Hugo Sugg

Baku is hosting the second edition of Fly to Baku. Art Weekend, a three-day festival bringing together Azerbaijani and international artists across the capital. Its programme features exhibitions, performances and other cultural events inspired by the region's natural and cultural heritage.

Demonstrators gathered outside Azerbaijan’s Embassy in London, displaying Iranian flags and placards concerning hijab regulations. The small group held flags bearing portraits of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini and Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, alongside “Hands Off My Hijab” placards. Participants chanted slogans including “Hands off my hijab” and “Let our sisters learn today”. The gathering also featured materials distributed by the UK-based Islamic Human Rights Commission.

Israel’s election has ended in an apparent deadlock, with exit polls showing neither Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor his main rival, Gadi Eisenkot, on track to secure a majority in the 120-seat Knesset. The stalemate could allow Netanyahu to remain in power in a caretaker capacity while political parties negotiate to form a governing coalition. Final results could take days, and smaller parties may hold the balance of power. The vote drew record turnout in the first election since the Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 and the ensuing wars in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran. Without a clear majority, Israel could face prolonged coalition negotiations or another election. Follow Live at the link in bio.

Demonstrations over rising living costs escalated into violent clashes in Rome, Bologna and Turin. In Rome, protesters forced their way through the gates of the Colosseum on Saturday before the march continued through the city centre. Tensions later intensified after nightfall, with police using water cannons to disperse crowds.

Iran has presented seven conditions for ending the war with the United States, proposing to reopen the Strait of Hormuz within six days and begin negotiations on the seventh. Tehran says Washington must meet its demands before broader talks on nuclear issues can begin.

Supporters of Serbia’s student movement held a huge final rally in central Belgrade before Sunday’s election, singing, chanting and holding up flares and flashlights. Many said they came to back the student protests and the student lists, calling for an end to a system they describe as corrupt. Some said they wanted a normal economy and education, and a country where their children could live better lives.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will co-host the FIFA U-20 World Cup from 17 September to 9 October 2027, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced. The tournament will be the first men’s FIFA World Cup held in Azerbaijan, and the country’s U-20 team will make its debut at a World Cup finals. Twenty-four teams will take part. Morocco are the defending champions after beating Argentina 2-0 in the 2025 final in Santiago, Chile.

Families of Azerbaijanis who went missing during the conflict with Armenia are appealing for international support in Brussels. They are seeking answers about the fate of their loved ones, as demonstrations continue in the Belgian capital.

The UK’s asylum system faces renewed pressure as people continue arriving across the English Channel, while questions grow over accommodation, taxpayer costs and how the government should respond. Zeynab Farajzada explains.

Yemen’s Houthis say they hit Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry in Riyadh, an Aramco facility in Yanbu and airports in Dammam and Abha with missiles and drones over the past 48 hours. Saudi authorities say two people were killed at Dammam airport. Riyadh has not confirmed the other strikes.

Families of Azerbaijanis missing since the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict gathered in Brussels to demand answers about the fate of their loved ones. Organised by the Karabakh Missing Families Public Association, the demonstration called on the international community to support efforts to locate the missing and clarify their whereabouts.