Israeli soldiers were filmed pushing three lifeless bodies from a rooftop during a raid in Qabatiya, West Bank, amid ongoing large-scale raids since August. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called the incident serious and inconsistent with their values, stating it is under review but did not confirm if the soldiers are being investigated. Witnesses, including an AP journalist, reported the incident, but the identities and death toll remain unconfirmed. Israel claimed its troops killed seven militants on Thursday, though no militant group has claimed the dead. Noah Prescott 20/09/2024 6:00 pm
An Israeli strike on southern Beirut killed at least three people and injured 17, targeting a senior Hezbollah figure. The densely populated area, a Hezbollah stronghold, saw many casualties, including women and children. Lebanon’s health minister reported 3,000 injuries from recent explosions, with some patients treated abroad. Israeli President Isaac Herzog emphasized Israel’s right to security and peace, stating the strikes were precise and aimed at overcoming terror. Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 2:30 pm
Lawyers representing women who allege rape and sexual abuse by Mohamed Al Fayed, former Harrods owner, likened his crimes to those of Jimmy Savile, Jeffrey Epstein, and Harvey Weinstein. At a press briefing following the BBC documentary “Al-Fayed: Predator At Harrods,” they described Al Fayed as a “monster” who exploited young women and girls during his 25-year ownership. The new Harrods owners, who bought the store in 2010, expressed shock at the allegations but claimed they only learned of them last year. Lawyer Dean Armstrong urged Harrods to take responsibility, while U.S. lawyer Gloria Allred highlighted the store’s prestigious reputation. Penelope Kingsley 20/09/2024 2:30 pm
The killing of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen has alarmed Japanese expats in China, prompting companies like Toshiba, Toyota, and Panasonic to advise caution and offer support. Panasonic is providing free flights home and counseling for employees. Japanese authorities condemned the attack and urged China to ensure their citizens’ safety. This incident marks the third high-profile attack on foreigners in China recently. Japanese schools in China have heightened security measures, and some expats are reconsidering their stay. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida called the attack “extremely despicable” and demanded an explanation from Beijing. Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 2:30 pm
The Taiwanese government stated that none of the components in the pagers used by Hezbollah in a recent explosion in Lebanon were made in Taiwan. Fragments pointed to Taiwanese manufacturer Gold Apollo, but the firm denied involvement. The explosions killed 12 people and injured nearly 3,000, with another attack involving walkie-talkies killing 20 and injuring 450. Taiwan’s ministers emphasized that the pagers were not exported from Taiwan, and a judicial investigation is underway. Gold Apollo’s trademark was licensed to Hungary’s BAC Consulting, which denied making the pagers. Reports suggest BAC is a shell company for Israel. Penelope Kingsley 20/09/2024 2:30 pm
The European Union, led by Ursula von der Leyen, announced a €35 billion ($39 billion) loan to Ukraine, backed by frozen Russian assets, during her visit to Kyiv. This loan will proceed without U.S. contributions due to stalled talks. Von der Leyen met with President Zelensky to reaffirm support ahead of his trip to the UN General Assembly in New York, where he will propose a plan to end Russia’s war. The loan, smaller than the $50 billion pledged by the G7, will help Ukraine fund weapons and rebuild energy infrastructure. Penelope Kingsley 20/09/2024 2:30 pm
During a raid in Qabatiya, West Bank, Israeli soldiers were seen pushing three apparently lifeless bodies off rooftops, according to an AP journalist and video evidence. The incident, part of a series of alleged excessive force by Israeli forces, is under review by the military. Israel claimed its troops killed four militants, while the Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed one death and ten injuries. The identities and causes of death of the bodies are unknown. The military often leaves behind bodies of Palestinians killed in such raids. Noah Prescott 20/09/2024 2:30 pm
Kesaria Abramidze, a prominent transgender woman in Georgia, was murdered in her Tbilisi home a day after the parliament passed a major anti-LGBT bill. The interior ministry is investigating the “premeditated murder” with gender-based aggravating circumstances. A 26-year-old man known to Abramidze has been arrested. Rights groups link the killing to the new law, which restricts LGBT rights, including banning same-sex marriage and gender-affirming surgeries. Georgian President Salome Zurabishvili condemned the murder, highlighting issues of hate crimes and discrimination. Activists blame the government’s harmful rhetoric for inciting transphobic violence. Noah Prescott 20/09/2024 11:00 am
The Israeli military is investigating soldiers for allegedly throwing bodies from a rooftop in Qabatya, near Jenin, during an IDF incursion in the northern occupied West Bank that left seven dead. The incident, filmed by residents and witnessed by an AP reporter, shows soldiers pushing and kicking bodies off a building. The military stated this behavior does not align with IDF values and is under review. International law mandates respectful treatment of enemy bodies. The governor of Jenin reported that the Israeli military took four bodies from Qabatya. Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 11:00 am
Joumana vowed revenge against Israel after her son-in-law was affected by attacks in Lebanon, where hospitals were overwhelmed following explosions of devices imported by Hezbollah. These devices, allegedly detonated by Israel, killed 37 and injured nearly 3,000. Hezbollah has been attacking northern Israel, prompting Israeli retaliation. Most victims were Hezbollah members, though some civilians were affected. Hezbollah mourned its dead, including children, but details on the wounded remain unclear due to the group’s secretive nature. Hezbollah is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and others. Ava Sinclair 20/09/2024 11:00 am
