At least 10 people are missing in Donja Jablanica, Bosnia, after a quarry landslide buried the village. Residents described hearing a rumble and seeing homes vanish. Regional Governor Nermin Niksic promised aid, emphasizing the irreplaceable loss of life. Croatian rescuers are on-site, with teams from Serbia, Slovenia, and other countries offering assistance. The disaster has postponed local elections and overshadowed the vote nationwide. Bosnia, an EU candidate, is grappling with the impact of the floods. Noah Prescott 06/10/2024 7:00 pm
The Iran-Israel conflict has led to increased Iranian-linked assassination and kidnapping attempts in the West, with at least 33 plots since 2020. Recent targets include a Jewish center in Athens. Sayed Fakhar Abbas, based in Iran, allegedly recruited Syed Irtaza Haider in Greece to attack the site, offering payment per kill. They discussed using explosives or arson, emphasizing proof of casualties. Greek authorities arrested Haider and another Pakistani, dismantling a terrorist network. Both deny the charges. Documents reveal detailed planning and communication between Abbas and Haider. Penelope Kingsley 06/10/2024 7:00 pm
Pope Francis announced he will create 21 new cardinals at a consistory on December 8, including archbishops from Tehran, Tokyo, and Toronto. The announcement was made on October 6 after the Angelus prayer. Notable appointees include Archbishop Frank Leo of Toronto, Archbishop Tarcisius Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo, and Archbishop Dominique Joseph Mathieu of Tehran-Ispahan. Noah Prescott 06/10/2024 7:00 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticized French President Emmanuel Macron and other Western leaders for advocating an arms embargo on Israel due to its airstrikes on Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu argued that while Iran supports groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, Western nations should support Israel against these threats. He labeled their stance a “disgrace” and emphasized Israel’s commitment to defending itself and civilization. Meanwhile, Macron announced France would stop supplying arms to Israel but continue providing missile defense equipment. The IDF reported dismantling a Hezbollah command complex in Lebanon. Ava Sinclair 06/10/2024 7:00 pm
The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for northern Gaza, preparing for a new phase in the conflict after airstrikes in Jabaliya. They claimed to target Hamas command centers in civilian areas, resulting in 26 Palestinian deaths. Israel has intensified attacks on Hamas allies, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, and responded to Iranian missile launches. Israeli airstrikes hit near Beirut, targeting Hezbollah strongholds. France’s President Macron called for halting weapon shipments to Israel, warning against Lebanon becoming another Gaza. Israel’s current strategy is informed by lessons from its 2006 Lebanon invasion. Ava Sinclair 06/10/2024 7:00 pm
French President Emmanuel Macron urged halting arms deliveries to Israel, emphasizing a political solution to the Gaza conflict. France, not a major arms supplier to Israel, holds significant influence as an EU and UN Security Council member. Macron criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon, warning against escalation. His remarks drew criticism from Israeli PM Netanyahu, who called them a “disgrace.” Macron’s office reaffirmed France’s friendship with Israel, labeling Netanyahu’s response as “excessive.” The UK also suspended some arms exports to Israel, citing humanitarian law concerns. Penelope Kingsley 06/10/2024 3:30 pm
In June, eight Tajik nationals with alleged Islamic State ties were arrested in the U.S. on immigration charges to disrupt a potential terrorist plot. Three have been deported to Tajikistan and Russia, while four await removal to Central Asia. One remains detained due to a medical issue. No terrorism charges were filed; deportation was prioritized for public safety. The FBI acted on early-stage plotting evidence, partly obtained through wiretaps, after the men entered the U.S. Noah Prescott 06/10/2024 3:30 pm
Tunisia’s President Kais Saied is running for re-election, facing minimal opposition after the electoral commission approved only two additional candidates. One of them, Ayachi Zammel, was jailed for falsifying documents. Critics accuse Saied of consolidating power by suspending parliament and rewriting the constitution. The election is seen as a referendum on his rule, with limited campaigning and opposition arrests. Human Rights Watch reported the exclusion of eight candidates through prosecution. Protests in Tunis demand free and fair elections amid concerns over democratic backsliding. Noah Prescott 06/10/2024 8:30 am
Israel is preparing a response to Iran’s attack, following military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IDF has reportedly killed Hashem Safieddine, a potential Hezbollah leader, and Saeed Atallah of Hamas in airstrikes. Iran’s missile attack on Israel resulted in casualties. Israel’s response plan requires Prime Minister Netanyahu’s approval. The conflict marks the first Israeli strike in northern Lebanon since the war with Hamas began, with multiple casualties reported, including Hamas leader Mohammed Hussein al-Lawis. Ava Sinclair 06/10/2024 8:30 am
The Israel-Gaza conflict, ignited by a Hamas attack on October 7, has escalated into a regional crisis. Israel’s response included a ground invasion, causing massive displacement. Tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon have intensified, resulting in significant casualties, including Hezbollah leader Hasan Nasrallah. In Gaza, Israel’s military actions have led to severe humanitarian conditions, with tens of thousands killed and widespread famine-like conditions. The U.S. has been involved diplomatically, despite tensions with Israeli leadership. Penelope Kingsley 06/10/2024 8:30 am
