Israel captures Beaufort Castle as Lebanon offensive deepens
Israel has seized the strategic Beaufort Castle in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in its campaign against Hezbollah.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister, described the capture as a “decisive shift” in military strategy, while the Israeli army expanded evacuation orders across southern Lebanon. Lebanese officials accused Israel of imposing collective punishment as fears of a broader conflict grow.
Blast in Myanmar village kills at least 55
A massive explosion in insurgent-controlled Shan State, Myanmar, has killed at least 55 people and injured dozens more. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) said explosives used for mining and quarrying detonated accidentally in Kaung Tat village. Images from the scene showed widespread destruction, with homes reduced to rubble.
Brazil investigates possible Ebola cases
Brazilian health authorities are monitoring two suspected Ebola cases in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro involving travellers from DR Congo and Uganda. Both patients have tested positive for other illnesses, but officials say Ebola has not been ruled out. If confirmed, they would be the first Ebola cases detected outside Africa since the current outbreak began.
Oil rises as Israel advances in Lebanon
Global oil prices climbed more than 2 percent on Monday after Israel expanded its ground operations in Lebanon, raising concerns over regional instability. Brent crude rose above $93 a barrel, while US crude approached $90, reversing some losses recorded after optimism over US-Iran diplomacy.
Washington chemical plant disaster death toll rises to 11
Authorities in Washington state have recovered the bodies of all nine missing workers following a chemical tank rupture at a paper manufacturing facility. The disaster has now claimed 11 lives. Officials said contamination entered the Columbia River, though no immediate threats to drinking water or air quality have been detected.
AFRICA
Africa CDC reports 263 confirmed Ebola cases in Congo and Uganda
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says 263 confirmed Ebola cases and 43 deaths have been recorded across DR Congo and Uganda. More than 1,100 suspected cases remain under investigation as health officials warn the outbreak is spreading faster than response efforts.
DR Congo Ebola cases climb to 282
Authorities in DR Congo reported 19 new confirmed Ebola infections, bringing the total number of cases to 282. Most infections remain concentrated in Ituri province, the epicentre of the outbreak, with additional cases reported in North and South Kivu.
Ghana parliament approves anti LGBTQ bill
Ghana’s parliament has passed legislation criminalising the promotion of LGBTQ activities. The bill, backed by religious groups and conservative lawmakers, now awaits President John Dramani Mahama’s decision on whether to sign it into law.
Kenya arrests eight students over deadly school fire
Kenyan police have arrested eight students suspected of involvement in an arson attack at a girls’ boarding school in Gilgil that killed 16 students and injured 79 others. Investigators said preliminary findings suggest some teachers were warned of the alleged plot but failed to act.
