PRISON CATASTROPHE
Deadly strikes in Gaza as Israel commits to talks
Israel's deadly airstrikes in Gaza lead to combat with Hamas and clashes with Hezbollah. Diplomatic efforts ongoing with no truce in sight. US involvement in talks. Escalating tensions raise fears of major conflict between Israel and Lebanon.
New UK PM Starmer 'restless for change' after huge election win
Keir Starmer, UK's new prime minister, aims for growth and change. Historic appointments include Reeves, Lammy, Vallance. He ended the Rwanda scheme after Labour's landslide victory, ending 14 years of Conservative rule. Accepted King Charles III’s invite, Sunak resigned, and spoke with Biden, von der Leyen, and Zelensky. Faces cost-of-living crisis and Farage’s Reform breakthrough.
US and Europe warn Lebanon's Hezbollah to ease strikes on Israel and back off from wider Mideast war
Mediators from the U.S., Europe, and Arab nations are working to prevent escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon from turning into a broader Middle East conflict. Despite ongoing violence and threats from Iran and Israel, efforts are focused on warning Hezbollah against provoking Israel further. The situation has been marked by cross-border attacks and strong rhetoric, with fears that a second front in the region could open, complicating the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Diplomatic efforts continue, with hopes that a resolution in Gaza could ease tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Israel-Gaza War: Jordan won't send troops to Gaza to replace Israeli forces: Safadi
Israel-Gaza War: Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ayman Safadi, stated in Athens that Jordan will not deploy troops to Gaza in place of Israeli forces, rejecting any involvement amidst the ongoing conflict. He emphasized the need for a just resolution ensuring a permanent ceasefire, the release of prisoners, and addressing the humanitarian crisis caused by the aggression. Safadi supported international efforts for ceasefire but criticized Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's stance for a temporary truce.
Gaza hospital reports 37 dead in strike on UN school Israel says used by Hamas
A UN-run school in central Gaza was bombed by Israel, killing at least 37 people. US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators are working on securing a truce and hostage release deal after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7.
World's largest humanitarian network calls for Gaza ceasefire
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) has called for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip, where millions are facing severe hunger. The appeal comes nearly seven months after Israel launched a significant offensive in response to Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,200 people in Israel. IFRC President Kate Forbes emphasized the need for a political solution to allow aid delivery, highlighting the dire conditions she witnessed in Rafah, Gaza, including inadequate housing, water, sanitation, and medical supplies.
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Israel sends tanks into Rafah and seizes key crossing
Israeli forces entered Rafah in southern Gaza, taking control of the border crossing with Egypt, amid escalating tensions. This operation, following a warning to evacuate, disrupted UN humanitarian access. Tanks flew Israeli flags as they secured the area, but no sign of specific targets. The region faced heavy bombardment overnight, resulting in casualties. Hamas claimed responsibility for attacks, further fueling conflict. Negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, with international concern mounting over civilian safety and the potential for broader escalation.
Israel bombards Rafah ahead of talks aimed at sealing truce
Israel carried out airstrikes on Gaza's city of Rafah, aiming to pressure Hamas ahead of truce talks in Egypt. This followed reports of a Chinese fighter jet firing flares near an Australian navy helicopter in the Yellow Sea. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese condemned China's actions as "unprofessional and unacceptable." The Australian Defence Department reported the incident occurred during UN sanctions enforcement on North Korea. Albania said Australia's concerns were raised with China through diplomatic channels.
US president holds separate calls with leaders from Qatar, Egypt over Gaza ceasefire talks
Biden urged Sisi and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, whom he spoke to separately, to exert all efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas "as this is now the only obstacle to an immediate ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza," the White House said.
