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Russia has carried out one of its largest aerial attacks on Ukraine, launching 948 drones in a 24-hour period as it moves troops and equipment to the front line in what appears to be the start of its new offensive.The attacks have resulted in civilian casualties, with two people killed in the western Ukrainian city of Ivano-Frankivsk and one person killed in the region of Vinnytsia. The city of Lviv has also been targeted, with footage showing a drone crashing into an old building next to a church in the historic centre.Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has issued a new appeal for allies to supply Kyiv with air defence munitions, warning that Kyiv will face a deficit of missiles while Washington is focused on the US-Israeli war on Iran.The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has reported that Russia has moved heavy equipment and more troops to the front line, with General Oleksandr Syrskii, the commander-in-chief of Ukraine's armed forces, saying Russian troops have made simultaneous attempts to break through defensive lines in several strategic areas.Russia's new offensive is seen as an escalation of its war of attrition, which has been unable to capture cities but has made incremental gains across rural areas.

Iran has assured that 'non-hostile' vessels can safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for about one-fifth of the world's oil and liquified natural gas supplies. The assurance comes amid a significant collapse in maritime traffic through the strait, which has contributed to a major global energy crisis.In a statement released through its mission to the United Nations, Iran specified that ships would be allowed to transit the strait 'provided that they neither participate in nor support acts of aggression against Iran and fully comply with the declared safety and security regulations.'The development follows a sharp decline in shipping traffic through the strait, with only about 5 vessels passing through daily, compared to an average of 120 daily transits before the US-Israel conflict began. This reduction has led to a surge in global energy prices, with Brent crude experiencing significant fluctuations.Iran's statement also mentioned that ships will be allowed to transit 'in coordination with the competent Iranian authorities.' The country has shared similar assurances with the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the UN body responsible for international shipping safety and security.The move comes as US President Donald Trump mentioned ongoing negotiations to end the conflict with Iran, despite Tehran's previous denials of talks. The situation remains complex, with global markets closely watching for any signs of resolution.

Australia has reaffirmed its support for Lebanon's sovereignty and expressed opposition to any Israeli occupation of the country's southern region. Foreign Minister Penny Wong made these statements during a conversation with her Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa'ar.The conversation comes as Israel has revealed plans to establish a 'defensive buffer' against the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This move has raised concerns about the potential for occupation of Lebanese territory.Wong emphasized Australia's grave concerns about the expansion of the conflict in Lebanon, which has resulted in the loss of life and the displacement of over one million civilians. She also stressed that Australia supports Lebanon's sovereignty and does not want to see Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.The situation in Lebanon is further complicated by Hezbollah's continued strikes on Israel. Wong and Sa'ar agreed that Hezbollah must disarm in line with previous agreements.In addition to these developments, Australia has announced an extra $5 million in aid to support civilians in Lebanon impacted by the conflict, particularly women and children.Wong also advised Australians in Lebanon to leave now if it is safe to do so, citing the deteriorating situation.

Israel's parliament has moved closer to implementing a contentious death penalty for Palestinians convicted of terrorism, with the Knesset's national security committee approving the measure on Tuesday. The bill, initiated by the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, now heads to its final vote.Critics, including human rights groups and UN experts, have strongly opposed the bill, citing concerns it violates international law and discriminates against Palestinians. The proposed law would allow for executions to be carried out within 90 days of sentencing, with hanging as the specified method.The bill also proposes that those sentenced to death be held in a separate facility with restricted visitation rights. Executions would be carried out without the option for clemency, a provision that has drawn sharp criticism from opponents.International condemnation has been swift, with UN experts urging Israel to withdraw the bill, stating it would violate the right to life and constitute cruel, inhuman, or degrading punishment. The European Union's diplomatic service has also condemned the bill, emphasizing that the death penalty is a violation of the right to life.In Israel, the bill has been backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has worn a noose-shaped lapel pin in support of the measure. However, notable opposition has come from within Israel, including from centre-left lawmaker Gilad Kariv, who has raised concerns about the bill's moral and legal implications.

