Germany has initiated random border checks with France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg, and Denmark to curb irregular migration, expanding existing controls at borders with Poland, the Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland. These checks, scheduled for six months, follow recent extremist attacks. The move tests EU unity, as it challenges the Schengen free travel agreement. Trade unions worry about potential trade impacts, but a return to fully closed borders is not planned. German police acknowledge the difficulty in checking every vehicle due to the extensive borders. Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 12:30 pm
Israeli airstrikes killed 16 people in Gaza on Monday, including five women and four children. A strike in Nuseirat refugee camp killed 10, including a mother and her six children. Another strike in Gaza City killed six, including a woman and two children. Israel claims it targets militants, accusing Hamas of endangering civilians. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 41,000 Palestinians killed since the Israel-Hamas war began, with more than half being women and children. The conflict has displaced about 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. Separately, Israeli settlers allegedly attacked a West Bank school. Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 12:30 pm
Massive floods in Central Europe have killed five in Poland and one in the Czech Republic. Prime Minister Donald Tusk declared a state of natural disaster in Poland to aid evacuation and rescue efforts, allocating 1 billion zlotys ($258,000) for immediate relief. Streets are covered in debris, and damaged infrastructure is widespread. Food and water are being delivered to victims, and cities like Warsaw are calling for donations. Experts warn of further flood threats in Opole and Wroclaw. The Czech Republic declared a state of emergency in two regions, with seven people missing. Penelope Kingsley 16/09/2024 12:30 pm
Women in Iran have reported to the BBC that their online activities are being monitored by authorities, leading to arrests, threats, and beatings. This increased surveillance followed women-led protests after the death of Mahsa Amini, who died in police custody for allegedly not wearing her hijab properly. Alef, inspired by the protests, posted a photo showing her hair uncovered, which led to her arrest. She was blindfolded, handcuffed, and held in solitary confinement for nearly two weeks, during which she was interrogated and forced to hand over her phone. Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 12:30 pm
Germany has implemented new controls at all its land borders, restricting movement within the Schengen Zone and causing friction with European neighbors. Starting Monday, Germany will have internal border controls with France, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Belgium, and Denmark, in addition to existing ones with Austria, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, and Poland. The new rules, lasting six months initially, allow Berlin to reject people at all land borders. This shift marks a departure from Angela Merkel’s 2015-2016 migrant crisis policy, as Germany now adopts stricter measures amid rising far-right opposition. The move has drawn criticism and threatens European unity. Penelope Kingsley 16/09/2024 9:00 am
Former police chief Martin Hewitt has been appointed to lead the UK’s new Border Security Command, focusing on small boat crossings. Hewitt, former NPCC chairman, will join Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in Rome to learn from Italy’s approach to illegal migration. The new command will unite intelligence agencies, police, and border officials to combat smuggling gangs. Hewitt’s extensive experience in coordinating police and government efforts was key to his appointment. Starmer emphasized the government’s commitment to dismantling smuggling networks and protecting borders. Penelope Kingsley 16/09/2024 9:00 am
Eight people died overnight attempting to cross the Channel from France to England, French police reported. A rubber boat with around 60 people from countries like Eritrea, Sudan, Syria, and Iran got into difficulty near Boulogne-sur-mer. The vessel was driven onto rocks and came apart. Emergency services treated 53 people on the beach, with six hospitalized, including a baby. An investigation is underway. This incident follows a similar tragedy less than two weeks ago, where 12 migrants died. The UK government plans to work with European partners to combat people-smuggling gangs. Penelope Kingsley 16/09/2024 9:00 am
Jordan’s King Abdullah II appointed Jafar Hassan as the new prime minister, replacing Bisher Khasawneh. Hassan, previously the king’s chief of staff and planning minister, is tasked with forming a government following a low-turnout parliamentary election that saw significant gains by the Islamist opposition. The king urged Hassan to support Palestinians in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, and to work internationally to protect them. The Islamic Action Front won 31 out of 138 seats, becoming the largest party in parliament. Penelope Kingsley 16/09/2024 9:00 am
On Thursday, Ukrainian combat engineers breached Russian defenses near Novyi Put, advancing toward Vesoloe. By Saturday, Ukrainian tanks entered Vesoloe, and on Sunday, a Ukrainian fighter-bomber destroyed a Russian position there. The Russian garrison, mainly poorly-trained conscripts, struggled to defend against the Ukrainian advance. The reliance on conscripts has allowed rapid Ukrainian progress. If Russia responds similarly to past attacks, they may redeploy better-trained forces. The Ukrainian Khorne Group mocked this possibility, taunting for more conscripts and paratroopers. Noah Prescott 16/09/2024 5:30 am
Eight men died attempting to cross the English Channel from France to Britain after their vessel got into distress, bringing the year’s fatalities to 46. The boat, carrying 59 passengers, ran aground and was torn apart on rocks near Ambleteuse. The other 51 passengers, from countries including Eritrea, Sudan, and Syria, were rescued and are receiving care. Six were hospitalized, including a 10-month-old baby. The Channel’s strong currents make it perilous, yet many still attempt the crossing to escape war or poverty. Ava Sinclair 16/09/2024 5:30 am
