An earthquake struck the Afghan provinces of Paktika and Khost on the night of June 22, killing over 1100 people and injuring 2000, with 35 villages destroyed. Afghanistan, already suffering from a severe economic crisis since the Taliban's return to power, is struggling to cope with the disaster. International aid has been slow to reach some areas, and the Taliban's request for help highlights the country's inability to manage the crisis alone. The U.S. has pledged $55 million, and the EU €1 million, while the Taliban promised financial support to victim families. However, the distribution of aid is uneven, with some areas receiving abundant support while others, like Nawab Khan's village in Barmal, remain neglected. The upcoming winter and the need for shelter and food are pressing concerns for the survivors.

Israeli army night raids in Jenin, West Bank, have become a frequent occurrence, prompting civilians to flee and resistance fighters to engage in all-night battles. The violence has led to deaths, destruction, and widespread fear among residents. Following a Hamas attack on Israel and the war in Gaza, West Bank raids and settler violence have increased. Resistance is growing in the refugee camps, with analysts suggesting Israel may be losing control. Civilians, particularly in the camps, bear the brunt of the violence, with recent strikes leaving casualties, including children. Despite the turmoil, some fighters like Ahmet express a desire for peace and an end to the occupation.

Jamileh Tawfiq, a 26-year-old freelance journalist for Al Jazeera, continues to report from Gaza amidst relentless Israeli bombings in response to a Hamas attack. With nearly 4,000 killed and 13,000 injured in Gaza, and media workers among the casualties, Tawfiq's work is challenging due to limited internet and frequent attacks. Despite the dire situation, including overcrowded shelters and scarce resources, Tawfiq is determined to share the realities of life in Gaza with the world.

In Derna, Libya, devastating floods resulted in over 11,300 deaths and 40,000 displacements, sparking protests against corruption and the mismanagement of government relief funds. The Libyan National Army (LNA), which controls eastern Libya, initially allowed protests but later cracked down on dissent and press freedom. Journalists faced harassment, detentions, and restrictions, with foreign reporters eventually forced to leave. The LNA's actions reflect a broader pattern of suppressing dissent and controlling the narrative in Libya, a country ranked low on the press freedom index.

Turkey is grappling with severe inflation, with prices nearly doubling over the past year. President Erdogan's unconventional economic policy of keeping interest rates low to stimulate growth has backfired, leading to soaring inflation rates. Post-election, Erdogan has shifted his stance, raising interest rates to combat inflation. The economic strain is palpable among Turkish citizens, with many unable to afford basic outings and students forced to defer education due to financial struggles. Despite the economic turmoil, Turkey's tourism industry remains robust, attracting millions of visitors and generating significant revenue.

For 40 years, the displaced families of Jissary, Iraq, have been seeking a permanent home after their village was submerged by the Mosul dam. Facing multiple displacements, including threats from Islamic State and forced relocations under Saddam Hussein, up to 600 families are now being evicted by the Iraqi government from an abandoned military compound in Domiz, Nineveh province. Despite their efforts to rebuild and settle, the families, represented by individuals like Mahmoud Talib and Aishe Hussain, are confronted with the prospect of homelessness once again. Dr Haidar Al Moussavi of the Peace Paradigms Organisation is negotiating with the government, seeking to halt the eviction until a solution is found. The situation remains tense, with potential for violence as the community's desperation grows.

For 40 years, up to 600 families from the submerged village of Jissary in Iraq have faced repeated displacement, including by Islamic State and now by the Iraqi government seeking to reclaim an abandoned military compound in Domiz, Nineveh province, where they currently reside. The families, who were initially displaced in 1985 due to the construction of the Mosul dam, have been given an eviction notice with a June deadline. The dam, which provides electricity to 1.7 million people, was built on unstable ground and poses a risk of catastrophic failure. The community's plight has been marked by forced relocations, including from homes given to them in Bardiya during Saddam Hussein's Arabisation campaign, which were reclaimed by Kurdish owners after the US invasion in 2003. Dr Haidar Al Moussavi from the Peace Paradigms Organisation is negotiating with the government to halt the eviction until a solution is found, as the threat of violence looms with some considering taking up arms in desperation.

