Adi Weiss and Bar Karbona, survivors of the Kibbutz Be’eri massacre, faced a harrowing ordeal on October 7. During a rocket attack, they sheltered in safe rooms with their families while terrorists attempted to break in. Both women suffered personal losses, with Bar’s mother-in-law and Adi’s father-in-law and brother-in-law killed. After their rescue, they realized their homes were destroyed and relocated to the Dead Sea. Despite not knowing each other well, they began rebuilding their lives and community, driven by resilience and determination. Noah Prescott 23/12/2024 8:00 pm
The assassination of Russian Lieutenant-General Igor Kirillov in Moscow, allegedly by Ukraine’s SBU, marks the most high-profile killing of a Russian military official. Such assassinations, targeting military officials and collaborators, aim to undermine Russian morale, divert troops, and punish war crime perpetrators. Analysts highlight these acts as a security failure for Russia, embarrassing President Putin and instilling fear among Russian generals. While Ukraine hasn’t officially claimed responsibility, experts believe Ukrainian intelligence is behind these operations, impacting Russia’s security and troop deployment. Penelope Kingsley 23/12/2024 8:00 pm
Over 1,000 North Korean soldiers have been killed or wounded in Ukraine, fighting alongside Russian troops, according to South Korean military officials. The casualties highlight the risks to North Korea’s untested forces, with reports suggesting more troops may be sent. South Korea’s spy agency reported at least 100 North Korean deaths this month. The high casualties are attributed to unfamiliar battlefield conditions and drone attacks. North Korea is also supplying Russia with drones and artillery. This marks a significant escalation in the Ukraine conflict, involving North Korean forces after a defense pact with Russia. Ava Sinclair 23/12/2024 4:30 pm
The Magdeburg attack, where a car killed five and injured over 200, has sparked anger towards the government and migrants. A Saudi refugee, Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen, was arrested, though his motive remains unclear. Despite his support for the far-right AfD, the party hasn’t commented on his posts. The attack has intensified debates on security and immigration, key issues in upcoming elections. AfD leaders have linked the incident to immigration, with national leader Alice Weidel criticizing the government’s response and emphasizing the need for controlled immigration. Ava Sinclair 23/12/2024 4:30 pm
Two former Israeli intelligence agents revealed that Hezbollah used Israeli-made walkie-talkies rigged with explosives for a decade before they were detonated in a surprise attack in September 2024. The operation, orchestrated by Mossad, involved selling over 16,000 booby-trapped devices to Hezbollah through a fake company. The explosions killed and injured many, including civilians, despite Israel’s claim of targeting only Hezbollah members. The UN condemned the attack as a war crime. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu admitted responsibility two months later. Noah Prescott 23/12/2024 4:30 pm
Slovakia’s Prime Minister Robert Fico visited Moscow for talks with Vladimir Putin, discussing Russian gas supplies crucial to Slovakia. Fico, critical of EU support for Ukraine, diverged from EU policy by meeting Putin, whom he claims is “wrongly demonised.” The visit follows Hungary’s Viktor Orban and Austria’s Karl Nehammer, who also met Putin. Fico informed EU officials of his trip, seeking continued gas supply despite Ukraine’s refusal to renew the transit deal. His visit drew criticism from Slovak opposition and neighboring Czech Republic, an EU and NATO ally. Noah Prescott 23/12/2024 1:00 pm
A small plane crashed in Gramado, Brazil, killing all 10 people on board, who were from the same family, and injuring over 17 on the ground. The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, hitting a building chimney, a residence, and a furniture store. Most injuries were due to smoke inhalation. Two people are in serious condition. Authorities are investigating the cause, and President Lula expressed condolences and support. Gramado is a popular tourist destination, especially during Christmas. Penelope Kingsley 23/12/2024 9:30 am
The Pelicot rape trial in France revealed disturbing details of Gisèle Pelicot’s husband drugging her and inviting men to have sex with her while she was unconscious. This case involved 50 men from various professions, highlighting troubling aspects of male desire and porn fantasies. The trial has deeply affected women, prompting them to question their perceptions of men, even those close to them. The case has sparked widespread discussions about trust and the hidden aspects of male behavior, challenging both women and men to reconsider their views on male desire. Noah Prescott 23/12/2024 6:00 am
Two retired Israeli intelligence agents revealed details of a decade-long operation targeting Hezbollah using explosive-laden walkie-talkies and pagers. The operation, discussed on CBS “60 Minutes,” involved selling these devices to Hezbollah without their knowledge. The plan’s second phase began in 2022, using pagers from a Taiwanese company, modified to include explosives. Mossad used shell companies and deceptive marketing to ensure Hezbollah adopted the devices. The operation culminated in detonations in September, just before Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel following the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault. Penelope Kingsley 23/12/2024 6:00 am
A Saudi national, identified by media as Taleb A, was charged with murder and attempted murder in a Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, Germany. A doctor specializing in psychiatry, he arrived in Germany in 2006 and was granted permanent residency. Authorities received tipoffs about him last year, but he didn’t fit the typical extremist profile, describing himself as an ex-Muslim critical of Islam and supporting the far-right AfD party. Despite numerous online posts and threats, he wasn’t known for violence. He remains in custody as investigations continue. Penelope Kingsley 23/12/2024 2:30 am
