The funeral of an Iranian Revolutionary Guard general killed with Hezbollah’s Hassan Nasrallah gathered top leaders in Tehran. Gen. Esmail Qaani, head of the Quds Force, was seen mourning. Meanwhile, Israeli strikes in Gaza killed at least 15, including children. Israel’s offensive has killed over 42,000 Palestinians, displacing 90% of Gaza’s population. Hezbollah has exchanged fire with Israel in solidarity with Hamas. In Syria, a shelter near Damascus struggles to support over 300 Lebanese families fleeing the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, lacking essential supplies. Noah Prescott 15/10/2024 4:30 pm
In Ukraine, citizens like Anton, a software developer, are assembling drones at home to support the military’s needs amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Since Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine has significantly increased domestic drone production, with the government allocating $2 billion to produce at least 1 million FPV drones. President Zelenskyy announced that Ukraine contracted 1.5 million drones this year and can produce 4 million annually. The effort involves the government, military, private companies, and citizens. A new armed forces branch, the Unmanned Systems Forces, focuses on drone warfare. Ava Sinclair 15/10/2024 4:30 pm
The Israeli military has targeted search-and-rescue teams, medical centers, and hospitals in Lebanon, severely impacting emergency services. The Islamic Health Society (IHS), linked to Hezbollah, has been hit hardest, with over 85 staff killed and 150 wounded. On October 7, an Israeli strike on the Baraachit Emergency Centre killed at least 10 firefighters. The Lebanese health ministry condemned the attack as a “massacre,” accusing Israel of committing a war crime against humanitarian workers. The Lebanese Red Cross later recovered eight bodies from the site. Penelope Kingsley 15/10/2024 4:30 pm
At least 15 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, including a strike near Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, which killed four. The White House criticized the strike after videos showed civilians engulfed in flames. Israel claims the strike targeted terrorists near the hospital, attributing subsequent fires to secondary explosions. The U.S. National Security Council expressed concern over civilian casualties, urging Israel to avoid such incidents. Israel maintains that Hamas uses civilian areas for military purposes, complicating their operations. The incident is under review. Ava Sinclair 15/10/2024 4:30 pm
Health workers in Gaza are set to administer a second polio vaccine dose to 590,000 children starting Monday. The first round vaccinated 95% of eligible children and was successful. The World Health Organization emphasizes the importance of this second dose to curb virus spread. Success depends on humanitarian pauses in fighting, with assurances from the Israeli military. The campaign will occur in three phases, also providing vitamin A. The WHO initially aimed to vaccinate 640,000 children but revised estimates due to displacement and casualties from ongoing conflict. Ava Sinclair 15/10/2024 4:30 pm
At 12:54 a.m., Elie Hachem, director of St. Therese Hospital near Beirut, was alerted to evacuate due to imminent Israeli airstrikes targeting “Hezbollah facilities.” With only 20 minutes, staff and patients, including premature babies, were rushed out. An airstrike hit 80 yards away, causing significant damage but no injuries. The next day, fearing further attacks, Hachem closed the hospital, citing staff trauma. Noah Prescott 15/10/2024 1:00 pm
Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated following the expulsion of each other’s top diplomats over the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. Canada accused India’s top diplomat of involvement in an assassination plot, leading to expulsions on both sides. Nijjar, a Canadian citizen advocating for an independent Sikh homeland, was killed in June 2023. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged Indian government links to the killing, which India denied. Tensions escalated with arrests in May and further diplomatic expulsions in response to new allegations. Ava Sinclair 15/10/2024 1:00 pm
The United Nations will not withdraw its peacekeepers from southern Lebanon despite Israeli demands and recent attacks on UNIFIL forces. Jean-Pierre Lacroix, head of peacekeeping operations, confirmed UNIFIL will remain, backed by the U.N. Security Council and contributing member states. Israel criticizes UNIFIL for failing to stabilize the area amid Hezbollah’s growing presence. Clashes have intensified since Hezbollah began firing rockets in support of Hamas, leading to significant casualties and displacement. The U.N. Security Council expressed concern after Israeli fire injured four UNIFIL soldiers. Penelope Kingsley 15/10/2024 1:00 pm
Drones have become a significant threat to Israel, challenging its air defense systems. A recent Hezbollah drone attack on an army base in northern Israel killed four and injured many, raising concerns about Israel’s defense capabilities. While the Iron Dome effectively intercepts rockets, drones are harder to detect due to their small radar signature and low flight altitude. Drones, often supplied by Iran to groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen, have repeatedly targeted Israel, complicating defense efforts. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant emphasized ongoing efforts to counter these threats. Noah Prescott 15/10/2024 9:30 am
Baba Ziauddin Siddique, a prominent Indian politician, was shot dead in Mumbai near his car after leaving his son’s office. His murder has sparked a political blame-game and revived memories of the 1990s underworld violence. Siddique, originally from Bihar, had a long political career, serving in Maharashtra’s legislature and as a minister. He recently joined the Nationalist Congress Party. Known for hosting high-profile iftar parties, Siddique’s murder has led to the arrest of three individuals linked to a notorious gang. Investigations are ongoing. Noah Prescott 15/10/2024 9:30 am
