Authorities in Germany face criticism for not preventing a deadly Christmas market attack in Magdeburg, where Taleb Al Abdulmohsen, a 50-year-old Saudi citizen, allegedly rammed a car, killing five and injuring over 200. The suspect, a critic of Islam, may have been embittered by Germany’s treatment of Saudi refugees. He is held in pre-trial detention for murder and attempted murder. The attack raises security concerns ahead of federal elections, with questions about potential lapses despite increased security since a 2016 Berlin attack. Noah Prescott 22/12/2024 4:00 pm
A crowd crush in Okija, Nigeria, has resulted in 22 deaths, marking the third such incident this week at events distributing free food. Similar tragedies occurred in Abuja and Ibadan, with a total of 45 more fatalities. Police urge event organizers to notify authorities to prevent future incidents. Amnesty International highlights issues like hunger and unemployment, exacerbated by inflation and government policies. President Tinubu expressed condolences, urged crowd control measures, and canceled official engagements to honor the victims. Noah Prescott 22/12/2024 4:00 pm
An Israeli air strike in central Gaza killed 11 people, including family members, and injured others, according to hospital authorities. The Israeli military reported targeting Hamas operatives in northern Gaza. Gaza’s health ministry reported intense fire near Kamal Adwan hospital, though the IDF denied knowledge of strikes there. The WHO supplied fuel and medical aid to the hospital. A UN convoy delivered essential supplies to Beit Hanoun, highlighting the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza amid escalating violence and high food prices. Ava Sinclair 22/12/2024 4:00 pm
Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea in a “friendly fire” incident amid U.S. military operations targeting Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Both pilots survived, with one sustaining minor injuries. The incident highlights the dangers in the Red Sea corridor due to ongoing Houthi attacks on shipping, despite U.S. and European patrols. The F/A-18 aircraft had launched from the USS Harry S. Truman. Central Command did not provide details on the mission or respond to inquiries. Noah Prescott 22/12/2024 4:00 pm
Israeli military strikes in Gaza killed at least 17 Palestinians, including eight at a school sheltering displaced families. Israel claims the school was a Hamas command center. Additional airstrikes in Gaza City, Rafah, and Khan Younis resulted in more casualties. The Israeli army ordered the evacuation of a hospital in Beit Lahiya, complicating patient transfers. Palestinians accuse Israel of ethnic cleansing, which Israel denies, stating its operations target Hamas militants. Mediation efforts by Qatar and Egypt have yet to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Ava Sinclair 22/12/2024 12:30 pm
Two U.S. Navy pilots were shot down over the Red Sea in a “friendly fire” incident amid ongoing tensions with Yemen’s Houthi rebels. This marks a significant threat to U.S. troops, highlighting the dangers in the Red Sea corridor due to Houthi attacks on shipping. The incident occurred during U.S. airstrikes targeting the rebels, but Central Command did not provide details on the mission. The F/A-18 was launched from the USS Harry S. Truman. Ava Sinclair 22/12/2024 12:30 pm
Donald Trump faced setbacks as lawmakers passed a budget deal, narrowly avoiding a government shutdown. Despite pushing for spending cuts, he failed to raise the debt limit, revealing party defiance. His involvement in the budget debate highlighted his tendency for disruption, foreshadowing potential chaos in his second term. Trump’s agenda includes extending tax cuts, reducing government size, increasing tariffs, and cracking down on illegal immigration, requiring congressional support. Many of his supporters favor disruption, with 37% seeking “complete upheaval” and 56% desiring “substantial change.” Penelope Kingsley 22/12/2024 9:00 am
Two U.S. Navy pilots safely ejected over the Red Sea after their F/A-18 was mistakenly shot down by the USS Gettysburg, part of the USS Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group, in a friendly fire incident. One pilot sustained minor injuries. A full investigation is underway. The Navy has been patrolling the region to counter Houthi attacks on commercial ships amid the Israel-Hamas conflict. Earlier, U.S. forces conducted airstrikes on Houthi facilities and intercepted drones and a cruise missile. Noah Prescott 22/12/2024 9:00 am
A rocket from Yemen hit Tel Aviv, injuring 16 people, following Israeli airstrikes on Houthi targets in Yemen. The Houthis claimed responsibility, stating they aimed a hypersonic missile at a military target. Israel’s military is investigating, acknowledging defense limitations. The attack follows Israeli strikes on Sanaa and Hodeida, which killed nine and damaged key ports. The Houthis have launched over 200 missiles and drones during the Israel-Hamas conflict, vowing to continue until a Gaza ceasefire. The strikes have significantly reduced Yemen’s port capacity, impacting food shipments. Noah Prescott 22/12/2024 9:00 am
Over 700 people have been killed in al-Fashir, North Darfur, since May, according to the U.N. human rights chief. The Rapid Support Forces are urged to end their siege of the city, which, along with Sudanese Armed Forces airstrikes, has caused significant civilian casualties. The U.N. documented 782 civilian deaths and over 1,143 injuries, warning that these attacks may constitute war crimes. Noah Prescott 22/12/2024 9:00 am
