IDF airstrike on Beirut that killed at least 14 causes fears of escalation into even more devastating conflict

Further violence between Israel and Iran’s allies Hezbollah and Hamas could ignite a devastating regional conflict, the United Nations has warned, after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed at least 14 people including a senior Hezbollah leader and wounded 66.

The strike killed Ibrahim Aqil, a figure on the group’s top military council who was wanted by the US for his alleged connection with the 1983 bombing of the US embassy in Beirut.

Ruling out of rises to four main taxes could lead chancellor to make ‘economically damaging’ decisions, says thinktank

Rachel Reeves has “one hand tied behind her back” as she considers how to balance the books next month in her first budget, a leading economic thinktank has said, after she ruled out increases to the four main taxes that account for 75% of all revenues.

The Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) said Labour had promised not to raise income tax, national insurance, VAT or corporation tax before the budget, heightening speculation that Reeves will seek to increase revenues from rises in capital gains tax, inheritance tax and stamp duty on property sales.

Sexual abuse survivors say working for late former Harrods owner involved ‘deceit, lies and humiliation’

A survivor of Mohamed Al Fayed’s sexual abuse has given a harrowing account of her suffering at his hands. Speaking at a press conference in London, the woman – named as Natacha – told reporters she “walked into a lion’s den” when she accepted a job with the former owner of Harrods department store in London.

She said working for him had involved a “layer of cover-ups, deceit, lies, manipulation, humiliation and gross sexual misconduct”.

Performer was first black actor to land leading role at National Theatre and to be cast in regular role on UK soap opera

The “trailblazing” actor Cleo Sylvestre has died aged 79, her agent has confirmed.

Sylvestre, also known as Cleopatra Palmer, had been a feature of film, stage, television and music since the 1960s, and played Melanie Harper, Meg Richardson’s adopted daughter, in ITV’s Crossroads – making her the first black actor to have a regular leading role in a UK soap opera. She was also the first black actor to land a leading role at the National Theatre.

Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner will not accept donations for work outfits after row over Waheed Alli gifts

Labour’s first party conference as a new government risks being overshadowed by the donations row as Keir Starmer, Rachel Reeves and Angela Rayner gave in to pressure to stop accepting clothes as free gifts.

The decision followed days of criticism over the Labour peer Waheed Alli funding Starmer’s work wardrobe, as well as clothes for his wife, Victoria, that were not initially declared. The Guardian revealed on Friday that Reeves and Rayner also received donations for work outfits.

Ukrainian security council restricts app’s use on government and military devices after intelligence agency says Russia can snoop on users and messages. What we know on day 941

• See all our Ukraine war coverage

Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, 46, killed by lethal injection days after state’s key witness recanted critical testimony

South Carolina executed a man on death row on Friday, days after the key witness for the prosecution came forward to say he lied at trial and the state was putting to death an innocent man.

Khalil Divine Black Sun Allah, 46, was killed by lethal injection, pronounced dead at 6.55pm, according to the Associated Press, which was one of several media witnesses to the execution.

Protesters in Liverpool to call on government to implement full arms embargo against Israel over Gaza war

The UK’s first pro-Palestine national march to be staged outside London is expected by organisers to attract tens of thousands of people on the periphery of the Labour party conference in Liverpool.

The 19th “national march for Palestine” will start at midday on Saturday near Lime Street railway station and end near King’s Dock, where Keir Starmer’s party is gathering this weekend.

The apparent release follows an offer of terms made this week by rebels in the region

New Zealand pilot Phillip Mehrtens has been freed after more than one and a half years in captivity in Indonesia’s West Papua region, Indonesian police have said.

The move, reported by police in a statement on Saturday, follows an offer of terms made this week by rebels in the region

Benny and Susanne Anguiano are back home in California with Rayne Beau, who ran into woods during camping trip

For two months, a California couple was heartbroken, worrying about the whereabouts of their beloved cat after losing him in Yellowstone national park, a wilderness larger than some US states.

But as summer came to a close, so did their tragic story. Benny and Susanne Anguiano reunited with their lost feline Rayne Beau last month after an animal welfare group called to let them know their cat had been found in Roseville, California, about 800 miles (1,287km) from Yellowstone.