United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres declared “I will not give up” appealing for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, despite the UN Security Council recently “failing” to pass a resolution demanding truce amid Israel’s devastating military campaign. “Regrettably, the Security Council failed to do it, but that does not make it less necessary,” Guterres affirmed. The stalemate erodes UN credibility as Gaza verges on “hell on earth” per the UN Palestinian aid chief. Meanwhile, Jordan's foreign minister charged Israel is stoking “an amount of hatred” that will “haunt the region" and “define generations.” Guterres remains undeterred, insisting "I urged the Security Council to press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and I reiterated my appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire.”

As Israel continues its massive air and ground offensive in Gaza, its forces pushed further south on Sunday into Khan Yunis and Rafah near the Egyptian border. With few safe refuge options left, over 17,700 displaced Gaza civilians, mainly women and children, have flooded local hospitals. Gaza's health ministry reported over 130 bodies arrived at just two hospitals in one day amid intense bombardment. Aid groups warn of an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe, calling the situation "apocalyptic" with severe shortages of water, food and medicine. Israel has vowed to root out Hamas militants who killed over 1,200 Israelis in October border attacks. But children now endure "another death sentence" per UNICEF as Gaza verges on healthcare system collapse.

A 4.8-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan on Sunday morning, the National Center for Seismology confirmed. The quake occurred at 09:08:17 IST at a depth of 90 kilometers. This marks the latest seismic activity in Afghanistan over the past few months, following a 4.6-magnitude tremor on October 13th at 50 kilometers depth. Earlier on August 5, an earthquake of magnitude 5.8 jolted Afghanistan on Saturday, the National Center for Seismology reported. It took place at 9.31pm, at a depth of 181 Km.

Former President Donald Trump has overtaken a narrow lead over President Joe Biden in recent 2024 election polls, according to a new Wall Street Journal survey. The poll shows Trump ahead by 4 percentage points, 47% to 43%, the first time he has held an advantage over Biden. Biden's approval rating has simultaneously hit its lowest point yet during his presidency. When including potential third-party candidates, Trump's lead widens to 6 points. The poll results may raise concerns among Democrats about Biden's chances for reelection, especially given his age and his son's recent tax indictment. However, some advise not to overinterpret the data this early in the election cycle. Ultimately, much could change before November 2024.

University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill resigned on Saturday following widespread criticism of her response to questions about antisemitism during recent congressional testimony. Magill, along with Harvard and MIT presidents, declined to definitively state if calling for genocide of Jews would breach university policies on bullying and harassment. In a video message Wednesday, Magill expressed regret and promised a code of conduct review. Scott Bok, chair of Penn's board of trustees, said Magill will remain a tenured faculty member at the law school. Magill faced heavy backlash for saying it would depend on context whether antisemitic speech targeting individuals violated policies, rather than outright condemning such rhetoric.

As Israel vowed to continue its offensive, thousands of Gazans took refuge in the bombed-out Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City on Saturday. At least 17,700 people, mostly women and children, have died in two months of fighting in the narrow strip of territory. The U.S. blocked a UN ceasefire resolution on Friday, drawing condemnation but support from Israel's Prime Minister. "I very much appreciate the correct stance the US took at the United Nations Security Council," Benjamin Netanyahu said in a video statement. With the Gaza hospital no longer functioning after an Israeli raid, hundreds sheltered in makeshift tents amid the ruins. Aid groups warn of an "apocalyptic" humanitarian disaster unfolding.

A political impasse in Washington D.C. has stalled a crucial $110 billion aid package for Ukraine. Ukraine's first lady Olena Zelenska pleaded to the international community not to let the funding lapse, stating "it is a matter of life for us." The package also included support for Israel and other national security priorities. However, Republican senators blocked the passage of the bill in Congress. President Biden warned that failing to provide further military and financial aid to Ukraine risks allowing Russia to gain the upper hand. With the war over 650 days in, Ukraine continues to face attacks even as the frontlines remain largely static. Zelenska urged the world not to lose the "passionate willingness to help," saying if support fades, "they will simply let us die." [Photo courtesy: htTweets/X]

The Biden administration has invoked emergency authority, allowing the immediate sale of 14,000 tank shells worth $106.5 million to Israel, bypassing congressional review. The move, part of a larger $500 million package for 45,000 shells, raises concerns about U.S. support for Israel's offensive in Gaza. Rights advocates question the alignment with efforts to minimize civilian casualties. Secretary of State Antony Blinken justifies the sale, citing national security interests. The tank cartridges, including High Explosive Anti-Tank Multi-Purpose with Tracer rounds, aim to enhance Israel's deterrent capabilities. The decision sparks debate over the U.S.'s role in the intensifying conflict.

The United States vetoed a U.N. Security Council resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza on Friday, as Israel's military offensive against Hamas entered its third month. The resolution, proposed by the U.N. Secretary-General amid a deepening humanitarian crisis, was blocked by the U.S., with Deputy Representative Robert Wood calling it "divorced from reality." Meanwhile, the death toll rose to over 17,000 in Gaza, mostly women and children, and 91 in Israel. Israel vowed to eradicate Hamas after its October attack that killed 1,200 Israelis. The U.S. supplies billions in military aid to Israel annually. Its veto came despite warnings from the W.H.O. that Gaza's civilisation is collapsing.

Turkey expresses "complete disappointment" after the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for an immediate Gaza ceasefire. Turkish President Erdogan criticizes the UNSC, branding it the 'Israel protection council.' Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan emphasizes global isolation for the US on this matter. The US and Israel argue against a ceasefire, citing potential benefits to Hamas. President Erdogan questions the fairness of the UNSC, declaring it an 'Israel protection and defence council' since October 7. Tensions rise as Turkey challenges the US stance on Gaza, asserting a need for an alternative global approach.