August Current Events 2024: World News
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The world is a very busy place, and it's hard to stay on top of everything. Infoplease has got you covered. Here are the World news events you need to know so far for August 2024.
- Plans To Challenge ICC Arrest Warrant For Israeli Prime Minister Dropped By The U.K.
- Israel Launches Airstrike On Lebanon
- Chaos Erupts In Gospel Concert In DR Congo, Killing Nine People
- Stabbing In Workshop Leaves Two Children Dead And Nine Injured
- Israel Targets Commanders Of Hezbollah In Retaliation To Golan Heights Attack
- Halla Tomasdottir To Officially Become The Seventh President Of Iceland
- Riots Break Out In Sunderland, Causing Police Officers To Get Injured
- President Of Vietnam Becomes Communist Party Chief
- Ukraine’s President Confirms The Arrival Of F-16 Fighter Jets
- Bangladesh Prime Minister Resigns And Flee The Country Amid Unrest
- Hamas Has Appointed Yahya Sinwar As Its New Leader
- President Of Tunisia Sacks The Prime Minister Of The Country
- Sixty-Two Passengers Killed as Plane Crashed Outside Sao Paulo
- Ukrainian Troops Begin Conducting Offensive in Russian Region
- Two People Dead While Attempting to Cross The English Channel In A Dinghy
- Helicopter Crashes Onto The Roof Of An Australian Hotel
- Africa CDC Declares Mpox A Health Emergency in Africa
- Prime Minister of Japan Confirms He Will Step Down in September
- Ukrainian Forces In Russia Destroys Key Bridge In The Country
- Fire Breaks Out At London’s Historic Somerset House
- Ferris Wheel Caught Fire At Music Festival In Germany, Injuring 20 People
- Chinese Ships Collide with Philippine’s Near Disputed South China Sea
- Shooting In A School In Bosnia Leaves Three People Dead
- Divers Recovers Five Bodies From The Sicily Yacht Wreck
- French Officials Arrest Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov
- Nasa Announced That Astronauts Stuck In Orbit Will Return In February With SpaceX
- President Of Ukraine Signs Law Banning Religious Groups Linked With Russia
- France President Refuses To Name Prime Minister From NFP
- Palestinian Ministry Confirm That Six Killed In Strike On West Bank
- Mexico’s President Announces Halt In Relations With The U.S. And Canadian Embassies
Plans To Challenge ICC Arrest Warrant For Israeli Prime Minister Dropped By The U.K.
Friday, July 26, 2024 – The British government has decided not to oppose the International Criminal Court's (ICC) request for an arrest warrant against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following a recent shift in administration from a Conservative to a Labour government. The decision reflects a move away from a previous government proposal and aligns with the Labour Party's stance that such matters should be resolved by the ICC itself.
The ICC's prosecutor, Karim Khan, announced in May his intention to seek arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and several Hamas leaders, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The ICC lacks enforcement capabilities but relies on member states to cooperate with its decisions.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties and destruction, prompting international criticism and calls for humanitarian relief.
Source: CNN
Israel Launches Airstrike On Lebanon
Sunday, July 28, 2024 – Israeli jets carried out airstrikes on southern Lebanon overnight in response to a rocket attack that tragically killed 12 children in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The rocket strike occurred in Majdal Shams, a Druze village, and wounded several others. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant labeled the attack a “tragedy” and blamed Hezbollah, vowing retaliation.
The Israeli foreign ministry and the White House both attributed the attack to Hezbollah, with Washington noting that it was launched from an area controlled by the group. Hezbollah, however, denied responsibility, suggesting the strike was caused by a malfunction of Israel's Iron Dome defense system, which was allegedly intercepting rockets aimed at Israeli military positions.
In response to the attack, Israel conducted airstrikes on southern Lebanese towns near the Bekaa Valley. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is convening his security cabinet to address the situation.
