Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev accused Russia of unintentionally shooting down an Azerbaijani airliner, which crashed in Kazakhstan, killing 38 of 67 people. He criticized Moscow for attempting to “hush up” the incident and expressed frustration over Russia’s initial explanations. Aliyev demanded Russia apologize, admit guilt, punish those responsible, and compensate Azerbaijan and the victims. The Kremlin stated air defense systems were active near Grozny to counter a Ukrainian drone strike when the crash occurred. Noah Prescott 29/12/2024 7:30 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 75, is undergoing prostate surgery amid multiple crises, including the Gaza war and his corruption trial. His health, alongside other aging global leaders, is under scrutiny. The procedure led to a pause in his trial, with Justice Minister Yariv Levin acting as prime minister. Netanyahu’s health is crucial as he navigates significant Middle Eastern tensions, including potential ceasefire talks with Hamas and escalating conflict with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Noah Prescott 29/12/2024 7:30 pm
Concerns are growing for Hussam Abu Safia, director of a northern Gaza hospital, after Israeli forces detained him during a raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital. The World Health Organization lost contact with him following the raid, which also saw medical staff and patients expelled. Abu Safia, a prominent pediatrician, was reportedly beaten and forced to wear prisoner clothes. This is his second detention in recent months amid ongoing Israeli military actions in Gaza. Abu Safia’s son was killed in a previous raid. Ava Sinclair 29/12/2024 7:30 pm
A Jeju Air flight crashed while landing in Muan, South Korea, killing 179 of 181 passengers, marking the worst aviation disaster for a South Korean airline in nearly 30 years. The Boeing 737-800 had departed from Bangkok. Penelope Kingsley 29/12/2024 7:30 pm
A Jeju Air Boeing 737-800 crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea, killing 179 of 181 onboard. Authorities are investigating potential causes, including a bird strike and bad weather. The plane, arriving from Bangkok, was warned of bird strike risks and attempted to land from the opposite direction. A passenger reported a bird stuck in the wing. The plane skidded on the runway, crashed into a wall, and caught fire. Experts caution that multiple factors could have contributed to the crash. Noah Prescott 29/12/2024 4:00 pm
Mikheil Kavelashvili was inaugurated as Georgia’s president, strengthening the ruling party’s hold, which the opposition claims undermines EU aspirations and favors Russia. Outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili, a pro-Western leader, vacated her residence but asserted her legitimacy, calling Kavelashvili’s inauguration a “parody.” Kavelashvili, the sole candidate, won easily due to the Georgian Dream party’s control of the electoral college. He pledged to be a unifying president. The opposition alleges the October parliamentary election was rigged with Moscow’s help. Penelope Kingsley 29/12/2024 4:00 pm
Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader, underestimated Israel’s willingness to target him, believing they wanted to avoid full-scale war. Despite his aides’ warnings, he stayed in a Hezbollah bunker, unaware Israeli intelligence had been tracking him for years. On September 27, Israeli F-15 jets bombed the bunker, killing Nasrallah and other commanders. A New York Times investigation revealed Israel’s extensive espionage efforts, including planting listening devices and monitoring Hezbollah leaders, as part of a long-term strategy anticipating eventual conflict. Ava Sinclair 29/12/2024 4:00 pm
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev blamed Russia for the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines jet, demanding Moscow accept responsibility and compensate victims. The Embraer 190, traveling from Baku to Grozny, crashed in Kazakhstan after interference with its navigation systems, killing 38 of 67 onboard. Aliyev criticized a vague apology from President Putin, asserting the plane was shot down by a Russian missile. He called for Russia to apologize and acknowledge its guilt to maintain friendly relations. Penelope Kingsley 29/12/2024 4:00 pm
The government has declared a seven-day national mourning period following a plane crash. Flags will be lowered, and civil servants will wear black ribbons. Families are frustrated with the slow identification process, complicated by underage passengers without IDs. Chinese President Xi Jinping and UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed condolences. A passenger reported a bird stuck in the wing before the crash. Most victims were South Korean, with two Thai nationals on board. Ava Sinclair 29/12/2024 12:30 pm
Thousands of Georgian protesters formed a human chain in Tbilisi against the inauguration of new president Mikheil Kavelashvili, an ally of the ruling Georgian Dream party. Current president Salome Zourabichvili refuses to step down, citing election illegitimacy. Georgian Dream’s recent authoritarian shift, refusal to sanction Russia, and delay in EU accession talks have fueled protests. Opposition groups reject Kavelashvili and boycott parliament. The US sanctioned former PM Bidzina Ivanishvili. The political standoff remains unresolved. Noah Prescott 29/12/2024 12:30 pm
