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Israel launched new airstrikes in Syria targeting military sites near Homs and Latakia, prompting Syrian condemnation. The strikes follow a pattern of frequent attacks since the fall of Assad, amid ongoing diplomatic talks between Israel and Syria. No casualties reported, but regional tensions rise.
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French and Australian authorities are investigating TikTok and social media platforms over concerns about their impact on youth mental health and safety. France's parliament recommends banning social media for under 15s and imposing curfews, while Australia plans to ban stalking and deepfake apps, reflecting growing regulatory efforts worldwide.
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Recent days have seen renewed violence in Gaza and the West Bank. Internal clashes, settler attacks, and Israeli military operations have caused casualties, displacement, and property destruction. Despite a ceasefire in Gaza, internal conflicts and settler violence continue to threaten stability and Palestinian lives.
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Lebanese authorities are exploring legal avenues to hold Israel accountable for attacks on journalists during the October 2023 conflict. Human Rights Watch and UN officials describe the incident as a war crime, with Lebanon's government taking a significant step toward justice after years of impunity.
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Israeli military strikes in southern Lebanon have killed two people and injured seven, despite a ceasefire since November 2024. The attacks targeted Hezbollah figures and infrastructure, raising fears of renewed conflict amid ongoing tensions and accusations from Lebanon of Israeli aggression and rejection of peace overtures.
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Turkish courts have acquitted four journalists, including AFP's Yasin Akgul, who were arrested during protests over Istanbul's opposition mayor. The decision highlights ongoing issues with press freedom amid political tensions and protests sparked by opposition figures' arrests.
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The world's top 100 arms manufacturers earned a record $679 billion in 2024, driven by increased military spending amid conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. Revenues rose mainly in Europe and the US, with Asian companies facing declines due to Chinese procurement issues. Despite delays in US programs, demand remains high worldwide.
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Russia announced the capture of Pokrovsk, a strategic city in eastern Ukraine, amid ongoing fighting. Ukraine denies full control, and the situation reflects Russia's slow territorial gains in the Donbas. Peace talks are ongoing, with US envoy visits coinciding with the claims.