Three ethnic rebel groups in Myanmar on Friday (Oct 27) launched coordinated attacks against the military across the country's north, posing a fresh challenge to the junta as it struggles to quell resistance to its rule. 
 
In a statement, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) said that they launched a military operation.&nbsp;

It was not yet known how many casualties were there or whether the rebel groups had taken territory. Pro-military channels on Telegram said that the rebels were attacking 12 towns or settlements across a swathe of Shan state around 100 kilometres across.

According to a report by the news agency AFP, the MNDAA said that its fighters closed the roads from Lashio to Chinshwehaw and Muse on the China border ahead of a "major offensive".

Citing local media and residents, the report said that fighting around Lashio and near Muse, Chinshwehaw and Laukkai was ongoing. A Muse resident told AFP that locals were staying indoors as soldiers patrolled the streets and that the road from the town to the city of Mandalay -- a major trade route -- had been closed.

Meanwhile, a rescue worker in Lashio, who chose to remain anonymous, said that rebels had begun shelling the military base near the town from early Thursday and that the military responded with artillery fire.

An airline ticketing agency told AFP that all flights to and from Lashio airport had been cancelled on Friday.&nbsp;

China's foreign ministry said it was "closely following" the fighting and called on all sides to prevent the situation from escalating.

Myanmar's borderlands are home to more than a dozen ethnic rebel groups. Some of them have trained and equipped newer "People's Defence Forces" that have sprung up since the 2021 coup.&nbsp;

AFP reported that earlier in October, nearly 30 people were killed and dozens were injured in a military strike on a camp for displaced people in neighbouring Kachin state.

The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), a rebel group which controls the area, said that the junta was responsible for the attack.&nbsp;

Weeks later, the junta ordered air strikes and troop reinforcements as it tried to recover outposts it had lost in subsequent fighting with the KIAs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Three ethnic rebel groups in Myanmar on Friday (Oct 27) launched coordinated attacks against the military across the country's north, posing a fresh challenge to the junta as it struggles to quell resistance to its rule.

Three ethnic rebel groups in Myanmar on Friday (Oct 27) launched coordinated attacks against the military across the country's north, posing a fresh challenge to the junta as it struggles to quell resistance to its rule. In a statement, the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA), the Arakan Army (AA) and the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) said that they launched a military operation. It was not yet known how many casualties were there or whether the rebel groups had taken territory. Pro-military channels on Telegram said that the rebels were attacking 12 towns or settlements across a swathe of Shan state around 100 kilometres across. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the MNDAA said that its fighters closed the roads from Lashio to Chinshwehaw and Muse on the China border ahead of a "major offensive". Citing local media and residents, the report said that fighting around Lashio and near Muse, Chinshwehaw and Laukkai was ongoing. A Muse resident told AFP that locals were staying indoors as soldiers patrolled the streets and that the road from the town to the city of Mandalay -- a major trade route -- had been closed. Meanwhile, a rescue worker in Lashio, who chose to remain anonymous, said that rebels had begun shelling the military base near the town from early Thursday and that the military responded with artillery fire. An airline ticketing agency told AFP that all flights to and from Lashio airport had been cancelled on Friday. China's foreign ministry said it was "closely following" the fighting and called on all sides to prevent the situation from escalating. Myanmar's borderlands are home to more than a dozen ethnic rebel groups. Some of them have trained and equipped newer "People's Defence Forces" that have sprung up since the 2021 coup. AFP reported that earlier in October, nearly 30 people were killed and dozens were injured in a military strike on a camp for displaced people in neighbouring Kachin state. The Kachin Independence Army (KIA), a rebel group which controls the area, said that the junta was responsible for the attack. Weeks later, the junta ordered air strikes and troop reinforcements as it tried to recover outposts it had lost in subsequent fighting with the KIAs. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Myanmar: Rebel groups launch attacks against military junta

Amid the intensifying war between Israel and Hamas, which will soon complete one month, terrorist networks like the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda have now called on their followers to strike Israeli, American and Jewish targets.

