Israeli troops stormed Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, igniting fires and forcing staff and patients outside in cold weather, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The hospital has been repeatedly targeted amid Israeli operations against Hamas. Israel claims Hamas operates within the hospital, but provided no evidence, and hospital officials deny this. Troops reportedly forced people to strip and detained some, while others were relocated. Fires affected the lab and surgery department, with 25 patients and 60 staff remaining. The situation couldn’t be independently verified. Noah Prescott 27/12/2024 6:30 pm
Pro-Kremlin Telegram channels shared a New Year’s video showing Russian air defense systems shooting down Santa Claus’ sleigh, loaded with NATO-branded rockets. The video, first posted by Pul N3, features Santa flying over Moscow, sipping Coca-Cola, before being shot down. In a military control room, Ded Moroz, Russia’s Santa, confirms the “target” was destroyed, emphasizing no foreign objects should fly over Russia. The video’s release follows reports of a Russian missile downing an Azerbaijani plane in Kazakhstan. Noah Prescott 27/12/2024 6:30 pm
In 2024, global temperatures are set to break records, surpassing 2023, with averages exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, the Paris Agreement’s upper limit. This highlights the urgency for ambitious climate action, as extreme weather events like floods, wildfires, and hurricanes intensify worldwide. January 2024 was the warmest on record, continuing an eight-month streak of record-breaking warmth. February saw the Northern Hemisphere’s warmest winter and unprecedented ocean temperatures, emphasizing the escalating climate crisis. Ava Sinclair 27/12/2024 3:00 pm
Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza was forcibly evacuated by the Israeli military amid ongoing operations, which they claim target a “Hamas terrorist stronghold.” Medics reported dozens killed in nearby Israeli strikes, including five hospital staff. The military facilitated the evacuation of patients and staff but did not specify relocation details. Earlier, an Israeli official mentioned plans to move patients to the Indonesian hospital, also evacuated. Dr. Eid Sabbah expressed concerns about moving ICU patients, citing risks without specialized vehicles. The military is investigating reports of staff casualties. Ava Sinclair 27/12/2024 3:00 pm
Azerbaijan Airlines Flight J2-8243 crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, after diverting from Grozny, Russia, due to fog. Passengers reported hearing loud bangs before the crash, which killed at least 38 people and left 29 survivors. Subhonkul Rakhimov and Vafa Shabanova, passengers, described the plane as damaged and unstable, with oxygen issues in the cabin. Flight attendant Zulfugar Asadov noted the pilot circled after being denied landing in Grozny, during which the bangs occurred. Penelope Kingsley 27/12/2024 3:00 pm
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico offered to broker peace talks between Russia and Ukraine during a visit to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin expressed openness to the idea, citing Slovakia’s neutral stance. Fico, alongside Hungarian PM Viktor Orbán, has supported Russia within the EU, opposing Ukraine’s NATO membership and military aid. Fico’s visit aimed to address gas delivery issues with Russia. Slovak opposition criticized Fico, urging him to push Putin to end the war. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy questioned Fico’s dependence on Moscow. Penelope Kingsley 27/12/2024 11:30 am
Azerbaijan’s investigation into the crash of Azerbaijan Airlines Flight 8432 in Kazakhstan suggests it was downed by Russian air defense systems, according to multiple media reports. The crash killed 38 and injured 29. Sources claim a Russian Pantsir-S battery struck the plane after its communications were disrupted. The incident is not believed to be intentional. Russia initially blamed a bird strike, while Azerbaijan mourned the victims. Kazakhstan is also investigating but has not speculated on the cause. Ava Sinclair 27/12/2024 8:00 am
Former Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh passed away at 92, prompting tributes from leaders and industry figures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised Singh as a distinguished leader and respected economist. Singh, who served as finance minister in 1991, led economic reforms that opened India to foreign investment. His tenure as prime minister from 2004 to 2014 saw rapid GDP growth and social programs, though later years faced challenges like stalled reforms and corruption allegations. Singh also strengthened India’s ties with the U.S. Noah Prescott 27/12/2024 8:00 am
On December 26, 2004, a massive earthquake of magnitude 9.1–9.3 struck off Sumatra, Indonesia, causing a 20-meter seafloor scarp and triggering tsunamis. It was the third strongest recorded earthquake, lasting 8-10 minutes. The tsunamis affected regions from Sumatra to Africa, resulting in over 126,000 casualties and displacing 1.5 million people. The disaster’s impact was exacerbated by the absence of tsunami early warning systems in the Indian Ocean. Ava Sinclair 27/12/2024 4:30 am
Syria’s new authorities launched a security crackdown in Tartous after 14 policemen were killed, targeting remnants of Assad’s regime. The violence in the Alawite-majority region poses a significant challenge to the Sunni Islamist-led government. Concerns of sectarian strife arose after a video showed an Alawite shrine fire. Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, leading the rebel campaign, promised minority protection, but reports of sectarian violence persist. Alawite sheikh Ali Dareer reported religiously motivated attacks, blaming a “third party” for inciting discord, while HTS denied involvement. Noah Prescott 27/12/2024 1:00 am
