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A small number of families have returned to a village in southern Lebanon called Zawtar al-Gharbieh after an agreement between Israel and Lebanon. This deal involves Israel pulling back from some areas in exchange for the disarmament of Hezbollah, a militant group backed by Iran. Many homes in the village are damaged or destroyed, and Hezbollah opposes the agreement and ongoing talks between Israel and Lebanon.
Key Facts
Mahasen Faqih and her husband recently returned to their damaged home in Zawtar al-Gharbieh, southern Lebanon.
The village is part of a U.S.-brokered “pilot zones” deal where Israel agreed to withdraw in exchange for Hezbollah’s disarmament.
About 15 families have returned so far, out of roughly 500 homes in the village.
Nearly half the homes in the village have been destroyed, with many others damaged.
Hezbollah strongly opposes the deal and the talks between Israel and Lebanon.
The latest Israel-Hezbollah war started on March 2, 2026, after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel.
Israel invaded southern Lebanon and occupied several villages along the border during the conflict.
Israeli forces are supposed to withdraw from certain areas, but some zones had little or no Israeli troops present before the agreement.
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A small group of Israeli settlers has been crossing into southern Syria to try to claim land for new Jewish settlements. These settlers, called the Pioneers of Bashan, want to establish homes in Syrian territory near the Golan Heights, a region Israel has controlled since 1967. The Israeli military is trying to stop these incursions while the group claims historical and security reasons for their actions.
Key Facts
The Israeli military found Jewish settlers crossing into southern Syria and stopped before attacking because they were not militants.
The settlers belong to a group called the Pioneers of Bashan, named after a biblical region that includes parts of modern Syria.
The group aims to set up Jewish settlements in southwestern Syria, around Quneitra, Daraa, and Sweida provinces.
Southern Syria includes a "buffer zone" that Israel declared in December 2024 after conflict in Syria.
The Golan Heights were captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 war and later annexed, though most of the world does not recognize this.
The settlers argue their presence could help protect the Golan Heights and support the Druze minority after violent clashes in the area last year.
The Israeli military regularly tries to stop these settlers from entering Syria.
The broader Israeli settlement movement has strong support from Israel’s far-right government.
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China’s coastguard and civilian ships have increased patrols east of Taiwan, an area they have not frequently entered before. This move appears to be part of China's efforts to surround Taiwan and assert control over waters it claims, raising concerns about a possible strategy to isolate Taiwan from trade and outside help.
Key Facts
China’s Maritime Safety Administration and coastguard conducted several patrols and law enforcement operations east of Taiwan in June and July.
These patrols mark the first time China has frequently operated east of Taiwan rather than just in the Taiwan Strait.
Taiwan’s government reported that Chinese patrols included asking commercial ships about their origins and destinations.
There was an increase in Chinese maritime activity around Taiwan and nearby islands, from 30 sightings in May to 55 in June.
China claims Taiwan as part of its territory and extends this claim to Taiwan’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ), which reaches 200 nautical miles from its coast.
China’s actions respond partly to Japan and the Philippines discussing maritime boundaries, which China views as infringing on its claims.
Experts describe these moves as part of a "grey zone" strategy designed to pressure Taiwan without open conflict.
China says its patrols are legal actions to protect its territorial sovereignty and maintain regional maritime order.
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South Australian police are investigating the deaths of a mother and her toddler daughter as a murder-suicide after their bodies were found in the ocean near Port Macdonnell. A three-month-old baby boy, also missing, has not been found despite ongoing search efforts, and police have lost hope of finding him alive.
Key Facts
The bodies of Helena Wright, 36, and her 23-month-old daughter were found in the ocean west of Port Macdonnell.
Their vehicle was found abandoned with the engine running on Monday morning.
Helena Wright and her children had been missing since Monday.
Police are investigating the case as a murder-suicide based on current evidence.
Land and sea searches near Cape Northumberland have not located the missing three-month-old boy.
Search conditions were difficult due to weather, limiting water-based operations.
The South Australian premier expressed sorrow, highlighting the impact on the community.
The case is now with the coroner to determine cause and details of the deaths.
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Dairy farmers in southwest England are using cooling systems like fans and sprinklers to help cows deal with hotter and drier summers. Heat and drought have lowered milk production by up to 20%, forcing farmers to spend thousands on equipment and use winter feed earlier than usual.
