From a record-turnout election in Israel to a fragile humanitarian truce in Ukraine and fresh unrest in Europe, the last two days have packed in several of the year's most closely watched stories. Here is what happened, what is confirmed, and what to watch next.
Israel votes in a knife-edge election
Israelis voted on Tuesday, October 27, in a general election described as the most important in recent history and the country's first since the Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023. Turnout reached 44.9 percent by early afternoon, the highest level logged by that point in the day since 1973, according to reports from the day. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose Likud party faces a tough challenge from former military chief Gadi Eisenkot and other opposition leaders, has campaigned on his security record, while his rivals have attacked his handling of the wars in Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran. After casting his vote in Jerusalem, Netanyahu expressed concern over high turnout among Israel's Arab minority and accused the left and Arab parties of trying to steal the election, a claim his opponents reject. Polling ran from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. local time, with exit polls due after voting ended, though exit polls are estimates and not official results. The final tally is expected by October 30, official results are due November 4, and coalition talks could take weeks if, as pre-election polls suggested, no bloc wins the 61 seats needed for a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. Israel held five elections between 2019 and 2022 amid repeated difficulties forming stable coalitions, a history that makes the coming negotiations as important as the vote count itself.
Oleshky truce holds, for now
A localised ceasefire between Ukrainian and Russian forces took effect at 3 a.m. Kyiv time on October 27 around the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky in the Kherson region, ahead of a humanitarian mission to reach up to 2,000 residents the United Nations estimates remain trapped there. Ukraine's human rights commissioner Dmytro Lubinets and Russia's defence ministry both confirmed the halt, which was mediated with coordination by US First Lady Melania Trump. Ukrainian military sources said the ceasefire was holding on Tuesday morning, though humanitarian operations had yet to begin. The next steps are clearing mines from access routes, delivering food, water, and medicine, and arranging evacuations. The truce is scheduled to hold through Saturday, though it could be extended, and both sides continued strikes elsewhere, including in Kyiv.
Jordan strikes Syria after church attack
Jordan carried out strikes in Syria in retaliation for a deadly church attack in Karak, and reports on Tuesday said seven civilians were killed in the strike. The development adds a dangerous regional edge to a story that began with the church attack, arrests of suspects, and grief for the victims' families. Jordan has framed its action as a response to the militants behind the attack, while the reported civilian deaths are likely to draw scrutiny of how the strike was carried out. Full casualty details and any Syrian official response remain to be confirmed.
Bilbao riots and Europe's protest wave
In Bilbao, Spain, protests against right-wing commentator Vito Quiles turned into riots on October 26, with 19 people arrested on suspicion of arson and disturbing public order after trash cans, cars, and a police motorcycle were set on fire and fireworks were aimed at police. Quiles cancelled his planned talk near Deusto University after the university suspended activities. The clashes followed a wave of unrest elsewhere in Spain, including housing protests in Madrid and demonstrations against the Vox party, and came as France and Italy also saw violent protests over living costs. In France, students have vowed further protests despite new concessions from the government, keeping pressure on authorities across the continent.
Saudi-Houthi ceasefire report, unconfirmed
Saudi Arabia has reportedly offered Yemen's Houthi movement $1 billion as part of an Iran-mediated push for a ceasefire and a halt to attacks on the kingdom, according to Israeli media reports citing Gulf diplomatic sources. The reports say Saudi Defence Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman travelled to Tehran for talks, with one source claiming the money was carried aboard his military transport aircraft. The claim has not been independently confirmed, and a Saudi official did not confirm that any money had been transferred. The talks reportedly involved Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin and Pakistan's army chief, General Asim Munir, alongside Iranian officials, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and senior Revolutionary Guard officials. Saudi Arabia's foreign ministry described the Tehran visit as part of alliance efforts to de-escalate tensions and support mediation by Qatar and Pakistan. The report comes amid escalating attacks on Saudi oil facilities and disruptions to Gulf energy exports, and amid Iranian attacks on tankers in the Strait of Hormuz that have further disrupted shipments from the Gulf. Until Riyadh, Tehran, or the Houthis confirm the proposal, it remains a report, not a deal.
What to watch next
Watch Israel's exit polls and the first counted results overnight, and whether any bloc can claim a path to 61 seats. Watch whether aid actually reaches Oleshky before the truce window closes, and whether the Jordan-Syria casualty reports are confirmed or disputed. And watch whether Europe's protest wave grows or fades as governments respond with concessions, fines, or crackdowns.
Sources: Moneycontrol, Israel elections live; Channel News Asia, Oleshky ceasefire; The Tribune, Saudi-Houthi report.