Israel passed a law banning the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA from operating in the country, citing alleged involvement of staff in attacks and ties to Hamas. The move has raised concerns among the UN and Western allies about worsening Gaza’s humanitarian situation. Prime Minister Netanyahu emphasized the need for continued humanitarian aid in Gaza while ensuring Israel’s security. An addendum allows potential future contact with UNRWA. UNRWA’s head, Philippe Lazzarini, criticized the law as a “dangerous precedent” against the UN charter and international law obligations. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 11:30 pm
CNN banned conservative pundit Ryan Girdusky after a controversial exchange with Mehdi Hasan on “CNN NewsNight.” Girdusky made a joke referencing a recent Israeli strike, which Hasan interpreted as a threat. Despite Girdusky’s apology, the comment was condemned as “disgusting” and “racist” by host Abby Phillip and other panelists. CNN issued a statement emphasizing zero tolerance for racism and bigotry, stating Girdusky will not return to the network. Noah Prescott 29/10/2024 11:30 pm
Axel Rudakubana, 18, charged with murdering three girls and stabbing 10 others in England, now faces additional charges for producing ricin and possessing a jihadi training manual. Police found ricin at his home and an Al-Qaida manual on his computer. The new charges include making a biological toxin and possessing information useful for terrorism, violating U.K. laws. Despite these charges, the July attack is not classified as a terrorist incident, as no motive is known. Ricin, derived from castor beans, is a deadly toxin with no antidote. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 11:30 pm
A small number of North Korean troops are reportedly inside Ukraine, with more expected after training in eastern Russia. This development surpasses NATO and Pentagon confirmations of 10,000 North Korean troops training in Russia. Ukrainian President Zelensky indicated they might enter combat zones soon. The US has not corroborated these reports but is discussing North Korea’s deployments with South Korea. South Korea may reconsider its policy on providing military aid to Ukraine. The effectiveness of North Korean troops for Russia remains uncertain. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 8:00 pm
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening as Israel bans contact with UNRWA, the UN agency providing essential services. Residents fear losing access to food, medical care, and other necessities. Critics argue the ban is another form of conflict against Palestinians, while supporters claim UNRWA is linked to Hamas. UNRWA insists on its neutrality and warns that the ban will severely impact its operations, especially in Gaza, as coordination with Israeli officials is crucial for delivering supplies. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 8:00 pm
Hezbollah has appointed Naim Qassem as its new leader following the assassination of Hasan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike. Despite significant leadership losses, including Hashem Safieddine, Hezbollah continues its attacks on Israel, damaging Prime Minister Netanyahu’s home and signaling a “new escalatory phase.” The group reportedly has up to 50,000 fighters and 150,000 rockets. Meanwhile, Mohammed al-Waheidi and his wife remain separated in Gaza due to ongoing conflict, marking a year apart. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 8:00 pm
CNN banned conservative commentator Ryan James Girdusky after he implied on-air that fellow guest Mehdi Hasan was linked to Hezbollah. Girdusky, a regular pro-Trump voice on CNN, made the controversial remark during a heated discussion on “NewsNight With Abby Phillip” about Trump’s rally. The argument centered on whether Girdusky had previously labeled Hasan an antisemite, which Girdusky denied. Hasan noted he often faced such accusations due to his support for Palestinians. Girdusky’s comment referenced an Israeli operation against Hezbollah. Noah Prescott 29/10/2024 8:00 pm
In the U.S., 38% of homes use gas cookstoves, favored by chefs for their perceived superiority. However, these stoves emit harmful pollutants like nitrogen dioxide, carbon monoxide, and benzene, raising health concerns. Research shows they leak pollutants even when off. Nitrogen dioxide, a respiratory irritant, increases asthma risk in children by up to 42%. The WHO reduced recommended exposure levels by 75% in 2021, and health organizations link gas stoves to increased air pollution and pediatric asthma. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 8:00 pm
Israel’s retaliatory attack on Iran damaged a base in Shahroud, run by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, used for ballistic missile construction and space program launches, as shown by satellite images. This raises questions about the attack, which responded to Iran’s earlier missile barrage. The base’s location in Semnan province was previously unacknowledged by Tehran. The attack potentially limits the IRGC’s missile production capabilities. Satellite images also show damage to other missile manufacturing sites near Tehran. Iran and Israel have not commented on the specific damage. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 8:00 pm
The Israeli Knesset passed legislation to halt UNRWA operations in Israel, citing links to terrorism, particularly Hamas. Sponsored by Yulia Malinovsky, the law aims to end a 1967 agreement allowing UNRWA’s presence. Despite U.S. objections, the bills received strong support, citing evidence of UNRWA’s infiltration by Hamas. The U.S. warns this could impact over 3 million Palestinians relying on UNRWA for essential services. Malinovsky noted a three-month preparation period before the law’s implementation. Ava Sinclair 29/10/2024 4:30 pm
