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Germany’s ruling three-party coalition has collapsed following Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s decision to fire Finance Minister Christian Lindner, thereby setting the stage for an early election and sparking political chaos in Europe’s largest economy, reported <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/11/7/early-german-elections-likely-as-scholz-fires-minister-coalition-collapses">Al Jazeera</a>.
Opposition conservatives have called for an immediate vote of confidence, aiming to facilitate elections in January.
Scholz had initially planned to hold the confidence vote in January but would likely lose, prompting new elections by the end of March—six months earlier than the originally scheduled September elections.
Friedrich Merz, leader of the centre-right Christian Democrats, who are currently leading in nationwide polls, criticized the timeline and demanded that the vote be held “by the beginning of next week at the latest.” Said Merz:
<blockquote>
Time is of the essence. We simply cannot afford to have a government without a majority in Germany for several months now, followed by an election campaign for several more months and then possibly several weeks of coalition negotiations.
</blockquote>
Scholz and Merz were scheduled to meet later on Thursday, with Merz planning to urge Scholz to expedite the confidence vote.
Following the chaos of Wednesday, Scholz indicated he would seek Merz’s support in passing the budget and increasing military spending.
On Thursday, Scholz appointed Joerg Kukies, a senior chancellery official and deputy finance minister, as Lindner’s successor.
Lindner was dismissed after months of conflict over budget policy and the direction of Germany’s economy.
Scholz cited Lindner’s obstructive behaviour in budget disputes, accusing him of prioritizing party interests over national concerns and blocking legislation on unfounded grounds, which ultimately led the FDP to leave the government.
The chancellor criticized Lindner for engaging in “small-minded party political tactics” and stated that Lindner had broken his confidence too many times.
In response, Lindner claimed that Scholz had attempted to pressure him into violating the constitutionally mandated spending limit, known as the debt brake, which he refused to support. Said Lindner:
<blockquote>
Olaf Scholz refuses to recognise that our country needs a new economic model. Olaf Scholz has shown he doesn’t have the strength to give his country a new boost.
</blockquote>
Scholz will now need to rely on improvised parliamentary majorities to pass legislation and the planned confidence vote in his government, scheduled for January 15.
With the FDP exiting the coalition, existing cabinet members are expected to take over the roles of outgoing Justice Minister Marco Buschmann and Education Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger.
However, Transport Minister Volker Wissing, a member of the FDP, has opted to break ranks with his party and plans to remain in his position.
This political shake-up may heighten frustrations with Germany’s mainstream parties, potentially benefiting younger populist movements, including the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany (AfD).
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Pindula News

Germany's government broke up because the Chancellor fired the Finance Minister. The opposition wants a quick election in January. The Chancellor and opposition leader will meet to talk about the confidence vote. The Finance Minister was fired because of conflicts over budget policy. The government now needs support to pass laws. Some ministers have left, and new ones will take their place. This could give power to new, younger political groups in Germany.

Germany's Coalition Government Collapses

Donald Trump has been elected as the 47th president of the United States, marking a surprising political comeback that has sent shockwaves globally.
He becomes the first convicted criminal to win the presidency and, at 78, the oldest person ever elected to the office.
Trump’s election raises concerns in foreign capitals due to his chaotic leadership style and relationships with authoritarian leaders like Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong-un.
He defeated Vice-President Kamala Harris (60), who aimed to make history as the first woman, first Black woman, and first South Asian American president.
The Associated Press called Wisconsin for Trump at 5:37 AM ET, securing his victory with 277 electoral votes, surpassing the 270 needed.
Harris’s loss is seen as a significant setback for her supporters, reminiscent of Hillary Clinton’s defeat in 2016.
Despite his tumultuous past, including a violent Capitol riot and multiple criminal cases, Trump maintained strong support within the Republican Party and among certain voter demographics.
Trump claimed the Republican nomination for a third consecutive time, overcoming challenges and even surviving an assassination attempt.
The election unfolded rapidly, influenced by various crises, and Trump received substantial support from tech entrepreneur Elon Musk.
The race concluded with both candidates tied at 48% in the popular vote, according to the final New York Times/Siena College national poll published on 25 October.
His victory is viewed as a rejection of President Biden’s administration and a potential catalyst for civil unrest.
Trump employed nativist populism in his campaign, promising major deportations and framing his legal troubles as political attacks.
He will be the first president to serve non-consecutive terms since Grover Cleveland, who was in office from 1885 to 1889 and from 1893 to 1897.
As vice president, Harris will oversee the certification of the election results in January, and she will be succeeded by JD Vance (40), a senator from Ohio who supports Trump.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Donald Trump is now the 47th President of the United States. He is the oldest person ever elected, at 78 years old. He beat Vice President Kamala Harris in the election. Trump won with more electoral votes than needed. Many people are worried about his leadership style and the people he is friends with. Even though he has had some troubles in the past, Trump got lots of support from his party and some voters. This is the first time in a long time that a president will serve non-consecutive terms. Kamala Harris will help with the election results in January.

Donald Trump Elected As 47th United States President

A Russian court fined Google two undecillion roubles (two followed by 36 zeroes) for restricting Russian state media channels on YouTube.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cdxvnwkl5kgo">BBC</a>, in dollar terms, the fine amounts to $20 decillion ($20,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000), far exceeding Google’s market value of $2 trillion and the world’s total GDP of $110 trillion.
The fine doubles every day it is not paid, leading to an astronomical total.
Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov admitted he “cannot even pronounce this number” but urged Google to address the issue.
The fine originated from complaints by 17 Russian media channels whose content was restricted on YouTube, starting in 2020 and escalating after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.
Google has not publicly commented on the fine and has ongoing legal matters in Russia.
This development marks the latest escalation in tensions between Russia and the US tech giant.
In May 2021, Russia’s media regulator, Roskomnadzor, accused Google of limiting YouTube access for Russian media outlets, including RT and Sputnik, while also alleging support for “illegal protest activity.”
Then, in July 2022, Russia imposed a fine of 21.1 billion roubles (£301 million) on Google for not restricting access to what it deemed “prohibited” material regarding the war in Ukraine and other content.
Press freedom in Russia is nearly non-existent, as independent news outlets and freedom of expression face severe restrictions.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A Russian court fined Google a lot of money for limiting Russian news on YouTube. The fine is very big - more than Google's value. The fine gets bigger every day until it's paid. This happened because some Russian media channels complained that Google restricted their content. Google hasn't said anything about the fine. This is part of a bigger issue between Russia and Google about news on YouTube. Russia also fined Google before for not blocking certain content about the war in Ukraine. In Russia, news is not free, and Google is having trouble there.

Russian Court Fines Google US$2 Decillion For Allegedly Limiting Russian Content On YouTube

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has conducted overnight strikes on military targets in Iran, marking a significant escalation in tensions in the region. This comes in response to what Israel describes as months of attacks from “Iran and its proxies.”
Iran’s military acknowledged that Israeli strikes targeted military bases in the provinces of Ilam, Khuzestan, and Tehran, resulting in “limited damage.”
The Israeli military stated that the air strikes carried out on Saturday, were based on intelligence indicating that Iran was using missile manufacturing facilities to produce missiles that had been fired at Israel over the past year.
In addition to these facilities, the IDF also targeted surface-to-air missile arrays and other aerial capabilities that were seen as threats to Israel’s operational freedom in the region.
Israel has pointed to attacks from Iran in April and October, along with Iranian support for regional proxies, as factors undermining regional stability and security, as well as global economic interests.
In light of these developments, Israel has warned that if Iran retaliates, the Israeli military will feel “obligated to respond.”
The United States has clarified that it was not involved in the Israeli strikes but had been informed of the operation beforehand.
Video footage from Iran captured bright objects moving across the night sky above Tehran, accompanied by the sound of explosions.
Iranian media confirmed that Israel had targeted areas west of Tehran but downplayed the extent of the damage, stating that the strikes had occurred in three waves.
In parallel, there were reports of widespread strikes by Israel in Syria, where President Bashar al-Assad has relied on Iranian military support to maintain power.
Iran’s air defence forces confirmed that bases in Tehran, Khuzestan, and Ilam were attacked but claimed that the assaults had been successfully countered, with only limited damage reported.
The Iranian leadership now faces the critical decision of how to respond. The semi-official Tasnim news agency stated that there is no doubt Israel will encounter a “proportional reaction.”
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has warned that if Iran makes the mistake of escalating the situation, it will be obligated to retaliate.
The United States has urged Iran not to retaliate against Israeli strikes. US officials said that if Iran does respond, the US is ready for the consequences.
The officials expressed willingness to help to stop the fighting between Israel and Iran and bring peace to Lebanon, achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, and ensure hostages taken from Israel are returned.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Israel attacked military targets in Iran because they say Iran and its allies have been attacking them. Iran admits there was some damage. Israel says it was based on intelligence about missile production facilities. They also targeted other threats to their safety. Israel warns they will respond if Iran retaliates. The US was not involved but knew about the strikes. Iran claims they defended against the attacks. There were also strikes in Syria, where Iran helps the President. The US urges Iran not to fight back. They want peace between Israel and Iran.

