The discovery of a 4,000-year-old fortified town, al-Natah, in Saudi Arabia’s Khaybar oasis reveals a shift from nomadic to urban life. Led by French archaeologist Guillaume Charloux, researchers found a 14.5 km wall and organized habitat, indicating a large town from 2,400 BC. Abandoned a millennium later, its existence challenges previous beliefs about the region’s history. Basalt rocks concealed the site, protecting it from illegal excavations. Aerial observations revealed paths and house foundations, suggesting further exploration is needed. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 9:00 pm
Flash floods in eastern Spain have claimed 158 lives, with many still missing, marking the country’s worst flood disaster in modern history. A year’s worth of rain fell in eight hours in Valencia, exacerbated by climate change. Rescue teams found eight bodies, including a policeman, in Valencia. Criticism arose over delayed warnings, with opposition blaming the central government, while regional authorities were deemed responsible for civil protection. In Paiporta, 62 deaths were reported, with many victims trapped in homes or cars. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 9:00 pm
The Biden administration reports that 8,000 North Korean soldiers are now in Russia near Ukraine’s border, preparing to assist Kremlin forces. This marks a significant increase from earlier estimates. The U.S. estimates 10,000 North Korean troops in Russia, while Seoul and allies suggest 11,000, and Ukraine estimates up to 12,000. These troops are being trained for frontline operations, raising global concerns about North Korea’s growing ties with Russia and potential impacts on the Ukraine conflict and Asia-Pacific stability. Noah Prescott 31/10/2024 9:00 pm
Israeli forces struck Kamal Adwan Hospital in Gaza, claiming “dozens of terrorists” were hiding there, though no casualties were reported. The IDF continues operations in northern Gaza, targeting regrouped terror cells in Jabalia. Hamas-run health authorities reported 30 Palestinian deaths in other attacks. Médecins Sans Frontières reported one of its doctors was detained. Israel accuses Hamas of using civilians and aid organizations as shields. The IDF claims to have arrested hundreds of suspected terrorists in Jabalia, including those linked to the October 7 massacre. Noah Prescott 31/10/2024 9:00 pm
Google faces a $2.5 trillion trillion trillion fine from Russia for banning YouTube channels, as reported by TASS. The fine will double daily if unpaid within nine months, with no upper limit. The case involves claims from 17 YouTube channels. Google acknowledged pressures from Russian authorities but doesn’t foresee a material adverse effect. The issue escalated after Google blocked Russian state news agencies following the Ukraine invasion. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 9:00 pm
North Korea launched an intercontinental ballistic missile under Kim Jong Un’s orders, surpassing previous tests, according to KCNA. Kim attended the launch, calling it a military action to inform rivals of North Korea’s counteraction capabilities. The launch followed South Korea’s report of North Korea’s nuclear test preparations. The EU, Germany, and UN condemned the launch, citing violations of Security Council resolutions. A Security Council meeting is expected, requested by several countries. South Korea and Japan detected the missile earlier. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 9:00 pm
Seven people were killed in northern Israel in the deadliest Hezbollah rocket attacks in months. Rockets struck near Metula, killing an Israeli farmer and four foreign workers, and later near Kibbutz Afek, killing two more. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, targeting areas north of Haifa and Israeli forces near Khiam. The attacks coincided with US envoys meeting Israeli PM Netanyahu to discuss a ceasefire. Israel’s offensive against Hezbollah followed cross-border tensions and aimed to secure the return of displaced residents after Hezbollah’s support for Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 9:00 pm
Israeli forces reportedly struck Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, destroying medical supplies recently delivered by the WHO, according to Palestinian officials. The Israeli military claimed it was unaware of the strike but is investigating. Earlier, Israeli troops withdrew after a raid, detaining medical staff and arresting suspected Hamas fighters. Doctors Without Borders expressed concern over the detention of Dr. Mohammed Obeid. Israel maintains that Hamas operates within the hospital, a claim denied by Gazan officials. The strike severely damaged remaining medical supplies, said the Gazan health ministry. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 5:30 pm
North Korea test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile, its first in nearly a year, showcasing potential advancements in its long-range nuclear capabilities. The launch, observed by leader Kim Jong Un, was likely intended to capture U.S. attention before elections and respond to criticism over North Korea’s alleged troop support for Russia. Kim emphasized the importance of nuclear capabilities amid perceived threats and reaffirmed North Korea’s commitment to strengthening its nuclear forces. The test, condemned by neighboring countries, may involve a new solid-fueled missile, possibly aided by Russian technology. Noah Prescott 31/10/2024 5:30 pm
Senior American officials are in the Middle East seeking a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein are in Israel for talks, with cautious optimism from Lebanese PM Najib Mikati. The conflict has killed 2,200 and displaced 1.2 million in Lebanon. A draft agreement suggests a 60-day ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, and Lebanese army deployment along the border. Israel seeks the right to strike Hezbollah post-war, a demand likely opposed by Lebanon. The White House states that circulating drafts don’t reflect current negotiations. Ava Sinclair 31/10/2024 5:30 pm
