Hamas has issued new instructions to kill Israeli hostages if troops close in, marking a chilling escalation in the conflict. Amid public outrage in Israel over Prime Minister Netanyahu’s failure to secure the hostages’ release, Hamas released disturbing images and videos of hostages, including Eden Yerushalmi and Ori Danino. This psychological terror has intensified protests against Netanyahu, but it’s unclear if it will change Israel’s war strategy. Analysts suggest Hamas no longer sees hostages as leverage, following an IDF operation in June that rescued four hostages but killed 274 Palestinians. Penelope Kingsley 03/09/2024 8:00 pm
In Poltava, Ukraine, two Russian ballistic missiles struck a military academy and nearby hospital, killing over 50 and injuring more than 200, according to Ukrainian officials. The missiles hit the Poltava Military Institute of Communication, causing significant structural collapse. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced an investigation. The attack left shattered bricks, blood pools, and glass-covered roads. Volunteer Yevheniy Zemskyy expressed concern for the town’s residents and children. Noah Prescott 03/09/2024 8:00 pm
Benjamin Netanyahu apologized to Israelis for failing to return six hostages found dead in Gaza, as Hamas warned more could die without a ceasefire. His comments followed intense protests over his handling of negotiations. International pressure increased with the UK suspending some arms sales to Israel. Netanyahu insisted on controlling Gaza’s Philadelphi Corridor. Thousands protested, with police reportedly using aggression. Hamas threatened to return hostages “inside coffins” if military pressure continues. Israel’s largest trade union called a general strike to push for a ceasefire and hostage release, but disruptions were limited. Noah Prescott 03/09/2024 4:30 pm
At least 12 migrants died after their boat capsized off northern France while attempting to cross the English Channel, marking the deadliest incident in the waterway this year. The vessel sank near Wimereux, with two people still missing and several injured. French authorities rescued 65 people, some critically injured, and continue search operations. The identities and origins of the deceased remain unknown. This incident follows other similar tragedies in the region, including a 2021 accident where 27 migrants died. Noah Prescott 03/09/2024 4:30 pm
A French pensioner, Dominique P., is on trial for drugging his wife and allowing scores of strangers to rape her over a decade. Fifty men, recruited online, are also being tried in Avignon. Police identified 51 of 72 men involved in 92 rapes. The 72-year-old victim, heavily sedated, was unaware of the abuse until 2020. She requested public hearings to raise awareness. The case began when Dominique was caught filming women secretly, leading to the discovery of incriminating evidence. Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 4:30 pm
In Izmir, Turkey, two U.S. Marines were assaulted by young nationalists, with one attacker placing a bag over a Marine’s head. The incident, captured on video, showed the Marines being surrounded by 15 people chanting “Yankee go home.” The Marines, not in uniform, were restrained but uninjured. They returned to their ship, the USS Wasp, after other Marines intervened. The Marines’ unit is on routine deployment with the U.S. Navy’s Wasp Amphibious Readiness Group. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett expressed concern over the assault. Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 1:00 pm
American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the murders of hostages by Hamas, citing his refusal to agree to a ceasefire/hostage release deal. Six hostages, including Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were killed by Hamas as Israeli forces attempted a rescue. Weingarten’s comments, made in response to U.S. Ambassador Jack Lew’s statement, drew sharp criticism from pro-Israel figures like former U.S. Ambassador David Friedman. Netanyahu has pledged to secure the return of the remaining hostages. Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 1:00 pm
An attempted jailbreak at Congo’s overcrowded Makala Central Prison in Kinshasa left at least 129 people dead, mostly in a stampede, and 24 inmates were shot dead by “warning” gunshots, according to Interior Minister Jacquemin Shabani. The incident also resulted in 59 injuries and some cases of rape. The prison, designed for 1,500 but holding over 12,000 inmates, has a history of jailbreaks. Gunfire erupted around midnight, and videos showed bodies with visible injuries. Authorities are investigating the incident, which Justice Minister Constant Mutamba called a “premeditated act of sabotage.” Penelope Kingsley 03/09/2024 1:00 pm
Russian President Vladimir Putin visited Mongolia, despite calls for his arrest on an international warrant for alleged war crimes in Ukraine. This is his first trip to an ICC member country since the warrant was issued. Mongolia, economically dependent on Russia, faces a dilemma as it balances international obligations and relations with Russia. Putin was welcomed with a ceremony in Ulaanbaatar, and agreements were signed for a power plant upgrade and aviation fuel supply. Small protests occurred but were quickly suppressed by police. Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 1:00 pm
Two U.S. Marines from the USS Wasp were attacked during a port visit in Izmir, Turkey. They were evaluated at a local hospital and have since returned to their ship. Local police and the Naval Criminal Investigative Service are investigating the incident. No Marines have been detained, and those involved are cooperating. The Navy has not disclosed further details. The USS Wasp is on a routine deployment in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, having recently completed a training exercise with Turkey. Ava Sinclair 03/09/2024 11:00 am
