Tbilisi (AFP) – Scuffles break out in Georgia’s parliament over the government’s re-introduction of a controversial “foreign influence” bill that critics say mirrors repressive Russian legislation used to silence and intimidate dissidents. An opposition MP punches a ruling party lawmaker who co-sponsored the bill in the head at a parliamentary hearing, prompting a brawl and the video’s live feed to be cut.
Selydove (Ukraine) (AFP) – Residents of Selydove, in Ukraine’s Donetsk region, clear up the mess left after Russia hit the city with four missiles. “We hid where we could. I just don’t have words, my knees are still shaking,” says 47-year-old Oksana.
Jerusalem (AFP) – “We are not the world’s punching bag,” says Tel Aviv resident Sharin Avraham after Iran launched an unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel. In Tehran, Iranians express support for the strikes, claiming to be “extremely happy with this action”. The attack injured 12 people, the Israeli army says, although almost all of the drones and missiles were intercepted before they reached Israel.
Wonosobo (Indonesia) (AFP) – Dozens of hot air balloons take to the skies above the Indonesian town of Wonosobo, on the island of Java – part of local celebrations of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan.
Taipei (AFP) – In Taiwan, recreational beekeeping is growing steadily in popularity, with people tending hive boxes in their yards or rooftop gardens. Bee populations are currently facing disaster – threatened by pesticides, mites and extreme temperatures due to climate change.
Vatican City (AFP) – Pope Francis urges against a “spiral of violence” after Iran’s unprecedented missile and drone attack on Israel, warning of a potential regional conflagration. Iran’s overnight barrage from late Saturday was its first-ever direct assault on Israeli territory and came in retaliation for a deadly strike on Tehran’s consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus.
Tel Aviv (AFP) – During a press conference in Tel Aviv, Israel’s military spokesperson Daniel Hagari says “99 percent” of the “300 threats” launched by Iran were intercepted. The overnight attack is in retaliation for a deadly strike on Iran’s Damascus consulate, according to the Iranian army.
Jerusalem (AFP) – Images of Jerusalem as several blasts are heard in the city, as Iran launches an unprecedented drone and missile attack, in a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes. IMAGES
Jerusalem (AFP) – Sirens ring out over Jerusalem during Iranian attack on Israel. IMAGES
Jerusalem (AFP) – Images of the night sky over Eastern Israel, seen from the center of the country, as Israel comes under direct attack from Iran, the army has announced, in a major escalation of the long-running covert war between the regional foes that threatened to overshadow the conflict in Gaza. IMAGES
Lake Karla (Greece) (AFP) – Greece’s largest inland water expanse, Lake Karla, has tripled in size following last year’s deadly floods. The rush of water from the lake has destroyed infrastructure, flooded agricultural fields and drowned tens of thousands of farm animals. “There’s only water and chaos, nothing else,” says sheep farmer Apostolos Polymerou.
Sydney (AFP) – Six people have been killed and several others injured, including a baby, when a knife-wielding attacker rampaged through a busy Sydney shopping centre. The unidentified assailant was shot dead by police at the scene.
