July 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 July 2024.
- Princess Anne Returns Home After Suffering A Head Injury
- At Least 18 People Confirmed Dead Following Attack By Suicide Bombers
- Gunmen Open Fire At A Wedding Reception In France, Killing One Person
- Car Rams Into Crowd In Seoul, Killing At Least Nine People
- Officials Confirm That At Least 16 People Were Killed In A Gathering In India
- Following Deadly Shooting, Russia’s Dagestan Bans Wearing Niqabs Temporarily
- Labour Wins Massively In The U.K. General Elections
- Labor Takes Over British Governance After 14 Years Of Conservative Rule
- Iran Elects Masoud Pezeshkian As The Country’s President
- France Election Sees Surprise Win For Leftwing Alliance
- Russian Missile Killed 36 In Ukraine, Drawing Condemnation From World Leaders
- Military Airstrike By Israel Kills 29 People In Gaza Camp For Displaced People
- Russia Has Pledged To Discharge Indians Fighting In Ukraine For Moscow
- Over 35 Bills To Be Introduced By Britain’s New Government
- Israeli Strike On Targeting Hamas Chief Killed 90 Palestinians
- Spain Defeats England To Win UEFA Euro Championship
- Police Arrest Serial Killer After Bodies Were Found In A Dump
- Six People Discovered Dead In Luxury Thai Hotel
- Germany’s Military Aid To Ukraine To Be Reduced By Half
- United Nation’s Gaza Aid Agency To Continue Receiving Funding From The U.K.
- Israeli Airstrike Hits Yemen, Kills At Least Six People
- Ukrainian President Calls For Long-Rage Weapons Following Drone Attack On Kyiv
- Military Leader Takes Over As Interim President Of Myanmar
- Fishing Boat Sinks In Falkland Island, Killing Six People
- Six People Killed Due To An Explosion At A Tequila Factory In Mexico
Princess Anne Returns Home After Suffering A Head Injury
Friday, June 28, 2024 – Princess Anne, sister of King Charles III, has returned home to Gatcombe Park after a hospital stay due to minor injuries and a concussion sustained while walking near horses at her Gloucestershire estate. The 73-year-old Princess Royal will rest and recover at home, resuming public engagements upon medical clearance.
Her husband, Vice-Adm. Tim Laurence expressed gratitude to Southmead Hospital staff for their care during her brief hospitalization. The circumstances of her injuries, possibly involving contact with a horse, were clarified by her medical team. Princess Anne's treatment includes rehabilitation at home under concussion protocols, impacting her attendance at recent engagements such as a state banquet and a planned royal visit to Canada.
This incident adds to the health challenges facing the royal family, including King Charles III's cancer treatment and other health issues within the family circle since the start of the year.
Source: CNN
At Least 18 People Confirmed Dead Following Attack By Suicide Bombers
Saturday, June 29, 2024 – At least 18 people were killed and 30 injured in coordinated bombings in Gwoza, Nigeria, believed to be carried out by female suicide bombers. The attacks targeted a wedding, a subsequent funeral, and a hospital. President Bola Tinubu condemned the violence as acts of terror and vowed to pursue justice against the perpetrators.
While no group claimed responsibility, Boko Haram's ISWAP faction is suspected, given their history of similar attacks in Borno state. The bombings underscore ongoing security threats in the region, plagued by a 15-year insurgency that has displaced millions and caused tens of thousands of deaths.
International condemnations were made following the attack, with calls to end assaults on civilians and reminders of the persistent terrorism threat in the area. The United States Mission in Nigeria also described the attack as horrific.
Source: BBC
Gunmen Open Fire At A Wedding Reception In France, Killing One Person
Sunday, June 30, 2024 – In Thionville, France, one person was killed, and five others injured when masked gunmen opened fire at a wedding reception. Police sources suspect the incident may be linked to a conflict among drug traffickers rather than a targeted attack on the wedding itself.