Source: The Guardian
Chaos Erupts In Gospel Concert In DR Congo, Killing Nine People
Sunday, July 28, 2024 – At least nine people, including a 10-year-old child, died and several others were injured during a live concert at Kinshasa's Martyrs Stadium in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The event, featuring gospel singer and pastor Mike Kalambay, was marred by scenes of overcrowding, which led to a deadly crush.
Governor Daniel Bumba attributed the disaster to "excesses and crowd movements" and has called for an investigation into the incident. DR Congo's justice minister has directed an inquiry into the roles of the police and event organizer Maajabu Gospel.
According to the organizers, 2,000 police officers were present to manage the crowd and blamed "troublemakers" for the chaos, insisting that the 30,000 attendees were well below the stadium's 80,000-seat capacity. In response to the tragedy, the Martyrs Stadium, a major venue for music and sports events, has been closed until further notice.
Source: BBC
Stabbing In Workshop Leaves Two Children Dead And Nine Injured
Monday, July 29, 2024 – In a devastating incident at a children's dance workshop in Southport, a knife attack resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to nine others, with six of them being critical. Two adults also sustained critical injuries while trying to protect the children at the Taylor Swift-themed event.
The attack, described as "ferocious" by Merseyside Police, occurred at the Hope of Hart children's club on Hart Street. Emergency services, including armed response units and 13 ambulances, arrived swiftly after receiving calls at 11:47 BST. A 17-year-old boy from Banks, Lancashire, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The motive behind the attack remains unclear, though it is not considered terror-related. Witnesses described the scene as "horrendous," with police and medical personnel visibly distressed. Chief Constable Serena Kennedy expressed deep sympathy for the victims' families and highlighted the bravery of the injured adults.
Source: BBC
Israel Targets Commanders Of Hezbollah In Retaliation To Golan Heights Attack
Tuesday, July 30, 2024 – Israel launched a strike in Beirut, Lebanon, targeting a senior Hezbollah commander in retaliation for a deadly attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. The attack, which killed one person and injured several others, was aimed at Fu'ad Shukr, a senior adviser to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and a member of the group's highest military body, the Jihad Council. Shukr, designated a “Specially Designated Global Terrorist” by the United States State Department, survived the strike.
Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant stated that Hezbollah had crossed a "red line" with its actions. The attack represents a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, following an earlier flare-up in October.
The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed that the strike targeted the commander responsible for the recent violence. In response, the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon and groups such as the Iran-backed Houthis and Hamas condemned the strike and declared solidarity with Lebanon.
Source: CNN
Halla Tomasdottir To Officially Become The Seventh President Of Iceland
Wednesday, July 31, 2024 – Halla Tómasdóttir, a feminist entrepreneur and former chief executive of The B Team, will become Iceland's president this Thursday. Tómasdóttir, who won over 34% of the vote in the June elections, will succeed Guðni Th. Jóhannesson, who is stepping down after eight years.
Tómasdóttir, who is known for her work with Björk during Iceland’s 2008 financial crisis and her TED talk advocating “feminine values” in finance, Tómasdóttir brings a diverse background to the presidency, including roles at Iceland’s Chamber of Commerce and co-founding Auður Capital.
At 55, Tómasdóttir's campaign focused on modern issues such as artificial intelligence, tourism, and social media’s impact on mental health. She emphasized generational equality, aiming to provide future generations with equal opportunities. However, she faced criticism for a Facebook post related to an electric car purchase, though she clarified that the post was shared without her consent.
Source: The Guardian
Riots Break Out In Sunderland, Causing Police Officers To Get Injured
Friday, August 2, 2024 – Sunderland experienced severe riots, resulting in significant damage and violence. Hundreds of individuals engaged in the unrest, targeting police officers and property. Northumbria Police reported that three officers were injured and required hospital treatment. During the chaos, a police station was vandalized, a Citizens Advice Bureau was set ablaze, and cars were set on fire.
