Israel’s intensified bombing of Lebanon has caused more damage in two weeks than a year of cross-border fighting with Hezbollah, according to satellite data. Over 3,600 buildings were damaged or destroyed between October 2-14, 2024, representing 54% of the total damage since hostilities began. Experts warn of a “dead zone” in southern Lebanon, impacting civilians. The conflict escalated after Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel on October 8, 2023, following Hamas’s attack. Israeli strikes have targeted Hezbollah sites across Lebanon, including Beirut’s Dahieh suburb. Ava Sinclair 24/10/2024 2:00 pm
Authorities in India are evacuating 1.5 million people from Odisha and West Bengal due to Cyclone Dana. Thousands of relief workers are deployed as the cyclone, with expected wind speeds of 100-120 km/h, approaches. Transportation services are disrupted, with flights and trains canceled. Odisha’s Chief Minister assures safety measures are in place, including temporary relief camps. Schools are closed, and fishermen are warned to stay ashore. Bhubaneswar and Kolkata airports are suspending operations, and Paradip port has contingency plans. Ava Sinclair 24/10/2024 2:00 pm
Turkey’s Air Force conducted strikes on Kurdish targets in Iraq and Syria, retaliating for an attack on a state-run defense company that killed five and injured over 20. The Turkish Defence Ministry reported 47 targets destroyed, claiming precautions to avoid civilian harm. However, the Syrian Democratic Forces reported 12 civilian deaths. Turkey blames the YPG and PKK for the attack, with Defence Minister Yasar Guler vowing to eliminate all terrorists. The PKK has not claimed responsibility, and no group has taken credit for the initial attack. Ava Sinclair 24/10/2024 2:00 pm
An Israeli strike on a Gaza school sheltering displaced people killed at least 17, mostly women and children, and injured 42. Israel claimed it targeted Hamas militants but provided no evidence. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated Israel had “effectively dismantled” Hamas and announced renewed cease-fire negotiations. Blinken also pledged $135 million in U.S. aid to Palestinians, urging Israel to allow more assistance. Health workers in northern Gaza warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis amid ongoing Israeli offensives. Penelope Kingsley 24/10/2024 2:00 pm
The BRICS Kazan Declaration, with 134 points, mentioned the Ukraine war only once, urging adherence to UN standards. Despite Russia hosting, the document’s neutral language reflects Russia’s struggle to gain support from friendly nations for its war, as noted by the Institute for the Study of War. The declaration lacks Russia’s usual rhetoric, highlighting its difficulty in shaping allies’ stances. This is significant as Russia seeks support amid Western economic isolation. Meanwhile, BRICS members like Brazil and India maintain strong US ties despite its support for Ukraine. Noah Prescott 24/10/2024 2:00 pm
U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed concern over reports of North Korea potentially joining the Ukraine war on Russia’s side, calling it a “very serious issue.” John Kirby, White House national security spokesman, stated that 3,000 North Korean soldiers arrived in Russia for training. Ukrainian intelligence and South Korea’s NIS reported that up to 12,000 North Korean troops might be deployed to Ukraine. North Korea is also accused of supplying ballistic missiles and artillery to Russia. Ava Sinclair 24/10/2024 10:30 am
Tropical Storm Trami caused severe flooding and landslides in the northeastern Philippines, resulting in at least 24 deaths, primarily in the Bicol region. The storm, with winds up to 95 kph, prompted school and office closures across Luzon. Rescue operations are ongoing, with many villagers trapped, some on roofs. Over 2 million people were affected, and 75,400 displaced. Relief efforts are hindered by stormy weather, and authorities are seeking additional resources to aid those stranded. Penelope Kingsley 24/10/2024 10:30 am
King Charles III participated in a kava-drinking ceremony in Samoa, preparing to be made a “high chief.” The ceremony is part of his 11-day tour, his first since pausing cancer treatment. Charles, attending the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, joined leaders from 56 countries. British PM Keir Starmer stated the UK won’t discuss reparations for slavery but is open to dialogue. Charles will be titled “Tui Taumeasina” in Moata’a. CHOGM’s agenda includes climate change and slavery discussions. Penelope Kingsley 24/10/2024 10:30 am
Israel conducted airstrikes on Tyre, Lebanon, injuring at least 16, following a broad evacuation order amid its campaign against Hezbollah. This occurred as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken sought diplomatic solutions in the region. Blinken, who experienced missile threats in Tel Aviv, indicated the U.S. might explore new approaches to de-escalate the Israel-Hamas conflict, potentially involving a temporary pause in Israel’s Gaza offensive in exchange for hostage releases. Noah Prescott 24/10/2024 10:30 am
At the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, President Putin showcased Russia’s global standing despite Western ostracism post-Ukraine invasion. The summit, the largest in Russia since the war, included talks between China and India and discussions on alternative financial systems, with little focus on Ukraine. Delegates from 36 nations, including Brazil and South Africa, criticized Western hypocrisy and global institutional dysfunction. The Kazan Declaration called for a Gaza cease-fire and a new payment system but barely mentioned Ukraine. Brazil criticized Russia’s invasion, while a peace plan by Brazil and China was dismissed by Ukraine. Noah Prescott 24/10/2024 10:30 am