In Turkey's southern Hatay province, devastated by earthquakes in February, voters are returning to cast their ballots in the presidential and parliamentary elections, many with the explicit intent to vote against President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The province, which suffered the highest death toll, has seen widespread infrastructure damage and a slow government response, fueling anger and a desire for political change. Opposition candidate Kemal Kilicdaroglu is running close in the polls with Erdogan, and the last-minute withdrawal of another candidate, Muharrem Ince, may benefit Kilicdaroglu. Despite logistical challenges, the determination to vote is strong among the residents, who are coordinating efforts to return and participate in the elections. The outcome of the vote in this region could be decisive, as millions displaced by the earthquakes across 11 provinces are expected to influence the election results significantly.

In Ukraine, particularly in recently liberated cities like Kherson, Russian collaborators continue to pose a threat, with informants and traitors having supported Russia since the beginning of the conflict. Major Serhiy Tsehotsky of the 59th Motorized Brigade and Iryna Fedoriv, editor in chief of Chesno, highlight the pervasive nature of Russian influence in various sectors, including government, judiciary, and civilian life. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has been actively working to root out collaborators, initiating criminal proceedings and detaining enemy agents. Despite these efforts, the need for systemic reform is emphasized to fully eradicate pro-Russian elements and ensure Ukraine's sovereignty.

Ukrainian mothers like Oxana Harbolinska and Julia are enduring the psychological toll of the war, coping with their own trauma and that of their children. Harbolinska, a psychologist, fled Russian-occupied Kherson with her sons and now offers counselling in Moldova. Unicef reports nearly 8 million Ukrainian refugees in Europe, with children suffering from violence and displacement. Psychologist Liydmila Alexandrovna emphasizes the often overlooked emotional battles these mothers face. Harbolinska's personal experiences and her work with other mothers highlight the ongoing struggle for emotional recovery amidst the war.

Ukrainian mothers like Oxana Harbolinska and Julia are enduring the psychological toll of war, coping with their own trauma while ensuring the safety and emotional well-being of their children. Harbolinska, a psychologist, fled Russian-occupied Kherson with her sons and now offers counselling in Moldova. Unicef reports nearly 8 million Ukrainian refugees in Europe, with children suffering from violence-induced trauma. Psychologist Liydmila Alexandrovna emphasizes the often overlooked emotional battles these mothers face. Julia's children, Maxim and Tanja, exhibit signs of stress and depression, with Julia choosing to stay in Moldova for their safety. Harbolinska encourages mothers to overcome depression and find happiness despite the ongoing conflict.

Afghanistan faces a severe humanitarian crisis exacerbated by climate change-induced droughts, economic crisis, and the Taliban takeover. The crisis has left millions in need, with many contemplating migration due to water shortages. Hussain Ali, a former police trainer, returned to his drought-stricken village in Bamyan Province, facing the prospect of migrating to survive. The U.N. and aid agencies warn of the growing risk of displacement as people lose livelihoods and incomes. The Taliban's poor governance and frozen assets hinder efforts to address the crisis, while the U.N. Development Programme has launched initiatives to improve resilience and mitigate natural disasters.

A year after the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan, the country faces a mix of improvements and severe challenges. Corruption has decreased, and large-scale fighting has stopped, allowing rural reconstruction. However, poverty is widespread, with the UN reporting almost every Afghan living below the poverty line. The Taliban have executed former government employees and severely restricted women's rights. Ethnic minorities and the LGBTQ+ community feel unsafe, and Kabul has lost its vibrancy. The Taliban's promises of a more moderate rule have not materialized, with women and minorities facing harsh restrictions. Education for women has been curtailed, and the job market is bleak. Afghans who fled the country are struggling in refugee camps, with many feeling hopeless about their future.

A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan, resulting in over 1,000 deaths and 2,000 injuries, with 35 villages destroyed or damaged. The affected families in the impoverished and isolated district of Gayan are struggling to envision a future, as aid arrives but long-term rebuilding remains uncertain. The Taliban and international agencies are involved in relief efforts, but challenges persist due to a pre-existing humanitarian crisis, economic downturn, and international sanctions. The UN has appealed for $110m for quake response, while the Taliban has promised financial support for victims.

Russian forces aim to capture Odessa to cut off Ukraine from the Black Sea. Locals in Odessa believe Putin is underestimating their resistance, while nearby Mykolaiv is already embroiled in conflict. Protective measures are being taken, such as using sandbags to prevent the destruction of the statue of the city founder Richelieu, a popular tourist spot.

Despite the mass exodus of officials following the Taliban's takeover of Kabul, a significant number of Afghan civil servants and key government officials chose to stay, driven by a sense of duty to their country. Former government officials like Nazir Kabiri and Moneer Ahmad Yousufzai are working to mitigate the economic crisis and maintain essential services, despite the challenges of unpaid salaries and a volatile security situation. The Taliban claims a general amnesty for government workers, but skepticism and fear persist, especially as women are excluded from public office and reports of human rights violations surface. The international community's stance on recognizing the Taliban government and distributing aid remains uncertain, leaving Afghanistan in a precarious state.

Afghan journalists Taqi Daryabi and Nehmatullah Naqdi, working for EtilaatRoz, were detained and severely beaten by the Taliban while covering a women's rights protest in Kabul. Zaki Daryabi, the paper's founder, attempted to evacuate his staff following the Taliban takeover but remained with those who couldn't leave. The Taliban's crackdown on protests and media coverage, along with the disabling of mobile broadband to prevent mobilization, signals increasing repression. Despite the assaults, both journalists expressed their determination to continue their work, emphasizing the importance of journalism in Afghanistan.

In Gaza, a housing shortage is leading to the demolition of older homes to make way for new high-rises. Adnan Murtaga is considering selling his family home for redevelopment, as are others in the Rimal neighborhood. Gaza City mayor Yahya al-Sarraj notes the growing population and housing demand, with 2.2 million people and a 3.2% annual growth rate. While historic buildings over a century old are protected, others are not, and families often exchange their plots for apartments in new buildings. The Israeli blockade and Egyptian restrictions, citing concerns about weapons reaching Hamas, have impacted the housing market by regulating imports and exports, including building materials. The recent conflict destroyed or damaged thousands of homes, with reconstruction costs estimated at $500 million. Despite these challenges, nearly 100 new residential buildings have started construction in the past year. Some Gazans, like civil engineer Faisal Shawa, choose to preserve their architectural heritage despite economic pressures.

The Gaza Strip faces a severe housing shortage due to its growing population and recent destruction from conflict with Israel. Older, unprotected buildings are being demolished to make way for new high-rises, despite the area's rich architectural heritage. Some residents, like Adnan Murtaga, are considering selling their properties, while others, such as Faisal Shawa, are determined to preserve their historical homes. The Israeli blockade and Egyptian restrictions, citing weapon concerns, heavily regulate imports and exports, affecting the housing market and construction materials availability. Despite these challenges, nearly 100 new residential buildings have been initiated in the past year.

Following the recent war with Israel, Palestinians are experiencing a newfound sense of unity. The conflict, which resulted in a ceasefire in May, has brought attention to issues like home demolitions and evictions in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. Palestinians, divided since 1948, are reconnecting despite physical and ideological barriers. The war and social media have played significant roles in this unity, with global awareness of their plight increasing. Despite the devastation in Gaza, Palestinians feel empowered to stand up to Israel, and this sentiment is recognized by both Palestinian activists and Israeli leadership. The unity extends to diaspora Palestinians and has sparked hope for a change in the status quo.

May al-Masri, a mother in northern Gaza, lost her one-year-old son Yasser to a rocket attack and gave birth to a healthy boy amidst the trauma. The recent violence in the Israel-Palestine conflict resulted in 256 Palestinian and 13 Israeli deaths, including 68 children in Gaza. The psychological impact of the conflict has led to miscarriages, stillbirths, and difficulties in childbirth and breastfeeding. Women and children are disproportionately affected, with new mothers struggling to bond with their babies and children experiencing fear and anxiety. Despite a ceasefire, the future remains uncertain for those affected.