May 8, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) Israel kills 7 members of same family in strike on Gaza home https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-7-members-of-same-family-in-strike-on-gaza-home-18075856 An Israeli air strike targeted a home in Gaza, killing at least seven members of the same family and wounding several others. Al-Ahli Hospital in the besieged enclave reported these casualties, adding to the toll of violence in the region. Eyewitnesses have also noted strikes in other parts of Gaza, notably around Rafah. *) UN running out of fuel in Gaza as border crossings remain shut https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israel-kills-7-members-of-same-family-in-strike-on-gaza-home-18075856 A critical situation is unfolding in Gaza as essential diesel fuel for pumping drinking water, maintaining communications, and delivering aid is running out. This alarming development follows Israel's closure of two key crossing points into the territory. According to Andrea De Domenico, head of the UN's humanitarian office in the Palestinian territories, Israel's military offensive and evacuation order in Rafah have led to the forced displacement of tens of thousands of people. The area designated by Israel lacks basic necessities like latrines, water points, shelter, and health facilities, as it mainly consists of sand dunes. *) Clashes, arrests as pro-Palestine student protests spread across Europe https://www.trtworld.com/europe/clashes-arrests-as-pro-palestine-student-protests-spread-across-europe-18070183 Student protests demanding universities sever ties with Israel due to Israel's brutal war on Gaza have gained momentum across Europe. Demonstrations in the Netherlands, Germany, and France saw police intervention as students voiced their opposition to ongoing partnerships with Israeli institutions. Inspired by similar actions in the US, where campuses have seen sustained protests, European students have taken to occupying university spaces, demanding an immediate end to these ties in light of Israel's aggressive actions in Gaza. *) Ukraine thwarts alleged Russian plot to murder Zelenskyy, two arrested https://www.trtworld.com/europe/ukraine-thwarts-alleged-russian-plot-to-murder-zelenskyy-two-arrested-18068292 Ukraine's state security service has disclosed the thwarting of an assassination plot against President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other top officials. Two individuals, identified as colonels in Ukraine's state guard service, were apprehended for their involvement in the scheme orchestrated by Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB). These agents, who leaked classified information to Moscow, were tasked with kidnapping someone close to the presidential guard to later execute Zelenskyy, according to the Security Service of Ukraine. And finally ….. *) Eurovision kicking off with pop, protests as war on Gaza casts shadow https://www.trtworld.com/arts-and-culture/eurovision-kicking-off-with-pop-protests-as-war-on-gaza-casts-shadow-18069788 Competition in the 68th Eurovision Song Contest kicks off in Sweden, with the war in Gaza casting a shadow over the sequin-spangled pop extravaganza. Performers representing countries across Europe and beyond took the stage on Tuesday in the first of two semifinals in the Swedish city of Malmo. It and a second semifinal on Thursday will winnow a field of 37 nations to 26 who will compete in Saturday’s final against a backdrop of both parties and protests. However, the presence of Israel as a participant has sparked controversy, leading to planned demonstrations on Thursday and Saturday denouncing its war on Gaza, where nearly 35,000 Palestinians have been killed.