The shooting occurred early on Sunday outside the reception hall, where three heavily armed assailants arrived in a 4X4 vehicle and fired at a group of people who had gone outside to smoke. Two individuals sustained serious injuries, with one in critical condition, before the shooters fled the scene.
Thionville, near the borders of Luxembourg and Germany, was marked by a shattered glass door riddled with bullet holes following the violence. This incident follows earlier shootings in nearby Villerupt involving rival gangs at a drug-dealing location, which left five people wounded in May 2023.
Source: The Guardian
Car Rams Into Crowd In Seoul, Killing At Least Nine People
Monday, July 1, 2024 – In Seoul, South Korea, a tragic incident occurred when a car driven by a man in his 60s plowed into a crowd of pedestrians, resulting in at least nine deaths and several injuries. The accident took place at around 21:30 local time near Seoul city hall.
Reports indicate the vehicle was traveling in the wrong direction and collided with two other vehicles before striking pedestrians waiting at a traffic stop. Six people died at the scene, with three more succumbing to their injuries later.
Police are investigating the incident, warning that casualty figures could rise. South Korea has regulations limiting speeds to 50 km/h on general urban roads and 30 km/h in residential areas, aiming to enhance road safety despite challenges, including a significant proportion of pedestrian fatalities compared to other OECD nations.
Source: BBC
Officials Confirm That At Least 16 People Were Killed In A Gathering In India
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 – In a tragic incident in northern India's Hathras district, at least 116 people, mostly women and children, were killed in a stampede during a Hindu religious gathering. The incident occurred as thousands of devotees were leaving a prayer meeting led by a local religious leader.
According to officials, a dust storm blinded the attendees, leading to chaos and the fatal incident. Relief efforts are focused on providing medical aid to over 80 injured individuals. Witnesses described harrowing scenes of overcrowding and people being pushed into ditches. Organizers had a permit for 5,000 attendees.
This tragedy underscores recurring challenges in crowd management during religious events in India, with calls for improved safety measures. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and local authorities have expressed condolences, promising compensation to victims' families and ordering a thorough investigation into the incident.
Source: The Guardian
Following Deadly Shooting, Russia’s Dagestan Bans Wearing Niqabs Temporarily
Wednesday, July 3, 2024 – In response to deadly attacks by gunmen in Dagestan last month, the southern Russian province has implemented a temporary ban on wearing niqabs, a full-face veil, in public places. The attacks on June 23 targeted multiple places of worship and a police traffic stop, resulting in the deaths of 15 police officers, four civilians including an Orthodox priest, and several others injured.
The ban, announced by Dagestan's Mufti, is intended to enhance security until threats are mitigated and new religious guidelines are established. It applies to public areas requiring identification and security measures, such as streets and institutions with large gatherings.
The Coordination Center of Muslims of the North Caucasus supported the measure, citing concerns over inter-religious and interethnic harmony. Russian Investigative Committee head Alexander Bastrykin has urged lawmakers to urgently enforce a nationwide niqab ban, attributing the attacks to Islamist terrorists, although no group has claimed responsibility yet.
Source: CNN
Labour Wins Massively In The U.K. General Elections
Friday, July 5, 2024 – In the UK general election, Labour won by a landslide, and Keir Starmer will become the next Prime Minister. "Change begins now," Starmer says; Rishi Sunak believes Britain has handed a "sobering verdict"
Labour has gained more than 400 of the Commons' 650 seats, while the Conservatives have 108. The Lib Dems make significant gains, while the SNP lose the majority of their seats. High-profile Conservative losses include former Prime Minister Liz Truss, Defence Secretary Grant Shapps, Jacob Rees-Mogg, and Penny Mordaunt.
Reform UK leader Nigel Farage becomes an MP for the first time, and the party gains four MPs. Former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn wins as an independent, while the Green Party's Carla Denyer wins Bristol Central.
As Labour celebrates victories throughout the nation, the atmosphere in the SNP camp takes a very different turn. The SNP's former deputy Westminster leader characterized the outcome as "cataclysmic" and accused the party of alienating voters by blaming them.
