World Health Assembly adopts global pandemic agreement

The World Health Assembly, the highest decision-making body of the World Health Organization, adopted the global pandemic agreement in Geneva on Tuesday.

The "pandemic agreement" proposes the establishment of a series of new platforms and mechanisms aimed at comprehensively reforming the existing systems for pandemic surveillance, prevention and response. It seeks to promote research and equitable sharing of pandemic-related products, adjust the production and distribution order of such products, and further improve the global public health governance system, with a particular focus on addressing fairness challenges in international health cooperation.

UN says more aid enters Gaza, but delays block distribution

More aid trucks have been allowed into Gaza while procedures, security concerns and limited daylight hours for safe operations have thwarted goods delivery, a UN spokesman said Tuesday.

"The first trucks of vital baby food are now inside Gaza after 11 weeks of total blockade, and it is urgent that we get that assistance distributed," said Stephane Dujarric, chief spokesman for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "We need much, much more to cross."

Israel says to expand ground offensive in Gaza

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it will expand its ground offensive in Gaza and take control of additional territory.

"We will expand our operation, establish operational control over more territory, and clear and dismantle the terrorist infrastructure -- until Hamas is decisively defeated," Israel's military chief Eyal Zamir said in a video statement from Gaza on the fourth day of Operation Gideon's Chariots, Israel's largest ground assault on the enclave in months.

Personal secretary, adviser to Mexico City's mayor murdered in attack

Two close collaborators of Mexico City Mayor Clara Brugada were murdered in an attack on Tuesday morning: her personal secretary Ximena Guzman and her adviser Jose Munoz.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the information in her usual daily press conference from the National Palace.

Egyptian president, Pakistani PM discuss India-Pakistan ceasefire, Gaza crisis over phone

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi on Tuesday underscored the importance of preserving the ceasefire agreement between India and Pakistan during a phone call with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency.

During the talks, Sisi highlighted the need to find lasting political solutions to the crisis between India and Pakistan to ensure the security and stability of the South Asian region, according to the statement.

Belgium faces nationwide strike as unions protest austerity measures

Public services across Belgium ground to a halt on Tuesday as unions launched a 24-hour general strike to protest government austerity policies, causing widespread disruption to transport networks and the closure of key institutions.

The strike was organized by the country's socialist union, CGSP, and targeted budget cuts affecting public sector pensions and social security reforms. Union leaders argue that the measures disproportionately affect vulnerable groups and threaten the foundations of Belgium's welfare system.

Syria, Jordan launch coordination council to strengthen cooperation

Syria and Jordan signed a memorandum of understanding on Tuesday to launch a coordination council aimed at strengthening bilateral cooperation.

The agreement was signed in Damascus by Syrian Foreign Affairs Chief Assad al-Shibani and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. It outlines plans to enhance collaboration in key sectors such as energy, water, health, and transportation.