Sudan famine warning, Gaza commission findings, Israel’s partial election count

US and 30 states warn of Sudan famine risk, citing 19.5 million facing hunger

The US and 30 other Western states warn of famine risk in Sudan. Their hunger estimates concern a narrower need than WHO’s figure of more than 33 million requiring assistance overall, while their joint statement urges the warring parties to remove barriers to aid.

UN commission alleges Gaza genocide, cites at least 196 ceasefire deaths

The UN commission alleges continuing genocide in Gaza, citing at least 196 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during the ceasefire. It also accuses soldiers and prison guards of crimes in the West Bank; its investigative findings are not a court verdict but could support cases at the International Criminal Court.

UN commission says Russia’s energy attacks in Ukraine are war crimes

A UN commission concluded on October 26 that Russian attacks on Ukraine’s civilian energy infrastructure constituted war crimes. It cited commanders’ knowledge that targeted heating facilities were essential to civilians and warned that intensifying attacks pose further risks as winter approaches.

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Nigeria’s emergency agency confirms at least 62 deaths in Binnari attack

Nigeria’s emergency agency has confirmed at least 62 deaths in Binnari, above the earlier police count of at least 48 and Amnesty International’s separate count of 52. The agency’s Taraba head says thousands were displaced, and Amnesty calls for an impartial investigation and reparations for survivors.

South Sudan governor orders evacuations after at least 72 reported deaths

Warrap Governor Angelo Ngot Mayar has ordered wounded people evacuated after raids that state authorities say killed at least 72 people. Authorities also reported stolen cattle and burnt homes, and Mayar says efforts are under way to recover the livestock and find those responsible.

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Jordan’s police arrest three suspects in church shooting that killed nine

Jordan’s security forces arrested three suspects on 26 October over the church-funeral shooting that killed nine people and injured 40. Police identified the detainees as two brothers and their brother-in-law, while 27 people injured in the attack remained in hospital that day.

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Algeria’s president orders troop deployment to Niger

Algeria’s presidency announced on 26 October that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune had ordered troops to Niger. The order follows the votes required under a 2020 constitutional reform; if carried out, the mission would be Algeria’s first overseas military deployment since 1973.

UK sanctions 15 Sudanese commanders over alleged sexual violence

The UK sanctioned 15 Sudanese commanders over alleged sexual violence during the siege of El Fasher. The Foreign Office also said it had allocated £5 million to support survivors of sexual violence in Sudan and £10 million in humanitarian aid.

UK launched Respect Orders in England and Wales on 26 October

The UK government launched Respect Orders on 26 October, replacing adult civil injunctions with orders whose breach without reasonable excuse is a criminal offence. The Home Office plans to put orders on a national police database so officers can check conditions and enforce them.

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Armenia’s parliamentary committee backs US transit pact ratification

Armenia’s parliamentary Foreign Relations Committee backed ratification of the US transit framework by four votes to one on 21 October. Mirzoyan says an agreed 50-year extension would raise Armenia’s stake to 49% without extra investment, while the shareholders’ agreement and charter remain to be finalised.

Israel’s partial count puts Netanyahu’s bloc at 56 of 120 seats

Israel’s partial count puts Netanyahu’s bloc ahead but short of a parliamentary majority. The figures advance the election beyond unofficial exit polls without settling who can govern; the final tally is expected by 30 October, before parties seek enough support to form an administration.

US judge blocks contract restrictions tied to Alibaba lobbyists

A US judge has blocked contract restrictions linked to firms lobbying for Alibaba. The order leaves the company on the Pentagon’s list of companies allegedly aiding China’s military, but protects lobbying relationships as Alibaba pursues removal in court.