Political tensions in Turkey have intensified following the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem İmamoğlu, a key challenger to President Erdoğan. Mass protests erupted, and opposition leader Özgür Özel called for a 24-hour economic boycott, urging citizens to halt purchases and shut down businesses. İmamoğlu supported the boycott from detention. The public prosecutor’s office plans to investigate the boycott call, citing “divisive rhetoric.” The arrest and protests have worsened Turkey’s economic instability, causing a significant drop in currency and stock market value, despite recent economic reforms. Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 10:30 pm
Israel’s month-long blockade of Gaza has led to severe shortages, closing UN-supported bakeries and leaving markets empty of fresh produce. Hospitals are rationing essential medicines. The blockade, the longest in Israel’s 18-month conflict with Hamas, coincided with Eid al-Fitr, leaving many Gazans hungry. Um Ali Hamad, a displaced woman, described the dire situation, struggling to find basic food and supplies for her family. Israel imposed the ban on goods due to Hamas’s refusal to extend a ceasefire and release more hostages, while Hamas demands a full end to the war. Noah Prescott 02/04/2025 10:30 pm
A Gaza family admitted to killing a Hamas police officer, claiming retaliation for a relative’s death, highlighting growing dissent against Hamas. This follows recent protests in northern Gaza, where residents chanted against Hamas amid anger over Israeli military actions. The incident, captured on video, went viral, showing the officer’s killing. Hamas warned against actions undermining public order and vowed justice. Another family in Gaza City also accused Hamas police of killing a relative, promising revenge. These events underscore increasing civilian criticism and unrest in Gaza. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 10:30 pm
Myanmar’s military government declared a temporary ceasefire until April 22 to aid recovery after a devastating earthquake killed over 2,700 people. The 7.7 magnitude quake has led to a medical crisis, with aid agencies warning of a lack of clean water and healthcare access. Médecins Sans Frontières highlighted the risk of disease due to water scarcity. The ongoing civil war, sparked by a military coup, has weakened Myanmar’s health infrastructure, complicating disaster response. The shadow National Unity Government also paused offensive operations to support rescue efforts. Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 10:30 pm
A forensic doctor reported evidence of execution-style killings of 15 paramedics and Palestinian rescue workers shot by Israeli forces in Gaza. The victims, on a humanitarian mission, were buried in a mass grave. The UN and witnesses noted signs of detention before death. The incident has sparked global outrage and calls for accountability. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy highlighted Gaza as perilous for aid workers, urging accountability for recent deaths. The forensic analysis indicated close-range, intentional shots, though decomposition posed challenges in some cases. Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 7:00 pm
Thousands of Palestinians protested against Hamas in Gaza, marking the largest dissent since the group’s attack on Israel sparked war. Demonstrators expressed anger over war and displacement, criticizing Hamas while also blaming Israel and the U.S. for their plight. Public dissent is rare under Hamas, which has violently suppressed opposition since seizing power in 2007. Despite losing leaders and fighters, Hamas still controls Gaza. Anger at Israel is widespread due to its offensive, which has killed many Palestinians. Support for Hamas fluctuates, rising during conflicts with Israel. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 7:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting Hungary, defying an ICC arrest warrant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Hungary, an ICC member, won’t enforce the warrant, as stated by Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Netanyahu, facing domestic political issues, will meet Orban and attend a ceremony in Budapest. This is his second international trip since the ICC issued warrants against him and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel denies the war crimes allegations, calling them politically motivated and antisemitic. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 7:00 pm
Myanmar’s junta fired warning shots at a Chinese Red Cross aid convoy, highlighting challenges in delivering aid amid civil war. The military, struggling since the 2021 coup, has left the economy and services in disarray. The convoy was in a conflict zone without informing authorities, prompting shots. The Chinese foreign ministry confirmed the safety of the aid team and urged safe passage for rescuers. The quake’s death toll reached 2,886. Aid access is difficult due to regime restrictions and conflict, with calls for the junta to allow unrestricted humanitarian aid. Noah Prescott 02/04/2025 7:00 pm
A devastating earthquake in Mandalay, Myanmar, has left widespread destruction, with many buildings collapsed or severely damaged. The military government has restricted foreign journalists, so the BBC reported undercover. Survivors receive little aid, and rescue efforts are slow. Nan Sin Hein waits for news of her son, trapped in a collapsed building. Despite the dire situation, hope persists for those missing. Noah Prescott 02/04/2025 7:00 pm
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced a major military expansion in Gaza, aiming to seize land for Israel’s security zones and evacuate civilians from combat areas. The operation seeks to eliminate terrorists and infrastructure, with no details on additional troop involvement. Israel’s ongoing offensive, resuming after a ceasefire, has resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties and a humanitarian crisis. The military ordered Gaza’s Rafah residents to move north, amid continued airstrikes killing at least 17 people, including displaced civilians. The UN warns of dwindling food supplies. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 3:30 pm
