The UN has condemned the high civilian death toll in Gaza, revealing that nearly 70% of the victims over a six-month period were women and children. The UN's Human Rights Office verified the deaths of 8,119 people, finding that 44% were children and 26% were women. This staggering figure was attributed to Israel’s use of wide-area weapons in densely populated areas, though some deaths also resulted from Palestinian armed groups. The report highlights severe violations of international law and calls for accountability, as the conflict has caused immense human suffering, particularly in northern Gaza.

Japan’s Kyoto University has successfully launched the world’s first wooden satellite, LignoSat, aboard a SpaceX rocket from NASA's Kennedy Space Center. The 10 cm box-like satellite, designed as part of a resupply mission to the International Space Station, is made of wood and aims to burn up upon re-entry into Earth's atmosphere. This innovative approach could help reduce metal particle generation when satellites are decommissioned, potentially minimizing environmental and telecommunications risks. The satellite will be tested in space for durability, with data sent back to researchers to assess its resilience to temperature extremes and other stresses.

Israeli soccer fans attending the Europa League match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax Amsterdam in the Netherlands faced violent assaults by an alleged pro-Palestinian mob. Following the game, fans were targeted in various Amsterdam locations, with attackers chanting “Free Palestine” and hurling insults in Arabic. The assault left at least 10 Israelis injured, two reportedly missing, and some robbed of passports. In response, Israel’s PM Netanyahu dispatched two planes to evacuate the fans and called on Dutch authorities for urgent protection. Israel’s Foreign Ministry advised citizens in the Netherlands to remain indoors as officials condemned the violence as anti-Semitic.

Donald Trump’s transition team has begun vetting candidates for key roles in his upcoming administration. His first official appointment is campaign co-manager Susie Wiles as White House chief of staff, marking her as the first woman in the role. High-profile supporters Elon Musk, RFK Jr., and Mike Pompeo are also being considered for cabinet and agency positions. Musk may lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, while RFK Jr. could handle public health issues. Former CIA Director Pompeo, a loyal Trump ally, is a likely candidate for defense secretary. Trump aims to assemble a team prioritizing efficiency and loyalty.

Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that India deserves recognition as a global superpower, highlighting its rapid economic growth, population, and cultural heritage. Addressing the Valdai Discussion Club in Sochi, Putin emphasized the deepening trust and collaboration between Russia and India, particularly in security and defense, citing the joint BrahMos missile project as an example. He affirmed that Russia’s relationship with India continues to grow, driven by mutual interests. While acknowledging tensions between India and China, Putin expressed hope for peaceful resolutions, praising leaders on both sides for their diplomatic efforts to address border issues.

Violence erupted in Amsterdam following the Ajax vs. Maccabi Tel Aviv football match, resulting in 57 arrests and multiple injuries. The chaos began hours before the game as Israeli supporters gathered in the city center, with further arrests made during a demonstration against the Tel Aviv team's arrival and after the match as hooligans targeted Israeli fans. Footage showed Israeli supporters pulling down a Palestinian flag and anti-Arab chants being hurled. The Israeli military has dispatched two planes to Amsterdam to rescue injured citizens. Ajax won the match 5-0 at the Johan Cruyff Arena.

Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla, has predicted that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will lose his position in the upcoming federal election, scheduled for October 2025. Musk made this statement on social media platform X, responding to a user's plea for help in removing Trudeau from office. The conversation began when a Swedish journalist posted about the collapse of Germany's socialist government, prompting Musk to comment, "He will be gone in the upcoming election". Trudeau's minority government status and declining popularity may contribute to his potential downfall. Musk's prediction follows his support for Donald Trump's successful US presidential campaign.

Israel has dispatched a rescue team to Amsterdam after a violent incident targeted its citizens following a soccer match between Maccabi Tel Aviv and Ajax. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed two rescue planes to Amsterdam, urging the Dutch government to take swift action against the rioters. The National Security Ministry advised Israeli citizens in Amsterdam to stay in their hotel rooms due to the attacks. Testimonies from Maccabi Tel Aviv fans indicate the attacks were planned, with Arabs gathering in groups and targeting Israelis with knives and clubs. The incident has sparked international concern, with 57 arrests made so far.

Spanish authorities have seized 13 tonnes of cocaine, valued at £659m, in the country's largest anti-narcotics operation. The drugs were hidden in a banana shipment from Ecuador, intercepted at Algeciras port. Wholesale value is estimated at £387.5m. The operation, also the EU's second-largest, targeted a container from Guayaquil, Ecuador. Authorities released footage of the raid, showcasing the massive haul. This seizure disrupts international drug trafficking and demonstrates Spain's commitment to combating organized crime. Investigations are ongoing, with the operation marking a significant milestone in the fight against narcotics trafficking in Europe and globally.

In response to Donald Trump's presidential victory, some liberal women are joining a sex strike, drawing inspiration from South Korea's "4B" movement, which advocates for abstaining from dating, sex, marriage, and childbearing with men. This movement gained traction after Trump's win over Kamala Harris, who aimed to make the election a referendum on abortion. The strike is a form of protest against Trump's stance on women's rights and reproductive issues. Women participating in the movement are making a bold statement, using their personal relationships as a means to express dissent and challenge the president's policies.