- The Sudanese government announces the lifting of a partial ban on United Nations operations in the conflict-hit Darfur region. The ban was made after the government accused the UN of transporting a rebel leader who opposes a recent peace deal. (BBC)
- Arcelor declares its merger with Mittal Steel. The new company will be called Arcelor-Mittal. (CNN-IBN) (BBC)
- Eight Palestinian militants, including Hamas militants, infiltrate into an army post in Israel using a tunnel. Two Israeli soldiers are killed, one kidnapped and three wounded in the attack, in which at least two Palestinian militants die. Israeli PM vows a fierce military response to the attack once the soldier, Gilad Shalit, is returned. Two infantry brigades and supporting armoured regiments are deployed along the Gaza Strip border, in preparation for a major offensive.(Haaretz),(Reuters UK),(BBC)
- José Ramos-Horta resigns as both Foreign and Interim Defence Minister of East Timor amidst ongoing political turmoil. (SMH)
- Italians vote in a referendum on whether to approve the modification of 53 articles in the constitution. Approval would give more power to the prime minister and to the regions, making Italy a federal state. (Scotsman)
- The world's third richest man, Warren Buffett, pledges to donate approximately $37 billion USD in shares to the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, effectively making it the largest charitable organization in history. (Fortune)(NYT)(BBC)
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