Arab News

A two-time former prime minister, Mahathir Mohamad turned 99 last week. He has suffered several heart problems in recent years and underwent bypass surgeries.  Malaysia’s nearly 100-year-old former prime minister Mahathir Mohamad has been hospitalized for “continuous coughing,” his aide said Thursday.

“Mahathir is expected to be treated for the next few days,” Sufi Yusoff said, adding he had been admitted on Monday. A two-time former prime minister, Mahathir turned 99 last week. He has suffered several heart problems in recent years and underwent bypass surgeries. He spent nearly three months in hospital earlier this year.

Born on July 10, 1925, Mahathir served as prime minister twice, first taking office as the country’s fourth national leader from 1981 until 2003.
He then served as prime minister for a second time at the age of 92 from 2018 to 2020.

Trump running mate J.D. Vance vows to fight for ‘forgotten’ workers

Reuters

Donald Trump’s vice presidential running mate, U.S. Senator J.D. Vance, presented himself to the nation on Wednesday night as the son of a neglected industrial Ohio town who will fight for the working class if elected in November.

Israel’s war on Gaza live: At least 81 killed in 24 hours of Israeli raids

Al Jazeera

“All rules of war have been broken in Gaza”, with at least eight schools housing displaced Palestinians attacked by Israel in last 10 days, says UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini. Al Jazeera’s correspondent reports at least 81 killed in day of attacks targeting homes and UN facilities in Gaza.

Death inevitable, says preacher at center of Indian stampede disaster

Arab News

An Indian preacher whose latest sermon ended in a deadly stampede that killed more than 120 people insisted that fate could not be challenged and death was inevitable. In his first appearance before the media since July 2, when 121 people were crushed to death following a sermon he delivered in the northern city of Hathras, Bhole Baba said he was upset by the tragedy.

Ukraine war briefing: Germany to halve military aid to Kyiv, draft budget reportedly shows

The Guardian

Germany plans to halve its military aid to Ukraine in 2025, to €4bn, despite concerns over continued US support, according to a draft budget seen by Reuters. Instead the German government hopes Ukraine will be able to meet the bulk of its military needs with $50bn in loans from proceeds of frozen Russian assets approved by the G7, and that funds earmarked for armaments will not be fully used.