for self-study !!

Let’s read it.

1. The UN Secretary-General called the situation in Gaza a “humanitarian disaster” two days after Israel sent troops to the area. Antonio Guterres warned that life there is “getting increasingly desperate” as time passes. Supplies are limited, and medical services are collapsing. Earlier, the UNRWA representative warned of civilian unrest, as warehouses containing food aid were attacked by civilians. Yesterday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that the Israeli Defense Forces had entered the second phase of the war. He warned of a “long and difficult” operation to “dismantle” Hamas and its hostages.

2. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, said in an interview with CNN that Iran does not want the conflict to escalate. Previously, President Ebrahim Raisi posted on X that Israel has “crossed a line that can compel everyone to take action.” Raisi urged restraint on Iran’s ‘axis of resistance,’ which includes Hezbollah in Lebanon.

3. Ahead of a November meeting between Joe Biden and Xi Jinping, Wang Yi, China’s foreign minister, said, “The road to the San Francisco Summit will not be smooth.” Both leaders are likely to meet at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Wang mentioned last year’s friendly meeting between the two, saying “we should go back to Bali.”

4. Authorities in Acapulco have increased the death toll to 43 due to Hurricane Otis, which hit the Mexican coastal resort on Wednesday. The Category 5 storm has caused billions of dollars in damage. Looting has become a problem as food and water are scarce. Evelyn Salgado, the governor of Guerrero state, said that electricity has been restored to half the city.

5. The United Automobile Workers (UAW) union is expected to ratify a new contract with Ford on Sunday. Last Saturday, the union reached a tentative agreement with Stellantis that includes a 25% wage increase over four years. However, negotiations with General Motors broke down, and the UAW has expanded its activities to include engine factories. Over 45,000 workers have gone on strike against Detroit’s ‘Big Three’ automakers.

6. In a protest held in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, one police officer was killed, and over 100 were injured. Tens of thousands gathered to demand the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, organized the rally, demanding neutral interim government to conduct elections in January.

7. Kenya plans to end all visa requirements for Africans by the end of the year. President William Ruto said current visa restrictions are “working against us.” The African Union has long desired visa-free travel across the continent. Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin all allow African citizens to enter without a visa. Other countries are simplifying visa rules or lowering fees.