Iranian state media says air defence systems were activated in several cities including Isfahan and Tabriz. Also: people in India begin voting in the first round of a seven phase general election, and the four fastest finishers in Beijing's half marathon have their prizes withdrawn.

US calls for de-escalation in the Middle East after apparent Israeli strike on Iran

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The evacuation comes ahead of an offensive in a region where more than 1.4 million people are sheltering. The Israeli military says the operation will be carried out with "limited scope".  A senior Hamas official has described the move as a "dangerous escalation that will have consequences". Talks aimed at securing a ceasefire deal and the release of Israeli hostages have stalled.  Also: China's President, Xi Jinping, is in France on the first stop of a tour of Europe.  Combat veterans in Ukraine say the method of conscription should change. The people of Chad are voting for a new president after three years of military rule.  Meanwhile, Argentina’s new president, Javier Milei, speaks for the first time to the BBC and defends his radical austerity plans.  Mexican surfers pay tribute to three tourists from Australia and America whose bodies were found in a well, after they went missing on holiday. And correcting a music myth about Mama Cass Elliott.  Top news and analysis from around the world.

Israel urges Gazans to leave eastern Rafah

The Qatar-based news network condemned the confiscation of broadcast equipment. Also: Israel closes an aid crossing into Gaza after three soldiers were killed in a Hamas rocket attack, and why there are Cubans now fighting for Russia in Ukraine.

Al Jazeera office raided as Israel shuts down channel

Officials say another 70 people are missing in Rio Grande do Sul. Also, talks aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages continue in Cairo, and the Spanish Government tries to calm tensions with Argentina after some unguarded comments about the Argentine President.

Landslides and massive flooding kill nearly 60 in Brazil

This week, the adventures of Galena the cat who ended up hundreds of kilometres from home after climbing into a box. Also: How a stick on patch can vaccinate children against measles and rubella -- without the need for doctors or nurses.  And video-calling isn't just for people, it's for parrots too. The happiest stories in the world - our weekly collection.

The Happy Pod: Puss in the post

Police say they've been charged in connection with the death of Hardeep Singh Nijjar last June.  Also, the Kenyan president issues a warning that a powerful cyclone could be about to hit coastal areas, and Spain's government announces a national prize for bullfighting is to be abolished over concerns about animal welfare.

US calls for de-escalation in the Middle East after apparent Israeli strike on Iran

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