October 5, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) Hezbollah says over 20 Israeli elite soldiers killed or injured in fighting Hezbollah has said it has killed or injured over 20 Israeli elite soldiers in southern Lebanon during intense fighting. The Lebanese group says it destroyed an Israeli Merkava tank near Malikiya with a guided missile, resulting in casualties. Hezbollah also launched rockets on areas near Haifa, Kiryat Shmona, and other border regions. Several Israeli military positions, including Nafah base and forces in northern Israel, were also hit. Hezbollah reported additional strikes on Israeli troops attempting to infiltrate Maroun al-Ras. *) Trump calls for Israel to target Iran's nuclear facilities first Former US president and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump believes Israel should take action against Iran's nuclear facilities. Speaking at a North Carolina campaign event, Trump responded to a recent question posed to President Joe Biden regarding Israel's possible response to Iran’s missile barrage. Trump criticised Biden’s stance, saying, "The answer should have been, hit the nuclear first, and worry about the rest later." Trump's comments come amid heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. *) Over 6% of Gaza’s population killed, injured in Israel's invasion — WHO The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that over 6 percent of Gaza’s population has been killed or injured as Israel's military invasion nears its one-year mark. Speaking in Geneva, Ayadil Saparbekov, WHO’s team lead for health emergencies in the region, highlighted that at least 10,000 people remain trapped under rubble. Gaza's healthcare system is in crisis, with over 500 attacks on health facilities recorded since October 2023, leaving 765 dead. *) US questions Israel's unpredictable actions in Lebanon — report Tensions between the Pentagon and Israel are rising as US officials express frustration over Israel's unpredictable actions in Lebanon, according to a report published in The New York Times. Israel's recent strikes and land incursions, often without prior US notice, have caught American forces off guard, including a high-stakes operation against Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. With a heavy US military presence in the region, Pentagon officials now question whether this show of force is containing the violence—or fueling it. The US military is also worried about being overextended, as they must also focus on other global threats like China and Russia. *) Floods in West, Central Africa claim over 1,000 lives and displace 740,000 Severe floods have claimed over 1,000 lives and displaced 740,000 across West and Central Africa, affecting 5 million people in 16 countries, the UN has said. Chad, Niger, and Nigeria are hardest hit, with homes, schools, and farmland destroyed. The UN warns of rising cholera risks, especially in Niger and Nigeria. A $35 million aid package has been allocated, but more funding is urgently needed. In Nigeria, $5 million will aid 280,000 people with food, water, and shelter.