As a ceasefire takes hold in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces a critical juncture in his political career. With national elections mandated within the next year, Netanyahu must strategize his campaign amidst a complex political landscape. The recent Knesset meeting on October 13 saw Netanyahu and opposition leader Yair Lapid delivering speeches that effectively launched their election campaigns. Netanyahu portrayed himself as a war victor, while Lapid underscored the liberal values enshrined in Israel’s declaration of independence. U.S. President Donald Trump, addressing Israeli lawmakers, praised Netanyahu but cautioned that Israel cannot fight the world alone. This warning followed Netanyahu’s diplomatic misstep in attacking Qatar, where Hamas representatives were discussing peace plans, leading to a forced apology and pressure to endorse Trump’s 20-point peace plan, which includes Palestinian statehood—a contentious issue for Netanyahu’s base. Middle Eastern affairs expert Shira Efron argues that the Gaza deal signifies a defeat for Netanyahu’s government, contradicting his promise of total victory over Hamas. However, Netanyahu’s political acumen, demonstrated by his ability to turn challenges into opportunities, suggests he may yet leverage the situation to his advantage. Opinion polls indicate that while Netanyahu’s Likud party remains strong, his ruling coalition may struggle to retain power. The opposition, though fragmented, has begun coordinating more effectively. The election will occur against the backdrop of post-October 7 trauma and war fatigue, with civil society movements like the Hostages and Missing Family Forum potentially influencing voter behavior. The success of Trump’s peace plan and the decommissioning of Hamas will also play pivotal roles in shaping Netanyahu’s reelection prospects.
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Zimbabwe’s ruling party moves to extend President Mnangagwa’s term until 2030
In a significant political development, Zimbabwe’s ruling ZANU-PF party announced on Saturday its intention to extend President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s term by two years, potentially keeping him in office until 2030. The decision, made during the party’s annual conference in Mutare, directs the government to initiate legislative amendments to alter the constitutional term limits. Currently, the constitution mandates that Mnangagwa step down in 2028 after completing two five-year terms. Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi, who also serves as ZANU-PF’s legal secretary, confirmed the resolution, which was met with enthusiastic applause from hundreds of delegates. However, legal experts, including lecturer Lovemore Madhuku, argue that such a change might necessitate two referendums, adding complexity to the process. Mnangagwa, who has previously identified as a ‘constitutionalist,’ has not publicly endorsed the extension, though factions loyal to him have actively campaigned for it. Conversely, allies of Vice President Constantino Chiwenga, who played a pivotal role in the 2017 coup against former President Robert Mugabe, oppose the move. Chiwenga supporter Blessed Geza has used YouTube to criticize the campaign, garnering significant attention, though calls for protests have been subdued amid heightened police presence. The proposal echoes a broader trend in Africa, where constitutional amendments have been used to extend the rule of several leaders in recent years.
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How two British women rowed from Peru to Australia
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne successfully rowed from Peru to Australia, completing the six-month journey entirely unsupported. The duo shared their remarkable story with the BBC, detailing how they sustained themselves by catching fish and cultivating their own vegetables during the arduous expedition. Their journey, which spanned thousands of miles across the Pacific Ocean, stands as a testament to human resilience and the spirit of adventure. Rowe and Payne’s accomplishment not only highlights their physical and mental fortitude but also underscores the importance of self-reliance and innovation in extreme conditions. This remarkable achievement has captured global attention, inspiring countless individuals to push the boundaries of what is possible.
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Dubai Police to now track vehicles with fines, seizure orders using Parkin spaces
Dubai Police has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Parkin PJSC, the leading provider of public parking facilities in the emirate, to integrate their traffic management systems with Parkin’s smart parking and payment platforms. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at GITEX Global 2025, aims to enhance road safety and streamline traffic enforcement. By leveraging advanced technologies, the initiative will enable Dubai Police to instantly identify vehicles with outstanding fines or seizure orders as soon as they use Parkin’s facilities, allowing for swift legal action. The integration will also aid in detecting vehicles involved in criminal or traffic cases, further bolstering the city’s security measures. Brigadier Issam Ibrahim Al Awar, Acting Director of the General Department of Traffic at Dubai Police, emphasized that this partnership underscores the force’s commitment to digital transformation and public safety. He highlighted that the project will improve traffic monitoring, ensure compliance with laws, and reduce the presence of unlicensed vehicles or unpaid fines on the roads. Engineer Mohamed Abdullah Al Ali, CEO of Parkin, expressed pride in the collaboration, stating that it aligns with Dubai’s vision of becoming a global leader in smart and sustainable urban development. The initiative is expected to enhance parking and traffic management efficiency, contributing to a safer and more seamless experience for residents and visitors alike.
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Watch: Brits row from Peru to Australia in tiny boat
In an extraordinary feat of endurance and determination, British adventurers Jess Rowe and Miriam Payne have successfully completed a six-month, unsupported rowing journey from Peru to Australia. The duo shared their remarkable story with the BBC, detailing how they navigated the vast Pacific Ocean in a small boat, relying solely on their resourcefulness and resilience. Throughout the arduous expedition, they sustained themselves by catching fish and cultivating their own vegetables, showcasing their ability to adapt to the challenges of life at sea. This incredible journey not only highlights their physical and mental fortitude but also serves as an inspiring testament to human perseverance and the spirit of adventure.
