Israeli forces kill 67 Palestinians seeking aid in northern Gaza, Hamas-run ministry says

At least 67 Palestinians were killed while waiting for UN aid trucks in northern Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN World Food Programme said its convoy was met by large crowds of hungry civilians who came under gunfire shortly after crossing into the territory.

The Israeli military claimed it fired warning shots to prevent a perceived threat and disputed the reported death toll. Gaza’s civil defence later said 93 people were killed across the Strip on Sunday, including 80 in the north, according to BBC.

Hospitals remain overwhelmed, with doctors warning of growing famine. One woman told BBC Arabic that people are surviving on “only water and salt”, and children are dying from hunger.

 

New Zealand, Canada settle dairy dispute under CPTPP

New Zealand and Canada have resolved a dairy trade dispute under the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), with the deal expected to boost New Zealand’s dairy exports by up to NZ$157m (US$93.8m) annually, according to Xinhua.

The dispute began in 2022 over Canada’s import restrictions, which a dispute panel found breached CPTPP rules. Canada agreed to revise its dairy quota system after New Zealand threatened tariffs in 2024.

The new arrangement improves market access, allows reallocation of unused quotas, and introduces penalties for misuse. New Zealand’s Trade Minister Todd McClay said the outcome reinforces fair trade and welcomed Canada’s cooperation, Xinhua reported.

 

Syrian presidency announces ceasefire after deadly sectarian clashes in south

Syria will deploy new forces to the south to stop deadly clashes between Druze and Bedouin groups, the presidency announced Friday. Interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa urged restraint and pledged to protect the Druze community, blaming “outlaw groups” for rejecting dialogue, according to BBC.

Over 700 people have died since violence erupted near Suweida on Sunday, with reports accusing government troops of killing civilians and carrying out extrajudicial executions.

Israel reportedly struck Syrian positions to pressure a withdrawal from the area. A ceasefire deal between Syria and Israel, brokered with support from Turkey and Jordan, was announced by US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack, though both sides have yet to confirm it publicly.

Israel also agreed to a 48-hour entry of Syrian Internal Security Forces into Suweida to protect Druze civilians.

UN human rights Chief Volker Turk condemned the violence and called for accountability, citing credible reports of summary executions by both state forces and local armed groups, BBC reported.

Israel, Syria agree to ceasefire backed by regional powers

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Syria’s interim leader Ahmad al-Sharaa have reached a ceasefire agreement, according to US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack. The truce, announced Saturday, is supported by Turkey, Jordan, and other neighboring countries.

Barrack urged all Syrian communities, including Druze, Bedouins, and Sunnis, to lay down arms and work toward a peaceful, united future for Syria, Xinhua reported.