Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:49am on 19 May 2024,Sunday International
Benny Gantz, a member of Israel's war cabinet, has threatened to resign if a new plan for the Gaza war is not adopted. Gantz's six-point plan includes returning hostages, demilitarizing Gaza, and international administration. He has set a June 8 deadline for its adoption. If he resigns, Prime Minister Netanyahu will be left relying on far-right allies who advocate for a hardline approach. The divide within the war cabinet comes after seven months of conflict, with Israel yet to achieve its goals of dismantling Hamas and returning hostages. Gantz's departure could impact Israel's strategy in the conflict.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:01am on 19 May 2024,Sunday International
A water contamination crisis has affected thousands in Brixham, a coastal city in southwest England. A parasite outbreak has caused 46 cases of cryptosporidium, a disease causing diarrhea and vomiting. Although the "boil notice" has been lifted for most areas, 2,500 households still need to boil water before drinking. The government has set up bottled water collection points and ordered the responsible company to pay £145 to affected households by May 21. The situation is expected to worsen over the next two weeks, according to public health officials. Residents are advised to take precautions to stay safe.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:41pm on 18 May 2024,Saturday International
The United Nations reports that 800,000 people have fled Rafah since Israel began its military operations on May 6. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini revealed that nearly half of Rafah's population is now displaced, seeking refuge in central areas like Khan Younis and destroyed buildings. Israel's ground assault targets Hamas operatives, with Rafah identified as their last stronghold. Despite Israel's claims of a "limited" operation, heavy bombardment continues, drawing objections from the U.S. Displaced residents face dire conditions, lacking water and sanitation. Overcrowding in places like Al-Mawasi and Deir el-Balah exacerbates the humanitarian crisis as more people arrive daily.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:57pm on 18 May 2024,Saturday International
Former Home Secretary Suella Braverman was blanked by masked pro-Gaza student protesters at Cambridge University. As she tried to talk with the demonstrators about their message, her questions were met with silence. The protest disrupted graduation ceremonies and called for the university to reveal and cut ties with institutions linked to alleged genocide in Gaza. Despite Braverman's attempts to communicate, the activists remained silent, underscoring their dedication to their cause. The university relocated graduation events to a secret location to avoid further issues, illustrating the impact of the ongoing protest.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:02am on 18 May 2024,Saturday International
Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, was shot four times at close range while greeting supporters in a small town. The attack, which left him with stomach and arm injuries, has shocked the country. Fico had predicted a month earlier that political tensions could lead to the murder of a government politician. His warning was dismissed at the time, but now it seems eerily prescient. The attempted assassination has deepened the country's political polarization, with many fearing further violence. Fico's warnings to his ministers to be cautious were ignored, and now the country is reeling from the aftermath of this brazen attack.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:22am on 18 May 2024,Saturday International
Spain has announced it will no longer allow ships carrying arms to Israel to dock at its ports, in a bid to promote peace in the Middle East. The country's foreign minister, José Manuel Albares, made the announcement after a ship carrying 27 tonnes of explosives from India to Haifa was refused entry at the Cartagena port. This marks a new policy for Spain, which will systematically reject such stopovers. The move aims to reduce the flow of weapons to the region and promote peace instead. The decision was made after the ship requested to dock on May 21.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:11am on 18 May 2024,Saturday International
The bodies of three Israeli hostages taken by Hamas have been recovered in Gaza, according to Israel's military and intelligence agency Shin Bet. Itzhak Gelerenter, 56, Amit Buskila, 28, and Shani Louk, 22, were killed at the Nova music festival on October 7. Their bodies were taken into Gaza by Hamas militants. The military notified their families and expressed condolences. The return of Shani Louk's body has brought closure to her family, with her father describing her as a symbol of the Israeli people, radiating light and beauty. The military did not disclose where the bodies were found, but vowed to continue working to bring home all hostages.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:35am on 18 May 2024,Saturday International
A physical fight broke out in Taiwan's parliament on Friday as lawmakers disagreed over proposed reforms. The brawl involved members from different political parties and resulted in one lawmaker being hospitalized. The controversial reforms include criminal penalties for officials who lie in parliament. The incident occurred just days before President-elect Lai Ching-te is set to take office. The ruling DPP and opposition KMT parties have accused each other of attempting to abuse power. The incident highlights the intense political tensions in Taiwan's parliament.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:32pm on 17 May 2024,Friday International
King Charles' personal wealth has surged to $770 million, making him the 258th richest person in the UK, according to the 2024 Sunday Times Rich List. This increase of $12 million from last year is attributed to a rise in his property portfolio's value. His net worth now surpasses that of his late mother, Queen Elizabeth II, who had $468 million. Charles' wealth includes the private estates of Sandringham and Balmoral, inherited from the Queen. This assessment excludes the Crown Estate, the Duchy of Lancaster, and the Crown Jewels, which are held in trust.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:53pm on 17 May 2024,Friday International
Israeli forces have retrieved the bodies of three hostages from Gaza, identified as Shani Louk, Amit Buskila, and Yitzhak Gelernter, who were killed by Hamas while escaping the Nova music festival on October 7. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation and reiterated Israel's commitment to recovering all hostages. Hamas, governing Gaza, expressed skepticism and insisted hostages would only be released through a truce. The conflict has resulted in over 35,000 Palestinian deaths and severe humanitarian crises in Gaza. The only truce so far led to the release of 110 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinians.