Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei defended Iran’s missile attack on Israel, calling it “legitimate and legal,” and warned Tehran might act again if necessary. Speaking in Tehran, he emphasized Iran and its allies won’t back down amid escalating Middle East tensions. His sermon followed Israeli air strikes in Beirut targeting Hezbollah, raising fears of wider conflict. Khamenei’s address marked his first public sermon in nearly five years, coinciding with heightened regional hostilities. Ava Sinclair 04/10/2024 11:00 am
Israeli warplanes struck an area south of Beirut targeting Hezbollah leaders, including Hashem Safieddine, presumed successor to the assassinated leader Hassan Nasrallah. The attack caused massive explosions in the Dahiya area. Iran’s foreign minister visited Beirut, and Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei, addressing Palestinians and Lebanese, emphasized shared enmity with Israel. Following Nasrallah’s death, Iran launched missiles at Israel, which Israel vowed to avenge. Khamenei defended the missile attack as legitimate and warned of potential future strikes. Ava Sinclair 04/10/2024 11:00 am
The UK has transferred sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius after decades of negotiations, while maintaining the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia. This agreement marks a significant moment in UK-Mauritius relations, emphasizing peaceful dispute resolution. The move has faced criticism, notably from James Cleverly, despite his role in initiating talks. The deal raises questions about the future of other British Overseas Territories, which may seek independence under the UN Charter. The Falkland Islands remain a particularly contentious issue due to their historical ties to Britain. Penelope Kingsley 04/10/2024 11:00 am
Israel conducted airstrikes in southern Beirut and targeted a key border road to Syria, accusing Hezbollah of weapon transport. The strikes aimed at Hashem Safieddine, a potential Hezbollah leader. Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei defended Hamas and Hezbollah, asserting they won’t back down and criticized Israel’s actions. He claimed the US supports Israel for energy interests. The conflict marks Israel’s deadliest West Bank raid since 2000. Hamas and Hezbollah are labeled terrorist organizations by several Western and Arab nations. Penelope Kingsley 04/10/2024 11:00 am
At least 78 people died when an overcrowded boat capsized on Lake Kivu in eastern Congo. The vessel, with 278 onboard, sank near the port of Kituku. South Kivu Governor Jean-Jacques Purusi reported the provisional death toll, warning it could rise. Overcrowding and lack of life jackets contributed to the tragedy. A strong storm also impacted the area. Authorities plan to enforce stricter maritime regulations to prevent future incidents. Penelope Kingsley 04/10/2024 11:00 am
A 21-year-old Yazidi woman, kidnapped by ISIL in Iraq in 2014, was freed from Gaza in a secret operation involving Iraq, Israel, Jordan, and the US. Taken at age 11, she was trafficked to Gaza. Her release followed months of efforts amid Gaza’s security challenges. The US facilitated her evacuation after her captor’s death. Iraq praised US-Jordan cooperation, and the Israeli military confirmed her rescue through the Kerem Shalom crossing. She was reunited with her family in Iraq. Noah Prescott 04/10/2024 7:30 am
Britain agreed to cede sovereignty of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius, ensuring the future of the UK-U.S. Diego Garcia military base. President Biden supported the deal, emphasizing its strategic importance. Critics in Britain viewed it as a concession to China, while displaced Chagos Islanders felt excluded from negotiations. British Foreign Minister David Lammy stated the agreement resolves sovereignty issues and secures the base for 99 years, enhancing global security. Biden highlighted Diego Garcia’s role in regional stability and crisis response. Penelope Kingsley 04/10/2024 7:30 am
At least 78 people died when a ferry capsized on Lake Kivu, near Goma, DR Congo. The boat, carrying 278 passengers from Minova, sank close to its destination. A video shows the boat tilting before sinking. Rescue efforts continue, with bodies still being recovered. Survivors describe calm conditions but an overloaded boat and strong waves. Two children died in the hospital. The exact death toll is pending. Noah Prescott 04/10/2024 7:30 am
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un threatened nuclear action against South Korea if provoked, following South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol’s warning that any nuclear attempt by the North would lead to the regime’s collapse. This exchange of threats comes amid heightened tensions over North Korea’s nuclear activities and missile tests. Kim criticized Yoon’s military display and rhetoric, while his sister dismissed South Korea’s conventional weapons as ineffective against the North’s nuclear capabilities. Despite threats, experts doubt Kim would initiate nuclear conflict due to U.S. military superiority. Penelope Kingsley 04/10/2024 7:30 am
Fawzia Amin Sido, a Yazidi woman kidnapped by ISIS at age 11, was reunited with her family in Iraq after years in Gaza. Abducted in 2014, she endured abuse by a Palestinian ISIS militant. Her rescue involved Israeli security forces, the Iraqi Foreign Ministry, and U.S. and Jordanian coordination. Steve Maman, known for aiding Yazidis, shared the reunion video. Sido escaped after her captor died in an Israeli airstrike, seeking refuge near IDF forces before returning home. Noah Prescott 04/10/2024 4:00 am