Source: BBC
Labor Takes Over British Governance After 14 Years Of Conservative Rule
Friday, July 5, 2024 – The Labour Party secured a sweeping victory in the UK general election, ending 14 years of Conservative rule amidst widespread public discontent. Keir Starmer, now Prime Minister, inherits one of the largest parliamentary majorities in British history and vows to initiate substantial reforms.
In his inaugural address from 10 Downing Street, Starmer emphasized the need for profound national renewal, cautioning that change would be gradual in a volatile world. The Conservative Party, in contrast, suffered its worst electoral performance, losing over 250 seats and prompting leader Rishi Sunak to take responsibility and announce his resignation.
The swift transition of power saw Sunak leave Downing Street to meet the King and formally resign, making way for Starmer's immediate accession. Despite political differences, both leaders conveyed mutual respect during the handover, marking a significant moment in British political history.
Source: CNN
Iran Elects Masoud Pezeshkian As The Country’s President
Saturday, July 6, 2024 – Masoud Pezeshkian has emerged victorious in Iran's presidential election, defeating his hardline conservative rival Saeed Jalili with 53.3% of the vote, as announced by Iran's interior ministry. The election runoff followed a historically low voter turnout of 40% in the first round, prompting widespread celebrations among Pezeshkian's supporters in Tehran and other cities even before the official results were declared.
Pezeshkian, a 71-year-old heart surgeon and parliament member, campaigned on promises of unity, ending Iran's isolation, and advocating for constructive negotiations to revive the 2015 nuclear deal. In contrast, Jalili, known for his hardline anti-Western stance, opposed restoring the nuclear deal, which he believed compromised Iran's interests.
The election, overseen by the Guardian Council, faced criticism for disqualifying numerous candidates, including women, leading to significant discontent and boycotts. Despite challenges, Pezeshkian's election marks a shift in Iran's political landscape, highlighting divisions and aspirations for change among the electorate.
Source: BBC
France Election Sees Surprise Win For Leftwing Alliance
Sunday, July 7, 2024 – In the recent French parliamentary elections, the leftwing New Popular Front emerged as the largest bloc with 182 seats, followed closely by President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Together alliance with 163 seats. The far-right National Rally (RN), despite leading initially, secured 143 seats, reflecting a strategic backlash through tactical voting aimed at preventing them from gaining a majority.
With none of the groups achieving the required 289 seats for an absolute majority, France faces significant political uncertainty. Leaders from various political factions, including Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed and Raphaël Glucksmann of the Socialist party, have begun maneuvering for positions, underscoring the fractured nature of the parliament and the necessity for dialogue and negotiation.
The election marked a historic but ultimately restrained advance for the RN, prompting mixed reactions and emphasizing ongoing divisions within French society over issues of democracy and national identity.
Source: The Guardian
Russian Missile Killed 36 In Ukraine, Drawing Condemnation From World Leaders
Monday, July 8, 2024 – Western and United Nations leaders have strongly condemned a Russian missile attack on Kyiv's largest children's hospital, Okhmatdyt, during which numerous individuals, including children, were trapped under rubble. The assault, part of a broader series of strikes across Ukraine, resulted in 36 deaths, marking one of the deadliest incidents this year.
Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy pledged retaliation, emphasizing Russia's accountability for what he termed "crimes against humanity." Secretary of the United Nations, General António Guterres, and other international officials denounced the strikes as appalling and called for an emergency Security Council meeting.
The bombing severely damaged the hospital's toxicology ward, forcing the evacuation of children amidst chaos and panic. Despite Russian denial of involvement, evidence suggests their responsibility, escalating tensions ahead of a NATO summit where increased support for Ukraine is anticipated.