Rioters also threw beer cans and bricks at police, attacked a mosque, and displayed Islamophobic and far-right sentiments. This unrest follows the recent tragic killing of three young girls in Southport. Local and national authorities condemned the violence.
The Mayor of the Northeast criticized the rioters for their destructive actions and emphasized the need for legal accountability. In response to the violence, Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer announced a new national program to enhance police coordination and intelligence-sharing to combat such disturbances
Source: BBC
President Of Vietnam Becomes Communist Party Chief
Saturday, August 3, 2024 – The President of Vietnam, To Lam, was appointed as the new general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, succeeding Nguyen Phu Trong, who passed away two weeks ago. Lam, who had been serving as acting party chief since July 18 due to Trong’s declining health, was unanimously elected to the position by party delegates.
In his address, Lam pledged to uphold Trong’s legacy, maintain the nation's foreign policy, and continue the anti-corruption campaign. He emphasized his experience in handling graft issues from his previous role as police minister.
Despite the absence of a formal paramount leader, the general secretary holds significant power, a position Trong had strengthened during his tenure. Analysts suggest that while Lam is committed to fighting corruption, he might first focus on stabilizing the party ahead of the 2026 Congress.
Source: Reuters
Ukraine’s President Confirms The Arrival Of F-16 Fighter Jets
Sunday, August 4, 2024 – The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine, marking a significant upgrade for the country’s Air Force. The introduction of these advanced jets, which Ukraine has long sought to counter Russian air superiority and enhance its defensive capabilities, represents a major development in the ongoing conflict with Russia.
The F-16s offer superior air cover, ground attack capabilities, and missile interception, crucial for Ukraine's defense efforts. Zelensky expressed pride and gratitude towards Ukraine’s allies, particularly Denmark, the Netherlands, and the United States, who facilitated the delivery of the jets.
The President also acknowledged that the current number of F-16s and trained pilots is limited, he emphasized that their arrival is a crucial step forward. Zelensky also highlighted ongoing training and the potential for additional jets and expanded training opportunities.
Source: CNN
Bangladesh Prime Minister Resigns And Flee The Country Amid Unrest
Monday, August 5, 2024 – The Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina has resigned after weeks of intense and deadly anti-government protests, ending her two-decade rule. At 76, Hasina fled to India amidst widespread unrest. In Dhaka, jubilant crowds celebrated by storming and vandalizing the prime ministerial palace.
President Mohammed Shahabuddin responded by releasing jailed former prime minister Khaleda Zia and lifting the national curfew. An interim government is set to be formed, and new elections are anticipated. During the protests, which saw attacks on government buildings and a statue of independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, numerous casualties were reported—ranging from 66 to 135 people confirmed dead.
The unrest also saw violence against Hindu minorities, fuelled by the perception that India had supported Hasina’s regime. International reactions included commendations for military restraint and calls for a peaceful transition to democracy.
Source: BBC
Hamas Has Appointed Yahya Sinwar As Its New Leader
Tuesday, August 6, 2024 – Hamas has appointed Yahya Sinwar as the new head of its political bureau, following the assassination of his predecessor, Ismail Haniyeh, in Tehran. Sinwar, a hardline militant and key figure behind the October 7 attack on Israel, is believed to be hiding in Gaza's tunnels and controlling around 120 Israeli hostages.
His appointment, announced via pro-Hamas Iranian media, marks a shift towards a more militant stance within Hamas. Sinwar, a founding member of Hamas and former head of its intelligence service, was imprisoned by Israel for 23 years before being released in a 2011 prisoner swap.
His elevation consolidates Hamas's internal control and raises doubts about the prospects for a ceasefire. The recent killing of other Hamas leaders and the ongoing tensions between Israel and the United States have further complicated efforts to resolve the conflict.