Israel Carries Out Wave Of Strikes Across Iran

The BRICS alliance has officially added 13 new countries as partners. This move aims to increase its influence beyond the original five members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, and to create a more inclusive global economy.
This announcement was made at the BRICS summit happening in Kazan, Russia. Said Russian President Vladimir Putin during the summit:
<blockquote>
This expansion marks a new chapter for BRICS as we continue to build a more inclusive, representative global order.
By adding these new partner nations, we are reaffirming our commitment to creating a multipolar world that benefits not just the West but all regions.
</blockquote>
The new countries that have joined BRICS as partner nations are Algeria, Belarus, Bolivia, Cuba, Indonesia, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Turkey, Uganda, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam. They are not full members yet.
This expansion of BRICS is a response to the need for alternatives to Western-led institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.
However, BRICS faces challenges. The different political systems and economic situations of the new partner countries will need careful planning to make sure the group’s projects work well.
The BRICS Alliance was initially known as BRIC before South Africa joined in 2010, making it BRICS.
The alliance aims to improve economic growth, support trade and investment, and provide a platform for political dialogue among member countries.
The alliance focuses on promoting trade among member countries and reducing reliance on Western currencies.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The BRICS alliance, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, has added 13 new partner countries. This is to make the global economy more inclusive. The new partners are not full members yet. The alliance aims to create a world that benefits all regions, not just the West. The goal is to provide alternatives to Western institutions like the IMF and World Bank. However, there are challenges due to different political systems and economies of the new partners. The alliance wants to improve economic growth, trade, and political dialogue among member countries.

BRICS Alliance Grows With Addition Of 13 New Partner Nations

United States Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin has called reports of North Korea preparing to enter the Ukraine war with troops a “very serious issue.”
Austin said this following his fourth visit to Kyiv, where he announced a US$400 million package of US weapons for Ukraine, reported <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/24/reports-of-north-korea-training-in-russia-to-fight-in-ukraine-serious-us">Al Jazeera</a>.
On Wednesday, White House national security spokesman John Kirby revealed that Washington believes at least 3,000 North Korean soldiers arrived by sea this month to Vladivostok, Russia’s largest Pacific port. He said:
<blockquote>
These soldiers then travelled onward to multiple Russian military training sites in eastern Russia, where they are currently undergoing training.
We do not yet know whether these soldiers will enter into combat alongside the Russian military, but this is certainly a highly concerning probability.
</blockquote>
 He added that should they fight against Ukraine, “they’re fair game.”
North Korea is also accused of exporting ballistic missiles and artillery shells, which have already been found detonated on Ukrainian soil.
Kyrylo Budanov, the head of Ukrainian military intelligence, told US outlet The War Zone that 11,000 North Korean infantrymen are training in eastern Russia and are set to be deployed to Ukraine by November 1.
The first batch of 2,600 soldiers is expected to combat a Ukrainian counter-invasion in Kursk, using Russian weapons and ammunition.
On October 18, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service (NIS) said it had learned Pyongyang had recently decided to deploy four brigades amounting to 12,000 troops to Ukraine, according to Yonhap News Agency.
That was also the figure given by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in his evening address on Tuesday.
The NIS monitored the first batch of 1,500 troops being ferried to Vladivostok between October 8 and 13, who were reportedly issued fake ID cards to disguise themselves as Russian soldiers.
South Korea has suggested it might actively assist Ukraine with offensive weapons if North Korea joins the war on Russia’s side.
If confirmed, North Korean fighters’ presence would suggest that Russia is struggling with personnel shortages.
Russia has been fighting this war with volunteers and contract servicemen, often from former Soviet republics, and has avoided using regular Russian draftees.
Throughout the past week, Ukraine has estimated more than 1,300 Russian casualties per day, claiming over 600,000 Russian casualties for the entire war.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The United States is very worried about reports that North Korea might send troops to fight in Ukraine. It is a serious issue. North Korean soldiers have been trained in Russia and might go to Ukraine. South Korea has also heard about North Korea sending troops to Ukraine. If North Korean soldiers join the war, they could be targets for fights. Russia is struggling with not having enough soldiers to fight the war in Ukraine. It is a big problem for both countries.

North Korea's Troops In Ukraine A "Very Serious Issue" - US Defence Secretary

The Israeli military claims that Hezbollah is using a bunker beneath a hospital in southern Beirut to store hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold, serving as a financial hub for the group.
According to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli Air Force conducted precision airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s financial assets in the region but avoided striking the hospital itself. Said Hagari:
<blockquote>
One of our main targets last night was an underground vault with millions of dollars in cash and gold. The money was being used to finance Hezbollah’s attacks on Israel.
</blockquote>
Hagari also said that the Israeli Air Force is monitoring the compound but will not target the medical facility directly.
Israel did not provide concrete evidence for the alleged stash but released an animated graphic depicting the bunker’s location. The bunker was previously used to hide Hezbollah’s former leader, Hassan Nasrallah.
Fadi Alameh, the director of the hospital, dismissed the allegations as baseless and inflammatory, asserting that the facility contains only medical equipment and patients. He called for a Lebanese Army inspection.
Israel estimates that there is around US$500 million in cash and gold stored in the bunker, urging the Lebanese government and international organisations to prevent Hezbollah from using these funds for conflict.
Israeli Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi confirmed ongoing airstrikes targeting Hezbollah’s financial operations, with around 30 sites hit recently.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated since October, following Israel’s retaliatory actions against Hamas.
Hezbollah has shown solidarity with the Palestinians, leading to routine skirmishes along the Lebanese-Israeli border.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Israeli military says Hezbollah has a bunker under a hospital in Lebanon with lots of money. They bombed the bunker to stop Hezbollah using the money to attack Israel. The hospital director denies this and wants an inspection. Israel thinks there's $500 million in the bunker. They are bombing Hezbollah's financial sites. The tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have increased.

Israeli Military Claims Bunker Beneath Hospital In Lebanon Holds US$500 Million For Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a warning to Hezbollah after an alleged assassination attempt against him and his wife on Saturday, labelling it a “grave mistake”, reported <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/world/netanyahu-promises-retaliation-following-assassination-attempt-hezbollah">Fox News</a>.
In a post on X, Netanyahu said the attempt on his life would not hinder Israel’s efforts to combat its enemies and secure its future. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I say to Iran and its proxies in its axis of evil: Anyone who tries to harm Israel’s citizens will pay a heavy price; We will continue to eliminate the terrorists and those who dispatch them; We will bring our hostages home from Gaza; And we will return our citizens who live on our Northern border safely to their homes.
Israel is determined to achieve all our war objectives and change the security reality in our region for generations to come.
</blockquote>
Netanyahu addressed Iran and its allies, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis, saying Israel is committed to achieving its war objectives following the October 7 attack and aims to reshape the region’s security landscape for generations.
He warned that anyone threatening Israeli citizens would face severe consequences and reaffirmed Israel’s resolve to eliminate terrorist threats and safely return hostages from Gaza.
The warning came after three drones were launched from Lebanon toward Netanyahu’s residence, two of which were intercepted. No injuries were reported, and Netanyahu was not at home during the incident.
Netanyahu declared in a video message that Israel would prevail in the ongoing conflict. He said:
<blockquote>
Two days ago we took out Sinwar, the terrorist mastermind whose goons beheaded our men, raped our women and burned our babies alive.
We took him out, and we’re continuing to battle with Iran’s other terrorist proxies. We’re going to win this war.
</blockquote>
Yahya Sinwar was the leader of Hamas who was killed by Israeli forces in Tal as-Sultan, Rafah, on Wednesday.
He led Hamas in Gaza since the deaths of the group’s political leaders, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran and senior commander Mohammed Deif in Gaza in July this year.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin reassured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant of America’s support.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has warned Hezbollah after an alleged drone attack on his home. He says Israel will not be stopped in fighting its enemies. Netanyahu also mentioned Iran and its allies, saying Israel will achieve its goals and make the region safer. He promised to retaliate against anyone who threatens Israeli citizens. Three drones were sent towards Netanyahu's home, but no one was hurt. Netanyahu believes Israel will win the war against terrorist groups. The US has also supported Israel in this situation.

Drone Strikes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Home

Russia’s army has reportedly gained full control of the strategic hilltop town of Vuhledar in eastern Ukraine, according to unconfirmed claims by pro-Russian military bloggers, reported <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/10/2/russia-reportedly-captures-key-town-of-vuhledar-in-eastern-ukraine">Al Jazeera</a>.
The mining town, located in the Donetsk region, is significant for its strategic position and has resisted capture since Russia’s full-scale invasion began in 2022.
The governor of Donetsk reported that Russian troops had reached the centre of Vuhledar shortly before these claims emerged.
Russian authorities have not commented on the reports that it now controls the town.
Vuhledar serves as a supply hub for both Ukrainian and Russian forces, located at the intersection of the eastern and southern fronts.
Its capture is viewed as crucial for Moscow’s efforts to control the entire Donetsk region.
The town’s strategic value is heightened by its closeness to a rail line connecting Crimea to the industrial Donbas region.
While under Ukrainian control, Vuhledar allowed forces to target Russian supply lines.
Russian forces reached the outskirts last week and have intensified their offensive, complicating Ukrainian supplies and troop rotations.
Reports indicate that remaining Ukrainian defenders faced heavy bombardment from aerial glide bombs.
Ongoing fierce fighting since 2022 has devastated much of Vuhledar. Recent footage showed Russian soldiers unfurling flags from bombed buildings, corroborating claims of their presence in the town.
Since August, Russian troops have advanced rapidly in eastern Ukraine, marking their fastest progress in over two years, despite Ukrainian incursions into Russia’s Kursk region.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Russian forces have taken over a town called Vuhledar in Ukraine. This town is very important because it is a hub for supplies for both Ukrainian and Russian troops. The town is also close to a rail line connecting Crimea to the Donbas region. The Russian troops have been advancing quickly in eastern Ukraine, causing a lot of damage and fighting. The town has been heavily bombed and many Ukrainian defenders are facing attacks. This is part of Russia's efforts to control the Donetsk region in Ukraine.

