An Israeli air attack on the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital complex in central Gaza killed at least four people and injured dozens. The strike, targeting a “command and control centre” allegedly used by Hamas, ignited a fire in a crowded tent camp. Videos showed rescuers struggling to contain the blaze. Israeli forces have frequently targeted medical facilities and shelters in Gaza, claiming they are used by armed groups. Survivors described the chaos and devastation, with many victims suffering severe burns unlikely to survive. Penelope Kingsley 14/10/2024 4:00 pm
Canadian officials allege that the killing of Sikh separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in 2023 was part of a broader campaign of violence against Indian dissidents, directed by Indian government officials and a spy agency operative. Six Indian diplomats in Canada were expelled for gathering intelligence on Sikh separatists. India denies the accusations, attributing them to Canadian political motives. The allegations have strained Canada-India relations and raised concerns about India’s use of “transnational repression.” The Biden administration previously confronted India over a similar plot in New York. Penelope Kingsley 14/10/2024 4:00 pm
Russia claims to have captured the village of Levadne in southern Ukraine, probing for weaknesses along the front line. Ukrainian authorities reported no recent Shahed drone attacks, following a strike on a Russian storage facility. Ukraine is struggling to hold back Russian advances, particularly in the eastern Donetsk region, and seeks more Western support. Russia’s incremental gains continue, while Ukraine emphasizes its ongoing resistance. Russia annexed four Ukrainian regions in 2022, demanding Ukrainian withdrawal for peace talks, a condition rejected by Ukraine and the West. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 4:00 pm
Mexican authorities discovered five decapitated bodies in Ojuelos, Jalisco, highlighting ongoing violence in the region. The bodies were found in bags, with heads in a separate bag nearby. The area, near Lagos de Moreno, has seen numerous killings linked to organized crime, particularly the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG). This cartel is notorious for producing fentanyl, contributing to overdose deaths in the U.S. The recent violence includes the disappearance and murder of five youths in August 2023. Noah Prescott 14/10/2024 4:00 pm
In 2018, Dawn Sturgess died after unwittingly spraying Novichok, a Soviet-developed nerve agent, from a discarded perfume bottle in Amesbury, England. The bottle contained enough poison to kill thousands. Her partner survived. This incident followed the poisoning of ex-Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter in Salisbury. Britain blames Russian intelligence, but Moscow denies involvement. Skripal, who won’t testify due to safety concerns, believes Putin authorized the attack, despite having been pardoned and exchanged in a spy swap. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 4:00 pm
A Hezbollah drone strike on an Israeli base near Binyamina killed four 19-year-old soldiers and injured over 60 people. The attack didn’t trigger an alert, highlighting weaknesses in Israel’s air defense against drones. Hezbollah claimed responsibility, targeting the Golani Brigade. Israel’s military acknowledged the need to improve defenses and is investigating how the drone bypassed detection. The incident marks one of the deadliest strikes in Israel in over a year. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 4:00 pm
French far-right leader Marine Le Pen is on trial for alleged embezzlement of European Parliament funds, which she denies. The trial, lasting until November 27, could impact her 2027 presidential bid. Le Pen and her National Rally party are accused of misusing EU funds for party staff between 2004 and 2016. If convicted, she faces up to 10 years in prison, fines, and potential ineligibility to run for office. Le Pen, a two-time presidential runner-up, will answer court questions over three days. Her father, Jean-Marie Le Pen, faced similar charges but is exempt due to health issues. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 12:30 pm
The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson for their research on prosperity gaps and the impact of institutions on economic outcomes. Their work highlights how colonial institutions have shaped current economic disparities. The prize committee emphasized the importance of understanding institutional roles in addressing global income inequality. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 12:30 pm
Shiv Kumar, suspected in the shooting of Maharashtra politician Baba Siddique, shared Instagram posts hinting at a gangster lifestyle. He escaped after the crime, while accomplices Gurmail Singh and Dharmaraj Kashyap were arrested. Kumar was last seen in Panvel, suspected to have left the state. Kumar and Kashyap, from poor families in Uttar Pradesh, moved to Pune for work. Singh is from Haryana. Ava Sinclair 14/10/2024 12:30 pm
Taiwan condemned China’s military drills as “unreasonable provocation” after Beijing deployed warships and jets around the island, calling it a warning against “separatist acts.” The drills, involving multiple military branches, occurred in the Taiwan Strait and encircled Taiwan. Analysts noted these exercises, less intense than previous ones, aim to pressure Taiwan and normalize military presence. Taiwan’s Defense Ministry and President Lai criticized the drills, emphasizing the defense of Taiwan’s democracy and security. The Chinese aircraft carrier Liaoning also entered nearby strategic waters. Penelope Kingsley 14/10/2024 12:30 pm
