UK Approvals for Arms Export to Israel Dropped Sharply at Start of Gaza War

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:00pm on 18 Jun 2024,Tuesday International

Britain significantly reduced approvals for arms export licenses to Israel during the Gaza conflict, with permits' value dropping over 95% to £859,381 ($1.09 million) from October 7 to December 31. This marks a 13-year low, contrasting sharply with £20 million approved in the same period of 2022. The decline includes items like body armor and non-lethal military vehicles. Criticism from MPs and human rights groups persists over transparency in arms sales. While Prime Minister Rishi Sunak defends Israel's response to Hamas, calls for stricter controls on arms exports grow amid international scrutiny.

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U.S., U.K. Forces Strike Yemen Airport and Kamaran Island: Houthis Report

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:28pm on 17 Jun 2024,Monday International

U.S. and British forces launched six airstrikes on Yemen’s Hodeidah International Airport and four on Kamaran Island near the port of Salif, according to Al-Masirah TV, run by Yemen's Houthi movement. This marks the first attack on Kamaran Island since coalition strikes on Houthi targets began in February. Yemen's internationally recognized government claims the Houthis use these sites for Red Sea attacks and to store weapons. The Houthis have escalated attacks on international shipping in the Red Sea, citing support for Palestinians in Gaza, despite ongoing reprisals by the coalition.

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Obama Assists Biden Offstage After Fundraiser Freeze Moment

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:09pm on 17 Jun 2024,Monday International

At a Los Angeles fundraiser, President Biden momentarily froze onstage, prompting former President Obama to guide him off after a brief pause. The incident followed Biden’s interview with Jimmy Kimmel. Critics raised concerns about Biden's fitness for another term, pointing to similar incidents. The White House dismissed the critiques, asserting Biden was absorbing the audience's applause. Despite the moment, the event, attended by Hollywood stars, raised over $30 million for Biden's campaign.

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Israeli Prime Minister Dissolves War Cabinet Following Key Departures

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:41pm on 17 Jun 2024,Monday International

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dissolved the six-member war cabinet following the resignation of opposition leader Benny Gantz and his ally Gadi Eisenkot. This decision, reported by Israeli media, shifts sensitive war decisions to a smaller forum amid calls from far-right ministers to join. The move aims to manage coalition tensions and international relations amid ongoing military operations in Gaza. Despite changes, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assured that operational command remains intact. The development follows criticism over tactical pauses in Gaza operations, highlighting ongoing complexities in Israel’s approach to the conflict.

Read More at BBC

Palestinians Mark Eid al-Adha in Ruined Gaza Mosque

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 10:18am on 17 Jun 2024,Monday International

Dozens of Palestinians gathered in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, to perform Eid al-Adha prayers near the ruins of a mosque destroyed by Israeli airstrikes. Surrounded by debris and rubble, they marked the start of the major holiday, which commemorates Ibrahim's test of faith. The ceremony took place amidst the devastation of collapsed houses and the displacement of thousands. Abdulhalim Abu Samra, a displaced Palestinian, highlighted the struggles of his people, citing over 37,000 martyrs, 87,000 wounded, and hundreds of thousands of destroyed homes. Elsewhere in Gaza, Muslims held prayers in a school-turned-shelter and visited cemeteries to honor loved ones.

Read More at Sky News

China Uses Panda Diplomacy to Strengthen Ties with Australia

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:58pm on 16 Jun 2024,Sunday International

Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced the gift of two new giant pandas to Australia during a visit to Adelaide Zoo, replacing the beloved Wang Wang and Fu Ni set to return to China this year. This gesture comes amidst efforts to repair Sino-Australian relations strained by recent trade sanctions and military tensions. Premier Li’s four-day visit aims to enhance trade and political cooperation, marking the first such visit since 2017. He emphasized a renewed, stable partnership, while discussions with Australian PM Anthony Albanese are expected to address human rights, Taiwan, and remaining trade barriers.

Read More at The Telegraph

Trump Pledges Massive Deportation Operation if Re-elected

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:17pm on 16 Jun 2024,Sunday International

Donald Trump, campaigning for the 2024 presidential election, vowed to conduct the largest deportation operation in U.S. history if re-elected. Speaking in Michigan, he urged voters to elect a president who will expel "radical Islamic terrorists." Trump criticized President Joe Biden, blaming him for a "migrant invasion" and citing recent arrests of suspected ISIS members as evidence. Trump claimed that terrorists are flooding into the country and warned of long-term dangers. He promised that his new administration would start deportations on "Day One" if he wins the November election.

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Hamas Accepts Parts of Biden’s Gaza Ceasefire Plan

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:53pm on 16 Jun 2024,Sunday International

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh announced that the group is ready for a comprehensive deal based on President Biden’s Gaza ceasefire proposal. This includes a ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction efforts, and a prisoner swap. Egypt and Qatar confirmed receiving a response from Palestinian groups, though Israel claims Hamas rejected key parts of the plan. Haniyeh stated that the requested changes are minor. Biden's "three-phase" proposal, presented on May 31, aims to establish a permanent ceasefire and phased prisoner exchanges. Mediation efforts continue between the involved parties.

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Two Dead, Six Injured in Shooting at Round Rock, Texas Juneteenth Festival; Suspect at Large

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:10pm on 16 Jun 2024,Sunday International

Two people were killed and six others, including two children, were injured when a gunman opened fire at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, Texas, USA, during a Juneteenth festival on Saturday night. The incident, which occurred around 11 PM after a dispute between two groups, left attendees in shock. Four adults and two children sustained serious injuries and were taken to local trauma centers for treatment. Police confirmed that no suspects have been apprehended, and the search for the shooter is ongoing. The festival, organized by local nonprofits and the city, was meant to celebrate the end of slavery in the United States.

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Prince William’s Heartfelt Father’s Day Message to King Charles

Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:57pm on 16 Jun 2024,Sunday International

Prince William shared a touching Father’s Day tribute to King Charles III, posting a childhood photo with his father and writing, “Happy Father's Day, Pa. W.” The message follows the Trooping the Colour ceremony celebrating King Charles’ official birthday. The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed gratitude for the event, especially noting Princess Catherine's attendance following her recent cancer treatment. Her return to public life was warmly received, adding a poignant note to the royal festivities.

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