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No Water Or Fuel For Gaza Until Hostages Are Freed, Israel Declares

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The Israeli government has declared that it will not lift its blockade on the Gaza Strip for humanitarian purposes until all hostages are released.

 

This announcement comes in the midst of increasing worries about the diminishing supplies of water, food, and fuel following the fifth night of bombardment, initiated in response to Hamas’ deadly attack over the weekend.

 

The Israeli energy minister, Israel Katz, wrote on social media that no “electrical switch will be turned on, no water hydrant will be opened and no fuel truck will enter” until the “abductees” are free, the UK Guardian reported

 

Israel is gearing up for a ground invasion in retaliation to the brutal massacres perpetrated by Hamas in 20 Israeli communities last weekend, accompanied by the abduction of dozens of hostages.

 

In a swift response, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) conducted strikes, resulting in 33 casualties within a two-hour span overnight on Thursday. This intensified violence has raised the Gaza death toll to 1,200, prompting recovery efforts by civil defense groups to retrieve the bodies in affected areas.

 

The report highlights that six neighborhoods in the strip have been obliterated since the commencement of the conflict.

 

The World Health Organization reveals that 18 healthcare facilities and 20 ambulances have been impacted, with 11 healthcare workers losing their lives. This marks the most severe bombing campaign endured by the strip in the 16 years since Hamas took control of the densely populated area, housing 2.3 million people.

 

As of late Wednesday, the United Nations reported a 30% surge in the number of people displaced by airstrikes within 24 hours, reaching 339,000 individuals, with two-thirds seeking refuge in UN schools.

 

Meanwhile, Palestinian media conveyed that the bombings claimed the life of Mohammed Deif’s brother, the military commander of Hamas, and a senior commander from Palestinian Islamic Jihad.

 

Hazem Balousha, The Guardian’s Gaza correspondent, conveyed through a morning phone interview that residents in the strip have been informed of hospitals restricting admissions to emergency cases only.

 

Furthermore, the Rafah crossing connecting Gaza to Egypt remains sealed, and the lone power station depleted its fuel reserves on Tuesday, leaving the strip dependent on scattered private generators. The situation could worsen if fuel is not allowed in, leading to the potential shutdown of these generators as well.

 

Israel’s death toll has risen to 1,200, as disclosed by Lt Col Richard Hecht, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, who stated on Thursday that forces are in preparation for a ground assault, pending orders from the political leadership.

 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, at the helm of a newly formed unity government and war cabinet inclusive of opposition members, has expressed determination to “crush and destroy” Hamas.

 

“We are all in this together. We are all enlisting. This is not a political partnership, but rather a unity of fate. This is the time to close ranks and to win,” said Benny Gantz, the leader of the centrist National Unity party and a strident critic of Netanyahu’s current far-right government.

 

As per BIZTELLERS earlier report, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv on Thursday as part of a Middle East tour demonstrating Washington’s solidarity with Israel. This visit follows the arrival of the first plane carrying US munitions in Israel on Wednesday night.

 

Antony Blinken’s arrival is anticipated to align with the presence of a US aircraft carrier in the region, heightening concerns that recent events might escalate and involve Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, as well as Palestinian factions in the occupied West Bank and the restive city of Jerusalem.

 

International News

‘Only Two Genders’ – Trump Vows To Tackle Transgender Lunacy

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President-elect Donald Trump has announced plans to take sweeping actions against what he described as “transgender lunacy,” signaling a push to reverse policies protecting transgender individuals in schools, sports, and the military.

Speaking at the AmericaFest conference in Phoenix, Trump outlined his administration’s priorities, stating, “I will sign executive orders to end child sexual mutilation, get transgender out of the military, and out of our elementary schools, middle schools, and high schools.”

READ MORE: Ex-IMF Chief, Rodrigo Rato Jailed For Money Laundering, Fraud

He also vowed to “keep men out of women’s sports” and asserted, “It will be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders, male and female.”

The president-elect’s remarks come amid growing national debate over transgender rights, with states divided over issues such as gender-affirming medical care and the inclusion of books addressing transgender topics in schools.

The controversy escalated last week when Congress passed a defense budget provision blocking funding for certain gender-affirming care for the children of service members.

