Global Tensions and Tragedies: A Summary of Recent World Events

The latest global news highlights include the exclusion of a Belarusian Nobel laureate from a prisoner swap, rioting in Britain following child murders, tensions involving Iran and Israel, humanitarian aid from Russia to North Korea, accusations by Ukraine against Russia, a deadly attack in Somalia, escalating protests in Venezuela, revoked plea deals for 9/11 suspects, and Israeli airstrikes in Gaza and the West Bank.

Supporters of Nobel Peace laureate Ales Bialiatski, imprisoned in Belarus, expressed disappointment over his exclusion from a significant East-West prisoner swap. This exchange involved eight Russians and 16 dissidents from Russian and Belarusian jails.

Britain experienced its most widespread rioting in 13 years, triggered by social media falsehoods following the tragic murder of three young girls. Hundreds of anti-immigration protesters clashed with police across multiple cities.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope that Iran would back down amidst mounting fears of a broader Middle East conflict following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, escalating tensions between Israel and Iran.

Russian President Vladimir Putin extended humanitarian aid to flood-stricken North Korea, signifying growing ties between the two nations. The message conveyed via the Russian embassy highlighted Putin's solidarity with Kim Jong Un.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards pledged severe retaliation after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a short-range projectile in Tehran. The incident adds to rising concerns of a direct conflict between Iran and Israel.

Ukraine accused Russian forces of killing and dismembering a prisoner-of-war, urging international bodies like the ICRC and the UN to investigate. Ukraine's prosecutor general launched an urgent probe into the case.

An explosion in Mogadishu's popular beach restaurant claimed 37 lives and injured 212, with the Somali government attributing the attack to militant group al Shabaab. The health minister reported critical injuries among the survivors.

Thousands of Venezuelans took to the streets over the contested presidential election results amidst reports of 2,000 arrests during protests. President Maduro's narrow victory over the opposition has been mired in controversy.

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin revoked plea deals with three 9/11 suspects, including orchestrator Khalid Sheikh Mohammed. The agreements reportedly included guilty pleas in exchange for removing the death penalty.

An Israeli airstrike on a Gaza school killed 15, while subsequent strikes in the West Bank aimed at militants resulted in nine deaths. The Israeli military stated the first strike targeted a militant cell intending to carry out an attack.

(With inputs from agencies.)