British Minister Hamish Falconer condemned Israel’s denial of entry to British MPs Yuan Yang and Abtisam Mohamed, despite prior clearance. Detained for six hours, they were later flown back to the UK. Falconer called this unprecedented action against democratically elected officials “unacceptable” and “deeply concerning.” Intervention by Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Falconer led to their release, but they were still barred from entry. Falconer emphasized this was the first such incident involving British MPs and criticized the treatment of representatives from a partner nation. Ava Sinclair 08/04/2025 8:00 am
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky acknowledged for the first time that Ukrainian troops are active in Russia’s Belgorod region. He emphasized the importance of returning the war to its origin and protecting Ukraine’s border regions, particularly Sumy and Kharkiv. Zelensky also mentioned Ukraine’s presence in Russia’s Kursk region and praised the 225th Assault Regiment in Belgorod. He highlighted the goal of easing pressure on the eastern Donetsk front. This marks his first explicit confirmation of Ukrainian operations in Belgorod, following indirect comments in March. Penelope Kingsley 08/04/2025 4:30 am
King Charles and Queen Camilla have arrived in Rome for a state visit to Italy, coinciding with their 20th wedding anniversary. The visit aims to strengthen UK-Italy relations post-Brexit, featuring diplomacy, cultural appreciation, and public engagements. Originally planned to include the Vatican, the visit was adjusted due to Pope Francis’s health. The UK’s ambassador to Italy, Lord Llewellyn, emphasized the visit’s significance in resetting relations with European partners. The trip includes visits to Rome and Ravenna, highlighting the couple’s enthusiasm for Italian culture. Noah Prescott 08/04/2025 1:00 am
Mali accused Algeria of sponsoring terrorism after Algeria shot down a Malian drone near their border. Mali called it a “hostile premeditated action,” while Algeria dismissed the claims. The incident escalated tensions, leading Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso to recall ambassadors from Algiers. The three countries, part of the Alliance of Sahel States, condemned Algeria, claiming the drone was targeting a terrorist group. Mali plans to file a complaint with international bodies and withdrew from a regional security group including Algeria. Ava Sinclair 08/04/2025 1:00 am
The Trump administration has ended several humanitarian programs in the Middle East, affecting projects with the World Food Program in Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. This decision, directed by Jeremy Lewin from the Department of Government Efficiency, also impacts U.S. funding for essential services in Yemen, Somalia, Afghanistan, and Zimbabwe, including food, water, medical care, and shelter for war-displaced individuals. About 60 contract termination letters were issued, citing “the convenience of the U.S. Government.” Noah Prescott 08/04/2025 1:00 am
An Israeli airstrike on a tent camp at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza, killed 10 people, including journalist Helmi al-Faqawi, and injured dozens. The attack set tents ablaze, with journalist Ahmed Mansour suffering severe burns. The Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the strike as an “extrajudicial killing” and a threat to press freedom. The Israeli Defense Forces claimed the target was Hassan Aslih, accused of being a Hamas member. The incident highlights the dangers journalists face in conflict zones, with 207 Palestinian journalists killed since October 2023. Noah Prescott 07/04/2025 9:30 pm
Israeli military operations have turned Gazan territory near the Israeli border into a wasteland, creating a 1-kilometer-wide buffer zone. Armored bulldozers and combat engineers have demolished homes, factories, and farmland, displacing Palestinians. Israeli soldiers have revealed these actions, including alleged shoot-to-kill policies, which may violate international humanitarian law. Despite requests, the Israel Defense Forces have not commented. Testimonies describe systematic destruction, with soldiers like Sgt. “A” tasked with demolishing infrastructure in Gaza’s Shujaiya neighborhood. Ava Sinclair 07/04/2025 9:30 pm
Autopsies on 15 Palestinian paramedics killed by Israeli forces in Gaza reveal they were shot in the upper body with “intent to kill,” says the Palestinian Red Crescent, urging an international investigation. The incident, during an Israeli offensive, contradicts Israel’s claims, with video evidence showing marked emergency vehicles. Germany demands an urgent probe, questioning Israeli army actions. The IDF initially denied targeting ambulances, later admitting mistakes, claiming a threat from Hamas militants without evidence. The victims included Red Crescent staff and UN employees, found in a mass grave. Noah Prescott 07/04/2025 6:00 pm
Fighting continues in Myanmar despite a ceasefire between the military junta and a rebel alliance for earthquake relief. The military conducted 14 attacks since the ceasefire, accusing rebel groups of initiating conflict. The UN urged a halt to military operations to focus on quake relief. The earthquake’s death toll reached 3,564, with ongoing rescue efforts hampered by rain. Humanitarian access remains limited due to military restrictions, affecting aid delivery to severely impacted areas. Noah Prescott 07/04/2025 6:00 pm
Torrential rains in Kinshasa, DR Congo, have killed at least 33 people, with residents fleeing floodwaters using makeshift canoes. The city, home to 17 million, is prone to flooding, worsened by climate change. Half of Kinshasa’s districts are affected, with the worst impact on outskirts and poor neighborhoods. Floods have caused water shortages and disrupted major roads. Residents criticize authorities for slow response. The N’djili river has also overflowed, trapping many, according to Deputy President Jacquemain Shabani. Penelope Kingsley 07/04/2025 2:30 pm