Trump’s speech drew strong reactions, with critics warning that his policies could strip essential protections from transgender individuals.

Civil rights advocates have raised concerns about the implications of these proposals on marginalized communities.

In addition to his focus on cultural issues, Trump used the event to outline his vision for the nation under his leadership.

He described his presidency as a turning point, promising to address international conflicts and restore American dominance.

“On January 20, the United States will turn the page forever on four long, horrible years of failure, incompetence, national decline, and we will inaugurate a new era of peace, prosperity, and national greatness,” Trump declared, referring to his upcoming swearing-in.

He pledged to end the war in Ukraine, stabilize the Middle East, and avert global conflict. “I will stop the chaos in the Middle East, and I will prevent, I promise, World War III,” he said.

The president-elect also reiterated his commitment to reclaiming control of the Panama Canal and combating crime linked to illegal immigration.

“I can proudly proclaim that the golden age of America is upon us,” Trump concluded.

 

 

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Ex-IMF Chief, Rodrigo Rato Jailed For Money Laundering, Fraud

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A Madrid court on Friday handed down a sentence of more than four years in prison to Rodrigo Rato, the former chief of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Spain’s ex-economy minister.

Rato was convicted of multiple charges, including tax crimes, money laundering, and corruption.

READ MORE: NCDMB Rewards Winners Of 2024 Edition National Undergraduate Essay Competition

The court found Rato guilty of “three offences against the treasury, one offence of money laundering, and one offence of corruption between individuals,” according to an official statement.

Details shortly………..

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South Korean President Banned From Travel Amid Martial Law Backlash

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South Korean President, Yoon Suk Yeol has been banned from leaving the country, the Justice Ministry confirmed Monday, following a week of political chaos triggered by his brief declaration of martial law.

The ban marks the first time a sitting president has faced such a restriction in the nation’s history.

Recall that on December 3, Yoon ordered special forces and helicopters to the National Assembly in an attempt to impose martial law.

RELATED NEWS: Martial Law: South Korea Opposition Files Impeachment Motion Against President Yoon

Lawmakers swiftly overturned the decree, forcing Yoon to rescind the order. Although he survived an impeachment motion on Saturday, public anger has continued to mount, with large protests demanding his resignation.

Authorities are now investigating Yoon and his close allies for their roles in last week’s events, including allegations of insurrection.

Among those facing travel bans are former Defense Minister Kim Yong-Hyun, who is in custody, and former Interior Minister Lee Sang-min.

General Park An-su, who led the martial law operation, and Defence Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung have also been barred from leaving the country.

General Park was questioned by investigators on Monday as the probe intensified.

Yoon’s impeachment failed after members of his ruling People Power Party (PPP) walked out of the National Assembly, denying the opposition the required two-thirds majority.

In exchange for their support, Yoon reportedly agreed to delegate his powers to the prime minister and the PPP chairman.

“This is an unlawful, unconstitutional act of a second insurrection and a second coup,” said Park Chan-dae, floor leader of the opposition Democratic Party.

Critics argue that Yoon’s decision to hand power to unelected officials violates the constitution.

“It seems to resemble an unconstitutional soft coup,” said Kim Hae-won, a constitutional law professor at Pusan National University.

“Their attitude of placing themselves above the constitution mirrors that of insurrectionist Yoon Suk Yeol,” added Park Chan-dae.

Despite Yoon’s apology for the “anxiety and inconvenience” caused by his martial law order, his approval rating has plummeted to 11%, according to a recent Gallup poll.

Opposition leaders have announced plans for a second impeachment vote on Saturday, with massive protests expected outside the National Assembly.

The PPP’s claim that Yoon can remain in office while delegating his powers to party officials has also been widely criticized.

“If there are issues with the president, the constitution lays out clear procedures, such as suspension or impeachment,” said Professor Kim Hae-won.

The ongoing crisis has raised concerns about South Korea’s leadership amid tensions with nuclear-armed North Korea.

The Defense Ministry confirmed Monday that Yoon remains the official commander in chief, despite questions about his authority.

“Legally, (control of military forces) currently lies with the commander in chief,” said Defense Ministry spokesperson Jeon Ha-Kyou.

 

 

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