Israeli Strikes in Gaza City Kill 10, Including Children

 

Israeli forces conducted airstrikes in Gaza City, targeting the Zeitoun and Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods, resulting in the deaths of 10 Palestinians, including children. The strikes are part of ongoing hostilities in the region that have led to significant casualties on both sides.

In a related development, the Israeli military acknowledged for the first time that three Israeli captives who died in Gaza last November were likely killed in Israeli airstrikes. This marks a shift in Israel's previous stance, where it had denied responsibility for the deaths.

Meanwhile, tensions have escalated beyond Gaza, with Yemen's Houthi forces firing a missile deep into Israeli territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a strong response to the attack, promising to hold the group accountable.

The conflict has resulted in over 41,000 deaths and more than 95,000 injuries in Gaza, according to official figures. In Israel, at least 1,139 people were killed in the October 7 Hamas-led attacks, with over 200 individuals still held captive.

Storm Boris Causes Deadly Floods Across Europe

 

Storm Boris has triggered widespread flooding across central and eastern Europe, leading to multiple fatalities and mass evacuations. In Austria, a firefighter lost his life during a flood rescue operation, while in Poland, a person drowned amid the rising waters. Romania has also been severely impacted, with four people reported dead on Saturday.

Authorities in Austria have declared a disaster area in the region surrounding Vienna due to the extensive damage. Meanwhile, in the Czech Republic, the storm caused significant power outages, affecting 51,000 households in the northern part of the country, according to energy company CEZ.

Rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing, as emergency services across the region work to protect residents and restore essential services.

Fuel Tanker Explosion in Haiti Claims 24 Lives

 

A tragic fuel tanker explosion near the town of Miragoane, Haiti, has left 24 people dead and dozens more severely injured. According to local authorities, many victims suffered burns, with some experiencing injuries covering up to 80% of their bodies. Haitian Prime Minister Garry Coville confirmed the devastating toll and pledged to ensure the victims receive proper medical care.

The explosion occurred after the tanker collided with another vehicle and began leaking fuel. As people rushed to collect the spilled fuel, the tanker ignited, causing widespread destruction. Emergency services rushed to the scene, and the death toll, initially reported as 16, rose after more bodies were found.

This incident is not unprecedented in Haiti. In 2021, a similar fuel tanker explosion claimed more than 60 lives. Haiti continues to grapple with significant unrest, as violence and gang activity compound the country’s challenges. A state of emergency has been expanded in response to ongoing instability.

Authorities are investigating the incident while ensuring victims receive the medical attention they need.

Flooding Devastates Głuchołazy, Mayor Urges Evacuation

 

Heavy flooding in Głuchołazy, Poland, has caused widespread damage after the town’s river overflowed, washing away a temporary bridge and inundating the town center. In a desperate plea, the town’s mayor has called on residents to evacuate to higher ground, warning, “we’re drowning.”

Poland and neighboring Czech Republic are experiencing some of the most severe flooding since 1997, when over 100 people lost their lives across both countries. Prime Minister Donald Tusk noted that rainfall levels have now surpassed those seen during the 1997 disaster. Despite the improved flood defenses—including anti-flood dams and reservoirs built since that time—the situation remains critical.

The destruction of a key bridge in Śronie Śląskie has intensified the impact, with water surging into nearby towns. Authorities are closely monitoring the situation, with emergency services working to ensure the safety of affected residents as floodwaters continue to rise.

Petrol Loading from Dangote Refinery Set to Begin September 15, FG Announces

 

The Federal Government has officially announced that the loading of the first batch of petrol from the Dangote Refinery is scheduled to commence on Sunday, September 15. This announcement was made by Zacch Adedeji, who is both a member of the Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Products and the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS).

During a press briefing held in Abuja on Friday, Adedeji provided detailed information about the upcoming operations. He indicated that from October 1, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) will begin supplying about 385,000 barrels per day (kbpd) of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery. The payment for this crude oil will be conducted in Naira. In turn, the Dangote Refinery is expected to provide petrol and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market, with transactions also to be settled in Naira.

This initiative is part of the government's broader strategy to boost local refining capabilities and ensure a more stable and self-sufficient petroleum sector. Adedeji expressed optimism about the positive impact of these developments on the Nigerian economy, particularly in terms of reducing reliance on imported fuel and enhancing domestic production. The commencement of loading marks a crucial milestone in the operational phase of the Dangote Refinery, reflecting the successful completion of all necessary agreements and preparations.

North Korea Reveals Glimpse of Uranium Enrichment Facility

 

North Korea has provided a rare look into its secretive nuclear weapons program, showcasing a key facility used to produce fuel for atomic bombs. The country's state news agency, KCNA, released images of the centrifuges at a uranium enrichment site, marking the first time such equipment has been publicly shown.

During a visit to the Nuclear Weapons Institute, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un called for an increase in weapons-grade material to strengthen the country's nuclear arsenal. Kim emphasized the need to expand their stockpile in response to what he described as "anti-DPRK nuclear threats" from the U.S. and its allies.

North Korea's nuclear weapons development is prohibited under multiple United Nations Security Council resolutions. The location of the enrichment facility remains undisclosed, though state media accompanied the report with photos of Kim's visit and the centrifuges, which are crucial for producing enriched uranium for nuclear weapons.

The move underscores the ongoing tensions between North Korea and the U.S., with Kim signaling a firm stance on advancing the country's nuclear capabilities.

UK Police Urge Nigerian Women to Avoid Involving Law Enforcement in Family Disputes

 

During an event organized for a predominantly Nigerian female audience in the UK, important discussions were held surrounding the challenges faced by Yoruba women, particularly single mothers. Statistics shared at the event indicated that over 70% of Yoruba women in England, Wales, and Ireland are single mothers, navigating complex socio-economic conditions. One of the highlighted concerns was the use of police threats by some mothers to influence the fathers of their children, often to secure welfare benefits. This practice, while not widespread, raised concerns about the long-term effects on family dynamics and children's welfare.

A senior police officer, accompanied by colleagues from various ethnic backgrounds, addressed the gathering and urged these women to refrain from involving the police in family disputes unless absolutely necessary. He emphasized that using law enforcement as a tool in family matters could further strain relationships between parents and negatively affect the children involved. The officer stressed the importance of fostering cooperation between mothers and fathers, highlighting how essential it is for fathers to remain actively engaged in their children's lives. He noted that children growing up without a father figure often experience emotional and developmental challenges, which can have long-term impacts on their well-being.

Furthermore, the officer touched on the issue of knife crime, which has become a growing concern within the African diaspora in the UK. He warned the women to be vigilant and ensure that they and their families stay away from situations that could expose them or their children to such dangers. Knife crime, particularly in urban areas, has disproportionately affected minority communities, and the officer encouraged attendees to work together to create safer environments for their children.

The event served as a platform not only to raise awareness about the risks of family breakdown and crime but also to encourage greater collaboration between parents. Both mothers and fathers were encouraged to actively participate in their children’s upbringing, with the overarching message being that strong family support is crucial in helping children avoid negative societal influences.

In addition to addressing these issues, the event included discussions on access to social services, the role of cultural values in family life, and the need for community-driven solutions to tackle challenges faced by single mothers in the Nigerian diaspora. By bringing together various perspectives, the event aimed to empower women with the knowledge and resources to improve their families’ circumstances while emphasizing the importance of maintaining healthy, cooperative relationships with the fathers of their children.