Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:53pm on 21 May 2024,Tuesday International
The International Criminal Court’s chief prosecutor announced the pursuit of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas leader Yehiya Sinwar over war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Israel-Gaza conflict. Netanyahu condemned the decision, calling it a "travesty of justice." President Biden labeled the prosecutor’s move "outrageous" and reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel. Responses from global leaders varied, with South Africa endorsing the ICC's decision while the UK and EU expressed concerns about its impact on ceasefire efforts. Human Rights Watch praised the ICC's stance on accountability and justice.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:37pm on 21 May 2024,Tuesday International
In a groundbreaking move, human rights lawyer Amal Clooney spearheaded efforts urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and top Hamas figures. Following an extensive review, the ICC panel, which included Clooney, unanimously recommended holding both Israeli and Hamas leaders accountable for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Clooney, renowned for her advocacy in international justice, emphasized the importance of bringing perpetrators to account, asserting that no conflict should evade legal scrutiny. The decision marks a significant step towards justice amid ongoing tensions in Israel and Palestine.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:50pm on 21 May 2024,Tuesday International
Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 from London to Singapore, which experienced severe turbulence, has been confirmed to have resulted in one fatality and multiple injuries. The Boeing 777-300ER, with 211 passengers and 18 crew, made an emergency landing in Bangkok. Passengers described being "launched into the ceiling" during a sudden drop of 6,000ft in three minutes. Singapore Airlines expressed condolences to the deceased's family and is providing assistance to injured passengers. An investigation into the incident is underway, with initial reports suggesting clear-air turbulence, a phenomenon exacerbated by climate change, as a possible cause.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:30am on 21 May 2024,Tuesday International
A Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, resulting in one fatality and multiple injuries. Flight SQ321, carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew, faced bad weather and made an emergency landing in Bangkok at 3:45 PM local time. Thai immigration police and emergency crews provided medical assistance upon arrival. Singapore Airlines confirmed the incident, marking its first fatality since a 2000 crash in Taiwan. The exact number of injured passengers remains undisclosed, but local reports indicate up to 30 injuries. The airline is coordinating with Thai authorities to support affected passengers.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:38am on 21 May 2024,Tuesday International
After nearly eight weeks, the ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has been refloated. The Dali was moved by tugboats to a nearby terminal, marking a significant step in clearing key shipping routes. The ship lost power and veered off course, striking the bridge and killing six construction workers on March 26. An investigation is ongoing. The refloating process involved emptying ballast tanks and utilizing favorable environmental conditions. Debris and roadway parts remain visible atop the heavily damaged ship. The move took 21 hours, paving the way for further cleanup and repairs.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:45am on 21 May 2024,Tuesday International
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has fiercely rejected the International Criminal Court's (ICC) move to seek arrest warrants for him and Hamas leaders over alleged war crimes in Gaza. Netanyahu condemned the comparison between "democratic Israel" and "mass murderers," echoing US President Joe Biden's sentiment that there is no equivalence between Israel and Hamas. The ICC prosecutor alleges Netanyahu and his Defense Minister bear criminal responsibility for war crimes and crimes against humanity. The US and Israel, non-ICC members, reject the move, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken calling it "shameful" and lacking jurisdiction.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:33pm on 20 May 2024,Monday International
Iran will hold presidential elections on June 28 following the tragic death of President Ebrahim Raisi and his entourage in a helicopter crash. The decision was made by the heads of the judiciary, government, and parliament, according to state media. Funeral rites for Raisi and his team will begin on Tuesday in Tabriz, before moving to Tehran. The UN Security Council observed a minute of silence in memory of Raisi. The election date was confirmed by the Guardian Council, marking the 14th presidential election in Iran's history.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:47pm on 20 May 2024,Monday International
Following the tragic helicopter crash that claimed the lives of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran prepares for Raisi's funeral in his hometown. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei declared five days of public mourning, as condolences pour in from around the world. Meanwhile, Iranian military chief Mohammad Bagheri ordered an investigation into the crash's cause. Global leaders, including Putin and Qatar's emir, express sympathy, while India observes one-day state mourning. Israel denies involvement in the incident, citing bad weather. The loss of Raisi, a key figure in Iranian politics, is mourned nationwide.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:00pm on 20 May 2024,Monday International
International Criminal Court Prosecutor Karim AA Khan has applied for arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Khan cited alleged crimes by Hamas, such as murder and taking hostages, and by Israeli officials, including starvation of civilians and attacks on civilian populations. The warrants underscore the ICC's commitment to upholding international humanitarian law and demonstrating the equal value of all human lives during conflicts.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 02:25pm on 20 May 2024,Monday International
Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian died when their helicopter crashed in the Jofa mountains of East Azerbaijan. The helicopter went down shortly after taking off in dense fog and bad weather. A large search operation began, with Turkey's Bayraktar Akinci drone finding the wreckage near Iran's border with Azerbaijan. The drone spotted heat signatures at the crash site and drew a crescent shape on its flight path, which was seen on tracking websites. This tragedy has led to many international condolences and offers of help for Iran.