Source: The Guardian
President Of Tunisia Sacks The Prime Minister Of The Country
Wednesday, August 7, 2024 – The President of Tunisia, Kais Saied has dismissed Prime Minister Ahmed Hachani and appointed Social Affairs Minister Kamel Maddouri as his replacement. Hachani, who had been prime minister since August of the previous year, had recently highlighted government achievements despite global challenges, including managing food and energy needs.
His removal comes amid growing public dissatisfaction with frequent water and electricity outages. The government attributes these issues to a severe drought and a water distribution quota system, while Saied claims the shortages are part of a conspiracy to undermine his presidency and asserts that the dams are full.
The Agriculture Ministry reports critically low dam levels at 25 percent. Saied, who has announced his candidacy for the upcoming presidential elections, faces criticism from opposition groups, human rights advocates, and competitors for allegedly stifling dissent and manipulating the electoral process to secure a second term.
Source: Reuters
Sixty-Two Passengers Killed as Plane Crashed Outside Sao Paulo
Friday, August 9, 2024 – A tragic plane crash occurred outside São Paulo, resulting in the deaths of all 62 people on board. The flight, operated by the regional airline Voepass, was an ATR 72-500 turboprop traveling from Cascavel to Guarulhos when it lost contact shortly before 1:30 p.m. (ET). Social media footage captured the dramatic descent of the plane, which plummeted from 17,000 feet to the ground in a minute.
The aircraft was seen spiraling before crashing and catching fire. Initial reports from Voepass listed 61 fatalities but were later corrected to 62 after confirming all passengers and crew were aboard. Among the deceased was a Portuguese citizen, though it remains unclear if any victims had dual nationality.
Despite the severe crash, no injuries were reported on the ground. The final data transmission from the plane was recorded at 1:22 p.m., shortly before the crash.
Source: CNN
Ukrainian Troops Begin Conducting Offensive in Russian Region
Saturday, August 10, 2024 – The President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that Ukrainian forces are conducting a cross-border offensive into Russia’s western Kursk region. In a video address, Zelensky described the operation as Ukraine’s push onto "the aggressor's territory" following a surprise attack on Tuesday.
This operation marks the deepest Ukrainian incursion into Russia since Moscow’s full-scale invasion began in February 2022. Ukrainian troops advanced more than 10 kilometers into Russian territory, seizing several villages and threatening the town of Sudzha.
In response, Russia has imposed a "counter-terror" regime in Kursk, Belgorod, and Bryansk regions, which includes movement restrictions and surveillance measures. Over 76,000 people have been evacuated from Kursk. Fighting continues, with Kursk Governor Aleksei Smirnov reporting injuries from a Ukrainian missile’s wreckage and additional drone attacks in neighboring regions.
Source: BBC
Two People Dead While Attempting to Cross The English Channel In A Dinghy
Sunday, August 11, 2024 – Two people have been confirmed dead while they were attempting to cross the English Channel in a dinghy, raising the death toll since mid-July to at least nine. French authorities reported that 53 individuals were rescued by a helicopter and various ships, with the deceased found unconscious onboard.
50 people were also rescued in a separate incident on the same morning. The survivors from both events were brought back to France. Before these incidents, adverse weather conditions had halted crossings for four days.
This year, there have been 17 deaths related to Channel crossings, with the most recent fatality before Sunday occurring on July 28, when a woman reportedly suffocated. Organizations like Utopia 56 and Alarm Phone attribute the rising death toll to increased border controls by the UK.
Source: The Guardian
Helicopter Crashes Onto The Roof Of An Australian Hotel
Monday, August 12, 2024 – In the early hours of Monday in Cairns, Australia, a helicopter crashed into the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, causing a fatal incident and triggering a large-scale evacuation. The pilot, who has not been identified, was killed in the crash, and two hotel guests on the top floor sustained minor injuries and were hospitalized.
The crash caused damage to some windows of the hotel, but the full extent of the damage is still under investigation. Queensland Police are considering all possibilities regarding the nature of the unauthorized flight, including whether the helicopter was stolen or if the crash was intentional.
