Isack Hadjar: F1’s first Arab driver

A catastrophic fire erupted in a high-rise residential complex in Hong Kong's Tai Po district, resulting in a death toll that has risen to 65, with hundreds still reported missing. Emergency services are engaged in ongoing rescue operations to reach victims trapped in upper apartments as the situation remains critical.

Egypt's parliamentary elections are being criticized as a managed process that guarantees a singular outcome, effectively extending President el-Sisi's hold on power. The elections, rather than reflecting a democratic choice, appear to be orchestrated to maintain the current regime's authority.

In the year following the Hezbollah-Israel ceasefire, nearly 10,000 Israeli violations have been documented in Lebanon, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region. Recently, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut resulted in the death of a senior Hezbollah commander, marking a significant escalation in hostilities that contradicts the ceasefire's intent.

Military officers in Guinea-Bissau have seized power and detained President Umaro Sissoco Embalo, escalating the country's political instability just days after contentious presidential elections. The military announced its takeover during a state television broadcast, claiming to take 'total control' of the nation amid reports of gunfire near the presidential palace.

A year after the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire, tensions in Lebanon have escalated following an Israeli airstrike in Beirut that killed a senior Hezbollah commander, Haytham Ali Tabatabai. This incident marks the first significant military action in months and raises concerns about the stability of the ceasefire agreement.

Four journalists, including photographer Yasin Akgul, were acquitted in Istanbul after facing trial for their coverage of protests. The court's decision marks a significant moment for press freedom in Turkey, where media professionals often face legal challenges. Akgul expressed his commitment to continue reporting following the verdict.

Two members of the National Guard were critically injured in a targeted shooting incident near the White House in Washington, D.C., by a suspect identified as Rahmanullah Lakanwal, an Afghan national who entered the U.S. in September 2021. The attack has raised significant concerns regarding the safety of Afghan immigrants in the U.S. and has led to immediate repercussions for the Afghan community.

Guardian Australia has been awarded a Walkley award for excellence in journalism for its series, The Descendants, which explores the historical involvement of Australians in frontier violence. This recognition highlights the importance of addressing complex historical narratives and their impact on contemporary society.