Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking at the United Nations, vowed to continue battling Hezbollah and Hamas until “total victory.” Shortly after his speech, blasts rocked Beirut, and Israel struck Hezbollah’s headquarters, prompting Netanyahu to cut short his trip. He defended Israel’s actions, stating the country has the right to remove threats and return citizens safely. International mediation efforts are ongoing, with calls for a 21-day cease-fire. The conflict, which began after Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack, has escalated, displacing tens of thousands and raising fears of all-out war. Ava Sinclair 27/09/2024 9:30 pm
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed Israel will fight until “total victory” in its war on Gaza and continue attacks on Hezbollah, dismissing hopes for a ceasefire. Netanyahu addressed the UN General Assembly, condemning slanders against Israel and asserting Hamas must be removed from power. Israeli attacks on Gaza have killed over 41,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in response to a Hamas-led attack that killed at least 1,139 Israelis. Efforts by the US, Egypt, and Qatar to broker a ceasefire have failed. Netanyahu insisted the war could end if Hamas surrenders and releases hostages. Noah Prescott 27/09/2024 9:30 pm
In October 2022, climate activists Phoebe Plummer and Anna Holland shocked the world by throwing tomato soup on Van Gogh’s “Sunflowers.” They were sentenced to two years and 20 months in jail, respectively, as part of a crackdown on radical climate protests. Their actions inspired similar protests globally, including soup thrown on other Van Gogh paintings and mashed potatoes on a Monet. The group Just Stop Oil, responsible for these acts, has faced significant backlash, with former PM Rishi Sunak calling them “eco-zealots” and judges imposing strict penalties. Noah Prescott 27/09/2024 9:30 pm
The U.S. announced an agreement with Iraq to end the American-led coalition’s military mission against ISIS by next year, with U.S. troops leaving some long-occupied bases. The Biden administration did not specify how many of the 2,500 troops will remain or confirm a full withdrawal. Pentagon deputy press secretary Sabrina Singh mentioned changes in the U.S. footprint without details. The announcement comes amid escalating Middle East tensions and increased attacks on U.S. bases by Iran-backed militias. Iraqi officials have long called for coalition withdrawal, leading to formal talks. Ava Sinclair 27/09/2024 9:30 pm
A Chinese nuclear-powered attack submarine sank in its dock earlier this year while under construction, according to US defense officials. The incident likely occurred between May and June. Satellite images from June show salvage cranes at the Wuhan berth where the submarine was previously seen. Beijing has not confirmed the reports. It is unclear if the submarine was carrying nuclear fuel. The BBC reviewed satellite images but could not conclusively identify the submarine. A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson did not provide information when asked about the incident. Noah Prescott 27/09/2024 9:30 pm
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced international isolation and condemnation over Israel’s actions in Gaza and Lebanon during his speech at the UN General Assembly. He attended to counter what he called “lies and slanders” against Israel. The speech received mixed reactions, with applause, boos, and walkouts by diplomats. Netanyahu criticized the UN as a “house of darkness” and rallied opposition to Iran, asserting Israel’s military reach. Protests outside the UN called for an end to the war and the return of hostages, chanting “Shame” at Netanyahu’s name. Penelope Kingsley 27/09/2024 6:00 pm
A 21-day cease-fire proposal in Lebanon has strained U.S.-Israel relations after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected it. As Netanyahu headed to New York for a UN address, his office stated he “did not even respond” to the U.S. and France’s proposal, instructing the military to continue fighting Hezbollah. This rejection followed a U.S.-EU joint statement endorsing the truce, which the White House called an “important breakthrough.” Despite U.S. claims of prior consultation, officials noted Israel’s consistent resistance, viewing a truce as advantageous to Hezbollah and counterproductive to resettling displaced Israelis. Penelope Kingsley 27/09/2024 6:00 pm
Japan’s governing Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has chosen former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba as its leader, positioning him to become prime minister. Ishiba, a defense policy expert, won against Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi. The LDP, facing corruption scandals, may have favored Ishiba’s centrist views to counter liberal opposition. Ishiba pledged to restore public trust, reinforce security, and continue economic policies to combat deflation. He aims to address Japan’s declining birthrate and disaster resilience. Ishiba also proposed an Asian NATO-like alliance and plans to call a general election soon. Ava Sinclair 27/09/2024 6:00 pm
Pope Francis has vowed to eradicate clerical sexual abuse after Belgium’s Prime Minister Alexander de Croo urged him to take concrete action. Speaking at the Belgian king’s residence, Francis acknowledged the severity of the abuse crisis, which has deeply affected Belgium. De Croo emphasized the need for transparency and concrete steps, stating that victims deserve truth and central attention. Francis likened the crisis to the biblical massacre ordered by King Herod, calling for collective shame, forgiveness, and resolution of the abuse issue. Ava Sinclair 27/09/2024 6:00 pm
Belgium Prime Minister Alexander De Croo urged Pope Francis to take concrete actions to address clerical sexual abuse during a meeting in Brussels, emphasizing that words alone are insufficient. De Croo’s remarks, made alongside King Philippe, highlighted the need for justice and acknowledgment of victims’ suffering. The visit was overshadowed by political tensions, with some Flemish politicians boycotting the meeting. The issue gained renewed attention in 2023 after a TV documentary exposed the traumatic experiences of abuse victims, leading to heightened public and victim anxiety. Ava Sinclair 27/09/2024 2:30 pm
