strike

Russia stages major airstrike on Ukraine; one missile enters Polish airspace

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Russia stages major airstrike on Ukraine; one missile enters Polish airspace

– Russia conducted a missile strike on critical infrastructure in Lviv, Ukraine, and also targeted Kyiv.
– One Russian cruise missile entered Polish airspace according to Warsaw.
– Moscow launched 57 missiles and drones in the attack.
– Lviv’s regional governor, Maksym Kozytskyi, reported two hits on a critical infrastructure facility in Lviv using Kinzhal hypersonic missiles.
– The energy ministry reported a critical energy facility in Lviv was attacked, causing a fire and power loss.
– Ukraine’s air defenses destroyed 18 of 29 inbound missiles and 25 of 28 attack drones.
– The attacks on Ukraine’s energy system led to widespread blackouts and a halt in electricity exports from Ukraine.
– In Kyiv, air defenses destroyed about a dozen missiles, resulting in only minor damage.
– The attacks are portrayed by Moscow as retaliation for Ukrainian actions during Russia’s presidential election.
– A downed Kh-55 cruise missile was found in a Kyiv park.
– Poland reported a Russian cruise missile violated its airspace, staying for 39 seconds and traveling about 2 km inside.
– Poland demanded an explanation from Moscow and pledged continued support for Ukraine.

Russians lower flags, lay flowers to honour concert hall attack victims

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Russians lower flags, lay flowers to honour concert hall attack victims

Russia observed a day of mourning with flags at half-mast after an attack at a rock concert outside Moscow resulted in 137 deaths, including three children, and 180 injuries. President Vladimir Putin declared the national day of mourning and promised to find and punish those responsible for the attack, which Islamic State claimed responsibility for. Over 100 people remained hospitalized, some in serious condition. Putin lit a candle in memory of the victims and expressed condolences in a national address. The attackers, who had attempted to flee to Ukraine, were said by Putin to have had assistance from the Ukrainian side, a claim Ukraine denied. The attack took place at Crocus City Hall during a performance by the rock group Picnic. It was the deadliest attack on Russian soil since the 2004 Beslan school siege. In response to the tragedy, Moscow residents formed long lines to donate blood, and billboards across the city displayed mourning messages. Countries worldwide expressed horror and condolences. Putin mentioned that 11 people had been detained in connection with the attack, including the suspected gunmen. The Federal Security Service (FSB) stated the gunmen had contacts in Ukraine. The U.S. shared information with Russia about a planned attack in Moscow earlier in the month, emphasizing that Islamic State bore sole responsibility for the attack and denying any Ukrainian involvement.

Israel besieges two more Gaza hospitals, 5 doctors killed

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Israel besieges two more Gaza hospitals, 5 doctors killed

Israeli forces besieged two Gaza hospitals, leading to the evacuation of patients and displaced people sheltering there. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported heavy gunfire and shelling around Al-Amal and Nasser hospitals in Khan Younis, resulting in the death of one of its staff and a displaced Palestinian. Israeli forces demanded the complete evacuation of Al-Amal Hospital and fired smoke bombs to facilitate this. The Red Crescent evacuated patients and displaced people to Al Mawasi. Israeli forces also formed a cordon around Nasser Hospital. The Israeli military claimed to have captured 480 militants in a raid on Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, where dozens of patients and medical staffers were detained, and five Palestinian doctors were reported killed. The health ministry in Gaza reported over 32,226 Palestinians killed and 74,518 injured since the beginning of the conflict on October 7, triggered by a Hamas-led incursion into southern Israel. Concerted mediation efforts for a ceasefire and aid to Gaza civilians have not yet been successful.

Over 1,000 teachers strike demanding job security

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Over 1,000 teachers strike demanding job security

A subset of teachers went on a 24-hour strike on Thursday demanding job security for their posts. The Education Minister, Athena Michaelidou, described the strike as “hasty and untimely”. The protesting group, consisting of 1,200 teachers working in the ministry’s support programmes, expressed concerns over potential unemployment after ten years of work. These teachers are contract workers who have signed collective agreements for their services. Andreas Kounnis, the general secretary of Pasey-Peo, criticized the working conditions and pledged to fight against any potential unemployment of colleagues. The teachers demanded job security for all involved in the 12 support programmes. Union members accused Minister Michaelidou of delaying decisions to avoid reactions. Michaelidou stated she is working on resolving the labour issue and has shared a draft bill to regulate the employment status of these teachers, awaiting feedback from the unions. She also mentioned an upcoming proposal for the pedagogical restructuring of the programmes.

