Vatican City (AFP) – During the Angelus prayer, Pope Leo XIV reiterates his urgent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and a sincere commitment to dialogue amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. It comes after a Russian attack on Kyiv on Thursday that killed at least 25 people.
Venice (AFP) – Thousands protest Israel’s siege of Gaza on the sidelines of the Venice Film Festival. Organised by left-wing political groups in northeast Italy, the demonstration began early Saturday evening, a few kilometres from the festival where Hollywood stars like George Clooney, Adam Sandler and Laura Dern have recently walked the red carpet.
Buenos Aires (Argentine) (AFP) – Police officers are seen leaving the National Disability Agency in Buenos Aires after a raid on their offices, as well as those of a pharmaceutical company at the center of a corruption scandal involving President Javier Milei’s influential sister. Karina Milei is accused of receiving a three-percent cut on the amount paid by the National Disability Agency (Andis) for the purchase of medicine from Argentine pharma firm Suizo Argentina. IMAGES
Wazirabad (Pakistan) (AFP) – Orange-vested rescue teams row through streets transformed into muddy rivers in Pakistan’s Punjab province, helping to pluck people and their livestock from flooded villages. The latest monsoon downpour has killed at least 13 people, authorities say.
Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Palestinians search through the rubble and mourn loved ones following an Israeli air strike on the Tel al-Hawa area, south of Gaza City, in which five people were killed, according to Gaza’s civil defence agency. The Israeli military has declared Gaza City “a dangerous combat zone” ahead of a looming offensive to conquer the Palestinian territory’s largest city after almost two years of devastating war.
Caracas (AFP) – Venezuelan citizens queue for a second day in Caracas to enlist in the national militia after President Nicolas Maduro called on his government’s political base to move forward with the formation of peasant and worker militias. Maduro said he would deploy 4.5 million militia members in response to US “threats,” after Washington raised the bounty for his arrest and launched anti-drug operations in the Caribbean. Venezuela has responded by sending warships and drones to patrol its coastline and launching a drive to recruit thousands of militia members to bolster its defenses. IMAGES
Beijing (AFP) – Labubu fans flock to a store in Beijing for the launch of the latest version of the popular dolls. Made by Chinese toymaker Pop Mart, the mini monster figurines went on sale online for around $11 each and sold out almost immediately. “I set multiple alarms last night, one every five minutes,” says one customer. “I didn’t want to miss it.”
Beijing (AFP) – China says a mechanism triggered by European countries that could reimpose United Nations sanctions on Iran in 30 days is “not constructive”. France, Britain and Germany have set off a mechanism that could reimpose sanctions on Iran for failing to comply with commitments over its nuclear programme it agreed to a decade ago.
A stint as an aerobics instructor made Sweden’s Madelein Mansson realise she loved choosing music that would get people moving. The 81-year-old took up spinning discs in her retirement, and DJ Gloria was born. Today, she plays Sweden’s hottest nightclubs with special gigs for crowds over the age of 50.
Jakarta (AFP) – Hundreds take to the streets in Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, a day after the death of a motorcycle taxi driver during clashes between protesters and police. Police handling of the protests drew strong criticism online after videos circulated on social media showing a black tactical vehicle running over a man. IMAGES
Fans gather outside a Pop Mart store in Beijing early Friday morning, eager to get their hands on the newly released mini Labubu dolls, which were launched online the night before. IMAGES
Sao Paulo (AFP) – Vehicles from Brazil’s federal tax and customs agency, also responsible for fighting money laundering, along with Brazil’s Federal Police, are stationed outside the entrance of a building in Sao Paulo as the country carries out a mega operation to crush a money laundering network. Police have conducted 350 search and seizure warrants targeting individuals and companies in eight states. IMAGES
