December 6, 2024

Fresh Israeli air strikes leave dozens of Palestinians dead Israel continues its bombardment across Gaza where it has killed more than 30 Palestinians and left many others wounded in the last 24 hours, according to medical sources. Strikes in Beit Lahia targeted homes near Kamal Adwan Hospital and elsewhere, claiming multiple lives, including seven from a single family. In Rafah and Shejaiya, more attacks killed five people, with others injured. Witnesses reported another strike in Beit Lahia destroyed a home sheltering displaced families, leaving 15 dead or missing and causing extensive damage to nearby buildings. Russia signals readiness to use 'any means' in Ukraine war Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has signaled Moscow's readiness to use "any means" to defend itself in the Ukraine war, urging the West to take its hypersonic missile launch seriously. Speaking to journalist Tucker Carlson, Lavrov said Russia’s recent use of the Oreshnik missile was a "signal" to deter Ukraine's allies from pursuing what he called a "strategic defeat of Russia." He also warned of further "messages" if the US and its partners fail to heed these warnings. Türkiye calls for calm in managing the Syrian conflict Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called for calm and prudence in managing a new phase of the Syrian conflict. In a phone call with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Erdogan emphasised Türkiye’s commitment to de-escalating tensions, protecting civilians and advancing a political solution. Highlighting Türkiye’s pivotal role in hosting refugees and fostering diplomatic efforts like the Astana talks, Erdogan reiterated the urgency for the Syrian regime to engage with its people. DOGE team in DC talks for Trump's 'Save America' initiative Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy met with US lawmakers behind closed doors to discuss radical federal budget cuts under Donald Trump’s "Save America" agenda. Known as the Department of Government Efficiency or DOGE initiative, the plan seeks to reduce government size by firing federal workers, cutting programs, and slashing regulations. Musk, carrying his young son, stressed accountability with a “naughty and nice” list for those supporting the cuts. Critics warn of public backlash, but Musk and Ramaswamy are undeterred, calling it a “historic opportunity” in a Wall Street Journal op-ed. Billionaire wealth skyrockets 121% in a decade The world's billionaires have seen their wealth soar by 121 percent over the past decade, reaching a staggering $14 trillion, according to UBS's latest Billionaire Ambitions report. Tech moguls are leading the pack, with their fortunes growing faster than any other sector. The number of billionaires jumped from 1,757 to 2,682, with hotspots like Switzerland, the UAE, Singapore and the US becoming popular relocation destinations. UBS highlights how this wealth is not just growing but being preserved and used to create lasting societal impact.