Eyewitnesses report that some of the bodies of 15 Palestinian paramedics and rescue workers, killed by Israeli forces in Gaza, were found with hands or legs tied and gunshot wounds to the head and chest, suggesting potential war crimes. The incident occurred on March 23 in Rafah, following an airstrike. International teams accessed the site recently, recovering bodies for autopsies. Dr. Ahmed al-Farra confirmed seeing bodies with execution-style wounds, and photographs support these claims. An anonymous aid worker also witnessed evidence of detainees being shot. Ava Sinclair 01/04/2025 10:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized an investigation into alleged links between his aides and Qatar as a “witch hunt.” His adviser, Yonatan Urich, and former spokesman, Eli Feldstein, were arrested over alleged payments from Qatar, dubbed “Qatar-gate.” Both deny wrongdoing. Netanyahu, not a suspect, accused police of using them as “hostages.” A Qatari official called the probe a “smear campaign.” The investigation involves allegations of contact with a foreign agent, money laundering, bribery, fraud, and breach of trust. A judge extended their detention, citing “reasonable suspicions.” Penelope Kingsley 01/04/2025 10:00 pm
During a family outing at Tel Azekah in southern Israel, 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan discovered a scarab amulet dating back 3,800 years, linked to Canaanite communities. The Israel Antiquities Authority confirmed the find, which occurred in early March. The amulet, identified by curator Daphna Ben-Tor, originates from the Middle Bronze Age (2100-1600 BCE), a period of flourishing Canaanite culture. Scarab amulets, resembling dung beetles, were used as seals and symbols of new life in ancient Egypt. Ava Sinclair 01/04/2025 10:00 pm
The body of a fourth US soldier was found in Lithuania, a week after disappearing during military drills near Pabrade. The soldiers were in an M88A2 Hercules vehicle, which was discovered in a peat bog with the other three bodies. The recovery involved hundreds of personnel from the US and allied forces. Maj Gen Christopher Norrie expressed deep sorrow, while Lt Gen Charles Costanza called it a “tragic accident.” The US Army is investigating the incident. The recovery required additional M88A2 vehicles and bulldozers. Penelope Kingsley 01/04/2025 10:00 pm
An Israeli air strike on Beirut’s Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, killed at least three people, straining a fragile ceasefire. Israel targeted a Hezbollah operative linked to Hamas, citing an imminent threat. Lebanon’s President and Prime Minister condemned the strike as a ceasefire violation. Despite the truce, Israel continues targeting Hezbollah to prevent rearming, following recent attacks on Beirut and a drone storage unit. Hezbollah denies involvement in recent rocket attacks and remains committed to the ceasefire. Noah Prescott 01/04/2025 6:30 pm
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a powerful and violent group led by Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera, emerged after splitting from the Sinaloa cartel in 2010. The U.S. offers a $15 million reward for Oseguera’s capture. The cartel recruits through volunteers attracted by pay, targeted ex-military and police for leadership roles, and forced recruitment, as seen at a Jalisco ranch. Both Jalisco and Sinaloa cartels are designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the U.S. and compete for control in Mexico, including the southern border with Guatemala. Penelope Kingsley 01/04/2025 6:30 pm
A U.S. team is heading to Myanmar to aid recovery after a deadly earthquake, but international teams from China and Russia are already on the ground. The U.S. pledged $2 million in aid and sent a USAID team, which hasn’t yet entered Myanmar. The U.S. response is slower compared to past disasters, like the 2023 Morocco earthquake and Libya floods, where aid teams were deployed more swiftly. Ava Sinclair 01/04/2025 6:30 pm
The Icelandic town of Grindavík and the nearby Blue Lagoon have been evacuated following a volcanic eruption, the 11th since 2021 on the Reykjanes peninsula. The eruption began with an “earthquake swarm” and quickly spread, with lava reaching through defense walls near Grindavík. The town, largely uninhabited since a November 2023 eruption, was evacuated except for a few residents. The Blue Lagoon also evacuated successfully. The Icelandic Meteorological Office warns the fissure may continue to expand southward. Ava Sinclair 01/04/2025 6:30 pm
Nine Palestine Red Crescent medics and Civil Defence workers disappeared on March 23 in Rafah, Gaza, after Israeli forces attacked them. Despite a week of Israeli obstruction, international teams eventually accessed the area, finding evidence of direct attacks on the humanitarian workers. One medic remains missing. The medics, including three ambulance officers and five first responder volunteers, were killed while attempting to aid injured individuals. The PRCS lost contact with their teams, who were dispatched to assist during daylight hours. Noah Prescott 01/04/2025 6:30 pm
Finland plans to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention banning antipersonnel mines and increase defense spending to 3% of GDP by 2029, President Alexander Stubb announced. This decision follows a thorough assessment and aligns with Finland’s commitment to responsible mine use. The move comes amid heightened tensions due to Russia’s war on Ukraine, with neighboring countries like Poland and the Baltic states also exiting the treaty. Stubb emphasized Finland’s role in enhancing European defense and recently discussed Ukraine with U.S. President Donald Trump. Noah Prescott 01/04/2025 3:00 pm