Amid the intensifying war between Israel and Hamas, which will soon complete one month, terrorist networks like the Islamic State (IS) and al-Qaeda have now called on their followers to strike Israeli, American and Jewish targets. Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, killing over a thousand Israelis, al-Qaeda affiliates congratulated the Palestinian militant group on the assault. They urged Muslims to gather against Jews and their "infidel allies". The IS offered advice on practical steps to fight the Jews and called for attacks against them across the world, specifically in North America and Europe. The IS, however, criticised Hamas for its links to Iran and narrow focus on Israel. The remarks by both these terrorist organisations come as Russian President Vladimir Putin's allies warned of a global jihad against the West. So is there a global jihad emerging against the West? What is jihad? According to the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC), jihad refers to the obligation incumbent on all Muslims, individuals and the community, to follow and realise God’s will: to lead a virtuous life and to extend the Islamic community through preaching, education, example, writing, etc. Jihad also includes the right, indeed the obligation, to defend Islam and the community from aggression, the UNAOC adds. Click here to follow updates on Israel-Hamas war The significance of jihad is rooted in the Quran's command to struggle or exert oneself in the path of God. Now jihad is a concept with multiple meanings, used and abused throughout Islamic history, the UNAOC points out. The multiple meanings of jihad Since the late 20th century, jihad has been used by resistance, liberation, and terrorist movements to legitimate their cause and motivate their followers. Some of these examples are: the Taliban waging jihad in Afghanistan against foreign powers; the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, Hamas, and Islamic Jihad characterising the war with Israel as jihad, and al-Qaeda waging a 'global jihad' against both Muslim governments and the West. US, UK spy agencies warn on Middle East crisis The calls by al-Qaeda and the IS to strike Israeli, US and Jewish targets have raised concerns among officials in Western countries of a fresh wave of extremist violence. Last week, heads of the United Kingdom's MI5 and the US Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) issued a rare joint warning that the ongoing crisis in the Middle East in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war could raise domestic terror threats. Also read: 'Hamas ready to release civilian hostages but on one condition', says Iran MI5's Director General Ken McCallum said there was a risk that “self-initiated” individuals who may have been radicalised online might respond in “spontaneous or unpredictable ways” in the UK after Hamas attacks Israel and what could become a drawn-out conflict. “Plainly, events in the Middle East sharpen the possibility that Iran might decide to move into new directions,” McCallum said. “I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that could include the UK, but we are already operating at a high level of Iran-generated threat,” he added. The MI5 chief also said he had warned last year that Iran made 10 kidnap or death threats against people based in the UK in a year. FBI Director Christopher Wray pointed out that there were dangers that terrorist groups or Iran might step up violent activity and that Jewish individuals or organisations could be targeted by both Neo-Nazis and Islamists. The recent attacks and warnings There have been a spate of attacks recently in Europe, linked to radicalism. In October, a high school teacher in France was stabbed to death by a former student who swore allegiance to the IS. Twenty-year-old Mohammed Moguchkov said he was acting on behalf of the IS and also made a "very marginal" reference to the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel before he stabbed 57-year-old Dominique Bernard of the Lycee Gambetta High School in Arras. Moguchkov made these claims in the video recorded before the attack. In Belgium, a Tunisian migrant living illegally in the country killed two Swedish football fans in Brussels and injured another on October 16. Abdesalem Lassoued, who carried out the attack, was shot dead by police in a cafe. In this incident, the attacker claimed he was a member of the Islamic State. In May, security services in the Netherlands said that terrorist threats from the IS to Europe increased. During the same month, French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said that the risk of Islamist terrorism was rising again and that France was being targeted, as well as its neighbours. Recently, French President Emmanuel Macron was on a solidarity visit to Israel and called for Hamas to be added to the targets of an international coalition against the IS. President Macron said this coalition against IS should also fight against Hamas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Will Israel-Hamas war cause a global jihad against the West?

Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday (Oct 24) hit out at China over its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/iphone-maker-foxconn-subjected-to-tax-inspections-by-chinese-authorities-649927">tax investigation of iPhone maker Foxconn</a>, saying that the Chinese government should cherish companies and not put pressure on them during an election. Speaking to reporters, Vice President Lai said, "During an election, China does not need to put pressure on Taiwanese companies, demanding they declare a position, or even that they directly support a candidate they prefer."

Taiwanese companies will lose their confidence in China and if they feel scared will shift production elsewhere, which will be a big loss to China, Lai added.

Last Sunday, Chinese state media reported that Foxconn was subjected to tax inspections, with authorities searching its offices in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces. China's ministry of natural resources also inspected Foxconn's offices in Henan and Hubei provinces, where it has major offices.