Russian Forces Reportedly Capture Strategic Town In Ukraine

Iran has reportedly launched over 180 missiles towards Israel, escalating fears of a regional war in the Middle East.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c9dyxxgxv1jo">BBC</a>, millions of people rushed to shelters before explosions lit up the skies over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with at least one fatality in Jericho due to falling debris.
Air raid sirens sounded all across Israel at around 7:30 PM local time (4:30 PM GMT) on Tuesday, as the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) warned missiles had been launched from Iran.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Iran has made a “big mistake” and will face consequences. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that most missiles were intercepted.
Iranian state media claimed 200 missiles were fired, including hypersonic weapons, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attack was in retaliation for the recent killings of the leaders of Hezbollah and Hamas.
US President Joe Biden said the Iranian missile attack appeared to have been “defeated and ineffective”.
The US Department of Defense confirmed its forces had helped shoot down missiles in support of Israel.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a ceasefire, while allies like the UK, France, Japan, and Australia expressed support for Israel.
Videos on social media captured streams of light from missiles flying over Israel, along with smoke from interceptions or detonations.
After about an hour, the IDF announced that people could leave shelters, stating there were no further aerial threats from Iran.
IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that a few missiles hit central and southern Israel. He said:
<blockquote>
The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.
Iran’s attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.
Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness. Our operational plans are ready.
We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.
</blockquote>
The missile barrage followed an Israeli invasion of southern Lebanon aimed at targeting Hezbollah, amidst a backdrop of increased hostilities since the war with Hamas began.
Speaking on Wednesday, Iran’s chief of staff Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri told state TV that it would hit infrastructure across Israel if it decides to strike back.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed to have targeted unspecified “sensitive security and military” sites in retaliation for the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
They described the missile barrage as a legitimate act of self-defence. The attack was also in response to an Israeli airstrike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
Iranian state media later reported that missiles struck multiple Israeli air bases, tanks in Gaza, and gas facilities in Ashkelon.
This occurred shortly after a US official indicated that Iran was preparing to launch missiles.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan later said there was no known damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel.
He concluded that, based on current information, the missile attack appeared to have been “defeated and ineffective.”
The conflict is rooted in a broader struggle involving various Iranian-backed groups across the Middle East, opposing US and Israeli interests.
In April, Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation for an attack on its consulate in Syria that killed several commanders.
Most of the missiles were intercepted by Israel and its allies, resulting in only minor damage to an air base in southern Israel.
In response, Israel targeted an Iranian air base with its own missile strike, amid calls for restraint from Western nations.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Iran fired more than 180 missiles at Israel. People rushed to shelters before explosions in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There was at least one death. Israel's Prime Minister said Iran made a mistake. Many missiles were stopped. The US and allies support Israel. The conflict involves Iranian-backed groups. This is part of a bigger struggle. The missile attack seemed ineffective. Some missiles hit central and southern Israel. The conflict started with an Israeli attack in Lebanon. Iran said they will hit back if Israel strikes. The situation is tense in the Middle East.

Iran Launches Over 180 Missiles At Israel

China has reported the successful launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) carrying a dummy warhead into the Pacific Ocean.
The Chinese defence ministry said that the ICBM was launched at 08:44 local time on Wednesday and “fell into expected sea areas,” describing the test as “routine” and part of its “annual training.”
While the specific type of missile and its flight path remains unclear, Chinese state media indicated that Beijing had “informed the countries concerned in advance.”
An ICBM is a long-range missile designed to deliver nuclear or conventional warheads over distances typically greater than 5,500 kilometers.
ICBMs can be launched from silos, mobile platforms, or submarines, and follow a high-arcing trajectory that takes them into space before descending towards their target.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gl843l90zo">BBC</a>, typically, China’s nuclear weapon tests occur domestically, with previous ICBM launches directed westward into the Taklamakan Desert in the Xinjiang region.
This launch is believed to mark the first time since 1980 that an ICBM has been fired into international waters.
Ankit Panda, a nuclear weapons specialist at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, commented on X:
<blockquote>
Unless I’m missing something, I think this is essentially the first time this has happened – and been announced as such – in a long time.
</blockquote>
He added that Beijing’s characterisation of the test as “routine” and “annual” was unusual, “considering that they don’t typically conduct such launches either routinely or annually.”
Japanese government spokesman Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters on Wednesday that China had provided no prior notice of the ICBM launch.
Japan’s defence ministry had earlier said that there was no damage to its vessels as a result of the incident. It said:
<blockquote>
We will continue to collect and analyse information on the movements of the Chinese military and will take all possible precautions in our vigilance and monitoring.
</blockquote>
The last time China conducted such a test—in May 1980—the ICBM traveled 9,070 km before landing in the Pacific Ocean. That launch involved 18 Chinese naval ships and remains one of China’s largest naval operations to date.
Drew Thompson, a visiting research fellow at the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy in Singapore, commented on X:
<blockquote>
Timing is everything. [China’s] statement claims the launch does not target any country, but there are high levels of tension between China and Japan, the Philippines, and of course perpetual tension with Taiwan.
The launch is a powerful signal intended to intimidate everyone.
</blockquote>
John Ridge, a U.S.-based defense analyst, suggested that China may have conducted the test as a form of “posturing or signaling to the United States.”
Although relations between Beijing and Washington have improved over the past year, China’s growing assertiveness in the region continues to be a contentious issue.
Tensions have escalated between China and the Philippines due to repeated collisions between their ships in disputed waters.
Japan recently scrambled fighter jets in response to a Chinese spy plane allegedly breaching its airspace, which it deemed “utterly unacceptable.”
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

China recently tested an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) by launching it into the Pacific Ocean. An ICBM is a long-range missile that can carry nuclear or non-nuclear warheads over long distances. This test is the first time China has fired an ICBM into international waters since 1980. The launch was unexpected and may be a signal to intimidate other countries. Tensions have increased between China and Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. This test may be China's way of sending a message to the United States and showing its strength in the region.

China Conducts Its First ICBM Test In Decades

Former United States President Donald Trump has been briefed by U.S. intelligence about specific threats from Iran regarding an assassination attempt against him, according to his campaign.
In a statement, the campaign said the Republican presidential candidate was briefed “regarding real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos in the United States”.
The campaign, however, did not clarify whether these threats were new or previously reported.
Trump campaign communications director Steven Cheung said in the statement:
<blockquote>
Intelligence officials have identified that these continued and coordinated attacks have heightened in the past few months.
Law enforcement officials across all agencies are working to ensure President Trump is protected and the election is free from interference.
</blockquote>
This follows an assassination attempt on Trump on July 13, during which he was injured and another person was killed at a rally in Pennsylvania.
Afterwards, U.S. officials reportedly received intelligence about an alleged Iranian plot against him, which Iranian officials denied.
Then September 15, a Secret Service agent fired upon spotting a rifle poking through a fence at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach. The agent opened fire as Trump was playing a round of golf.
Ryan Wesley Routh, a man arrested near the golf course, was charged with attempting to assassinate a presidential candidate, though there is no indication of Iranian involvement in either incident.
Last month, Trump’s campaign claimed that some of its internal communications had been hacked, suggesting possible targeting by Iranian operatives. Trump wrote on X on Wednesday:
<blockquote>
Big threats on my life by Iran. The entire U.S. Military is watching and waiting. Moves were already made by Iran that didn’t work out, but they will try again.
Not a good situation for anyone. I am surrounded by more men, guns, and weapons than I have ever seen before.
Thank you to Congress for unanimously approving far more money to Secret Service – Zero “NO” Votes, strictly bipartisan.
Nice to see Republicans and Democrats get together on something. An attack on a former President is a Death Wish for the attacker!
</blockquote>
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Donald Trump has been warned by U.S. intelligence that Iran might try to kill him. This news comes from Trump's campaign team. They didn't say if it was a new threat. The campaign said that attacks on Trump have increased recently. Police are working to keep Trump safe and protect the election. Recently, there was a shooting near Trump's golf club. A man was arrested for trying to hurt Trump, but Iran is not linked to these incidents. Trump's campaign also said their emails may have been hacked by Iran. The U.S. government is taking all these threats seriously.

U.S. Intelligence Warns Trump Of Iranian Assassination Threats

Israel and Hezbollah are engaged in renewed hostilities following a wave of Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon that resulted in over 500 deaths.
Hezbollah, also known as the “Party of God,” is a Lebanese Shia Islamist political party and paramilitary group which was founded in the early 1980s during the Lebanese Civil War, with significant support from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards.
The group was initially established to fight the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982.
As reported by <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/9/24/israel-and-hezbollah-trade-fire-as-thousands-flee-south-lebanon">Al Jazeera</a>, on Tuesday, Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets targeting Israeli air bases, including the Megiddo facility, while the Israeli military reported intercepting most projectiles with its Iron Dome defence system.
The Israeli military claimed that more than 50 rockets were fired from Lebanon, with no reported casualties. In retaliation, Israel targeted numerous Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon.
The violence marks the largest escalation since the 2006 war, with Israel claiming to have fired over 1,600 projectiles into Lebanon on Monday.
Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that the airstrikes killed 558 people, including many women and children, and wounded at least 1,835.
The attacks have drawn international condemnation and calls for de-escalation as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly.
Tens of thousands have fled their homes, causing severe congestion on highways towards the Lebanese Beirut, while schools have been converted into shelters for those displaced.
The Health Ministry has urged medical staff to postpone non-emergency procedures to accommodate the influx of wounded.
Lebanon’s civil defence responded to 176 fires ignited by Israeli airstrikes, including blazes in agricultural areas and a landfill.
Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that the strikes targeted medical centres, ambulances, and vehicles of people attempting to flee, causing widespread shock both domestically and internationally.
In response to the escalating violence, over 30 international flights to and from Beirut were cancelled, with Qatar Airways suspending its services until Wednesday.
Other airlines, including Lufthansa, Air France, and Delta Air Lines, have also halted flights to Beirut.
The ongoing cross-border conflict has displaced tens of thousands on both sides since Israel intensified its military operations in Gaza.
Recent attacks, attributed to Israel, resulted in nearly 40 deaths and almost 3,000 injuries from explosions in Lebanon.
On Friday, Israeli airstrikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs killed 59 people, including a high-ranking Hezbollah official.

