Israel's election leaves neither Netanyahu nor Eisenkot with a majority, as Arab parties win a record 18 or 19 seats

The rest of the day

49 more stories on this beat.

Each with its own sources. None of these is a link to the story above.

1. 02

   US tells Gulf states a short war may come

   The US has told several Gulf states to be ready for a short but intense offensive against Iran after the 3 November US elections, the Wall Street Journal reported. [11] It is moving a Patriot air-defence battery from Texas and pulling troops from exposed bases. [11] The Trump administration would not comment on 'military plans that may or may not exist'. [11] The US defence department now puts the war's cost at over $47 billion, a quarter above its July estimate. [12]

   Why it matters — The war, begun with Israel in February, has pushed up fuel prices and is hurting Republicans before next week's vote. [12][22] Gulf states have already faced Iranian attacks this year. [23]

2. 03

   Gulf states draft a plan to stop it

   Gulf states are building a peace plan with several parts to stop the US-Iran war restarting, the Guardian reported. [24] Iran would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the blockaded sea lane out of the Gulf, within four days of sanctions being lifted. [24][14] The Houthis, Yemen's Iran-backed rebels, would pull back forces inside Yemen. [24] The US is holding out for more, possibly UN weapons inspectors back in Iran. [24] Qatar's emir met Iran's president in Moscow the same day. [14]

   Why it matters — Saudi, Pakistani and Turkish officials who flew to Tehran on Monday got a promise to keep talking, not a deal. [25] Qatar said Iran must still 'show goodwill' by reopening Hormuz. [26]

3. 04

   Houthis aim at Saudi Arabia's biggest refinery

   The Houthis said they fired a ballistic missile at Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia's biggest oil refinery, on Tuesday, causing 'massive fires'. [27] A maritime security firm said a fire there had been contained, and the damage was unclear. [27] The refinery can handle 550,000 barrels a day. [27] Blasts also shook Riyadh, the Saudi capital, and the Saudi-led coalition said it shot down two missiles aimed at the city. [27]

   Why it matters — It came a day after Iran told visiting Saudi officials it had no power to make the Houthis stop. [25] A Houthi leader called Egypt's vote to send military help to Saudi Arabia a declaration of war. [27]

4. 05

   Finland and Norway call Putin

   Finland's President Alexander Stubb and Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store held a 90-minute call with Russia's President Vladimir Putin on Tuesday. [13] Both countries border Russia, and the leaders said they spoke for themselves, not for Europe. [13] Stubb called the talk 'frank and substantive', and Store said big differences remained. [13] Russia's government said all three agreed to keep in direct contact. [28]

   Why it matters — The call comes before US-Ukraine-Russia talks planned for early November in Abu Dhabi. [13] Denmark's prime minister, Mette Frederiksen, said the two had gone 'solo' and Europe should stay united. [29]

5. 06

   Russia hits a Kyiv bridge and campus

   Russia fired 16 ballistic missiles and more than 280 drones at Ukraine overnight into Tuesday, hitting energy and transport sites in 11 regions, President Zelensky said. [18] In Kyiv, Ukraine's capital, the Pivdennyi bridge over the Dnipro river was damaged and metro trains stopped crossing. [18] A 46-year-old woman was killed and 14 people were hurt. [18] Student housing and campus buildings were among the places hit. [18] Russia struck again while rescuers were still working. [30]

   Why it matters — Ukraine stopped about 74% of Russia's jet-powered drones this month, a US research group says, against about 60% in early September by Ukraine's own count. [31] Zelensky said deliveries of US Patriot air-defence missiles are late. [18]

6. 07

   The Oleshky truce widens and holds

   A ceasefire around Oleshky, a Russian-held town in southern Ukraine, held on its first day and was widened across the Kherson region. [32] Witnesses said the front line across the Dnipro river was quiet for the first time in four years. [33] Aid deliveries come first, then evacuations planned for Friday. [32] Between 1,700 and 2,000 people remain in the town, many eating garden weeds. [32] The truce runs until Sunday night. [32]

   Why it matters — Ukraine's foreign minister said that if it works it could open other steps toward peace. [32] The Trump administration credits Melania Trump with brokering it, and the Vatican points to the Pope. [34]

7. 08

   Sudan's army drone kills dozens at a market

   A Sudanese army drone hit a busy market in Nyala, the main city of South Darfur, on Monday evening. [17] Doctors Without Borders said its hospital received 36 bodies and over 150 wounded. [17] A medic told AFP 21 were killed, and Emergency Lawyers, a Sudanese rights group, said more than 100. [35][36] Nyala is the base of the RSF, the paramilitary force fighting the army since April 2023. [35]

