The Gulf
G7 leaders condemned Iran's continued attacks against its regional neighbours on 2 October, called for navigational rights in the Strait of Hormuz to be restored and agreed a release of 100 million barrels of oil stocks through the IEA. The FCDO advises against all travel to Iran, and its standing advice says Iran has repeatedly attacked commercial vessels in nearby waters with military drones. Full story in today's lead.
Vetting costs
DBS check fees in England and Wales fall from today: basic and standard checks to £20, enhanced checks to £41 and the Update Service to £15 a year. Full story in Industry and Business.
Yemen
The UN Special Envoy for Yemen said on 1 October: "I am alarmed by developments in Taiz governorate, where fighting has significantly intensified." He cited reports of casualties, damage to infrastructure and road closures affecting people's ability to leave the area, and said Taiz governorate is hosting most of the newly displaced; Taiz is Yemen's third largest city. He repeated his call on Ansar Allah to halt its military offensive.
Gaza
UN News reported on 2 October that approved aid can enter Gaza only through Kerem Shalom, with Rafah open for the limited movement of people including medical patients, and at least four other main entry points closed. It quoted the World Health Organization's representative as saying that almost two million people need shelter against the cold and the risk of flooding, almost 12 months into a fragile ceasefire marked by continuing Israeli air strikes.
