Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor. 
 
The controversial law aims at protecting the mental health of children against the "addictive features" of such platforms, in the wake of online dangers like cyberbullying, facing sexual predators, and teen suicide. 
 
The Senate cleared the legislation by 23-14 and the bill then returned to the House where it was passed by a stunning majority of 108-7. 
 
The bill has now reached the governor's table, where for making it a law, the bill needs to be signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-bidens-dog-bit-secret-service-members-at-least-24-times-in-less-than-a-year-692737">US President Joe Biden's dog bit Secret Service members at least 24 times in less than a year</a>

<h2 lang="en-US">Ron DeSantis remains sceptical regarding legislation</h2>

DeSantis has expressed scepticism regarding the legislation. Other states have made similar efforts which have been blocked by courts. 
 
"We're talking about businesses that are using addictive features to engage in mass manipulation of our children to cause them harm," said the bill's sponsor Republican Erin Grall, while speaking to the Florida Senate on Thursday (Feb 22). 
 
However, DeSantis, who has earlier expressed his sympathies towards the fears of people regarding the impact that social media has on children, expressed concerns regarding parental rights. 
 
"A parent has the right to opt in," he said, in a press conference Thursday (Feb 22). The governor, who earlier ran for president and dropped out of the race in January, has several times said that parents should have more control over decisions which affect their children, especially in the field of education.

Watch:&nbsp;US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump to face off Nikki Haley in South Carolina primary

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Under DeSantis, several laws have been passed by Florida to curtail teaching regarding gender identity and sex education in schools and to stop diversity programmes which were going on in state-funded universities. 
 
The officials have also removed many books from school library shelves in the state in recent months, which were seen as inappropriate for children by school boards and conservative parents. 
 
As per critics, such a law, which targets social media use, will violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech. 
 
Social media networks generally have a minimum age bar of 13 to open an account although very less measures have been adopted by companies to ensure compliance with the provision.

(With inputs from agencies)

Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor.

Florida lawmakers on Thursday (Feb 22) took a step towards enactment of one of the toughest bans on the use of social media by children in the history of the United States, and the bill – which talks about now allowing kids below the age of 16 on such platforms – has now been sent to the governor. The controversial law aims at protecting the mental health of children against the "addictive features" of such platforms, in the wake of online dangers like cyberbullying, facing sexual predators, and teen suicide. The Senate cleared the legislation by 23-14 and the bill then returned to the House where it was passed by a stunning majority of 108-7. The bill has now reached the governor's table, where for making it a law, the bill needs to be signed by Republican Governor Ron DeSantis. Also Read: US President Joe Biden's dog bit Secret Service members at least 24 times in less than a year Ron DeSantis remains sceptical regarding legislation DeSantis has expressed scepticism regarding the legislation. Other states have made similar efforts which have been blocked by courts. "We're talking about businesses that are using addictive features to engage in mass manipulation of our children to cause them harm," said the bill's sponsor Republican Erin Grall, while speaking to the Florida Senate on Thursday (Feb 22). However, DeSantis, who has earlier expressed his sympathies towards the fears of people regarding the impact that social media has on children, expressed concerns regarding parental rights. "A parent has the right to opt in," he said, in a press conference Thursday (Feb 22). The governor, who earlier ran for president and dropped out of the race in January, has several times said that parents should have more control over decisions which affect their children, especially in the field of education. Watch: US Presidential Elections 2024: Donald Trump to face off Nikki Haley in South Carolina primary Under DeSantis, several laws have been passed by Florida to curtail teaching regarding gender identity and sex education in schools and to stop diversity programmes which were going on in state-funded universities. The officials have also removed many books from school library shelves in the state in recent months, which were seen as inappropriate for children by school boards and conservative parents. As per critics, such a law, which targets social media use, will violate the First Amendment of the US Constitution which guarantees freedom of speech. Social media networks generally have a minimum age bar of 13 to open an account although very less measures have been adopted by companies to ensure compliance with the provision. (With inputs from agencies)

Florida moves ahead with bill imposing social media ban on kids, governor's nod remains

The government in the Indian state of West Bengal was instructed by the Calcutta High Court to rename the lions&nbsp;who have been named "Akbar" and "Sita” after the names caused a controversy. Both the lions were kept in the same enclosure at the Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri. 
 
A petition was filed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the court for changing the name of the lioness after she was recently shifted to West Bengal from Tripura, as per a report published in Live Law. 
 
