Israel arrested Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, during a raid that closed the last major health facility in northern Gaza. Patients and staff were moved to the Indonesian Hospital. The World Health Organization reported the hospital’s closure worsens the humanitarian crisis. The Israeli military claims Dr. Abu Safiya is a Hamas operative and detained 240 alleged terrorists, accusing the hospital of being a Hamas stronghold. The ongoing conflict has devastated northern Gaza, depleting essential resources. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 7:00 pm
Israeli forces detained Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, after setting the facility on fire, killing and wounding medical workers and patients. The hospital was stormed following months of blockade and airstrikes. Medical staff and patients were forcibly removed and taken to unknown locations. Abu Safiya, who had been vocal against the attacks, was beaten before arrest. The fate of other detained medical staff and civilians remains unknown, with the Health Ministry losing contact with 10 staff members. Noah Prescott 28/12/2024 3:30 pm
Manwara and her sister Shamshida fled their village in Myanmar amid targeted violence against the Rohingya. Their parents were killed by drone strikes, and their sisters are missing. Thousands of Rohingya families are escaping similar attacks, reminiscent of the 2017 ethnic cleansing. This time, the violence is perpetrated by a pro-democracy rebel group, not the military. Despite the rebels’ different political aims, they continue the persecution of the Rohingya. Manwara laments, “Everyone hates us, but I don’t know why. It’s our curse.” Noah Prescott 28/12/2024 12:00 pm
In Gaza, residents face dire conditions amid ongoing conflict. Fadia Nasser survives on minimal food, Said Lulu lacks clean water for his kidney disease, and Ola Moen searches for medical supplies for her injured nephew. Despite mediation efforts, the humanitarian crisis worsens, with cities devastated and 90% of the population displaced. Winter exacerbates the situation, with infants dying from the cold. Israel targets Hamas but faces international criticism for civilian suffering. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 12:00 pm
Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8243 crashed en route from Baku to Grozny, killing 38 of 67 onboard. Survivors described chaos and fear as the plane struggled to land, making three attempts before crashing into the Caspian Sea. The Embraer 190 experienced erratic vertical speed changes. Investigations by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Russia are underway. Flight attendants and a passenger recounted the terrifying experience, with one saying, “Thank God I’m alive.” The pilot was among the deceased. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 12:00 pm
Jill and I mourn the loss of former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, whose strategic vision and political courage were pivotal in strengthening U.S.-India relations. His contributions, including the U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement and the Quad, have left a lasting impact. I met him in various capacities, appreciating his dedication and kindness. We honor his legacy by recommitting to the U.S.-India partnership, aiming for a future of dignity and potential for all. Noah Prescott 28/12/2024 12:00 pm
Manmohan Singh, the former Indian prime minister, is remembered as a “kind and soft-spoken politician” who significantly impacted India. Despite an illustrious career, including roles as central bank governor and finance minister, Singh remained media-shy and unassuming. Known for his gentlemanly demeanor, he avoided unnecessary conflicts and focused on results, notably implementing pro-market reforms. While some criticized his reserved nature, many admired his integrity and cautious approach. Singh’s dignified handling of challenges left a lasting impression, even as others in politics sought reinvention. Noah Prescott 28/12/2024 8:30 am
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus recounted surviving an Israeli air strike on Sanaa International Airport targeting the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. The attack left him and colleagues exposed, with missile fragments nearby. Tedros described the chaos and fear as explosions occurred close to him. The strikes followed Houthi drone and missile attacks on Israel, which Israel claims are in solidarity with Palestinians. The Houthi-controlled Saba News Agency reported six deaths and 40 injuries from the strikes. Tedros later evacuated to Jordan. Penelope Kingsley 28/12/2024 8:30 am
Ukrainian forces have reportedly killed or wounded over 1,000 North Korean troops sent by Russia, according to Kyiv and South Korean officials. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy claimed over 3,000 North Korean casualties in the Kursk region. South Korean intelligence reported 1,100 casualties, with North Korea preparing to send more troops. North Korean soldiers struggled against Ukrainian drones, leading to high casualties. Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces reported killing 77 and wounding 40 North Koreans in three days. Russian President Putin faces embarrassment over the loss of Russian territory. Ava Sinclair 28/12/2024 8:30 am
Fingrid reported a fault in the EstLink2 cable between Finland and Estonia, with sabotage not ruled out. This marks the fourth incident of undersea infrastructure damage in the Baltic Sea since September 2022. Previous incidents involved Nordstream pipelines and other cables, often attributed to ship anchors. Finnish PM Petteri Orpo and Estonian FM Margus Tsahkna emphasized the need for investigation and international cooperation, suggesting these incidents may be systematic attacks on critical infrastructure. Noah Prescott 28/12/2024 5:00 am
