Greece and Turkey struggle with wildfires amid record heat
Greece is battling wildfires across several regions as temperatures soared past 42°C. Fires remain active in the major fronts Peloponnese, Evia, Kythira, and Crete, fueled by high winds. Evacuations were ordered, homes damaged, and several firefighters injured. Greece has requested EU aid, including firefighting aircraft, according to BBC.
In Turkey, wildfires continue as the country recorded its highest-ever temperature of 50.5°C in Silopi. Several regions remain at risk, with ongoing containment efforts and reported casualties. Authorities warn the situation may persist in the coming days, BBC reported.
Israel begins second 10-hour pause to allow aid into Gaza
Israel has initiated a second 10-hour pause in military operations in parts of Gaza to enable humanitarian aid deliveries, following urgent warnings of mass starvation in the region, according to BBC.
The UN welcomed the move, citing steps such as easing customs restrictions on Egyptian aid and the establishment of reported secure routes for convoys. However, it stressed that such measures must be sustained and civilians must be protected during food distributions.
While some aid was also air-dropped over the weekend, agencies say it remains far below what Gaza’s population urgently needs, BBC reported.
North Korea rejects South’s outreach, citing US ties
Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, dismissed South Korea’s latest diplomatic efforts, saying its continued alignment with the US leaves no room for talks.
In Pyongyang’s first comments on President Lee Jae Myung’s government, she said North Korea has “no interest” in engagement, regardless of Seoul’s proposals. Despite steps by Lee’s administration to ease tensions, Pyongyang appears focused on its growing ties with Russia, according to Firstpost.
Syria to hold parliamentary elections in september
Syria will hold parliamentary elections between September 15 and 20, according to Mohammed Taha al-Ahmad, head of the country’s election committee.
These will be the first elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, following a rapid rebel offensive in December, according to Al Jazeera.
Of the 210 seats in the People’s Assembly, one-third will be appointed by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the remaining will be elected through provincial electoral colleges, officials said.
