October 23, 2024

*) At least 700 Palestinians killed in Israeli onslaught in northern Gaza: Hamas At least 700 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s ongoing offensive in northern Gaza since October 5th this year, resistance group Hamas said. The Israeli army stepped up its massive assault in northern Gaza amid a suffocating siege that has left tens of thousands of people without food and water. Osama Hamdan, top Hamas representative in Lebanon, said in a recorded speech that the Israeli occupation is committing systematic crimes in northern Gaza, including executions, civilian killings, forced evacuations, and attacks on hospitals. *) Türkiye seeks stronger ties with BRICS: Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced that Türkiye aims to boost ties with BRICS and will join the summit on Wednesday, following an invite from Russia's President Vladimir Putin. The summit will be held in Kazan and brings together BRICS members and other nations. Erdogan noted that BRICS represents 45 percent of the global population and produces 40 percent of the world’s oil. *) Arab Muslim community leader in Michigan ejected from Kamala Harris rally Ahmed Ghanim, a well-known Arab and Muslim figure in Royal Oak, Michigan, was abruptly removed from a Kamala Harris campaign event without explanation. Ghanim, a former congressional candidate, was escorted by a campaign organiser to two police officers who forced him to leave just 10 minutes after he arrived. In an interview with the Detroit Metro Times, Ghanim said, "I asked why she was kicking me out. She wouldn't answer. I was very calmly asking why I was being kicked out." *) World in 'chaos' but friendship will last 'for generations': Xi to Putin Chinese President Xi Jinping told Russia’s Vladimir Putin that the world is in chaos, but their partnership stands as a stabilising force amid historic global changes. In a BRICS summit in Kazan, Xi emphasised the lasting bond between China and Russia, calling it a friendship that will endure through generations. *) University of Milan cancels agreement with Israeli university The University of Milan has suspended its exchange agreement with Israel's Reichman University after the Italian school's rector met with Palestinian students campaigning for a boycott of Israeli universities. The decision, attributed to the escalating Middle East crisis, follows similar moves, including cutting ties with Ariel University earlier this year in response to student demands and advocacy. Student groups called it a "victory" after strong campus mobilisations.