Washington makes new push for Gaza ceasefire to head off famine, Rafah assault

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Washington makes new push for Gaza ceasefire to head off famine, Rafah assault

– The United States is pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza to prevent a famine and is urging Israel not to launch a ground assault on Rafah, where over a million displaced people are taking refuge.
– Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning a trip to the Middle East to meet leaders of Egypt and Saudi Arabia to discuss peace, but no visit to Israel has been announced.
– Israeli air strikes in Rafah killed 14 people, and Gaza’s food shortages have surpassed famine levels according to the international hunger monitor.
– Israel denies causing Gaza’s hunger, claiming it is opening new routes for aid and that U.N. and other agencies should distribute food more effectively.
– The U.N. suggests Israel’s restrictions and conduct in the conflict could constitute a war crime.
– Ceasefire talks are resuming in Qatar, with discussions around a six-week truce that would involve the release of hostages and detainees and the provision of aid to Gaza.
– The humanitarian situation in Gaza and the potential assault on Rafah have caused tension between the Israeli government and the U.S. administration.
– White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed that a ground operation in Rafah would be a mistake and that Israel’s goals can be achieved by other means.
– Israel insists a ground assault is necessary to defeat Hamas in Gaza, including in Rafah.
– Hamas reported the death of a senior police commander and his family in northern Gaza due to overnight air strikes.
– Israel aims to continue its military operations in Gaza until Hamas is defeated and claims to have killed senior Hamas officials, including the deputy commander of the Hamas military wing.
– Talks hosted in Qatar between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, with hopes for a truce that would benefit over two million people in Gaza.

Ukraine downs 17 out of 22 Russia-launched drones, air force says

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Ukraine downs 17 out of 22 Russia-launched drones, air force says

Ukrainian air defense systems shot down 17 out of 22 Russian drones over nine Ukrainian regions, causing a fire in a residential building in Kryvyi Rih but no casualties were reported. In Kirovohrad region, the attack damaged private industrial facilities and residential buildings without causing injuries. Russia also launched seven missiles at Ukraine, with a missile strike in Kharkiv region injuring one person and damaging a fire station.

Last-gasp goals earn Chelsea FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester

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Last-gasp goals earn Chelsea FA Cup quarter-final win over Leicester

Chelsea substitutes Carney Chukwuemeka and Noni Madueke scored stoppage time goals to secure a 4-2 victory over Leicester City, advancing Chelsea to the FA Cup semi-finals. Marc Cucurella and Cole Palmer scored Chelsea’s first two goals. Raheem Sterling missed a penalty. Axel Disasi’s mistake led to a Leicester goal, and Stephy Malvididi equalized for Leicester. Leicester was reduced to 10 men after Callum Doyle’s red card.

Ukraine attacks Russian city and refinery on second day of presidential election

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Ukraine attacks Russian city and refinery on second day of presidential election

– A Ukrainian missile attack killed two people in western Russia.
– A separate drone strike set an oil refinery ablaze in Russia.
– The incidents occurred during the second day of a presidential election in Russia.
– President Vladimir Putin accused Kyiv of trying to disrupt the election.
– The governor of the Belgorod region reported the deaths of a man and a woman due to the missile attack.
– The Syzran refinery in the Samara region was reported to be on fire due to a drone strike.
– Russia’s Defence Ministry reported repelling attempts by Ukrainian forces to cross into the Belgorod region.
– Schools in much of the Belgorod region and shopping centers in Belgorod city were closed due to the situation.
– Russia conducted a missile attack on Odesa, Ukraine, killing at least 20 people and wounding more than 70.
– President Putin is expected to win the presidential election, extending his time in office.
– Alexei Navalny, a prominent opposition politician, died in an Arctic penal colony, with his death certificate stating natural causes as the cause of death.
– The election turnout was over 40% by the afternoon of the second day, with high turnout in the Belgorod region and Russian-controlled regions of Ukraine.
– United Russia reported a denial of service cyberattack on its services.
– A senior telecoms official attributed the cyberattacks against Russia to Ukraine and Western countries.
– Protests and reported cyber attacks occurred during the voting process.

Israel approves plan to attack Rafah but keeps truce hopes alive

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Israel approves plan to attack Rafah but keeps truce hopes alive

Israel approved a potential assault on Rafah in Gaza but also plans to send a delegation to Qatar for talks on a possible hostage deal with Hamas. Netanyahu’s office confirmed the attack plan, citing Hamas’ stronghold in Rafah and the intention to evacuate residents. The U.S. expressed cautious optimism about a ceasefire-for-hostages proposal by Hamas, which includes releasing Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Despite global concerns over civilian casualties, Israel aims to eliminate Hamas fighters. A recent Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed or wounded several people. Hamas has offered a counter-proposal for a truce, involving the release of hostages for Palestinian prisoners, but gaps remain between the Israeli and Hamas positions. The war began with a Hamas attack on October 7, killing 1,200 and taking 253 hostages, leading to an Israeli assault that has killed over 31,000 and displaced nearly all of Gaza’s population. The first aid ship, Open Arms, arrived in Gaza, bringing food and water, amidst warnings of famine and malnutrition in the region.

Israel checking reports that Hamas’ military No 2 killed in Gaza strike

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Israel checking reports that Hamas’ military No 2 killed in Gaza strike

Israel was investigating whether Marwan Issa, Hamas’s second-highest military leader, died in an air strike on the Al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza. The attack, which occurred on Saturday night, resulted in five fatalities. Issa is a key figure in Hamas’s military wing, the Izz el-Deen al-Qassam Brigades. His death could impact efforts to secure a ceasefire in the Gaza war, which has lasted more than five months, causing significant casualties and destruction. The conflict began after a Hamas attack on October 7, leading to over 31,000 Palestinian deaths and nearly 73,000 injuries. Negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing, with involvement from Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Additionally, an Israeli air strike in Gaza City killed 16 people in the Abu Shammala family’s house. The conflict has displaced most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with a significant humanitarian crisis unfolding. Aid efforts are being made, including the dispatch of vessels carrying humanitarian aid to Gaza.