Tensions between Washington and Tel Aviv have deepened as US officials described Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu as a “madman,” criticizing his relentless airstrikes in Gaza and Syria. Axios reported President Donald Trump called Netanyahu after Israel’s strike on Gaza’s only Catholic church, demanding an explanation. A US official said, “Bibi bombs everything… this could undermine what Trump is trying to do.” Despite Netanyahu praising Trump during his US visit, skepticism within the White House grows over Israel’s aggression. Officials warned Netanyahu’s actions risk destabilizing US efforts to manage Middle East tensions. Israel has not officially responded. (PC: HT)

At least 67 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces while waiting for UN aid trucks in northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN World Food Programme confirmed its convoy came under gunfire after crossing from Israel. Israel’s military claimed it only fired warning shots. Six more people were killed elsewhere seeking aid, with over 150 injured. Reports say Gaza’s hospitals are overwhelmed, with civilians starving. The Israeli military also issued new evacuation orders for Deir al-Balah. Over 58,895 people have died in Gaza since October 2023, the ministry said. (PC: BBC)

At least 3 people died after a ferry carrying around 280 passengers caught fire near Indonesia’s Talise Island on Sunday. The KM Barcelona VA was en route to Manado Port when the blaze broke out around 1:30 pm local time. Many passengers, including children, jumped into the sea to escape the flames. Rescuers and local fishing boats saved nearly 150 people, but others are feared trapped. Video footage showed thick black smoke rising from the ferry. Authorities suspect possible electrical faults or fuel leaks and have launched a probe. Survivors described scenes of panic as the fire spread rapidly. (PC: NDTV)

Israel has issued fresh evacuation orders for parts of central Gaza’s Deir al-Balah, urging civilians and displaced Palestinians to move towards al-Mawasi. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned of imminent operations, sparking fear among tens of thousands and families of Israeli hostages possibly held there. The IDF has conducted airstrikes but no ground invasion yet. Health officials reported over 40 killed near Gaza City’s Shifa Hospital as people waited for UN aid. Gaza’s health ministry says more than 58,895 people have died since the war began in October 2023. The UN warns Gaza faces starvation without urgent humanitarian aid. (PC: BBC)

Five powerful earthquakes struck near Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, Russia, within an hour, prompting a tsunami alert for Russia and Hawaii. The strongest quake, initially reported as magnitude 6.7, was upgraded to 7.4 by EMSC and USGS. All quakes occurred at depths of around 10 kilometers. The 7.4 magnitude quake, hitting at 0849 GMT, led the USGS to warn of hazardous tsunami waves within 300 kilometers of the epicenter. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation. No significant damage or casualties have been reported so far. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center and Russia’s Emergencies Ministry have issued alerts, urging coastal residents to remain vigilant. (PC: The Straits Times)

Delta Air Lines Flight DL446, a Boeing 767-400 bound for Atlanta, made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) after its left engine caught fire shortly after takeoff. Dramatic video footage captured flames mid-flight, prompting the crew to declare an emergency and return to LAX. Air Traffic Control coordinated the landing, and fire crews extinguished the blaze on the runway. No injuries were reported. The aircraft, nearly 25 years old and powered by GE CF6 engines, had climbed over the Pacific before circling back inland. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident. Delta confirmed the issue and is reviewing safety protocols following the scare.

In Syria’s Al-Suwayda province, the Druze community faces what it calls an “ethnic cleansing campaign” amid escalating violence. Over 940 people have died, including civilians, fighters, and government forces. Sectarian clashes erupted after a Druze vendor was attacked, spiraling into tit-for-tat detentions and executions. Interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly a terrorist leader, is accused of targeting Druze with Sunni Bedouin militias. Humiliations, such as forced moustache shaving, have intensified fears. Israel launched airstrikes to protect Druze civilians, while the U.S. brokered a ceasefire. Despite this, mortar attacks and looting persist. Over 87,000 have been displaced, and Druze leaders warn of extermination. (PC: Al Jazeera & NDTV)

New York mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani criticized the BBC for labeling Iran-backed groups like Houthis and Hamas, while omitting similar context for Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Mamdani questioned why terms like “US-backed IDF” or “indicted war criminal Netanyahu” are absent from BBC coverage. He reaffirmed Israel’s right to exist but condemned its Gaza offensive as genocide. Mamdani vowed to arrest Netanyahu under ICC law if elected. Donald Trump responded by calling Mamdani a “communist lunatic” and pledged to block his rise. Mamdani’s citizenship and outspoken views have sparked political clashes, amplifying tensions around media bias, Middle East policy, and identity politics. (PC: Bloomberg)

A SkyWest (Delta Connection) flight from Omaha to Detroit on July 17, 2025, made an emergency diversion to Cedar Rapids after passenger Mario Nikprelaj, 23, fought with a flight attendant and tried opening an emergency exit mid‑air. He reportedly threatened to kill the crew member. The pilot alerted air traffic control that the passenger was "in a fight with our flight attendant right now, trying to open the emergency exit" . Three crew and 67 passengers remained unharmed. On landing, Nikprelaj was arrested, facing federal charges including assault and interference with crew. The FBI is investigating; SkyWest reaffirmed its “zero‑tolerance” policy on unruly behavior. (PC: India Today)  

A Delta Air Lines Boeing 767‑400ER (flight DL446) departing LAX for Atlanta experienced an engine fire shortly after takeoff on July 18, 2025. Video captured flames erupting from the left-hand engine as the aircraft climbed to approximately 3,000 feet. The crew declared an emergency and executed an immediate return to Los Angeles, where fire crews extinguished the blaze upon landing. No injuries were reported. The FAA has launched an investigation into the incident. Delta has offered affected passengers travel vouchers and rebookings. The aircraft was a 24‑year‑old model powered by GE CF6‑80C2 engines.