Lebanon declared three days of mourning after Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader for 32 years, was killed in Israeli airstrikes in Beirut. The Iran-backed group is severely impacted, with over a thousand dead and potential displacement of a million people. Despite Nasrallah’s death, defiance persists in Beirut. Hezbollah’s second in command will address the public, and Nasrallah’s burial is expected later this week. In western North Carolina, Tropical Storm Helene’s flooding has stranded hundreds, particularly in rural, mountainous regions. Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 7:30 pm
The Israeli military has conducted significant air attacks on Yemen for the second time in over two months, targeting Iran-backed Houthi-operated ports and power stations. The strikes on Ras Isa and Hodeidah ports resulted in massive explosions, killing at least four and wounding dozens. Israel has expanded its attacks from Gaza and Lebanon to Yemen, affecting millions due to power outages. The Israeli military used numerous aircraft for the operation and notified US counterparts beforehand. The ongoing regional tensions raise concerns about a wider conflict. Penelope Kingsley 30/09/2024 7:30 pm
Israeli airstrikes have severely damaged Hezbollah’s leadership and internal security, dealing a significant blow to Iran’s strategy of using proxies to exert power in the Middle East, according to former U.S. intelligence officials. In weeks, Israel sabotaged Hezbollah’s communications, eliminated senior figures, and killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The strikes destroyed weapons depots and inflicted unprecedented physical and psychological damage. Iran’s plan to weaken Israel and the U.S. through armed proxies underestimated Israel’s response to recent attacks and overestimated the strength of its proxy network. Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 7:30 pm
The killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah marks a significant blow to the Lebanese Shia movement, following a series of Israeli attacks on its leadership and communications network. Analysts question Hezbollah’s ability to maintain its political power and resist a potential Israeli invasion. Since Lebanon’s civil war ended in 1990, Hezbollah has dominated Shia politics, gaining power and becoming a polarizing force. Accusations of involvement in political assassinations and internal conflicts have marred its reputation. Hezbollah’s support for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad during the uprising further complicated its standing. Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 7:30 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted the imminent collapse of the Islamic Republic of Iran, leading to freedom for the Iranian people and improved relations between Iran and Israel. He stated that Iran’s terror network would be dismantled, and the country would thrive. Netanyahu’s comments came amid IDF strikes targeting Hezbollah, seen as a warning to Iran. He emphasized Israel’s reach in the Middle East and addressed the Iranian people directly, criticizing their regime for subjugation and regional destabilization. Netanyahu believes most Iranians oppose their regime, which he claims disregards their well-being. Penelope Kingsley 30/09/2024 4:00 pm
Hezbollah’s acting leader, Naim Kassem, vowed to continue fighting Israel despite the recent loss of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and other top commanders due to Israeli strikes. Over 1,000 people have died in Lebanon, including many women and children. Kassem stated that Hezbollah’s military capabilities remain intact and that commanders have been replaced. He emphasized readiness for a potential Israeli ground offensive and anticipated a prolonged conflict. Kassem will serve as acting leader until a new one is elected, with Hashem Safieddine expected to succeed Nasrallah. Hezbollah has increased rocket attacks, though most have been intercepted. Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 4:00 pm
A U.N. human rights group confirmed that Fateh Sherif, a Hamas leader in Lebanon killed by Israeli strikes, was an employee of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). Sherif, who was on administrative leave since March due to an investigation into his political activities, was killed along with his family in Tyre. Israel claims Sherif coordinated Hamas’ terror activities with Hezbollah and recruited operatives. Sherif was also the principal of an UNRWA school and head of the teachers’ union. Israel alleges UNRWA is infiltrated by terrorist sympathizers, a claim the agency denies. Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 4:00 pm
Austria’s far-right Freedom Party (FPO) won the national elections with 28.8% of votes, surpassing the ruling conservative People’s Party (OVP) at 26.3%. Despite this historic victory, the FPO faces challenges in forming a coalition as all other parties reject partnering with the Eurosceptic, Russia-friendly party. Led by the polarizing Herbert Kickl, the FPO’s rise reflects broader European trends of far-right gains amid voter discontent over migration, the economy, and COVID-19 restrictions. Kickl expressed readiness to form a government with any party, but coalition prospects remain uncertain. Penelope Kingsley 30/09/2024 9:00 am
Vladimir Kara-Murza, a Russian opposition leader, warned for years about Vladimir Putin’s global threat. Poisoned twice and imprisoned by Putin, Kara-Murza was recently traded for a valuable prize. Despite this, Putin still fears him. Kara-Murza believes Russia deserves better than a corrupt, repressive regime and insists change requires action, comparing his struggle to those who opposed Apartheid, Soviet communism, and Nazi Germany. Noah Prescott 30/09/2024 9:00 am
Flooding and landslides in Nepal, triggered by heavy rainfall, have killed 193 people, with 31 still missing and 96 injured. Kathmandu, heavily affected, saw much of its southern part flooded. A landslide near the city killed three dozen people, burying buses and vehicles. Temporary shelters and financial aid are being provided. Improved weather has facilitated rescue and recovery efforts, with police and soldiers assisting. Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli, returning from the U.N. General Assembly, has called an emergency meeting. Ava Sinclair 30/09/2024 9:00 am
