FIFA World Cup: Five new things to expect at the 2026 tournament
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be one of a kind when it kicks off on 11 June, as it brings with it a slew of firsts ahead of co-hosts Mexico takin...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 5th of October, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. U.S. proposes Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchange plan
U.S. President Donald Trump urged Hamas to act swiftly on hostage release and peace talks in Gaza, warning that “all bets are off” if delays continue. His plan envisions Gaza as a weapons-free zone under a U.S.-led international body, with all hostages released within 72 hours in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Despite his call for restraint, Israeli air strikes continued Saturday, killing at least 29 people, according to local sources.
2. Clashes erupt in Tbilisi as protesters attempt to enter presidential palace
At least 21 police officers and six protesters were injured in overnight clashes in Tbilisi after demonstrators tried to storm Georgia’s presidential palace over disputed local election results. Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze condemned the unrest as an attempt to destabilise the country. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds after opposition figures called for rejecting the 4 October vote, which they claim was illegitimate. Order was later restored, though smaller protests continued in the capital.
3. Plane carrying 137 Flotilla activists lands in Istanbul
A total of 137 activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla, including 36 Turkish nationals, arrived in Istanbul on Saturday after being detained by Israel in international waters.
The group flew from Israel’s Ramon Airport in Eilat, landing at Istanbul Airport at 3:50 p.m. local time (12:50 GMT).
Among the passengers were citizens of Türkiye, Malaysia, the United States, the UAE, Algeria, Morocco, Italy, Kuwait, Libya, Mauritania, Switzerland, Tunisia, and Jordan. They were welcomed at the airport by officials and supporters.
4. Türkiye–UAE currency swap deal expected to boost Gulf investments
The currency swap deal between the central banks of Türkiye and the UAE is expected to boost Türkiye’s digital banking sector and attract new Gulf investments.
Signed on Thursday, the agreement establishes a 198 billion lira ($4.7 billion) and 18 billion dirham ($4.9 billion) swap, promoting national currencies in trade and linking the countries’ payment systems.
Economists say the deal will strengthen Türkiye’s foreign reserves, enhance financial stability, and accelerate digital and green investment from the Gulf.
5. At least 30 hurt as Russia targets passenger train in northern Ukraine
Russia struck a passenger train at the Shostka railway station in Ukraine’s Sumy region on 4 October, killing one person and injuring dozens, including children, according to officials. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the “savage Russian drone strike,” saying around 30 people were hurt as rescue efforts continued. The attack is part of Moscow’s intensified campaign against Ukraine’s rail infrastructure, targeted almost daily in recent weeks.
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan's Civil Contract party has won the Armenian elections, picking up nearly half the vote. With a majority in parliament, Pashinyan is set for a third term as Prime Minister. But an opposition politican has said he will challenge the election results.
The results of Armenia’s parliamentary elections will determine the makeup of the National Assembly and shape the country's political direction for the foreseeable future. But in Armenia, the final result is not decided by vote percentages alone. Here's how it works.
A Sudanese man has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured and prompted calls online for a protest after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.
Barcelona is preparing to mark a historic milestone in the legacy of architect Antoni Gaudí as Pope Leo XIV visits the city this week to inaugurate the Tower of Jesus Christ at the Sagrada Família basilica, almost exactly 100 years after the visionary architect’s death.
Iran and Israel have halted strikes on each other, but Tehran has warned it will recommence attacks if Israel continues military action in Lebanon. U.S. President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun have meanwhile made pleas for peace.
The FIFA World Cup 2026 is set to be one of a kind when it kicks off on 11 June, as it brings with it a slew of firsts ahead of co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in the opening match.
Iran's FIFA World Cup 2026 squad arrived in Mexico wearing badges bearing the hashtag "168" in memory of victims of the deadly Minab school missile strike, which occurred during the U.S. and Israeli raids on Iran on 28 February, according to the Iran Football Federation.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is wrapping up a two-day state visit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang. It was his first trip to the country since 2019, and a visit that carries more strategic weight than its carefully choreographed ceremonies might suggest.
A Sudanese man has been arrested over a knife attack in Belfast that left a man seriously injured and prompted calls online for a protest after footage of the incident circulated widely on social media.
A Paris court has dismissed criminal charges against New Caledonian pro-independence leader Christian Téin, ending a high-profile case that drew international attention and renewed scrutiny of France’s handling of independence movements in its overseas territories.
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