From Israel's pivotal election to a deadly cross-border strike and fresh violence in Africa, here are the biggest global developments of the last 48 hours.
Israel votes in its most consequential election in years
Polls opened across Israel at 7 a.m. on Tuesday, October 27, as more than 7.3 million eligible voters elect all 120 members of the Knesset, with exit polls expected at 10 p.m. local time, according to The Jerusalem Post and Israel's Central Elections Committee. It is the first parliamentary election since the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud faces a rival bloc led by former military chief Gadi Eisenkot's Yashar party, which has led Likud in most recent polling, though neither bloc looks able to secure the 61-seat majority alone. Netanyahu campaigned on wartime leadership and his alliance with US President Donald Trump, while Eisenkot accused him of fear-mongering and demanded an independent inquiry into October 7, Reuters reported.
Jordan strikes Syria after church attack — seven civilians killed
Jordan struck Syrian militants in retaliation for the deadly church attack in Karak, killing at least seven civilians, according to reports carried by The Times of India on Tuesday. The strike followed the arrest of three suspects in the Karak church attack, which Jordanian security forces announced on Monday. The cross-border action raises the risk of a wider escalation along the Jordan-Syria border, days after the attack that killed nine people and left a manhunt under way.
France offers concessions — but protests go on
France's government pledged on Monday to replace its national online university admissions platform and offer up to 4 billion euros ($4.5 billion) in school renovation loans, smaller classes and increased student grants, the Associated Press reported, after weeks of often violent protests over education and living costs. Two student groups welcomed some concessions but called for protests to continue. Separately, Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez denied claims that police protected far-right groups during weekend demonstrations, after 11 people linked to the far right were arrested in Nice on suspicion of violent offences, dpa reported.
At least 58 killed in attack on Nigerian market day
At least 58 bodies have been recovered after unknown gunmen attacked the Binnari community on its weekly market day in Nigeria's Taraba State, with four security personnel among those killed and no group claiming responsibility. The attack is one of the deadliest in the region in recent weeks and underlines the continuing insecurity facing rural communities in Nigeria's northeast.
Sudan's paramilitaries hit power stations with drones
Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces launched a coordinated drone attack on five power stations — two each in Al-Jazira and Gedaref states and one in White Nile state — causing mass power outages across the army-held east, according to reports summarised on October 27. The army and the RSF have been at war since April 2023, and attacks on infrastructure have deepened the humanitarian crisis for civilians already facing displacement and shortages.
UN alarmed by Israeli operation in Hebron
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on October 26 it was seriously concerned about Israel's large-scale military operation in Hebron in the West Bank, which it said displaced more than 2,000 Palestinians, damaged homes and businesses and restricted residents' movement. Spokesperson Jeremy Laurence criticised what he called excessive use of force, demanded an immediate end to the operations, the right of return for displaced residents and full compensation, CGTN reported.
What to watch next
All eyes are on Israel's exit polls late Tuesday and the days-long official count that follows, on whether Jordan's strike draws a Syrian response, and on whether France's concessions calm the streets or simply buy time before the next weekend of marches.
Sources: The Jerusalem Post, Firstpost, ETV Bharat / AP, Qatar Tribune / dpa, Saachi Baat world roundup, CGTN / UN statement.