{"id":715,"date":"2025-07-18T11:46:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-18T11:46:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/?p=715"},"modified":"2025-07-18T11:46:10","modified_gmt":"2025-07-18T11:46:10","slug":"world-news-for-july-18-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/world-news-for-july-18-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"World News for July 18, 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
    \n
  1. \n

    Britain Lowers Voting Age to 16<\/h2>\n

    The British government has announced plans to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 before the next general election, marking one of the largest expansions of voting rights in decades. This move aims to increase youth participation in politics, with supporters arguing it will empower younger generations to influence policies on issues like climate change and education. Critics, however, question whether 16-year-olds have the maturity to vote responsibly. The change is expected to add approximately 1.5 million new voters to the electorate.<\/p>\n

    Source: NPR<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/www.npr.org\/sections\/world\/)\n <\/li>\n

  2. \n

    Israeli Airstrike Hits Gaza Church, Kills Three<\/h2>\n

    An Israeli airstrike struck the Holy Family Catholic Church compound in Gaza City, killing at least three people and injuring six others, according to church officials. The Israeli military is investigating the incident, which has drawn condemnation from humanitarian groups amid escalating violence in the region. The strike highlights ongoing tensions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where civilian infrastructure, including religious sites, has been repeatedly affected by the conflict.<\/p>\n

    Source: The New York Times<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/www.nytimes.com\/section\/world)\n <\/li>\n

  3. \n

    US Threatens Steep Tariffs on Russia Over Ukraine<\/h2>\n

    The White House has warned Russia of “very steep” tariffs if it does not agree to a ceasefire in Ukraine within 50 days. This statement comes as the US pushes for economic pressure to end the ongoing conflict, with secondary sanctions also threatened against countries purchasing Russian oil. The move reflects heightened tensions and the US’s strategy to leverage economic tools to influence Russia’s actions in Ukraine.<\/p>\n

    Source: Anadolu Agency<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/www.aa.com.tr\/en\/world\/morning-briefing-july-18-2025\/3634474)\n <\/li>\n

  4. \n

    Wildfire Rages Near Madrid, Spain<\/h2>\n

    An uncontrolled wildfire burning outside Madrid has sent a massive cloud of smoke over the Spanish capital, prompting evacuations and raising air quality concerns. Emergency services are struggling to contain the blaze, exacerbated by dry conditions and high temperatures. The fire underscores the growing threat of climate-driven wildfires across Europe, with local authorities calling for increased preparedness and resources.<\/p>\n

    Source: ABC News<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/abcnews.go.com\/International)\n <\/li>\n

  5. \n

    Iraq and Kurdish Region Reach Oil Export Deal<\/h2>\n

    Iraq and the Kurdish Regional Government (KRG) have agreed to resume crude oil exports, ending a suspension that cost over $25 billion in lost revenue since 2023. The deal allows the KRG to deliver its full oil output to Iraq\u2019s state oil marketing company, SOMO, potentially stabilizing the region\u2019s economy and easing tensions between Baghdad and Erbil over resource control.<\/p>\n

    Source: Anadolu Agency<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/www.aa.com.tr\/en\/world\/morning-briefing-july-18-2025\/3634474)\n <\/li>\n

  6. \n

    EU Imposes 18th Sanctions Package on Russia<\/h2>\n

    The European Union has agreed on its 18th package of sanctions against Russia, described as one of the toughest yet, including lowering the price cap on Russian oil to $47.6 per barrel. The sanctions aim to further weaken Russia\u2019s economy amid its ongoing war in Ukraine. The EU is also discussing a 19th package, signaling continued pressure on Moscow despite concerns over global energy markets.<\/p>\n

    Source: Pravda EN<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/news-pravda.com\/world\/2025\/07\/18\/1525045.html)\n <\/li>\n

  7. \n

    Syria and Druze Leaders Announce Ceasefire<\/h2>\n

    Syria and Druze leaders in the southern city of Sweida have announced a ceasefire after days of clashes between Bedouin tribal fighters, government forces, and Druze militias. The truce follows Israeli airstrikes on Damascus, which were launched in response to the violence. The ceasefire aims to de-escalate sectarian tensions in the region, though stability remains fragile.<\/p>\n

    Source: Times Now on X<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/x.com\/TimesNow\/status\/1946012421648167216)\n <\/li>\n

  8. \n

    Cameroon\u2019s President Seeks Extended Rule<\/h2>\n

    Cameroon\u2019s President Paul Biya, in power since 1982, is seeking constitutional changes to extend his rule until nearly his 100th birthday. The move has sparked criticism from opposition groups, who accuse Biya of consolidating power in a country already facing economic challenges and insurgencies. International observers are monitoring the situation for potential unrest.<\/p>\n

    Source: CNN<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world)\n <\/li>\n

  9. \n

    Ecuador Faces Severe Water Shortage in Capital<\/h2>\n

    Quito, Ecuador\u2019s capital, is grappling with a severe water shortage crisis that has disrupted daily life for millions. The crisis, driven by drought and infrastructure issues, has led to rationing and protests. Authorities are working to address the shortage, but experts warn that climate change and poor resource management could exacerbate similar crises across Latin America.<\/p>\n

    Source: CNN<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world)\n <\/li>\n

  10. \n

    South Africa\u2019s Ramaphosa Removes Police Minister<\/h2>\n

    South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has sacked the country\u2019s police minister over allegations of links to criminal networks. The decision comes amid public outcry over rising crime rates and corruption within law enforcement. Ramaphosa\u2019s move is seen as an attempt to restore public trust, though it has raised questions about systemic issues within the government.<\/p>\n

    Source: CNN<\/a><\/p>[](https:\/\/www.cnn.com\/world)\n <\/li>\n <\/ol>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    Britain Lowers Voting Age to 16 The British government has announced plans to lower the voting age from 18 to 16 before the next general election, marking one of the largest expansions of voting rights in decades. This move aims to increase youth participation in politics, with supporters arguing it will empower younger generations to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-715","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-news"],"blocksy_meta":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=715"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":716,"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/715\/revisions\/716"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=715"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=715"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/twinconkers.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=715"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}