WORLD

Conducted via video conference, this interaction not only signified Austin's inaugural communication with Admiral Dong Jun, who assumed office in December the previous year but also marked a substantial dialogue between the Defence Secretary and his Chinese counterpart since the ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting-Plus in Cambodia.

Highlighting the urgency of the situation, al-Rishq stressed that a lasting ceasefire is essential to safeguard the Palestinian populace and halt the ongoing violence and bloodshed. He reiterated Hamas' stance, advocating for the complete withdrawal of the Israeli military from Gaza and the repatriation of displaced individuals to their homes without constraint.

During a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani at the Oval Office in the White House, Biden expressed, "The United States is dedicated to ensuring Israel's security. We stand firm in our pursuit of a ceasefire that secures the safe return of hostages and prevents the conflict from spreading any further than it already has."

The incident unfolded at Christ the Good Shepherd Church in Wakeley, located in western Sydney, on Monday evening, prompting a response from law enforcement after reports emerged of a stabbing that left two individuals wounded, according to Webb.

Highlighting Israel's capability to defend itself, Halevi emphasized that any attempt to launch missiles or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) into Israeli territory will be met with a robust response. Iran's barrage of 350 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, drones, and rockets on Sunday morning was largely intercepted and neutralized by Israel's Iron Shield defense system, with 99 percent of the projectiles intercepted before reaching Israeli soil.

​​​​​​​The courtroom buzzes with activity as Judge Juan Merchan prepares to resume the arduous task of selecting a jury for Trump's highly publicized criminal trial.

In response to inquiries about potential democratic regression in India, Miller reaffirmed India's status as a key democratic entity and a strategic partner for the United States, expressing confidence in the enduring nature of this relationship.

In a speech delivered in Shanghai, Scholz emphasized the imperative of preventing Russia's expansionist war on Ukraine from succeeding. He stressed the importance of all nations refraining from providing assistance that could enable Russia's endeavors.

"I thought he punched me very hard. I didn't realize it was a knife in his hand, and then I saw the blood, and I realized there was a weapon," Rushdie recounted during an interview with the BBC. The assault, perpetrated by Hadi Matar, left Rushdie with multiple stab wounds, including a severe injury to his left eye, which he described as hanging down his face "like a soft-boiled egg."

Expressing solidarity with Israel, Sunak pledged to engage with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to discuss measures to prevent further escalation and underscored the importance of upholding regional security. He outlined three key priorities moving forward: maintaining regional stability, pursuing the two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, and increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza.