Spanish archaeologists have successfully removed the 2,600-year-old Phoenician shipwreck, Mazarrón II, from waters off southeastern Spain, two decades after its discovery. Found near Mazarrón in 1994, it is one of the few largely intact Phoenician-era shipwrecks. A team of 14 specialists, led by Carlos de Juan, completed the excavation in under two months. The University of Valencia and Murcia’s regional culture ministry collaborated on the project. Phoenicia was an ancient civilization along the eastern Mediterranean coast, existing from about 1500 to 300 B.C. Penelope Kingsley 25/12/2024 12:00 am
A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean between Spain and Algeria, leaving two crew members missing. Fourteen crew were rescued uninjured. The ship, owned by SK-Yug, a subsidiary of Oboronlogistika, sank after an engine room explosion. Oboronlogistika is under U.S. and EU sanctions for military ties. The ship was en route to Vladivostok with two cranes. Spanish authorities received an alert when the vessel was 57 nautical miles from Almería. The cause of the accident remains unconfirmed. Ava Sinclair 25/12/2024 12:00 am
The motive of Talib A., the suspected perpetrator of the Magdeburg Christmas Market attack, remains unclear, though he is a Saudi citizen in custody. Following the attack, Germany’s extreme-right began targeting migrants, creating a hostile environment. Salam, a violence prevention center, reports increased incidents against perceived foreigners, labeled as “terrorists” and “criminals.” Migrant communities are warned to avoid public spaces. Despite Talib A. being suspected as an Islamophobe and right-wing extremist, right-wing groups have mobilized, demanding mass deportations and holding rallies, including attacks on journalists. Ava Sinclair 24/12/2024 8:30 pm
Sudan is facing a “widening famine crisis” due to a 20-month civil war, with 24.6 million people needing urgent food aid. The conflict between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has led to severe malnutrition and famine in five areas, including camps in Darfur and South Kordofan. Mediation efforts have failed, worsening the humanitarian crisis. The UN-backed Famine Review Committee warns of a potential “greater catastrophe” if the conflict continues. Sudan’s government has suspended cooperation with the group, accusing it of undermining sovereignty. Famine could spread to more areas by May. Ava Sinclair 24/12/2024 8:30 pm
A Russian cargo ship, Ursa Major, sank in the Mediterranean after an engine room explosion. Fourteen crew members were rescued and taken to Cartagena, Spain, but two remain missing. The ship, which left St Petersburg 12 days ago, was en route to Vladivostok carrying cranes. Spain’s maritime rescue agency found the crew on a lifeboat, and a Russian warship took over the rescue. Ursa Major was near another Russian ship, Sparta, which had been reported heading to Tartous, Syria, for military purposes. Ursa Major’s last known destination was Vladivostok. Ava Sinclair 24/12/2024 8:30 pm
Reports indicate thousands of North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Despite North Korea’s denial of sending troops, evidence suggests they supplied weapons and possibly soldiers to Russia. Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy claims over 3,000 North Korean casualties, while South Korean officials report at least 1,100. North Korea allegedly exchanged munitions for raw materials with Russia, and Ukraine’s intelligence suggests North Korea is a “de facto participant” in the conflict. Ava Sinclair 24/12/2024 8:30 pm
The Sudanese government has suspended its participation in the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system, accusing it of issuing unreliable reports. This move comes just before an IPC report expected to show famine spreading in Sudan. The withdrawal could hinder efforts to address the hunger crisis, as the IPC provides crucial independent analysis. An NGO leader warned that without this data, the international community lacks guidance to tackle Sudan’s food insecurity. The IPC, funded by Western nations, is vital for monitoring global hunger and coordinating responses. Noah Prescott 24/12/2024 5:00 pm
Bethlehem experienced a somber Christmas Eve amid the Gaza conflict, with missing festive decorations and tourists. Palestinian scouts marched silently, advocating for peace. Mayor Anton Salman emphasized Bethlehem’s message of peace and hope, urging global action to end Palestinian suffering. The cancellation of festivities severely impacted the town’s economy, reliant on Christmas tourism. Unemployment in Bethlehem is around 50%. Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa expressed hope for a better future, noting the desolation but also resilience in Gaza. Penelope Kingsley 24/12/2024 5:00 pm
Israel has not effectively addressed armed gangs attacking food convoys in Gaza, despite a mid-October pledge to do so, say U.N. and U.S. officials. This commitment was seen as crucial for alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid ongoing conflict. However, the Israel Defense Forces have prioritized their fight against Hamas, taking limited action against the gangs. The Prime Minister’s office deferred questions to the military, which declined to comment on specific actions taken. Officials report that gang violence is severely disrupting essential supply lines in Gaza. Ava Sinclair 24/12/2024 5:00 pm
German leaders face scrutiny for failing to prevent a Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, despite warnings about the suspect, an anti-Islam activist. The security lapses could impact upcoming elections and fuel mistrust among voters, with far-right groups exploiting the situation. Authorities, criticized for ignoring warnings since 2015, vow to investigate and strengthen security laws. The suspect, a 50-year-old Saudi refugee with far-right sympathies, openly expressed violent intentions online. Experts suggest his atypical profile may have led authorities to overlook warning signs. Penelope Kingsley 24/12/2024 1:30 pm
