October 6, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) Israel escalates, bombards southern Beirut with new air strikes Israel has launched air strikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, significantly escalating the already tense regional dynamics. Lebanese media confirmed five strikes hitting southern Beirut and its outskirts. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted Hezbollah weapons warehouses and infrastructure, with prior warnings issued to minimise civilian casualties. No official information has been released from Lebanon regarding casualties, though ambulances were seen rushing to the scene. *) Israeli strike on Gaza mosque kills at least 18 Palestinians, injures many An Israeli air strike hit a mosque in central Gaza early Sunday, killing at least 18 Palestinians and injuring many others, according to medical officials. The mosque, located near al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah, was sheltering displaced Palestinians. Gaza’s death toll is approaching 42,000 due to Israel’s indiscriminate bombardments. Israel is also facing a genocide trial for its actions in Gaza. *) Israel destroys 79 percent of Gaza mosques, several churches Gaza's Ministry of Religious Affairs reports that Israeli military strikes have destroyed 79 percent of the region’s mosques, damaging 814 out of 1,245. Churches and cemeteries have also been affected, with losses estimated at $350 million. The ministry accuses Israeli forces of desecrating graves and killing 238 of its employees. *) Pakistan capital locked down as former PM Imran Khan supporters rally Pakistani capital Islamabad remains on lockdown as security forces flood the streets and mobile internet is cut off. Supporters of jailed ex-PM Imran Khan attempted protests with small convoys entering the capital despite heavy government resistance. Khan, barred from the upcoming elections, praised his followers on X for their "resilience and courage." PTI supporters, defying a crackdown, faced tear gas and roadblocks while rallying from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to the capital. Troops have been deployed to maintain order amidst the unrest. *) DRC launches large-scale vaccination campaign against mpox The Democratic Republic of Congo, the epicentre of a global mpox outbreak, has kicked off a mass vaccination campaign in Goma. The first doses were administered to hospital staff, with the general population set to receive the vaccine starting Monday. Despite limited resources, the Health Ministry aims to vaccinate as many people as possible to curb the virus's spread.