Mendoza (Argentina) (AFP) – French rugby players Hugo Auradou and Oscar Jegou leave the Mendoza residence in which they arer serving house arrest in Argentina. Auradou and Jegou, accused of rape and detained in Argentina, were released but must remain in the country until the trial is over, according to a court ruling. IMAGES
Tel Aviv (AFP) – “We are in a period of vigilance and preparation, at a time when the threats from Tehran and Beirut could materialise,” says Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to the members of the Foreign Affairs and Security Committee. International pressure mounted for a ceasefire in Gaza, with Britain, France and Germany issuing a joint plea for an end to fighting between Israel and Hamas with “no further delay”.
Bayt Dajan (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Hussein Jamil, who held a permit to work in Israel for 22 years until the war in Gaza broke out, swears he will never go back to work in the country after setting up greenhouses in Bayt Dajan, near Nablus. In the northern West Bank’s commercial capital, dozens of men have returned to the traditional pursuit of working on the land, rather than board buses to the queues and heavily guarded checkpoints that lead into Israel.
Novo-Ogaryovo (Russia) (AFP) – “The West is at war with us,” says Russian President Vladimir Putin, as he chairs a meeting of government officials on the situation in the Kursk region, where Ukraine launched a surprise offensive into Russian territory last week. Kyiv, Putin says, “with the help of its Western masters, is carrying out their will”. More than 120,000 people have been evacuated away from the fighting, which has seen Ukrainian troops capture more than two dozen settlements.
Medellín (Colombia) (AFP) – Thousands of Colombians and visitors take part in the ‘Silleteros’ parade in Medellin to close the city’s annual flower festival, in which participants walk along avenues carrying heavy and elaborate floral arrangements, which can weigh up to 70 kilos.
Varnávas (Greece) (AFP) – Greek police officers help evacuate elderly people from their homes as wildfires blaze in Varnavas, some 40km north of Athens. Thousands of people living around the Greek capital have fled their homes as a huge wildfire front creeps closer, despite “superhuman” efforts to contain the blaze, officials say.
Moscow (AFP) – Russia orders more evacuations in a region bordering Ukraine as it battles to contain an unprecedented push onto its territory by Kyiv forces. The shock offensive is the most serious attack by a foreign army on Russian territory since the Second World War.
Varnávas (Greece) (AFP) – Greece orders the evacuation of hospitals and homes near Athens as wildfires spread despite “superhuman” efforts to combat the flames, the fire brigade said.
Khan Yunis (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Palestinians flee southern Gaza’s main city as Israel warns of a new military operation, a day after one of the deadliest reported strikes in more than 10 months of war.
Lahore (AFP) – Fans welcome Pakistan javelin thrower Arshad Nadeem as he lands in Lahore after spearing a gold medal in the Paris games and setting a new Olympic record. Despite practising with rickety equipment and with little access to the gyms and training grounds his international competitors have, Nadeem gave Pakistan its first Olympic gold medal in 40 years. “What Arshad Nadeem has done was an unachievable thing,” says one fan. “We never thought that we would see this in our life.”
Belfast (AFP) – Migrants in Belfast are in shock over racist attacks on foreign-owned shops and businesses on August 3, with several shops torched and windows smashed. Local people have rallied in support with thousands taking part in an anti-racism march and demonstration in Belfast city centre. “Belfast is a welcoming city,” says Fiona Doran, Head of United Against Racism. “It’s a city that says no to racism.”
Paris (AFP) – Paris 2024 chief organiser Tony Estanguet promises a “special” end to the Olympics. Speaking the day before the closing ceremony, Estanguet is careful not to spoil any surprises. He reveals, however, that 1,000 more athletes than expected will attend. “We’re delighted to be able to welcome them tomorrow evening and thank them because, frankly, they’ve made these Games great for us,” he tells AFP.
