Ukraine peace talks, Israel-Hezbollah tensions...

European officials expressed cautious optimism regarding recent talks in Geneva on the U.S.-proposed peace plan to end the Russia-Ukraine war, as the contentious proposal heavily favors some of Moscow’s demands. The plan includes territorial concessions by Ukraine and NATO membership restrictions, sparking alarm in Kyiv and European capitals. Finnish President Alexander Stubb noted that while progress was made, significant disagreements remain unresolved. The talks coincide with a challenging period for Ukraine as the war nears its fourth anniversary . bostonglobe.com Financial Times

In a significant development, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut, killing Haytham Ali Tabatabai, the chief of staff of Hezbollah. This marked the first attack on the Lebanese capital in over five months, further straining the fragile yearlong ceasefire. Israeli officials claimed the strike was a preemptive measure against Hezbollah’s growing military activities, while fears are mounting of a broader conflict in the region . Washington Post (World) Financial Times The Guardian

New Zealand has announced a bold move to eradicate feral cats by 2050 as part of its Predator-Free 2050 strategy, which aims to protect native wildlife. Conservation Minister Tama Potaka emphasized the need for coordinated efforts. While environmentalists have previously debated the feasibility, the government remains firm on this unprecedented strategy . The Guardian

The Pope has called for the immediate release of 265 students and teachers abducted from a Catholic school in Nigeria. While 50 abductees managed to escape, 253 children and 12 teachers remain captive. This incident underscores the ongoing issue of mass kidnappings and insecurity in the region, further complicated by armed attacks on religious institutions . bostonglobe.com

The European Union is attempting to reset its historically extractive relationship with Africa by investing in local infrastructure and skills through initiatives like the Lobito Corridor project. However, experts argue the EU faces stiff competition from China, which dominates the continent’s resource markets. Critics also question whether the EU’s approach genuinely prioritizes African development or merely seeks to counter Chinese influence . Politico Europe

Álvaro García Ortiz, Spain’s attorney general, resigned following a Supreme Court ruling finding him guilty of leaking confidential information. His resignation is a significant blow to Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s leftist coalition government, which has staunchly defended him. The case has further polarized the political landscape in Spain . The Guardian

The COP30 climate summit in Brazil concluded with a fragile deal, reflecting limited progress in the fight against climate change. The agreement, which fell short of ending deforestation or phasing out fossil fuels, highlighted deep divisions between nations. However, UN climate chief Simon Stiell stressed that global climate cooperation remains alive despite the challenges . The Guardian (Environnment) Financial Times