Israel conducted an airstrike on Beirut shortly after President Biden announced a ceasefire, indicating continued conflict until the ceasefire deadline at 4 a.m. local time Wednesday. Israel has 60 days to withdraw troops from Lebanon. Biden emphasized that neither Israel nor the Lebanese people initiated the war and warned Hezbollah against violating the pact. He also called for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed to the Lebanon ceasefire earlier Tuesday. Noah Prescott 27/11/2024 3:30 am
Australia’s House of Representatives passed a bill banning children under 16 from social media, pending Senate approval. Platforms like TikTok and Facebook face fines up to AU$50 million for non-compliance. The bill passed 102-13, with a year for platforms to implement age restrictions. Amendments will enhance privacy, prohibiting platforms from requiring government IDs. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland expects Senate debate, with major party support likely ensuring passage. Some independent lawmakers criticized the bill during debates. Penelope Kingsley 27/11/2024 3:30 am
Russia admitted that Ukraine hit a key air defense system and air base in Kursk with US-supplied Atacms missiles, threatening retaliation. Ukraine’s air force reported a record 188 Russian drones launched in a single attack, damaging infrastructure. Tensions rose after the US allowed Ukraine to use Atacms missiles in response to Russia deploying North Korean troops. Russia also used a new ballistic missile on Dnipro. The strikes damaged a radar system and caused casualties, with Russia preparing retaliatory measures. Noah Prescott 27/11/2024 12:00 am
Outside the American University of Beirut Medical Center, people sought refuge amid Israeli strikes. Rima Abdkhaluk fled her home after a warning call from Syria, securing her mother’s entry into the hospital while she waited outside. As Israeli jets struck nearby, she expressed skepticism about a ceasefire, saying, “Israel can’t be trusted.” Ahmad Khateeb, a musician, evacuated to the seaside with his family after warnings of attacks in central Beirut. Over 3,500 people in Lebanon have been killed, many civilians. Noah Prescott 27/11/2024 12:00 am
A new Russian ballistic missile fired at Dnipro, Ukraine, carried multiple dummy warheads without explosives, causing limited damage, according to Ukrainian sources. This aligns with the Kremlin’s claim that the launch was a warning to the West. The missile, described as an experimental intermediate-range type, was tested successfully, hitting a defense target in Dnipro. Russian President Putin stated that Russia would continue testing the Oreshnik missile in combat and has a stock ready for use. Penelope Kingsley 27/11/2024 12:00 am
A top EU lawmaker is urging TikTok’s CEO to address the European Parliament regarding the platform’s role in Romania’s presidential election. Ultranationalist Călin Georgescu’s unexpected first-round victory has raised concerns about TikTok’s influence, with researchers highlighting covert activity from fake accounts. Valérie Hayer, of Renew Europe, emphasized the need for TikTok’s compliance with the Digital Services Act. Romanian Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu called for a review of Georgescu’s campaign funding. No evidence links Russia or state actors, but TikTok’s ad rules were ineffective. Ava Sinclair 26/11/2024 8:30 pm
A tourist boat, the Sea Story, sank off Marsa Alam, Egypt, with 44 people onboard. Thirty-one survivors, including two Belgians and an Egyptian, were rescued. Four bodies were recovered, and nine people, including two Britons, remain missing. Strong waves caused the boat to capsize. The vessel had passed a safety inspection in March. Egyptian authorities are coordinating with embassies for assistance. The U.S. Embassy reported no American fatalities. The boat was on a diving trip from Ghalib to Hurghada Marina. Penelope Kingsley 26/11/2024 8:30 pm
Supporters of jailed former Pakistan PM Imran Khan clashed with security forces in Islamabad, demanding his release. The protest, which began over the weekend, reached D Chowk, resulting in six deaths, including four paramilitary soldiers. Despite barricades, some protesters reached the square but were eventually pushed back. Thousands remain, burning materials to stay warm. Khan, imprisoned for over a year on charges he claims are politically motivated, urged supporters to persist, emphasizing the fight for fundamental rights. His influence remains strong in Pakistani politics. Ava Sinclair 26/11/2024 8:30 pm
Fuel shortages in Gaza are crippling emergency and public services, with all fire, rescue, and ambulance vehicles halted, according to Palestinian civil service agencies. Israeli authorities are blocking fuel deliveries, exacerbating the crisis. The Palestinian Civil Defense warns of dire consequences for residents in bombed buildings. Municipal officials in Deir al-Balah report a looming cessation of basic services. The UN notes significant slowdowns in fuel deliveries. Meanwhile, the ICC issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, alleging war crimes, but the U.S. critiques the court’s actions. Noah Prescott 26/11/2024 5:00 pm
Romania’s political scene is shaken after far-right populist Calin Georgescu won the first round of the presidential election, defeating incumbent Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu. Georgescu, running independently, secured 22.95% of the vote and will face reformist Elena Lasconi of the Save Romania Union (USR) in a December 8 runoff. Lasconi received 19.17%, narrowly surpassing Ciolacu’s 19.15%. This marks the first time in 35 years that the Social Democratic Party (PSD) lacks a candidate in the second round, highlighting anti-establishment sentiment. Ciolacu resigned as PSD leader following his defeat. Noah Prescott 26/11/2024 5:00 pm
