A Hezbollah rocket fired from Lebanon struck a football pitch in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, killing 11 youths aged 10 to 20. This attack follows an Israeli strike that killed four Hezbollah fighters. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised a harsh response, calling it the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since October 7. The attack also wounded 19 others. Hezbollah denied involvement, while Israel vowed to hold the group accountable. The incident marks a severe escalation amid ongoing cross-border violence.

A quarter of Eurostar trains were cancelled over the weekend after arson attacks disrupted France's high-speed rail network. The coordinated attacks occurred ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, affecting travel to and from the UK, Belgium, and within France. Eurostar urged passengers to postpone trips, with delays of up to three hours expected. The disruptions impacted 800,000 travelers, including Team GB athletes and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who flew to Paris instead. Repairs are underway, but the disruption is expected to last through Monday.

Former Home Secretary Dame Priti Patel announced her candidacy for Conservative Party leadership, emphasizing unity and resilience. Patel criticized the party's recent defeat on July 4, attributing it to political infighting. As the first woman in the race, she joins Mel Stride, Tom Tugendhat, James Cleverly, and Robert Jenrick. Patel promises to bring "authentic" conservative values and empower party members in policymaking. Stressing her experience, she aims to make the party "match fit" for the next election. Shadow Communities Secretary Kemi Badenoch and Suella Braverman are also expected to join the race.

At least 10 people, mostly children, were killed and 13 others wounded when a rocket struck a football pitch in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The attack targeted the Druze village of Majdal Shams and follows an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon that killed three Hezbollah members. Witnesses reported severe destruction and numerous casualties at the scene. The Israeli military blames Hezbollah for the attack, though the group denies responsibility. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening security meetings in response, while Lebanon condemns the violence and calls for an end to hostilities.

On July 27, Russian Baltic Fleet ships, including the training ship Smolny, patrol ship Neustrashimiy, and oil tanker Yelnya, arrived in Havana, Cuba. This visit follows a month after a Russian naval strike group, featuring the nuclear submarine Kazan, docked in Cuba, conducting drills in the Caribbean. The Cuban Defense Ministry highlighted the visit as a symbol of robust ties and ongoing cooperation. The Russian crew will meet Cuban officials and allow public tours of the Smolny. This naval activity underscores Russia's efforts to bolster military alliances amid global isolation due to the Ukraine conflict.

US Vice President Kamala Harris has significantly narrowed the gap against Donald Trump in the race for the presidency, recent polls reveal. According to the Wall Street Journal, Harris trails Trump by just 2 percentage points, with a 49% to 47% split. A New York Times/Siena College poll also shows a close contest, with Trump at 48% and Harris at 47%. Harris has gained substantial support from non-white voters and key Democratic constituencies, boosting her standing after President Joe Biden's exit from the race. Harris officially declared her candidacy on Saturday, pledging to win every vote.

France endured a second day of severe train disruptions following sabotage attacks that crippled the rail network ahead of the Paris Olympics. The SNCF reported that nearly one-third of trains in northern, western, and eastern France were cancelled, impacting around 160,000 out of 800,000 expected travelers this weekend. Eurostar services between London and Paris also suffered. Authorities have yet to identify the perpetrators but are investigating the attacks on crucial cabling. Despite efforts, the SNCF expects normal service to resume by Monday, though disruptions will continue into Sunday.

At least 30 Palestinians were killed, and over 100 wounded, in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Deir al-Balah, Gaza. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a Hamas command center inside the school compound, allegedly used for launching attacks and storing weapons. Despite warnings to civilians, the attack resulted in significant casualties. This incident highlights ongoing concerns about disproportionate force and civilian safety in the conflict. Earlier, strikes in Khan Younis and Rafah killed 23 more Palestinians, as the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues.

As the world's attention turns to Paris for the Olympics, a coordinated sabotage effort has struck France's train network. The attacks on three TGV lines and a thwarted fourth attempt have raised concerns about security and disruption. With hundreds of thousands of passengers impacted, including international leaders like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, the incident highlights vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure. As investigators work to identify those responsible, the focus remains on restoring services and ensuring safety for the influx of Olympic visitors.

US Vice President Kamala Harris has officially announced her candidacy for the 2024 presidential election. She made the declaration on social media, stating she will work hard to earn every vote. Harris's bid follows President Joe Biden's withdrawal from the race, with Biden endorsing her candidacy. Former President Barack Obama has also expressed support for Harris. With their backing, Harris is now a key contender in the Democratic field. Her campaign will focus on a people-powered approach, aiming for a November win. Harris is the first major Democrat to formally enter the presidential race.