On Tuesday, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced her top team for her second term through 2029. If you understand the EU, this was significant; if not, it might have been confusing. Von der Leyen, re-elected in July, presented a diverse team of 26 nominees from each EU country, plus herself. Each commissioner will implement her vision for the next five years. The European Commission is one of the EU’s three main institutions, alongside the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union. Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 11:30 pm
A mass-rape trial in France has highlighted a pervasive “rape culture.” Dominique Pélicot, 71, admitted in court to drugging his wife, Gisèle Pélicot, and allowing dozens of men to sexually abuse her over nearly a decade. He also filmed the assaults. Pélicot’s decision to forgo anonymity is unprecedented. He revealed his own history of abuse, claiming it led to his actions. If convicted, he faces 20 years in prison. Around 50 other men identified through Pélicot’s media are also on trial, many denying the allegations. The case has drawn significant media attention. Noah Prescott 17/09/2024 11:30 pm
Israel has updated its war objectives to include the safe return of residents displaced by fighting with Hezbollah near the northern border. Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office emphasized continued military action to achieve this goal. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned that military action is necessary due to Hezbollah’s ties with Hamas. Amidst growing fears of a broader regional conflict, Gallant faces pressure to adopt a tougher stance, with speculation that Netanyahu might replace him. Reports suggest internal disagreements, including opposition from Netanyahu’s wife, Sara, are complicating potential changes in leadership. Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 11:30 pm
The UN General Assembly is set to vote on a resolution that would strip Israel of its right to self-defense in Gaza, the West Bank, and east Jerusalem. Ambassador Danny Danon criticized the resolution for ignoring Hamas’s October 7 attack and Israel’s security concerns. Submitted by over 40 countries, the resolution demands Israel withdraw from these territories within 12 months, including evacuating settlements and east Jerusalem. It also bans arms sales to the IDF and calls for boycotting products from these areas. The resolution does not address Israeli security concerns or potential Palestinian attacks. Noah Prescott 17/09/2024 11:30 pm
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has resigned after getting bail in a corruption case related to a scrapped alcohol sales policy. He spent five months in jail and denies the allegations. Kejriwal will only resume his post if re-elected in the upcoming assembly elections. Senior minister Atishi will replace him. Kejriwal has called for advancing the elections to November, but experts say this is unlikely. The BJP has labeled his resignation a “publicity stunt.” Kejriwal, an anti-corruption crusader, was the third AAP leader arrested over the policy. Penelope Kingsley 17/09/2024 8:00 pm
Pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded simultaneously in Lebanon and Syria, killing at least nine people, including an 8-year-old girl, and wounding several thousand. Hezbollah and the Lebanese government blamed Israel for the remote attack. Among the wounded was Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon. The incident occurred amid rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The pagers, acquired after Hezbollah’s leader warned against using cellphones, exploded in areas with a strong Hezbollah presence. The Israeli military declined to comment. The explosions followed Israel’s claim of foiling a Hezbollah assassination plot. Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 8:00 pm
Israel has declared halting Hezbollah’s attacks in the north to allow residents to return home as an official war goal, amid considerations of a wider military operation in Lebanon. This follows near-daily attacks since the Israel-Hamas war began. Israel has responded with airstrikes and targeted Hezbollah commanders. The security Cabinet’s statement signals a tougher stance but may be symbolic. The conflict has displaced tens of thousands on both sides. The U.S. has urged restraint, while Israeli media report potential leadership changes, including possibly replacing Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Noah Prescott 17/09/2024 4:30 pm
An al-Qaeda-linked group, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM), claimed responsibility for an early morning attack in Bamako, Mali, targeting a military training school and other areas. The assault, the first in years in Bamako, resulted in heavy human and material losses. JNIM, active in the Sahel region, stated the “special operation” struck both the training center and Bamako’s military airport. Mali’s government confirmed the attacks but did not mention casualties, while reports indicated several security officers were killed or injured. The situation was later declared under control. Penelope Kingsley 17/09/2024 4:30 pm
The Biden administration continues efforts to secure a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas through shuttle diplomacy, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken visiting Egypt to establish broader regional security. Despite indirect negotiations led by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, hopes for ending the nearly year-long Gaza war remain slim. Blinken’s 10th Middle East trip since the October 2023 Hamas attacks, which killed 1,139 and abducted 251 Israelis, is unlikely to yield breakthroughs. Both sides are at an impasse over the Philadelphi Corridor. Israel’s updated war aims now include addressing Hezbollah threats and ensuring the safe return of 60,000 northern residents. Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 4:30 pm
Seven people have died and over 50 are injured due to wildfires in central and northern Portugal. Three firefighters were killed when their vehicle was trapped in flames. Portugal’s civil protection service reported 54 active wildfires, mainly in the north, with 5,300 firefighters deployed. France, Greece, Italy, and Spain sent water-bombing planes. Fires near Nelas and Aveiro have consumed over 10,000 hectares. The national civil protection commander warned that fires could consume an additional 20,000 hectares. Portugal faces extreme fire risk, with an extended warning until Thursday night. Ava Sinclair 17/09/2024 4:30 pm