Key Facts
Hotter, drier summers are causing stress to dairy cows and reducing milk output by about 20%.
Farmers like Sarah Godwin have spent around £15,000 on ventilation and sprinkler systems to cool their cattle.
Large fans installed in milking parlours create airflow that helps keep cows comfortable.
Drought conditions are damaging grasslands, making pasture feed less nutritious and scarce.
Farmers are feeding cows winter stock earlier due to poor summer forage growth.
Climate scientists say prolonged dry spells are becoming a normal challenge, not just extreme events.
Some areas in southwest England are experiencing the worst drought in 50 years.
Farmers report that cows avoid the fields during the hottest parts of the day and stay in barns to stay cool.
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A 7.1-magnitude earthquake hit Japan’s Kyushu island, causing significant damage. The death toll has risen to 13, and rescuers are still working to save people trapped by the destruction.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.1 on the magnitude scale.
It struck Kyushu, an island in Japan.
At least 13 people have died from the earthquake so far.
Rescue teams are still searching for survivors.
The quake caused major damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Japan’s Prime Minister has acknowledged ongoing rescue efforts.
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Beavers have been born in the wild at Glen Affric in the Scottish Highlands for the first time in over 400 years. These new baby beavers, called kits, appeared after several adult beavers were released in the area as part of a conservation project.
Key Facts
At least two beaver kits were born at Loch Beinn a Mheadhoin in Glen Affric.
Seven beavers were released in October and a family of four in February.
Beavers disappeared from Scotland over 400 years ago.
Beavers were first reintroduced to Scotland in 2009.
The project involves Trees for Life and Forestry and Land Scotland, managing Glen Affric.
The released beavers were moved under license from farmland in Tayside.
The beaver kits likely hatched in May or June and recently emerged from their lodge.
This reintroduction follows the Scottish government's National Beaver Strategy aimed at restoring beavers responsibly.
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An unauthorised car park near Stansted Airport has grown quickly despite being told to close by local authorities. Customers returning from holidays reported overcrowded transport, damaged cars, and long delays, while the business owners have appealed the closure and continue operating until a decision is made.
Key Facts
The car park is located at New Farm near Elsenham, Essex, and started operating in early 2025.
It was set up without permission, on land that had been agricultural, and can hold about 1,000 cars.
Uttlesford District Council issued an enforcement notice last summer to stop the unauthorised use.
The owners, including Aurangzaib Cheema of SC Parking Ltd, appealed to continue operations due to existing bookings.
The appeal process means the car park remains open until the Planning Inspectorate makes a decision, expected by 2027.
Customers reported their cars were damaged, moved without permission, or left unlocked while parked there.
Transport from the airport to the car park was overcrowded and caused long waits and discomfort.
The council is monitoring the situation until the appeal is resolved.
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A community group in Cambridge is collecting unpicked blackberries to provide free food to low-income families. They plan to give out recipe boxes with measured ingredients and instructions to help people use the blackberries.
Key Facts
The group is called Cambridge Sustainable Food.
They want to send blackberry recipe boxes to 50 households in Cambridge.
The recipe boxes include recipe cards and pre-measured ingredients.
The goal is to prevent blackberries from going to waste.
The boxes will be distributed through the Cambridge Food Hub.
Alex Vardill is a representative of the organization.
The project aims to help families who have less money to buy food.
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Activists protested at a hotel in Washington, DC, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was having dinner. They shouted slogans accusing him of committing genocide.
Key Facts
The protest took place inside or near a hotel in Washington, DC.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was dining at the hotel during the protest.
Protesters shouted slogans including "Bibi, Bibi, you can’t hide! You’re committing genocide!"
The protest was directed specifically at Netanyahu, sometimes called "Bibi," his nickname.
The demonstration expressed anger and opposition to Netanyahu’s actions or policies.
The event happened in the U.S. capital, a place where international leaders often meet.
The protest was focused on Israel and its government’s conduct.
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An animal sanctuary in Devon is struggling to pay high food and water bills caused by hot weather and dry grass. The charity risks closing within two months unless it raises more money through a sponsorship scheme.
Key Facts
The sanctuary is located in Marldon, Devon.
It spends about £500 each week on animal food because grass has died due to heat.
