October 7, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) Israel's year-long assault on Gaza brings widespread devastation Israel’s military said it launched attacks against Hamas positions throughout Gaza on the anniversary of the October 7 attacks, as the death toll in the enclave rises to at least 41,800 deaths and 96,800 injuries. Children comprise 42 percent of the casualties, according to official data. The offensive has left over 60 percent of Gaza's hospitals out of service. Tel Aviv has also implemented a starvation policy by blocking global aid for food and basic necessities for Palestinians. *) Israel used 'banned bombs' containing uranium in Lebanon: chemists The Syndicate of Chemists in Lebanon (SCL) accuses Israeli forces of using banned bombs containing depleted uranium, citing massive destruction across Lebanese areas. The syndicate calls for international intervention to halt the attacks and urges the government to file a UN lawsuit. Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed over 1,200 and displaced 1.2 million since September 23. *) Saied wins Tunisia presidential election with 89.2 pct of vote — exit poll Tunisian President Kais Saied secured a second term with 89.2 percent of votes, according to exit polls. Challenger Ayachi Zammel garnered 6.9 percent, while Zouhair Maghzaoui received 3.9 percent. Preliminary voter turnout stands at 27.7 percent, as confirmed by Tunisia's election authority, with final results expected soon. The election unfolds amid Tunisia's political and economic challenges. *) Massive explosion targets convoy of Chinese nationals in Pakistan's Karachi A powerful blast struck a convoy of Chinese travellers near Karachi's international airport, killing one local and injuring 10, including a Chinese national. The Balochistan Liberation Army claimed responsibility. Firefighters battled flames as officials confirmed airport safety and uninterrupted flight operations. Pakistani authorities say the injured are receiving medical care, with two in critical condition. *) Global rescue teams arrive in Bosnia and Herzegovina after deadly floods Rescue efforts intensify in Bosnia and Herzegovina as teams from neighbouring countries and the EU join to clear rubble and find missing people after devastating floods and landslides. The disaster, killing at least 18 people, has led to postponed elections. EU’s special envoy to Bosnia Luigi Soreca assures support, with teams from Croatia, Serbia, and others already on the ground.