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David Attenborough becomes oldest Daytime Emmy winner
Sir David Attenborough, the renowned naturalist and broadcaster, has made history by becoming the oldest recipient of a Daytime Emmy award at the age of 99. His documentary, ‘Secret Lives of Orangutans,’ earned him the accolade in the outstanding daytime personality, non-daily category. The Netflix production, which delves into the lives of orangutans in the jungles of Sumatra, Indonesia, also secured two additional awards for outstanding music direction and composition, as well as outstanding directing team for a single camera daytime non-fiction programme. Sir David surpassed the previous record held by actor Dick Van Dyke, who won at 98 in 2024. The 52nd annual Daytime Emmys ceremony took place in Pasadena, California, though Sir David, who is approaching his 100th birthday, was not present. With a career spanning over seven decades, Sir David has become a global icon in natural history programming, with notable works including ‘Life on Earth,’ ‘The Private Life of Plants,’ and ‘The Blue Planet.’ His recent film, ‘Ocean,’ underscores his commitment to biodiversity and climate change advocacy. Other winners at the event included ‘General Hospital’ for outstanding daytime drama series and Drew Barrymore for outstanding daytime talk series host.
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Louisiana resident assisted in Hamas 7 October attack, US says
A Louisiana resident, Mahmoud Amin Ya’qub al-Muhtadi, has been accused by US prosecutors of participating in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, according to recently unsealed court documents. The 33-year-old allegedly armed himself and joined a paramilitary group that fought alongside Hamas during the assault, which resulted in approximately 2,000 deaths and 251 hostages. Since the attack, Israeli strikes in Gaza have reportedly killed over 67,900 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, whose data is considered reliable by the UN.
A year after the attack, al-Muhtadi allegedly entered the US on a fraudulent visa and obtained permanent residency. He now faces charges of providing material support to a foreign terrorist organization, as well as visa fraud and document misuse. The FBI complaint identifies him as an operative of the National Resistance Brigades, the military wing of the Democratic Front for the Liberation of Palestine. Court documents reveal that al-Muhtadi allegedly coordinated a group of armed fighters to infiltrate Israel during the attack, requesting weapons and ammunition. His phone was reportedly traced to a cell tower near Kibbutz Kfar Aza, a site of a massacre, hours after the attack began.
Al-Muhtadi denied involvement in terrorist activities on his US visa application. After arriving in the US, he lived in several locations before settling in Lafayette, Louisiana, where he worked in a local restaurant. Arrested on Thursday, he appeared in court on Friday, where he claimed innocence, stating through an interpreter, ‘Yes, but there are a lot of things mentioned here that are so false, I’m innocent.’ While the documents do not accuse him of specific killings, federal prosecutors have previously charged senior Hamas members with the deaths of American citizens during the October 7 attack.
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Fire breaks out on train in India’s Punjab, no casualties reported
A fire erupted in a coach of the Amritsar-Saharsa train at Sirhind Station in Punjab, India, early on Saturday, October 18, 2025. The incident prompted an immediate response from Indian railway staff, Government Railway Police (GRP), Railway Protection Force (RPF), and local police teams, who swiftly arrived at the scene. The fire was successfully extinguished, and no fatalities were reported, according to the Ministry of Railways. One passenger sustained minor injuries and is currently receiving medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the fire. Despite the incident, the train safely resumed its journey to its destination. The event has raised concerns about safety measures on Indian railways, though the quick response and absence of major casualties have been noted positively.
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Afghanistan pulls out of cricket series after it says Pakistan air strike killed local players
In a tragic turn of events, Afghanistan has announced its withdrawal from an upcoming tri-nation T20 cricket series following the deaths of three local players in an air strike. The Afghan Cricket Board (ACB) confirmed the decision, citing respect for the victims, who were killed in what it described as an attack carried out by the Pakistani regime. The incident occurred on Friday evening in the Urgon district of eastern Paktika province, where the players were having dinner after a match. Eyewitnesses and local officials reported that the strike targeted a residential home, resulting in eight fatalities. Pakistan, however, denied targeting civilians, claiming the operation was aimed at militants. The ACB identified the deceased players as Kabeer, Sibghatullah, and Haroon, labeling their deaths as a significant loss for Afghanistan’s sports community. The attack coincided with the expiration of a temporary truce between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which had been in place following deadly border clashes. Pakistan stated that the strike targeted Afghan militants, with at least 70 combatants killed. Meanwhile, Afghan national team captain Rashid Khan and other players paid heartfelt tributes to the victims, calling the attack a ‘heinous crime.’ The incident has further strained relations between the two nations, even as peace talks continue in Doha, Qatar, with both sides seeking to resolve cross-border tensions.
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Pakistan state television announces talks in Qatar with Afghanistan
In a significant development, Pakistan’s state television has announced that high-level talks between Pakistani and Afghan officials are scheduled to take place in Qatar. This announcement comes in the wake of escalating tensions along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, which saw Islamabad conducting air strikes inside Afghan territory. The strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals and disrupted a fragile two-day ceasefire that had temporarily eased hostilities in the region. The Pakistani delegation, led by Defence Minister Khawaja Asif and intelligence chief General Asim Malik, is set to engage with representatives of the Afghan Taliban in Doha. The talks aim to address the recent surge in violence and explore avenues for de-escalation. The border region has long been a flashpoint for conflict, with both nations accusing each other of harboring militant groups. The upcoming dialogue in Qatar is seen as a critical step toward restoring stability and preventing further loss of life. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.