The traditional cold war diplomacy of brinkmanship, characterized by carefully balanced standoffs and rules-based international order, has given way to a world in freefall. This shift is exemplified by the ever-widening conflict in the Gulf where strategic objectives remain as unclear as the potential endpoint of hostilities.Approaching a month since the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, the stated objectives of removing the country's nuclear threat and destroying its ballistic missile capability appear increasingly disconnected from the disproportionate impact on civilians and neighboring Gulf nations. Despite these consequences, the Iranian regime's willingness to escalate the conflict shows no signs of diminishing.The Guardian Weekly's coverage examines this critical juncture through multiple perspectives. Patrick Wintour recounts the pivotal week when global tensions reached a tipping point, while Richard Partington analyzes the long-term economic implications of a prolonged conflict, from oil price fluctuations to inflationary pressures and economic growth impacts. From South Lebanon, William Christou reports on healthcare professionals caught in the crossfire of Israeli airstrikes, highlighting the human cost of the escalating violence.Emma Graham-Harrison provides insight from Jerusalem, examining Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy of attempting to rehabilitate his image through what he frames as destruction of an 'axis of evil.' Meanwhile, Simon Tisdall poses a critical question: when US President Donald Trump eventually seeks to halt the conflict, will any parties be willing to heed his calls for de-escalation?Beyond the primary geopolitical focus, this week's Guardian Weekly edition explores several significant developments across different sectors. The UK political landscape features an examination of the upcoming local elections, where voter sentiment appears increasingly focused on rejecting established parties rather than actively supporting alternatives. The scientific section explores innovative approaches to addressing snoring disorders through CPAP machines, while the culture section features an in-depth interview with Dave Grohl discussing Foo Fighters, personal challenges, and grief following the loss of bandmate Taylor Hawkins.In sports, the publication celebrates the remarkable achievement of British athletes Keely Hodgkinson, Georgia Hunter Bell, and Molly Caudery, who each secured gold medals at the world indoor athletics championships in Poland, showcasing British excellence in track and field events.

Israel has been accused of using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, a move that has reignited concerns over the country's adherence to international laws of war. Human Rights Watch (HRW) researchers have verified and geolocated images showing airburst white phosphorus munitions exploding over residential areas in the southern Lebanese town of Yohmor.The use of white phosphorus, a chemical substance that ignites when exposed to oxygen and burns at up to 800C, is controversial when used over civilian areas due to its potential to ignite fires, cause serious burns, and emit toxic fumes. Military forces often use it as a smokescreen, but its use in populated areas raises significant ethical and legal questions.Over 800,000 Lebanese people have been displaced from the region following Israeli forces' orders to leave, and many more uses of white phosphorus may have gone undocumented. Researchers have documented nearly 250 uses of white phosphorus by Israeli forces between October 2023 and November 2024, with 39% of these uses occurring in residential areas.The environmental impact is also significant, with over 2,000 hectares of southern Lebanese countryside burned, including dense forests and agricultural lands. The use of white phosphorus can lead to long-term soil contamination, reducing microbial diversity and agricultural productivity.An Israeli military spokesperson has cautioned against making factual determinations based on visuals alone, while Israel's ambassador to the UN has stated that the country takes steps to minimize civilian casualties. However, allegations of war crimes and the use of prohibited weapons continue to mount, highlighting the need for further investigation and accountability.

The Iranian people's determination for freedom and democracy remains unshaken, even in the face of extreme hardship and oppression. Thousands have died and many more are suffering under the current regime, which continues to patrol streets with guns, beating and arresting citizens. In recent times, the situation has worsened with the outbreak of the US-Israeli war, which has restricted internet access, led to the appearance of checkpoints, and filled Tehran's prisons to capacity. Despite these challenges, the Iranian people's fight for freedom persists. Azar Nafisi, an Iranian-American writer, reflects on her experiences and the resilience of the Iranian people. She recalls the 1979 revolution and the mandatory veil imposed by Ayatollah Khomeini, which led to thousands of women protesting in the streets, chanting 'Freedom is neither eastern nor western. Freedom is universal.' Nafisi emphasizes the importance of cultural heritage in preserving Iranian identity and humanity. Truck drivers across Iran display bumper stickers with poems by Hafez, Saadi, or Ferdowsi, demonstrating the enduring power of literature and art. The writer also remembers her former students in Tehran, particularly Razieh, a young Muslim girl who was imprisoned and executed for her love of literature and independence. Razieh's story serves as a powerful reminder of the sacrifices made in the fight for freedom. Nafisi concludes that even in the midst of war and oppression, there can be hope. The Iranian people's struggle for freedom is a universal fight that can benefit people worldwide, from the UK to Sudan. The preservation of freedom and democracy requires constant vigilance and a willingness to challenge oppression.

Residents of Israel have recounted their terrifying experiences during a recent Iranian missile attack. The attack, which caused significant concern and fear among the population, has been described as a harrowing ordeal by those who witnessed it. The missile attack was a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions in the region, with residents expressing their fear and anxiety about the situation. The attack has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the conflict between Israel and Iran.

Iran has announced the appointment of Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, a move seen as a significant development in the country's security landscape. The appointment comes on the heels of a recent missile strike on Tel Aviv, which resulted in major building damage and at least four casualties. Iranian missiles created impacts in several areas of the city, escalating tensions between Iran and Israel. The new security chief, Zolghadr, will be tasked with navigating these complex geopolitical dynamics and ensuring the country's security interests are protected.