Sudanese militia leader sentenced to death for war crimes in absentia

The United Nations has accused Hamas of interfering with the distribution of humanitarian aid in Gaza. According to the UN, armed personnel from the group raided a facility operated by the World Food Program (WFP), forcing the agency to suspend its operations in the area. The incident occurred in one part of the Gaza Strip, though specific details were not provided. The WFP is a key provider of food assistance in Gaza, where years of conflict and a blockade have left much of the population dependent on aid. The UN statement said the raid disrupted efforts to deliver essential supplies to civilians in need. Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, denied the accusations. In a statement, it claimed that the WFP had not coordinated with local authorities and that the suspension was unnecessary. Hamas said it remains committed to facilitating aid delivery. The dispute highlights the ongoing challenges of getting humanitarian assistance to Gazans amid the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. International organizations have repeatedly called for unhindered access to the territory. The UN has urged all parties to ensure aid workers can operate safely.

United States President Donald Trump announced on Monday the reimposition of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. He also threatened to charge heavy fees for ships moving through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil shipments. The move escalates tensions between the two countries, which have been at odds over Iran's nuclear program and regional activities. The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage between Iran and Oman. About 20% of the world's oil passes through it. Trump's plan would allow the US Navy to stop and inspect vessels heading to or from Iran. He said the fees would help pay for US military operations in the region. Iran responded with sarcasm. Iranian officials joked that they would charge a much lower fee for ships using the strait. They said the US has no right to control the waterway. Iran has previously threatened to close the strait if its oil exports are blocked. The blockade and fees are part of Trump's 'maximum pressure' policy on Iran. The US wants to force Iran to negotiate a new nuclear deal. Critics warn the move could lead to conflict and disrupt global oil supplies. The announcement came after Iran's recent missile tests and support for armed groups in the Middle East. The US has also sent more warships to the region to enforce the blockade. International shipping companies are worried about higher costs and delays.

The Saudi-led military coalition in Yemen announced on Tuesday that it intercepted ballistic missiles launched by Houthi rebels toward the southern region of Saudi Arabia. No casualties or damage were reported from the intercepted missiles. In response, a senior Houthi official, Mohammad al-Bukhaiti, said the group would target Saudi Arabia's "vital infrastructure" as retaliation for a recent attack on Sanaa's airport. The Houthis control large parts of Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, and have been fighting the Saudi-backed Yemeni government since 2014. The Saudi-led coalition has been conducting airstrikes against the Houthis since March 2015. The conflict has caused a major humanitarian crisis, with millions facing hunger and disease. The Houthis have frequently launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia, which the coalition usually intercepts. This latest threat raises tensions in the region as the war continues.

New photographs reveal an illegal gold mine operating deep within a high-altitude wetland in Colombia, endangering the water supply for more than two million people. The mine is located in the Paramo de Santurban, a unique alpine ecosystem situated above 3,000 meters near the city of Bucaramanga. Paramos are critical for water regulation, capturing moisture from clouds and slowly releasing it into rivers. The illegal excavation has already carved into a mountain spanning about 300 hectares. Authorities are concerned that the mining activity, which uses toxic chemicals like mercury to extract gold, could contaminate the soil and water sources that feed the region's reservoirs. The Santurban paramo is a vital water tower for surrounding communities, including Bucaramanga. This incident highlights the persistent challenge of illegal mining in Colombia, where criminal groups often operate in remote, protected areas. Environmentalists are calling for stronger enforcement and restoration efforts. The mine's discovery comes amid growing global awareness of the environmental and health impacts of informal gold mining in South America.

An environmental activist in India has been arrested for opposing the construction of luxury hotels near a famous wildlife sanctuary. The activist, known as Doley, is the convenor of the Greater Kaziranga Land and Human Rights Protection Committee. He had been vocal in his opposition to the hotel projects, which he says threaten the fragile ecosystem of Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Kaziranga, located in the northeastern state of Assam, is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is home to the world's largest population of one-horned rhinoceroses, as well as tigers, elephants, and many other species. Conservationists have long warned that unchecked development along the park's borders could harm wildlife and disrupt their habitats. Doley's arrest has sparked concerns among activists and local communities who rely on the park for their livelihoods. They argue that luxury hotels would increase pollution, traffic, and disturbance to animals. The government, however, maintains that the projects are legal and will boost tourism. The case highlights the ongoing tension between economic development and environmental protection in India. As the country grows, more natural areas face pressure from infrastructure and tourism projects. Doley's arrest has drawn attention to the challenges faced by grassroots activists who try to defend protected areas. Legal experts say the outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar disputes are handled in the future. Meanwhile, conservation groups are calling for a balanced approach that allows both tourism and wildlife to thrive.

In Mumbai, a 7-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a watchman working at her residential building. The incident came to light on Wednesday, prompting a swift reaction from local residents. After learning of the assault, a group of people caught the accused, physically assaulted him, and then handed him over to the police. Authorities have since arrested the watchman and are investigating the case. The child has been taken to a hospital for medical examination and treatment. Police said they have registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The incident has sparked outrage among residents and child rights activists, who demand stricter safety measures in residential complexes. The Mumbai police have assured a thorough investigation and swift action against the perpetrator. This case highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of children in urban areas, where caregivers and security personnel are often trusted but can pose risks. Local authorities are urging parents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior. The accused is expected to be produced in court soon.