Canada and Malta say they will recognize Palestine, joining France and the United Kingdom
Canada and Malta have announced they will recognize the state of Palestine at the UN General Assembly in September, joining France and the United Kingdom. The decision comes amid international pressure on Israel to end the war in Gaza and halt settlement expansion in the West Bank. In return, Canada is demanding democratic reforms in the Palestinian Authority and new elections without the presence of Hamas.
Thailand and Cambodia agree to a ceasefire again after days of bloody clashes
After bloody clashes that left at least 41 people dead and displaced more than 300,000 people, Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a temporary ceasefire again on Wednesday. Although Thailand accused Cambodia of violating the agreement, both sides appeared committed to peace at a meeting in Shanghai brokered by China. By Wednesday afternoon, the situation along the border had calmed down, although thousands of people were still in evacuation centers.
Japan cancels tsunami warnings as Pacific islands begin evacuations after powerful earthquake in Russia
A magnitude 8.8 earthquake struck off the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia's Far East, triggering tsunami warnings for Japan, Alaska and other Pacific islands. Japan lifted its warnings later in the day, while countries including Chile and Ecuador ordered evacuations along their coastlines. Authorities said there were no immediate effects on nuclear power plants, while airports and ports in Hawaii resumed operations.
Ukraine's parliament to vote on law restoring powers of anti-corruption institutions
Following mass protests in Ukraine and international pressure, Zelenskyy's government is seeking to repeal a law that curtailed the independence of two key anti-corruption agencies. Parliament is expected to vote on a new bill that would restore powers to the National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) and the Specialized Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). The previous law caused deep resentment, and also jeopardized financial support from the EU and Western countries.
