Israel approves plan to establish 13 new settlements in occupied West Bank

At least 40 dead after bus falls into ravine in western Pakistan

Venezuela quake death toll rises to 2,595: interim president

Preparations for funeral of Iran's supreme leader in full swing

Trump says 'ridiculous' for US to maintain current support for NATO

El Nino set to be strong, UN warns

Death toll from massive strikes on Kiev rises to 30

Ukraine said on July 3 that the death toll from a massive barrage on its capital had risen to at least 30 people, as both Kiev and Moscow vowed fresh assaults.

Syria's president finalizes first post-Assad parliament

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has finalized the formation of the country’s first post-Assad parliament, which is set to hold its first session next week in a step seen as a test for the country’s transition.

EU offers Armenia trade lifeline after Russia curbs

The European Union on July 2 announced fresh financial and trade support for Armenia, as the Caucasus country reels from what Brussels called Russian “economic coercion” following its pro-Western turn.

Lebanese president says Syrian counterpart pledges 'new chapter' in ties

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said July 2 that Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa pledged a "new chapter" in relations between the two countries, assuring him that Damascus would stand alongside all Lebanese rather than one side against another.

Palestinians face uncertain future as Gaza marks 1,000 days of war

It's the 1,000th day of war since a Hamas-led attack on Israel that sparked the war in Gaza.

Iran begins week of mourning for slain leader Khamenei

The body of Iran's supreme leader, killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes that triggered the Middle East war, arrived at Tehran's Grand Mosalla on Friday ahead of his funeral, state media reported.

Hope fades, hunger grows a week after Venezuela quakes

Hope of finding more survivors faded on July 1 as Venezuela marked a week since twin earthquakes killed almost 2,300 people, while many who lived through the disaster were running desperately short on food.

China ethnic unity law comes into force

A new ethnic unity law came into effect on July 1 in China despite warnings from Taiwan, the United Nations and rights groups that it could threaten freedoms, especially for minorities.

Deadly Russian barrage pounds Ukraine capital

Russian missile and drone strikes rocked Kiev early Thursday, killing at least 17 people and wounding dozens, after President Volodymyr Zelensky warned that Moscow was preparing a “massive attack.”

Panama to build a maximum-security prison for gang leaders

Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino has said he is ordering the construction of a maximum-security prison for gang leaders following a prisoner escape and a nationwide surge in violence.

Israel ex-army chief launches campaign in bid to unseat Netanyahu

Israel’s former army chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot on June 30 announced the start of his electoral campaign as he bids to take over the seat of prime minister from veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

Xi vows to strengthen China’s military

Chinese President Xi Jinping vowed on July 1 to strengthen and modernize the military and to stamp out corruption within the ruling Communist Party.