World in brief: October 30, 2026

Ukraine / 30 October 2026 Humanitarian mission enters devastated Russian-occupied city as localised truce holds 30 October 2026 WWIII? / 30 October 2026 ‘The plan is insane,’ warns US Senator with knowledge of Trump’s plans to resume Iran war after midterms 30 October 2026 Israel / 30 October 2026 Final election results confirm Netanyahu and far-right allies have lost their parliamentary majority 30 October 2026 Kenya / 30 October 2026 First body recovered from collapsed multistory building in Nairobi 30 October 2026 Organisation of Turkic States / 30 October 2026 Azerbaijan’s president’s absence from regional meeting fuels speculation of rift with Turkey 30 October 2026 Africa / 30 October 2026 Gunfire heard near Ethiopian-Kenya border as civilians flee violence 30 October 2026 EUROPE: Canada is “by far the most European of non-European countries,” European Council President Antonio Costa claimed today, as he and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney pursued an unprecedented partnership at a two-day summit in Montreal, aimed at reducing dependence on the United States.

Mr Costa said the proposed alliance would be the closest relationship the EU has ever established with a country outside the bloc.

Mr Carney said the proposed alliance would strengthen the sovereignty of Canada and Europe and help them weather economic shocks.

MOSCOW: Russian independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta announced its closure today after more than three decades of operation, blaming relentless official pressure.

“They have killed us,” it said in an editorial statement, announcing that it will shut its office on November 9 after publishing its final issue. “The Russian authorities and the Russian security services have forced our editorial team to cease operations.”

There was no immediate comment from Russian authorities.

AUSTRALIA: An appeals court ordered triple-murderer Erin Patterson to never be released from prison today because of the “shocking criminality” involved in poisoning four of her estranged husband’s relatives with death cap mushrooms.

The three judges of the Victoria state Court of Appeal dismissed Ms Patterson’s appeal against her convictions and upheld prosecutors’ challenge to the leniency of her 33-year non-parole sentence, meaning she will spend the rest of her life behind bars.

She is only the second woman in Australia to be imprisoned for life without possibility of parole.

SOUTH AFRICA: A court ruled today that anti-illegal immigration groups can hold demonstrations in Durban, under strict conditions, after police sought to ban the protests over fears of violence.

Police had asked the court to block planned marches by the March and March movement, alleging that demonstrators intended to burn down a refugee reception centre.

Under the new ruling, protesters must follow designated routes and cannot carry sticks or conceal their faces. They can only demonstrate between 9am and 3pm.