Fifteen people, including women and children, were killed and 16 injured in Israeli strikes on Damascus, Syria, targeting residential areas in Mezzah and Qudsaya. Israel claimed the strikes targeted Islamic Jihad, a militant group, inflicting significant damage. Islamic Jihad denied military targets were hit, stating civilian areas were affected. Syria condemned the strikes as “brutal crimes,” following recent intensified Israeli airstrikes in the region. The attacks occurred shortly after an Arab-Islamic summit condemned Israeli aggression in Syria. Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 9:00 pm
Maori lawmakers protested in New Zealand’s parliament against a bill redefining the Treaty of Waitangi, which originally promised Maori tribes rights in exchange for governance by the British. The bill, introduced by the ACT New Zealand party, seeks to extend these rights to all New Zealanders. Despite passing its first reading, it lacks sufficient support to become law, as coalition partners National and New Zealand First won’t back it further. Maori view the bill as undermining their rights, prompting a haka protest in parliament. Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 9:00 pm
Ubon Namsan, a Thai farm worker in Israel, is accustomed to the threat of rockets from Hezbollah while working near the Lebanese border. Despite the danger, he and other Thai laborers continue to work in an area off-limits to Israeli civilians due to military operations. Agriculture remains vital to Israel’s economy, with exports valued at $2.5 billion in 2021. Namsan earns $1,500 monthly, plus a $80 premium for working in the restricted zone, making it worthwhile despite the risks. Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 9:00 pm
Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity for the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, labeling it “forcible transfer” and potentially “ethnic cleansing.” The report highlights that 1.9 million people have fled, with 79% of Gaza under evacuation orders. HRW claims Israeli actions lack a valid military justification and fail to meet legal requirements for displacement. The report criticizes inconsistent evacuation orders, attacks on evacuation routes, and restricted humanitarian aid. It also alleges intentional destruction of infrastructure to create a buffer zone, suggesting a permanent displacement intent. Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 5:30 pm
Australia plans to enforce a “Digital Duty of Care” requiring social media platforms to prevent online harms like bullying and harmful content, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland announced. Proposed changes to the Online Safety Act include banning children under 16 from platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Critics argue this reduces incentives for safer environments. The legislation, inspired by UK and EU models, mandates platforms to continually assess and mitigate risks. The Digital Industry Group Inc. supports efforts to enhance online safety. The government hasn’t specified when the legislation will be introduced or penalties for breaches. Noah Prescott 14/11/2024 5:30 pm
Protests erupted in Paris against a gala organized by far-right figures to support Israel, featuring Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The event aimed to raise funds for the Israeli military but faced backlash due to Smotrich’s controversial views on Israeli settlements and remarks about annexing the West Bank. Smotrich ultimately did not attend, but the invitation drew criticism from local groups, prompting protests. The French Foreign Ministry condemned Smotrich’s statements, reiterating support for a two-state solution. Protesters labeled the event a “gala of hatred and shame.” Noah Prescott 14/11/2024 5:30 pm
South Africa’s government refuses to assist 4,000 illegal miners trapped in a closed mine in North West province, lacking basic supplies due to a police operation, Vala Umgodi, aimed at ending illegal mining. The operation involves cutting off supplies to force miners to surface and face arrest. Despite reports of miners emerging weak and sickly, Cabinet Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni insists no aid will be provided, labeling the miners as criminals. Illegal mining persists in South Africa, often involving syndicates and miners from neighboring countries. Noah Prescott 14/11/2024 5:30 pm
Saudi Arabia’s Neom megaproject, a multi-trillion dollar initiative, has appointed Aiman Al-Mudaifer as acting CEO after Nadhmi Al-Nasr’s unexpected departure. The reshuffle occurs amid economic viability concerns and financial pressures, including subdued oil prices and a widening budget deficit. Neom aims to create futuristic cityscapes like The Line and Trojena, despite skepticism and criticism. Reports suggest scaling back The Line, but Neom denies these claims, emphasizing continued progress on projects integral to Saudi Vision 2030. Saudi real GDP growth is projected at 0.8% for the year. Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 2:00 pm
Toxic smog in India obscured landmarks like the Taj Mahal and Golden Temple, delayed flights, and worsened health issues. Lahore, Pakistan, ranked as the world’s most polluted city. Smog, exacerbated by illegal farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, reduced visibility and increased respiratory problems, especially in children. Delhi’s pollution remained in the ‘severe’ category, with a score of 430, and is expected to improve slightly. Farm fires in northern India rose to nearly 2,300, contributing to the pollution crisis. Penelope Kingsley 14/11/2024 2:00 pm
The teleconference, led by Michael Feldman from the NSC press team, outlined the ground rules for a call attributed to senior administration officials, under embargo until 12:30 p.m. EST. The call aimed to preview the upcoming bilateral meeting between President Biden and President Xi at the APEC Summit in Peru. Senior administration officials provided opening remarks. Ava Sinclair 14/11/2024 2:00 pm
