World

Power Outages in Iran and Israel Amid Intensifying Strikes Welcome to our live coverage of the evolving situation in the Middle East. As the world watches closely, tensions are rising following the recent US strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. This development has already led to significant power outages in both Iran and Israel, prompting widespread concern and speculation about the future. As noted by one analyst, "In times of crisis, the ripple effects can be felt far beyond the immediate area." With nations on high…

In a firm stance, Iran has communicated its unwillingness to engage in discussions regarding its nuclear program while facing military aggression from Israel. This comes amid efforts from European nations to encourage Tehran to return to negotiations, and as the United States contemplates its involvement in the escalating conflict. Israel, now a week into its military campaign, has reported targeting multiple military sites during an overnight operation. According to statements from the Israel Defense Forces, these strikes…

The Israeli military has announced the recovery of the bodies of three hostages in Gaza, more than 20 months after their abduction by Hamas militants. "In a special operation, the bodies of the hostages Ofra Keidar, Yonatan Samerano, and Staff Sergeant Shay Levinson were recovered from the Gaza Strip yesterday," stated the military in an official release. Earlier on Sunday, Mr. Samerano's father expressed relief, sharing that his son’s body—taken into Gaza after he was tragically murdered in a kibbutz on October 7,…

Approximately 10,000 Russian soldiers are engaged in combat within Russia's Kursk region. Ukraine's top military commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, confirmed that Ukraine currently holds around 90 square kilometers of territory in the Hlushkov district, stating, "These are our preemptive actions in response to a possible enemy attack." According to the Ukrainian military, this strategic presence in the Kursk region is crucial for inhibiting Russia from deploying significant forces to the eastern Donetsk region, an area…

A recent review conducted by the European Union on Israel's military engagement in Gaza has found the country to be "in breach" of its human rights obligations as stipulated in the EU-Israel Association Agreement. This is according to excerpts from the report obtained by RTÉ News. The review was commissioned by Kaja Kallas, the EU's foreign policy chief, who emphasized the importance of adhering to ethical standards in international relations. As Article 2 of the EU-Israel Association Agreement highlights, both parties are…

In a significant development for Belarusian politics, opposition leader Sergei Tikhanovsky has been released from prison following a presidential pardon, as confirmed by the Belarusian human rights organization, Viasna. His wife, Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, who has been a formidable advocate for opposition since her husband's imprisonment, shared a heartwarming video capturing their reunion. In her post, she expressed her elation with the simple yet powerful caption: "FREE." Mr. Tikhanovsky, now 46, had spent over five years…

Tragically, at least eight lives were lost following the crash of a hot-air balloon carrying 21 passengers, including the pilot, in Brazil's southern state of Santa Catarina, according to state officials. Governor Jorginho Mello shared the somber news on X, formerly Twitter, stating, "Eight fatalities and 13 survivors." Eyewitness videos aired by Brazilian television captured the harrowing moment when the balloon ignited in flames above Praia Grande, a coastal town known for its hot-air ballooning. Remarkably, the weather…

In a recent statement, U.S. President Donald Trump declared that U.S. airstrikes had "completely and totally obliterated" Iran's primary nuclear enrichment facilities, issuing a stern warning of further attacks should Iran fail to pursue peace. Speaking from the Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Trump described the U.S. military intervention as a "spectacular military success," following the country’s support of Israel’s air campaign against Iran. His announcement shocked many, as he took to social media to…

The war between Russia and Ukraine continues to unfold with the recent exchange of captured soldiers, as reported by the Russian government. This exchange is part of a series of prisoner swaps that were discussed during peace talks held in Istanbul earlier this month. While the talks did not yield progress towards a ceasefire, both parties agreed to the release of over 1,000 soldiers from each side. These individuals consist primarily of those who are wounded, ill, or under the age of 25. "A group of Russian servicemen…

Pope Leo recently addressed the growing challenges posed by artificial intelligence (AI), particularly highlighting its potential impact on younger generations, a concern that resonates deeply today. At an event attended by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and parliamentary delegations from 68 countries, Pope Leo revisited this topic, which he has emphasized frequently since the beginning of his papacy. He remarked, "It is essential that we remember artificial intelligence is a tool designed for the benefit of…