Israel Intensifies West Bank Operation Amid Global Concerns

Israel's military operation in the West Bank has entered its second day, intensifying concerns about regional stability. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the elimination of five alleged militants in Tulkarm, including Mohammed Jaber, a local commander of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. This operation, one of the largest in over a year, has resulted in at least 17 fatalities according to local media.

The Palestinian Red Crescent reported losing contact with emergency services in Jenin as Israeli forces surrounded the city's main hospital. In Tulkarm's Nur Shams refugee camp, residents face a lack of water and sewage services due to military actions.

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the raids, calling for their immediate cessation. The situation has escalated tensions, with Hamas urging Palestinians in the West Bank to join their fight against Israel.

"This is a Gaza-style operation meant to root out Islamic-Iranian terrorist infrastructure."

Amidst the conflict, the World Health Organization announced an agreement with Israel for temporary humanitarian pauses in Gaza to facilitate polio vaccinations for children under 10.

In Hong Kong, press freedom faces new challenges as two journalists from the now-defunct Stand News were convicted of sedition. Chung Pui-kuen and Patrick Lam could face up to two years in prison, marking a significant blow to media freedom in the semi-autonomous region.

Namibia, grappling with its worst drought in a century, has authorized the culling of over 700 animals to address acute food insecurity affecting nearly half its population. This decision comes as the country declares a state of emergency due to the impacts of El Niño.

In a landmark ruling, South Korea's Constitutional Court deemed the country's climate change measures insufficient to protect basic human rights. This decision, the first of its kind in Asia, could set a precedent for climate litigation in the region.

Lastly, the streets of Buñol, Spain, were awash with red as the annual Tomatina festival took place. This unique celebration, originating in 1945, saw thousands of participants engage in a tomato-throwing frenzy, marking a colorful contrast to the serious global issues unfolding elsewhere.