Today's News Digest
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has tasked opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot with forming a new government, passing over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has held power in the country. Eisenkot has up to six weeks to build a coalition.
Middle East
Israel's President Hands Opposition Leader the Mandate to Govern
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has asked Gadi Eisenkot, a career general and the main rival of Benjamin Netanyahu, to form the next government. Neither side won enough support to command a majority, and Eisenkot has up to six weeks to build a coalition. Eisenkot has warned of a 'point of no return' for democracy.
Houthi Missile Strike Damages Saudi Aramco Tower in Riyadh
Saudi authorities said falling shrapnel from an attack by Yemen's Houthis damaged the Saudi Aramco tower in Riyadh's financial district. No one was reported hurt. Separately, the Houthis said at least 33 people were killed in a Saudi air strike, a claim Saudi Arabia has not commented on.
Iran Executes Three Men Over Early-Year Protests
Iran executed Hassan Dioband, Hamid Kazemi and Reza Zanganeh on charges of armed unrest. Authorities allege the men took part in anti-government protests earlier this year.
Europe
Gunman Kills Nine in Shootings in Krakow and Another Town
Police say at least nine people were killed and at least 16 injured in shootings in Krakow, Poland, and a second town. The motive remains unclear. Two police officers have been hailed for preventing further deaths, and a colleague said a surgeon having lunch nearby undoubtedly saved one officer's life.
Hundreds of Thousands March in Amsterdam Against Israel
Hundreds of thousands of protesters joined Amsterdam's 'Red Line' demonstration. They are calling for stricter trade restrictions on Israel and a halt to all arms sales to the country.
Americas
Pope Leo Begins Latin America Tour in Uruguay and Argentina
Pope Leo drew tens of thousands to the main square in Florida, Uruguay, before travelling to Argentina. His visit comes three weeks after lung cancer surgery, and he is reported to be in 'pretty good health.' In Argentina, the Church is at odds with libertarian President Javier Milei, who holds opposing views on many issues.
Paraguay's President Removed After Bank Collapse
The Senate voted to impeach Paraguayan President Santiago Peña after the collapse of a state-affiliated bank left millions of people unable to access their money. Peña was removed from office and placed under house arrest, and he has since appeared before prosecutors. He has been charged.
Africa
Two Passenger Trains Collide Near Cairo
Two trains collided in al-Ayyat, Giza province, about 30 miles south of Cairo, killing at least seven people and injuring more than 100, officials said. The Egyptian president has ordered a prompt investigation. The crash is part of a long history of deadly rail accidents in Egypt despite billions of dollars spent modernizing the network.
South Africa's ANC Suffers Heavy Losses in Local Elections
The African National Congress lost ground heavily in local elections. The party, which is credited with overturning apartheid, is no longer the dominant force it once was in the country.
Asia and Oceania
Delhi Turns to 'Green' Fireworks for Diwali Amid Pollution Concerns
India's top court ruled that only more environmentally friendly fireworks may be set off this weekend, citing air quality concerns in Delhi. Environmental activists, however, describe the approach as a 'green wash.' Millions across India are marking Diwali with lamps, fireworks and sweets.
India's 'Cockroach' Youth Movement Demands Accountability
The Cockroach Janta Party, a youth movement in India, is pressing for political accountability, employment and fair elections. The movement seeks to restore what it describes as a culture of accountability.
New Zealand Election Produces No Clear Winner
New Zealand's election has yielded no clear winner, and coalition talks are expected to take weeks. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon will lead a caretaker government during the negotiations. The result follows a gloomy national mood, with voters deserting the major parties.
Science and Environment
Chile's Atacama Desert Erupts in Its Biggest Floral Display in Decades
El Niño rains have transformed Chile's Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth, into a sea of color. The bloom awakens a short-lived ecosystem of flowers and wildlife.
Latin American Banana Producers Seek Better Pay Amid Climate Shocks
Banana producers in Latin America are calling for better pay as extreme weather during this year's super El Niño event cuts production. High winds in parts of Colombia, one of the largest suppliers, are among the disruptions cited.
Physicists Use Electrical Noise to Probe a Superconductor Mystery
Researchers listened to electronic noise in a superconductor to determine whether electrons have paired up. The technique offers a way to test the pairing behavior that underpins superconductivity.
Genetics and Archaeology Trace the Bantu Expansion
Scientists are using genes and archaeology to reconstruct how Bantu speakers spread across much of Africa. The migration reshaped the continent's languages and populations.
Notable quotes
I think everyone's over politics so let's all have a bit of a break for the next three weeks — Christopher Luxon, New Zealand Prime Minister