By Micah Jonah
February 1, 2026
A series of happenings across the world over the past week, highlighting conflict, unrest, disaster, daily life across various regions.
In the Gaza Strip, smoke and flames rose from shelter housing displaced Palestinians after Israeli air strikes hit parts of Khan Younis in the south. Gaza’s health authorities said at least 11 people were killed in the attacks, including civilians sheltering in tents.
In India administered Kashmir, security forces carried out house to house searches in Srinagar as authorities heightened security ahead of Republic Day celebrations. Residents were questioned as part of broader counter security operations.
Across Europe, farmers in Spain took to the streets with tractors in Valladolid to protest the European Union Mercosur trade agreement, saying economic pressures and foreign competition were threatening their livelihoods.
In Afghanistan, crowds gathered on hilltops in Badakhshan province to watch Buzkashi, a traditional horseback sport, reflecting the persistence of cultural life despite ongoing economic and humanitarian challenges.
Indonesia witnessed tragedy after a deadly landslide in West Java killed at least 16 people, with dozens still missing as rescue efforts continued in difficult terrain.
In Latin America, inmates were seen inside the massive Terrorism Confinement Centre prison in El Salvador during a visit by Chile’s President elect, drawing attention to the region’s hardline approach to gang violence.
North Korea marked the start of a regional development project with a public groundbreaking ceremony in South Hwanghae province, as state media showcased construction tied to government policy initiatives.
In Cuba, soldiers, civilians marched through Havana in a torchlight procession marking the anniversary of independence leader, Jose Marti, while also signalling resistance to pressure from the United States.
In Ukraine, rescue workers cleared debris from residential buildings damaged by Russian strikes in the southern port city of Odesa, as the war continued to exact a heavy toll on civilian areas.
In Pakistan’s Balochistan province, families mourned relatives killed in coordinated attacks by separatist groups. Officials said nearly 200 people lost their lives in the violence, one of the deadliest episodes in the region in recent years.
Summarily, the highlights reflect a week shaped by conflict, protest, misery, resilience, loss across different parts of the world.