   Why it matters — A resident said the market was used mostly by young men, many of them RSF fighters. [35] The three counts of the dead run from 21 to more than 100. [35][17][36]

8. 09

   Khartoum loses much of its power

   A drone hit the Al-Markhiyat transformer station in Omdurman, on the edge of Khartoum, Sudan's capital, early on Tuesday. [16] A power company official blamed the RSF and said up to 60% of the capital's supply could be affected, with water pumps worst hit. [16] One resident said he had no power or water for 17 hours and worried for his insulin. [16] The day before, RSF drones hit five power stations in three eastern states. [37]

   Why it matters — Drone attacks on the capital had become rare since the army retook it in May 2025. [16] The UN says drones across Sudan are killing civilians and cutting basic services. [16]

9. 10

   31 governments warn of famine in Sudan

   The US, the EU and 30 other governments warned of an 'alarming deterioration' in Sudan's food supply and asked the warring sides to let aid through. [38][39] Their statement says 19.5 million people, 41% of Sudan's population, do not have enough food. [38] Five million of them face emergency levels of hunger. [38] The war has driven 14 million people from their homes. [38]

   41 of 100

   of every 100 people in Sudan lack enough food

   Why it matters — The statement blames the fighting itself for most of the hunger, because it wrecks roads, markets and farms. [38] It came the same day as the Nyala market strike and the blackout in the capital. [17]

10. 11

    Ebola passes 10,000 cases

    Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have passed 10,000, with 4,887 deaths since the outbreak was found in mid-May. [40] The virus is a rare type called Bundibugyo, and there is no approved vaccine or treatment for it. [40] Kenya has nine cases, two of them deaths. [40] Nigeria is the fourth African country to report a case, and Europe's disease agency sent experts there. [41]

    Why it matters — Africa's disease agency calls it the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history. [40] Nearly half the people confirmed to have it have died. [42]

11. 12

    Brazil's beaten candidate flies to the US

    Flavio Bolsonaro, who lost Brazil's presidential election on Sunday, left the country for the US despite a court order to hand over his passports, US media reported. [43] He is under investigation for corruption and money laundering and loses his immunity as a senator with the defeat. [43] The US State Department said it would give him and his family visas. [44] President Lula called the departure 'shameful'. [44]

    Why it matters — Flavio is the son of Jair Bolsonaro, the jailed former president. [43] His allies told a Brazilian news site he planned to ask for asylum in Florida. [45]

12. 13

    Trump floats Venezuela as a 51st state

    At a rally in Texas, President Trump showed off a tanker he said carried a million barrels of Venezuelan oil. [46] He said Venezuela might 'soon' become 'a prosperous 51st state' of the US. [46] The US attacked Venezuela in January and captured its leader, Nicolas Maduro, and now backs an interim government there. [46] Secretary of State Marco Rubio joined him on stage, which is rare for the US's top diplomat. [47]

    Why it matters — The same day, the Nobel committee said Venezuela 'still requires a democratic transition' with free elections. [48] The US votes on 3 November. [47]

13. 14

    El Salvador sends 1,000 soldiers to Haiti

    About 1,000 soldiers from El Salvador have flown to Haiti in recent days, a security official in Haiti told Reuters. [49] They went after four Salvadoran air force technicians disappeared in a gang ambush near Port-au-Prince, the capital, on 18 October. [49] The US military lent C-130 transport planes. [49] Before the ambush, El Salvador had at least 124 troops in the UN-backed force fighting Haiti's gangs. [49]

    Why it matters — It is unclear who will command the new troops or how long they will stay. [49] Gangs control much of the capital, and nearly 1.5 million Haitians have fled their homes. [49]

14. 15

    A US strike kills five on a boat

    The US military said it killed five people in a strike on a boat in the eastern Pacific on Tuesday, saying it carried drugs. [50] A tracker kept by WOLA, a US human rights group, counts at least 238 people killed in 68 such strikes since September 2025 before this one. [50] The Trump administration has given little evidence that the people killed were smugglers. [51]

    Why it matters — Legal experts and rights groups call the strikes killings without trial. [50][51] Media counts now put the dead at more than 240. [51]

