ISRAEL WAR
Israel marks three years since Hamas' October 7 attack
Israel is commemorating the anniversary of Hamas's October 7 attack, which killed 1,221 people and resulted in numerous hostages. Memorial events are taking place nationwide under heightened security, amidst preparations for general elections in three weeks. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the country's commitment to eliminating Hamas and addressing security threats. The ongoing humanitarian situation in Gaza remains critical despite a fragile ceasefire established last year.
Trump says ‘nobody knows’ who is running Iran as war enters eighth month
US President Donald Trump stated that nobody knows who is currently running Iran amid ongoing conflict. He expressed concerns about Iran's leadership following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the war's onset. Iran's foreign ministry spokesman countered by asserting that the US understands Iran's decision-making system. Meanwhile, rising fuel prices due to the conflict could impact Trump's party during the upcoming midterm elections.
The day the fault lines cracked: October 7’s aftershocks travelled from Israel and Gaza to Iran, Red Sea and $100 oil
It started at the Gaza border. Then came Hezbollah, Houthi attacks, rerouted ships, an Israel-Iran war, American strikes and an oil shock. Three years after October 7, the Middle East’s fault lines have cracked open far beyond where the first shots were fired.
Britain likely to expel Israeli diplomats if Jerusalem consulate closes, sources say
Britain could expel Israeli diplomats if Israel follows through on its order to shut the British consulate in East Jerusalem this week, according to sources cited by Reuters. The dispute stems from Britain’s planned ban on trade in goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, with the consulate’s 30-day closure deadline ending on Thursday.
War-weary northern Israelis rethink loyalty to Netanyahu before election
Residents in northern Israel are reassessing their political support for Prime Minister Netanyahu as elections approach. Many former supporters express dissatisfaction with the government's handling of recent conflicts. Displaced individuals and business owners cite ongoing trauma and economic struggles following years of warfare. While some still support tough measures against threats, others demand significant change in leadership. The forthcoming election could see a shift in voter loyalty amidst these challenges.
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As Thailand cracks down on foreigners, a tourist paradise reconsiders its welcome
Thailand is facing a growing backlash against foreign influence in its tourist hotspots, particularly southern islands such as Koh Phangan, Phuket and Koh Samui. Locals fear foreign investors and businesses are reshaping communities, driving up property prices and pushing residents out.

flydubai co-pilot planned Ben Gurion crash after incapacitating captain: Report
Hamam al-Hammami, the co-pilot of Flydubai Flight FZ1073, planned a terrorist attack to crash the aircraft. He was detained after attempting to incapacitate the captain during the flight. Israeli passengers intervened and successfully restrained al-Hammami, averting a disaster. Investigations revealed his prior radicalization and connections to extremist ideology. Authorities are continuing to explore his background and any potential external influences.

Iran oil minister resigns, replaced by top executive amid US blockade on Tehran's exports
Iranian Oil Minister Mohsen Paknejad has resigned, with National Iranian Oil Company chief Hamid Bovard appointed as acting minister. The resignation comes as the US intensifies its naval blockade and sanctions targeting Iran’s oil revenues amid the ongoing Middle East war.

GST exemption for banks, nominated agencies for gold, silver imports may be withdrawn
The GST Council may end the IGST exemption on gold, silver and platinum imported by banks and nominated agencies, sources said. The exemption, introduced in 2017 when precious-metal imports were tightly regulated, could be withdrawn as the government seeks to curb non-essential imports and manage foreign exchange outflows.

Explainer: Who are the Houthis, Iran's allies in Yemen?
Yemen's Saudi-backed government has initiated a military counteroffensive against the Iran-backed Houthis, seeking to recover lost territory. The renewed warfare has increased tensions in the region, jeopardizing Red Sea shipping routes and disrupting energy exports. The Houthis have previously demonstrated their missile and drone capabilities, impacting global trade and regional stability. The conflict, which has caused significant humanitarian crises, has recently escalated after a period of relative peace.

Gaza ‘reduced to rubble’: Angelina Jolie shares before-and-after satellite images of destruction due to palestine war; details inside
Angelina Jolie shared satellite images of Gaza showing extensive destruction caused by the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. In her Instagram post, Jolie emphasized the urgent humanitarian needs of residents left without shelter and essential supplies. She cited UN satellite analysis indicating that a significant percentage of structures have been damaged or destroyed. Jolie called for immediate aid to ensure that the needs of civilians are met as winter approaches.

Pilot stabbing raises aviation security questions, further unsettles region shaken by US-Iran war
The attack on a flydubai flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv has disrupted regional aviation, prompting the UAE to suspend commercial flights to Israel and arrange repatriation services for stranded passengers. Investigators are examining the co-pilot’s motive and possible outside links, while wounded Indian captain Smit Machchhar is recovering after the aircraft made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia.

FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed plane was barred from flying by Oman over extremism concerns
A FlyDubai flight with 182 people faced a near-crash incident due to an attack on the cockpit. The co-pilot, previously barred from flying in Oman, was hired by the UAE airline. Investigations are ongoing with both Israeli and Emirati officials involved. The UAE has suspended all flights to Israel, complicating travel for many passengers. The captain of the flight, praised for his actions, continues to recover in Abu Dhabi.

'Needs to be invited to Israel': Ex-Dy FM Sharren Haskel seeks Medal of Honor for Capt Machchhar after Flydubai attack
Captain Smit Machchhar displayed remarkable bravery by thwarting an attack from his co-pilot during a flight. His courageous actions undoubtedly saved the lives of 180 passengers on board. Former Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel recommended that Machchhar receive Israel's Medal of Honour for his incredible efforts. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also applauded the captain's composure during the crisis in a video call.