Israel and Hezbollah are fighting again. Israel bombed Lebanon and over 500 people were killed. Hezbollah started in the 1980s to fight Israel. Now, they are attacking each other. Israel says they stopped most of Hezbollah's rockets. Israel also bombed many Hezbollah sites. Many people have died and been hurt. People are fleeing their homes. World leaders want peace. Flights to Lebanon have been cancelled. This fighting has been going on for a while, with many people hurt and killed.

Over 500 Killed In Israeli Airstrikes On Lebanon

Former United States President Donald Trump is safe following an apparent assassination attempt at his Florida golf course on Sunday afternoon.
According to the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3rllnd1pypo">BBC</a>, Secret Service agents noticed the barrel of a rifle protruding from some bushes and subsequently opened fire on the “potential suspect,” who is now in custody.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) reported that Trump was between 300 and 500 yards (approximately 275 to 455 meters) away at the time of the incident.
The suspect has been identified by U.S. media as Ryan Routh, 58, from Hawaii. A witness observed him emerging from the bushes and fleeing in a black Nissan car after agents fired at him multiple times.
An AK-47-style firearm with a scope, along with two backpacks and a GoPro camera, was later recovered from the scene.
The witness also photographed the vehicle and its license plate, which led to the car being stopped later in Martin County, north of the golf club.
Sheriff Ric Bradshaw of Palm Beach County told a news briefing that the suspect was in custody. He said:
<blockquote>
We got a hold of Martin County Sheriff’s Office, alerted them, and they spotted the vehicle and pulled it over and detained the guy.
After that, we took the witness that witnessed the incident, flew him up there and he identified as the person that he saw running out of the bushes, that jumped into the car.
</blockquote>
It is unclear whether or not the gunman fired at either the former president or the agents. Rafael Barros from the Secret Service Miami Field Office said:
<blockquote>
We are not sure right now if the individual was able to take a shot at our agents, but for sure our agents were able to engage with the suspect.
</blockquote>
In an email to his supporters, Trump said he was “safe and well”.
The incident comes almost exactly two months after a gunman attempted to assassinate Trump at a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, striking his ear.
The Secret Service confirmed in a post on X that they were investigating a “protective incident” involving Trump that took place shortly before 14:00 EST (19:00 BST) on Sunday.
Later, Sheriff Bradshaw said, “the Secret Service agent that was on the course did a fantastic job”. 
He added:
<blockquote>
What they do is they have an agent that jumps one hole ahead of time to where the president was at and he was able to spot this rifle barrel sticking out of the fence and immediately engage that individual, at which time the individual took off.”
</blockquote>
Meanwhile, the suspect Routh was charged and convicted of numerous offences in Guilford County, North Carolina, between 2002 and 2010, according to a law enforcement source who spoke to CBS News.
The offences included carrying a concealed weapon, resisting arrest, hit and run in a motor vehicle, driving with a revoked licence and possession of stolen property.
The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice-President Kamala Harris were briefed about the golf course incident.
Harris issued a statement saying:
<blockquote>
I am deeply disturbed by the possible assassination attempt of former President Trump today.
As we gather the facts, I will be clear: I condemn political violence. We all must do our part to ensure that this incident does not lead to more violence.
</blockquote>
Harris is in a tight race against Trump in the presidential election, with the outcome of the November 5 vote likely hinging on results from several key swing states.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Former President Donald Trump was almost shot at his golf course in Florida, but he is safe. The suspect, Ryan Routh, was caught by the police. The suspect had a gun and tried to run away. The police stopped him and found more weapons in his car. It is not clear if the suspect shot at the former president. Trump said he is okay and the Secret Service did a good job. The suspect has been in trouble with the law before. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were told about the incident and condemned violence.

Donald Trump Survives Yet Another Apparent Assassination Attempt

Putin has issued a warning that if Ukraine uses long-range missiles to attack targets inside Russia, this would mean a direct war with NATO.
So far, Ukraine has only been allowed by the US to use US-provided missiles across the border into Russia for a limited distance and only in self-defence.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has however repeatedly called for these limitations to be lifted so that Ukraine can fire at targets further inside Russia.
Putin however warned on Russian State TV on Thursday that this would change the war:
<blockquote>
“This would in a significant way change the very nature of the conflict. It would mean that NATO countries, the US, European countries, are at war with Russia. And if this is so, then, bearing in mind the change in the very essence of this conflict, we will make appropriate decisions based on the threats that will be created for us”
</blockquote>
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations also said on Friday to the 15-member UN Security Council:
<blockquote>
“The facts are that NATO will be a direct party to hostilities against a nuclear power, I think you shouldn’t forget about this and think about the consequences.”
</blockquote>
Ukraine is supported and provided weapons by the west and use of the weapons comes with conditions and restrictions. These restrictions, Zelensky says prevent them from targeting airfields, ammunition depots and command centres deep inside Russia, and increasing the costs of the war for Putin. A key request for Zelensky has been the approval to strike with US-produced Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS). But the US has so far declined this request.
The Prime Minister of Poland (a Nato member) said about the Putin warning:
<blockquote>
“It is necessary to take all events in Ukraine and on the Ukrainian-Russian front very seriously, but I would not attach excessive importance to the latest statements from President Putin. They rather show the difficult situation the Russians have on the front.”
</blockquote>

Putin warned that if Ukraine uses long-range missiles to attack Russia, NATO would be involved in a direct war with Russia. Ukraine wants to be allowed to use more powerful missiles to hit deeper targets in Russia, but the US has restrictions. Russia's ambassador to the UN warned about NATO getting involved in a war with a nuclear power. Ukraine's support from the West comes with limitations on their weapons use. The Prime Minister of Poland doesn't think Putin's warning is a big deal, saying it shows Russia's difficulties in Ukraine.

Putin Warns Of War Against NATO If Ukraine Uses Long-Range Missiles

A 48-year-old Indian woman fell into an eight-metre-deep sinkhole that opened on a busy road in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
She was sitting on a roadside bench in Jalan India Masjid when the ground beneath her suddenly caved in, the <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c39krpky3v8o">BBC</a> cited local police as saying.
Videos on social media show crowds of people watching rescue workers trying to make their way into the sinkhole but there does not appear to be any sign of the woman.
The Kuala Lumpur Fire and Rescue Department said it received a distress call at 08:22 local time and dispatched 15 firemen to the scene.
Operation commander Mohd Riduan Akhbar told local media that a search and rescue operation was being conducted. He said:
<blockquote>
The Special Tactical Operation and Rescue Team of Malaysia (STORM) and the K9 unit are at the location.
</blockquote>
Local police chief Assistant Commissioner Sulizmie Affendy Sulaiman said that ninety personnel from various other agencies have also joined in the rescue operation. He said:
<blockquote>
We will look at CCTV footage and take statements from witnesses to get a clearer picture of what occurred.
</blockquote>
Sinkholes are natural depressions or holes in the Earth’s surface caused by the collapse of the ground.
Sinkholes form when the ground beneath the surface gradually dissolves, causing the surface to collapse inward.
They can pose significant risks to human life and property, as they can suddenly open up without warning, swallowing buildings, roads, and infrastructure.
One of the worst recent sinkhole disasters in terms of casualties occurred in Canada in 2010 when a family of four died after their entire house was swallowed by a gaping sinkhole near Montreal.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

A woman in Malaysia fell into a big hole on the road. People are trying to rescue her. Sinkholes are dangerous because they can suddenly open up and swallow things. Another bad sinkhole in Canada killed a family in 2010. The woman in Malaysia is missing, and rescue teams are looking for her. They will use CCTV and talk to witnesses to find out what happened. Sinkholes happen when the ground dissolves, and the surface collapses. It's important to be careful around sinkholes because they can be very dangerous.

