July 2021 Current Events: World News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the World news events you need to know so far for July 2021:
- Coronavirus Updates
- Plane Crash in Philippines
- Nicaragua Political Crisis Continues
- Israel Government Faces Setback
- Ever Given Released from the Canal
- Haiti President Assassinated
- Coronavirus Updates (2)
- Tensions in Afghanistan Continue to Rise
- Protests Erupt in Lebanon, South Africa, and Cuba
- Fire at Bangladesh Factory
- Ethiopia Election Continues
- Hotel Collapse in China
- Coronavirus Updates (3)
- Election in Peru
- Baghdad Bombing
- Tunisia Political Crisis
- Coronavirus Updates (4)
- Tokyo Olympics 2021
- New Sanctions on Cuba
- Protests in Iran
Coronavirus Updates
On July 5, it was reported that at least 60 people in Indonesia died from a lack of oxygen in hospitals, as the Delta variant continues to ravage the country. The area is facing its worst outbreak since the pandemic began. On July 6, a leaked memo in Thailand caused some concern for the efficacy of China’s Sinovac vaccine. The memo had various opinions, many suggesting healthcare workers get a booster shot of Pfizer soon. One official warned against this because he thought it would make the Sinovac look ineffective and cause people to lose confidence in it. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit
Plane Crash in Philippines
On July 4, a Philippine Air Force plane crashed, killing at least 47 people. The plane was transporting troops before crashing in what is the country’s worst crash in decades. The plane was carrying 96 troops, with 49 survivors. An investigation team arrived on July 5 to inspect the scene. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Froilan Gallardo
Nicaragua Political Crisis Continues
On July 6, a sixth political candidate was arrested in Nicaragua. Many students and leaders were also arrested in what the Nicaraguan Center for Human Rights called “a night of terror.” More than 2 dozen people have been detained as the election is set to happen in four months. The latest detainees, candidate Medardo Mairena Sequeira and farming and labor leaders Freddy Navas Lopez, Pablo Morales and Pedro Joaquin Mena Amador, are accused of being ringleaders in kidnappings and murders of police officers a few years ago. Spokespeople for the detained have denounced these accusations. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana
Israel Government Faces Setback
On July 6, the new Israeli government faced its first setback after it was unable to pass regulation to regarding Palestinian citizenship. The bill bars Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza from gaining citizenship if married to Israelis. It was, however, set to give 1,600 Palestinians an extension on their visa while the government seeks for a more permanent solution after the coalition agreed to amend the law. Lawmakers entered a 59-59 vote, not allowing the law to pass. Critics claim it is a racist regulation that can divide families. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner
Ever Given Released from the Canal
On July 6, the Ever Given, the ship blocking the Suez Canal back in March, was finally released. The ship was impounded for three months as negotiations occurred. It’s not clear how much was paid, but Egypt was requesting $550 million. (BBC)
Photo Source: Suez Canal Authority via AP
Haiti President Assassinated
On July 7, Haiti’s President, Jovenel Moise, was assassinated in his home. Haiti has closed its international airport and heightened security in Moise’s neighborhood in response to the assassination. The attack comes amidst a political crisis throughout the country. Moise had just appointed a new prime minister, neurosurgeon Ariel Henry, but it is her predecessor, Claude Joseph, who will take over in the wake of Moise’s death. The capital of Port-au-Prince has also experienced a rise of violence in the month of June. More than 10,000 people have fled to other shelters as arson has also increased around the capital. On July 9, two Haitians (naturalized US citizens) from Florida were arrested in relation to the assassination. Officials believe at least 28 people were involved in the assassination, with 26 being from Colombia. So far, 17 of the suspects have been captured by police. Two of the suspects have been killed during an altercation with police. On July 14, one of the American suspects was arrested in his gated neighborhood. Police found both guns and ammunition in the home. A legal statement from the suspect has not yet been released. On July 16, it was reported that a key figure in the assassination of Haiti’s president is former Haitian Justice Ministry official Joseph Felix Badio. The claim comes from Colombia’s National Police chief, but no evidence has been provided to substantiate these claims. On July 19, Haiti’s acting prime minister Claude Joseph resigned. He plans to hand his power to Ariel Henry, the elections minister. Ariel was named as prime minister before the assassination, but was never sworn in. On July 28, Haiti’s assassinated president was laid to rest as gangs terrorized the capital city. Nearly 16,000 people have fled their homes as gang violence ravages the city. Gangs have also overtaken delivery routes, creating constant blackouts and food and fuel shortages. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Joseph Odelyn
Coronavirus Updates (2)