Charter company Nautilus Aviation, which owned the helicopter, is cooperating with authorities in the investigation. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is also involved, and it is believed that the helicopter took off from a hangar at Cairns Airport, located about 5 kilometers from the crash site.
Source: CNN
Africa CDC Declares Mpox A Health Emergency in Africa
Tuesday, August 13, 2024 – Mpox, which was formerly known as monkeypox, has been declared a public health emergency in Africa by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The urgency stems from the rapid spread of a new strain of the virus, which has already resulted in over 13,700 cases and 450 deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since the start of the year.
The virus, known for causing lesions across the body, has also spread to other African nations such as Burundi, the Central African Republic, Kenya, and Rwanda. The declaration aims to enhance government coordination and potentially increase the flow of medical supplies and aid to affected regions.
The head of the Africa CDC, Jean Kaseya, emphasized the need for immediate and proactive measures to prevent the situation from escalating further.
Source: BBC
Prime Minister of Japan Confirms He Will Step Down in September
Wednesday, August 14, 2024 – The Prime Minister of Japan, Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not seek re-election as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in September. This decision marks the end of his three-year tenure, which has been overshadowed by low approval ratings, a funding scandal, rising living costs, and record defense spending.
Kishida stated that the LDP needed an “open contest to promote debate, which signals the start of a leadership race within the party. Kishida's decision sets the stage for a new leader to take charge of Japan's government, with the LDP-controlled parliament likely to approve the new party president as the next prime minister.
Potential candidates to succeed Kishida include Shigeru Ishiba, a centrist and former defense secretary, and Taro Kono, the digital minister known for his dynamic style.
Source: The Guardian
Ukrainian Forces In Russia Destroys Key Bridge In The Country
Friday, August 16, 2024 – In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian forces have destroyed a key bridge over the Seym River in Russia's Kursk region. This bridge, located near the town of Glushkovo, was crucial for Russian supply lines, and its destruction is expected to impede Russian military operations.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelensky indicated that Ukrainian troops are solidifying their positions in Kursk, suggesting that the captured territories might be used as leverage in negotiations with Moscow.
The operation, now entering its second week, marks Ukraine’s deepest incursion into Russian territory since the start of the full-scale invasion over two years ago. The incursion has prompted the evacuation of over 120,000 people from the region. Ukrainian officials, including a senior aide and the head of the military, have emphasized that their goal is not to occupy Russian land but to pressure Russia into negotiations.
Source: BBC
Fire Breaks Out At London’s Historic Somerset House
Saturday, August 17, 2024 – A fire erupted at London’s Somerset House, prompting a major response from the London Fire Brigade. Approximately 125 firefighters, supported by 20 fire engines, tackled the blaze which broke out in the west wing of the historic building. The fire, which started on the roof, was brought under control by early evening, but the cause is yet to be identified.
Somerset House, a cultural center now housing a gallery and various creative events, had its origins as a palace built by Edward Seymour, Duke of Somerset, in the 1500s.
The building, which also features a gallery with works by Vincent Van Gogh and other renowned artists, was closed to the public following the fire. No artworks were damaged as the fire occurred in an area without collections.
Source: The Guardian
Ferris Wheel Caught Fire At Music Festival In Germany, Injuring 20 People
Sunday, August 18, 2024 – A Ferris wheel caught fire at the Highfield Festival near Leipzig, Germany, injuring over 20 people. The blaze, which started shortly after 9 p.m., engulfed two carriages and sent thick smoke into the air. According to the report from Saxony police, they confirm that four individuals sustained burn injuries, while another was hurt from falling.
Additionally, 18 people, which included first responders, police officers, and others on the ride were exposed to smoke and were taken to hospitals for medical treatment. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and the area has been cordoned off.
German rapper Ski Aggu, who was performing at the festival at the time, expressed his shock and distress on Instagram. Despite the emergency, he was instructed to continue his performance to prevent mass panic among festivalgoers.
