Israel's sixth-largest city and largest port, key hub for imports
Israel has intercepted the Global Sumud flotilla in international waters and detained about 430 activists. National security minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir has posted footage showing bound activists kneeling while he taunts them; the video has provoked condemnation from multiple governments, Israeli ministers and rights groups, and rapid deportations of the detainees.
El Niño has strengthened and is forecast to reach the strongest category by fall, bringing droughts, heavy rains, heat waves, and shifts in hurricane activity. Forecasts indicate the event will influence global weather patterns this fall and winter, with warnings of significant regional impacts.
The UN has condemned Hamas for obstructing humanitarian aid deliveries in Gaza, with reports of armed groups entering food-distribution points and a WFP warehouse. The EU commits almost 900 million euros to early recovery and reconstruction, while donors seek conditions for disbursement amid ongoing conflict and calls for Hamas disarmament.
The Times of Israel reports detainees from a Gaza blockade flotilla allege beatings and other abuses by guards, while Israel denies the allegations and says it would investigate if official complaints are filed. The New York Times corroborates some accounts, including hospitalizations and injuries. Singapore detains concert-goers for displaying Palestinian flag, citing laws on foreign symbols.