Noontime News Recap: Ukraine hit again as Israel expands West Bank settlements and Europe swelters

Russian attacks killed at least four people in Ukraine in fresh strikes on the Sumy region and the central city of Kryvyi Rih, coming after what officials described as the deadliest attacks on Kyiv this year.  🔗

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In the Middle East, Israel's Security Cabinet approved a plan for 13 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, a move likely to deepen tensions over territory already at the centre of long running disputes.  🔗

Iran is preparing for a seven day state funeral and public mourning period for former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, with the first ceremony due in Tehran and foreign delegations expected to attend.  🔗

Elsewhere in the region, the UAE Cyber Security Council said the country's financial sector had successfully thwarted a series of sophisticated cyberattacks, underlining continuing pressure on critical infrastructure.  🔗

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In Europe, France recorded more than 2,000 excess deaths during the last week of June as a record breaking heatwave swept across the country and much of the continent, with officials warning of more extreme weather ahead.  🔗

In Asia Pacific security tensions, Australia raised concerns directly with Beijing over China's maritime activity near Taiwan after Chinese state media described a new enforcement operation in the area.  🔗

In the United States, a San Francisco jury convicted seven pro Palestine protesters of multiple misdemeanour charges over a blockade of the Golden Gate Bridge during a 2024 demonstration.  🔗

Also in New York, police said a Tibetan protester died after self immolating outside United Nations headquarters in Manhattan, after an emergency call late on Thursday.  🔗

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Separately, Pakistan's January memorandum of understanding with an affiliate of World Liberty Financial has yet to produce a pilot project, licences or known transactions, despite the deal giving the Trump linked firm access to White House circles.  🔗

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