15. 16

    US and Cuban envoys shout at the UN

    A shouting match between the US and Cuba halted a debate at the UN General Assembly on Tuesday. [52] Cuba's foreign minister walked to the podium to demand that Mike Waltz, the US ambassador, be stopped. [52] Waltz shouted 'This isn't Havana. You're not going to intimidate me.' [53] The debate was on Cuba's yearly call to end the US trade embargo, in place for more than 60 years. [53]

    Why it matters — This year the US has added an oil blockade, which has worsened shortages and power cuts across Cuba. [53] The UN vote is not binding, and only the US Congress can end the embargo. [53]

16. 17

    China sends a junior envoy to Asia defence talks

    China will send only a defence attache from its embassy to a meeting of Southeast Asian defence ministers in Cebu, in the Philippines, on 29 October. [54] In 2025 its defence minister, Dong Jun, attended. [54] China and the Philippines keep clashing over the South China Sea. [54] China's ambassador said this month that China 'may easily win' a fight, which President Marcos called 'like a threat'. [54]

    Why it matters — US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth will attend, with ministers from India, South Korea and Japan. [54][55] China's absence takes away another chance for the US to meet Dong, who also skipped a big Asian security meeting in May. [54]

17. 18

    Chinese troops pitch tents in disputed land, India's border chief says

    The head of India's border police said Chinese troops returned in larger numbers this year and pitched tents six to seven kilometres inside land India claims. [56] He said face-offs began in July in Arunachal Pradesh, an Indian state China claims, and are still going on. [56] Comments like this from a serving officer are rare. [56] The two countries' troops fought in 2020, and at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died. [56]

    Why it matters — India and China agreed in 2024 to ease tension along their 3,440km border. [56] His remarks set off a political row in India's capital. [56]

18. 19

    Jordan admits civilians died in its Syria strikes

    Jordan admitted on Tuesday that civilians died in its air strikes on southern Syria, aimed at Islamic State fighters after a church attack in Jordan killed nine. [57] Syria said the strikes killed seven people, three of them children. [57] Jordan said more than 20 fighters died. [58] Syria's government reopens Nassib, the only crossing between the two countries, on Wednesday. [59]

    Why it matters — The two foreign ministers agreed a joint security committee to look into the strikes. [15] Jordan expressed 'deep regret' over the civilian deaths. [59]

19. 20

    Iraq's prime minister fires his spy chief

    Iraq's Prime Minister Ali Al Zaidi dismissed intelligence chief Hamid Al Shatri, five months after taking office, without giving a reason. [60] He also changed his chief of staff, and a leaked letter shows 69 advisers dismissed. [60] At the same time the head of Maysan province has called for civil disobedience unless a closed border crossing with Iran reopens. [60] A Baghdad court has ordered an investigation into him. [60]

    Why it matters — Al Shatri's name was once talked about as a possible prime minister. [60] The shut crossing has hurt trade and raised prices in Maysan. [60]

20. 21

    Drones shot down near Baghdad's Green Zone

    At least two drones were shot down near Baghdad's Green Zone on Tuesday, Iraqi security officials said. [61] The fortified district holds Iraq's government, parliament and foreign embassies, including the US embassy. [61] The US embassy's air defences switched on when the drones approached. [61] Nobody was hurt and no damage was reported. [61]

    Why it matters — The Green Zone has been a frequent target since the Iran war began on 28 February. [61] Security forces are looking into where the drones came from. [61]

21. 22

    Iraq jails seven French Islamic State members

    An Iraqi court sentenced seven French citizens for belonging to the Islamic State group on Tuesday. [62] Six got life, which in Iraq means 20 years, and one got 15 years. [62] They are among 47 French suspects held in Syria and moved to Iraq for trial. [62] They have 30 days to appeal. [62]

    Why it matters — Iraq has become a courtroom for foreign fighters whose home countries in Europe will not take them back. [63] The US moved 5,704 suspects from Syria to Iraq early this year. [63]

22. 23

    Kuwait sentences three to death over an Iran plot

    A Kuwaiti court sentenced three men to death for plotting to kill the deputy prime minister, spying for Iran and joining Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group. [23] Eight others got five years in prison with hard labour. [23] The target was Sheikh Fahad Yousef Saud Al Sabah, who is also in charge of internal security. [23] In March Kuwait arrested dozens of people over links to Hezbollah. [23]

    Why it matters — Gulf states have faced attacks from Iran this year and plots at home by its supporters. [23] The court said a foreign power giving orders inside Kuwait was a hostile act. [23]

