Hezbollah fired rockets into uninhabited areas of Israel in response to Israeli airstrikes, which also targeted open spaces. The crossfire began after Iran was accused of attacking an Israeli-controlled oil tanker in the Persian Gulf, resulting in two deaths. Israel seeks justice for the tanker attack, with support from the US and UK, who plan to escalate the issue to the UN Security Council. The UN Interim Force in Lebanon called for a halt to the attacks. Separately, a Palestinian man was killed during protests against Israeli settlements in the West Bank, with Israeli forces acknowledging the incident.

On the first anniversary of the Beirut port explosion, French President Emmanuel Macron announced over 100 million euros and 500,000 Covid-19 vaccine doses for Lebanon. Macron emphasized the need for Lebanese politicians to form a government focused on addressing the country's social emergency. The aid will not be a 'blank check' to the political class. The explosion exacerbated an ongoing crisis, with Macron criticizing the Lebanese political elite for their inability to prioritize national interests. The French president aims to gather around 350 million dollars in aid while stressing the urgency of political stability.

On Colombia's Independence Day, widespread protests against President Iván Duque's government took place across major cities, including Bogotá and Cali. The protests, largely peaceful but occasionally clashing with police, were a continuation of the National Strike that began in April against neoliberal policies and police brutality. The government presented a new tax reform and police reform, both met with public skepticism. The National Strike Committee introduced ten legislative proposals addressing social and economic issues, while the police detained several protest leaders. The article underscores the ongoing discontent with Duque's administration and the demand for significant reforms.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts record CO2 emissions by 2023 due to insufficient investment in clean energy within economic recovery plans post-Covid-19. Despite $380 billion allocated to clean energy, this represents only 2% of the $16 trillion in global stimulus packages. IEA Director Fatih Birol emphasizes the need for increased investment to meet Paris Agreement goals and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. The IEA highlights disparities in clean energy investment between advanced and emerging economies, with a significant shortfall in the latter.

Angela Merkel's visit to Washington marks her final official trip as German Chancellor before her retirement. Key discussions with President Joe Biden included the Nord Stream 2 pipeline, defense against Russian aggression, and avoiding alliances with China. Both leaders emphasized the importance of democratic principles and transatlantic relations. The visit signifies a positive shift in US-Germany relations post-Trump administration, with a focus on mutual cooperation and addressing global challenges.

Following a meeting with German Chancellor Angela Merkel, U.S. President Joe Biden addressed the Cuban protests, describing Cuba as a 'failed state' repressing its citizens. He proposed technological solutions to restore internet access in Cuba and expressed willingness to provide COVID-19 vaccines through an international organization, while refusing to lift restrictions on remittances due to concerns over regime confiscation. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Robert Menendez advocated for internet connectivity alternatives for Cubans. The Biden administration also has contingency plans for a potential surge in maritime migration from Cuba, with a strong presence off the Florida coast.

Argentina has surpassed 100,000 Covid-19 deaths with a current ICU occupancy rate of 62.2%. The country, which implemented strict quarantines early in the pandemic, has faced challenges with compliance and the timing of the second wave. Economic crises have forced people to work despite lockdowns. With 4.6 million infections, Argentina has a high per capita infection rate. Vaccination efforts are ongoing, with 25.7 million doses received and 5.1 million people fully vaccinated. The Russian Sputnik V, AstraZeneca/Oxford, and Chinese Sinopharm vaccines are in use, and an agreement for Moderna doses has been made. Local production of Sputnik V is starting to accelerate the campaign. The hope for overcoming the crisis lies in vaccinations, as the country continues to grapple with the pandemic's impact.

Haitian Police Chief León Charles refuted claims by Colombian news outlet Noticias Caracol that interim Prime Minister Claude Joseph was involved in the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. Charles stated that the investigation has not revealed any links between Joseph and the suspects. Colombian President Iván Duque commented on the involvement of Colombian nationals in the assassination plot. The investigation is ongoing, with 23 people arrested so far, including 18 Colombians and 5 Haitian-Americans. The head of Moïse's security, Dimitri Hérald, has been detained and is under investigation.

Over 10,000 species of flora and fauna in the Amazon are at high risk of extinction, with 8,000 endemic plants and 2,300 animals affected. The SPA report highlights the critical need to halt deforestation and forest degradation to mitigate catastrophic climate and biodiversity crises. The Brazilian government under Jair Bolsonaro has exacerbated the crisis by promoting mining and agriculture in protected areas, leading to record deforestation. The report calls for increased restoration efforts and protection of existing vegetation. A separate study indicates that parts of the Amazon now emit more carbon than they absorb, primarily due to deforestation and increased tree mortality from severe droughts and high temperatures.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is hospitalized in São Paulo for an intestinal obstruction, receiving conservative clinical treatment. Doctors have ruled out emergency surgery for now, but continue to monitor his condition. Bolsonaro, who has undergone multiple surgeries since a 2018 stabbing, attributes his current health issues to the attack, which he links to political opponents. His health has been a recurring concern during his presidency, exacerbated by previous Covid-19 infection. Bolsonaro's statements on social media reflect his ongoing political narrative against left-wing parties.