Israeli officials to question co-pilot of flydubai flight, source says
On a recent flight from Dubai to Tel Aviv, a co-pilot allegedly attempted to crash the aircraft. The co-pilot stabbed the captain during the incident but was subdued by the crew and passengers. Israeli officials are investigating the co-pilot's motives and possible connections to radical influences. Following the event, the captain has been praised for his heroism and quick actions.

Aviation security measures under new scrutiny after in-flight attack on FlyDubai pilot
The alleged stabbing of captain by his co-pilot on a FlyDubai flight bound for Tel Aviv has exposed potential gaps in crew screening, cockpit security and emergency response protocols. Investigators from Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Israel, with assistance from the US and Oman, are examining the incident, including pilot vetting, the handling of distress calls and how the crew member was cleared to operate the Israel-bound flight.

Trump threatens Iran with ‘very hard’ strike if Tehran linked to FlyDubai attack
U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he would respond very hard against Iran, if they are implicated. Investigators are looking into the attack's motives and possible links to Iran. In response to the incident, approximately 9,000 U.S. troops were sent to the Middle East for military support. The attempted hijacking involved a co-pilot who was subdued by passengers during a chaotic descent.

US waives rights curbs on Egypt military aid over Iran war role, clears $320 mn funds
The US State Department waived human rights conditions for Egypt's military aid of over $300 million. This decision aligns with Egypt's support during the US military operation in Iran. For years, Egypt has received about $1.3 billion annually in military aid from the US. There have been previous tensions over human rights issues concerning Egypt's record.

Attacker's identity and motive remain unknown after FlyDubai flight to Israel escapes disaster
An Omani copilot attacked his captain on a FlyDubai flight from UAE to Israel. This incident led to the plane making a dangerous emergency landing in Saudi Arabia. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the copilot's arrest, while investigations are ongoing. Witnesses described chaos on board as passengers assisted the injured captain. The attack has raised security concerns ahead of an important anniversary in Israel.

Trump will not win this year's Nobel Peace Prize, but he may influence who does
This year's Nobel Peace Prize is anticipated to avoid controversial choices due to Trump's influence. Experts believe awarding the prize could increase the pressure on the laureate from Trump. Possible candidates include Pope Leo and Francesca Albanese for their advocacy work. While some suggest safer choices like Save the Children, there's pressure to support liberal democracy and human rights. The final decision will be announced on October 9.

A fight in the cockpit, a plunge from 33,000 feet: Inside the FlyDubai mid-air crisis
A pilot on a FlyDubai flight from the United Arab Emirates attacked another pilot during the journey. This incident led to a rapid altitude loss, causing panic among the passengers on board. Quick actions by crew members and a passenger allowed them to regain control of the aircraft. The flight was redirected and successfully landed in Saudi Arabia without any fatalities.

Donald Trump rejects reports of sanctions relief for Tehran
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Tehran is open to nuclear discussions and diplomatic solutions. He emphasised that Iran will not tolerate bullying or coercion from external forces. US President Donald Trump dismissed claims of offering sanctions relief before addressing the nuclear issue. Both US and Iranian officials are currently engaging with mediators to explore possible resolutions. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi reiterated the necessity of clear conditions for negotiations.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards urge US Voters to reject Donald Trump's Policies
Iran's Revolutionary Guards have written an open letter appealing to American voters to reject President Donald Trump's policies. They argue that with a policy change, peaceful coexistence between Iran and the US is possible. Additionally, they criticised the US support for Israel and foreign wars as detrimental. The letter contends that Iran's nuclear program is peaceful, though Israel views it as a threat.

'I offered nothing': Trump rejects report of Iran sanctions relief, frozen funds offer
Donald Trump refuted reports regarding an alleged offer of sanctions relief to Iran for nuclear concessions. Reports suggested that discussions included releasing frozen Iranian funds contingent on concrete steps by Tehran. The war involving Iran has prompted discussions between US and Iranian officials with mediators. Iran asserts its right to pursue nuclear technology while denying ambitions for nuclear weapons.

There wasn’t much to Xi: A red carpet, a fragile truce and the search for US-China stability
During Xi Jinping's state visit to Washington, leaders announced modest tariff cuts and a new dialogue on AI safety. The ongoing US-Iran war significantly affects the strategic relationship between the two powers. A report highlights the US's dependence on Chinese rare earths for military needs amid supply challenges. Strategic stability efforts were explored but ultimately did not yield significant progress toward a lasting agreement.

How Israel's regional neighbours see its upcoming elections
Israel's approaching elections on October 27 are being closely observed by neighboring countries, emphasizing regional implications. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces criticism for its policies towards Palestinians and expansionist actions. Jordan and Egypt express concerns over potential refugee crises stemming from Israeli plans. Gulf nations are hesitant to normalize relations with a right-wing Israeli government, preferring stability and predictability.

Netanyahu says Mamdani endangers Jewish New Yorkers by spreading lies about Israel's Gaza action
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani during a UN speech. He claimed that Mamdani's remarks have made Jewish individuals feel unsafe in New York. Mamdani, who has called Netanyahu a war criminal, maintained that his views are not antisemitic. Netanyahu defended his position and stated he cannot be silenced.

An isolated Netanyahu was defiant at UN as he seeks reelection at home
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced criticism during his brief visit to New York for the U.N. General Assembly. His strained relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump was evident as they did not meet. Netanyahu's security failures were a central theme ahead of upcoming elections in Israel next month.
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