Foxconn does the vast majority of its manufacturing in China and employs hundreds of thousands of workers across the country. More details about the searches were not known including when they were carried out or what was found.&nbsp;

In a statement, Foxconn said, "Legal compliance everywhere we operate around the world is a fundamental principle of Hon Hai Technology Group." "We will actively cooperate with the relevant units on the related work and operations," the statement added.&nbsp;

Taiwan is set to hold presidential elections next year with Vice President Lai (who is leader of the Democratic Progressive Party) being a frontrunner. In August, Foxconn's founder Terry Gou that he would be a frontrunner in next year's presidential elections. He then resigned from his seat on the board of Foxconn.&nbsp;

The other presidential candidates are Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Kuomintang Party and Ko Wen-je from the small Taiwan People's Party.

On Tuesday, Ko Wen-je said that the Foxconn investigation reflects Taiwan's predicament as a "world orphan" due to deteriorating cross-strait relations with China.

"The biggest problem... is that the Taiwanese government has no way to communicate with China on behalf of Taiwanese companies," he said at a briefing with foreign media in Taipei.

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Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday (Oct 24) hit out at China over its tax investigation of iPhone maker Foxconn, saying that the Chinese government should cherish companies and not put pressure on them during an election.

Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te on Tuesday (Oct 24) hit out at China over its tax investigation of iPhone maker Foxconn, saying that the Chinese government should cherish companies and not put pressure on them during an election. Speaking to reporters, Vice President Lai said, "During an election, China does not need to put pressure on Taiwanese companies, demanding they declare a position, or even that they directly support a candidate they prefer." Taiwanese companies will lose their confidence in China and if they feel scared will shift production elsewhere, which will be a big loss to China, Lai added. Last Sunday, Chinese state media reported that Foxconn was subjected to tax inspections, with authorities searching its offices in Guangdong and Jiangsu provinces. China's ministry of natural resources also inspected Foxconn's offices in Henan and Hubei provinces, where it has major offices. Foxconn does the vast majority of its manufacturing in China and employs hundreds of thousands of workers across the country. More details about the searches were not known including when they were carried out or what was found. In a statement, Foxconn said, "Legal compliance everywhere we operate around the world is a fundamental principle of Hon Hai Technology Group." "We will actively cooperate with the relevant units on the related work and operations," the statement added. Taiwan is set to hold presidential elections next year with Vice President Lai (who is leader of the Democratic Progressive Party) being a frontrunner. In August, Foxconn's founder Terry Gou that he would be a frontrunner in next year's presidential elections. He then resigned from his seat on the board of Foxconn. The other presidential candidates are Hou Yu-ih of the main opposition Kuomintang Party and Ko Wen-je from the small Taiwan People's Party. On Tuesday, Ko Wen-je said that the Foxconn investigation reflects Taiwan's predicament as a "world orphan" due to deteriorating cross-strait relations with China. "The biggest problem... is that the Taiwanese government has no way to communicate with China on behalf of Taiwanese companies," he said at a briefing with foreign media in Taipei. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan vice president hits out at China over its tax probe of Foxconn

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Iran on Tuesday (Oct 24) that Washington does not seek a conflict with Tehran, but would act swiftly and decisively if Iran or its proxies attack American personnel anywhere.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Iran on Tuesday (Oct 24) that Washington does not seek a conflict with Tehran, but would act swiftly and decisively if Iran or its proxies attack American personnel anywhere. Addressing the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Blinken said, "The United States does not seek conflict with Iran. We do not want this war to widen. But if Iran or its proxies attack U.S. personnel anywhere, make no mistake: we will defend our people, we will defend our security - swiftly and decisively." His comments came amid international fears that the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas could become a larger conflict, drawing in the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah which is supported by Iran. 'Don't throw fuel on fire' Iran has so far not responded to Blinken's remarks and is due to address the Security Council meeting on the Middle East later in the day. "We call on all member states to send a firm, united message to any state or non-state actor that is considering opening another front in this conflict against Israel or who may target Israel's partners, including the United States: don't. Don't throw fuel on the fire," Blinken said. Also read: Israel-Hamas war | Pentagon sends military advisers to aid Israel He also urged that Palestinian civilians must be protected. "We continue to coordinate closely with Egypt, Israel and partners across the region, as well as with the United Nations, to build mechanisms that will enable sustained humanitarian assistance to flow to civilians in Gaza without benefiting Hamas or any other terrorist group," Blinken added. US military steps up surveillance in Middle East The US has been taking new steps to protect its troops in the Middle East as concerns mount about attacks by Iran-backed groups, the news agency Reuters reported on Tuesday citing officials. Some of these measures include increasing American military patrols, restricting access to base facilities and hiking intelligence collection, including through drone and other surveillance operations, the officials told the news agency. They added that the military was also beefing up monitoring from guard towers on military facilities, hiking security at base access points and increasing operations to counter potential incoming drones, rockets, and missiles. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'US does not seek war with Iran, but...': Blinken warns Tehran