Woman Swallowed By A Pavement Sinkhole In Malaysia

Ukrainian soldiers launched a surprise incursion into western Russia and successfully tested its weak border defences which may deal a blow to its natural gas supplies to Europe.
Hundreds of Ukrainian servicemen backed by armoured vehicles, artillery and drones entered the Kursk region on Tuesday, according to Russian officials, Ukrainian servicemen and media reports.
As reported by <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/8/whats-behind-ukraines-surprise-incursion-into-russias-kursk-region">Al Jazeera</a>, on Tuesday morning, Ukrainian forces fought through the border and approached Sudzha, a sleepy town of 5,000 people.
Sudzha is important as the location of the only pumping station that delivers Russian natural gas to Europe via Ukraine.
The Kursk nuclear power station, one of the world’s oldest, is located in the town of Kurchatov, about 70km east of Sudzha.
Ukrainian drones have been spotted in Kurchatov, and some analysts said Kyiv wants to destabilise the Russian energy system the way Moscow has targeted Ukrainian power stations and its energy grid.
By Wednesday afternoon, Ukrainians surrounded Sudzha, seized three villages and were spotted near 10 more, according to Russian officials and media.
Kursk acting Governor Aleksey Smirnov wrote on Telegram on Wednesday that at least three civilians – two drivers and a woman – have been killed, and 24 have been wounded, including six children.
President Vladimir Putin called the raid a “full-scale provocation by the Kyiv regime” and accused Ukrainian soldiers of indiscriminately firing at residential areas and civilians.
The Ministry of Defence in Moscow claimed on Wednesday that Ukrainians lost up to 260 servicemen, seven tanks and 42 armoured vehicles, two air defence vehicles and a radio jamming station.
According to Deep State, a Ukrainian Telegram channel known for verified reports, on Wednesday said that Ukrainian forces killed a group of Russian servicemen holed up in a walled Orthodox monastery, shot down a Ka-52 helicopter and destroyed two tanks.
On Friday, Russia’s defence ministry said its troops “continue to repel” Ukraine’s incursion into the Kursk region.
A Russian official also said that fighting is ongoing “several dozen kilometres” from Kurchatov, where a nuclear power plant is located.
Meanwhile, at least two people died on Friday following a Russian attack on a supermarket in the city of Kostiantynivka, injuring seven people, according to reports. The city lies in the Donetsk Oblast.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Ukrainian soldiers went into western Russia and took some villages. The area they went to is important for sending Russian gas to Europe. Some people died and got hurt. The two countries are fighting, and more fighting is happening near a nuclear power plant. The President of Russia says Ukraine is causing trouble. Both sides lost soldiers and equipment, like tanks and helicopters. The fighting is still going on, and more people are getting hurt.

Ukrainian Forces Invade Western Russia, Seize Three Villages

Thousands of anti-racism protesters gathered across England and formed human shields to protect asylum centres after police warned that more than 100 far-right gatherings that had been planned had the potential to turn violent.
As reported by <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/article/2024/aug/07/thousands-of-anti-racism-protesters-take-to-streets-to-counter-far-right-rallies">The Guardian</a>, lawyers’ offices shut down, high street shops were boarded up, GP practices closed early and MPs were told to consider working from home as 41 of the 43 local police force areas in England and Wales braced for potential disorder.
About 6,000 riot-trained officers were deployed to tackle the expected rallies and an estimated 30 counter-protests.
UK Police staged their biggest mobilisation to counter disorder since the 2011 riots on Wednesday, after immigration law firms and refugee centres were listed as potential targets in a far-right chat group on the encrypted messaging app Telegram.
But instead, thousands of counter-protesters took to the streets of Liverpool, Birmingham, Bristol, Brighton and London to protect their communities.
Three people were arrested for public order offences in Northampton, while fifteen were arrested across the capital, including 10 in Croydon for assaulting emergency workers, possession of offensive weapons and other offences.
<h2>What Caused the far-right protests?</h2>
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ckg55we5n3xo">BBC</a>, the fatal stabbing of three young girls at a dance class in the seaside town of Southport, in the north of England sparked the riots in towns and cities across England and Northern Ireland.
The violence has been fuelled by misinformation online, the far-right and anti-immigration sentiment.
Bebe King, six, Elsie Dot Stancombe, seven, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine, were killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance and yoga event on 29 July 2024.
Later that day, police said they had arrested a 17-year-old from a village nearby and that they were not treating the incident as terror-related.
However, almost immediately after the attack, social media posts falsely speculated that the suspect was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK on a boat in 2023.
The social media posts circulated an incorrect name for the alleged perpetrator, falsely claiming he was Muslim.
However, it later emerged that the suspect was actually born in Wales to Rwandan parents, not of the Muslim faith.
The suspect has been named as 17-year-old Axel Rudakubana. Suspects below 18 have automatic anonymity, but judges decided to identify Rudakubana, in part to stop the spread of false information, reported <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/6/uk-riots-raise-the-spectre-of-racism-and-evoke-haunting-memories">Al Jazeera</a>.
Rudakubana is a British national born in Wales, reportedly to Christian parents from Rwanda.
Police said the violence was believed to have involved supporters of the now-disbanded far-right group the English Defence League (EDL).
According to BBC, while there was no single organising force at work, there was a clear pattern of influencers driving a message for people to gather for protests.
Multiple influencers within different circles allegedly amplified false claims about the identity of the attacker, reaching a large audience.
Speaking after chairing a Cobra emergency meeting on Tuesday, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the government was doing “everything we can” to ensure police could respond wherever they were needed.
<h2>Migrants live in fear</h2>
Many Zimbabweans, along with other ethnic minorities and asylum seekers, have faced heightened fear and anxiety due to the violence and racism associated with these riots.
The riots have led to attacks on properties housing asylum seekers and increased hostility towards immigrants.
According to Al Jazeera, the rioters chanted against – and attacked migrants, Muslims and non-white Britons. Part of the report reads:
<blockquote>
Mosques have been vandalised. Rioters have thrown bricks into the homes belonging to ethnic minorities and smashed the windscreens of their cars. A Syrian supermarket in Belfast was set alight.
Hotels housing asylum seekers have been surrounded by furious crowds, some of whom have made deadly threats; one masked man was filmed making a slit-throat gesture.
Racist graffiti was sprayed on the Holiday Inn Express in Tamworth, perhaps an indicator of how many communities are at risk: “Fu** P***s”, “Scum”, “Get out England”.
</blockquote>
On Tuesday, UK-based Zimbabwean lawyer Brighton Mutebuka said he had been warned about reports of a conspiracy to target UK Immigration Lawyers and Migrant Support groups. He posted on X:
<blockquote>
I have just literally received a highly concerning email from my Regulator warning me about reports of a conspiracy to target UK Immigration Lawyers &amp; Migrant Support groups by Far-Right thugs at 8pm tomorrow. The situation has defo gone another level!
</blockquote>
<h2>Who are the Far-right?</h2>
The term “far-right” generally refers to political ideologies, groups, and movements that are significantly further to the right of the traditional political right-wing.
Some key characteristics associated with the far-right include ultra-nationalism and xenophobia, authoritarianism, racism and white supremacy, anti-immigration and anti-globalization, as well as traditionalism and social conservatism.
The far-right is considered to be on the extreme end of the right-wing political spectrum, in contrast to more mainstream centre-right or centre-left ideologies.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

Thousands of people in England protested against racism to protect asylum centers from far-right violence. The protests were in response to misinformation and violence after three girls were killed in a knife attack. The suspect was falsely linked to being an asylum seeker. The violence targeted migrants, Muslims, and non-white Britons, causing fear and attacks on their property. The far-right groups are known for ultra-nationalism, xenophobia, racism, and anti-immigration views. The protests aimed to protect the vulnerable and counter the spread of hate and violence.

Thousands Of Anti-racism Protesters Flood Streets Across England To Counter Far-right Rallies

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested that blocking humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip would be “justified and moral” – even if it resulted in the deaths of two million Palestinian civilians from starvation.
Speaking at a conference in Yad Binyamin hosted by the right-wing Israel Hayom outlet, Smotrich lamented that the international community would not allow Israel to deliberately starve 2 million Palestinians in Gaza as a tactic to secure the release of Israeli hostages.
However, Smotrich stated that he personally believes such an extreme measure would be morally justified.
He said (via <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/smotrich-it-may-be-justified-to-starve-2-million-gazans-but-world-wont-let-us/?g=h">The Times of Israel</a>):
<blockquote>
We bring in aid because there is no choice. We can’t, in the current global reality, manage a war. Nobody will let us cause 2 million civilians to die of hunger, even though it might be justified and moral until our hostages are returned.
Humanitarianism in exchange for humanitarianism is morally justified — but what can we do? We live today in a certain reality, we need international legitimacy for this war.
</blockquote>
Smotrich said that blocking humanitarian aid from Gaza was more likely to get all the hostages being held by Hamas released, as opposed to the current hostage-for-ceasefire deal that is being negotiated and only ensures the release of some. He said:
<blockquote>
Everyone wants to bring the hostages back, but the deal only gets a minority of hostages and condemns the majority. Therefore it’s not right and not moral and it endangers the nation.
</blockquote>
He also said he was against releasing “terrorists” from Israeli prisons in exchange for hostages.
Smotrich said that while he supports Israel resettling Gaza, he hasn’t demanded that this be defined as one of the war’s goals.
He argued, though, that if Israel hadn’t pulled out of Gaza in 2005, the October 7 massacre would never have happened.
It is believed that 111 of the 251 Israeli hostages abducted by Hamas on October 7 2023 remain in Gaza, including the bodies of 39 confirmed dead by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce in late November, and four hostages were released before that.
Seven hostages have been rescued by troops alive, and the bodies of 24 hostages have also been recovered, including three mistakenly killed by the military as they tried to escape their captors.
More: <a href="https://www.pindula.co.zw/">Pindula News</a>

The Israeli Finance Minister said it might be okay to stop giving food to 2 million people in Gaza, even if they starve. He thinks this extreme measure could be justified to get Israeli hostages back. He believes stopping aid would push Hamas to release all hostages, not just some. He doesn't support releasing prisoners in exchange for hostages. He argues that if Israel had not left Gaza in 2005, a deadly massacre would not have happened. Some hostages have been released, but many are still missing. The Minister thinks cutting aid is a way to push for more hostages to be released.

