Europe

Tensions in the Middle East escalated as Iran-backed Houthi rebels launched missile attacks on Saudi Arabia, targeting a major refinery in Yanbu. Greek military sources reported that a deployed Patriot missile battery intercepted the attack, while Riyadh faced similar threats in Jizan, prompting civil protection warnings.

French President Emmanuel Macron is hosting his final G7 summit, addressing key issues including Russia’s war on Ukraine, the Middle East conflict, Chinese competition, AI, and online child safety. This summit marks a significant moment as Macron prepares to leave office next year.

Pope Leo XIV departed the Canary Islands for Rome on Friday aboard a Falcon plane provided by King Felipe VI, following a technical fault with his original aircraft. The flight, delayed by half an hour, took off shortly after 6:00 pm and is expected to arrive by 11:00 pm.

Leaders from France, Germany, and the United Kingdom have backed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s call for direct ceasefire talks with Russia, following discussions in London. They emphasised the necessity of a dialogue involving US and European participation to establish a ceasefire and facilitate negotiations.

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