Oct 18, 2026 · 5 min listen · Last updated October 18, 2026
From storyflo. This is your daily audio brief. Hey, it's Jessica. October 18th. Ten things to be aware of before the day starts. Let's get into it. First, from Channel News Asia. Israeli settlers attack European diplomats, beat French mayor.
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Israeli settlers attack European diplomats, beat French mayor
The West Bank violence has shocked much of the world, with Britain spearheading economic sanctions that in turn led Israel to close the British consulate in Jerusalem. JERUSALEM: Israeli settlers on Saturday (Oct 17) attacked a convoy of European diplomats in the West Bank and beat up a visiting French mayor, witnesses said, a day after an American photographer was similarly set upon as violence escalates ahead of bitterly fought elections.
Israeli settlers attack European diplomats in West Bank
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar described the perpetrators as Israeli rioters. Palestinian Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh called the attack a small example of the "daily terrorism" to which Palestinians are subjected. Masked settlers have attacked a group of European diplomats during a visit to the occupied West Bank on Saturday, Belgium's foreign minister says. Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian civilians, French and Polish diplomats, Belgium's consul general to the Palestinians and a French mayor, Maxime Prevot said.
Israeli settlers attack European diplomats in West Bank
French mayor and archbishop also attacked during violent attempt to stop Palestinians harvesting olives Israeli settler militants have attacked European diplomats, a French mayor and the archbishop of Cambrai in Taybeh, in the occupied West Bank, injuring three people and damaging a car, in the latest violent attempt to prevent Palestinians from harvesting olives on their own land. Bernard Baudoux, mayor of Aulnoye-Aymeries, was wearing his red, white and blue sash of office and attempting to enter a vehicle with diplomatic plates when he was assaulted and knocked to the ground on Saturday.
Trump Waives New Russia Sanctions in Late-Night Executive Order
President Donald Trump has betrayed his longtime friend to hand Vladimir Putin a massive win. Trump quietly signed an executive order late Friday night waiving sanctions and tariffs on Russia two days before they were set to take effect—under a law named after the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, passed by Congress last month, sought to target Russian officials, oligarchs, and financial institutions and increase duties on Russian goods. Graham, a Russia hawk, lobbied for the bill before he died in July at age 71.
Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold
Zelenskyy calls Trump's decision to put them on hold "unfortunate." KYIV, Ukraine -- Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged supporters Saturday to speak out in defense of new U.S. sanctions against Russia, hours after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing a sweeping package of restrictions targeting the Russian economy. The White House decision has further raised fears that Ukraine could be left exposed to Moscow’s escalating assaults with winter approaching.
Zelenskyy urges support for new US sanctions on Russia after Trump puts them on hold
Zelenskyy described the move as unfortunate, adding it would encourage Russia to continue its assault. Trump told Congress that the pause was in the national interest but gave no further details. (Image credit: Kateryna Klochko)
Zelenskyy urges support for new U.S. sanctions on Russia hours after Trump paused them
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy urged supporters on Saturday to speak out in defence of new U.S. sanctions against Russia, hours after President Donald Trump signed an executive order pausing a sweeping package of restrictions targeting the Russian economy.
Trump waives new Russia sanctions in the "national interests"
This decision comes despite bipartisan calls for tougher measures against Russia, especially following his recent deal allowing Russia to sell diesel internationally. Republican candidates are now in a tough spot, needing to defend Trump's approach to a country many voters view as an adversary.
The White House released an executive order detailing this waiver, which falls under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act that Trump signed last month. This law permits him to waive sanctions, and he stated he has certified to Congress that this waiver serves U.S. interests.
Democrats quickly criticized the move, with Rep. Don Beyer and Sen. Richard Blumenthal expressing their discontent on social media, arguing that it undermines support for Ukraine and caters to Putin. This waiver is part of a broader trend in recent U.S.-Russia relations, where Trump has been easing pressure on Russia on multiple fronts. The situation highlights a growing divide between Trump's actions and the bipartisan consensus on the need for a firmer stance against Russia.