Pope Francis arrived in Luxembourg, urging Europe to be a beacon of peace and a welcoming home for migrants. Despite recent flu, he appeared in good form but skipped greeting journalists due to the short flight. Francis’ visit, guided by Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, included a brief stay before heading to Belgium. He praised Luxembourg’s peace and hospitality, urging it to aid poorer nations to reduce forced migration. Francis is also expected to address immigration, peace, and clergy sexual abuse in Belgium. Penelope Kingsley 26/09/2024 5:30 pm
Sudan’s army launched a major offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and Bahri, targeting areas lost at the conflict’s start. The civil war, ongoing since April 2023, has caused up to 150,000 deaths and displaced over 10 million people. Despite US-led ceasefire efforts, intense fighting continues, with the army crossing key bridges and clashing with RSF. The UN has called for immediate action to protect civilians, documenting at least 78 civilian deaths from recent shelling and air strikes in Khartoum. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 5:30 pm
Israel’s government dismissed a cease-fire proposal from the U.S., European allies, Arab nations, and Israel’s military continued strikes in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s drone unit commander in Beirut. Israel’s foreign minister and lawmakers rejected the proposal, while Hezbollah has not responded. Senior Israeli officials have privately discussed a cease-fire with the U.S. The conflict’s escalation has raised international concerns, with France warning of a potential full-fledged war and emphasizing a narrow window for a cease-fire. Israel has intensified attacks, with military preparations for a possible ground invasion. Israel struck southern Lebanon in response to rocket fire. Penelope Kingsley 26/09/2024 5:30 pm
An Israeli airstrike on the Jabalia camp killed at least fifteen people, including children and women, and left dozens injured, according to the Gaza Civil Defense Authority. The Al-Faluja school, used as a shelter, was targeted, with the IDF alleging it was a Hamas command center. Hospitals in Gaza are overwhelmed. Despite Lebanon’s conflict, airstrikes on Gaza continue. Qatar stated it’s too early for formal mediation between Hezbollah and Israel, though communication channels remain open. The US proposed a ceasefire framework to potentially aid Israel-Hamas negotiations. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 2:00 pm
The U.S., France, and several Arab nations called for a 21-day cease-fire to prevent a wider conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. This diplomatic effort coincides with Israel’s intensified military actions and potential ground incursion into Lebanon. The cease-fire, driven by frantic UN diplomacy, has support from the G7, EU, and Arab nations. Presidents Biden and Macron urged for a settlement to ensure civilian safety. Lebanese PM Mikati praised France and the U.S. for their efforts. The agreement excludes Hezbollah, raising concerns about its stability. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 2:00 pm
The Taliban dismissed accusations of gender discrimination and human rights violations as four countries—Australia, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands—plan to hold them accountable under international law for their treatment of women and girls. These countries initiated legal proceedings on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly. Despite promises of moderate rule, the Taliban have restricted women’s education, public presence, and employment since seizing power in 2021. Over 20 countries support the legal action, condemning Afghanistan’s violations of the U.N. Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. The Taliban claim human rights are protected in Afghanistan. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 2:00 pm
Iran faces a dilemma between restraint and revenge as Israel targets its ally Hezbollah. President Masoud Pezeshkian criticized Israel’s actions but adopted a more conciliatory tone, expressing a desire for peace and readiness to resume nuclear talks. Despite Iran’s critical support for Hezbollah, including arms and funding, Iranian officials have shown unusual restraint in their responses. Recent attacks on Iranian and Hezbollah assets have not prompted immediate retaliation, contrasting with past swift responses. This restraint is causing unease among hardline conservatives and potentially damaging the credibility of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC). Penelope Kingsley 26/09/2024 2:00 pm
Hong Kong welcomed two giant pandas, An An and Ke Ke, gifted by China to mark 75 years of Communist Party rule. The pandas arrived at Hong Kong International Airport and were escorted to Ocean Park, where they will join four other pandas. They will spend 30 days in quarantine before public viewing in December. The pandas were transported from Sichuan province, with preparations starting early in Chengdu. A keeper from Ocean Park has been in Chengdu since July to help them acclimatize. The pandas increase Hong Kong’s panda population to six. Penelope Kingsley 26/09/2024 10:30 am
A Japanese warship, the JS Sazanami, sailed through the Taiwan Strait for the first time, accompanied by Australian and New Zealand ships, en route to military exercises in the South China Sea. This marks a significant move by Japan, which has previously avoided the strait to not upset China. Neither Japan, Taiwan, nor China officially commented, but Chinese media reported that the Chinese military monitored the passage. The US and allies have increased patrols in the strait to assert freedom of navigation, challenging Beijing’s sovereignty claims. Recently, Germany also sailed through the strait, drawing criticism from China. Noah Prescott 26/09/2024 10:30 am
The U.S., France, and other allies called for an immediate 21-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah to allow for negotiations amid escalating conflict that has killed over 600 in Lebanon. The joint statement, made during the UN General Assembly, urges all parties to endorse the cease-fire to prevent broader regional escalation. Signatories include the U.S., EU, and several other nations. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the urgency and potential for a diplomatic resolution, stating that war is not unavoidable. Ava Sinclair 26/09/2024 10:30 am
