Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed authorizing a September operation against Iran-backed Hezbollah, resulting in explosions across Lebanon and Syria, killing dozens. He also acknowledged the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Netanyahu’s remarks followed the dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, due to disagreements over military strategies in Gaza and Lebanon. Gallant’s firing, coinciding with the U.S. election, raised concerns about suppressing dissent. The pager attacks marked an escalation, with Israel increasing airstrikes and conducting ground raids in Lebanon for the first time since 2006. Penelope Kingsley 12/11/2024 2:30 am
At least 40 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza, including a drone strike on a café in the al-Mawasi area, previously deemed a “safe zone.” Al Jazeera reports 10 civilians died in this strike, challenging Israeli claims of safe areas. Additional attacks in Nuseirat and Beit Lahiya resulted in numerous casualties, with hospitals appealing for international protection amid intensified assaults. Noah Prescott 12/11/2024 2:30 am
A Church of England bishop has urged Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby to resign following a report on child abuser John Smyth QC. The report criticized Welby for not reporting Smyth’s abuse of over 100 boys and young men to authorities in 2013. Bishop Helen-Ann Hartley and others accuse Welby of allowing abuse to continue until Smyth’s death in 2018. A petition for Welby’s resignation has over 7,000 signatures. Welby admitted personal failure but chose not to resign, despite acknowledging the review’s findings. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 11:00 pm
NATO allies are strategizing to prevent President-elect Donald Trump from reducing U.S. support for Ukraine. British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron plan to discuss with President Joe Biden the possibility of allowing Ukraine to use Storm Shadow missiles against Russia. The discussions occur amid concerns about Trump’s critical stance on U.S. aid to Ukraine and the potential implications of his presidency. British Defense Secretary John Healey expressed confidence in continued American support for Ukraine against Russia’s ongoing invasion. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 11:00 pm
The HMS Hawke, a British cruiser sunk by a German U-boat in 1914, was discovered off Scotland’s coast in remarkable condition. The ship, attacked by Otto Weddigen’s U-boat, sank in under eight minutes, killing 524 crew members. Located 70 miles east of Fraserburgh, the wreck was found 360 feet underwater by divers using historical records and charts. The site remains well-preserved, offering a glimpse into World War I maritime history. Penelope Kingsley 11/11/2024 11:00 pm
A 6.8 magnitude earthquake struck eastern Cuba, with its epicenter 25 miles south of Bartolome Maso. The quake was felt in major cities like Santiago de Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo. Residents reported significant damage, including crumbling roofs and cracked walls. In Miami, the fire department responded to multiple calls, but officials assured there was no cause for alarm. The U.S. Geological Survey noted that while quakes of this magnitude aren’t common, they have occurred in the region before. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 11:00 pm
Israeli forces advanced into Gaza’s Nuseirat camp, causing panic and displacing families. At least 30 Palestinians have been killed since Sunday night due to Israeli strikes. The conflict, now in its 14th month, sees Israel targeting Hamas in Gaza’s north and center. Tens of thousands have been told to evacuate, raising fears of permanent displacement. Medics report casualties from airstrikes in Nuseirat and Beit Lahiya. Israeli forces have besieged hospitals near Jabalia, with staff refusing to evacuate despite shortages. A senior Islamic Jihad commander was killed in a recent strike. Ava Sinclair 11/11/2024 7:30 pm
Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby faces calls to resign after an investigation revealed he failed to report abuse by John Smyth, a volunteer at Christian camps. A petition with over 1,800 signatures and support from senior cleric Helen-Ann Hartley claims Welby has “lost the confidence of his clergy.” The report found Welby knew of the abuse in 2013 but didn’t inform authorities. Despite acknowledging his failure, Welby refuses to resign, expressing horror at the abuse and hoping for a safer church. Church officials were aware of the abuse since 1982 but covered it up. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 7:30 pm
Israel’s far-right finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has ordered preparations for annexing West Bank settlements, aiming to apply Israeli sovereignty. While the Israeli government hasn’t decided on annexation, Smotrich’s move is seen as politically motivated. The Palestinian Authority condemned the plan as colonial and racist, accusing Israel of intending to control the West Bank by 2025. Smotrich views Trump’s presidency as an opportunity to gain international recognition for Israeli sovereignty over the settlements, which are considered illegal under international law. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 7:30 pm
In Amsterdam, police arrested over 100 pro-Palestinian protesters defying a demonstration ban after clashes between Israeli soccer fans and Dutch youth. The unrest began when Maccabi Tel Aviv fans chanted offensive slogans supporting the Israeli army’s actions in Gaza. Amsterdam’s mayor blamed “antisemitic hit-and-run squads,” but many observers held Israeli fans responsible. The incident gained international attention, with Israel evacuating its fans. Journalist Gideon Levy argued in Haaretz that the hostility stems from witnessing Gaza’s horrors, not antisemitism alone. Noah Prescott 11/11/2024 7:30 pm
