Global World News Digest
Multi-Source Editorial Roundup • Wednesday, 4 February 2026
Russian attacks on Ukraine energy sites ‘particularly depraved’, UK PM Starmer says
The UK leader’s comments came after Russia renewed its attacks on power plants and critical infrastructure in Ukraine.
Israeli strikes kill 17 in Gaza, hospitals say, after soldier wounded by gunfire
Hospitals say six children were among those killed in strikes that Israel’s military says it launched after a gun attack on its troops.
‘Painful times in my marriage’ – Melinda French Gates reacts to ex-husband in Epstein files
She said her ex-husband and others named in the Epstein files need to answer whatever questions remain.
Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, son of ex-Libyan leader, reportedly shot dead
The 53-year-old, who was once widely seen as the second most powerful person in Libya, was killed on Tuesday according to Libyan media.
‘I’ve never hit anything so hard’: What it’s like to be attacked by a shark
Peter Smith and his wife were on holiday from Hertfordshire in the Caribbean when a beautiful swim suddenly changed.
Collision with Greek coast guard boat leaves 15 migrants dead
The coastguard said a pursuit was under way at the time of the collision, near the island of Chios.
Leader of South Africa’s second largest party will not seek re-election
The surprise move may threaten the stability of the coalition government of which the DA is a key partner.
Rights groups say China detained two journalists over corruption report
Liu Hu and Wu Yingjiao have been reportedly detained after exposing corruption by a senior official in Sichuan.
Watch: BBC joins Colombian commandos fighting ‘never-ending battle’ against drug gangs
As the US and Colombian presidents meet, Orla Guerin joins a police unit tasked with finding and destroying jungle cocaine labs.
US says it shot down Iranian drone flying towards aircraft carrier
A US military spokesman says the drone was shot down while approaching an American vessel in the Arabian Sea.
Trial of Norway crown princess’s son hears tearful account in rape trial
The first alleged victim begins giving evidence in Marius Borg Høiby’s trial for rape and more than 30 other alleged offences.
‘I was thinking about mum’: Boy, 13, swims for hours to save family swept out to sea
Austin Appelbee recounts his ‘superhuman’ swim which saved the lives of his mother and siblings in Australia.
Seven million cancers a year are preventable, says report
Scientists say there is a powerful opportunity to save lives because nearly 40% of cancers are preventable.
House shelves contempt vote as Clintons agree to testify in Epstein investigation
The couple will appear on two separate days in late February for a deposition after coming to an agreement with the House oversight committee.
Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez says the move will protect children from the “digital Wild West”.
France teacher fighting for life after knife attack by pupil
A 14-year-old has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a stabbing in a classroom on Tuesday.
Gazans returning through Rafah crossing describe checks by Palestinian militia
One Palestinian woman said members of the Israel-linked militia searched them and their belongings at an Israeli checkpoint inside Gaza.
Why a beauty spot in South Africa could be about to run out of water
Official estimates suggest that around 55% of the town’s drinkable water is lost to leaking pipes.
‘Never imagined this’: Indian village grapples with interfaith couple’s killing
Police say they were beaten to death, allegedly by the woman’s three brothers, who have been arrested.
Shanties in a Lagos lagoon: Bulldozed and burnt
Residents suspect the demolitions are aimed at gentrifying the waterfront in Nigeria’s biggest city, but officials deny this.
Hope and uncertainty as India and US strike long-delayed trade deal
Indian industry has welcomed lower tariffs, but experts caution against celebration until details are clearer.
‘Enemy’ insults and questioning Putin: Steve Rosenberg on tightrope of reporting from Russia
The BBC’s Russia editor reflects on the difficulties of working as a British journalist in Moscow.
Syria’s only female minister pushes for change: ‘I’m not here for window dressing’
The BBC’s Lyse Doucet follows Hind Kabawat as she confronts the challenges of fragmented, post-Assad Syria.
Starbucks bets on robots to brew a turnaround in customers
Chief executive Brian Niccol explains why he thinks AI will help the coffee giant regain its buzz.
Three West African juntas have turned to Russia. Now the US wants to engage them
The US signals that restoring democracy is no longer a priority and it is ready to work with Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
India’s snakebite crisis is killing tens of thousands every year
A new report has found that 99% of healthcare workers in India face challenges administering antivenom.
BBC on the front line with Colombia’s war on drugs
BBC Senior international correspondent Orla Guerin joined a special operation over Colombia’s cocaine heartland, tasked with destroying crude cocaine labs hidden deep in the jungle.
Watch: Florida iguanas are ‘cold stunned’ and falling from trees
A rare cold snap across the state has made the reptiles immobile and ripe for capturing, says the state’s wildlife agency.
Watch: Why is no-one being prosecuted over the Epstein files?
Gary O’Donoghue looks at why no prosecutions have yet come from the release of millions of documents.
BBC reports from Oslo court ahead of rape trial of Crown Princess’s son
Norway’s royal family has been embroiled in recent scandals, including Crown Princess Mette-Marit links with Epstein.