Saudi Arabia intercepts drone over Riyadh amid rising Houthi attacks
Saudi Arabia’s air defences have intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone over the Riyadh region, according to the Saudi-led coalition fight...
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that the conflict in Gaza will end once Hamas is disarmed and hostages are freed, unveiling a five-point plan for the territory’s future while accusing international media of spreading “Hamas lies.”
Speaking at a press conference in Jerusalem, Netanyahu said Hamas still has “thousands of armed terrorists” in Gaza who are committed to repeating the 7 October attacks and destroying Israel. He alleged that the group oppresses Gaza’s population, steals aid, and prevents civilians from reaching safe zones.
“Our goal is not to occupy Gaza,” he said. “Our goal is to free Gaza from Hamas terrorists.”
Netanyahu outlined a post-war vision based on five principles: the disarmament of Hamas, the release of all hostages, Gaza’s demilitarisation, Israel’s overriding security control, and the establishment of a non-Israeli civilian administration that does not promote or fund terrorism.
The prime minister said Israeli forces now control 70 to 75 percent of Gaza, with two remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the central camps. He confirmed that the Israeli Security Cabinet has instructed the military to dismantle these positions while moving civilians to designated safe zones and providing food, water, and medical aid.
Addressing accusations of starvation in Gaza, Netanyahu said Israel has allowed nearly two million tonnes of aid into the territory since the war began, blaming Hamas for looting supplies and the UN for delays in distribution. He presented photographs that he said disproved media claims of famine, accusing outlets such as the New York Times of publishing misleading images.
Netanyahu also said the humanitarian aid system is being expanded through safe corridors, additional distribution points managed by Gazan Humanitarian Foundations, and airdrops coordinated with U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration.
On the question of Palestinian statehood, the prime minister dismissed recent moves by several countries to recognise it, calling such steps a “reward for Hamas” and warning they would “bring the next war closer.” He argued the conflict persists because of the “persistent Palestinian refusal to recognise a Jewish state in any boundary.”
Responding to questions on international criticism, Netanyahu acknowledged a “propaganda war” that he said Israel is not currently winning, citing social media disinformation campaigns. He insisted the fastest way to counter this was by ending the conflict decisively and defeating Hamas.
Netanyahu said Israel’s aim was to conclude the campaign quickly, secure the release of the remaining 20 living hostages, and establish a transitional governance structure in Gaza with regional partners. However, he stressed that no civilian authority would be viable unless Hamas was “completely defeated.”
The U.S. has approved the sale of 500 Patriot PAC-3 missiles to Ukraine in a deal worth an estimated $2.1 billion, but Kyiv could face years of delays before receiving the weapons it urgently needs to defend against intensifying Russian attacks.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei has ordered Iran's armed forces to respond to any threat immediately and without geographical limits in statements posted to social media platforms on Saturday (31 October).
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
A Chinese-made AI chip has matched Nvidia’s H200 in tests conducted by its developer, marking a potential breakthrough in China’s efforts to reduce its dependence on foreign technology.
A hacking group linked to North Korea is widely believed to be behind the theft of $6.3 billion from cryptocurrency giant Binance, a cyberattack that experts describe as the largest cryptocurrency heist on record.
Saudi Arabia’s air defences have intercepted and destroyed a hostile drone over the Riyadh region, according to the Saudi-led coalition fighting in Yemen. No casualties were reported.
Since 2021, only 9 per cent of $8 billion in humanitarian aid for Afghanistan can be traced beyond initial recipients in public records, a Kabul Institute report released on 22 October said. The United Nations says its oversight systems ensure accountability.
Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan surged by 330 per cent in 2026 despite a four-year ban, the United Nations said on Thursday. Afghan authorities disputed the findings, while Japan urged continued support for farmers seeking alternative livelihoods.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
Central Asia could gain up to $640 million a year from closer energy cooperation, but strained electricity grids threaten to limit those gains, with Kazakhstan particularly exposed to regional power shortages and growing pressure on its network.
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