October 1, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) Israel starts ‘limited, localised’ ground invasion in Lebanon The Israeli army has started a “limited” ground invasion as their attacks in several towns in southern Lebanon continue. According to the Israeli military, they carried out “focused and localised raids” aimed at Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in the south. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s official news agency NNA reported that the shelling hit areas like Wazzani, Marjeyoun and Khiyam, and went on for more than two hours. *) President Erdogan calls for global action on Gaza Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has made it clear that Türkiye won’t stand by as tensions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and Lebanon continue to rise. Announcing the delivery of 30 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Lebanon, Erdogan stressed that more support will flow if security allows it. He also called for Muslim nations to step up, suggesting that it’s time for the Muslim world to take a leading role in opposing the violence and oppression in these conflict zones. *) Putin’s nuclear talk shouldn’t stop NATO backing Ukraine: Stoltenberg NATO’s outgoing Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg is urging allies not to be intimidated by Vladimir Putin’s nuclear threats when deciding on military aid for Ukraine. Stoltenberg’s remarks followed Putin’s recent declaration that Russia wouldn’t hesitate to use nuclear weapons if hit by conventional missiles. As the US and its partners weigh whether to allow Ukraine to launch deeper strikes into Russia, Stoltenberg is making it clear that NATO can’t afford to be swayed by what he sees as reckless rhetoric from Moscow. *) Japan’s Kishida steps down as PM, paving way for likely successor Ishiba Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has officially stepped down, clearing the path for Shigeru Ishiba to take over as the country’s new leader. Ishiba, who was chosen by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, wasted no time, announcing plans for a snap election. But not everyone is happy. Opposition parties are already voicing concerns, saying Ishiba isn’t giving politicians enough time to properly evaluate his policies before the vote. *) Did The Jerusalem Post delete article claiming ‘God gave Israel Lebanon’? The Jerusalem Post sparked online outrage after publishing — and swiftly removing — an article that suggested Lebanon might be part of Israel’s “promised land”. The controversial piece, published late September, explored the idea of a “Greater Israel”, a concept linked to far-right Israeli politics. Social media erupted after the article disappeared, with critics accusing the newspaper of promoting expansionist views. Many believe the timing, given the ongoing air strikes in Lebanon, made the story even more inflammatory.