine.

Ukrainian soldiers must plan every step with extreme caution to reach and operate near Ukraine's deadly "zero line," which is adjacent to Russian forces. Due to hostile drones and intense combat in the area known as a "kill zone," movement is highly dangerous, requiring meticulous coordination and protection from friendly-fire accidents. Getting to this perilous frontline position has been described as being like "Mission Impossible."

Israeli forces raided the Qalandia refugee camp near Jerusalem in the occupied West Bank, preventing entry for press and residents. The military stated the operation aimed to thwart terror and apprehend wanted individuals, as tensions rose due to fears of eviction.

An Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon's village of Tibnin killed one person and injured 11 others. The attack targeted a prayer area roof of a cemetery, caused a fire near Kfarshouba, and prompted 15 civilian families to flee Mansouri after an Israeli warning. The village of Mansouri lies across Israel's 'Yellow Line' demarcating its occupation zone in southern Lebanon.

Families of victims from the 2015 Beirut port explosion gathered on its sixth anniversary to demand justice and accountability, citing a lack of arrests or prosecutions. Hiyam al-Bikai, mother of a deceased victim, emphasized ongoing pain and unresolved legal action.

Israeli settlers cut and damaged electricity poles in the village of Madama, south of Nablus, causing a power outage. Over the past two weeks, settler attacks in the occupied West Bank targeted Palestinian homes, agricultural farms, religious places, and involved grave desecration and arson.

Russia launched 376 missiles at Ukraine in July, according to an AFP analysis, marking a record number and more than double the amount fired in June.

Israeli drone strikes in Gaza injured several Palestinians, including a woman and a child, with one reported death in central Gaza. The attacks occurred in Deir el-Balah and near the Intelligence headquarters in Gaza City.

Myanmar's leader accused Starlink of being used by online scam centers. The government claims to be cracking down on the industry, which uses illegal imported equipment. Starlink has cut services to thousands of devices in Myanmar scam centers.

Hamas has stated it will not disarm in Gaza until Israeli forces withdraw, according to a senior official who spoke to Al Jazeera. The group emphasized that a Palestinian national committee, not Israel, will oversee the disarmament process, while accusing Israel of violating a ceasefire agreement through sustained bombing campaigns.

US president Donald Trump announced a plan for the complete disarmament of all armed groups in the Gaza strip. Hamas officials confirmed an agreement on weapons and Israeli troop withdrawal, but Israel has not yet officially responded.

A Palestinian technocratic committee established by the Board of Peace will manage and store Hamas' weapons in Gaza, according to a senior Hamas official. The National Committee for Administration of Gaza (NCAG) will be the sole entity authorized to retain or control weapons, with calls for mediators to ensure Israel complies with the agreement.

Senior Hamas officials confirmed a deal with Israel to end the war in Gaza. The announcement followed US President Donald Trump's statement that a disarmament deal was reached.

Lebanese judicial authorities issued a 30-day arrest warrant for businessman Antoun Sehnaoui, accused of meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during Israel's war on Lebanon, violating the country's boycott law against Israel. A dinner hosted by Sehnaoui and former US envoy Morgan Ortagus in Washington, attended by Netanyahu, sparked social media outrage in Lebanon.

At least 10 members of Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) were killed in US-Saudi strikes across several provinces, with the deadliest attack in Nineveh province. An official stated the death toll is expected to rise, and reports indicate additional wounded in other provinces.

A 28-year-old Palestinian woman delivered a stillborn baby in an ambulance after Israeli soldiers delayed the vehicle at a checkpoint in the occupied West Bank. Medics reported the woman was unconscious and bleeding heavily when they collected her, and Israeli soldiers forced the ambulance to shut down at gunpoint despite ongoing medical procedures. The woman was later admitted to a hospital in stable condition.

A car attack at a Berlin Pride event on July 25, 2026, killed one person and injured at least 15 during the Christopher Street Day pride parade in Tiergarten park. Police stated a vehicle entered the park and hit several people, with emergency services treating the injured and authorities actively seeking those responsible.

Civilian casualties in Russia’s war against Ukraine increased by 37 percent in the first half of 2026, with 1,396 civilians killed and 7,978 injured. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine attributed the rise to long-range ballistic missiles, drones, glide bombs, and FPV drones.

Explosions were heard in Manama, Bahrain's capital, shortly after air raid sirens were activated, as reported by AFP.

Israeli settlers attacked the Al-Taqwa mosque in Al-Tuwani village, setting it on fire and spray-painting Hebrew graffiti. They also torched two houses and a dairy factory during the overnight assault.

At least 50 Malian soldiers were killed and dozens taken prisoner in an attack by Tuareg separatists and jihadists. Local sources confirmed the incident to AFP on Sunday.

The European Union and Gulf states urged Iran to permanently open the Strait of Hormuz without conditions or fees, as reported by Saudi state television. Vessels were seen anchored in Bandar Abbas along the strait in an AFP/Isna photo.

Iranian state media reported explosions and U.S. strikes in southern locations including Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, and areas around Ahvaz. Officials attributed the incidents to 'American enemy aggression,' with residents in Ahvaz describing consecutive nights of intense strikes.

Blasts were heard in Bahrain, according to AFP's report of explosions in the country.

Oil prices rose over 4% as renewed US-Iran strikes threaten their fragile peace agreement. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz dropped to a five-week low, with only six vessels transiting the strait, including ships carrying Iranian and Kuwaiti oil.

China’s oil imports may recover as stockpiling returns, indicated by an oil tanker in Shandong province. The article cites AFP as the source.

China evacuated over 600,000 people ahead of Typhoon Bavi's landfall near Wenzhou, following its impact on Japan and Taiwan. The typhoon, carrying significant moisture, is expected to hit Zhejiang province, with evacuations also reported in Fujian province and Taiwan.

Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, particularly via the UN-backed Omani passageway, has sharply declined following renewed US-Iran strikes and vessel attacks. Traffic levels have stalled, with only six commodity tankers and 21 vessels transiting on Thursday and Wednesday, respectively, according to Kpler data. Experts predict ongoing volatility in traffic until a substantial agreement is reached.

Explosions were heard in Bahrain following the activation of air raid sirens, according to AFP.

Russian missile and drone attacks have repeatedly targeted Kyiv, Ukraine, in 2026, causing significant civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and displacement. Recent strikes destroyed residential buildings, cultural sites like the Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Film Studio, and triggered large fires. Shortages of U.S.-made interceptors have exacerbated the impact of these attacks.

Venezuela's healthcare system is struggling due to economic collapse, with recent disasters adding further stress. Venezuelans are showing resilience in facing these challenges.

Explosions were heard in Bahrain following air raid sirens, marking the first incident since Bahrain intercepted Iranian drones and missiles on June 28. Iran's military stated that any site enabling U.S. attacks on Iran would be considered a 'legitimate target'.

Bahrain has sounded sirens for the third time on Wednesday, advising citizens and residents to seek safe locations. Additional explosions were reported in the Gulf country according to AFP.

Several explosions occurred across Bahrain on Wednesday, including a 'loud' blast reported by AFP north of the country.

China's deadly storms, exacerbated by a convergence of factors, caused flooding in Nanning, leading to submerged shops along the Yongjiang River on July 7. The incident underscores the severe impact of extreme weather events.

A Catholic cardinal considered a favorite to replace Pope Francis is stepping back from his role after an AFP investigation found five women accused him of sexual assault. The cardinal, Cristobal Lopez Romero, denies the allegations, though one woman submitted a written complaint to the Vatican embassy in Morocco in May.

Two explosions in Damascus near a hotel where French President Emmanuel Macron was staying injured 18 people. Macron was not present in the hotel during the blasts, having already arrived at Syria's presidential palace for a meeting with Ahmed al-Sharaa.

Bombs exploded near the hotel where Emmanuel Macron was staying in Damascus, Syria, during his visit. The French president met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa随后, and the blasts highlighted ongoing security challenges in the region.

Bellingcat geolocated footage showing coffins in newly dug trenches near La Esperanza, Venezuela, following recent earthquakes. Reports indicate 150 unidentified bodies were buried in individual graves at the site, with a resident noting refrigerated trucks transporting bodies. The death toll is estimated at over 3,500 and may reach 10,000.

Hamas is preparing to dissolve the Gaza Strip administration it has governed for nearly two decades. The move aims to transition governance to a technocratic body composed of various Palestinian factions, with a consensus figure overseeing the transition until the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza assumes control.