Israeli officials concerned about possible ICC arrest warrants as pressure mounts over war in Gaza
Israeli officials are growing concerned about potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court (ICC) over the Gaza war, as airstrikes in Rafah killed 22 people, including women and children. Israel plans an invasion of Rafah, but the US and others warn against it. The ICC probe into possible war crimes by Israel and Palestinian militants has raised tensions. Israel has rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, and any warrants could lead to arrests in other countries. The US, Egypt, and Qatar are pushing for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
Team from Gaza mediator Egypt arrives in Israel for truce talks
Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to find a ceasefire for the war in Gaza without success since a one-week halt to the fighting in November. That truce saw the exchange of 80 Israeli captives in return for 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Since then, global criticism of the toll on Palestinian civilians in Gaza has escalated, as have calls for Hamas militants to release the remaining hostages being held since their October 7 attack triggered the war.
Egypt sends delegation to Israel, its latest effort to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas
Egypt sent a high-level delegation to Israel to broker a cease-fire with Hamas in Gaza, warning of catastrophic consequences if Israel attacks Rafah. Led by top intelligence official Abbas Kamel, the delegation aims for a prolonged cease-fire, starting with a hostage exchange and return of displaced Palestinians. Hamas insists on a permanent cease-fire and Israeli withdrawal, while Israel seeks Hamas' defeat and retention of security in Gaza. The situation remains tense, with recent Hezbollah attacks on Israel adding to the turmoil.
How a hush money scandal tied to a porn star led to Trump's first criminal trial
Trump faces trial in New York for hush money payments to suppress stories of extramarital affairs. The case involves payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal orchestrated by Michael Cohen and the National Enquirer tabloid.
Why is Taiwan so exposed to earthquakes and so well prepared to withstand them?
Taiwan experienced its most potent earthquake in 25 years, resulting in at least nine fatalities, numerous injuries, and significant infrastructure damage. The island, situated along the Pacific "Ring of Fire," faces frequent seismic activity due to the interaction of tectonic plates. Despite this, Taiwan's preparedness for earthquakes is considered advanced, featuring strict building codes, a robust seismological network, and comprehensive public education initiatives.
Haiti now needs up to 5,000 police to help tackle 'catastrophic' gang violence , UN expert says
Last July, William O'Neill said Haiti needed between 1,000 and 2,000 international police trained to deal with gangs. Today, he said the situation is so much worse that double that number and more are needed to help the Haitian National Police regain control of security and curb human rights abuses.
UN chief to visit Gaza border as Israel vows to go ahead with Rafah attack
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit Egypt's border with Gaza on Saturday, following Israel's announcement that it would send troops to fight Hamas in Rafah, even without US support. Despite warnings that such an invasion would cause mass civilian casualties and worsen the humanitarian crisis, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he must press ahead with the attack.
Putin warns the West a Russia-NATO conflict is just one step from World War 3
Putin warns of World War Three risk with NATO, criticizes U.S. democracy, and plans buffer zone in Ukraine. Macron hints at ground troop deployment. Tensions rise ahead of Russian election and amid Ukrainian conflict.
The brutal logic of Hamas' hostage strategy could deny Israel victory in Gaza
Israel has been engaged in a conflict with Hamas in Gaza, aiming to destroy the militant group while facing a dilemma: either continue the fight, risking the lives of hostages held by Hamas, or negotiate a deal that would give Hamas a significant victory. Hamas, led by Yehya Sinwar, who understands Israel's sensitivity to hostages, has used this as leverage. Despite Israel's military superiority, Hamas's strategy of using hostages as human shields complicates the situation. The conflict's resolution remains uncertain, with both sides facing difficult choices.
The latest talks on Gaza have ended with no breakthrough, officials say, with Ramadan days away
Hamas has refused to release all of the estimated 100 hostages it holds, and the remains of around 30 more, unless Israel ends its offensive, withdraws from the territory and releases a large number of Palestinian prisoners, including senior militants serving life sentences. Jihad Taha, a Hamas spokesperson, said the negotiations were ongoing but "the ball is in the Israeli court". He said Israel had thus far refused Hamas' demands for people who fled northern Gaza to be allowed to return and for guarantees of a cease-fire and full withdrawal.
