A new national security law has come into force in Hong Kong despite growing international criticism that it could erode freedoms in the China-ruled city and damage its international financial hub credentials. The law, also known as Article 23, came into at midnight on Saturday, days after Hong Kong’s pro-Beijing lawmakers passed it unanimously, fast-tracking legislation to plug what authorities called national security loopholes. Hong Kong Chief Executive...

Members reject text drafted by the US in advance of another vote. The United Nations Security Council has failed to pass a United States-drafted resolution recognising the need for a ceasefire in Gaza. It was the first time the Americans had used such strong language, but it was not enough for Russia, China and Algeria. They rejected the text because it did not demand an immediate ceasefire and...