Source: The Guardian
Military Airstrike By Israel Kills 29 People In Gaza Camp For Displaced People
Tuesday, July 9, 2024 – At least 29 Palestinians were killed, and many others wounded in an Israeli air strike on a tent camp for displaced people near al-Awda school in Abasan al-Kabira, southern Gaza. The strike, targeting a member of Hamas' military wing allegedly involved in an earlier attack on Israel, prompted condemnation from the European Union and Germany for targeting civilians seeking shelter.
Witnesses described a chaotic scene with widespread destruction, including injuries to women and children. The area, filled with displaced individuals from nearby villages, was struck despite the presence of schools and residential buildings. The incident occurred amid ongoing conflict in the region, underscoring humanitarian concerns and escalating tensions.
According to the Israeli military, they had used precise munition to target a terrorist from Hama, who took part in the attack on Israel on October 7.
Source: BBC
Russia Has Pledged To Discharge Indians Fighting In Ukraine For Moscow
Wednesday, July 10, 2024 – India has secured a promise from Russia to release Indian nationals who were misled into joining its military to fight in Ukraine, as confirmed by Indian Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the issue during his recent visit to Moscow, emphasizing the urgent need to bring these individuals back home.
The recruitment of foreigners, including Indians, by Russia to bolster its military ranks has been a contentious issue, with reports of deception and coercion by recruitment agencies promising lucrative opportunities. The situation has drawn international concern, with similar cases reported in Nepal, where thousands were allegedly recruited under false pretenses and deployed to combat zones in Ukraine.
Efforts are now underway to expedite the return of affected individuals to India, highlighting ongoing diplomatic efforts to address the repercussions of these recruitment practices.
Source: CNN
Over 35 Bills To Be Introduced By Britain’s New Government
Saturday, July 13, 2024 – Britain's new government under Prime Minister Keir Starmer is preparing to introduce over 35 bills as part of its agenda focused on economic growth, marking the start of the parliamentary year. Starmer, who recently ended 14 years of Conservative rule with a significant electoral victory for the Labour Party, prioritized stability, growth, and national prosperity.
Key legislation will include measures to enforce stringent spending rules and enhance the oversight role of the independent Office of Budget Responsibility. This initiative aims to ensure thorough scrutiny of fiscal decisions and announcements.
Starmer highlighted the urgency of their work, stressing the need to swiftly enact laws aimed at rebuilding the country for long-term prosperity. Finance Minister Rachel Reeves, the first woman to hold the position, has already outlined plans to boost house construction, expedite infrastructure projects, and attract private investment.
Source: Reuters
Israeli Strike On Targeting Hamas Chief Killed 90 Palestinians
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – At least 90 Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on a displacement camp in southern Gaza, reportedly targeting Hamas' military chief, Mohammed Deif. The strike also injured around 300 people, with women and children comprising half of the casualties. The Gaza Health Ministry provided these figures, though casualty distinctions between civilians and combatants were not specified.
The attack left scenes of devastation at hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of dead and injured civilians. The use of US-made munitions, specifically a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), was identified in the strike, highlighting international involvement in the conflict.
The Prime Minister of Israel said during a press conference that he was not sure whether Deif and his deputy had been killed. He also confirmed that he was permitted to carry out the strike.
Source: CNN
Spain Defeats England To Win UEFA Euro Championship
Sunday, July 14, 2024 – England's hopes of winning their first major men's football title in 58 years were dashed as they lost to Spain in the Euro 2024 final at Berlin's Olympia Stadion. Mikel Oyarzabal scored a late winner for Spain, securing a 2-1 victory and leaving England devastated after their second consecutive European Championship final defeat.
Spain took the lead early in the second half when Nico Williams finished off a move orchestrated by Lamine Yamal. England responded with a goal from Cole Palmer in the 73rd minute, raising hopes of a comeback after Harry Kane was substituted.
Spain however clinched the win in the 86th minute when Oyarzabal converted Marc Cucurella's cross. The defeat marked another near miss for England, who have struggled to achieve success in major tournaments since their 1966 World Cup triumph.
