Tragedy struck in Russia’s Far East as a Soviet-era Antonov An-24 passenger plane operated by Angara Airlines crashed in a remote forested area of the Amur region, with nearly 50 people feared dead, according to Russian emergency officials.

The aircraft, built in 1976, vanished from radar while en route on a scheduled flight from Blagoveshchensk to Tynda. The plane lost communication with air traffic control as it neared its destination, Tynda, a secluded town near Russia’s border with China.

Initial reports from Governor Vasily Orlov indicated that 43 passengers, including five children, and six crew members were on board. However, Russia’s Emergency Ministry later revised the total number of people on the flight to around 40.

Wreckage was located roughly 15 kilometers (10 miles) from Tynda by a Mi-8 search helicopter from Rossaviatsiya. The helicopter crew reported discovering the burning fuselage deep within a wooded area. Emergency response teams are currently facing challenging terrain as they attempt to access the crash site.

Disturbing, unverified footage circulated on social media appears to show the charred remains of the aircraft nestled in dense forest, prompting fears that there may be no survivors.

Emergency official Yuliya Petina confirmed via Telegram:
“During the search operation, a Mi-8 helicopter belonging to Rossaviatsiya discovered the fuselage of the aircraft, which was on fire. Rescuers continue to make their way to the scene of the accident.”

An official investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the crash, renewing concerns over the safety and longevity of aging aircraft still in operation across remote regions of Russia.

As Israel continues to block most humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, UN officials warn that the region is on the verge of a famine that could claim thousands of lives. The situation is especially dire in northern Gaza, where aid deliveries remain nearly impossible and children are dying from starvation and dehydration.

Despite international pressure and legal rulings from the International Court of Justice demanding the unrestricted flow of aid into Gaza, Israel has largely kept border crossings closed or severely limited, citing security concerns related to Hamas. This has drastically reduced the availability of food, clean water, and medical supplies for over two million Palestinians trapped in the besieged enclave.

In the first weeks of July, only a fraction of the required aid has entered Gaza. At times, just four trucks made it through per day far below the several hundred needed. Entire neighborhoods have been flattened, displacing hundreds of thousands, while hospitals report increasing cases of malnutrition among children and the elderly.

Northern Gaza has become especially inaccessible, with aid agencies describing the situation there as “apocalyptic.” A UN-backed assessment found that over 500,000 Gazans face starvation, while aid groups like UNICEF have documented emaciated children with little to no access to safe food and water.

Israel blames Hamas for seizing and redirecting aid for its own fighters. However, human rights groups and international officials argue that Israel, as the occupying power, has a legal obligation to ensure civilians can access essentials. Eyewitnesses report Israeli forces regularly firing at people trying to reach aid convoys, further complicating relief efforts.

The Israeli military has denied deliberately targeting civilians or aid routes, claiming instead that Hamas hides among the population and uses humanitarian operations as cover.

But as conditions worsen, global voices are growing louder in demanding accountability. The UN, rights organizations, and regional leaders are urging Israel to lift the blockade and allow unfettered access to humanitarian aid before more lives are lost.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has strongly dismissed speculation that he plans to resign, following a significant electoral setback that has left his ruling coalition weakened. Speaking on Wednesday, Ishiba labeled the media reports suggesting his impending resignation as “completely baseless” and affirmed his commitment to staying in office.

The rumors gained traction after the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), led by Ishiba, and its junior partner Komeito, lost their combined majority in the upper house of Japan’s parliament during Sunday’s elections. This loss comes on the heels of a similar defeat in the lower house last year, meaning Ishiba’s government no longer controls either chamber of the legislature.

Despite the pressure mounting within his party, Ishiba stated that stepping down now would only destabilize the government. He emphasized the need for continuity, especially to ensure the smooth implementation of a major trade agreement recently signed with the United States. The deal, announced on Tuesday alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, involves significant tariff reductions on Japanese automobiles and other key goods.

Several Japanese media outlets, including Mainichi and Yomiuri newspapers, had reported that Ishiba would likely announce his resignation by the end of August. These claims were further fueled by the disappointing election results and growing dissatisfaction within the LDP. However, Ishiba clarified that no such resignation plan had been discussed in his meetings with senior party leaders and former prime ministers.

Nevertheless, the political climate around Ishiba is becoming increasingly fraught. Rising opposition parties, such as the far-right Sanseito, made unexpected gains in the election, securing 14 seats in the upper house—up from just one. The party’s nationalist and anti-immigration platform appears to have resonated with a segment of the electorate, further eroding support for the LDP.

The uncertainty surrounding Ishiba’s leadership has also triggered anxiety in financial markets. On Wednesday, demand for long-term Japanese government bonds fell sharply, with 10-year yields reaching their highest level in 17 years. Analysts attributed the market movement to fears of impending political instability should Ishiba be forced to step aside.

While the prime minister has vowed to remain in office for the foreseeable future, the political turbulence sparked by the election results suggests that his leadership will continue to face challenges in the coming weeks. Whether he can maintain his grip on power or be pushed toward resignation by internal party dissent remains to be seen.