Pope Francis has called for an investigation into whether Israel’s military actions in Gaza constitute genocide, marking his strongest criticism of Israel’s conduct. He referenced international experts’ views and emphasized the need for careful assessment. The Vatican has not commented on his remarks, but its news site reported on them. Israel denies genocide accusations, claiming self-defense against Hamas. The International Court of Justice is yet to rule on a related case. Francis, typically neutral, has recently criticized Israel’s actions, including strikes in Gaza and Lebanon. Noah Prescott 17/11/2024 10:30 pm
Hezbollah spokesperson Mohammed Afif was killed in an Israeli strike on Beirut, confirmed by Hezbollah as a “great media leader.” The strike, targeting the pro-Hezbollah Baath Party headquarters, killed four people. Israel described it as a “precise, intelligence-based strike” against Afif, a key Hezbollah figure. The attack is part of Israel’s intensified offensive in Lebanon amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. Another strike in Beirut’s Mar Elias neighborhood killed two more. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 50 people. Noah Prescott 17/11/2024 10:30 pm
Joe Biden will be the first sitting U.S. president to visit the Amazon rainforest, stopping in Manaus, Brazil. His visit aims to emphasize his commitment to preserving the region amid expected climate policy changes under Donald Trump. Biden plans to tour the rainforest, meet local leaders, and visit a museum. The U.S. pledged $500 million to the Amazon Fund, with $50 million already provided, and aims to secure the remaining funds by 2028. Penelope Kingsley 17/11/2024 10:30 pm
A massive Russian missile and drone attack targeted Ukraine’s power infrastructure, causing blackouts and killing at least 10 people. Strikes hit Kyiv and regions like Donetsk, Lviv, and Odesa. Ukraine’s largest private energy company, DTEK, reported significant damage to thermal plants. Ukrenergo will enforce restriction measures nationwide. Around 120 missiles and 90 drones were launched. The Russian defense ministry claimed it targeted energy infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s military. Odesa faced heat and water disruptions, while Mykolaiv’s residents remain resilient. Kyiv saw missile fragments but no injuries. Noah Prescott 17/11/2024 7:00 pm
Typhoon Man-yi hit the northern Philippines, causing severe damage and forcing hundreds of thousands into shelters. With winds up to 195 kph, it struck Catanduanes, causing power outages and tidal surges. No casualties were reported, but the storm added to the devastation from recent typhoons, affecting 9 million people and potentially increasing rice imports. Over 750,000 sought refuge, and officials warned of life-threatening conditions. The region faces significant recovery challenges, needing construction materials and food. Noah Prescott 17/11/2024 7:00 pm
Biden’s brief visit to Manaus, Brazil, aims to support Amazon preservation efforts by meeting with local and Indigenous leaders. This visit is part of a broader U.S. initiative to fund forest protection. Meanwhile, President-elect Trump plans to dismantle climate policies, casting uncertainty on global climate efforts. As Biden’s climate agenda faces challenges, international leaders at U.N. talks in Azerbaijan are concerned about the U.S. potentially withdrawing from climate negotiations. Ava Sinclair 17/11/2024 3:30 pm
Russia launched a massive drone and missile attack on Ukraine, targeting energy infrastructure and killing civilians. President Zelenskyy reported 120 missiles and 90 drones, including Iranian-made Shaheds, were used. Ukrainian defenses shot down 140 air targets. The attack damaged energy facilities, causing power and water disruptions, and killed civilians in Mykolaiv and Odesa. This was the largest attack in three months, intensifying fears of power shortages ahead of winter. Explosions were reported across Ukraine, prompting Poland to mobilize aircraft in response. Ava Sinclair 17/11/2024 3:30 pm
Chinese leader Xi Jinping pledged to work with incoming President Donald Trump during his final meeting with Joe Biden at the Apec summit in Peru. They acknowledged “ups and downs” in US-China relations but highlighted progress on trade and Taiwan. Analysts predict volatility with Trump’s return, given his tariff promises and China hawk appointments. Xi emphasized maintaining stable relations, while Biden stressed avoiding conflict. Biden’s term saw tensions, including a spy balloon incident and military displays around Taiwan, which China considers a red line. Noah Prescott 17/11/2024 3:30 pm
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s call with Vladimir Putin showed no change in Putin’s stance on the Ukraine war. Despite criticism, Scholz defended the call, emphasizing the importance of conveying Germany’s lack of support for Russia. The conversation highlighted little change in Russia’s views. The call occurred amid increased Western contact with the Kremlin, as Russia gains ground in Ukraine. Scholz noted the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s re-election and potential talks with Russia, stressing the need for European involvement in such discussions. Penelope Kingsley 17/11/2024 3:30 pm
Tropical Storm Sara, the third named storm in November, highlights the ongoing Atlantic hurricane season. Forming in the western Caribbean, Sara hit Honduras with heavy rain and is expected to impact Belize before dissipating over the Yucatan Peninsula. This active November follows Tropical Storm Patty and Hurricane Rafael, marking an unusually busy end to the season, which typically sees fewer storms. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with conditions most favorable for storms during this period. Penelope Kingsley 17/11/2024 12:00 pm