Source: BBC
Police Arrest Serial Killer After Bodies Were Found In A Dump
Monday, July 15, 2024 – The Police in Kenya have arrested a man who was described as a serial killer. He is suspected to have been behind the gruesome murder of nine women whose bodies that have been mutilated were found in a disused quarry used as a dump. The police also confirmed that the suspect confessed to having killed 42 women since 2022, with his wife included.
The police confirmed that the victims were aged between 18 and 30 and were all killed in the same way. Authorities said they have found nine bodies in the quarry, but residents believe there are more bodies there.
The discovery comes at a crucial time for Kenyan police, who are been accused by human rights groups to investigate abductions and killings from the recent protest in the country.
Source: BBC
Six People Discovered Dead In Luxury Thai Hotel
Tuesday, July 16, 2024 – Six people, including two Vietnamese Americans, were discovered dead in a luxury hotel room at Bangkok's Grand Hyatt. The bodies were found after they missed check-out time by over 24 hours. Police ruled out robbery or self-inflicted harm as causes, noting no signs of physical violence but finding cups with traces of a white powder and untouched food in the room.
Authorities are seeking a seventh person from the booking, now a suspect. Four victims were Vietnamese nationals; one appeared to have collapsed near the door. The incident suggests possible poisoning, pending further investigation.
In a separate case, Thai authorities recently dealt with Sararat Rangsiwuthaporn, accused of multiple cyanide poisonings, highlighting concerns over similar substances in this latest tragedy. The United States State Department expressed condolences, monitoring the situation closely for the two deceased American citizens.
Source: CNN
Germany’s Military Aid To Ukraine To Be Reduced By Half
Wednesday, July 17, 2024 – Germany is planning to significantly reduce military aid to Ukraine next year, cutting it nearly in half from around €8 billion to approximately €4 billion, as per a draft budget approved by the government. Finance Minister Christian Lindner emphasized that Ukraine's financial support remains secure due to a G7 initiative aimed at generating $50 billion from interest on frozen Russian assets.
Currently, Germany ranks as Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the United States, with Berlin allocating nearly €7.5 billion for 2024. This decision to reduce aid comes amidst concerns in Ukraine and among European allies regarding potential cuts in assistance rendered by the United States, particularly if Donald Trump is re-elected in the upcoming presidential election.
Despite the cut in Ukraine aid, Germany plans to increase its overall defense budget for 2025 by €1.3 billion to €53.25 billion.
Source: BBC
United Nation’s Gaza Aid Agency To Continue Receiving Funding From The U.K.
Friday, July 19, 2024 – The United Kingdom will resume funding for UNRWA, the United Nations agency aiding Palestinian refugees, after a suspension earlier in response to allegations linking some staff to terror groups. Foreign Secretary, David Lammy assured MPs of UNRWA's neutrality following reviews, including an ongoing investigation by the United Nations into the October 2023 Hamas attacks.
A separate review from the United Nations found Israel's claims of UNRWA staff involvement in terrorism unsubstantiated. Lammy emphasized UNRWA's essential role in Gaza's humanitarian aid, feeding over half its population and crucial for reconstruction efforts.
The UK's £21m annual funding will support management reforms and humanitarian efforts in Gaza and Palestinian territories. The spokesperson of UNRWA, Juliette Touma, welcomed the decision of the United Kingdom amid deepening humanitarian needs, affirming their commitment to neutrality and implementing review recommendations.
Source: BBC
Israeli Airstrike Hits Yemen, Kills At Least Six People
Sunday, July 21, 2024 – In a recent escalation, Israeli airstrikes targeted military positions of Yemen's Houthi rebels near Hodeidah Port, resulting in at least six deaths and numerous injuries. This retaliation followed a Houthi drone attack on Tel Aviv, which caused the death of an Israeli citizen.
Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu cited this incident as justification for Israel's first direct military action in Yemen. The airstrikes reportedly hit oil facilities and were condemned by Houthi spokesperson Mohammed Abdulsalam, who accused Israel of targeting civilians and exacerbating Yemen's humanitarian crisis.
