An unprecedented surge in wildfires has occurred since Brazil's right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro took office in January vowing to develop the Amazon region for farming and mining, ignoring international concern over increased deforestation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced a battle for political survival in a closely fought election that could end his 10-year domination of national politics.
Hong Kong police fired water cannons and volleys of tear gas to disperse protesters throwing petrol bombs at government buildings, as months of sometimes violent demonstrations showed no sign of letting up.
