Amnesty International accuses Israel of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing statements, images, and testimonies. Israel denies the claims, calling the report false and baseless. Amnesty’s findings suggest Israel’s actions meet the 1948 Genocide Convention’s definition. The UN’s International Court of Justice is examining similar allegations. Israel defends its actions as self-defense against Hamas, emphasizing efforts to minimize civilian harm. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 44,532 Palestinians reportedly killed since the war began. Ava Sinclair 05/12/2024 6:00 pm
Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, have captured Hama, a strategic city held by Assad’s regime for over a decade. This offensive, following the capture of Aleppo, has destabilized Assad’s forces and reignited the civil war. The rebels freed detainees from Hama’s prison and are now targeting Homs. Hama’s capture is significant due to its strategic location and historical symbolism, being the site of a 1982 massacre. The offensive challenges Assad’s regime and its allies, Iran and Russia, amid a conflict that has claimed over 300,000 lives since 2011. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 6:00 pm
OnlyFans, known for explicit content, is now accessible in China after being previously blocked. Social media users and CNN confirmed its availability, with GreatFire.org noting it became unblocked on November 29. Despite China’s strict censorship and zero-tolerance policy on pornography, the news has been humorously received online. Weibo users joke about OnlyFans as a job opportunity for graduates facing high unemployment, highlighting its 90% income share for creators. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 6:00 pm
A viral video shows South Korean opposition spokesperson Ahn Gwi-ryeong grappling with a soldier’s rifle, symbolizing defiance against martial law. Despite her actions, Ahn insists she wasn’t especially brave, emphasizing collective resistance. President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial law declaration was overturned after 190 lawmakers unanimously voted against it, aided by their aides who blocked troops. Ahn’s confrontation, viewed over 1.2 million times, highlights public rejection of military rule. She credits many others for their bravery in opposing the troops. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 6:00 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron will address the nation following the National Assembly’s historic no-confidence vote that ousted Prime Minister Michel Barnier. Macron aims to stabilize the political crisis and appoint a new prime minister to lead a minority government. Barnier resigned after just three months, the shortest tenure in modern French history. Macron faces pressure to act swiftly, with National Assembly President Yaël Braun-Pivet urging a quick decision. Opposition leaders, including Manuel Bompard and Marine Le Pen, have intensified calls for Macron’s resignation amid the political turmoil. Noah Prescott 05/12/2024 2:30 pm
Two European satellites launched from India aim to create artificial solar eclipses through precise formation flying, allowing extended study of the sun’s corona. Each eclipse will last six hours, significantly longer than natural eclipses. The satellites will separate and align 492 feet apart, with one casting a shadow on the other. This requires millimeter precision, using GPS, star trackers, lasers, and radio links. The mission, a tech demo, tests high-precision flying and holds significant scientific relevance for studying the sun’s outer atmosphere. Penelope Kingsley 05/12/2024 2:30 pm
Romanian authorities have uncovered a major interference attempt in the presidential elections via TikTok and cyber-attacks, allegedly coordinated by a state-sponsored actor. Far-right candidate Calin Georgescu, previously unknown, surged in popularity due to a “highly organised” social media campaign. Intelligence suggests Moscow views Romania as an “enemy state.” Declassified documents reveal unmarked paid content supporting Georgescu on TikTok, violating electoral laws. Georgescu denies involvement, claiming the document release is an attempt to block his candidacy. Ava Sinclair 05/12/2024 2:30 pm
The Syrian rebels, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), launched a surprise offensive, capitalizing on Hezbollah’s weakened state due to Israel’s conflict with Lebanon. HTS, a Salafi-Jihadist group with Al Qaeda roots, advanced rapidly, taking Aleppo and gaining control of Idlib, while clashing with Syrian forces in Hama. This poses a dilemma for the U.S., as HTS is designated a terrorist group. The offensive coincided with a Lebanon-Israel ceasefire, limiting Hezbollah’s operations and impacting Syria’s civil war dynamics. Ava Sinclair 05/12/2024 11:00 am
Romania’s ultranationalist candidate Călin Georgescu benefited from a TikTok campaign similar to Kremlin influence operations, according to declassified intelligence. Georgescu, who leads polls ahead of the presidential runoff, has praised Russian culture and criticized the EU and NATO. Documents allege paid influencers and extremist groups promoted him online, hinting at Russian involvement. President Klaus Iohannis released the files after media requests. Georgescu denies foreign support, attributing his success to resonating with voters, and dismissed the documents as political sabotage. A network of 25,000 TikTok accounts boosted his campaign. Ava Sinclair 05/12/2024 11:00 am
Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza during its conflict with Hamas, citing deliberate attacks and blockade of aid. The report claims these actions can’t be justified by Hamas’ attack on Israel or militants in civilian areas. Amnesty urged the international community to stop arms shipments to Israel. Israel rejected the allegations as antisemitic and false, defending its actions as self-defense under international law. The report adds to global calls, including from Pope Francis and Saudi Arabia, for investigating Israel’s actions as potential genocide. Penelope Kingsley 05/12/2024 11:00 am
