U.S. envoy Amos Hochstein is visiting Beirut amid progress in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hezbollah. Lebanon responded positively to a U.S.-backed proposal for a 60-day cessation of hostilities, aligning with UN Resolution 1701. Lebanese PM Najib Makati noted some points need clarification through direct talks. Hezbollah reviewed the proposal, and their response was largely positive. The proposal requires Israeli forces to withdraw from southern Lebanon. U.S. State Department confirmed both Israel and Lebanon have reacted to the proposal, but a deal isn’t imminent yet. Penelope Kingsley 19/11/2024 2:30 am
World leaders at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Lima are avoiding open discussions about President-elect Trump, though his influence is felt. Brazilian officials and President Lula, as well as France’s Macron, refrained from mentioning Trump directly. Macron hinted at concerns over international order disruptions due to tariff policies. UK Prime Minister Starmer avoided criticizing Trump Jr.’s comments on Ukraine, focusing instead on countering Russia. Behind the scenes, Trump’s presence is causing apprehension, with a G20 diplomat noting a sense of paralysis. Biden remains silent on his successor. Noah Prescott 19/11/2024 2:30 am
Gaza’s Hamas-run interior ministry reported at least 20 deaths in a security operation against gangs looting aid trucks, exacerbating famine threats. Over the weekend, gunmen looted about 100 trucks carrying essential supplies, highlighting the growing power of Gaza’s criminal gangs. The operation, involving security forces and tribal committees, aims to combat thefts impacting society and causing famine signs. The looting affected a UN convoy, worsening food shortages for over 2 million reliant on aid. Community leaders and informal groups criticized Israeli authorities for ignoring warnings about gang activity and proposed safer aid routes. Penelope Kingsley 18/11/2024 11:00 pm
Sir Keir Starmer will meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the G20 summit in Brazil, marking the first in-person meeting between a UK prime minister and the Chinese president since 2018. Starmer aims to engage China on mutual cooperation areas like climate change and economic growth while addressing disagreements. He will also emphasize support for Ukraine amid ongoing conflict with Russia. The UK urges G20 nations to increase support for Ukraine, warning of severe consequences if Russia prevails. The summit follows recent Russian attacks in Ukraine and discussions on military support. Penelope Kingsley 18/11/2024 11:00 pm
Russia vetoed a UK-backed UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire in Sudan, drawing condemnation from the UK and US. Russia accused the UK of interfering in Sudanese affairs. Sudan’s 19-month civil war has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced over 11 million people, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. The resolution urged both sides to halt hostilities and protect civilians, but Russia’s veto blocked its passage. Sudanese activists criticized the UN’s slow response, while Sudan’s UN representative noted missing clauses in the draft. Noah Prescott 18/11/2024 11:00 pm
Two undersea internet cables in the Baltic Sea were disrupted, raising concerns of Russian interference. A cable between Lithuania and Sweden was cut, confirmed by Telia Lithuania as physical damage. Another cable linking Finland and Germany, the C-Lion, was also disrupted. The Finnish company Cinia is investigating, suspecting external interference. Finnish and German foreign ministers expressed concern over potential “hybrid warfare.” The incidents highlight vulnerabilities in global undersea infrastructure amid geopolitical tensions. Penelope Kingsley 18/11/2024 11:00 pm
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Donald Trump Jr. accuse President Biden of risking World War III by allowing Ukraine to use U.S. long-range missiles in Russia. Greene claims Biden is dangerously escalating tensions, while Trump Jr. suggests the military-industrial complex is pushing for war before Trump can broker peace. Other Republicans, like Rep. Andy Biggs and Charlie Kirk, echo these concerns. Russia’s Foreign Ministry warns that Ukraine’s use of these missiles would mean direct U.S. involvement. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 11:00 pm
As of November 2024, Russia’s invasion of Ukraine marks 1,000 days, with devastating human and material losses. The UN reports at least 11,743 civilians killed and 24,614 wounded, though actual figures are likely higher. Ukrainian prosecutors report 589 children killed. Most casualties are soldiers, with intense fighting causing hundreds of thousands of military deaths on both sides. Western estimates suggest Russia has suffered worse, but Ukraine faces severe manpower shortages. President Zelenskiy reported 31,000 Ukrainian military deaths by February 2024. Noah Prescott 18/11/2024 11:00 pm
Israeli airstrikes hit central Beirut, Lebanon, killing at least five and wounding 31, amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah. Over 3,400 have died in Lebanon from Israeli attacks, mostly in the past month. The conflict intensified after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Meanwhile, suspected Houthi rebels targeted a ship in the Red Sea, causing no damage or injuries. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 11:00 pm
During a G20 meeting in Rio, Chinese officials removed British journalists as UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. This marked the first UK-China leader meeting in over six years. Starmer aimed to improve relations, proposing visits with Chinese Premier Li Qiang. He emphasized the UK’s commitment to the rule of law and discussed human rights, Taiwan, and sanctions, seeking to boost economic ties amid global challenges. Ava Sinclair 18/11/2024 7:30 pm
