Israeli troops made their deepest incursion into southern Lebanon since October 1, reaching Chama and reportedly destroying a shrine. Israeli strikes also targeted Beirut’s southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, for the fifth consecutive day. A UN peacekeeping position was hit, and evacuation orders were issued. The Israel Defense Forces claimed to target Hezbollah infrastructure. Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations are ongoing, with the US ambassador to Lebanon presenting a new proposal. Casualty details remain unclear. Noah Prescott 16/11/2024 6:30 pm
Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to foster “mutually beneficial” and “stable” relations during their first in-person talks at the APEC summit in Lima. Despite concerns over China’s military maneuvers, both leaders committed to more meetings and reciprocal visits. Ishiba urged Xi to ensure Japanese citizens’ safety, while Xi emphasized Japan should address historical issues and Taiwan’s future. Both nations recognize reducing tensions serves their strategic interests, aiming for a constructive relationship beyond bilateral dimensions. Noah Prescott 16/11/2024 6:30 pm
Israeli forces reached their deepest point in Lebanon since the invasion six weeks ago, clashing with Hezbollah before withdrawing. They captured a strategic hill in Chamaa but were later pushed back, reportedly destroying a shrine and homes. Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah areas in Beirut and southern Lebanon, with no immediate casualties reported. The escalation aims to weaken Hezbollah amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Over 3,400 people have died in Lebanon, mostly in the past eight weeks, according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 3:00 pm
Ukrainian President Zelensky criticized German Chancellor Scholz’s call with Putin, saying it undermines efforts to isolate Russia. The call, the first in two years, urged Russia to withdraw from Ukraine and engage in peace talks. The Kremlin insisted any agreement must consider Russian security and territorial changes. Zelensky and European officials warned against the call, viewing it as politically motivated ahead of Germany’s snap election. Scholz faces pressure from populist parties advocating more diplomacy. Zelensky argued the call allowed Russia to maintain its current policies. Ava Sinclair 16/11/2024 3:00 pm
Protesters in Abkhazia stormed the parliament, demanding the resignation of leader Aslan Bzhania over an unpopular investment deal with Moscow. Bzhania refused to step down, stating talks with opposition were ongoing, though opposition representatives denied this. Russia expressed concern over the situation, advising its citizens against traveling to Abkhazia. Protesters, fearing Russian property dominance, initially sought to scrap the deal but now aim to oust Bzhania. Clashes led to nine hospitalizations. Bzhania urged calm, asserting he would remain in office. Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 3:00 pm
A fire at Maharani Laxmi Bai Medical College Hospital in Jhansi, India, killed at least 10 newborns in the neonatal ward. Chaos ensued as parents tried to rescue their children, with some breaking windows to enter. Hospital staff saved 44 infants, but 16 remain in critical condition. The fire, blamed on an electrical fault, sparked in the intensive care unit. Three deceased babies are unidentified, leaving some parents in distress. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called the incident “heart-wrenching.” Ava Sinclair 16/11/2024 3:00 pm
President Joe Biden’s final meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping is seen as a moment for reflection on their decade-long relationship. Biden often recounts a memorable dinner in Chengdu where he defined America as “possibilities.” The backdrop to their meeting is Donald Trump’s potential return to the White House, which contrasts with Biden’s foreign policy. Trump’s unpredictability concerns leaders, including Xi, who values stability. At the APEC summit, Xi warned of global turbulence and protectionism, while leaders remain wary of Trump’s possible Cabinet picks. Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 3:00 pm
The Philippines is facing Super Typhoon Man-yi, with winds of 195 km/h, making landfall in Catanduanes. It’s the sixth major storm in a month, with four storms forming simultaneously in the Pacific, a rare November event. Over 500,000 people evacuated, with warnings of severe impacts and lahars. President Marcos urged preparations as the storm threatens already damaged infrastructure. Recent storms have killed 163 people, highlighting climate change’s role in increasing storm frequency and intensity. Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 3:00 pm
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin, urging negotiations with Ukraine and troop withdrawal. Putin insisted any peace deal must recognize Russia’s territorial gains and security demands. Scholz emphasized Germany’s support for Ukraine. This was their first conversation since December 2022. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy criticized the call, fearing it could reduce Russia’s isolation. Meanwhile, exiled Russian opposition leaders plan an antiwar rally in Berlin. The conversation occurs amid speculation about President-elect Trump’s stance on Ukraine and Scholz’s political challenges at home. Noah Prescott 16/11/2024 11:31 am
A fire in the neonatal unit of Maharani Lakshmibai Medical College in Jhansi, India, killed 10 newborns and injured 17. Emergency responders rescued 38 infants. The fire, likely caused by a faulty oxygen concentrator, broke out Friday night. Safety measures are under scrutiny as fire alarms reportedly failed to activate. Families expressed anguish, and the incident highlighted inadequate safety protocols. The injured are receiving treatment, and investigations are ongoing. Penelope Kingsley 16/11/2024 11:31 am
