Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:16am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
A new UN report warns that if the war in Gaza continues another month, the poverty rate in Palestine could increase by 34%, pushing nearly 500,000 more people into poverty. Current estimates show a 20% rise in poverty and 4.2% economic decline after one month of war. The UN projects Palestine's GDP would fall 8.4% or $1.7 billion if fighting persists a second month, with 390,000 jobs already lost. Prolonging the war to three months would see poverty rise 45% and GDP fall 12.2% or $2.5 billion. Gaza's pre-war poverty rate was 61%. The UN said the war is rapidly accelerating poverty and setting development back over a decade, causing humanitarian catastrophe and long-term economic impacts.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:01am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is facing pressure to be sacked after publishing an op-ed criticizing police handling of pro-Palestinian protests without consent from PM Rishi Sunak's office. Sunak requested changes to the piece accusing police of ignoring "pro-Palestinian mobs", but Braverman ignored them. Downing Street insisted it has confidence in her, but Sunak is probing how it was published against protocol. Some speculate Braverman is positioning for a future leadership bid by appealing to right-wingers. Her pressure on police was called improper. The unauthorized op-ed amid tensions with Sunak's office has sparked speculation about Braverman's leadership ambitions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:27am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
Pro-Palestinian protesters staged a sit-in at The New York Times headquarters, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza while alleging media bias favoring Israel. Part of ongoing demonstrations over the conflict, thousands marched in Manhattan voicing opposition to Israel's actions. Around 5pm, a group entered the NYT lobby displaying a ceasefire banner and reading names of Palestinians killed. They distributed a mock "New York War Crimes" newspaper accusing media of whitewashing genocide in Gaza. Photos showed "Lies" painted on the Times' doors. Some protested into the evening, snarling traffic. The Times demonstration was the latest high-profile action to spotlight Gaza's death toll and media coverage of the war.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:11am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
South Korea is facing surging bedbug outbreaks as travel restrictions ease post-pandemic, prompting the government to launch a major extermination campaign. Bedbugs, nearly eradicated in the 1960s, are infesting homes, trains, and buses again after a tourism rebound. Authorities are urging international travelers, especially from European hotspots like France and Britain, to thoroughly disinfect belongings to prevent spreading the pests. Concerns over bedbugs hitchhiking and spreading has led to increased vigilance. South Korea's four-week anti-bedbug drive aims to curb the crisis through preventative measures as reported cases are expected to rise further.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:53am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
Former Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) commander Akram Khan, also known as Akram Gazi, was shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Pakistan on Thursday. Gazi led LeT's recruitment from 2018-2020 and gave anti-India speeches. He was a key figure in the terror group for years. In October, Shahid Latif, the mastermind of 2016's Pathankot Airbase attack in India, was also killed in Pakistan. Latif handled the 4 attackers. Gazi headed LeT recruitment, identifying extremist sympathizers. Earlier in September, top LeT commander Riyaz Ahmad was gunned down in a PoK mosque. Ahmad was involved in attacks on India. (Image courtesy: India Today)
Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 06:29am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismisses a ceasefire with Hamas, emphasizing the military's exceptional performance in Gaza. He denies plans to reoccupy the territory but underscores the aim to demilitarize, deradicalize, and rebuild Gaza. The ongoing conflict, triggered by Hamas' incursion on October 7, has resulted in over 10,800 deaths in Gaza. Netanyahu asserts a future need for a civilian government in Gaza and readiness to reenter if necessary, aiming to prevent the resurgence of entities like Hamas. Diplomatic negotiations with Saudi Arabia remain on the horizon post-Hamas destruction.
Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 05:54am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak faces mounting calls to fire Interior Minister Suella Braverman over controversial remarks about policing of pro-Palestinian protests in London. Braverman claimed officers ignored "pro-Palestinian mobs" at recent rallies and accused the police of giving preferential treatment to left-wing groups. Her comments were published without Downing Street's consent. Critics say Braverman is overstepping boundaries and undermining police independence. The remarks come after she labeled Gaza ceasefire protests as "hate marches." Sunak insists he has full confidence in Braverman, but her polarizing rhetoric strains tensions within his party.
Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 05:44am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
Far-right groups and football hooligans are set to gather in London on Armistice Day, coinciding with a pro-Palestine march. Despite calls for a ban from Home Secretary Suella Braverman, the coalition, including the Palestine Solidarity Campaign, plans to proceed with the demonstration, emphasizing an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Former English Defence League leader Tommy Robinson and the Democratic Football Lads Alliance have issued calls to mobilize, raising concerns of potential clashes. Remembrance events are ongoing, with fears of disruptions and police challenges in managing diverse fringe groups.
Brief by Short91 Newsdesk / 03:48am on 10 Nov 2023,Friday International
The UK Home Secretary Suella Braverman is facing backlash after publishing an article accusing police of bias in handling protests, without authorization from Downing Street. In the article, Braverman claimed aggressive right-wing protesters were "rightly met with a stern response" while "pro-Palestinian mobs" were "largely ignored" even when breaking the law. No 10 said the article was not approved and suggested changes were not incorporated. As per ministerial code, media appearances must be cleared by No. 10. Some Conservatives have called for Braverman's resignation over the unauthorized article, which comes ahead of a pro-Palestine march in London.
Anti-Israel protesters are physically attacking Jews attending a screening of the Oct. 7th Hamas Massacre organized by actress Gal Gadot at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. pic.twitter.com/SIZbTyiKL9
— Catherine Da Costa (@catmag18) November 9, 2023
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:28pm on 09 Nov 2023,Thursday International
A screening in Los Angeles of a graphic film documenting Hamas's October 7 attacks, facilitated by Israeli actress Gal Gadot, erupted into violence outside the venue. The 43-minute film contained violent footage of the Hamas atrocities. Though Gadot did not attend, her involvement sparked backlash for supporting alleged genocide against Palestinians. Fights broke out between two groups outside the Museum of Tolerance screening, which was heavily secured. LA Mayor Karen Bass condemned the unacceptable violence amid global tensions. Gadot, who served in the Israeli military, faced criticism for not addressing Palestinian deaths in Gaza.