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US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday (Jul 29) recounted the horror of the July 13 Pennsylvania assassination attempt, throwing light on how his wife Melania Trump was left "traumatised" by the incident.

Trump said Melania watched the incident live on TV and thought the "worst had happened" as Thomas Matthew Crooks's bullet pierced the former president's right ear.

Speaking with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump said, "When I went down, she thought the worst had happened... because I went down and grabbed my hand and my hand was loaded up with blood."

Trump said the incident "deeply affected" his wife.

"She was watching live... She can't really even talk about it. Traumatised. Which is okay because that means she likes me," Trump said.

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NEW: Donald Trump says Melania was watching his rally live when he was shot in the face by Thomas Crooks, says she is traumatized. 
 
Ingraham: What was Melania's reaction? 
 
Trump: She was watching live. It was all over the place. I asked her that, I mean, I wasn't there. I was on… <a href="https://t.co/2CYLRuSBw4">pic.twitter.com/2CYLRuSBw4</a>
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The 20-year-old shooter killed one person and injured Trump at the rally in Butler. He was immediately taken down by a Secret Service sniper.

Following the incident, Trump has sought to capitalise on the attempt on his life, with him saying in one rally that he "took a bullet for democracy". In a symbolic gesture, he has announced he will travel again to Butler to hold a rally.

Trump has given mixed reactions to the Secret Service for their handling of the situation. Earlier, he criticised the agents for not communicating to the police about the presence of the shooter on the roof.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwinwvnQ-s6HAxXMEUQIHUETAtUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/president-donaldduck-elon-musk-claims-google-biased-against-trump-interfering-in-us-elections-745191" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/trending/president-donaldduck-elon-musk-claims-google-biased-against-trump-interfering-in-us-elections-745191&amp;ved=2ahUKEwinwvnQ-s6HAxXMEUQIHUETAtUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">President Donald...Duck?: Elon Musk claims Google biased against Trump, interfering in US Elections</a>

“Should’ve been somebody on the roof, should’ve been communication with the local police,” he said. “We’re seeing this guy, who was a very disturbed person… how about the Trump fans who were screaming about him?”

But later, he appeared to be sympathising with the female agent who came under intense criticism from Trump's fans.

"I just want to say one thing about the Secret Service... They were very brave. They were coming," he said.

"Bullets were flying over me. I went down, and they were on top of me... I had a lot of very big, strong people on top of me," Trump further said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday (Jul 29) recounted the horror of the July 13 Pennsylvania assassination attempt, throwing light on how his wife Melania Trump was left "traumatised" by the incident.

US Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on Monday (Jul 29) recounted the horror of the July 13 Pennsylvania assassination attempt, throwing light on how his wife Melania Trump was left "traumatised" by the incident. Trump said Melania watched the incident live on TV and thought the "worst had happened" as Thomas Matthew Crooks's bullet pierced the former president's right ear. Speaking with Fox News host Laura Ingraham, Trump said, "When I went down, she thought the worst had happened... because I went down and grabbed my hand and my hand was loaded up with blood." Trump said the incident "deeply affected" his wife. "She was watching live... She can't really even talk about it. Traumatised. Which is okay because that means she likes me," Trump said. NEW: Donald Trump says Melania was watching his rally live when he was shot in the face by Thomas Crooks, says she is traumatized. Ingraham: What was Melania's reaction? Trump: She was watching live. It was all over the place. I asked her that, I mean, I wasn't there. I was on… pic.twitter.com/2CYLRuSBw4 — Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) July 30, 2024 × The 20-year-old shooter killed one person and injured Trump at the rally in Butler. He was immediately taken down by a Secret Service sniper. Following the incident, Trump has sought to capitalise on the attempt on his life, with him saying in one rally that he "took a bullet for democracy". In a symbolic gesture, he has announced he will travel again to Butler to hold a rally. Trump has given mixed reactions to the Secret Service for their handling of the situation. Earlier, he criticised the agents for not communicating to the police about the presence of the shooter on the roof. Also read: President Donald...Duck?: Elon Musk claims Google biased against Trump, interfering in US Elections “Should’ve been somebody on the roof, should’ve been communication with the local police,” he said. “We’re seeing this guy, who was a very disturbed person… how about the Trump fans who were screaming about him?” But later, he appeared to be sympathising with the female agent who came under intense criticism from Trump's fans. "I just want to say one thing about the Secret Service... They were very brave. They were coming," he said. "Bullets were flying over me. I went down, and they were on top of me... I had a lot of very big, strong people on top of me," Trump further said. (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Trump reveals how wife Melania reacted to murder bid, 'she was left traumatised'

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Britain's recently elected government and the union representing junior doctors said on Monday they have struck an agreement offering a substantial pay rise to end a wave of unprecedented strikes.

The British Medical Association (BMA) said it agreed to put the offer to members and recommended them to vote in favour.

If accepted, it would put an end to a long-running dispute over wages, triggering pickets including the longest walkout -- totalling six days -- in the seven-decade history of Britain's National Health Service (NHS).

Junior doctors -- those below specialist, consultant level -- in England had been asking for a 35-percent "pay restoration".

While the new offer falls short of that, the BMA said the average junior doctor's pay uplift across the two years of the dispute would be 22.3 percent.&nbsp;

"This offer does not go all the way to restoring the pay lost by junior doctors over the last decade and a half," the union said.

But although it lamented "it should never have taken so long to get here", the union called the package "a good step forward for our profession, acknowledging there is still more work to be done in the future".

Since coming to power in July, the centre-left Labour government has been keen to draw a line under the long-running industrial disputes sparked by soaring inflation which dogged the previous Conservative administration.

Besides doctors, it has relaunched negotiations with railway workers.

Finance minister Rachel Reeves hailed the agreement as "the start of a new relationship" between the government and healthcare staff.

Labour has made turning the crisis-hit NHS around a priority, pledging to tackle huge backlogs in waiting times for appointments and surgery and an exodus of professionals leaving the service.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Britain's recently elected government and the union representing junior doctors said on Monday they have struck an agreement offering a substantial pay rise to end a wave of unprecedented strikes.

Britain's recently elected government and the union representing junior doctors said on Monday they have struck an agreement offering a substantial pay rise to end a wave of unprecedented strikes. The British Medical Association (BMA) said it agreed to put the offer to members and recommended them to vote in favour. If accepted, it would put an end to a long-running dispute over wages, triggering pickets including the longest walkout -- totalling six days -- in the seven-decade history of Britain's National Health Service (NHS). Junior doctors -- those below specialist, consultant level -- in England had been asking for a 35-percent "pay restoration". While the new offer falls short of that, the BMA said the average junior doctor's pay uplift across the two years of the dispute would be 22.3 percent. "This offer does not go all the way to restoring the pay lost by junior doctors over the last decade and a half," the union said. But although it lamented "it should never have taken so long to get here", the union called the package "a good step forward for our profession, acknowledging there is still more work to be done in the future". Since coming to power in July, the centre-left Labour government has been keen to draw a line under the long-running industrial disputes sparked by soaring inflation which dogged the previous Conservative administration. Besides doctors, it has relaunched negotiations with railway workers. Finance minister Rachel Reeves hailed the agreement as "the start of a new relationship" between the government and healthcare staff. Labour has made turning the crisis-hit NHS around a priority, pledging to tackle huge backlogs in waiting times for appointments and surgery and an exodus of professionals leaving the service. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UK government strikes pay deal with junior doctors to end NHS walkouts

A judge in the United Kingdom sentenced radical Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary for life after he was found guilty of directing and encouraging support for a banned "terrorist organisation" Al-Muhajiroun (ALM).

The ALM&nbsp;was set up with an aim to establish an Islamic caliphate in Britain and was banned in 2010.

The 57-year-old preacher, who emerged as the defining face of Islamist radicalism in the post-Brexit UK, was convicted last week on terrorism charges.&nbsp;

"Organisations such as yours normalise violence in support of an ideological cause," Judge Mark Wall told Choudary at London's Woolwich Crown Court while referring to the&nbsp;Al-Muhajiroun (ALM).

Also watch |&nbsp;UK convicts Pakistan Islamic preacher Anjem Choudary who protested funeral of UK's soldiers

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"Their existence gives individuals who are members of them the courage to commit acts which otherwise they might not do. They drive wedges between people who otherwise could and would live together in peaceful coexistence."

Choudary has been sentenced to a minimum term of 28 years. He has already spent a little less than a year in prison, meaning until 2047, he won't be eligible for parole.

<h2>Who is Anjem Choudry?</h2>

Anjem Choudary was Britain's most high-profile Islamist preacher. He first took the spotlight in and beyond Britain for praising the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Choudary even said that he&nbsp;wanted to convert the Buckingham Palace into a mosque.

Choudary was previously imprisoned in Britain in 2016 for building support for Islamic State. He was released in 2018 after he served half of his five-and-a-half-year sentence.

Prosecutor Tom Little said on Tuesday (July 30) that Choudary became "the caretaker emir" of al-Muhajiroun after fellow Islamist preacher Omar Bakri Mohammed was jailed in Lebanon in 2014.

Choudary's lawyer argued that al-Muhajiroun was "little more than a husk of an organisation" and that almost all terrorist acts linked to the group had already taken place.

But Wall said al-Muhajiroun was "a radical organisation intent on spreading sharia law to as much of the world as possible, using violent means where necessary".

Choudary stood trial alongside Canadian citizen Khaled Hussein, 29, who was arrested on the same day as Choudary in 2023 when he arrived on a flight at Heathrow Airport.

Hussein was also found guilty of holding membership of a banned organisation and sentenced to five years in prison.

(With inputs from agencies)

A judge in the United Kingdom sentenced radical Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary for life after he was found guilty of directing and encouraging support for a banned "terrorist organisation" Al-Muhajiroun (ALM).

A judge in the United Kingdom sentenced radical Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary for life after he was found guilty of directing and encouraging support for a banned "terrorist organisation" Al-Muhajiroun (ALM). The ALM was set up with an aim to establish an Islamic caliphate in Britain and was banned in 2010. The 57-year-old preacher, who emerged as the defining face of Islamist radicalism in the post-Brexit UK, was convicted last week on terrorism charges. "Organisations such as yours normalise violence in support of an ideological cause," Judge Mark Wall told Choudary at London's Woolwich Crown Court while referring to the Al-Muhajiroun (ALM). Also watch | UK convicts Pakistan Islamic preacher Anjem Choudary who protested funeral of UK's soldiers × "Their existence gives individuals who are members of them the courage to commit acts which otherwise they might not do. They drive wedges between people who otherwise could and would live together in peaceful coexistence." Choudary has been sentenced to a minimum term of 28 years. He has already spent a little less than a year in prison, meaning until 2047, he won't be eligible for parole. Who is Anjem Choudry? Anjem Choudary was Britain's most high-profile Islamist preacher. He first took the spotlight in and beyond Britain for praising the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks on the United States. Choudary even said that he wanted to convert the Buckingham Palace into a mosque. Choudary was previously imprisoned in Britain in 2016 for building support for Islamic State. He was released in 2018 after he served half of his five-and-a-half-year sentence. Prosecutor Tom Little said on Tuesday (July 30) that Choudary became "the caretaker emir" of al-Muhajiroun after fellow Islamist preacher Omar Bakri Mohammed was jailed in Lebanon in 2014. Choudary's lawyer argued that al-Muhajiroun was "little more than a husk of an organisation" and that almost all terrorist acts linked to the group had already taken place. But Wall said al-Muhajiroun was "a radical organisation intent on spreading sharia law to as much of the world as possible, using violent means where necessary". Choudary stood trial alongside Canadian citizen Khaled Hussein, 29, who was arrested on the same day as Choudary in 2023 when he arrived on a flight at Heathrow Airport. Hussein was also found guilty of holding membership of a banned organisation and sentenced to five years in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

British radical Islamist preacher Anjem Choudary sentenced to life on terrorism charges

A Hawaii man identified as a new suspect in a 1991 murder case allegedly died by suicide last week after police took a DNA swab from him, news agency AP reported. Police traced him through a DNA sample that was taken from a discarded fork. Then, police went to his home last week to test the sample against a swab taken in person, the lawyers revealed Sunday (Jul 28) in court documents.

<h2>The 1991 murder case</h2>

A Virginia woman was sexually assaulted and killed in Hawaii more than three decades ago. The woman, Dana Ireland, was found dead on Christmas Eve in 1991 on Hawaii's Big Island.

The 23-year-old woman was found barely alive in the bushes along a fishing trail in Puna, a remote section of the island.

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This case made headlines last year when Albert “Ian” Schweitzer, one of the three persons facing jail time in connection with the case, was finally released 20 years later after new evidence emerged.&nbsp;

<h2>Botched up investigation</h2>

Schweitzer's defence has now alleged that police failed to investigate the matter with full integrity as they couldn't take steps to make sure the new suspect didn't flee or kill himself after they took swabs.&nbsp;

They claimed Monday that the truth about Dana Ireland's death would never come to the fore now as the person is dead. They also demanded a federal investigation into the case, especially on police communication regarding the process of DNA work.

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“It’s well known in law enforcement circles … if you have DNA on a guy and you know he committed the crime, that if you do not bring him into custody, there is a serious chance that the person will flee, destroy evidence or kill themselves, said Innocence Project co-founder Barry Scheck.&nbsp;

Innocence Project is a nonprofit legal organisation that is "committed to exonerating individuals who have been wrongly convicted."

<h2>Police deny allegations</h2>

Meanwhile, a police source said had they arrested the suspect without probable cause, a court wouldn’t have accepted the evidence they gathered afterwards. “That is abjectly false, 100% not true," he said, responding to the allegations of misconduct.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Hawaii man identified as a new suspect in a 1991 murder case allegedly died by suicide last week after police took a DNA swab from him, news agency AP reported.

A Hawaii man identified as a new suspect in a 1991 murder case allegedly died by suicide last week after police took a DNA swab from him, news agency AP reported. Police traced him through a DNA sample that was taken from a discarded fork. Then, police went to his home last week to test the sample against a swab taken in person, the lawyers revealed Sunday (Jul 28) in court documents. The 1991 murder case A Virginia woman was sexually assaulted and killed in Hawaii more than three decades ago. The woman, Dana Ireland, was found dead on Christmas Eve in 1991 on Hawaii's Big Island. The 23-year-old woman was found barely alive in the bushes along a fishing trail in Puna, a remote section of the island. Also read: A picture taken from space shows just how massive the Hawaii wildfires were This case made headlines last year when Albert “Ian” Schweitzer, one of the three persons facing jail time in connection with the case, was finally released 20 years later after new evidence emerged. Botched up investigation Schweitzer's defence has now alleged that police failed to investigate the matter with full integrity as they couldn't take steps to make sure the new suspect didn't flee or kill himself after they took swabs. They claimed Monday that the truth about Dana Ireland's death would never come to the fore now as the person is dead. They also demanded a federal investigation into the case, especially on police communication regarding the process of DNA work. Also read: Young activists in Hawaii win ‘groundbreaking’ climate settlement “It’s well known in law enforcement circles … if you have DNA on a guy and you know he committed the crime, that if you do not bring him into custody, there is a serious chance that the person will flee, destroy evidence or kill themselves, said Innocence Project co-founder Barry Scheck. Innocence Project is a nonprofit legal organisation that is "committed to exonerating individuals who have been wrongly convicted." Police deny allegations Meanwhile, a police source said had they arrested the suspect without probable cause, a court wouldn’t have accepted the evidence they gathered afterwards. “That is abjectly false, 100% not true," he said, responding to the allegations of misconduct. (With inputs from agencies)

US: New suspect in 1991 murder case 'kills himself' after police take his DNA sample

A third child died on Tuesday and five others remained critically injured after a knife attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in a quiet seaside community in northern England, police said.

The nine-year-old girl died in hospital early Tuesday, Merseyside Police said, as the force confirmed that two victims who died in the "ferocious" stabbing spree Monday were also girls, aged six and seven.

Eight other children suffered stab wounds during the attack in Southport, near Liverpool, which has shocked the UK and beyond. Two adults were also in a critical condition after being injured.

A 17-year-old male suspect from a nearby village arrested shortly after the incident remained in custody, police added, as they warned against speculating about his identity or details of the investigation.

"This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it," Merseyside Police said in its latest update.&nbsp;

Hours earlier, US pop star Swift took to social media to say she was "completely in shock" over "the loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone".&nbsp;

"These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families," she added on Instagram.

Visiting the scene of the attack to lay flowers and meet local officials, Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said police were pursuing "every single avenue" as part of "a serious criminal investigation".

"This was a horrific attack," she told reporters.

<h2>'Deeply shocked'</h2>

Residents of Southport, a small seaside town popular with summer visitors, were still coming to terms with the attack.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/man-arrested-after-stabbing-incident-in-uks-southport-several-casualties-reported-745283">Teen arrested after stabbing incident in UK's Southport</a>

"The town is in shock and in mourning", local MP Patrick Hurley told AFP, calling it the "most horrific atrocity that Southport has experienced in living memory".

It is a "very small town, a close-knit community and everybody will be intimately affected by this", he added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called the events "just truly awful" and said "the whole country is deeply shocked".&nbsp;

He is likely to visit the community later Tuesday. An evening vigil will also be held.

"I just cannot believe that it happened so close to home," Leanne Hassan told reporters Tuesday.

Hassan had rushed to collect her daughter from a nearby nursery which was locked down after the attack.&nbsp;

Her daughter was safe, "but unfortunately that's not the reality for a lot of parents waking up today," she added.

Police have revealed the children at the event were aged between six and 11, and the two adults injured were trying to protect them.

Tributes have been paid on social media to the bravery of dance and yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, who was among the victims.

Local business owner Colin Parry, one of those to call police, recounted to UK media members of his staff seeing "about 10 kids go running past him, all bleeding".&nbsp;

"One of them collapsed on the floor outside the neighbour next door," he told the Press Association (PA) news agency.

Bare Varathan, who owns a local shop, told PA he saw "seven to 10 kids" who were "injured, bleeding".

<h2>'Utterly horrific'</h2>

The teen male arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder is from neighbouring village Banks but was born in the Welsh capital Cardiff, according to police.&nbsp;

His identity and a possible motive for the attack have not been revealed.

"A name has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect," police said Tuesday.

"This name is incorrect and we would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing."

Witnesses told UK media the attacker was seen arriving at the scene in a taxi late Monday morning, and that he entered the venue wearing a mask.

Armed officers detained the suspect nearby and seized a knife.

Targeted attacks on children are extremely rare in the UK.

Monday's incident evoked memories of a school massacre in the Scottish town of Dunblane in 1996, which claimed the lives of 16 young pupils and their teacher in Britain's worst mass shooting.

King Charles III has offered his "most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies" following the "utterly horrific" incident.

Meanwhile, Prince William and his wife Catherine said "as parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

A third child died on Tuesday and five others remained critically injured after a knife attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in a quiet seaside community in northern England, police said.

A third child died on Tuesday and five others remained critically injured after a knife attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in a quiet seaside community in northern England, police said. The nine-year-old girl died in hospital early Tuesday, Merseyside Police said, as the force confirmed that two victims who died in the "ferocious" stabbing spree Monday were also girls, aged six and seven. Eight other children suffered stab wounds during the attack in Southport, near Liverpool, which has shocked the UK and beyond. Two adults were also in a critical condition after being injured. A 17-year-old male suspect from a nearby village arrested shortly after the incident remained in custody, police added, as they warned against speculating about his identity or details of the investigation. "This incident is not currently being treated as terror-related and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it," Merseyside Police said in its latest update. Hours earlier, US pop star Swift took to social media to say she was "completely in shock" over "the loss of life and innocence, and the horrendous trauma inflicted on everyone". "These were just little kids at a dance class. I am at a complete loss for how to ever convey my sympathies to these families," she added on Instagram. Visiting the scene of the attack to lay flowers and meet local officials, Interior Minister Yvette Cooper said police were pursuing "every single avenue" as part of "a serious criminal investigation". "This was a horrific attack," she told reporters. 'Deeply shocked' Residents of Southport, a small seaside town popular with summer visitors, were still coming to terms with the attack. Also read | Teen arrested after stabbing incident in UK's Southport "The town is in shock and in mourning", local MP Patrick Hurley told AFP, calling it the "most horrific atrocity that Southport has experienced in living memory". It is a "very small town, a close-knit community and everybody will be intimately affected by this", he added. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called the events "just truly awful" and said "the whole country is deeply shocked". He is likely to visit the community later Tuesday. An evening vigil will also be held. "I just cannot believe that it happened so close to home," Leanne Hassan told reporters Tuesday. Hassan had rushed to collect her daughter from a nearby nursery which was locked down after the attack. Her daughter was safe, "but unfortunately that's not the reality for a lot of parents waking up today," she added. Police have revealed the children at the event were aged between six and 11, and the two adults injured were trying to protect them. Tributes have been paid on social media to the bravery of dance and yoga teacher Leanne Lucas, who was among the victims. Local business owner Colin Parry, one of those to call police, recounted to UK media members of his staff seeing "about 10 kids go running past him, all bleeding". "One of them collapsed on the floor outside the neighbour next door," he told the Press Association (PA) news agency. Bare Varathan, who owns a local shop, told PA he saw "seven to 10 kids" who were "injured, bleeding". 'Utterly horrific' The teen male arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder is from neighbouring village Banks but was born in the Welsh capital Cardiff, according to police. His identity and a possible motive for the attack have not been revealed. "A name has been shared on social media in connection with the suspect," police said Tuesday. "This name is incorrect and we would urge people not to speculate on details of the incident while the investigation is ongoing." Witnesses told UK media the attacker was seen arriving at the scene in a taxi late Monday morning, and that he entered the venue wearing a mask. Armed officers detained the suspect nearby and seized a knife. Targeted attacks on children are extremely rare in the UK. Monday's incident evoked memories of a school massacre in the Scottish town of Dunblane in 1996, which claimed the lives of 16 young pupils and their teacher in Britain's worst mass shooting. King Charles III has offered his "most heartfelt condolences, prayers and deepest sympathies" following the "utterly horrific" incident. Meanwhile, Prince William and his wife Catherine said "as parents, we cannot begin to imagine what the families, friends, and loved ones of those killed and injured in Southport today are going through". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Third child dies following mass stabbing in UK's Southport

IDF forces have slammed the incidents of protestors breaking into army bases, harmed the national security since the military was compelled to halt it's deliberation.

Israel-Palestine war: Israeli protestors break into military bases, IDF slams protest

Russia's navy began planned exercises involving most of its fleet in the Arctic and Pacific oceans as well as the Baltic and Caspian seas, the defence ministry said on Tuesday. Russia is considered by most military analysts to have the world's third most powerful navy after those of the United States and China, and Russia has a significant ballistic-missile nuclear submarine fleet.

Russian Navy drills across multiple oceans and seas

Mumbai-born acclaimed writer Salman Rushdie has endorsed US Vice President and the Democratic presidential frontrunner Kamala Harris after describing her as the only person capable of stopping former president Donald Trump from becoming the president again.&nbsp;

Rushdie praised Harris's Indian and Black heritage. The serving US vice president's mother hails from southern India's Chennai while her paternal side is from Jamaica.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Kamala Harris on devastation in Gaza: I will not be silent

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So far, Harris has won the endorsement of three of the five Indian-American representatives.

"It's a critical moment. I'm a boy from Bombay and it's great to see an Indian woman running for the White House. And my wife is African-American, so we like the fact that a Black and Indian woman is running for the White House," Rushdie was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India.

Rushdie extended his support to her at a virtual event, 'South Asian Men for Harris'. The event was attended by scores of persons from the Indian-American community.

Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-kamala-harris-ancestral-village-longs-for-her-presidential-poll-win-visit-743843">Kamala Harris’ ancestral village in India hopes for her win in presidential poll, subsequent visit as US prez</a>&nbsp;

Kamala Harris has her approval ratings soaring to the point of matching Trump's popularity in and beyond the swing states, following which the Democrats are hoping to reign supreme in the White House for the next five years as well.&nbsp;

The Obamas as well as President Joe Biden and the first lady Jill Biden, have rallied around Kamala Harris.

Salman Rushdie, however, clarified that it was about Kamala Harris the leader, and not just about the shared ethnicity.

"We would not be gathering in this way let's say for Usha Vance or Nikki Haley," Rushdie said, while referring to the Indian-American wife of Republican Vice-Presidential nominee JD Vance and the Indian-American former South Carolina governor.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/salman-rushdies-knife-cuts-open-an-empowering-defence-of-free-speech-717946">Salman Rushdie's 'Knife' cuts open an empowering defence of free speech</a>

The author of the 'Midnight's Children' said that something "very extraordinary, transformative has happened in American politics" in just under one week.

"The conversation has entirely changed with the arrival of Kamala Harris's candidacy and it's changed most joyfully, a way of optimism and positive, forward-thinking," he added.

Kamala Harris officially declared her presidential candidacy after Biden withdrew from the race for a second term on July 20. She is expected to be officially declared as the presidential candidate by the Democrats in August.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mumbai-born acclaimed writer Salman Rushdie has endorsed US Vice President and the Democratic presidential frontrunner Kamala Harris after describing her as the only person capable of stopping former president Donald Trump from becoming the president again.

Mumbai-born acclaimed writer Salman Rushdie has endorsed US Vice President and the Democratic presidential frontrunner Kamala Harris after describing her as the only person capable of stopping former president Donald Trump from becoming the president again. Rushdie praised Harris's Indian and Black heritage. The serving US vice president's mother hails from southern India's Chennai while her paternal side is from Jamaica. Also watch | Kamala Harris on devastation in Gaza: I will not be silent × So far, Harris has won the endorsement of three of the five Indian-American representatives. "It's a critical moment. I'm a boy from Bombay and it's great to see an Indian woman running for the White House. And my wife is African-American, so we like the fact that a Black and Indian woman is running for the White House," Rushdie was quoted as saying by news agency Press Trust of India. Rushdie extended his support to her at a virtual event, 'South Asian Men for Harris'. The event was attended by scores of persons from the Indian-American community. Also read | Kamala Harris’ ancestral village in India hopes for her win in presidential poll, subsequent visit as US prez Kamala Harris has her approval ratings soaring to the point of matching Trump's popularity in and beyond the swing states, following which the Democrats are hoping to reign supreme in the White House for the next five years as well. The Obamas as well as President Joe Biden and the first lady Jill Biden, have rallied around Kamala Harris. Salman Rushdie, however, clarified that it was about Kamala Harris the leader, and not just about the shared ethnicity. "We would not be gathering in this way let's say for Usha Vance or Nikki Haley," Rushdie said, while referring to the Indian-American wife of Republican Vice-Presidential nominee JD Vance and the Indian-American former South Carolina governor. Also read | Salman Rushdie's 'Knife' cuts open an empowering defence of free speech The author of the 'Midnight's Children' said that something "very extraordinary, transformative has happened in American politics" in just under one week. "The conversation has entirely changed with the arrival of Kamala Harris's candidacy and it's changed most joyfully, a way of optimism and positive, forward-thinking," he added. Kamala Harris officially declared her presidential candidacy after Biden withdrew from the race for a second term on July 20. She is expected to be officially declared as the presidential candidate by the Democrats in August. (With inputs from agencies)

'Bombay boy' Salman Rushdie endorses Kamala Harris for presidency

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Monday he had visited Ukraine's Eastern Kharkiv region bordering Russia, where Moscow's forces launched a surprise ground offensive in May. Watch in for more details!

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine's Zelensky visits Eastern frontline Kharkiv region

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unwell. His officials are apparently seeking new medicines abroad to treat obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers on Monday (Jul 29), The Associated Press reported.&nbsp;

Last year in January, reports emerged that Kim has been living quite an unhealthy lifestyle as he spends most of his time drinking fine spirits and wines.&nbsp;

The spy agency's fresh claims suggest that there isn't any significant improvement in his lifestyle as the 40-year-old&nbsp;has regained weight and is in a high-risk group for heart disease.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-disavow-many-afghan-diplomatic-missions-abroad-745574">Taliban disavow many Afghan diplomatic missions abroad</a>&nbsp;

Kim is about 170 centimetres (5 feet, 7 inches) tall and previously weighed 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds). The North Korean dictator belongs&nbsp;to a family with a history of heart problems as both his father and grandfather died of heart issues.&nbsp;

In 2021, news about Kim losing weight made waves when he looked slimmer than ever during an event. Some said it was because of health issues, but observers said Kim's weight loss is probably the result of his efforts to improve his physique. He has no apparent health problems.&nbsp;

In a closed-door briefing, the National Intelligence Service, which is South Korea's main spy agency, told lawmakers that Kim is estimated to weigh about 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds) again.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/park-fire-becomes-californias-sixth-largest-wildfire-ever-368000-acres-burnt-in-just-five-days-745550">Park Fire becomes California’s sixth-largest wildfire ever; 368,000 acres burnt in just five days</a>&nbsp;

As quoted by the news agency, Lee Seong Kweun, one of the lawmakers, said that the mentioned weight is considered to be a high-risk group for heart disease.&nbsp;

Lee said that the spy agency informed lawmakers that Kim had displayed signs of diabetes and high blood pressure since he was in his early 30s.&nbsp;

Park Sunwon, a different congressman, stated that the NIS believes that the reason behind Kim's weight gain could be drinking, smoking and stress.&nbsp;

Both lawmakers said that the NIS has learnt that North Korean officials have been attempting to procure new medicines from outside for Kim's alleged diabetes and high blood pressure.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;North Korea: Kim Jong's daughter; candidate next in line

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<h2>Who will be Kim's successor?&nbsp;</h2>

According to South Korean MPs, the briefing by the spy agency also included Kim grooming his teenage daughter as his successor to lead the nation.&nbsp;

The daughter, Kim Ju Ae, whose age has not been confirmed, has been seen with her father at a variety of events, fuelling speculation that Kim Jong Un has chosen her as heir apparent to lead a fourth generation of hereditary rule by his family.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unwell. His officials are apparently seeking new medicines abroad to treat obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers on Monday (Jul 29), The Associated Press reported.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is unwell. His officials are apparently seeking new medicines abroad to treat obesity-related health problems such as high blood pressure and diabetes, South Korea's spy agency told lawmakers on Monday (Jul 29), The Associated Press reported. Last year in January, reports emerged that Kim has been living quite an unhealthy lifestyle as he spends most of his time drinking fine spirits and wines. The spy agency's fresh claims suggest that there isn't any significant improvement in his lifestyle as the 40-year-old has regained weight and is in a high-risk group for heart disease. Also read: Taliban disavow many Afghan diplomatic missions abroad Kim is about 170 centimetres (5 feet, 7 inches) tall and previously weighed 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds). The North Korean dictator belongs to a family with a history of heart problems as both his father and grandfather died of heart issues. In 2021, news about Kim losing weight made waves when he looked slimmer than ever during an event. Some said it was because of health issues, but observers said Kim's weight loss is probably the result of his efforts to improve his physique. He has no apparent health problems. In a closed-door briefing, the National Intelligence Service, which is South Korea's main spy agency, told lawmakers that Kim is estimated to weigh about 140 kilogrammes (308 pounds) again. Also read: Park Fire becomes California’s sixth-largest wildfire ever; 368,000 acres burnt in just five days As quoted by the news agency, Lee Seong Kweun, one of the lawmakers, said that the mentioned weight is considered to be a high-risk group for heart disease. Lee said that the spy agency informed lawmakers that Kim had displayed signs of diabetes and high blood pressure since he was in his early 30s. Park Sunwon, a different congressman, stated that the NIS believes that the reason behind Kim's weight gain could be drinking, smoking and stress. Both lawmakers said that the NIS has learnt that North Korean officials have been attempting to procure new medicines from outside for Kim's alleged diabetes and high blood pressure. Watch: North Korea: Kim Jong's daughter; candidate next in line × Who will be Kim's successor? According to South Korean MPs, the briefing by the spy agency also included Kim grooming his teenage daughter as his successor to lead the nation. The daughter, Kim Ju Ae, whose age has not been confirmed, has been seen with her father at a variety of events, fuelling speculation that Kim Jong Un has chosen her as heir apparent to lead a fourth generation of hereditary rule by his family. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un piles on weight again, North Korea seeks medicine for his health issues: Report

If you need some motivation, look no further than the powerful female athletes representing their countries at the Paris Olympics. Indian shooter Manu Bhaker has paved the way for women athletes in India by making history with winning two bronze medal in the women's 10-metre air pistol event in Paris.

Paris Olympics 2024: Indian shooters continue to shine, second bronze on the way

The Paris Olympics have given us some breathtaking but none would compare to this man defying gravity, the Brazilian surfer Gabriel Medina

Olympics 2024: Brazilian surfer scripts history

Sri Lanka's incumbent President Wickremesinghe has failed to get the backing of the country's largest political party for his re-election bid.

Sri Lanka: Wickremesinghe fails to get backing of SLPP

Paris Olympics 2024: Second bronze medal for Manu Bhaker

Israelis are protesting scuffling at the gates of the shadowy facility Sde Teiman Prison in Negev desert. They're opposing the detention of nine soldiers accused of torturing a Gaza prisoner. Watch in for more details!

Israel protesters break into military bases after IDF soldiers were detained

Violent protests have broken out in places across the Venezuelan capital Caracas on July 29, in the aftermath of the country’s presidential election. Far-right mobs have attempted to block major roads, including the road next to the Simón Bolívar International Airport, and have attacked buses, police cars, and members of the country’s security forces. The protests seem to be in response to calls by the defeated far-right opposition that on Sunday evening refused to recognize the victory of Nicolás Maduro.

Protests break out in Venezuela, one killed, anti-govt. protestors challenge election result

In Northwest England, two children have been stabbed to death at a dance class. The attacker wounded at least nine from which six are in critical condition and two adults are also in critical condition.

UK: Two children stabbed to death at dance class, knife attack in Northwest England

Is Israel's staunch ally the United States tipping Hezbollah to avert a wider war? Now West Asia is on edge ever since the weekend attack on Golan Heights which Israel blames on the Iran backed Hezbollah that killed 12 children. Watch in for more details!

Golan Heights strike: US role questioned after Lebanese general's interview

The iconic gold bikini worn by the late star Carrie Fisher in Star Wars: Episode VI - Return of the Jedi, where she played the role of Princess Leia, has been sold at auction for $175,000.

Late Carrie Fisher's iconic gold costume auctioned

The United States is leading a diplomatic dash to deter Israel from striking Lebanon's capital Beirut or major civil infrastructure in response to a deadly rocket attack on the Golan Heights, five people with knowledge of the drive said.

Washington is racing to avert a full-blown war between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah after the attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan killed 12 youths at the weekend, according to the five people who include Lebanese and Iranian officials plus Middle Eastern and European diplomats.

Israel and the US have blamed Hezbollah for the rocket strike, though the group has denied responsibility.

The focus of the high-speed diplomacy has been to constrain Israel's response by urging it against targeting densely populated Beirut, the southern suburbs of the city that form Hezbollah's heartland, or key infrastructure like airports and bridges, said the sources who requested anonymity to discuss confidential details that haven't been previously reported.

Lebanon's deputy parliament speaker Elias Bou Saab, who said he had been in contact with US mediator Amos Hochstein since Saturday's Golan attack, told Reuters Israel could avert the threat of major escalation by sparing the capital and its environs.

"If they avoid civilians and they avoid Beirut and its suburbs, then their attack could be well calculated," he said.

Israeli officials have said that their country wants to hurt Hezbollah but not drag the region into all-out war. The two Middle Eastern and European diplomats said Israel hadn't made any commitment to avoiding strikes on Beirut, its suburbs or civil infrastructure.

Watch |&nbsp;Trump rally shooter was spotted by cops nearly 100 minutes before shooting, says report

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The US State Department said it wouldn't comment on the specifics of diplomatic conversations, though it was seeking a "durable solution" to end all cross-border fire. "Our support for Israel's security is ironclad and unwavering against all Iran-backed threats, including Hezbollah," a spokesperson told Reuters.

White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Israel had every right to respond to the Golan strike, but that nobody wanted a broader war. "As for conversations over the weekend, you bet we've had them and we had them at multiple levels," he added. "But I'm not going to detail the guts of those conversations."

The Israeli Prime Minister's office didn't respond to a request for comment, while Hezbollah declined to comment.

The five people with knowledge of the diplomatic push over the past two days have either been involved in the conversations or briefed on them. They said the efforts aimed to achieve a calibrated approach similar to that which contained April's exchange of missile and drone attacks between Israel and Iran, sparked by an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

An Iranian official said the United States had also conveyed messages to Tehran at least three times since Saturday's attack on the Golan Heights, "warning that escalating the situation would be detrimental to all parties."

Hezbollah is the most powerful of Iran's "Axis of Resistance" network of regional proxy groups and is allied with the Palestinian group Hamas. It has been trading fire with the Israeli military across Lebanon's southern border since the Gaza war erupted last October.

During a 2006 war, the last time Israel and Hezbollah fought a major conflict, Israeli forces bombed Beirut's southern suburbs, known as the Dahiya, hitting Hezbollah-affiliated buildings as well as residential towers. Beirut airport was attacked and put out of action, and across Lebanon bridges, roads, petrol stations and other infrastructure were destroyed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-pledges-500-million-in-military-aid-to-philippines-as-tensions-with-china-escalate-745538">US pledges $500 million in military aid to Philippines as tensions with China escalate</a>

A French diplomat told Reuters that since the Golan attack, Paris had also been involved in passing messages between Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate the situation.

France has historic ties with Lebanon, which was under French mandate from 1920 till it gained independence in 1943. Paris has maintained close ties since then and has about 20,000 citizens in the country, many dual nationals.

The French foreign ministry didn't respond to Reuters requests for comment.

The Israeli Homefront Command, a military unit responsible for protecting civilians, has not changed any of its instructions to citizens so far, an indication that the military is not expecting imminent danger from Hezbollah or any other group.

On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, which comprises 10 ministers and has dictated policy on the Gaza war and Hezbollah, authorized the premier and the defence minister to "decide on the manner and timing of the response" against Hezbollah.

This decision, coupled with the abstention of Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners - Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir - suggests that Israel has opted for a response short of the all-out war that some politicians have advocated for.

Following the Golan attack, Smotrich had issued a strong statement demanding robust action. He posted on X: "For the death of children, (Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan) Nasrallah should pay with his head. All of Lebanon should pay."

(Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.)

The United States is leading a diplomatic dash to deter Israel from striking Lebanon's capital Beirut or major civil infrastructure in response to a deadly rocket attack on the Golan Heights, five people with knowledge of the drive said.

The United States is leading a diplomatic dash to deter Israel from striking Lebanon's capital Beirut or major civil infrastructure in response to a deadly rocket attack on the Golan Heights, five people with knowledge of the drive said. Washington is racing to avert a full-blown war between Israel and the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah after the attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan killed 12 youths at the weekend, according to the five people who include Lebanese and Iranian officials plus Middle Eastern and European diplomats. Israel and the US have blamed Hezbollah for the rocket strike, though the group has denied responsibility. The focus of the high-speed diplomacy has been to constrain Israel's response by urging it against targeting densely populated Beirut, the southern suburbs of the city that form Hezbollah's heartland, or key infrastructure like airports and bridges, said the sources who requested anonymity to discuss confidential details that haven't been previously reported. Lebanon's deputy parliament speaker Elias Bou Saab, who said he had been in contact with US mediator Amos Hochstein since Saturday's Golan attack, told Reuters Israel could avert the threat of major escalation by sparing the capital and its environs. "If they avoid civilians and they avoid Beirut and its suburbs, then their attack could be well calculated," he said. Israeli officials have said that their country wants to hurt Hezbollah but not drag the region into all-out war. The two Middle Eastern and European diplomats said Israel hadn't made any commitment to avoiding strikes on Beirut, its suburbs or civil infrastructure. Watch | Trump rally shooter was spotted by cops nearly 100 minutes before shooting, says report × The US State Department said it wouldn't comment on the specifics of diplomatic conversations, though it was seeking a "durable solution" to end all cross-border fire. "Our support for Israel's security is ironclad and unwavering against all Iran-backed threats, including Hezbollah," a spokesperson told Reuters. White House spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Israel had every right to respond to the Golan strike, but that nobody wanted a broader war. "As for conversations over the weekend, you bet we've had them and we had them at multiple levels," he added. "But I'm not going to detail the guts of those conversations." The Israeli Prime Minister's office didn't respond to a request for comment, while Hezbollah declined to comment. The five people with knowledge of the diplomatic push over the past two days have either been involved in the conversations or briefed on them. They said the efforts aimed to achieve a calibrated approach similar to that which contained April's exchange of missile and drone attacks between Israel and Iran, sparked by an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus. An Iranian official said the United States had also conveyed messages to Tehran at least three times since Saturday's attack on the Golan Heights, "warning that escalating the situation would be detrimental to all parties." Hezbollah is the most powerful of Iran's "Axis of Resistance" network of regional proxy groups and is allied with the Palestinian group Hamas. It has been trading fire with the Israeli military across Lebanon's southern border since the Gaza war erupted last October. During a 2006 war, the last time Israel and Hezbollah fought a major conflict, Israeli forces bombed Beirut's southern suburbs, known as the Dahiya, hitting Hezbollah-affiliated buildings as well as residential towers. Beirut airport was attacked and put out of action, and across Lebanon bridges, roads, petrol stations and other infrastructure were destroyed. Also read: US pledges $500 million in military aid to Philippines as tensions with China escalate A French diplomat told Reuters that since the Golan attack, Paris had also been involved in passing messages between Israel and Hezbollah to de-escalate the situation. France has historic ties with Lebanon, which was under French mandate from 1920 till it gained independence in 1943. Paris has maintained close ties since then and has about 20,000 citizens in the country, many dual nationals. The French foreign ministry didn't respond to Reuters requests for comment. The Israeli Homefront Command, a military unit responsible for protecting civilians, has not changed any of its instructions to citizens so far, an indication that the military is not expecting imminent danger from Hezbollah or any other group. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet, which comprises 10 ministers and has dictated policy on the Gaza war and Hezbollah, authorized the premier and the defence minister to "decide on the manner and timing of the response" against Hezbollah. This decision, coupled with the abstention of Netanyahu's far-right coalition partners - Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir - suggests that Israel has opted for a response short of the all-out war that some politicians have advocated for. Following the Golan attack, Smotrich had issued a strong statement demanding robust action. He posted on X: "For the death of children, (Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan) Nasrallah should pay with his head. All of Lebanon should pay." (Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.)

US rushes to prevent Israel-Lebanon conflict after Golan Heights attack

North Korea's supreme leader Kim Jong-un has been making strides when it comes to succession. Seoul spy agency says the North Korean leader is grooming his pre-teen daughter as a successor to lead the nuclear armed state.

North Korea: Kim Jong's daughter; candidate next in line

In the final six months of his Presidential tenure Joe Biden seems to have set his sights on major reforms in the US Supreme Court

US: Joe Biden slams extremism in U.S. Supreme Court pushes for term limits on Judges

The United States will provide $500 million in military funding to the Philippines, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday, as Washington boosts ties with Manila in the face of China's growing assertiveness.

Blinken was in Manila with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as part of an Asia-Pacific tour to strengthen Washington's latticework of alliances aimed at countering Beijing.

"We're now allocating an additional $500 million in foreign military financing to the Philippines to boost security collaboration with our oldest treaty ally in this region," Blinken told a joint news conference.

Blinken described it as a "once in a generation investment" to help modernise the Philippine armed forces and coast guard.

