Latest reporting from the World desk, in reverse chronological order.
Myanmar has completed the final phase of a three-stage election process that virtually guarantees the military and its allies a parliamentary majority. With seats reserved for the armed forces and voting restricted in areas affected by civil war, opposition groups and international critics say the election is designed to legitimize junta rule rather than restore democratic governance.
President Donald Trump urged Iran to negotiate over its nuclear program and warned that another U.S. strike would be more severe, as Iranian officials signaled they were not currently seeking talks under threat.
Funding reductions have forced mine-clearance groups operating along Zimbabwe’s border with Mozambique to scale back, leaving dangerous minefields uncleared while hundreds of workers—many of them women—lose stable incomes. Former deminers describe sudden layoffs, falling living standards, and the struggle to pay school fees and rent, even as legacy landmines from the 1970s continue to injure civilians and livestock decades after the conflict that placed them.
Judges at the International Criminal Court say former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte can participate in proceedings over crimes against humanity allegations tied to his anti-drug campaign, clearing the way for a confirmation-of-charges hearing in late February.
Russian drone and missile strikes hit Kharkiv and other parts of Ukraine, damaging buildings and critical infrastructure and leaving large areas without power, Ukrainian officials said. Kyiv also reported damage to a major religious landmark.
The United States says it will conduct multi-day aerial exercises in the Middle East, describing the operation as a readiness and deterrence message amid heightened tensions with Iran and regional partners weighing how far to support a buildup.
Israel said it has recovered and identified the remains of Ran Gvili, described as the last hostage held in Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023 attack. The moment carried heavy symbolism in Tel Aviv, while leaders argued over what comes next: border access, reconstruction, and the unresolved questions of security and governance in Gaza.
Israel said it recovered the remains of police officer Ran Gvili, described as the last hostage still held in Gaza, bringing a symbolic end to a long chapter of national grief. The recovery is tied to a ceasefire framework that has returned living hostages and bodies, but the next phase is expected to test negotiations over border crossings, security arrangements, and Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
India and the European Union finalized a sweeping free trade agreement described by leaders as a landmark deal, with both sides planning major tariff reductions across most goods. Supporters say it will deepen economic ties and diversify trade at a time of global uncertainty, while sensitive sectors were left out to ease domestic political concerns.
U.K. police said 86 people were arrested after demonstrators gathered outside HMP Wormwood Scrubs in West London in support of a Palestine Action prisoner who has been on hunger strike, with authorities alleging protesters breached prison grounds and disrupted operations.
Israel said it carried out multiple strikes in southern Lebanon, including near Tyre, targeting Hezbollah-linked operatives and infrastructure as both sides spar over compliance with ceasefire-related commitments and continued cross-border threats.
British authorities arrested at least 86 protesters outside Wormwood Scrubs prison as demonstrators demanded the release of Palestine Action prisoners and highlighted a detainee who resumed a hunger strike. The arrests add to tensions around the group’s ban under terrorism legislation.