Palestinians voted in part of Gaza for the first time in over 20 years, lining up at makeshift polling stations set up in tents and donated buildings. The vote marks a rare democratic exercise in a territory that has been without formal elections since the early 2000s. No details about the specific positions being contested, the organizing authority, or the candidates involved were provided in initial reports. The outcome and its recognition by rival Palestinian factions, regional powers, and international bodies will determine whether this vote carries meaningful political weight or remains largely symbolic. The key question now is whether the results produce a governing structure with enough legitimacy to influence Gaza's deeply fractured political landscape.
Venezuela's earthquake death toll has reached 1,430 with the US Geological Survey warning fatalities could top 10,000, placing it among Latin America's deadliest in a century. US military planes are landing in Caracas, Washington is mobilising $150 million in aid, and rescue teams from 17 countries are on the ground.
Iranian armed forces attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, briefly halting traffic through the waterway. The strike threatens a fragile US-Iran arrangement and could push shipping insurance costs and oil prices higher.
The US has struck Iran, with President Trump citing an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz as justification. The action raises immediate risks for global oil flows through one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints.
The US struck ten Iranian targets on the second consecutive day of military action, putting a fragile ceasefire under serious pressure. The escalation raises immediate risks for Gulf shipping, global oil supply, and regional stability.