Israeli Finance Ministers Says It May Be "Justified" To Starve 2 Million Gazans

Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has resigned and fled to India following weeks of deadly demonstrations against her government.
Hasina’s resignation on Monday after close to decades in power followed weeks of deadly protests and appears to have averted the threat of further bloodshed in the Asian country.
In an address to the nation, army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman announced that an interim government will now run Bangladesh and called for calm.
Hasina’s aide told <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/8/5/bangladesh-pm-hasina-quits-and-flees-as-protestors-storm-palace-reports">Al Jazeera</a> that she boarded a military helicopter on Monday as huge crowds ignored a national curfew to storm her palace in Dhaka.
An aircraft carrying Hasina landed at Hindon Air Base near New Delhi. She was on board a Bangladesh Air Force aircraft which landed at the base in Ghaziabad.
Her resignation came after nearly 300 people died in weeks of protest that the authorities sought to crush. A night of deadly violence on Sunday killed close to 100 and a curfew was called.
As reported by Al Jazeera, on Monday, huge crowds stormed the prime minister’s palace, preventing Hasina from delivering a speech.
At least 20 more people were killed during violence in Dhaka as protesters stormed buildings.
By early afternoon, the mood on the streets had turned to one of celebration after the news of the premier’s departure spread.
Bangladesh suffered many years of military rule in the 1970s and 80s following the war that secured its independence from Pakistan in 1971.
Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman tried to reassure the nation and urged citizens to keep their trust in the army. He said:
<blockquote>
We will also ensure that justice is served for every death and crime that occurred during the protests.
We have invited representatives from all major political parties, and they have accepted our invitation and committed to collaborating with us.
</blockquote>
Protests in Bangladesh started a month ago over a controversial government job quota scheme.
The government responded by shutting down universities and using the police and military to crack down on protesters.
Hasina imposed a nationwide curfew and cut off access to phones and the internet but the protests continued.
The country’s top court ruled that the highly contested quotas should be scaled back from 30 per cent to 5 per cent, with 3 per cent for relatives of veterans but the protests continued.
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Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, has resigned and fled to India because of deadly protests against her. The army will now run the country. Protesters stormed the prime minister's palace, causing violence and deaths. The people in Bangladesh are happy that she has left. The protests started because of a controversial job quota scheme. Even though the government tried to stop the protests, they continued. The top court said the quota should change, but the protests still went on. Now, the country is trying to bring peace and justice.

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina Flees The Country After Weeks Of Protests

Top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in an Israeli attack in the Iranian capital Tehran, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ck7g0g4mk4zo">BBC</a>.
Reports indicate that Haniyeh was staying at a building for war veterans in Tehran when the attack occurred around 02:00 (00:00 GMT).
Haniyeh, 62, was widely considered Hamas’ overall leader.
Hamas said Haniyeh was in Tehran to take part in the inauguration ceremony of the new Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who was sworn in on Tuesday.
The group’s political bureau member Musa Abu Marzuk said it was a “cowardly act” and one which “will not go unanswered”.
Another senior Hamas official, Sami Abu Zuhri, said the group would “continue on its path”.
Several foreign ministries, including Iran, Turkey, Russia and Qatar have condemned the attack.
Hamas, an acronym for Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya (Islamic Resistance Movement), is a Palestinian Sunni Islamist political and military organization.
Hamas governs the Gaza Strip, having taken control from the rival Palestinian faction Fatah in 2007.
The group is known for its armed wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, and has been involved in multiple conflicts with Israel.
Hamas aims to establish an Islamic state in place of Israel and rejects Israel’s right to exist.
The organisation is considered a terrorist group by several countries, including the United States, the European Union, and Israel.
It receives support from countries like Iran and has a complex relationship with other regional actors.
Haniyeh’s death comes just hours after Israel claimed it killed the top military commander of Hezbollah, Fuad Shukr.
Israel said it killed Fuad Shukr in an air strike, in retaliation for a rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday.
Hezbollah has not yet confirmed that a senior commander was killed by an Israeli attack in Beirut on Tuesday but has said Shukr was in a building which was targeted.
A statement released by Hezbollah on Wednesday, 31 July reads in part:
<blockquote>
Since the incident, the civil defence teams have been working to lift the rubble steadily, but slowly, due to the situation of the destroyed classes, and we are still waiting for the result.
</blockquote>
Hezbollah is a Lebanese political party and militant group that first emerged during Lebanon’s civil war as a militia after the Israeli invasion of that country in 1982.
Hezbollah receives substantial support from Iran and has close ties with Syria.
The group is known for its strong anti-Israel stance and has been involved in numerous conflicts with Israel, including the 2006 Lebanon War.
Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by several countries, including the United States, Israel, and the European Union.
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Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader of Hamas, was killed in an Israeli attack in Tehran, Iran. He was there for an event with the new Iranian President. Hamas is a Palestinian group that fights against Israel. Several countries consider Hamas a terrorist group. Israel also killed a top military commander of Hezbollah in retaliation. Hezbollah is a Lebanese group that fights against Israel and gets support from Iran. Both groups have a strong anti-Israel stance. The conflicts between these groups and Israel continue to cause violence in the region.

Hamas Political Chief Ismail Haniyeh Killed In Iran

Israel on Tuesday, 30 July, carried out an air raid in Beirut, Lebanon, killing at least three people.
Israel’s military said that Tuesday’s attack targeted Hezbollah commander Muhsin Shukr, who is believed to have survived.
The attack comes three days after a strike on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, which Israel blames on Hezbollah, killed 12 young footballers.
As reported by <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/7/30/israel-strikes-beirut-what-we-know-so-far">Al Jazeera</a>, a blast was heard in Beirut’s southern suburbs at approximately 19:40 local time (16:40 GMT) on Tuesday evening.
It hit the Haret Hreik neighbourhood near Hezbollah’s Shura Council, its central decision-making authority.
Half of the targeted buildings in the densely populated neighbourhood collapsed and a nearby hospital suffered minor damages.
Lebanon’s Health Ministry said that three people, including two children, were killed and 74 wounded in the strike, adding that “the search for missing persons under the rubble continues”.
Israel’s military claimed that Muhsen was responsible for an attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights which killed 12 people and wounded 30 on Saturday.
Israel has occupied the western region of the Golan Heights since the 1967 war, while the remaining part is under Syria’s control.
The rocket attack on Saturday hit Majdal Shams, in the northeastern part of the Israeli-occupied territory.
Hezbollah has denied involvement in the attack.
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Israel bombed Beirut, Lebanon, killing at least three people. They targeted a Hezbollah commander, but he survived. Israel says the attack was in retaliation for an attack by Hezbollah on the Golan Heights that killed 12 young footballers. The blast hit a neighbourhood in Beirut, causing buildings to collapse and hurting many people. Lebanon's Health Ministry reported the deaths and injuries. Israel has controlled the Golan Heights since 1967. Hezbollah has denied being involved in the attack on the Golan Heights.

Israel Strikes Beirut In Response To The Golan Heights Attack

Israeli warplanes carried out attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Saturday night after 12 children and young adults were killed in a rocket strike while playing football in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Israel blamed the Iran-backed militant group for Saturday’s strike on the Druze town of Majdal Shams, but Hezbollah denied any involvement.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Sunday:
<blockquote>
Overnight, the IAF struck a series of Hezbollah terror targets both deep inside Lebanese territory and in southern Lebanon, including weapons caches and terrorist infrastructure in the areas of Chabriha, Borj El Chmali, and Beqaa, Kfarkela, Rab El Thalathine, Khiam, and Tayr Harfa.
</blockquote>
Israeli forces and Hezbollah have regularly exchanged fire since 7 October when Hamas attacked Israel, triggering Israel’s military offensive on Gaza.
The rocket strike and the IAF’s retaliation have the potential to trigger an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Israel’s prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, had earlier vowed the Lebanese militant group would “pay a hefty price” after the deadly strike.
Israel’s Magen David Adom emergency services said “large numbers” of ambulances were dispatched to the scene to treat the casualties.
Israel’s foreign ministry released the identities of 10 children killed in Saturday’s strike, saying they were aged between 10 and 16.
An 11th person was named but no age was given. Details of the 12th casualty were not confirmed.
Video verified by BBC shows crowds of people on a football pitch and stretchers being rushed to ambulances.
Majdal Shams is one of four towns in the Golan Heights, where about 25,000 members of the Arabic-speaking Druze religious and ethnic group live.
The town is in the mountainous Golan Heights, close to the border with Syria. Israel has occupied the area since 1967, annexing it in 1981.
According to <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c29dydz84ngo">BBC</a>, Saturday’s bloodshed at the town’s football pitch was the deadliest loss of life in and around Israel’s northern border since October.
Hezbollah spokesman Mohamad Afif denied responsibility for Saturday’s strike in the Golan Heights.
But IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari, who visited the scene of the air strike, accused Hezbollah of “lying and denying responsibility for the incident”.
Hagari claimed that the rocket was an Iranian-made Falaq-1 “owned exclusively by Hezbollah”.
Iran warned Israel that any new military “adventures” in Lebanon could lead to “unforeseen consequences”.
The air strike prompted Netanyahu, who was visiting the United States, to return home early.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told reporters on Sunday that “Every indication is that indeed the rocket was from Hezbollah.”
Blinken added that the US stands by “Israel’s right to defend” itself, but does not want to see the conflict spreading.
Lebanon’s government also stated in response to the strike, saying it “condemns all acts of violence and aggression against all civilians and calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts”.
The Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bouhabib told the BBC that he did not think Hezbollah carried out the attack.
But he added, “it could be a mistake by the Israelis or by Hezbollah – I don’t know”.
In a statement, the United Nations said “maximum restraint” was crucial from all parties as the risk of a wider conflict would “engulf the entire region in a catastrophe beyond belief”.
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Israeli warplanes attacked Hezbollah in Lebanon after rockets killed 12 children in the Golan Heights. Israel blamed Hezbollah but the group denied it. Israel and Hezbollah have been fighting since October. This could lead to a big war. Israel's Prime Minister promised revenge. Lebanon's government wants peace. The United Nations wants everyone to be calm to avoid a bigger conflict. Netanyahu came back from the US because of the attack. The US supports Israel but wants peace. There is tension in the region.