On July 9, South Africa’s hospitals were reported to be overwhelmed by patients due to the Delta variant. In some areas around South Africa, medical workers have been forced to turn away ambulances carrying Covid patients. Many patients are dying in the waiting rooms while waiting for a bed. Just mere days before this report, Johannesburg’s mayor died from the virus. On July 9, the lead scientist for the Sinovec vaccine died in Indonesia from Covid-19. Dr. Novilia Sjafri Bachtiar’s death causes more concern for the Sinovac vaccine, as many healthcare workers in Indonesia have become sick even after being injected. On July 9, lockdowns in Seoul and Sydney were put in place after the increase in cases due to the Delta variant. Private gatherings of more than 2 people will have a 6 pm curfew and gatherings of no more than 4 at restaurants will have a curfew of 10 pm. Sydney extended the lockdown on July 13. On July 12, in a desperate attempt to curb cases, Thailand announced it will be mixing jabs. The new policy will now mix China’s Sinovac with AstraZeneca as a booster after the first dose of Sinovac. Healthcare workers who have already been fully vaccinated will receive a third shot from AstraZeneca. The call comes after various healthcare workers have tested positive for the virus despite vaccinations. Critics, however, have expressed concerns regarding the dangers of mixing two vaccines, especially since it hasn’t been tested. On July 13, Greece and France joined Italy in making vaccines mandatory for healthcare workers. Those who refuse the vaccine will not be paid. As European countries see a rise due to the Delta variant, some are even considering making the vaccine mandatory for all. On July 13, a fire broke out at an Iraq hospital designed to care for Covid patients, killing at least 92 people. At least 50 people were injured in the fire, which was caused by an oxygen tank exploding. On July 16, Canada announced plans to allow fully vaccinated Americans to travel for non-essential business come mid-August. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Sakchai Lalit
Tensions in Afghanistan Continue to Rise
On July 1, CNN reported that peace talks between the Taliban and the Afghan government do not seem promising. The talks come after President Biden announced plans to withdraw troops. Since then, the Taliban has been overtaking various areas around Afghanistan. Talks between the two groups aren’t only moving slowly, but they’re also making very little progress. On July 9, Taliban militants claimed to have seized two border towns: Islam Qala near Iran, and Torghundi bordering Turkmenistan. The seize has caused more international concern as tensions continue to rise. On July 14, the Taliban executed at least 22 members of the Afghan Special Forces. The battle occurred as the commandos tried to keep hold on the town the Taliban was hoping to capture. Video footage obtained by CNN shows a stark contrast to the Taliban’s claim that it will accept soldier surrenders. On July 26, CNN reported that the civilian casualties in Afghanistan reached an all time high, with 2,392 deaths in May and June alone. This is almost as high as the death toll for the four months prior. Nearly half the deaths have been women and children, as well. The report also stated that none of the casualties were a result of international military, but instead Aghan on Afghan violence. On July 31, three more major cities in Afghanistan were targeted by the Taliban. They have entered parts of Herat, Lashkar Gah and Kandahar in an attempt to take them from government forces. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Rahmat Gul
Protests Erupt in Lebanon, South Africa, and Cuba
On July 6, the economic crisis in Lebanon deepened, causing former Prime Minister Hassan Diab to say that the country is on the brink of “social explosion.” The local currency has decreased in value by 90% and 77% of households don’t have enough food. The prime minister is calling for international forces to help the country. On July 14, Lebanon’s Prime Minister-designate Hariri stepped down after nine months on the job. Hariri claimed the president hasn’t signed off on many of his decisions. On July 13, South Africa’s former President, Jacob Zuma, was jailed, sparking lootings and protests across the country. The current president has deployed the military in an attempt to quell the violent protests. As the looting continues, many vaccination sites have had to completely pause, slowing both vaccination rollout and potentially causing a rise in cases. The country also worries there is a huge risk of food shortage looming overhead if protests and looting continue. A few days later, South Africa’s military was deployed as violence continued to rise. At least 6 people have been killed and another 500 arrested during this time. On July 14, the number of deaths rose to 72, making it some of the worst violence the country has seen in recent years. Many people are dying in stampedes and more than 1200 people have been arrested since the start of the lootings and protests. On July 13, in a rare act, Cubans flooded the streets for anti-government protests. Protesters are highlighting the lack of food and medicine as the Coronavirus pandemic continues. Many are asking for the president to step down and for the citizens to be given freedom. The following day, protesters reported that at least 100 people have been arrested or are missing, and at least 1 person has died during the anti-government protests. Video footage shows clashes between police and protesters, as protesters throw stones and tip cars. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Yeshiel Panchia
Fire at Bangladesh Factory
On July 9, at least 52 people died after a fire at a Bangladesh factory. The six-story juice factory caught fire on the first floor, according to officials. Chemicals and flammable materials within the factory made it difficult to contain the flames. At least 25 people were rescued and 50 more were injured, mostly factory employees. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Mahmud Hossain Opu
Ethiopia Election Continues
On July 11, President Abiy Ahmed won the first round in a landslide victory. His victory comes amid the rising Tigray conflict and accusations of voter fraud. Both the US and the EU have stated concerns regarding the integrity and environment in which the election is being held. Though Ahmed did receive a Nobel Peace Prize, there has been recent criticisms surrounding his handling of the Tigray region, where hundreds of civilians have been killed. Many citizens in war torn areas have been unable to cast their ballots. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo
Hotel Collapse in China
On July 13, at least 17 people were killed and another 5 wounded after a hotel in Suzhou collapsed. Rescuers have found groups of people, some having survived. Investigators found the collapse was caused by the owner changing the structure of the building. In recent years, the building has undergone many renovations. (BBC)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein
Coronavirus Updates (3)
On July 16, the WHO reported that the Delta variant is rapidly making its way through the Middle East and North Africa. More than 11 million cases total have been reported throughout the region since the start of the pandemic. On July 19, Thai protesters clashed with police as the number of Covid cases continued to rise. The protests have turned violent, as police used tear gas to disperse the crowd. On July 19, it was reported that 80% of a South Korean military ship tested positive for Covid. This is the highest cluster percentage in any military setting. Though South Korea has done fairly well during the pandemic, cases are rapidly on the rise. On July 21, it was reported that 4.3 million people in France signed up to get the vaccine after Macron announced his “health pass.” Essentially, the pass states that healthcare and essential workers who don’t have the vaccine by mid-September will no longer be paid. On July 21, Pfizer and BioNTech announced jointly that they will begin producing their vaccines in South Africa come 2022. The move will hopefully increase accessibility in the region, which has been hit hard by the Delta variant these past few months. On July 23, it was announced that at least 6 million doses of the Johnson and Johnson vaccine will be delivered to the African Union and distributed across 27 African countries. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Dita Alangkara
Election in Peru
On July 19, Peru’s electoral authority declared Pedro Castillo President-elect. Voters casted their ballots six weeks ago. Castillo is expected to be sworn in on July 28. Keiko Fujimori’s, Castillo’s appointment, claims of voter fraud have been found to be unsubstantiated. The ballot difference was just over 44,000 votes. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Gudalupe Pardo
Baghdad Bombing
On July 20, a suicide attack in a Baghdad market left at least 30 people dead and another 50 wounded. The attacker detonated his vest during a busy market session, with many shoppers preparing for celebrations of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha. Women and children were among those killed. ISIS has since claimed responsibility for the attack. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Khalid Mohammed
Tunisia Political Crisis
On July 26, Tunisia’s president ousted the government and froze the activities of parliament, creating the biggest crisis Tunisia has seen in years. The day before President Saled fired his Prime Minister, there were protests against the government regarding Covid-19 spikes. Many political opponents argue that this a coup and violates democracy. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Hedi Azouz
Coronavirus Updates (4)
On July 26, France introduced a new bill requiring vaccine passports or negative PCR tests in order to enter restaurants, bars, or travel long distances. This new law will take effect in August. Following the statement, Italy announced it plans to follow suit. On July 28, Thailand began sending home Covid patients who had entered Bangkok in an attempt to receive help. The capital has been burdened with a growing number of cases. On July 28, as cases rose, Sydney announced that it will extend the lockdown for another month. More than 2,500 people have tested positive, the worst rise Sydney has seen since the start of the pandemic. On July 30, Israel announced that it plans to give a third dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to people over 60, becoming the first country to do so. People wanting the third dose will have to show proof that they received the second dose at least five months ago. On July 31, Brisbane, Australia announced it will place millions under lockdown once again as the Delta variant continues to spread. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Rick Rycroft
Tokyo Olympics 2021
On July 26, the Norwegian volleyball team was fined for not following the dress code, wearing shorts instead of bikini bottoms. Singer P!nk has offered to pay the team’s fine for “standing up to sexist rules.” On July 27, gymnast Simone Biles dropped out of the individual all-around competition. Biles stated her mental well-being as the reason, which the Olympic committee wholeheartedly supports. On July 31, Simone Biles announced that she was pulling out of two more events: the following day’s vaults and the uneven bars gymnastics finals. Celebrities and fans have been (mostly) supportive as Simone discusses her mental health. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ashley Landis
New Sanctions on Cuba
On July 30, the Biden Administration announced new sanctions on Cuba. The new regulations are meant to target Cuba's National Revolutionary Police nearly a month after the people flooded to the streets to protest. The Treasury Department hopes that the new sanctions will promote democracy and peace after sending a message to Cuba’s government. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Ramon Espinosa
Protests in Iran
On July 31, at least three people died after citizens flooded the streets of Iran to protest water shortages. Witnesses stated that protesters were shot dead by riot police as they were protesting. At least 10 people have died since the protests began, and many more have been injured. (CNN)
Photo Source: AP Photo/Vahid Salemi
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