Kuala Lumpur: The governments of Cambodia and Thailand have reached a ceasefire agreement following intense clashes that have been ongoing since July 24. The conflict has resulted in the displacement of over 130,000 people in Thailand and more than 4,000 in Cambodia. Nearly 40 people have been killed, and around 200 have been injured, according to media reports citing Thai and Cambodian sources.
According to United Nations, the ceasefire deal was announced by Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is the current chair of the Southeast Asian bloc ASEAN. The agreement, which came into effect at midnight local time on Monday, was mediated by Prime Minister Ibrahim at his official residence near Kuala Lumpur. The UN Secretary-General has urged both countries to adhere to the agreement and work towards resolving long-standing issues for lasting peace. The United Nations commended Malaysia, the United States, and China for their efforts in facilitating the peaceful resolution of the conflict. The UN has also expressed its readiness to support peace and stability efforts in the region.
Ukraine Suffers Heavy Casualties in Weekend Attacks
Ukraine: In a devastating weekend of violence, Ukraine has reported at least 20 deaths and 120 injuries as attacks continue to ravage the country. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) detailed the impact of these assaults, emphasizing the severity of the attacks in the Sumy region. A civilian bus was struck, resulting in the deaths of three elderly women and injuring 19 others. The attacks also caused electricity outages in the region.
This recent escalation is part of a surge in civilian casualties, with 6,574 people killed in the first half of 2025 alone. Russian forces have launched 5,000 long-range munitions in July, exacerbating the situation. Civilian infrastructure, including residential buildings, shops, schools, and a hospital in Kharkiv, has been severely damaged. Aid workers are providing shelter materials, psychosocial support, and coordinating with local organizations to help the affected populations in the Sumy region.
WHO Calls for Enhanced Efforts to Combat Hepatitis
Geneva: In observance of World Hepatitis Day, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on governments and partners to intensify their efforts to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat and reduce liver cancer fatalities. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted the urgent need for action, noting that every 30 seconds, someone dies from severe liver disease or liver cancer caused by hepatitis.
Viral hepatitis types A, B, C, D, and E are the primary causes of acute liver infections, with types B, C, and D leading to chronic diseases. These infections affect over 300 million people worldwide and result in more than 1.3 million deaths annually. World Hepatitis Day, observed on July 28, emphasizes the theme “Let’s Break It Down,” urging the dismantling of financial, social, and systemic barriers to hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention. The WHO has also reclassified hepatitis D as a human carcinogen, along with types B and C, marking a significant step in raising awareness, improving screening, and expanding treatment access. The agency noted that oral treatments can cure hepatitis C within two to three months and effectively manage hepatitis B with lifelong therapy.