Millions of Cubans faced a third day without power as efforts to restore electricity failed, with only 16% of the country briefly regaining power before another grid collapse. The situation worsens with Hurricane Oscar approaching, complicating recovery. The blackouts, caused by a major power plant failure, threaten essential services like water and food preservation. Residents struggle with shortages, while tourists experience disruptions. Cuba’s traditional allies, who previously supplied oil, have not yet intervened. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 3:30 pm
The US is investigating a leak of classified documents detailing Israel’s plans to attack Iran, confirmed by House Speaker Mike Johnson. The documents, attributed to US intelligence agencies, were shared on Telegram and are marked top secret. They reveal Israel’s military preparations following Iran’s missile attack on October 1. The investigation seeks to determine the source of the leak, whether it was intentional or a hack, and if other intelligence was compromised. The US has advised Israel against escalating military actions, urging a cease-fire in Gaza. Penelope Kingsley 20/10/2024 3:30 pm
A displaced Palestinian, Ashraf Abo Taha, identified his former home in Rafah, Gaza, as the site where former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed by Israeli troops. Abo Taha, who fled in May, recognized the partially destroyed house from Israeli drone footage. He expressed shock and confirmed the house’s identity with his brother. The BBC verified the house’s imagery but couldn’t confirm Abo Taha’s ownership. Sinwar, a key figure in the October 7 attacks on Israel, was killed in the operation. Penelope Kingsley 20/10/2024 3:30 pm
Moldovans are voting in a presidential election and EU referendum, crucial for the country’s pro-Western trajectory amid Russian interference allegations. Incumbent Maia Sandu leads polls but may face a run-off against Alexandr Stoianoglo if she doesn’t secure 50% of votes. The referendum seeks to enshrine Moldova’s EU path in the constitution, requiring a one-third turnout to be valid. Polls indicate over 50% support for the EU path. Voting ends at 9pm, with partial results expected by 10pm. Sandu urges citizens to vote “yes” for the EU path, emphasizing the vote’s significance. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 3:30 pm
A video released by Ukrainian officials allegedly shows North Korean soldiers receiving Russian military uniforms, suggesting North Korea’s involvement in the Ukraine conflict. The footage, reportedly shot by a Russian soldier, lacks location details. Ukrainian military intelligence claims 11,000 North Korean troops are training in eastern Russia, potentially joining the conflict by November. This development highlights growing military ties between Russia and North Korea, following a strategic partnership treaty signed last summer. Ukraine emphasizes the need for increased international support to counter this new threat. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 3:30 pm
Hamas is set to choose a successor for Yahya Sinwar, recently killed by Israel. Khalil al-Hayya, Sinwar’s deputy, is a strong candidate. Despite Sinwar’s death, Hamas’s conditions for a ceasefire remain unchanged, demanding Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and humanitarian aid. Israel rejects these terms, insisting on Hamas’s surrender. Sinwar was seen as a major obstacle to ceasefire talks. Despite leadership losses, Hamas remains resilient. The fate of Israeli hostages in Gaza remains uncertain amidst ongoing tensions. Penelope Kingsley 20/10/2024 12:00 pm
King Charles and Queen Camilla began their Australia tour with a church service in Sydney, marking the King’s first visit since becoming head of state in 2022. Their six-day tour includes meetings with leaders and celebrating Australian culture. After the service, they greeted well-wishers, while a small group of protesters demonstrated outside. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 12:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him with a drone strike on his home, vowing retaliation. This follows Israel’s killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, prompting Hezbollah to escalate tensions. Concurrently, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza reportedly killed 73 people. Israel also targeted Hezbollah’s intelligence HQ in Beirut, though these claims remain unverified. The situation marks a significant escalation in the Israel-Lebanon conflict and broader Middle East tensions. Noah Prescott 20/10/2024 12:00 pm
Israeli strikes in northern Gaza killed or left missing at least 87 people, with 40 wounded, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel’s large-scale operation targets Hamas, with Palestinian officials reporting hundreds of deaths and a collapsing health sector. Meanwhile, the U.S. investigates leaked classified documents revealing Israel’s military plans against Iran, following an Iranian missile attack on October 1. The documents, marked top secret, are attributed to U.S. intelligence agencies and appear legitimate, according to officials. Penelope Kingsley 20/10/2024 12:00 pm
Sniffer dogs at Chisinau Airport have been busy detecting cash potentially linked to Russian interference in Moldovan politics. Passengers arriving from Moscow with large sums of money raised suspicions. Customs officers noted unusual patterns, with many travelers carrying thousands of euros. Flights from Moscow via Istanbul and Yerevan were particularly scrutinized. Authorities began seizing the cash, collecting $1.5 million in a single day, as they investigated possible cash-for-votes schemes ahead of Moldovan elections. Ava Sinclair 20/10/2024 8:30 am