A major air tragedy was averted in the United States after two planes nearly collided mid-air with each other over Portland Airport. An investigation has been launched.

According to a report by the Independent on Monday (Oct 23), the two flights, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 was trying to land and a Skywest Airlines plane took off from Portland International Airport last week during a storm.

A video shared on YouTube by the channel <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qL5k4ePSLVA">VASAviation caught the moment </a>when the Alaska flight started to head nearer the SkyWest plane. The two planes allegedly came within approximately 250 vertical feet of each other.

As per BAA training, commercial planes flying below 29,000 must maintain a vertical separation of 1,000 feet. Speaking to The Oregonian, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson said that the "crew of Flight 1299 followed cockpit indications and reacted immediately to increase separation from the other aircraft."

“The aircraft maintained a safe amount of lateral separation throughout the entire event,” the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

Skywest, meanwhile, said that at no point, the safety of the flight was compromised. In a statement, the FAA said that while attempting to land at the airport, the pilot of the Alaska aircraft initiated a go-around due to wind and turned towards SkyWest Airlines.

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A major air tragedy was averted in the United States after two planes nearly collided mid-air with each other over Portland Airport. An investigation has been launched.

A major air tragedy was averted in the United States after two planes nearly collided mid-air with each other over Portland Airport. An investigation has been launched. According to a report by the Independent on Monday (Oct 23), the two flights, an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 was trying to land and a Skywest Airlines plane took off from Portland International Airport last week during a storm. A video shared on YouTube by the channel VASAviation caught the moment when the Alaska flight started to head nearer the SkyWest plane. The two planes allegedly came within approximately 250 vertical feet of each other. As per BAA training, commercial planes flying below 29,000 must maintain a vertical separation of 1,000 feet. Speaking to The Oregonian, an Alaska Airlines spokesperson said that the "crew of Flight 1299 followed cockpit indications and reacted immediately to increase separation from the other aircraft." “The aircraft maintained a safe amount of lateral separation throughout the entire event,” the spokesperson added. Skywest, meanwhile, said that at no point, the safety of the flight was compromised. In a statement, the FAA said that while attempting to land at the airport, the pilot of the Alaska aircraft initiated a go-around due to wind and turned towards SkyWest Airlines. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US: Two planes nearly collide mid-air over Portland airport, probe on

Violent clashes erupted in the West Bank region which has claimed eight lives. After the Gaza hospital blast, frustration is mounting on the ground among the people. And it is not just directed against Israel, locals are also questioning their own leadership.

Israel-Hamas war: How Hamas is keeping children captive

Israel President Isaac Herzog on Monday claimed that Hamas is preparing chemical weapons, citing documents allegedly recovered from Hamas terrorists who were killed in the October 7 attack on southern Israel.

Israel-Hamas war: What an Israel ground invasion would mean for Gaza?

Top artificial intelligence (AI) researchers said in a paper on Tuesday (Oct 24) that AI companies and governments should allocate at least one-third of their AI research and development funding to ensuring the safety and ethical use of the systems. The paper was written by three Turing Award winners, a Nobel laureate, and over a dozen top AI academics, and was issued a week before the international AI Safety Summit in London.&nbsp;

The paper lists measures that governments and companies should take to address AI risks. "Governments should also mandate that companies are legally liable for harms from their frontier AI systems that can be reasonably foreseen and prevented."

Yoshua Bengio, a co-author of the paper, who is also one of the so-called godfathers of AI, said that recent state-of-the-art AI models are too powerful, and too significant, to let them develop without democratic oversight.&nbsp;

"It (investments in AI safety) needs to happen fast because AI is progressing much faster than the precautions taken," Bengio added. Other authors of the study include Geoffrey Hinton, Andrew Yao, Daniel Kahneman, Dawn Song and Yuval Noah Harari.

