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Vereinte Nationen (AFP) – President Emmanuel Macron announces France’s long-awaited recognition of a Palestinian state, saying he is acting in the interest of peace amid Israeli and US criticism. Australia, Britain, Canada and Portugal have also recognized a Palestinian state, piling pressure on Israel as it intensifies its war in Gaza.

Sierakowice (AFP) – Prime Minister Donald Tusk says Poland will not hesitate to shoot down “any flying object” that flies over the country, following the massive incursion of Russian drones into Polish airspace two weeks ago. “There is no room for discussion on this matter”, he says.

Kairo (AFP) – Prominent Egyptian-British human rights defender Alaa Abdel Fattah is released from prison after years behind bars and reunites with his family, following a long-awaited pardon by Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. A key figure in Egypt’s 2011 uprising, Abdel Fattah was released after years of advocacy efforts by family members, rights groups and the British government, with his mother, Laila Soueif, going on hunger strike.

New York (AFP) – French President Emmanuel Macron shakes hands with Australian PM Anthony Albanese before bilateral meeting after a United Nations Summit on Palestinians at the UN headquarters during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). IMAGES

Lagos (AFP) – In Nigeria’s traffic jam-plagued economic capital of Lagos, the population of roughly 20 million relies on only around 100 ambulances. Waiting times can be deadly. Around a third of the mega-city’s ambulances are state-run, with the rest operated by private firms.

Gaza City (Palestinian Territories) (AFP) – Residents of Gaza City, the target of a major Israeli offensive, offer mixed opinions after a fresh slate of Western nations recognised the State of Palestine. On Sunday 21 September, Britain, Canada, Australia and Portugal recognised the state, “a correct decision that came late,” according to Hussein Shaldan. For Tawfiq Habib the move — quickly condemned by Israel — means little. “I don’t care about recognition while the killings are still going on here.”

Sao Paulo (AFP) – Tens of thousands took to the streets of Brazil’s major cities over the weekend to protest against an amnesty bill pushed by the country’s Congress that could pardon former president Jair Bolsonaro. Days after Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in jail for plotting a coup, the conservative-majority Congress fast-tracked the bill, which offers amnesty to around 700 of his supporters, convicted for storming government buildings in January 2023. The bill could extend to Bolsonaro himself.

Lima (AFP) – Hundreds of anti-government demonstrators took to the streets of Peru’s capital over the weekend, with at least 18 people, including police and journalists, injured in clashes. Unrest has been brewing in Peru for months, fuelled by a wave of organized crime and extortion cases. Opinion polls have shown that many view the government of President Dina Boluarte, alongside the country’s conservative-majority Congress, as corrupt.

London (AFP) – “I would prefer to play another way,” says Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola, after his side employed defensive tactics in a 1-1 draw against Arsenal. While Gabriel Martinelli’s stoppage-time equaliser salvaged a point for the Gunners, manager Mikel Arteta says he is “disappointed with the result.”

Ajmer (India) (AFP) – Stepping through the gates of India’s Mayo College is like journeying back 150 years. Yet, the school that was once reserved for princes now educates a new elite. It was founded in 1875 by the British viceroy, the Earl of Mayo, with the aim of fostering relations between Indian royalty and London.

Cagayan Province (Philippines) (AFP) – More than 10,000 evacuees sheltered in schools and evacuation centres in the Philippines as heavy rains and gale-force winds from Super Typhoon Ragasa lashed the country’s far north.