Greek court sentences former official at Turkish consulate to prison on spying charges
A Greek appeals court sentenced a man who worked for a Turkish consulate to five years in prison on spying charges.
armed forces
Prince Harry and Meghan, greeted with cheers, talk mental health in Nigeria
Prince Harry and Meghan visited a school in Nigeria’s capital Abuja to talk about mental health. They were greeted with cheers, song, and dance. Harry later met wounded soldiers in Kaduna. Nigeria expressed interest in hosting the 2029 Invictus Games. The couple urged students to take care of their mental health and spoke about the importance of addressing mental health issues. Meghan mentioned their son Archie during the visit.
Israel military begins evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah, radio says
Israel’s armed forces are evacuating Palestinian civilians from Rafah in preparation for a potential assault on the southern Gazan city. Evacuations are focused on peripheral districts of Rafah, with evacuees being directed to tent cities in nearby Khan Younis and Al Muwassi. The Israeli military has called on Palestinians in eastern parts of Rafah to move to a nearby “humanitarian area” in what appears to be the beginning of a civilian evacuation before a ground assault. Israel claims that victory against Hamas is impossible without taking the city, which is said to harbor thousands of fighters. This operation has raised concerns among Western powers and neighboring Egypt due to the high number of displaced Palestinians in Rafah.
King Charles and UK royals to relinquish dozens of patronages
King Charles and other senior British royals are relinquishing patronages of almost 200 charities and organisations after a review of their associations with more than 1,000 groups. The review was launched following the death of Queen Elizabeth to examine all the charities and bodies she, Charles, and Queen Camilla were connected to. Elizabeth was patron of 492 organisations, while Charles was affiliated with 441 and Camilla 100. Over 830 organizations have been retained by the king and queen or passed to other members of the royal family. Organizations can apply to have a royal patron who can provide publicity for their work. The Royal British Legion, the Dogs Trust, the Jockey Club, and the Wildlife Trusts are among those that will retain their royal connection. His Majesty has been praised for his leadership in sustainability and nature conservation. Conclusions of the review will be shared among relevant organizations this week, marking the first anniversary of Charles and Camilla’s coronation.
Ecuador president decrees state of emergency in five provinces
Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa declared a state of emergency in five coastal provinces due to “internal armed conflict.” The measure will last for 60 days and the police and armed forces will be deployed to combat organized armed groups, blamed for the recent spike in violence.
Israeli military intelligence head resigns over Oct. 7 failures
The head of Israeli military intelligence, Major General Aharon Haliva, has resigned after accepting responsibility for the failures that allowed the devastating Hamas-led attack on Israel on Oct. 7.
Supreme Leader Khamenei says Iran demonstrated its power against Israel
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei thanked the country’s armed forces for their attack on Israel, saying Iran demonstrated its power regardless of how many targets were hit. Iran launched over 300 missiles and drones in retaliation for an attack on its embassy in Damascus. The attack caused modest damage in Israel, with most missiles and drones shot down. Khamenei emphasized that Iran’s display of power was the main focus, not the number of hits. Iran also downplayed an Israeli attack on Isfahan, with no plans for retaliation to avoid escalating tensions. Khamenei urged military officials to continue innovating and learning enemy tactics.
Christodoulides has , ‘yielded no substantial results’
President Nikos Christodoulides’ stance on the Cyprus problem has not yielded any substantial results. Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou criticized the President’s approach and emphasized the need for seriousness, consistency, collectivity, and a policy based on principles and concrete planning. Stefanou also highlighted the importance of verifying the fate of all missing persons and providing support for their relatives.
Ino Afentouli: Cyprus’ solidarity towards Israel should not stop
Last week, the world saw Iran’s attack on Israel amidst ongoing tensions in the Gaza Strip, highlighting the thin line between tension and conflict in the Middle East. Ino Afentouli, from Panteion University, emphasized that a regional conflict involving Iran and Israel would have adverse consequences for Cyprus and Greece. The conflict has halted economic cooperation and development plans in the region. Afentouli also mentioned that Cyprus could face increased migrant flows similar to those seen during the war in Syria. She emphasized the importance of solidarity with Israel for Cyprus and Greece, despite supporting the rights of the Palestinian people. The conflict could have significant impacts on Europe’s security and stability.
Russia may be ready to attack NATO in 5-8 years, German official says
Russia could potentially be prepared to launch an attack on NATO countries in five to eight years, according to Germany’s top military official, Lieutenant General Carsten Breuer. This readiness would come after Russia rebuilds its forces following the impact of the Ukraine war. President Vladimir Putin has denied any intentions of attacking NATO countries, but tensions remain high. Russia currently controls almost a fifth of Ukrainian territory and is increasing its military capabilities. Germany’s chief of defense emphasized the need for NATO to be prepared for a potential threat from Russia in the next five to eight years.