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This is the World In Brief from The Economist, our top stories.

The ruling African National Congress has lost its parliamentary majority in South Africa,

after its worst electoral performance in the 30 years since the end of apartheid.

With almost all ballots counted, it has won just 40% of the votes, down from 58% at the previous election in 2019.

The result has raised questions about the future of the ANC's leader, the country's president,

Cyril Ramaposa. To retain power, the ANC will need to find coalition partners.

As Israel continued its assault on Ruffa, a city in southern Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's

prime minister, bowed to keep fighting until mass is eradicated.

Earlier, President Joe Biden had said that, it's time for this war to end.

He said an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire had been sent to her mass by Qatar. The terms include a six-week pause in fighting,

the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas of Gaza, and the release of women and

elderly Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The seventh and final phase of voting in India's protracted election took place in a scorching

heat wave.

Exit polls suggest a resounding victory for the ruling Baratia Janta Party,

...