IDF troops eliminated 500 of the 800+ exposed shafts to Hamas’ underground tunnels located near or inside kindergartens, schools, playgrounds and mosques.
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) December 3, 2023
To be clear, these places aren’t childproof, but rather teeming with terrorism.
Every tunnel shaft and weapon we find is… pic.twitter.com/xIVO1x0PD8
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:45pm on 03 Dec 2023,Sunday International
Since the initiation of the Gaza ground operation on October 27, Israeli forces have located 800 shafts leading to Hamas' extensive underground network. Over half of these, approximately 500, have been successfully destroyed through various operational methods, including detonation and sealing off. The military revealed that many of the tunnel shafts were situated in civilian areas, including schools, kindergartens, mosques, and playgrounds. Anti-tunnel operations, aimed at disabling Hamas' infrastructure, have raised concerns about the impact on civilians, prompting global scrutiny. The ongoing conflict has prompted Washington to urge Israel to exercise caution, emphasizing the escalating civilian toll.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:16pm on 03 Dec 2023,Sunday International
At least four people were killed and around 50 wounded in a bomb attack during a Catholic mass at Mindanao State University's gymnasium in Marawi, southern Philippines. An improvised explosive device caused the blast, with suspicions of a retaliatory attack for recent military operations against Islamist militant groups. President Ferdinand Marcos blamed "foreign terrorists," condemning the "senseless" and "heinous" act. The university suspended classes, and heightened security measures were implemented. Military chief General Romeo Brawner suggested the involvement of Maute-ISIS, and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro indicated strong indications of a foreign element. Authorities called for a thorough investigation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:59pm on 02 Dec 2023,Saturday International
In the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) have declared that their war against Hamas is not bound by time, anticipating a prolonged engagement. The truce, which collapsed on Friday, led to resumed Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in over 200 Palestinian casualties. Israeli forces also engaged with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, responding to rockets near the border. World leaders, including French President Emmanuel Macron, express concern, with Macron heading to Qatar to reignite negotiations. Amid the violence, humanitarian aid enters Gaza, while the death toll surpasses 15,200, with 70% identified as women and children.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:51pm on 02 Dec 2023,Saturday International
A powerful 7.5 magnitude earthquake struck the Philippine island of Mindanao, triggering tsunami warnings for parts of the Philippines and Japan's southwest coast. Philippine authorities warned of 1 meter high tsunami waves hitting Surigao and Davao provinces by midnight, advising immediate coastal evacuations. Japan issued a warning expecting 1 meter tsunami waves around 1:30am Sunday in southwestern areas. The quake, centered 39 miles underground, adds risk of significant damage and casualties from both shaking and potential tsunamis. Waves could continue for hours after the initial arrival times.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 04:49pm on 02 Dec 2023,Saturday International
Israel's Mossad intelligence team engaged in high-stakes discussions with Qatari mediators in Doha, seeking to redefine the terms for a renewed ceasefire in Gaza. The focus of the Qatar-mediated talks revolved around the potential release of Israeli hostages, expanding beyond the previous criteria of women and children. The negotiations addressed the parameters of the truce, differing from the collapsed agreement on Friday. The truce, initiated on Nov. 24, saw a week-long exchange, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages in return for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. Efforts to extend the truce have faced obstacles, with accusations traded between Israel and Hamas.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 03:04pm on 02 Dec 2023,Saturday International
A powerful earthquake measuring 7.6 magnitude on the Richter Scale struck the Philippine island of Mindanao on Saturday. The severe tremors, which originated 63km below the Earth's surface, were reported by the European-Mediterranean Seismological Centre (EMSC). The exact location of the epicenter and potential damage from the intense quake is still being assessed. The Philippines is situated on the seismically active Pacific 'Ring of Fire', which experiences frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:58pm on 02 Dec 2023,Saturday International
Seventeen Thai nationals, including Nuttawaree 'Yo' Munkan, touched down at Bangkok International Airport after two months in Hamas captivity. Emotions ran high as families welcomed them home. Yo, the only woman in the group, plans a homecoming ceremony and meditation following her ordeal. Despite the traumatic experience, she expressed nuanced views on Hamas, stating, "In Hamas - there are both good people and bad people. The good treated me well, gave me food, so I could survive. But there are also the bad people that put me in that situation." Yo, who went to Israel for work, remains grateful for the support but yearns to return, saying, "I want to go back. If there is a chance, I would."
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:57pm on 02 Dec 2023,Saturday International
Munich Airport grinds to a halt as a snowstorm blankets southern Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, disrupting travel across the region. All flights canceled for the day, extending until 6 a.m. Sunday. Train services from Munich affected, urging passengers to alter plans. Bayern Munich soccer match against Union Berlin called off. Weather-related incidents reported, with 350 incidents in Lower Bavaria alone. Avalanche warnings raised in Austria and Switzerland. The winter storm causes chaos and safety concerns, impacting transportation and public events across affected areas.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:24pm on 02 Dec 2023,Saturday International
China addresses a rise in respiratory illnesses, especially among children, stating it's linked to known pathogens. The World Health Organization sought information on clusters of undiagnosed pneumonia. Chinese authorities respond with measures, including more pediatric clinics, increased flu vaccinations, and promoting mask-wearing and hand hygiene. Experts, domestically and internationally, express no major alarm, citing similar trends post-COVID restrictions in various countries. China emphasizes vigilance in tackling seasonal challenges, debunking concerns of new infectious diseases.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:01am on 02 Dec 2023,Saturday International
Flights have resumed at Glasgow Airport after dozens were grounded due to heavy snowfall. Teams worked overnight to clear runways and the airport confirmed Saturday morning cancellations resulted from the snow. Two Glasgow-bound flights had to be diverted to other airports. Passengers are urged to confirm travel plans with airlines. It comes as the UK faces a freezing weekend with weather warnings in place for hazardous icy conditions. Freezing rain could make driving treacherous. The snow also caused rail disruptions, with cancellations on Glasgow Central ScotRail routes from signaling issues. Staff are working quickly to address the problems but travel remains difficult across the region amid the cold snap.