Blinken and Austin met with President Ferdinand Marcos, who has taken a strong stand against Chinese actions in the South China Sea, before holding "2+2" talks with their Philippine counterparts Enrique Manalo and Gilberto Teodoro.

The latest high-level US visit follows a series of escalating confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed waterway that have raised concern that Washington could be dragged into a conflict due to its mutual defence treaty with Manila.

The additional funding is part of the $2 billion in foreign military financing approved by the United States in April.

It comes as the Philippine modernises its armed forces, one of the weakest in Asia, and bolsters its coast guard.

The Philippines' proximity to the hotly contested South China Sea, as well as self-ruled Taiwan, would make it a key partner for the United States if a conflict were to break out in the region.

Beijing claims almost the entire waterway, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, and considers democratic Taiwan to be part of its territory.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/venezuelans-clash-with-police-following-disputed-election-results-745388">Venezuelans clash with police following disputed election results</a>

There has been a revolving door of top US officials passing through the Philippines since Marcos took office in 2022 and adopted a more US-friendly foreign policy.

Marcos expanded an agreement giving American troops access to nine Philippine military bases, including in the far north of the country, which has infuriated Chinese leaders.

The agreement allows US troops to rotate through the bases and also store defence equipment and supplies at them.

Marcos told Austin and Blinken on Tuesday that he was "very happy" about the open lines of communication with the United States, which helped Manila be "agile in terms of our responses" on issues including the South China Sea.

Blinken and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi sparred on Saturday over the South China Sea when they met on the sidelines of the foreign ministers meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos.

Wang told Blinken the United States should "refrain from fanning the flames, stirring up trouble and undermining stability at sea," according to a foreign ministry statement.

"The risks and challenges facing China-US relations are still rising," he said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The United States will provide $500 million in military funding to the Philippines, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday, as Washington boosts ties with Manila in the face of China's growing assertiveness.

The United States will provide $500 million in military funding to the Philippines, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday, as Washington boosts ties with Manila in the face of China's growing assertiveness. Blinken was in Manila with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin as part of an Asia-Pacific tour to strengthen Washington's latticework of alliances aimed at countering Beijing. "We're now allocating an additional $500 million in foreign military financing to the Philippines to boost security collaboration with our oldest treaty ally in this region," Blinken told a joint news conference. Blinken described it as a "once in a generation investment" to help modernise the Philippine armed forces and coast guard. Blinken and Austin met with President Ferdinand Marcos, who has taken a strong stand against Chinese actions in the South China Sea, before holding "2+2" talks with their Philippine counterparts Enrique Manalo and Gilberto Teodoro. The latest high-level US visit follows a series of escalating confrontations between Philippine and Chinese vessels in the disputed waterway that have raised concern that Washington could be dragged into a conflict due to its mutual defence treaty with Manila. The additional funding is part of the $2 billion in foreign military financing approved by the United States in April. It comes as the Philippine modernises its armed forces, one of the weakest in Asia, and bolsters its coast guard. The Philippines' proximity to the hotly contested South China Sea, as well as self-ruled Taiwan, would make it a key partner for the United States if a conflict were to break out in the region. Beijing claims almost the entire waterway, despite an international ruling that its assertion has no legal basis, and considers democratic Taiwan to be part of its territory. Also read: Venezuelans clash with police following disputed election results There has been a revolving door of top US officials passing through the Philippines since Marcos took office in 2022 and adopted a more US-friendly foreign policy. Marcos expanded an agreement giving American troops access to nine Philippine military bases, including in the far north of the country, which has infuriated Chinese leaders. The agreement allows US troops to rotate through the bases and also store defence equipment and supplies at them. Marcos told Austin and Blinken on Tuesday that he was "very happy" about the open lines of communication with the United States, which helped Manila be "agile in terms of our responses" on issues including the South China Sea. Blinken and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi sparred on Saturday over the South China Sea when they met on the sidelines of the foreign ministers meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Laos. Wang told Blinken the United States should "refrain from fanning the flames, stirring up trouble and undermining stability at sea," according to a foreign ministry statement. "The risks and challenges facing China-US relations are still rising," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US pledges $500 million in military aid to Philippines as tensions with China escalate

Skin diseases including lice, scabies, and rashes are running rampant in the war-torn Gaza Strip, the news agency Associated Press reported on Tuesday (Jul 30) citing health officials.

Skin diseases including lice, scabies, and rashes are running rampant in the war-torn Gaza Strip, the news agency Associated Press reported on Tuesday (Jul 30) citing health officials. According to officials, the cause of these diseases is the appalling conditions in overcrowded tent camps housing hundreds of thousands of Palestinians driven from their homes. The skin diseases are also spreading due to the ongoing summer and the collapse of sanitation in Gaza which has left pools of open sewage amid 10 months of Israeli bombardment in the Palestinian region. The World Health Organization (WHO) said that doctors (in the Gaza Strip) have been dealing with more than 103,000 cases of lice and scabies and 65,000 cases of skin rashes. 'No shampoo, no soap' Palestinians in Gaza told the Associated Press that cleanliness was impossible in the ramshackle tents. Also read | Golan Heights attack: Israel says it 'wants to hurt Hezbollah but...' "There’s no shampoo, no soap. The water is dirty. Everything is sand and insects and garbage," said a Palestinian living in a tent in the dunes outside the southern city of Khan Younis. She said that the family tent was rammed with her grandchildren, many of whom had rashes. “One child gets it (rashes), and it spreads to all of them,” she added. People living in tent camps also said that clean water was almost impossible to get. Some washed their children in salt water from the nearby Mediterranean. People wear the same clothes day after day until they’re able to wash them, then they wear them again immediately. Distribution of supplies slowed to a trickle The United Nations (UN) has said that the distribution of humanitarian supplies including soap, shampoo, and medicines, has slowed to a trickle because Israeli military operations and general lawlessness in Gaza make it too dangerous for relief trucks to move. Also watch | Israel soldiers detained, accused of torturing Gaza prisoners × Nassim Basala, a dermatologist at Nasser Hospital, said that the hospital was getting 300 to 500 people a day coming in with skin diseases. Scabies and lice are at epidemic proportions, he said, but other fungal, bacterial and viral infections and parasites are also running wild. He also pointed out that creams and ointments were in short supply at the hospital. (With inputs from agencies)

Skin diseases including lice and rashes running rampant in war-torn Gaza

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