World

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…

Listening to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s narrative of the Ukraine war, one might think that Russia mistakenly found itself embroiled in a conflict, almost as if it was compelled to invade its neighbor. During a recent press conference at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, Putin remarked that he had previously expressed to former U.S. President Joe Biden the importance of steering clear of conflicts, stating, “Conflicts, especially hot conflicts, must be avoided, and that all issues should be resolved…

Republican Vice President JD Vance recently engaged with troops stationed in Los Angeles, where their presence aims to address the protests surrounding immigration enforcement. During his visit, he criticized Democratic leaders at both the state and city levels, asserting that they are promoting illegal immigration across the US border. Mr. Vance met with some of the 700 Marines and 4,000 National Guard troops who were deployed to Los Angeles by President Donald Trump. He expressed concerns that these Democratic leaders…

French President Emmanuel Macron has announced that France and its European allies will intensify discussions with Iran, following over a week of hostilities between the Islamic Republic and Israel. In Macron's words, "I am convinced that there is a way out of war and to avoid even greater dangers." This statement came after he engaged in phone talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. Macron continued, "To achieve this, we will step up the negotiations initiated by France and its European partners with Iran." These…

Hurricane Erick has tragically claimed the lives of at least two individuals as it ravaged southern Mexico, inflicting severe damage on coastal communities before it weakened into a low-pressure system, according to officials. In a heartbreaking incident, a man lost his life in southern Oaxaca while assisting in debris removal. Unfortunately, he came into contact with high-voltage cables near a stream, resulting in electrocution, as reported by the state government. Additionally, a child in neighboring Guerrero state was…