For the first time in Gaza—and the broader Middle East—the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has officially declared famine in the Gaza City region, affecting over half a million people suffering from starvation, destitution, and death . The UN agencies FAO, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO stress that this is a fully man-made crisis and call for an immediate ceasefire and massive humanitarian aid access to halt further deaths . Famine is projected to spread rapidly to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis by late September, potentially engulfing up to a third of Gaza’s population . In Gaza’s North, conditions are as severe—or worse—but lack of data has prevented formal classification, underscoring the need for urgent access and comprehensive assessments. (PC: BBC)

Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning to Hamas, declaring that “the gates of hell will soon open” if the group does not accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war. Katz stated Gaza City could face destruction similar to Rafah and Beit Hanoun. His remarks followed Prime Minister Netanyahu’s announcement of a major military operation to capture Gaza City. Israel demands the release of all hostages and Hamas’s full disarmament. Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire proposal from Arab mediators but refuses to disarm without a Palestinian state. Israeli officials remain skeptical, citing past failed negotiations. Humanitarian groups warn of worsening crisis amid escalating tensions. (PC: Al Jazeera)

The Trump administration has suspended the issuance of H-2B worker visas for foreign commercial truck drivers, citing public safety concerns. Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced the immediate halt, warning that foreign drivers operating large trucks endanger American lives and undercut domestic truckers. The move follows a fatal Florida crash involving Harjinder Singh, an undocumented driver now charged with vehicular homicide. An investigation is underway into regulatory lapses. Additionally, over 55 million visa holders are being vetted for deportable offenses. The administration also reinstated strict English proficiency enforcement, disqualifying over 3,000 drivers. These actions reflect a broader crackdown on immigration and transportation safety. (PC: Wikipedia)

Ukraine faced one of the heaviest Russian attacks in weeks, with 574 drones and 40 missiles launched overnight. Ukrainian officials said 1 person was killed in Lviv and 15 injured in Transcarpathia, where a US electronics firm was hit. The air force claimed 577 incoming weapons were intercepted. Hypersonic, cruise and ballistic missiles were used, with strikes from Russia, Crimea and the Black Sea. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine was ready to meet Vladimir Putin in neutral Europe, but ruled out Budapest. The strikes came as Donald Trump led diplomatic efforts to end the war. (PC: BBC)

Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), led by Masood Azhar, is raising PKR 3.91 billion through digital wallets to rebuild terror bases destroyed in India’s Operation Sindoor. The outfit plans to set up 313 new camps across Pakistan. Investigators say the group now moves 80% of its funds through mobile wallets, bypassing Financial Action Task Force (FATF) checks. Many donations come from Gulf countries. Sources claim funds are also being used for weapons, including drones. Indian security agencies warn JeM is decentralising camps to avoid future strikes. This exposes Pakistan’s hollow FATF compliance and highlights ISI’s backing of terror financing networks. (PC: HT)

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Thursday that negotiations will begin to free hostages held in Gaza and end the ongoing war. “These two things – defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages – go hand in hand,” he said. Israeli forces have advanced to the outskirts of Gaza City, with more troops joining the operation. Mediators from Egypt and Qatar are working on proposals for indirect talks. Netanyahu stressed that all hostages must be freed for the conflict to end. No timeline was provided, and details of the negotiations remain limited. (PC: Reuters)

The UK has summoned Israel’s ambassador after final approval was given for a controversial settlement plan in the West Bank. The project, known as the E1 settlement, will add about 3,500 homes east of Jerusalem and could cut the West Bank in two. Britain, along with 21 other nations, condemned the decision, calling it a clear breach of international law and a major threat to a two-state solution. The UN also warned the plan would “drive a stake through the heart” of peace efforts. Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich said the move was meant to erase the idea of a Palestinian state. (PC: Reuters)

Rajesh Sakriya Khimjibhai, 41, from Rajkot, attacked Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during a Jan Sunwai event on Wednesday. Police said he told them he acted over the lives of three lakh stray dogs after a Supreme Court order. Khimjibhai, an autorickshaw driver with a criminal record including assault and bootlegging, is in custody. An attempt-to-murder case has been registered. CM Gupta described the attack as a “cowardly attempt” but said she is recovering. Police continue to verify his motive and are working with Gujarat authorities to investigate his background and actions. (PC: HT)

Hurricane Erin battered the Outer Banks with strong winds and high waves, flooding Highway 12 and surging under beachfront homes, officials said. Tropical storm conditions also affected parts of Virginia. Authorities closed beaches in New York, New Jersey, Maryland, and Delaware due to dangerous rip currents. Waves over 20 feet hit North Carolina, causing coastal flooding and threatening erosion-damaged homes. Despite evacuation orders, most residents stayed. Officials warned that the storm could regain strength and become a major hurricane but is expected to move out to sea. Rescuers saved dozens of people caught in rip currents this week. (PC: NDTV)

Russia launched 574 drones and 40 missiles on Ukraine, hitting western cities including Lviv and Transcarpathia, Ukrainian officials said. One person died and 18 were injured as residential buildings and a US electronics firm were damaged. Ukraine’s air force said it intercepted 577 of 614 attacks. President Zelensky expressed willingness to meet Putin in neutral Europe but ruled out Budapest due to Hungarian ties with Moscow. The strikes come amid US-led diplomatic efforts to end the war. Ukraine also struck Russian facilities in Rostov and Donetsk. The attacks mark the largest bombardment since July, highlighting the urgent need for stronger air defenses. (PC: BBC)