Google terminated 28 employees for participating in sit-in protests against the company's cloud project with the Israeli government. The protests, involving nine arrests, occurred in New York and California. Chris Rackow, Google's head of security, condemned the behavior as disruptive and threatening, emphasizing a zero-tolerance policy. The terminated employees had their access to systems revoked. The protests targeted Google's $1.2 billion contract, demanding withdrawal. Rackow issued a stern warning to all employees, reaffirming adherence to company policies. The contract, known as Nimbus, was signed in 2021.

Ukraine's Prime Minister, Denys Shmyhal, warns of a potential Third World War if Ukraine loses its conflict with Russia, urging swift passage of a long-stalled $61bn foreign aid bill by the US Congress. The aid includes crucial support for Kyiv amidst escalating tensions. Congressional impasse has hindered Ukraine's ability to combat Russian forces, leading to battlefield retreats and mounting casualties. President Biden pledges immediate enactment of the aid package to reinforce US support. Ukraine's dependency on Western assistance highlights the urgent need for international solidarity in the face of geopolitical turmoil.

The United Nations Security Council is set to vote on a Palestinian request for full U.N. membership, a move likely to be blocked by the U.S. due to its recognition of a Palestinian state. Scheduled for Friday, the resolution recommends admitting the State of Palestine to the U.N. While it may garner support from up to 13 council members, a U.S. veto is anticipated. The U.S. insists on direct negotiations for Palestinian statehood, opposing U.N. intervention. Palestinians seek recognition for statehood, amidst ongoing conflict with Israel and settlement expansions in the West Bank.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel will independently determine its reaction to Iran's recent air assault, dismissing allies' pleas for caution. Netanyahu's declaration comes amidst mounting diplomatic pressures urging restraint following Iran's attack, which left Israeli soldiers injured. Despite support from allies like the UK and Germany, Netanyahu affirmed Israel's resolve to defend itself autonomously. Tensions between Israel and Iran escalate as President Biden imposes new sanctions on Iran and refrains from supporting offensive actions. With Israel's response pending, the region braces for potential escalation, risking a broader conflict.

Children's doctors push for making smacking children illegal in England and Northern Ireland, citing current laws as "unjust and dangerously vague." The report highlights lasting mental and physical effects on children. While Scotland and Wales have already prohibited corporal punishment, England and Northern Ireland allow parents to claim "reasonable punishment." The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health urges equal protection for children and emphasizes the harmful impacts of smacking. Experts urge political parties to remove the "reasonable punishment" defense from their manifestos. The UK government states no plans for law change but monitors Scotland and Wales' actions.

Former UN employee Emma Reilly alleges UN bias towards China, including bribery of UNGA presidents and Covid report editing. Evidence presented to UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee highlights China's influence on UN decisions. Reilly claims China's secret conditions on funds and advance info on human rights activists. NGO delegates allegedly faced repercussions, including harassment and death. Reports on Covid origins allegedly downplayed lab leak possibility. UK Parliament inquiry examines international relations in multilateral system. UN Secretary-General criticized for alleged inaction.

Russian military has suffered over 50,000 fatalities, marking a significant increase over time. This data comes from rigorous monitoring by BBC Russian and other sources. The strategy known as the "meat grinder" involves continuous waves of soldiers, contributing to the rising death toll. Many new graves in Russian cemeteries indicate the scale of losses. The tactic relies heavily on recruits, including prisoners, with limited training. Families express shock at loved ones' rapid deployment and insufficient equipment. Despite the staggering toll, Russia declines to comment on the escalating human cost of the conflict.

The National Center of Meteorology refutes claims of cloud seeding preceding heavy storms in the UAE, including the recent deluge in Dubai. Deputy Director General Omar AlYazeedi asserts no seeding operations occurred during the event, emphasizing the need to target clouds before rainfall. With rainfall hitting record levels, the NCM attributes the storm to natural causes. Cloud seeding has long been part of the UAE's water management strategy, but safety remains paramount, and operations are avoided during extreme weather. The country faces increasing precipitation due to climate change, prompting warnings from authorities and a call for adherence to safety measures.

Canada unveils plans to introduce halal mortgages for Muslims and implements a two-year ban on foreign investors purchasing residential property. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau aims to enhance homeownership opportunities, particularly for the Muslim community, through Sharia-compliant financing. The ban on foreign buyers, effective until 2027, seeks to address housing affordability and prevent speculation. The budget, presented by Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, projects a $39.8 billion deficit for fiscal 2024-25. Tax fairness measures accompany new spending of $53 billion over five years, prioritizing support for renters and first-time homebuyers, especially Millennials and Generation Z.

Former UK Prime Minister and UK foreign secretary David Cameron implores Israeli leaders to exercise caution in response to heightened tensions in the Middle East. Visiting Jerusalem, Cameron met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, advocating for a measured Israeli reaction to Iran's recent missile and drone attack. Expressing solidarity with Israel, Cameron emphasized the importance of avoiding actions that could escalate regional conflict. He stressed the need for a strategic and prudent approach, urging a focus on addressing pressing humanitarian issues in Gaza. Western allies, including the UK, are coordinating efforts to deter further escalation and curb Iran's influence.