January 9, 2024

*) Blinken in Tel Aviv as Gaza sees another night of Israeli terror US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has touched down in Tel Aviv amidst escalating tensions in the region. It comes as Israel intensifies its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, sparking global concerns about the potential expansion of the conflict beyond Palestine. Despite expressing concern over the civilian casualties resulting from Israel's military actions, Washington, a key ally and arms supplier to Israel, has not called for a ceasefire in Gaza since October 7. The ongoing Israeli campaign in Gaza has left over 23,000 Palestinians dead, nearly 59,000 wounded and has devastated 60 percent of the enclave's homes and businesses. *) Israel's top court blocks foreign media from independently entering Gaza Israel's Supreme Court denied international media organisations' request for independent access to report from besieged Gaza. The Foreign Press Association, representing many media outlets in Israel and Palestine, urged Israeli authorities last month to allow journalists into the conflict-ridden enclave. The court, recognizing press freedom but citing wartime conditions, justified maintaining restrictions. It argued that journalists inside Gaza could jeopardise Israeli soldiers by revealing troop positions. This decision heightens concerns about media challenges in covering Gaza, underscoring ongoing complexities in accessing information in conflict zones. *) Gangs kill 17 across three villages in Nigeria Armed gang members have killed at least 17 people in attacks in northwestern Nigeria's Kaduna state. The gang members carried out attacks on three villages in Kauru district, according to reports. At least 17 people lost their lives and 58 people were kidnapped. Nigeria is confronting attacks from armed gangs and terrorist groups like Boko Haram and ISWAP, the West African branch of Daesh, in various parts of the country. *) Brazil’s Lula vows 'no pardon' for January 8 rioters President Lula da Silva has pledged no pardon for the supporters of ex-president Jair Bolsonaro involved in last year's riots, as Brazil observed the anniversary of the attacks. Speaking at the main entry hall of Congress in Brasilia, one of the buildings targeted by far-right rioters, Lula emphasised the need to safeguard Brazil's democracy. The rioters vandalised the premises and called for military intervention to remove Lula. *) Boeing shares dive as regulators unveil inspection plan for grounded MAX jets Boeing shares tumbled on Monday following a mid-flight aeroplane panel failure, casting doubt on the company's efforts to restore its reputation. Over six percent decline in Boeing stock affected the Dow index, coinciding with US aviation authorities issuing inspection protocols for planes with configurations similar to the 737 MAX 9 involved in Friday's incident. Alaska Flight 1282, departing from Portland International Airport on Friday, experienced a pressurisation issue while gaining altitude, prompting concerns about the safety of Boeing's aircraft.