At present, no broad-based regulations are focusing on AI safety. The&nbsp;first set of legislation by the European Union (EU) is yet to become law as lawmakers are yet to agree on several issues.

The paper also urged governments to give independent auditors access to AI laboratories and establish a licensing system for building cutting-edge models. The paper further said that AI companies must adopt specific safety measures if dangerous capabilities are found in their models.

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Top artificial intelligence (AI) researchers said in a paper on Tuesday (Oct 24) that AI companies and governments should allocate at least one-third of their AI research and development funding to ensuring the safety and ethical use of the systems.

Top artificial intelligence (AI) researchers said in a paper on Tuesday (Oct 24) that AI companies and governments should allocate at least one-third of their AI research and development funding to ensuring the safety and ethical use of the systems. The paper was written by three Turing Award winners, a Nobel laureate, and over a dozen top AI academics, and was issued a week before the international AI Safety Summit in London. The paper lists measures that governments and companies should take to address AI risks. "Governments should also mandate that companies are legally liable for harms from their frontier AI systems that can be reasonably foreseen and prevented." Yoshua Bengio, a co-author of the paper, who is also one of the so-called godfathers of AI, said that recent state-of-the-art AI models are too powerful, and too significant, to let them develop without democratic oversight. "It (investments in AI safety) needs to happen fast because AI is progressing much faster than the precautions taken," Bengio added. Other authors of the study include Geoffrey Hinton, Andrew Yao, Daniel Kahneman, Dawn Song and Yuval Noah Harari. At present, no broad-based regulations are focusing on AI safety. The first set of legislation by the European Union (EU) is yet to become law as lawmakers are yet to agree on several issues. The paper also urged governments to give independent auditors access to AI laboratories and establish a licensing system for building cutting-edge models. The paper further said that AI companies must adopt specific safety measures if dangerous capabilities are found in their models. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

AI firms, govts should spend more on safety and ethical use of systems: Researchers

Several people in Austria were hospitalised after they used suspected fake versions of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, the news agency reported on Tuesday (Oct 24) citing the country's health safety regulator BASG. On Monday, the BASG said that patients were reported to have suffered hypoglycaemia, seizures, and other serious side effects.&nbsp;

This indicated the product contained insulin instead of Ozempic's active ingredient semaglutide, the BASG added. The regulator did not mention how many people were hospitalised.

<h2>'Fake injection pens might still be in circulation'</h2>

An investigation has been launched with the criminal investigation service warning that fake injection pens might still be in circulation. Last week, the European Medicines Agency warned about the existence of such pens falsely labelled as Ozempic.

Novo Nordisk, which manufactures the drug, flagged a surge in online offers of counterfeit Ozempic as well as its weight-loss drug Wegovy, both based on semaglutide. Reuters reported on Tuesday that Novo Nordisk has been scrambling to boost output to catch up with overwhelming demand.&nbsp;

"It appears that this shortage is being exploited by criminal organisations to bring counterfeits of Ozempic to market," BASG further said.&nbsp;

<h2>What does Ozempic do?</h2>

According to Novo Nordisk's website, Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease.

However, Ozempic is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes. It is also not yet known if the drug is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age. Some of the serious side effects of the drug include inflammation of the pancreas, changes in vision and low blood sugar.

Reuters reported on Tuesday that EMA authorities in Germany and Britain have been investigating a case where bogus injection pens with German labels in genuine Ozempic packaging were sold from a wholesaler in Austria to Germany, and from there, on to two British wholesalers.

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Several people in Austria were hospitalised after they used suspected fake versions of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, the news agency reported on Tuesday (Oct 24) citing the country's health safety regulator BASG.

