September 17, 2024

*) Israel killed over 700 infants, 12,000 minors in Gaza: Palestine data The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza says Israel forces have killed 710 infants and 11,983 minors since October 7 last year. The ministry has compiled a list of 34,344 Palestinians killed in the ongoing conflict, including elderly victims and newborn children. These are the known victims. The total number of those killed crosses 41,220 Experts believe the actual death toll may be even higher, with estimates suggesting as many as 200,000 Palestinians killed in the war and its indirect consequences. *) Israel opposition leader urges Netanyahu to finalise Gaza deal - Link Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a Gaza truce deal without delay. Speaking in Washington after meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Lapid underlined that political interests must be put aside to prioritise the return of Israeli hostages. He stressed that Israel "will not heal" until this is achieved. *) Suspect in second Trump assassination attempt charged with gun crimes US authorities have charged Ryan Wesley Routh with federal gun crimes after he allegedly attempted to assassinate former president Donald Trump. Routh was arrested at Trump’s West Palm Beach golf course, where he had camped for nearly 12 hours with a rifle and food before a Secret Service agent confronted him. Prosecutors allege Routh is a flight risk, with court documents revealing he was at the scene for several hours. Authorities have yet to reveal a motive, but Routh has a criminal history and previously expressed outrage about global political events. *) Putin orders 180,000 more troops, raising total to 1.5M amid Ukraine war Russian President Vladimir Putin wants another 180,000 Russians to join the armed forces. This will take the size of the Russian military to 1.5 million personnel as the war in Ukraine continues. The decree, effective December 1, aims to address Russia's manpower shortages, which have been blamed for Ukraine's recent advances in the Kursk region. Most of Russia’s capable forces are engaged in the eastern Ukraine offensive, making steady progress in recent months. And finally… *) Germany expands border controls despite EU protests Germany has expanded border controls with all nine neighbouring countries, sparking criticism from other EU members. The move, aimed at curbing irregular migration, comes after a series of deadly attacks and rising far-right support. Interior Minister Nancy Faeser stated the controls, initially for six months, will include spot checks. Poland and Austria voiced concerns, while the European Commission warned that such measures should only be taken in exceptional case.