Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 06:25pm on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
Tens of thousands rallied in London against antisemitism, with an estimated 60,000 attendees including former PM Boris Johnson and his family. The former UK PM expressed solidarity, stating, "We stand united against hatred." Notable figures, including actors Tracy-Ann Oberman and Robert Rinder, also joined the march amid a sharp rise in hate crimes against the Jewish community. English Defence League founder Tommy Robinson, unwelcome at the event, was removed by police. Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis emphasized British Jews' resilience, saying, "We will not be intimidated." The rally is considered the largest gathering against antisemitism since the 1936 Battle of Cable Street. Hate crimes, particularly antisemitic incidents, have surged following the Israel-Gaza conflict, prompting heightened security measures.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 05:17pm on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
In the ongoing truce deal mediated by Qatar, Palestinian group Hamas released 17 hostages on the third day, including 14 Israelis and 3 foreigners. Among those released were nine children including a 4-year-old Israeli-American girl, two mothers, two women, and one man. The list of Israeli hostages released on Sunday: Avigail Idan (4), Alma Avraham (84), Aviva Adrienne Siegel (62), Ron Krivoi (25), Hagar Brodetz (40), Ofri Brodetz (10), Yuval Brodetz (8), Oriya Brodetz (4), Chen Goldstein-Almog (48), Agam Goldstein-Almog (17), Gal Goldstein-Almog (11), Tal Goldstein-Almog (8), Dafna Elyakim (15), and Ela Elyakim (8). The Israeli PMO said: "The Government of Israel embraces the 17 hostages who are returning to Israel today (Sunday, 26 November 2023). The Government of Israel is committed to the return of all of the hostages and missing." The hostages, held since October 7 in Gaza, were transferred to the Red Cross and then to Israeli forces. All hostages, as per initial medical examinations, are reported to be in good condition. With this release, a total of 58 hostages have been freed during the four-day truce, amid international efforts to extend the ceasefire.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:36pm on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged to "clamp down" on immigration after net migration to the UK reached record levels of over 700,000 last year. With the figures fueling anger within his Conservative Party, Sunak admitted in an interview there is "obviously a lot more to do" to reduce immigration numbers and fulfill the 2019 Tory manifesto commitment. The PM pointed to his recent move to limit student dependents as "the single biggest measure of restriction on legal migration in years." However, Sunak faces resistance from sectors battling labor shortages. He defended his track record on curbing small boat Channel crossings but faces ongoing legal barriers to implementing the Rwanda asylum plan. The comments suggest immigration will remain a divisive issue for the embattled Sunak government.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 01:18pm on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
Russia has placed Meta Platforms' spokesperson Andy Stone on a wanted list under unspecified charges, as reported by state-run TASS. The Russian Interior Ministry initiated a criminal investigation against Stone, yet details remain undisclosed. Meta's major platforms, Facebook and Instagram, were banned in Russia after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. The investigative committee accused Stone of "lifting a ban on calls for violence," prompting the criminal probe. Meta's response is awaited. The move escalates tensions between the tech giant and Russia, emphasizing the broader challenges faced by international tech companies navigating geopolitical complexities.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:56pm on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
Pope Francis discloses his battle with lung inflammation, prompting concerns for his health. Despite a mild flu, he delivers the noon blessing from the Vatican, indicating plans to attend the COP28 climate change conference in Dubai. The Pope emphasizes the gravity of climate issues, especially for the youth. His bandaged hand raises questions about his well-being, and the Vatican's response to potential intravenous treatment remains unclear. This revelation follows a recent negative CT scan after a Vatican-reported case of bronchitis. Grateful for prayers, Francis assures his commitment to the three-day Dubai trip amid unusual weather conditions in Rome.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 12:19pm on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
Hamas' military wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, confirms the death of Ahmed Al-Ghandour, commander of its northern brigade, along with three other senior leaders during Israel's offensive. Ghandour, designated a "specially designated global terrorist" by the US, had a history of involvement in terrorist operations, including a 2006 attack on an Israeli military outpost. The statement pledges to continue their path. This revelation comes amid a temporary ceasefire, with Hamas releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The conflict, ongoing since October, has claimed numerous lives, prompting concerns for regional stability.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:41am on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
In the West Bank, Palestinian militants executed two alleged informers for Israel in Tulkarem refugee camp. The victims, Hamza Mubarak and Azam Juabra, were accused of aiding Israeli security forces. A mob kicked and dragged their bodies through alleys, eventually hanging them on an electric pole. Videos of the incident surfaced on social media, with the crowd chanting insults. The executions occurred amid the Israel-Hamas truce, with no formal statements from Hamas or the IDF. The incident coincided with the release of hostages by Hamas, following a brief delay over alleged ceasefire violations by Israel. [ photo : screengrab from Twitter]
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:36am on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
During a pro-Palestine protest in London, 18 individuals were arrested, with four detained for displaying Nazi symbols, including a swastika inside a Star of David. While the majority of protesters were peaceful, the Metropolitan Police deployed 1,500 officers to prevent potential incidents. The force issued warnings against hate speech and antisemitism, emphasizing a crackdown on criminal offenses. Organizers called for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, with the first arrest occurring at the march's onset. The police also discovered a stall distributing literature featuring a swastika inside a Star of David, resulting in the arrest of all four individuals manning the stall.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 11:30am on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
Israeli forces, in a surge of violence, claim the lives of at least 8 Palestinians in the West Bank within 24 hours, jeopardizing a fragile ceasefire with Hamas. The conflict, escalating since Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, has led to dozens of Palestinian casualties and increased settler attacks. The latest casualties include a teenager. Israel's military cites a Jenin operation, aiming to arrest a suspect, while reports indicate damage to infrastructure. Despite the recent ceasefire for aid and hostage release, tensions persist, highlighting the challenges in achieving lasting peace in the region.
Brief by Shorts91 Newsdesk / 08:53am on 26 Nov 2023,Sunday International
Sixty-one UN trucks loaded with medical aid, food, and water entered northern Gaza on Saturday, as a temporary Israel-Hamas truce enabled the largest delivery of relief supplies to the area since recent fighting broke out. An additional 200 trucks were dispatched from Israel, with over 180 having crossed the border so far. The pause in violence has allowed heavier distributions of desperately needed humanitarian provisions. Eleven ambulances were among the vehicles received at al-Shifa hospital to assist with medical evacuations. Officials expressed hope that continued ceasefire extensions will open the door for more assistance to suffering civilians in Gaza, where conflict has left 15,000 dead and thousands injured or homeless.