Israel Hits Hezbollah In Lebanon After Rocket Attack Kills 12 Children On Football Pitch

US President Joe Biden has pulled out of the race for re-election as USA president less than 4 months before election.
He has endorsed current vice president Kamala Harris to become the presidential candidate for the Democrats, facing Trump.
Biden released a statement today that read:
<blockquote>
“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve as your President. And while it has been my intention to seek re-election, I believe it is in the best interest of my party and the country for me to stand down and to focus solely on fulfilling my duties as President for the remainder of my term.”
</blockquote>
Some Republicans have commented that Biden needs to resign completely before the end of his current term:
Said House Speaker, Mike Johnson:
<blockquote>
“If Joe Biden is not fit to run for president, he is not fit to serve as president”
</blockquote>
Kamala Harris has said that she will win against Trump
<blockquote>
“I will do everything in my power to unite the Democratic Party—and unite our nation—to defeat Donald Trump and his extreme Project 2025 agenda. We have 107 days until election day. Together, we will fight. And together, we will win.”
</blockquote>
<h2>Donald Trump Reaction</h2>
Donal Trump reaction to Biden’s pull out saying it will even be easier:
<blockquote>
“It will be even easier to beat Kamala Harris”
</blockquote>
<h2>How it happened in less than a month</h2>
27 June: In the Presidential debate against Trump, Biden gives incoherent answers leave many wondering about his mental fitness.
5 July: In an interview Biden says only the “Lord Almighty” could persuade him to stand down.
8 July: Biden says in an interview “I am not going anywhere” and asks Democrats to unite.
10 July: More Democrats ask Biden to quit, including George Clooney.
11 July: At a Nato summit Biden mistakenly refers to Ukrainian President Zelensky as “President Putin” and Vice-President Harris as Trump.
13 July: Trump is shot in the ear in an assassination attempt.
17 July: Biden tests positive for Covid ang goes into quarantine.
18 July: In a leak, Obama says Biden has low chances of winning.
21 July: Biden pulls out of presidential race.

Joe Biden decided not to run for president again. He wants Kamala Harris to be the new Democratic candidate. Some people think Biden should not be president anymore. Harris believes she can beat Trump in the election. Trump thinks it will be easy to win against Harris. Biden's decision came after some mistakes and events that made people doubt him, such as health problems and negative comments from others. Now, the focus is on the upcoming election between Harris and Trump.

Joe Biden Quits US Presidential Race

United States President Joe Biden tested positive for COVID-19 while visiting Las Vegas, Nevada on Wednesday.
The 81-year-old president is currently self-isolating and experiencing mild symptoms, according to the White House.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden is fully vaccinated and has received his COVID-19 booster shots.
Despite his vaccination status, Biden was forced to cancel a scheduled speech in Las Vegas due to his positive test result.
As Biden boarded Air Force One to depart Las Vegas and return to Delaware to recover, reporters observed him climbing the stairs slowly, holding the railing tightly and pausing a few steps in and again towards the top.
This display of physical exertion raised concerns among observers, as the president’s health and fitness have been a subject of discussion, particularly in the context of his potential re-election campaign.
The president’s COVID-19 diagnosis comes as he faces increasing pressure from within his Democratic party to reconsider his plans to run for a second term in 2024.
At 81 years old, Biden would be the oldest president in U.S. history if he were to be re-elected, a factor that has fueled speculation about his physical and cognitive capabilities to serve a full four-year term.
The COVID-19 diagnosis comes at a crucial time for Biden, who has been losing ground in battleground states against Republican Donald Trump, who survived an assassination attempt on Saturday.
Biden, who had spent two nights in Las Vegas on the campaign trail, was diagnosed with COVID-19 shortly after his visit.
This illness comes just hours after the emergence of an excerpt from a recorded interview in which Biden said that he would only consider dropping out of the presidential race if he were told to do so due to a medical condition.
During an interview with Ed Gordon of BET News, Biden was directly asked if there was anything that would make him rethink his candidacy for a second term in the White House.
In response, the president made it clear that he is determined to continue his bid. Said Biden:
<blockquote>
If I had some medical condition that emerged, if somebody, if doctors came to me and said, ‘you got this problem and that problem’.
</blockquote>
Biden previously said only the “Lord Almighty” could persuade him to withdraw from the race. 
He first tested positive on July 21 2022, recovered on July 27, but then tested positive with a rebound case on July 30, before finally being cleared on August 7.
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United States President Joe Biden got COVID-19 in Las Vegas. He's 81 and has mild symptoms. He's vaccinated but had to cancel a speech. Reporters saw him struggling to climb stairs. People worry about his health for re-election. He's pressured to reconsider running in 2024. Donald Trump is his competitor. Biden wants to keep running even if he has medical problems. He had COVID before and recovered. He's determined to stay in the race.

US President Biden Tests Positive For COVID-19

The gunman involved in the attack against former United States President Donald Trump on Saturday has been identified by authorities as 20-year-old Thomas Matthew Crooks.
Crooks was shot and killed by Secret Service agents at the scene soon after the attempted assassination of the Republican party’s presumptive president in the 05 November 2024 presidential election.
In a statement early Sunday morning, the FBI named Crooks as the gunman, identifying him as a resident of Bethel Park, Pennsylvania.
Bethel Park is about 35 miles south of Butler, where Trump was holding his rally.
According to <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2024/07/14/us/trump-shooting-thomas-matthew-crooks-intl-hnk/index.html">CNN</a>, Crooks fired on Trump while perched on a nearby building rooftop outside the rally’s security perimeter before being killed by the Secret Service.
Trump was injured, writing on social media that he’d been hit by a bullet in the upper part of his ear.
He later flew back to Newark, New Jersey, late Saturday night.
According to media reports, Crooks graduated from Bethel Park High School in 2022.
Crooks was registered to vote as a Republican, according to a listing in Pennsylvania’s voter database that matched his name, age, and a Bethel Park address that law enforcement was searching Saturday night and is linked to Crooks in public records.
This year’s presidential election would have been the first he was old enough to vote in.
Federal Election Commission records show that a donor listed as Thomas Crooks with the same address gave $15 to a Democratic-aligned political action committee in January 2021.
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A 20-year-old named Thomas Matthew Crooks shot at former President Donald Trump at a rally. Crooks was from Bethel Park, Pennsylvania, and was killed by Secret Service agents. Trump was hurt but still went to Newark. Crooks graduated from high school in 2022 and was registered as a Republican voter. He may have donated to a Democratic political group. This was the first presidential election he could vote in. The FBI identified him as the shooter. It happened outside a rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.

FBI Identifies Donald Trump Rally Shooter

Former United States President Donald Trump was rushed off stage after gunshots erupted at a rally in Pennsylvania in an apparent assassination attempt, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd1d31jeyzlo">BBC</a>.
Video footage showed Trump grimacing and raising a hand to his right ear, before ducking as a series of shots broke out.
He was quickly swarmed by US Secret Service agents and dragged off stage to a waiting vehicle. Trump raised a fist as he was bundled into the car.
Later, in a post to his Truth Social network, Trump said a bullet pierced the “upper part” of his right ear. He wrote:
<blockquote>
I knew immediately that something was wrong in that I heard a whizzing sound, shots, and immediately felt the bullet ripping through the skin. Much bleeding took place, so I realized then what was happening.
</blockquote>
Blood was visible on Trump’s ear and face as US Secret Service agents rushed him away.
US Secret Service spokesperson Anthony Guglielmi said the suspect was shot dead at the scene. He added that one bystander was killed in the shooting and two others were critically injured.
Law enforcement sources told the BBC’s US partner CBS News that the male attacker had been armed with a rifle and had fired from an elevated structure a few hundred metres away outside the venue.
FBI agents, who are leading the investigation, told reporters in Butler that they had “tentatively identified” the dead gunman, but were yet to establish a motive.
Special Agent Kevin Rojek confirmed the agency was treating the shooting as an assassination attempt.
He added that the suspect was not carrying ID and that investigators were using DNA in an attempt to formally identify him.
Trump, who is the Republican candidate for president had just started addressing his supporters in Butler, Pennsylvania when the shots started.
Several supporters holding placards and standing behind Trump ducked as the shots were heard.
Witnesses who spoke to the BBC claimed the gunshots may have come from a one-storey building to the right of the stage where Trump was speaking.
One of the bystanders, identified as Greg, told the BBC that he had spotted a suspicious-looking person “bear crawling” on the roof of the building about five minutes after Trump took to the stage. He said he pointed the person out to the police. Said Greg:
<blockquote>
He had a rifle, we could clearly see him with a rifle. We’re pointing at him, the police are down there running around on the ground – we’re like “hey man there’s a guy on the roof with a rifle” and the police did not know what was going on.
</blockquote>
Tim, who was also at the rally, told the BBC that he had heard a “barrage” of shots. He said:
<blockquote>
There was a spray which we initially thought was a fire hose, and then the speaker on the right-hand side started coming down.
Something must have hit the hydraulic lines [which caused it to fall]. We saw President Trump go to the ground and everyone started dropping to the ground because it was chaos.
</blockquote>
Speaking from his home state of Delaware, United States President Joe Biden condemned the attack, calling it “sick”. He said:
<blockquote>
There’s no place in America for this kind of violence. Everybody must condemn it.
</blockquote>
The White House later said President Biden had spoken with Trump before returning to Washington DC.
Trump is locked in a tight contest with President Biden, the presumptive Democratic nominee, in a re-match of the 2020 election.
The next United States presidential election is set to be held on Tuesday, November 5, 2024.
Trump was set to accept his party’s nomination for president at the convention in Milwaukee on Monday.
Some Republicans blamed President Biden over the shooting, accusing him of stoking fears about Trump’s potential return to office.
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Former President Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt at a rally in Pennsylvania. Gunshots rang out, and he was quickly taken off stage by Secret Service agents. Trump later said a bullet hit his ear. The attacker was shot dead and one bystander was killed. The FBI is investigating. President Biden condemned the attack. Some blamed him for stoking fear about Trump's return. The next election is in 2024. Trump was about to accept his party's nomination for president. It was a scary and chaotic situation.

Donald Trump Survives Assassination Attempt At Rally

The United Kingdom’s opposition Labour Party swept to power on Friday in a parliamentary election, ending 14 years of Conservative government.
According to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/uks-labour-win-massive-election-majority-exit-poll-shows-2024-07-04/">Reuters</a>, the centre-left Labour led by Keir Starmer won a massive majority in the 650-seat parliament.
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s Conservatives suffered the worst performance in the party’s long history as voters punished them for a cost of living crisis, failing public services, and a series of scandals.
With almost all the results in, Labour had won some 410 seats, an increase of 210, while the Conservatives lost about 250 lawmakers, including a record number of senior ministers and former Prime Minister Liz Truss.
The Scottish National Party (SNP) lost 38 seats, ending its own decade of dominance in Scotland and leaving its dream of independence for Scotland in tatters.
On the other hand, the Irish nationalists Sinn Fein became Northern Ireland’s largest party for the first time.
The populist right-wing Reform UK party, headed by Nigel Farage, who campaigned for Brexit and friend of Donald Trump, won more than four million votes.
In his victory speech, Starmer said:
<blockquote>
We did it. Change begins now … We said we would end the chaos, and we will, we said we would turn the page, and we have.
Today, we start the next chapter, begin the work of change, the mission of national renewal and start to rebuild our country.
</blockquote>
Sunak conceded defeat and will meet King Charles later to formally resign before Starmer is appointed in his place. He said:
<blockquote>
Today power will change hands in a peaceful and orderly manner, with goodwill on all sides.
There is much to learn and reflect on and I take responsibility for the loss to the many good hardworking Conservative candidates … I am sorry.
</blockquote>
However, Sunak will remain a lawmaker after a close race in his North Yorkshire constituency. He took 47.5 per cent of the vote in his constituency of Richmond and Northallerton in northern England.
Despite his convincing victory, polls have suggested there is little enthusiasm for Starmer or his party.
Due to Britain’s first-past-the-post (FPTP) system and a low turnout, Labour’s triumph was achieved with fewer votes than it secured in 2017 and 2019 – the latter its worst result for 84 years.
FPTP or winner-take-all is an electoral system where the candidate with the most votes in a given constituency wins the seat, regardless of whether they have received a majority of the votes. The candidate who receives the most votes, even if it is less than 50% of the total votes cast, is declared the winner.
Starmer assumes leadership amid a backdrop of formidable challenges. Britain faces its highest tax burden since just after World War Two, with net debt nearly matching annual economic output.
Living standards have declined, and public services, notably the cherished National Health Service, are strained, exacerbated by recurring strikes.
Starmer has pledged to mend relations with the European Union following Britain’s departure but has ruled out rejoining the bloc despite opposing Brexit.
He has also committed to unwavering support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia. Starmer’s foreign policies align closely with those of Sunak.
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Britain’s Main Opposition Party Wins Huge Parliamentary Majority, PM Rishi Sunak Concedes Defeat

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said that a raid by the Israeli military on a refugee camp, which led to the rescue of four hostages, killed 274 people, including children and other civilians.
Israel’s forces, backed by air strikes, fought intense gun battles with Hamas in and around the Nuseirat refugee camp, freeing the captives on Saturday, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cw44ve90dppo">BBC</a>.
The four captives were identified as Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 22, Andrei Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41.
They were abducted from the Nova music festival on 7 October and have been returned to Israel.
The Israeli military has estimated that fewer than 100 people died in the operation, whilst the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said 274 people were killed.
According to <a href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/8/many-casualties-as-israel-escalates-attacks-across-gaza">Al Jazeera</a>, the military’s attacks, one of the worst since October, by air, land and sea on Saturday hit Nuseirat and Deir el-Balah in central Gaza, with doctors describing the scenes inside Al-Aqsa Hospital as a “complete bloodbath”.
One man, Abdel Salam Darwish, told the BBC he was in a market buying vegetables when he heard fighter jets from above and the sound of gunfire. He said:
<blockquote>
Afterwards, people’s bodies were in pieces, scattered in the streets, and blood stained the walls.
</blockquote>
The return of the hostages to their families is being celebrated in Israel and world leaders, including US President Joe Biden, have welcomed the news of their release.
However, there has been mounting criticism of the deadly cost of the operation inside Gaza.
Writing on X, European Union foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell said he condemned it “in the strongest terms”.
In response, an Israeli minister said that instead of condemning Hamas for hiding behind civilians, the EU had condemned Israel for saving its citizens.
Pictures from the Nuseirat refugee camp area show intense bombardment and people mourning the dead.
The Hamas-run health ministry released the names of 86 people out of the 274 Palestinians it says were killed during the two-hour operation.
Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said special forces operated “under heavy fire” when rescuing the hostages.
He said that one special forces officer was wounded and later died in hospital.
One man, who said more than 40 members of his family have been killed since the conflict began in October, said he was in a house that was hit by a strike. He said:
<blockquote>
As soon as these children and women entered the house, the bombing attack took place, claiming the lives of all those inside it.
This home, which used to house approximately 30 people who then became 50, was bombed… only me, my father, my wife, and a young man survived… we are the only survivors out of 50 people.
</blockquote>
Some Palestinians have criticised Hamas for the bloodshed. Speaking to BBC, Hassan Omar, 37, said he lamented the unnecessary loss of lives in Israeli strikes. He said:
<blockquote>
For each Israeli hostage they could have freed 80 Palestinian prisoners and without any bloodshed – [that] is a million times better than losing 100 dead.
My message to Hamas is stopping the loss is part of the gain, we should get rid of those who control us from Qatar hotels.
</blockquote>
During its 7 October attacks in southern Israel, Hamas killed about 1,200 people and took some 251 people hostage.
About 116 remain in the Palestinian territory, including 41 the army says are dead.
A deal agreed in November saw Hamas release 105 hostages in return for a week-long ceasefire and some 240 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
On Saturday, the Hamas-run health ministry said the death toll in Gaza is now above 37,000 people.
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Israeli Forces Rescue 4 Hostages, But 274 Palestinians Killed In The Operation

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned that Moscow might provide long-range weapons to strike Western targets if NATO allies allow Ukraine to use their arms against Russian territory, reported <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn44r9zjnpjo">BBC News</a>.
Putin also reiterated Russia’s readiness to use nuclear weapons if it sees a threat to its sovereignty.
Several Western countries including the United States have given Ukraine the green light to strike targets inside Russia.
Addressing foreign reporters, Putin said such action could lead to “very serious problems”. He said:
<blockquote>
If someone thinks it is possible to supply such weapons to a war zone to attack our territory and create problems for us, why don’t we have the right to supply weapons of the same class to regions of the world where there will be strikes on sensitive facilities of those countries?
That is, the response can be asymmetric. We will think about it.
</blockquote>
Putin, however, did not specify which countries Moscow could supply weapons to.
The Russian president singled out Germany, which recently told Ukraine it was free to hit targets inside Russia with long-range German-made weapons. He said:
<blockquote>
When they say that there will be more missiles which will hit targets on Russian territory, this definitively destroys Russian-German relations.
</blockquote>
US President Joe Biden recently permitted Ukraine to use American-supplied weapons to strike targets in Russia, but only near the Kharkiv region.
The White House has said Ukraine cannot use long-range ATACMS missiles on Russian soil.
UK Foreign Secretary Lord Cameron has said it is up to Ukraine to decide how to use British weapons.
Ukraine claims North Korean missiles are being used inside Ukrainian territory, while Western intelligence agencies say Russia has been using Iranian-made drones in the conflict.
Putin was speaking to foreign journalists at the annual St Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Asked by Reuters about the risk of nuclear escalation over Ukraine, Putin said the West was wrong to assume that Moscow would never use nuclear weapons. He said:
<blockquote>
For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it.
We have a nuclear doctrine, look what it says. If someone’s actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible for us to use all means at our disposal.
This should not be taken lightly, superficially.
</blockquote>
Putin also scoffed at the idea that Russia has plans to attack NATO territory. He said:
<blockquote>
You should not make Russia out to be the enemy. You’re only hurting yourself with this, you know?
hey thought that Russia wanted to attack Nato. Have you gone completely crazy? That is as thick as this table.
Who came up with this? It is just complete nonsense, you know? Total rubbish.
</blockquote>
Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The war has been raging since.
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