Source: CNN
Chinese Ships Collide with Philippine’s Near Disputed South China Sea
Monday, August 19, 2024 – Chinese and Philippine vessels collided near the disputed Sabina Shoal in the South China Sea, an area marked by frequent confrontations between the two nations. Both countries blamed each other for the incident, which underscores the ongoing tension over territorial claims in the region.
China maintains its stance that almost the entire South China Sea falls under its jurisdiction, despite an international tribunal ruling that invalidates such claims. According to the Chinese Foreign Ministry, the Philippine coast guard vessels illegally entered Chinese waters, prompting Chinese coast guard ships to take control measures.
The Philippines also accused Chinese vessels of conducting "unlawful and aggressive maneuvers," leading to collisions that caused structural damage to two of its coast guard ships. The Sabina Shoal located 140 kilometres from the Philippine Island of Palawan, has become a focal point for both nations.
Source: The Guardian
Shooting In A School In Bosnia Leaves Three People Dead
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – In a tragic incident, three staff members at a high school in Sanski Most, Bosnia, were killed when a school cleaner, Mehmed Vukalic, opened fire with an automatic rifle. The victims included the school's dean, secretary, and a recently retired English teacher who had returned to help her successor.
It was confirmed that no students were harmed, as the shooting occurred during the summer holidays, though some were present for exams. After the attack, Vukalic attempted to take his own life, sustaining a gunshot wound to the chest, and was later hospitalized for surgery.
Mayor Faris Hasanbegovic expressed disbelief and sorrow, noting the lack of any justification for the tragedy. Reports indicate that Vukalic was unhappy with his job and had suffered from PTSD following the Bosnian war in the 1990s, contributing to his troubled state.
Source: CNN
Divers Recovers Five Bodies From The Sicily Yacht Wreck
Wednesday, August 21, 2024 – Divers have recovered the bodies of five out of six missing passengers from the wreckage of the Bayesian, a superyacht that sank off the coast of Sicily during a freak weather event on Monday. The yacht, believed to have been capsized by a waterspout, sank 700 meters offshore, descending to a depth of 50 meters.
Among those missing were prominent figures, including UK tech entrepreneur Mike Lynch, his daughter Hannah Lynch, and Jonathan Bloomer, chairman of Morgan Stanley Bank International, along with his wife, Judy. The Italian Coastguard has yet to formally identify the recovered bodies, as they await the retrieval of all six victims before contacting the families.
The first two bodies were brought ashore on Wednesday afternoon, followed by two more later that evening. Rescue efforts were paused overnight but are expected to continue.
Source: BBC
French Officials Arrest Telegram CEO, Pavel Durov
Saturday, August 24, 2024 – The Chief Executive Officer of Telegram, Pavel Durov, was arrested by French police at Le Bourget Airport, reportedly under a warrant concerning the messaging app's moderation policies. French media indicate that the arrest relates to Telegram's alleged failure to control criminal activities on the platform, including drug trafficking, child sexual content, and fraud.
This has sparked criticism from Russian officials, who accuse the West of double standards in its approach to free speech and democracy. Durov founded Telegram in 2013 after leaving Russia due to government demands to shut down opposition groups on his previous platform, VKontakte.
The Russian Embassy in France and other officials have expressed concerns over the lack of cooperation from French authorities. The arrest has also drawn reactions from figures like Edward Snowden and Elon Musk, who view it as an attack on free speech.
Source: BBC
Nasa Announced That Astronauts Stuck In Orbit Will Return In February With SpaceX
Saturday, August 24, 2024 – NASA has decided that astronauts Sunita “Suni” Williams and Barry “Butch” Wilmore, currently aboard the International Space Station (ISS), will return to Earth next February on a SpaceX Crew-9 flight. Originally scheduled to return on Boeing's Starliner, the decision to switch was made due to concerns over the Starliner's safety following small leaks and thruster failures.
