Prague (AFP) – Prague’s zoo has distributed up to 10 tonnes of ice to their residents as temperatures in the Czech Republic exceed 30 degrees Celsius. Polar bears, elephants, bison, takins, otters and kea parrots enjoy the heaps, a “way to cool down but also a certain kind of entertainment”, according to the staff.
Jerusalem (AFP) – Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant claims that the Israeli army has “eliminated or wounded 60%” of Hamas fighters after nine months of war in the Gaza Strip, describing it as a military “success” to the Knesset. The war was triggered by Hamas’s unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. The militants also seized 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed at least 38,200 people in Gaza, says the Hamas-run health ministry.
Hammamet (Tunisia) (AFP) – In Tunisia’s renowned seaside town of Hammamet, bulldozers are busy spreading sand – part of a controversial beach nourishment operation to combat erosion caused by rising sea levels.
Mexico City (AFP) – Combining passion and exercise, Star Wars fans fight it out in lightsaber battles in Mexico City, an event organised by a local club, the Jedi Knight Academy. “I feel like a Jedi,” says Victor Aceves, a 24-year-old student who enjoys the “fantastic touch” of the discipline similar to fencing.
Islamabad (AFP) – A fire has destroyed dozens of stores inside one of Islamabad’s largest markets. Firefighters battled the flames for several hours to bring the blaze under control.
Taipei (AFP) – Taiwan President Lai Ching-te hails “even better” ties with the US as he greets the new director of the American Institute in Taiwan (AIT), Raymond Greene, at the presidential office.
Bago City (Philippines) (AFP) – At a bare-bones gym in the central Philippines, children from poor families in torn shoes put on frayed head guards and get to work in pursuit of their Olympic boxing dream — and a way out of poverty.
Washington (AFP) – US President Joe Biden announces a major package of air defenses for Ukraine at the start of a NATO summit in Washington. Doubts over Biden’s political survival clouded the start of the gathering.
Washington (AFP) – US President Joe Biden announces a major package of air defenses for Ukraine at the start of a NATO summit in Washington. Doubts over Biden’s political survival clouded the start of the gathering.
Lamjung (Nepal) (AFP) – Hanging from a rope and bamboo ladder off a Himalayan mountain cliff, skilled Nepali climbers gather highly prized hallucinogenic honey — an ancient tradition stung by environmental degradation and rapid climate change. Wreathed in smoke to drive away defensive clouds of giant bees, 26-year-old Som Ram Gurung dangles dangerously 100 metres (325 feet) off the ground, slicing off dark and dripping hunks of delicious honeycomb.
Stansted (United Kingdom) (AFP) – Newly-elected UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemns Russia’s recent attacks on Ukraine ahead of leaving for a NATO summit that he says “is an opportunity for allies to stand together.”
Moscow (AFP) – Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is greeted by Russian President Vladimir Putin on a visit to Moscow, his first since Russia launched its campaign in Ukraine and since he was returned to power last month as leader of the world’s most populous country.