Water bills have increased because volunteers make mud baths for pigs and provide extra shade.
The Hakuna Matata Animal Trust was started in 2021 to rescue a pig named Mustard.
The sanctuary cares for many animals, including sheep, chickens, turkeys, cats, alpacas, guinea pigs, and rabbits.
Volunteers fear they may have to rehome all the animals if the sanctuary closes.
High vet bills and animal losses have made this year especially difficult.
A sponsorship program has been created to help fund the sanctuary and prevent closure.
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Amelia Dimoldenberg, creator of the popular YouTube show Chicken Shop Date, says she would not invite Prime Minister Andy Burnham onto her show but would like to have a conversation with him about youth unemployment. She highlights the importance of training and apprenticeships for young people and is actively involved in running a free summer course to help young people gain experience in creative industries.
Key Facts
Amelia Dimoldenberg is known for her YouTube series Chicken Shop Date, featuring deadpan humor and awkward flirting.
She would not invite Prime Minister Andy Burnham on her show but is open to talking with him about tackling youth unemployment.
Burnham plans to work with content creators to spread his message.
Dimoldenberg runs the Dimz Inc. Academy, a free summer course offering paid work placements and mentoring for people aged 18-24.
The course is expanding from one week to four weeks this year.
She created Chicken Shop Date after starting in a youth club and wants to help young people get work experience in media.
Dimoldenberg sees youth not in employment, education, or training (NEETs) as a serious problem.
She also hosts other media projects, including Passenger Princess and red carpet interviews.
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Thousands of people seeking safety in the Sudanese city of el-Obeid face new dangers as paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) prepare to attack the army-held city amid ongoing civil war. The city is overcrowded with displaced people, food and water shortages are growing, and aid deliveries have been disrupted by continued fighting and drone strikes.
Key Facts
El-Obeid is controlled by the Sudanese army but is threatened by advancing RSF paramilitary fighters.
The city has become a refuge for over 83,000 civilians fleeing violence in other parts of North Kordofan state.
The main displacement camp in el-Obeid has expanded significantly since March, with about 80 to 100 new households arriving daily.
RSF has launched frequent drone strikes on el-Obeid, damaging critical infrastructure like fuel stations, power stations, and supply warehouses.
Food and water shortages affect nearly 400,000 people around el-Obeid due to blocked supply routes and attacks on aid convoys.
The UN and G7 have warned of possible RSF attacks similar to a deadly massacre that occurred in el-Fasher last October.
Aid agencies report that some relief flights and convoys are no longer able to reach el-Obeid because of the conflict.
Although drone strikes have recently slowed, the situation remains unstable, with ongoing fuel shortages and unpredictability for residents and aid workers.
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Israeli settlers regularly attack Palestinian homes in the West Bank village of al-Mughayyir, causing fear and tension among residents. Israeli soldiers are often present during these events but do not always stop the settlers, leading to accusations of support for the attacks. These clashes are part of a larger conflict over land control in the occupied West Bank.
Key Facts
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian homes in al-Mughayyir on a weekly basis.
The Abu Alia family’s home was attacked by settlers using clubs against their gate.
Both Israelis and Palestinians exchange insults during these confrontations.
Israeli soldiers and border police are present but often do not intervene to stop settlers.
Residents of the village try to protect themselves by blocking roads and calling for help.
Since 1967, Israel has built over 100 settlements in the West Bank, housing more than half a million Jews.
These settlements and unauthorized outposts are considered illegal under international law.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described settler attackers as a few troubled youths, while Palestinians believe soldiers support the settlers.
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Three retired police officers in England have spoken about the serious mental health issues they experienced due to trauma during their careers. The Home Office is funding new mental health support services for officers, including a crisis helpline that has received hundreds of calls.
Key Facts
Richard, Nick, and Neil served a total of 83 years as police officers and now speak out about trauma and mental health struggles.
Richard was medically retired with complex PTSD after 26 years in service and experienced panic attacks triggered by police-related stress.
Nick worked on difficult cases such as the search for Sarah Everard and also retired with complex PTSD, describing the ongoing impact of trauma.
Many officers face high workloads and constant exposure to traumatic events, which affects their mental well-being.
The Police Federation highlights the need for more funding and mental health support for officers to protect their welfare.
There were 145,886 full-time police officers in England and Wales as of March 2026, up 7.8% since 2021.