Several people in Austria were hospitalised after they used suspected fake versions of Novo Nordisk's diabetes drug Ozempic, the news agency reported on Tuesday (Oct 24) citing the country's health safety regulator BASG. On Monday, the BASG said that patients were reported to have suffered hypoglycaemia, seizures, and other serious side effects. This indicated the product contained insulin instead of Ozempic's active ingredient semaglutide, the BASG added. The regulator did not mention how many people were hospitalised. 'Fake injection pens might still be in circulation' An investigation has been launched with the criminal investigation service warning that fake injection pens might still be in circulation. Last week, the European Medicines Agency warned about the existence of such pens falsely labelled as Ozempic. Novo Nordisk, which manufactures the drug, flagged a surge in online offers of counterfeit Ozempic as well as its weight-loss drug Wegovy, both based on semaglutide. Reuters reported on Tuesday that Novo Nordisk has been scrambling to boost output to catch up with overwhelming demand. "It appears that this shortage is being exploited by criminal organisations to bring counterfeits of Ozempic to market," BASG further said. What does Ozempic do? According to Novo Nordisk's website, Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug also reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes with known heart disease. However, Ozempic is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes. It is also not yet known if the drug is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age. Some of the serious side effects of the drug include inflammation of the pancreas, changes in vision and low blood sugar. Reuters reported on Tuesday that EMA authorities in Germany and Britain have been investigating a case where bogus injection pens with German labels in genuine Ozempic packaging were sold from a wholesaler in Austria to Germany, and from there, on to two British wholesalers. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Austria: Several people hospitalised after using fake versions of diabetes drug

The Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel to aid in its war planning against Hamas. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Tuesday (Oct 24), the Pentagon is also speeding multiple sophisticated air defence systems to the Middle East days ahead of Israel's anticipated ground assault into the Gaza Strip.

The Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel to aid in its war planning against Hamas. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Tuesday (Oct 24), the Pentagon is also speeding multiple sophisticated air defence systems to the Middle East days ahead of Israel's anticipated ground assault into the Gaza Strip. Earlier, US officials had advised their Israeli counterparts to consider a delay in any ground assault, saying it would give more time to allow the US to work with its regional partners to release more hostages. The report said that one of the officers leading the Pentagon assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war Lt Gen Glynn will also be advising on how to mitigate civilian casualties in urban warfare, a US official told the news agency. On Monday, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said that Glynn and the other military officers who have been advising Israel "have experience that is appropriate to the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting.” Also on Monday, US President Joe Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to update him on Washington's support for Israel and ongoing efforts at regional deterrence, including new American military deployments. Ongoing war sparks fears of new Palestinian displacement The war between Israel and Hamas, which has been going on for over three weeks, has sparked fears of a new Palestinian displacement. The recent warnings by Israel to Palestinians to evacuate north of the territory ahead of the ground assault have evoked dark memories for Israel's Arab neighbours - Egypt and Jordan. Speaking to the news agency AFP, Gaza-based rights group Al Mezan said, "That's how the Nakba started." The Nakba is how the Arab world refers to the exodus or forced displacement of 760,000 Palestinians in the war that led to the creation of Israel 75 years ago. Also read: 'Been through hell': Survivor recounts her horrific experience as Hamas' captive There is a fear of history repeating itself since Israel countered Hamas' October 7 offensive. One million Gazans have already been forced out of their homes, and the Palestinian health ministry said that over 5,000 people have been killed in the war-torn region. The only possible way out of Gaza that is not controlled by Israel is the Rafah border crossing with Egypt. Till now, Egypt has allowed aid convoys into Gaza through Rafa. However, there have been no mass flights of refugees heading the other way. Egypt fears that throwing open the gates could facilitate Israeli plans for a forced mass eviction of Palestinians, with most of them homeless, AFP reported. "Most of the people would rather die in Gaza than be made a refugee again," Al Mezan told the news agency. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Pentagon sends military advisers to aid Israel

The Chinese government on Tuesday (Oct 24) removed Li Shangfu from his position as defence minister and state councillor, state broadcaster CCTV reported. As per CCTV, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also voted to remove former foreign minister Qin Gang from his position as state councillor. The broadcaster did not name a replacement for Li, neither&nbsp;did it mention the reason for his removal.

Meanwhile, the committee also removed Science and Technology Minister Wang Zhigang and Finance Minister Liu Kun were also removed from their posts, to be replaced by the current ministry of science and technology party secretary Yin Hejun and finance ministry party secretary Lan Fo'an respectively.&nbsp;

Li Shangfu has not been seen in public for months. He had been under investigation over procurement of military equipment.&nbsp;

Qin Gang, on the other hand, was abruptly removed from office without any explanation in July.