Netanyahu says a cease-fire deal would only delay ''somewhat'' an Israeli military offensive in Rafah
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the Israeli offensive in Rafah may be delayed if a cease-fire deal is reached, but he claimed that total victory is weeks away. Talks are ongoing in Qatar and Cairo. Heavy fighting continues in Gaza. The war has devastated Gaza's health sector and families of hostages await news of their loved ones.
Israeli strikes in Gaza kill 48 as fears mount over humanitarian crisis and West Bank violence
Israeli strikes killed at least 48 people in southern and central Gaza overnight, half of them women and children, health officials said Thursday. European foreign ministers and U.N. agencies called for a cease-fire, with alarm rising over the worsening humanitarian crisis and potential starvation in the territory.
As Israel-Hamas war reaches 100-day mark, here's the conflict by numbers
In the longest, bloodiest Israel-Hamas war, ongoing for 100 days, relentless Israeli attacks have devastated Gaza, displacing Palestinians, shutting hospitals, and causing famine. Hezbollah and Israel engage in daily skirmishes. Stats reveal staggering human toll, with 23,708 Palestinians killed, unknown civilian casualties, and massive destruction, leaving 45-56% of Gaza's buildings damaged. Over 1.8 million Palestinians displaced, 249,263 Israelis affected, and 240 Palestinian prisoners released during a weeklong pause. The conflict remains intense, with rockets launched, hostages taken, and grim humanitarian consequences.
Communications blackout and spiralling hunger compound misery in Gaza Strip as war enters 11th week
"The internet blackout is ongoing, and based on our records it is the longest such incident" in the over-two-month war, said Alp Toker, the group's director. The United Nations' humanitarian affairs department said communications with Gaza were "severely disrupted" due to damage to telecommunications lines in the south.
Day-long extension of Israel-Hamas truce agreed
Israel pounded the Gaza Strip relentlessly before the truce, forcing an estimated 1.7 million people to leave their homes and limiting the entry of food, water, medicine and fuel. Conditions in the territory remain "catastrophic", according to the World Food Programme, and the population faces a "high risk of famine.
Mediators race to extend Israel-Hamas truce as expiry looms
A truce between Israel and Hamas is nearing the expiration date with mediators reaching an agreement on another extension after a final exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The truce agreement allows for extensions if Hamas can release another 10 hostages a day, and a source close to the group said Wednesday that it was willing to prolong the pause by four days.
Hamas eyes Gaza truce extension for more hostage releases
Israel's allies have been wary of calling for a complete end to military operations designed to eliminate Hamas, but foreign ministers from the Group of Seven have urged a longer truce. "We support the further extension of this pause and future pauses as needed to enable assistance to be scaled up, and to facilitate the release of all hostages," they said in a statement Tuesday.
Prison 'catastrophe' for jailed Russian artist, warns mother
The mother of a Russian artist, Alexandra Skochilenko, who is currently facing the prospect of a decade-long prison term for her protest against Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, has expressed deep concern about her daughter's health. Alexandra Skochilenko, a 33-year-old artist and musician hailing from Saint Petersburg, has been in detention since April of the previous year. Her incarceration, spanning one-and-a-half years, has taken a toll on her well-being.
Indonesia warns nuclear weapons put Southeast Asia a 'miscalculation away' from a catastrophe
Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi raised the alarm ahead of a two-day summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations starting later Tuesday in Jakarta. The agenda will spotlight Myanmar's deadly civil strife, continuing tensions in the South China Sea and efforts to fortify regional economies amid the global headwinds set off by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Yemen's warring parties swap prisoners for second day
A Saudi-led military coalition, which supports the internationally recognised Yemeni government, and Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement agreed last month in Switzerland to exchange 1,081 prisoners, including 15 Saudis, in the largest swap of its kind in the five-year-old conflict.
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