The announcement followed an “agency-level review” involving NASA Administrator Bill Nelson, who emphasized the commitment to astronaut safety and the need to further investigate the Starliner’s issues before it can be approved for routine flights.
Williams and Wilmore, veteran astronauts who arrived at the ISS in June as part of a crucial test of the Starliner, have seen their mission extended due to the technical challenges faced by the spacecraft. As a result, NASA has opted to bring the Starliner back to Earth without a crew to ensure it meets safety standards before future missions.
Source: The Guardian
President Of Ukraine Signs Law Banning Religious Groups Linked With Russia
Sunday, August 25, 2024 – Ukraine is intensifying efforts to diminish Russian influence by targeting religious institutions, particularly the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (UOC), historically linked to the Russian Orthodox Church, also known as the Moscow Patriarchate. On Ukraine’s Independence Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky signed a law banning religious groups with ties to Russia.
The law mandates that the UOC and other affected religious organizations sever their ties with Russia within nine months or face court-ordered shutdowns. Zelensky described this move as a crucial step toward freeing Ukrainian orthodoxy from Moscow's influence.
Despite the UOC's claim of severing ties with the Russian Orthodox Church in 2022, Ukraine’s State Service for Ethnic Policy and Freedom of Conscience insists that these connections remain. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) has accused the UOC of spreading pro-Moscow propaganda and has taken legal action against over 100 of its clergymen, with nearly 50 already charged and 26 convicted.
Source: CNN
France President Refuses To Name Prime Minister From NFP
Monday, August 26, 2024 – France is experiencing significant political turmoil after President Emmanuel Macron declined to appoint a prime minister from the leftwing coalition, the New Popular Front (NFP), which secured the most seats in the recent parliamentary election. The election resulted in a fragmented Assemblée Nationale, split into three nearly equal blocks—left, center, and far-right where none holds a majority.
Macron engaged in two days of discussions with party and parliamentary leaders, seeking cross-party support for a new prime minister. However, his decision not to select the NFP’s candidate sparked outrage and threats of impeachment. Macron justified his choice by arguing that a government led by the NFP would face an immediate vote of no confidence, making it unworkable.
The president announced plans for further consultations, urging political leaders to demonstrate responsibility in navigating this unprecedented crisis in the Fifth Republic.
Source: The Guardian
Palestinian Ministry Confirm That Six Killed In Strike On West Bank
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 – The Palestinian health ministry confirmed that an Israeli air strike on the Nur Shams refugee camp in the occupied West Bank has resulted in the deaths of at least five people, including two children. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the strike, stating it targeted the command center of a "terror cell."
The incident is part of a broader surge in violence in the West Bank following the war in Gaza that began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7. Separately, one person was shot dead and three others injured in an attack by Israeli settlers near Bethlehem.
According to the report from the United Nations, 607 Palestinians, including 26 children, have been killed in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since October 7, with 128 of these deaths resulting from Israeli air strikes.
Source: BBC
Mexico’s President Announces Halt In Relations With The U.S. And Canadian Embassies
Tuesday, August 27, 2024 – President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador announced a halt in diplomatic relations with the U.S. and Canadian embassies after their ambassadors criticized his proposal to have judges elected by popular vote. During his daily press conference, López Obrador clarified that the “pause” is with the embassies, not the countries and that relations would resume once the diplomats respect Mexico’s sovereignty.
His judicial reform proposal, part of a broader constitutional reform package, has faced criticism for potentially weakening the separation of powers and eliminating some independent regulatory agencies. U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar expressed concern that electing judges by popular vote could undermine Mexico’s democracy, while Canadian Ambassador Graeme Clark warned that the proposed reforms could worry investors and affect trade relations.
The reforms, which also address pensions and the energy sector, have passed a congressional committee and now require two-thirds approval in both chambers of Congress.
Source: CNN
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