December 15, 2024

*) Israeli army issues new illegal evacuation orders for south Gaza The Israeli army orders Palestinians to evacuate two residential areas in southern Gaza, including locations previously designated as "safe", in preparation for a military attack. Israeli army asked residents in al-Qarara and Wadi al-Salqa to move immediately westwards. The areas identified by the army on a map attached to the statement include locations previously classified as "safe", where thousands of Palestinians now reside, including displaced individuals who were forced from their original areas and set up tents. Illegal evacuation orders are usually followed by air strikes or ground incursions by the army. *) Israel kills 17 Palestinians including mayor in central Gaza The Palestinian civil defence agency in Gaza has said Israeli strikes on the besieged enclave killed 17 people, including seven at a UN school housing displaced people. Civil Defense spokesman said there were seven people killed, including women and children, and at least 10 wounded when Israeli warplanes targeted the Al-Majida Wasila school west of Gaza City. The school was run by the UN agency for Palestinian refugees but like many such facilities, it has been turned into a makeshift shelter for those displaced by Israel's genocidal war in Gaza. *) Governance and justice key to Syria's future: Ahmad al Sharaa Meanwhile, Ahmad al Sharaa, leader of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), has emphasised the need for Syria to transition from a "revolutionary mentality to a state-centric mentality" in order to build a nation based on the rule of law and strong institutions, ensuring sustainable stability. Sharaa described the devastation across Damascus and the country, urging a well-thought-out approach to ending the ongoing tragedy. He said that efforts to overthrow the regime have been in preparation for years, underscoring the importance of building a new Syria rooted in justice and safeguarding the rights of all citizens. *) At least 39 people killed in latest twin attacks in western Niger At least thirty-nine people have been killed in two attacks in recent days in western Niger, near the border with Burkina Faso. The country’s defence ministry said in a statement that two horrific tragedies happened in the communities of Libiri and Kokorou, criminals cornered by constant operations by defence and security forces launched attacks on defenceless civilian populations. The "barbaric acts" saw 21 people killed in Libiri and 18 in Kokorou, including children. *) South Korea's parliament impeaches President Yoon over martial law attempt South Korean lawmakers have impeached President Yoon Suk Yeol over his failed martial law bid, with the opposition declaring a "victory of the people". The vote took place as hundreds of thousands took to the streets of Seoul in rival rallies for and against Yoon, who launched a failed attempt to impose martial law on December 3. Out of 300 lawmakers, 204 voted to impeach the president on allegations of insurrection while 85 voted against it.