23. 24

    Two men charged over the RAF Fairford plot

    Two London men aged 24 were charged under the UK's National Security Act over a plot at RAF Fairford, an air base the US used to strike Iran. [64][65] Prosecutors said a handler called 'Ali', believed to work for Iran, sent five men to drive vans of petrol to the base in September. [64] One man is accused of buying the vans and the other of filming the base. [64]

    Why it matters — One driver called police after the handler warned there was a bomb in the vans. [64] US bombers left Fairford soon after the arrests. [65]

24. 25

    UK envoy says state hostage-taking is rising

    Alistair Burt, the UK's first envoy for people held abroad by governments, told MPs that state hostage-taking is rising. [66] He has met envoys from the Five Eyes countries and the Gulf states to work on it together. [66] The UK hopes to host a meeting of hostage envoys next year. [66] Among the cases is a British couple, Craig and Lindsay Foreman, serving 10 years in Iran for spying, which they deny. [66]

    Why it matters — The Foremans' family has accused the UK government of moving too slowly. [66] Their case is made harder by the US-Iran war. [66]

25. 26

    UK shoppers buy out tins and torches

    Tinned food, bottled water and radios sold out in parts of the UK after the UK government asked households to be ready to manage alone for three days in an emergency. [67] Iceland, a frozen food chain, said tinned food sales rose 40%. [67] Maplin said torch sales nearly quadrupled in three days. [67] The guidance names bad weather, floods, and hostile action by Russia and Iran as threats. [67]

    Why it matters — Security Minister Dan Jarvis said the step brings the UK into line with many other European countries. [67] The guidance came out just before two storms hit the UK at the weekend. [67]

26. 27

    Egypt shuts its best-known independent news site

    An Egyptian court ordered Mada Masr, the country's leading independent news site, to close and fined its editor, Lina Attalah, for running it without a licence. [19] Security officers then lifted her off the ground and carried her out of the courtroom, the site said. [68] She was freed once the fine was paid. [19] Mada Masr says it has asked for a licence since 2018 and got no answer. [19]

    Why it matters — Egypt holds 25 journalists in jail, one of the highest counts in the world, the Committee to Protect Journalists says. [19] Amnesty International called the ruling 'a crushing blow to press freedom'. [19]

27. 28

    Nigeria inquiry: 33 miners died in a crowded cell

    An inquiry found that 33 men held in a cell in Minna, in central Nigeria, died in September from overcrowding, poor air and guards ignoring calls for help. [69] Fifty men had been held in a cell of about 20 square metres. [69] They were arrested by the NSCDC, a government security force, on suspicion of illegal gold mining, but their mines were licensed. [69][70] Officers will be suspended. [69]

    Why it matters — The interior minister said the cell had been cleaned before investigators arrived. [69] Survivors said something that stung their throats was sprayed into the cell. [70]

28. 29

    A preacher is shot dead in northern Nigeria

    Gunmen on a motorcycle shot dead Yahaya Masussuka, a 47-year-old Islamic preacher, outside his home in Katsina state on Monday evening. [71] One of his guests was also killed. [71] Masussuka had questioned some widely held Islamic teachings and had received death threats on social media. [71] He was once jailed for nine months over remarks about other scholars. [71]

    Why it matters — It is not clear who killed him or why. [71] He taught mainly from the Quran and rejected some hadiths, the reported sayings of the Prophet Muhammad that most Muslims follow. [71]

29. 30

    South Africa sends soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal

    President Cyril Ramaphosa sent 510 soldiers to help police in KwaZulu-Natal, a South African province, during protests against immigrants. [72] The protests followed a court ruling in July that made it easier for people without papers to apply for asylum. [72] South Africa's government blamed false claims about the ruling for the violence. [72] The deployment runs to 30 November and costs about 34 million rand. [72]

    Why it matters — South Africa holds local elections on 4 November, and the protests are expected to grow before them. [72]

30. 31

    Niger accuses Chad of a deadly drone strike

    Niger's military government said a drone strike by its neighbour Chad killed two civilians on Saturday in a remote mining area in the north. [73] The area is near the borders with Algeria and Libya and is a route for smugglers and armed groups. [73] Niger summoned Chad's ambassador and asked for compensation. [73] It also accused Chad of backing mercenaries. [73]

    Why it matters — Niger also claimed France helped with the attack and says it will take the case to the UN Security Council and the African Union. [73] In September it accused Chad of a role in a failed mutiny. [73]

