Israel has assured the US that its planned retaliatory attack on Iran will avoid targeting nuclear or oil facilities, according to reports. The counterstrike follows Iran's October 1 missile launch in response to the killing of Tehran-aligned militant leaders and an Iranian general by Israeli forces. US President Joe Biden and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin were reassured by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The US, concerned about regional war escalation and global oil prices, welcomed Israel’s commitment to limiting its strikes to military targets.

Canada has accused Indian agents of collaborating with the Lawrence Bishnoi gang to target pro-Khalistan elements on its soil. The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) linked the agents to criminal activities, including the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Ottawa also claimed that the Indian government refused to cooperate with its investigation. Meanwhile, India demanded evidence, rejecting the accusations as baseless and politically motivated. The controversy arises as Bishnoi, currently in a Gujarat jail, is under investigation in India for his role in the murder of NCP leader Baba Siddique.

The UK, Italy, France, and Germany have condemned Israeli attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, stating that such actions violate international humanitarian law. In a joint statement, the four nations emphasized the critical role of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in maintaining stability. Reports indicate that the Israeli military has targeted UNIFIL forces while conducting operations against Hezbollah. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have resulted in significant civilian casualties, with a recent attack on a school sheltering displaced Palestinians killing at least 22, including 15 children, further escalating the humanitarian crisis.

At least 10 people were killed by Israeli artillery at a food distribution center in Jabalia refugee camp, northern Gaza, as Israeli forces continue their ground offensive. The UNRWA confirmed the incident, stating that the shells hit while people gathered for food handouts. Israel's military said it was investigating, emphasizing that its operations target “terror cells” in the area. Thousands of civilians remain trapped in northern Gaza, as humanitarian services, including food and water supplies, have been cut off. Over 42,280 people have died in Gaza since the conflict began.

In a chilling court confession, Sara Sharif's father, Urfan Sharif, told police, "I've killed my daughter," after fleeing to Pakistan. He claimed he "legally punished" 10-year-old Sara, leading to her death. Sara’s body, discovered in her Woking home in August 2023, showed signs of weeks of brutal abuse, including broken bones, burns, and bite marks. A note left by Sharif stated, "I lost it… my intention was not to kill her." Sharif, alongside Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, and uncle, Faisal Malik, is on trial for murder. All three deny the charges.

Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has called on the European Union to suspend its free trade agreement with Israel due to its actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Both Spain and Ireland have advocated for months to review the EU-Israel Association Agreement, citing possible human rights violations. Ireland's Foreign Minister Micheal Martin accused Israel of attempting to remove UN peacekeepers to act freely in Lebanon. Martin emphasized the need for international oversight, stating that Israel’s actions undermine the UN and international law. UNIFIL troops have reportedly faced multiple attacks from Israel in recent days.    

Israel escalated its conflict with Hezbollah, killing 18 people in a strike on the Christian-majority town of Aitou in northern Lebanon. This is the first major strike outside of Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Lebanon. Israel has also ordered the evacuation of residents in 25 southern Lebanese villages as it intensifies military operations against Hezbollah. The conflict, which resumed last year, continues to escalate, involving extensive Hezbollah tunnel networks. The United Nations peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL) have reported multiple attacks on their bases by Israeli forces, raising concerns about violations of international law.

Sergei Skripal, the former Russian double agent who survived a Novichok poisoning in 2018, has blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for ordering the attack. Skripal, who sold Russian secrets to Britain, made the accusation during an inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, an unwitting victim of the nerve agent. In his statement, Skripal claimed that Putin is "very interested in poison" and enjoys reading books about it. While Skripal offered no concrete evidence, he said he believes Putin must have given permission for the attack. Three Russian intelligence officers have been charged in the case but remain at large.

After 20 years of research, scientists have confirmed that the remains found in Seville’s Cathedral belong to famed explorer Christopher Columbus. Using advanced DNA technology, researchers matched the bones to Columbus' descendants, solving the 500-year-old mystery of his final resting place. Columbus' body had been moved several times after his death in 1506, making it difficult to confirm his burial site. The study, led by forensic scientist Miguel Lorente, used DNA from Columbus’ brother and son to achieve a match. The discovery will be featured in a TVE program, also addressing questions about Columbus' nationality.

China has launched military drills around Taiwan, deploying warships and fighter jets as a warning to Taiwan's independence movement. The United States called these actions "unwarranted" and urged restraint, warning of possible escalation. Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te vowed to protect the island's sovereignty, as the drills took place to the north, south, and east of the island. Taiwan's defense ministry responded with appropriate forces. China described the drills as necessary to safeguard its sovereignty. The situation remains tense, with both sides closely monitoring each other.