The charity Service Dogs UK has seen an increase in police officer referrals for PTSD support, now making up over half of their clients.
Neil described symptoms like night terrors and feeling overwhelmed, which he only fully recognized later as related to his job trauma.
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Four women have accused actor and musician Jared Leto of sexual misconduct when they were teenagers. The allegations include sexual assault, statutory rape, grooming, and inappropriate behavior, with the incidents said to have happened between 2002 and 2016.
Key Facts
Four women allege criminal sexual conduct by Jared Leto occurring when they were between 14 and 19 years old.
One woman says she was sexually assaulted in a motel bathroom at age 17.
Another woman says Leto threatened her with sexual assault at age 19 when left alone with him in a hotel.
One accuser claims to have had underage sex with Leto at age 17, which would be statutory rape in California.
A fourth woman reports being groomed through explicit phone calls starting at age 16 and was sent a non-disclosure agreement which she refused to sign.
In total, 10 women spoke to the BBC, with nine sharing their stories publicly for the first time.
Several accounts have been supported by friends, family, photos, and messages.
Two men who worked with Leto said staff felt uncomfortable about his interactions with teenage girls.
Jared Leto has not responded to the allegations.
Leto is a well-known actor and the frontman of the band Thirty Seconds to Mars, which is touring Europe and the UK next spring.
Allegations about Leto’s behavior have circulated online for many years, with more than 120 claims noted by the BBC.
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A new BBC documentary features multiple women who say that Hollywood actor Jared Leto behaved in a sexually inappropriate way toward them when they were teenagers. The documentary includes serious and upsetting content and aims to inform viewers about these allegations.
Key Facts
The documentary is called *Jared Leto: Hollywood's Dark Secret*.
It was first shown on July 29, 2026.
Several women told the BBC they experienced sexual misconduct by Jared Leto.
All the reported incidents involved the women when they were teenagers.
The program contains strong language and upsetting scenes.
The BBC provides information and support resources related to the issues covered.
The documentary is available to watch for over a year on the BBC iPlayer.
The documentary includes audio description and sign language options.
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Vingroup, Vietnam’s largest private company, is expanding its projects to at least 15 countries as its home market slows down. It plans developments like a “Vietnam Town” in Uzbekistan and smart cities in India and Africa, aiming to fund its electric vehicle and technology businesses.
Key Facts
Vingroup is Vietnam’s biggest private company and is expanding overseas.
It plans nearly two dozen projects in at least 15 countries.
Projects include a “Vietnam Town” in Uzbekistan, smart cities in India and Africa, and a riverfront development in Congo.
Vingroup’s real estate profits have funded investments in automaking and technology, but Vietnam’s property market is cooling.
VinFast, Vingroup’s electric vehicle company, is currently losing money.
Vietnam wants to develop industries like electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and robotics to become a leading economy in Asia.
Vietnam is expanding trade with Central Asian countries, with increasing cooperation with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.
The move overseas follows concerns about relying too much on exports to the U.S., which accounts for over 30% of Vietnam’s exports.
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A massive wildfire in southwest France’s Gironde region has forced over 220,000 people to evacuate their homes. The fire covers an area much larger than Paris and continues to spread despite efforts from multiple countries to control it.
Key Facts
The wildfire is one of Europe’s largest evacuations since World War II.
More than 220,000 people were ordered to leave their homes in the Gironde region.
The fire area is about four times the size of Paris.
Evacuees include families, pets, and people from several towns and villages.
Authorities use urgent mobile phone alerts to warn residents to evacuate.
The fire has turned into a self-feeding firestorm, creating lightning that starts new fires.
Evacuations paused briefly but restarted as the fire flared again.
Tens of thousands have also evacuated from wildfires in nearby Spain.
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President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at the White House. This was their first meeting since the war involving Iran began. While they appeared united publicly, there may be differences in their plans for Iran, Gaza, and the surrounding region.
Key Facts
President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu met at the White House.
It was their first meeting since the start of the war involving Iran.
Both leaders showed a public display of unity during the meeting.
There are indications they might not agree on future actions regarding Iran.
They may also differ on how to handle the situation in Gaza.
The meeting involved discussions about the wider Middle East region.
Netanyahu was making his seventh visit to the White House with President Trump.
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