31. 32

    Zimbabwe frees the vice-president's ex-wife

    Marry Mubaiwa, the former wife of Zimbabwe's Vice-President Constantino Chiwenga, was freed after seven years on trial for trying to kill him. [74] A magistrate ended her remand after the state asked to delay the trial again. [74] The magistrate said she had suffered mental, physical and money harm from the delays. [74] Chiwenga helped remove Robert Mugabe from power in 2017. [74]

    Why it matters — Her lawyer said the ruling came too late, because the delays had already violated her rights. [74] She said they would deal with any new trial if the state asks for one. [74]

32. 33

    Tanzania's opposition leader stops eating

    Tundu Lissu, leader of Chadema, Tanzania's main opposition party, began a hunger strike in prison on Monday after his lawyers were turned away. [20] A court ruled this month that he must be allowed to meet them in private. [20] He has been held on a treason charge since April 2025 and could face death if convicted. [20] A verdict is due on 6 November. [20]

    Why it matters — Chadema was barred from the 2025 election, which President Samia Suluhu Hassan won with 98% of the vote. [20]

33. 34

    Gambian students protest campus conditions

    Hundreds of students protested at the University of The Gambia in Banjul, the capital, on Monday. [75] They complained about poor transport, little drinking water, a closed canteen and bad internet. [75] The protest came weeks after demonstrations over power cuts. [75] President Adama Barrow is seeking a third term in an election on 5 December. [75]

    Why it matters — The protest follows weeks of anger over power cuts, about five weeks before the vote. [75]

34. 35

    Rights groups oppose the UAE's UN candidate

    Human rights groups urged governments to reject Lana Nusseibeh, a United Arab Emirates diplomat, as the next UN secretary-general. [76] They point to claims that the UAE funds the RSF in Sudan, which the UAE denies. [76] Human Rights Watch's Ken Roth called her 'utterly inappropriate'. [76] Nusseibeh said she has taken leave from her UAE post and called Sudan 'the litmus test' for the next UN chief. [76][77]

    Why it matters — She would be the first woman to lead the UN. [76] Candidates are supposed to be independent of their home governments. [76]

35. 36

    Afghan fire kills one at Pakistan's border

    Afghan forces fired on Pakistani border posts and homes at Angoor Adda in South Waziristan on Tuesday, killing one local person, Pakistani officials said. [78] Five members of one family were hurt when a mortar shell hit their home. [78] Pakistan said it fired back at Afghan Taliban posts with artillery. [78]

    Why it matters — Dawn, a Pakistani newspaper, called it 'yet another violation' of border rules. [78] The account comes only from Pakistani officials.

36. 37

    Pakistan court holds verdict on a rights lawyer

    An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan reserved its verdict in the trial of Imaan Mazari-Hazir, a human rights lawyer, and her husband, Hadi Ali Chattha. [21] They are accused of removing barriers on a cricket team's security route in 2024 and stirring up unrest. [21] The trial was held inside Adiala jail near Islamabad. [21]

    Why it matters — The verdict is due on 29 October. [21] The couple have been in jail since January, and another court has already sentenced them to 17 years over social media posts. [21]

37. 38

    The US talks to Myanmar's generals

    The US has held two rounds of talks since September with Myanmar's military-backed government, DW reported. [79] The US wants action on online scam centres, the release of a jailed American and possibly access to rare earth metals, which China dominates. [79] The EU still refuses to deal with the generals, who took power in a 2021 coup. [79] EU sanctions cover 105 people and 22 companies. [79]

    Why it matters — Several Southeast Asian governments have also restarted direct contact. [79] Myanmar's civil war has killed about 100,000 people. [79]

38. 39

    Row clouds the EU-Canada summit

    Canada hosts an EU summit in Montreal from Thursday. [80] Germany is leading several EU countries against calling Canada an 'associate member' of the EU, five EU diplomats told Euronews. [81] Quebec's new separatist government said Canada barred its premier from speaking. [80] Prime Minister Mark Carney said the premier had turned down a dinner invitation. [80]

    Why it matters — The draft joint statement would set up regular talks on policy with Canada. [81] Quebec says it will have the last word on deals that touch its powers. [80]

39. 40

    The Netherlands pulls out of Eurovision 2027

    The Netherlands will not take part in the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest, its public broadcaster NPO said, reversing a decision to return. [82] NPO could not find a Dutch broadcaster willing to send a singer. [82] Its media director cited divisions over Israel taking part. [83] About 400 NPO staff had signed a letter against returning. [82]

    Why it matters — It is the latest in a series of boycotts by countries unhappy with Israel's place in the contest during the war in Gaza. [83]

