Noontime News Recap: Gaza aid cut deepens crisis as France unrest, Iran war energy fears and Ukraine tensions grow

The World Food Programme has cut monthly food assistance for about 500,000 people in Gaza for a second day, saying a funding shortfall is forcing the reduction as the humanitarian crisis deepens.  🔗

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In the wider Middle East, Qatar's deputy prime minister warned that the energy shockwaves from the US Israel war on Iran have not yet peaked, with concern rising over the Strait of Hormuz and possible disruption to global supplies.  🔗 Israel also arrested 10 suspects over violent West Bank settler attacks after incidents that drew diplomatic condemnation, while Hezbollah's plan to provide financial support to families affected by the war with Israel is adding pressure on Lebanon's government.  🔗 🔗

Ukraine said it did not receive a warning from the United States before Russian missile strikes hit power plants in Kyiv on Sunday evening, sharpening a dispute over intelligence sharing as the war continues to strain ties with Washington.  🔗

France saw a further escalation in unrest, with riots, looting and clashes after weekend protests, and President Emmanuel Macron rejecting Interior Minister Laurent Nunez's offer to resign.  🔗 In Albania, anti government demonstrations entered a sixth day as police and protesters clashed again in central Tirana, with officers using water cannon and tear gas.  🔗

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In North America, Alberta is voting on whether to authorise a later binding referendum on separating from Canada, with the ballot taking place amid a court dispute over the process.  🔗 In Cuba, renewed pressure is building amid reports of possible US military action and repeated public statements from US officials saying they want to increase pressure on Havana.  🔗

In Africa, Human Rights Watch accused Mali's military, its Russia controlled Africa Corps allies and opposition armed groups of grave abuses against civilians, adding to concern over the conflict and the conduct of all sides.  🔗

In Asia and the Pacific, Australian independent MP Helen Haines remains in critical condition after police said a car strike outside her Wangaratta office was deliberate, not accidental, and counter terrorism investigators are continuing their probe.  🔗

Elsewhere in Europe, the Council of Europe will host its annual World Forum for Democracy on 2 and 3 November, with political leaders, civil society figures and academics due to discuss democratic security across the continent.  🔗

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said American companies are preparing to announce new agreements in Uzbekistan as Washington seeks to deepen its economic role there, including in critical minerals.  🔗

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