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Israel plans to build over 3,000 homes in the E1 area of the occupied West Bank, drawing criticism from the UN and EU for threatening a two-state solution and breaching international law.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens. Four more Palestinians died of hunger, bringing the total to 239, including 106 children. Israeli strikes killed at least 32 people, including aid seekers, according to Al Jazeera.

The conflict has so far killed over 61,700 in Gaza and 1,139 in Israel, with more than 200 taken captive

US President Donald Trump has vowed to help jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai, who faces national security charges over his pro-democracy activism. “I’m going to do everything I can to save him,” Trump told Fox News.

Lai, 77, founder of the now-closed Apple Daily, faces charges of colluding with foreign forces and sedition under Hong Kong’s 2020 national security law, and could face life imprisonment if convicted.

Detained since 2020, Lai has spent over 1,600 days in solitary confinement and has faced restrictions on legal and medical access. His trial, delayed for health reasons, is expected to conclude soon, Fox News reported.

Australia’s illicit drug use has surged, with cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and MDMA reaching record levels, the Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission (ACIC) reports. Between August 2023 and August 2024, Australians consumed an estimated 22.2 tons—a 34 percent increase from the previous year. Cocaine rose 69 percent, MDMA 49 percent, methamphetamine 21 percent, and heroin 14 percent, with a combined street value of A$11.5bn, Al Jazeera reported.

Wastewater analysis showed cannabis remains the most used illicit drug, especially in regional areas, while capital cities led in cocaine, MDMA, heroin, and ketamine use. ACIC warns organized crime is exploiting rising demand, and trends may continue until 2027.

South Korea plans to revive the 2018 September 19 Military Agreement to reduce border tensions and rebuild trust with North Korea, President Lee Jae-myung said. He stressed that Seoul will take gradual steps to prevent clashes and will not pursue hostile actions or forced unification, according to Al Jazeera.

The agreement was partially suspended in 2023 after North Korea’s satellite launch and subsequent military deployments near the Demilitarized Zone. Since taking office, Lee has halted cross-border propaganda broadcasts. North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong rejected Seoul’s gestures, saying the North has not removed any border loudspeakers.