In September, the government announced that former navy commander Wang Houbin would take over as the new head of the Chinese military's Rocket Force.&nbsp;

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The Chinese government on Tuesday (Oct 24) removed Li Shangfu from his position as defence minister and state councillor, state broadcaster CCTV reported. As per CCTV, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also voted to remove former foreign minister Qin Gang from his position as state councillor.

The Chinese government on Tuesday (Oct 24) removed Li Shangfu from his position as defence minister and state councillor, state broadcaster CCTV reported. As per CCTV, the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress also voted to remove former foreign minister Qin Gang from his position as state councillor. The broadcaster did not name a replacement for Li, neither did it mention the reason for his removal. Meanwhile, the committee also removed Science and Technology Minister Wang Zhigang and Finance Minister Liu Kun were also removed from their posts, to be replaced by the current ministry of science and technology party secretary Yin Hejun and finance ministry party secretary Lan Fo'an respectively. Li Shangfu has not been seen in public for months. He had been under investigation over procurement of military equipment. Qin Gang, on the other hand, was abruptly removed from office without any explanation in July. In September, the government announced that former navy commander Wang Houbin would take over as the new head of the Chinese military's Rocket Force. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China removes defence minister Shangfu, ousts former foreign minister from cabinet

The Kremlin on Tuesday (Oct 24) rejected <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-found-lying-on-floor-after-allegedly-suffering-cardiac-arrest-reports-suggest-650538">speculation about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health </a>and said he is fit and well. Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also denied claims that President Putin was using body doubles.

"I can tell you that he has no doubles, and with regards to work and so on, this is already an absurd informational hoax that is discussed by some media with vigorous tenacity. It makes nothing but smile," Peskov said.

Earlier, General SRV, a channel on Telegram claimed that Putin suffered a serious health episode last Sunday (Oct 22). General SRV said that the Russian president was lying on the floor and rolling his eyes.&nbsp;

There have been speculations about Putin's health in the past as well ranging from blood cancer to Parkinson's disease.

In August, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/telegram-post-ignites-concerns-about-russian-president-vladimir-putins-health-ukraine-reacts-631170">another Telegram channel </a>that goes by the name of "Z-blogger" shared a post which read, "God, don't you leave us. Pray to God you are alive and healthy." Anton Gerashchenko, the adviser to Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, shared the Telegram post on X and said, "What is going on?"

In February, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-vladimir-putin-sick-new-clip-of-his-feet-twitching-goes-viral-sparks-health-concerns-564297">a video went viral on social media </a>showing Putin being unable to control his twitching feet during a conversation with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko.

The video showed Putin's legs fidgeting and his feet tapping when he and Lukashenko discussed expanding military and economic ties.

Putin turned 71 on October 7 and maintains an intensive schedule of meetings and public appearances, many of them televised. His recent programme included a visit to China last week, with stop-offs in two Russian cities on the way back.

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The Kremlin on Tuesday (Oct 24) rejected speculation about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health and said he is fit and well. Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also denied claims that President Putin was using body doubles.

The Kremlin on Tuesday (Oct 24) rejected speculation about Russian President Vladimir Putin's health and said he is fit and well. Speaking to reporters, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also denied claims that President Putin was using body doubles. "I can tell you that he has no doubles, and with regards to work and so on, this is already an absurd informational hoax that is discussed by some media with vigorous tenacity. It makes nothing but smile," Peskov said. Earlier, General SRV, a channel on Telegram claimed that Putin suffered a serious health episode last Sunday (Oct 22). General SRV said that the Russian president was lying on the floor and rolling his eyes. There have been speculations about Putin's health in the past as well ranging from blood cancer to Parkinson's disease. In August, another Telegram channel that goes by the name of "Z-blogger" shared a post which read, "God, don't you leave us. Pray to God you are alive and healthy." Anton Gerashchenko, the adviser to Ukraine's minister of internal affairs, shared the Telegram post on X and said, "What is going on?" In February, a video went viral on social media showing Putin being unable to control his twitching feet during a conversation with Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko. The video showed Putin's legs fidgeting and his feet tapping when he and Lukashenko discussed expanding military and economic ties. Putin turned 71 on October 7 and maintains an intensive schedule of meetings and public appearances, many of them televised. His recent programme included a visit to China last week, with stop-offs in two Russian cities on the way back. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

He's fit and well: Kremlin rejects rumours about Putin's ill-health

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Zee News Rajasthan

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Harshit Sabarwal

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