Houthi military spokesperson Yehya Saree warned of further retaliation, asserting readiness to strike vital Israeli targets. Meanwhile, Israel intercepted a missile launched from Yemen, underscoring the escalating tensions between the parties involved. He also added that they have prepared for a long war until aggression stops and the blockade on the Palestinian people is lifted.
Source: CNN
Ukrainian President Calls For Long-Rage Weapons Following Drone Attack On Kyiv
Sunday, July 21, 2024 – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy emphasized the urgent need for long-range weapons to defend against ongoing Russian drone and missile attacks, following a significant overnight assault. Ukraine's military reported destroying 35 out of 39 drones and two cruise missiles launched by Russia, targeting multiple regions including Kyiv.
While no casualties or major damage occurred in the capital, Zelenskiy underscored the necessity to counter Russian bombers at their air bases to prevent further airstrikes. He called for robust international support in providing these capabilities to Ukraine.
Zelenskiy also renewed appeals to Western allies to remove restrictions on Ukrainian use of donated weapons, advocating for broader authorization to strike Russian military assets. The situation remains tense, with Russia reported to have launched ballistic missiles and caused damage to infrastructure in Ukraine's Sumy region, although Moscow denies targeting civilian sites.
Source: Reuters
Military Leader Takes Over As Interim President Of Myanmar
Monday, July 22, 2024 – General Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's military junta, assumed the role of interim president as Myint Swe, the nominal leader, took medical leave, state media announced. Swe, aged 73, has faced health issues like "psychomotor retardation" and "malnutrition" since early 2023, necessitating intensive medical care under junta supervision.
Swe was appointed acting president after the military coup in February 2021, which ousted civilian leadership including Aung San Suu Kyi. The junta initially pledged elections within two years but repeatedly postponed them amid ongoing conflict with local militias and pro-democracy forces.
The United Nations reports a fivefold increase in deadly aerial attacks by the junta on civilians, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis affecting 18.6 million people. The United Nations warns of severe underfunding for humanitarian efforts in Myanmar, risking millions of lives due to escalating conflict, displacement, food insecurity, and human rights abuses under military rule.
Source: CNN
Fishing Boat Sinks In Falkland Island, Killing Six People
Tuesday, July 23, 2024 – A tragic maritime incident off the Falkland Islands, saw a fishing vessel, Argos Georgia sank after experiencing "uncontrolled flooding," prompting a dramatic rescue operation. Among the 27 crew members, 14 were saved by fishing patrol boats, but seven individuals are still missing and six are feared dead.
The crew comprised Spanish, Russian, Indonesian, Uruguayan, and Peruvian nationals, with the rescue efforts ongoing amidst harsh conditions in the South Atlantic. Despite initial difficulties inflating lifeboats, rescuers managed to retrieve survivors and recover several bodies. The Falkland Islands government, along with international assistance including British Royal Air Force planes, continues to monitor and coordinate search efforts despite challenging weather.
The vessel, operated by Argos Froyanes Ltd, had departed from Port Stanley for fishing grounds before encountering severe weather conditions. The incident has drawn condolences from international figures and underscores the dangers faced by maritime workers in remote and harsh environments.
Source: The Guardian
Six People Killed Due To An Explosion At A Tequila Factory In Mexico
Wednesday, July 24, 2024 – An explosion at a Casa Cuervo tequila factory in Tequila, Jalisco state, Mexico has resulted in the death of at least six workers, with two others injured. The disaster involved an explosion of a tank car, which ignited three additional tank cars holding a total of 219,000 litters each, according to Jalisco's civil protection agency.
The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and approximately 40 firefighting and civil protection teams responded to the scene. Casa Cuervo, known for brands like Jose Cuervo and Tequila 1800, stated it is cooperating with authorities in their investigation and enhancing security measures at its facilities.
Despite an additional fire breaking out in a storage area the following morning, it was swiftly controlled with no further risks reported. The mayor of Tequila advised residents to avoid the factory area due to the ongoing situation.
Source: CNN
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