A massive fire broke out at the newly constructed Oceana water park in Gothenburg, Sweden, causing chaos and destruction. Sixteen individuals sustained minor injuries, and one person is reported missing. The cause of the blaze remains unknown. The fire quickly spread through several yet-to-be-opened waterslides, with witnesses capturing harrowing footage of the flames and explosions. The water park, set to open later this year, was part of an expansion of the Liseberg Amusement Park. Authorities evacuated nearby buildings and urged residents to stay indoors due to thick smoke. Firefighters continue to battle the blaze as investigations into the incident are ongoing.          

US President Joe Biden faced online trolling and criticism following a public appearance with Jordan's King Abdullah II at the White House. During the event, Biden appeared momentarily disoriented, prompting scrutiny over his cognitive abilities. Video footage capturing the moment circulated widely on social media platforms, with some Republicans seizing the opportunity to question Biden's fitness for office. Former Trump administration officials and political commentators joined in, mocking Biden's demeanor. The incident reignited concerns about Biden's mental acuity, with recent reports highlighting lapses in memory. Public surveys consistently reflect skepticism about Biden's suitability for the presidency, further intensifying as the election draws near.

President Biden emphasizes the need to safeguard civilians in Rafah, Gaza, as Israel considers expanding its ground operation. With over a million Palestinians densely packed in Rafah, Biden insists on credible efforts to ensure their safety amidst heavy airstrikes and looming military action. International concerns mount, with warnings of devastating consequences and calls for restraint from key allies like the UK and the EU. Hamas warns of potential casualties in the tens of thousands and jeopardizing hostage negotiations. The death toll rises, with over 164 Palestinians killed and nearly 68,000 wounded since the conflict erupted, highlighting the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to prevent further bloodshed.

A man in his 40s was arrested in London after allegedly threatening passengers and a bus driver with an unknown substance, leading to a three-hour standoff with police. The incident occurred on the 109 bus in Brixton, prompting police intervention in Thornton Heath. Police, dressed in chemical suits, surrounded the bus as passengers evacuated. The substance was later determined to be non-corrosive, and the man was arrested after being tasered. He was subsequently taken to hospital, with police suspecting drug use. No hostages were reported, and the man faces charges of affray. His condition is deemed non-life-threatening.

As Pakistan grapples with its post-election landscape, talks between traditional powerhouses PML-N and PPP have emerged to form a coalition, sidelining PTI-backed independents despite winning the most seats. Imran Khan's PTI, whose candidates secured 95 seats, faces challenges as Khan remains jailed and the party was barred from direct contesting. Election integrity concerns linger, with internet blackouts and vote count delays fueling suspicion. Analysts predict PTI may form a robust opposition instead. Amid uncertainty, analyst Ayesha Jalal warns of a tricky post-election political crisis, emphasizing the challenges of managing coalitions and their impact on economic reforms.          

Despite tacit army support, Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PMLN) faces defeat in Pakistan's general elections, as reported by Al Jazeera. Sharif's party, once favored for victory, secures only 75 seats in the national assembly, trailing PTI-backed independents by 20 seats. Sharif, aiming for coalition partners, acknowledges the need for support to form a government. Analysts attribute PMLN's decline to the fallout from their alliance with PPP under the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM), economic challenges, and failure to adapt to shifting public opinion. The election outcome exacerbates Pakistan's political and economic turmoil, prompting calls for Sharif to gracefully concede and engage with PTI for stability.

Israel successfully conducts a rescue operation in Rafah, Gaza, freeing two Israeli-Argentine hostages, Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har, amid intense air strikes. The hostages, from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak, were found in good medical condition and taken to Sheba Medical Center. The operation involved heavy exchanges of fire, with Israeli forces engaging multiple locations simultaneously. Conflicting reports on Palestinian casualties emerged, with estimates ranging from 50 to 100 people killed. The rescue follows warnings from the international community against Israel's planned offensive in Rafah, where 1.5 million seek refuge. Despite calls for caution, Israel plans to proceed with its operation, sparking concerns about civilian safety and potential casualties.

Yemen's Houthis reportedly targeted a cargo ship in the Red Sea bound for Iran, said analysts. The vessel, identified as the Star Iris, was allegedly attacked while transporting corn from Brazil to Iran. While a US defence official stated the ship was likely targeted but not hit, maritime specialists suggested damage occurred with no casualties. The Houthis' action is seen as an independent move, signaling their control, analysts noted. Previous attacks on international shipping prompted route diversions, with warplanes conducting retaliatory strikes. Iranian officials haven't commented, and the ship is now proceeding to its destination.

NATO issued a strong rebuke against former US President Donald Trump, criticizing remarks made at a South Carolina rally where he suggested letting Russia act freely against NATO members failing to meet defense payment obligations. Trump's stance, decried by the White House as "appalling and unhinged," prompted concerns about potential US military withdrawal support for Ukraine if he is re-elected. President Joe Biden, seeking to reassure NATO allies, recently signed a defense bill to prevent unilateral withdrawal. NATO emphasized its commitment to defending all allies, while Trump's comments continue to stir uncertainty about the alliance's future.

Britain's King Charles appeared in public for the first time since his cancer diagnosis, attending church with wife Camilla. Wearing a brown overcoat, the king waved to well-wishers at St Mary Magdalene church in Sandringham. He expressed gratitude to supporters and plans to continue private duties during treatment. The unspecified cancer was discovered during a hospital stay for a benign prostate procedure. While some public engagements are postponed, King Charles remains committed to monarch responsibilities. Diagnosed less than 18 months into his reign, details of the cancer remain undisclosed.