40. 41

    EU prosecutor says her office is being squeezed

    Laura Codruta Kovesi, head of the European Public Prosecutor's Office, said budget cuts and slow officials threaten its future. [84] She leaves on Friday after seven years. [84] The office is still investigating Ursula von der Leyen over talks with Pfizer to buy Covid vaccines. [85] A person involved said she has not yet given a statement in person, and the Commission says it has cooperated fully. [85]

    Why it matters — Kovesi said she fears the office will be 'killed softly' because it is doing its job. [84]

41. 42

    France debates making rioters pay

    France's parliament is debating a law that would make rioters pay up to 10,000 euros for damage they cause. [86] President Macron's government says it is needed after the looting of 17 October. [86] Rights groups and some lawyers say peaceful protesters near any violence could be held to blame. [86]

    Why it matters — Protests over schools and living costs are still going on. [86]

42. 43

    Thousands march for housing in Lisbon

    Thousands of people rallied outside Portugal's parliament in Lisbon on Tuesday over housing costs and police violence. [87] Police had cleared protest camps in Lisbon and Porto days before, making dozens of arrests. [87] Activists said 60 people were hurt, while police reported seven minor injuries. [87] President Antonio Jose Seguro criticised the violence. [87]

    Why it matters — Protesters want Portugal's government to drop plans to make evictions easier and to end rent caps on new leases. [87]

43. 44

    King Charles to discuss slavery's legacy

    King Charles began a nine-day Caribbean tour in the Bahamas and confirmed he will discuss the legacy of slavery with Commonwealth leaders. [88] He spoke of 'the great suffering and injustices of the past'. [89] Caribbean countries want Britain to apologise for slavery and to talk about payment. [88] He ends the tour at a Commonwealth summit in Antigua and Barbuda. [89]

    Why it matters — The king, 77, is being treated for cancer. [89]

44. 45

    Toronto re-elects Olivia Chow

    Toronto, Canada's largest city, re-elected Mayor Olivia Chow with 54% of the vote to 41% for Brad Bradford. [90] Polls had shown a tie, and turnout was a record. [90] Chow, 69, won more than 532,000 votes, nearly double her 2023 total. [90] She promised more rental homes, free school lunches and cheaper fares for frequent riders. [90]

    Why it matters — Chow bet that voters wanted her plans to tackle the high cost of living. [90]

45. 46

    Unions turn on Labor in Victoria

    Two big unions in Victoria, an Australian state, turned on the Labor government a month before the state election. [91] The Australian Services Union launched ads calling the premier, Ben Carroll, a liar. [91] The Electrical Trades Union, which spent more than A$1.6 million helping Labor last time, will not campaign for it. [91]

    Why it matters — The services union also said it will not knock on doors for Labor in the coming weeks. [91]

46. 47

    G20 foreign ministers meet in Atlanta

    US Secretary of State Marco Rubio hosts G20 foreign ministers in Atlanta on 30-31 October. [92] The G20 is a club of the world's biggest economies. [92] India's foreign minister will also meet Australia's and Japan's there in the Quad, a group of four democracies. [93] The US says it wants the G20 back on growth and economic security. [92]

    Why it matters — It sets up the G20 leaders' meeting in December. [92]

47. 48

    BRICS lawmakers warn over the Middle East

    Lawmakers from the BRICS group, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, met in New Delhi for two days. [94] Their statement voiced 'deep concern' over the war in the Middle East and criticised sanctions imposed by single countries. [94] It also backed a two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. [94]

    Why it matters — The forum was led by Om Birla, speaker of the lower house of India's parliament. [94]

48. 49

    Gaza opens a cinema school

    Five films by Palestinian women opened the second Gaza International Women's Film Festival on Monday in al-Bureij, central Gaza. [95] The night also launched the Gaza Cinema Academy. [95] It was held in the ruins of a destroyed hall. [95] One film, A Sack of Flour, follows a family through the hunger of the war. [95]

    Why it matters — Israeli limits on goods entering Gaza have brought new shortages and fears of famine. [95]

49. 50

    Gabon's sunken rig: one dead, four missing

    An Indian worker died when an oil rig sank off Gabon's coast at the weekend, Gabon's authorities said. [96] Four others, three Gabonese and one Croatian, are still missing. [96] The Prospector 5 rig was preparing to drill when it suffered a severe structural failure. [96] There were 115 workers aboard. [96]

    Why it matters — Rescuers are using an underwater robot, drones and a helicopter from a neighbouring country. [96]