Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:41pm on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
An Israeli airstrike on a five-story residential building in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, has left at least 93 people dead or missing, according to the Gaza health ministry. Rescuers reported bodies covered in blankets, while nearby Kamal Adwan hospital struggled to treat injured children due to shortages of staff and medicine. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intensified operations in northern Gaza, targeting Hamas positions amid claims of militants embedded in civilian areas. Israel has barred independent journalists from entering Gaza, complicating verification efforts. The strike contributes to the region's worsening humanitarian crisis, affecting hundreds of thousands.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:47am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
US President Joe Biden celebrated Diwali at the White House, hosting over 600 Indian American leaders, congressmen, and executives. Biden praised Vice President Kamala Harris and the South Asian American community, saying, “I am proud to have an administration that reflects America.” He recalled the White House’s first Diwali celebration in 2016 and highlighted South Asian Americans’ contributions to democracy. Introducing Biden, youth activist Shrusti Amula was joined by a recorded message from astronaut Sunita Williams. Biden lit the ceremonial diya, emphasizing unity and resilience amid rising hostility toward immigrants.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 09:18am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
Sheikh Naim Qassem has been appointed as the new leader of Hezbollah, succeeding Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on September 27. Qassem, a senior figure within the Iran-backed group for over 30 years, addressed the nation, emphasizing Hezbollah's resilience and commitment to fighting Israel while supporting a ceasefire initiated by allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri. He has played a pivotal role in Hezbollah's parliamentary campaigns and has a history of political activism dating back to Lebanon's Shi'ite Amal Movement. His leadership marks a new chapter for the group amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:19am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
Police in east London are seeking witnesses following a shooting incident in Canning Town that left two men injured. The victims, aged 25 and 27, were shot on Thorne Close at approximately 2:05 AM on Saturday and have since been hospitalized; however, their injuries are not life-threatening. Detective Inspector Iain Wallace urged anyone who was in the area during the early hours of Saturday or who noticed anything suspicious to come forward with information. He emphasized the importance of identifying those responsible for the shooting to aid in the ongoing investigation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:16am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
The United States has urged Israel to pause its recently passed legislation that bans the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, Unrwa, from operating within Israel and annexed East Jerusalem, affecting its work in Gaza and the West Bank. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller warned that the move would "have devastating consequences for Palestinians." UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres echoed this sentiment, calling Unrwa’s work “indispensable.” The legislation follows allegations that some Unrwa employees were involved in the October 7 attacks, though the UN’s investigation led to the dismissal of nine staff members. The laws take effect in three months.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:43am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
Nagpur Police arrested Jagdish Uikey, a 35-year-old author from Maharashtra’s Gondia, suspected of issuing multiple hoax bomb threats to airlines, hotels, and government officials. Uikey, previously arrested in 2021, allegedly sent threatening emails to officials including Maharashtra’s Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister, demanding to present his claims on terror threats. His threats, which led to heightened security across airports and government buildings, disrupted over 300 flights in less than two weeks, with 50 flights receiving bomb threats on October 22 alone. The investigation was led by Deputy Commissioner Shweta Khedkar, tracing the emails back to Uikey.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:39am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
At least 55 people were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahiya, a town in northern Gaza. Reports from the Palestinian news agency Wafa and Hamas media confirmed the attack, which struck a residential building. Medical sources indicated that many of the victims were women and children. The Gaza civil service reported extensive damage to the area as a result of the strike. This incident contributes to the ongoing violence in the region, raising concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Authorities are continuing to gather information and assess the impact of the airstrike.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 07:10am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
Israel's parliament has passed legislation banning the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, from operating within Israel and Israeli-occupied East Jerusalem, restricting its work in Gaza and the West Bank. Effective within three months, the ban blocks UNRWA’s cooperation with Israel's military, crucial for aid transfer into Gaza, where over 2 million Palestinians depend on UNRWA services. This decision has sparked international concern, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres warning of negative impacts on peace efforts. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini condemned the law as "unprecedented," stating it threatens essential education, health, and humanitarian support for Palestinians.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:58am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
Hundreds of ballots were destroyed after incendiary devices targeted ballot drop boxes in Portland, Oregon, and Vancouver, Washington. Authorities believe the incidents, just days before the U.S. Election, are linked. The fire suppression system in the Vancouver box failed, destroying hundreds of ballots, while only three were lost in Portland. Both Democratic candidate Marie Gluesenkamp Perez and her opponent, Republican Joe Kent, condemned the attacks, emphasizing protection of the voting process. Secretary of State Steve Hobbs assured voters of secure elections and offered replacement options for affected ballots. The FBI is assisting with the investigation.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:02am on 29 Oct 2024,Tuesday International
One year after Matthew Perry's passing, Friends co-star Matt LeBlanc is reportedly struggling with grief, according to sources. LeBlanc, now 57, has largely retreated from public life, rarely seen since Perry's death on October 28, 2023. Close friends, including Jennifer Aniston and Courteney Cox, are reportedly visiting him, cooking meals, and keeping him company. LeBlanc shared an emotional tribute on Instagram last year, recalling their cherished friendship both on and off-screen. As Perry’s tragic death continues to impact his friends, legal proceedings also advance against individuals charged with supplying Perry with lethal drugs. Friends remain concerned about LeBlanc's well-being.