“95 percent of agricultural land” destroyed in Gaza

Sales by the world’s top 100 arms makers reached a record $679 billion last year, marking a 5.9% increase driven by heightened demand due to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, according to SIPRI. Despite this surge in revenue, production bottlenecks have hindered timely deliveries of arms.

Armed men kidnapped 13 women, including a bride and her bridesmaids, during a night raid in Sokoto State, Nigeria. This incident is part of a troubling trend of abductions that have plagued the region, raising concerns about security and safety for residents.

Pope Leo XIV visited Beirut, where he called for an end to violence and emphasized the need for a two-state solution to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict. His presence drew large crowds, reflecting a desire for peace and interfaith understanding in a region marked by longstanding tensions.

President Donald Trump announced that the airspace above and around Venezuela is now considered closed entirely, a declaration that has drawn strong condemnation from the Venezuelan government, which labeled it a 'colonialist threat' to their sovereignty. This escalation in rhetoric signals heightened tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, particularly under the leadership of President Nicolás Maduro.

Polls have opened in Honduras for a presidential election characterized by accusations of fraud and manipulation, with the right-wing candidate Nasry Asfura receiving backing from the United States. The election occurs in a highly polarized environment, raising concerns about the integrity of the voting process.

Severe flooding in Indonesia, particularly on Sumatra island, has led to a rising death toll of 442, with many areas remaining inaccessible for aid delivery. The situation has left residents struggling to find food and clean water amidst the devastation.

European migration funding has inadvertently bolstered Sudanese paramilitaries, while inadequate export oversight has facilitated the flow of arms to conflict zones, exacerbating the ongoing violence in Sudan.

In Gaza, a severe lack of resources has left many mothers struggling during childbirth, often grieving for lost children. The ongoing humanitarian crisis exacerbates the challenges faced by families, highlighting the dire conditions in which they are forced to bring new life into a conflict-ridden environment.