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
During a family outing at Tel Azeka, 3-year-old Ziv Nitzan discovered a 3,800-year-old Canaanite scarab, a type of seal and amulet from the Middle Bronze Age. Experts identified it as a symbol of religious beliefs and status, commonly used in ancient Egypt. The find highlights the historical Egyptian presence in Israel. Tel Azeka, located 25 miles west of Jerusalem, is also known for its biblical significance as the site of the battle between David and Goliath. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 3:30 pm
Three Americans convicted in a failed coup in the Democratic Republic of Congo had their death sentences commuted to life imprisonment. They were among 37 sentenced by a military court for attacking the presidential palace and an ally’s home. The commutation precedes a visit by US senior advisor for Africa, Massad Boulos. The US hasn’t declared them wrongfully jailed, but discussions occurred. The plot’s suspected leader, Christian Malanga, was killed in the attack. President Tshisekedi granted clemency to Marcel Malanga Malu, Tylor Thomson, and Zalman Polun Benjamin. Ava Sinclair 02/04/2025 12:00 pm
Myanmar’s military fired at a Chinese Red Cross convoy carrying earthquake relief supplies in Shan State. The Ta’ang National Liberation Army reported the attack, but no injuries occurred. The junta claimed troops fired warning shots after the convoy ignored signals to stop. China’s foreign ministry confirmed the safety of its team and supplies, urging focus on relief efforts. Myanmar faces a worsening humanitarian crisis following a magnitude-7.7 earthquake, with over 2,700 reported dead. International aid is being sent to affected areas. The military said it wasn’t informed of the convoy’s movement. Penelope Kingsley 02/04/2025 12:00 pm
