Chinese scientists have discovered a massive whale graveyard of around 500 skeletons, some dating back to more than 5 million years, at the bottom of the Indian Ocean west of Australia, according to research published in the journal Nature on Wednesday. The whale fall provides shelter and sustenance to a vibrant ecosystem of marine species, many believed to be new to science. 

Rock climbing has exploded in popularity in recent years, and it has happened in the occupied West Bank, too. But Palestinian climbers face numerous obstacles, largely fueled by the expansion of Israeli settlements.

French pop icon Patrick Bruel on Wednesday was placed under formal investigation for rape, attempted rape, sexual assault and harassment after complaints by several women alleging sexual violence. Bruel, a singer, actor, one-time world poker champion and heartthrob in the early 1990s has denied the allegations.

Hundreds of fans, government and football officials gathered at Mogadishu's airport Wednesday to welcome Omar Artan after the Somali refree was denied entry to the US for the World Cup. Somalia's dream of having its first national officiate a World Cup may have been dashed, but Artan told his supporters not to give up hope and vowed to participate in the next FIFA tournament in 2030.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will stand in the country's next elections, his party said on Wednesday, which is scheduled to take place in late October. The announcement came after US President Donald Trump questioned whether Netanyahu wanted to continue in politics in an interview with ABC News.

Pakistan on Wednesday launched deadly air strikes on Afghanistan after a period of relative calm following months of fighting at the beginning of the year. Pakistan's government said 26 "militants" were killed while Afghan authorities said at least 12 people, including children, died in provinces near the border.