Peru declared three days of national mourning for former President Alberto Fujimori, who died of cancer. Despite his convictions for human rights abuses and corruption, he was granted a state funeral. Fujimori, who ruled from 1990 to 2000, was freed from prison in December after a humanitarian pardon. His coffin was taken to the Ministry of Culture, accompanied by his children and President Dina Boluarte. Fujimori, who improved Peru’s economy and defeated Shining Path rebels, fled in disgrace in 2000 and was sentenced in 2009 for orchestrating the killings of 25 Peruvians. Noah Prescott 13/09/2024 7:30 am
Condemnation grew over an Israeli strike on Al-Jaouni School in Gaza, which served as a shelter for 12,000 displaced people. Israel claimed the site was a Hamas command center. The attack killed 18 Gazans, including women, children, and six UNRWA employees. Britain’s foreign secretary and Qatar criticized the strike, calling for a cease-fire. Israel defended the action, stating it targeted Hamas militants, listing nine names, including three UNRWA employees. Noah Prescott 13/09/2024 7:30 am
Russia’s defence ministry claims its forces have recaptured 10 settlements in the Kursk border region from Ukrainian forces. Ukrainian President Zelensky acknowledged Russia’s counter-offensive actions. The recapture involved “Units of the North” around Snagost. Chechen commander Maj Gen Apti Alaudinov reported heavy Ukrainian casualties. A Ukrainian officer confirmed tough fighting west of Sudzha. Ukraine’s offensive aimed to distract Russia from eastern Ukraine, claiming 1,300 sq km of Russian territory. Analysts say the counterattacks’ prospects are unclear. Russian forces crossed rivers and recaptured over 100 sq km, disrupting Ukrainian logistics. Penelope Kingsley 13/09/2024 4:00 am
Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that NATO allowing Ukraine to use longer-range missiles to strike inside Russia would be seen as NATO’s direct entry into the war. This comes as US and Western diplomats consider lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US-provided long-range weapons. Putin stated that such actions would mean NATO countries are at war with Russia, prompting Moscow to respond accordingly. The US has allowed limited cross-border strikes but remains cautious about escalating the conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken hinted at possible policy changes during a visit to Kyiv, amid pressure from US lawmakers to ease restrictions. Ava Sinclair 13/09/2024 4:00 am
Polish Americans are rarely mentioned in U.S. presidential debates, so Vice President Kamala Harris’s reference to Pennsylvania’s large Polish American population and the threat Russia poses to Poland was notable. Timothy L. Kuzma, president of the Polish Falcons of America, appreciated the acknowledgment. In Pennsylvania, where Polish Americans make up over 5% of the population, many fear Vladimir Putin’s ambitions in Eastern Europe. However, opinions differ on whether Harris or Donald Trump would better handle Putin. Penelope Kingsley 13/09/2024 4:00 am
The U.S. Secretary of State announced continued pressure on Israel to avoid targeting humanitarian sites in Gaza, following an airstrike on a U.N. school that killed 14 people. Turkey is investigating the death of a Turkish American activist shot by Israeli forces. An Israeli strike in southern Syria killed two people. Over 41,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the Israel-Hamas war began, with significant displacement and destruction. Hamas militants killed around 1,200 people in an October 7 attack, sparking the conflict. Penelope Kingsley 13/09/2024 4:00 am
President Biden is close to allowing Ukraine to use long-range Western weapons inside Russian territory, provided they aren’t U.S.-supplied, according to European officials. This issue will be discussed during British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s visit to the White House. Britain seeks U.S. approval to let Ukraine use its “Storm Shadow” missiles, aiming for a coordinated strategy with the U.S. and France. Biden has yet to decide but will consider Starmer’s input. The move could help Ukraine maintain control over seized Russian areas, though Biden is cautious due to potential Russian retaliation. No imminent decision on U.S.-made ATACMS has been made, but Biden hints at easing restrictions. Noah Prescott 13/09/2024 12:30 am
A rare Bronze-Era jar, accidentally smashed by a 4-year-old at the Hecht Museum in Haifa, has been restored and is back on display. The jar, dating from 2200-1500 B.C., was tipped over by the curious child, causing it to break. The museum, which allows open access to artifacts, used the incident as a teaching moment, inviting the family back to learn about restoration. The event provided a welcome distraction from the ongoing Gaza conflict. Restoration expert Roee Shafir noted the repair was straightforward since all pieces were from a single jar. Ava Sinclair 13/09/2024 12:30 am
Lord Darzi’s report details the NHS’s failings in England, but fixing them is challenging. The government plans a major NHS overhaul, focusing on digital innovation, community care, and prevention. However, these ideas have been discussed for 20 years, including in Darzi’s 2007 report. He criticizes the 2012 coalition government’s management changes, which he says distracted the NHS during austerity. Despite budget increases, the NHS struggles to meet demands, a problem seen across the UK, not just in England. Penelope Kingsley 13/09/2024 12:30 am
Israeli airstrikes hit a UN school sheltering families in Gaza, killing six UNRWA employees and 18 others. This is the fifth strike on al-Jaouni school, where 12,000 people are sheltering. UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the strikes as violations of international law, while Israel claimed Hamas was using the school as a command center. Israel’s UN ambassador criticized the UN for condemning Israel’s actions against Hamas. Ava Sinclair 12/09/2024 9:00 pm
