Israel conducted airstrikes on Houthi military targets in Yemen, including Red Sea ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, after missile and drone attacks from Yemen. A missile from Yemen was partially intercepted over Israel, with shrapnel hitting a school in Ramat Gan, causing no injuries. The strikes reportedly killed nine people in Salif and Ras Issa oil terminal. The attacks disrupted local electricity in Yemen. The IDF condemned the Houthi attacks as violations of international law and threats to regional peace. Noah Prescott 20/12/2024 1:00 am
The Pelicot mass rape trial in France has sparked national reflection on sexual violence and consent. Dominique Pelicot orchestrated assaults on his wife, Gisèle, involving 51 men over a decade. In Avignon, 49 men were convicted of rape, and two of sexual assault, with some also possessing child abuse imagery. The accused, dubbed “Mr. Everyman,” were ordinary professionals, highlighting systemic issues. Despite overwhelming evidence, few admitted guilt, believing Dominique’s consent sufficed. The case has intensified discussions on the normalization of sexual assault in French society. Penelope Kingsley 19/12/2024 9:30 pm
China allowed representatives from Germany, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark to board the Chinese bulk carrier Yi Peng 3, linked to Baltic Sea cable breaches. The ship, wanted in Sweden for questioning, has been stationary for a month. Investigators suspect it of damaging undersea cables connecting Finland, Germany, Sweden, and Lithuania. Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen facilitated a meeting to resolve the standoff. Swedish police observed the inspection, while Chinese authorities led investigations. The breaches are suspected sabotage, with Western intelligence divided on whether they were accidental or deliberate. Ava Sinclair 19/12/2024 9:30 pm
Following Lt Gen Igor Kirillov’s assassination in Moscow, two key points emerged: Ukrainian intelligence reportedly claimed responsibility, labeling him a war criminal. This aligns with a pattern of assassinations linked to Kyiv. Meanwhile, the Kremlin deflects blame, using the incident for propaganda, accusing “Anglo-Saxons” (British intelligence) instead. State Duma deputy Andrey Gurulyov called for retaliatory strikes against Western officials, emphasizing force as the only response. Noah Prescott 19/12/2024 9:30 pm
Ahmed “Abu Muhammad al-Julani” al-Sharaa assured the BBC that Syria would not become a second Afghanistan and would allow women’s education. He emphasized Syria’s exhaustion from war and called for lifting sanctions, arguing they targeted the old regime. Julani denied his group, Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), committed terrorist acts, labeling its terrorist designation as political. He stated women’s rights wouldn’t be restricted and legislative committees would decide on alcohol. The new government received tentative support from Syria’s Druze leader, Sheikh Hikmat Al-Hijri, advocating for a decentralized government. Ava Sinclair 19/12/2024 6:01 pm
Vladimir Putin’s extensive Q&A session covered various topics, including Ukraine, Assad, and inflation. He claimed “victory is nearer” in Ukraine but avoided committing to a withdrawal date for Ukrainian soldiers from Russia’s Kursk region. Putin plans to meet former Syrian president Bashar al-Assad but has no current plans to meet US President-elect Donald Trump. He expressed regret for not launching a full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier. Domestically, he addressed issues like telephone scams and low birth rates. Putin also honored the controversial 155th Marine Infantry Brigade. Penelope Kingsley 19/12/2024 6:01 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed Moscow’s willingness for negotiations on Ukraine, accusing Kyiv of rejecting dialogue. During his annual conference, he emphasized compromise but criticized Ukraine for refusing talks, referencing failed 2022 Istanbul negotiations. Putin reiterated openness to “reasonable compromise” but rejected concessions, insisting outcomes must favor Russia. The Kremlin sees no prerequisites for talks, demanding Ukraine withdraw from certain regions and renounce NATO aspirations. Ukraine refuses compromise over territories and dismisses peace talks, citing irreconcilable positions. Initial talks in Belarus and Istanbul showed some progress. Penelope Kingsley 19/12/2024 6:01 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Mayotte after a cyclone left at least 31 dead, with fears the toll could rise. Residents expressed anger over inadequate support from Paris, citing lack of water, electricity, and services. Macron brought four tons of aid, criticized as insufficient. Locals stressed the urgent need for more assistance, highlighting the dire conditions and the impact on children. Penelope Kingsley 19/12/2024 6:01 pm
Human Rights Watch accused Israel of committing genocide and extermination in Gaza by denying clean water, claiming it amounts to crimes against humanity. Israel rejected these accusations, asserting compliance with international law and facilitating water and aid into Gaza despite Hamas attacks. The report noted proving genocide requires establishing intent, citing statements from Israeli officials. Israel emphasized maintaining water infrastructure and humanitarian aid flow. This follows similar genocide claims by Amnesty International and ICC arrest warrants for Israeli leaders over alleged war crimes. Noah Prescott 19/12/2024 2:30 pm
A CBS News team discovered an abandoned factory near Damascus, revealing the Assad regime’s involvement in producing Captagon, a popular and addictive street drug. The site contained industrial-scale chemicals for drug production. After Assad fled, Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham found a massive stash of Captagon, highlighting the regime’s focus on profit over public health. Analysts estimate the regime earned $5 billion annually from the drug trade, surpassing Syria’s official budget. Captagon, costing pennies to produce, sells for up to $20 per tablet, making it a crucial financial source for the bankrupt state. Ava Sinclair 19/12/2024 2:30 pm
