Christian patriarchs make rare visit to Gaza after deadly Israeli strike on church

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Top church leaders have visited Gaza after its only Catholic church was struck by an Israeli shell the day before. The attack Thursday killed three people and wounded 10, including a priest who had developed a close friendship with the late Pope Francis. The strike drew condemnation from the pope and U.S. President Donald Trump, and prompted a statement of regret from Israel, which said it was a mistake. Since ending a ceasefire in March, Israel has regularly launched far deadlier strikes across Gaza against what it says are Hamas militants, frequently killing women and children. Strikes killed 18 people overnight, health officials said Friday.

Brazil’s former President Bolsonaro ordered to wear an electronic ankle monitor

SAO PAULO (AP) — Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been ordered to wear an ankle monitor, his press office has confirmed. The development on Friday came as federal police conducted searches at his home and his party’s headquarters in Brasília. The former president is facing trial at the Supreme Court for allegedly leading a coup attempt to overturn the 2022 election. Bolsonaro has called the trial a “witch hunt,” echoing statements by former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has defended him. On Thursday, Trump wrote to Bolsonaro describing his ally’s treatment by the Brazilian legal system as terrible and unjust. “This trial should end immediately!,” the U.S. President said, adding that he “strongly voiced” his disapproval through his tariff policy.

Officials try to identify 18 bodies in deadly Iraq shopping mall fire

BAGHDAD (AP) — Officials in Iraq are struggling to identify more than a dozen bodies pulled from a deadly fire at a shopping mall. An official said the blaze at the newly-opened shopping center in Wasit province killed a total of 63 people, including 18 victims who remain unidentified due to severe burns. The fire broke out late Wednesday on the second floor of the Corniche Hypermarket mall, which had opened just days before. Civil defense crews rescued 45 people. Most victims were trapped on upper floors. Officials blame poor safety standards and lack of permits for the tragedy. Legal complaints had been filed against the building owner and shopping center owner.

Druze-Bedouin clashes flare up again after government forces pull out of southern Syria

MAZRAA, Syria (AP) — Renewed clashes between Druze militias and Bedouin tribes in southern Syria have displaced nearly 80,000 people. Fighting resumed in Sweida province after a ceasefire earlier this week temporarily halted violence. The conflict has caused severe disruptions to essential services, with the United Nations unable to deliver aid due to ongoing insecurity. The clashes began Sunday over local disputes but escalated when government forces intervened, siding with the Bedouins. Israeli airstrikes targeted Syrian forces in defense of the Druze minority. Regional Druze leaders are calling for unity and adherence to the ceasefire, urging dialogue to address the escalating tensions.