Top Headlines: Political Drama, International Tensions, and Train Catastrophe

Former South African president Jacob Zuma is expelled from the ANC for supporting a rival party. The U.S. aims to deter Israel from escalating tensions with Lebanon. An Israeli rocket strike kills 12 in the Golan Heights. A Russian train-truck collision injures 52. Political and humanitarian crises persist globally.

Former South African president Jacob Zuma has been expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) after he backed a rival party in May's parliamentary election, the ANC announced on Monday. Zuma had been suspended from the party in January after he declared his support for the new uMkhonto we Sizwe (MK) party.

In international diplomacy, the United States is working to prevent Israel from launching a major attack on Lebanon following a deadly rocket assault on the Golan Heights that resulted in the deaths of 12 youths. This initiative involves officials from Lebanon, Iran, and various Middle Eastern and European diplomats.

Meanwhile, Israel emphasizes its intent to avoid an all-out war with Hezbollah, stating that it aims to target Hezbollah specifically in response to the recent rocket strike.

Tragedy struck in southern Russia when a train carrying 800 passengers collided with a truck at a level crossing, derailing eight carriages and injuring 52 people. Authorities report that 21 individuals remain hospitalized following the accident.

Political tension continues in Gaza as thousands flee due to new Israeli evacuation orders, while Hamas accuses Israel of stalling ceasefire negotiations. Additionally, Catalan separatist leaders form a coalition with Spain's Socialists, and Venezuela's opposition claims electoral victory amid allegations of manipulation by President Maduro.

(With inputs from agencies.)