The single-judge bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, giving an oral direction, asked the state to think about renaming the animals and avoid controversy.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/court-will-decide-who-is-butter-chickens-daddy-but-india-is-surely-the-guru-of-its-globalisation-692776">Court will decide who is Butter Chicken’s daddy, but India is surely the guru of its globalisation</a>

"Will you name a lion after a Hindu deity, a Muslim prophet or Christian god or freedom fighter or nobel laureate? Generally anyone who is revered or respected by the people of our country?" Justice Bhattacharyya quipped.

<h2 lang="en-US">West Bengal considering renaming lions: AAG</h2>

The Additional Advocate General (AAG), who was representing the case from the West Bengal government's side, said that the lions were given the names in Tripura and the state has already been considering renaming the lions. 
 
The High Court further questioned the reason behind the naming of the lion after "a god, mythological hero, freedom fighter, or Nobel laureate" and questioned why the state did not use&nbsp;the names which were given by Tripura. 
 
"You are a welfare state and it is a secular state. Why should you draw controversy by naming a lion after Sita and Akbar? This controversy should have been avoided. Not only Sita, but I also don't support the naming of a lion Akbar. He was a very efficient and noble Mughal emperor. Very successful and secular Mughal emperor. If it is already named, the state authority should shun it and avoid it," Justice Bhattacharyya said.

Watch:&nbsp;India's Gaganyaan mission: ISRO completes human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine

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In the court hearing, Justice Bhattacharyya further questioned if the AAG had any pets who were named after "national heroes". 
 
As per the court's direction, the petition filed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad will be reclassified as a public interest litigation (PIL) and redirected to a regular bench which can hear PILs.

(With inputs from agencies)

The government in the Indian state of West Bengal was instructed by the Calcutta High Court to rename the lions who have been named "Akbar" and "Sita” after the names caused a controversy.

The government in the Indian state of West Bengal was instructed by the Calcutta High Court to rename the lions who have been named "Akbar" and "Sita” after the names caused a controversy. Both the lions were kept in the same enclosure at the Bengal Safari Park in Siliguri. A petition was filed by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad in the court for changing the name of the lioness after she was recently shifted to West Bengal from Tripura, as per a report published in Live Law. The single-judge bench of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, giving an oral direction, asked the state to think about renaming the animals and avoid controversy. Also Read: Court will decide who is Butter Chicken’s daddy, but India is surely the guru of its globalisation "Will you name a lion after a Hindu deity, a Muslim prophet or Christian god or freedom fighter or nobel laureate? Generally anyone who is revered or respected by the people of our country?" Justice Bhattacharyya quipped. West Bengal considering renaming lions: AAG The Additional Advocate General (AAG), who was representing the case from the West Bengal government's side, said that the lions were given the names in Tripura and the state has already been considering renaming the lions. The High Court further questioned the reason behind the naming of the lion after "a god, mythological hero, freedom fighter, or Nobel laureate" and questioned why the state did not use the names which were given by Tripura. "You are a welfare state and it is a secular state. Why should you draw controversy by naming a lion after Sita and Akbar? This controversy should have been avoided. Not only Sita, but I also don't support the naming of a lion Akbar. He was a very efficient and noble Mughal emperor. Very successful and secular Mughal emperor. If it is already named, the state authority should shun it and avoid it," Justice Bhattacharyya said. Watch: India's Gaganyaan mission: ISRO completes human rating of its CE20 cryogenic engine In the court hearing, Justice Bhattacharyya further questioned if the AAG had any pets who were named after "national heroes". As per the court's direction, the petition filed by Vishwa Hindu Parishad will be reclassified as a public interest litigation (PIL) and redirected to a regular bench which can hear PILs. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian court raps West Bengal govt over naming lions 'Akbar, Sita'

Two powerful solar flares from the sun on in the past two days occurred at the same time when widespread cell phone outages took place across the United States, raising questions if the two events were connected. 
 
An X1.8-class flare erupted at 6:07 p.m. ET (2307 GMT) on Wednesday (Feb 21), and another X1.7-class flare was released from the sun at 1:32 a.m. ET (0632 GMT) on Thursday (Feb 22). 
 
In a statement, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that the solar flares erupted from a particular region of the sun that "continues to exhibit strong magnetic complexity”. 
 
"No apparent CMEs [Coronal&nbsp;mass ejections] resulting from these events have been observed as of the time of this writing, but can not be ruled out," the agency said. 
 
However, an alert was issued by NOAA for a solar radio emission which occurred at 6:58 a.m. ET (1158 GMT) and sometimes such eruptions are joined by solar radiation storms and strong coronal mass ejections.

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Some people are attributing cell network outages (AT&amp;T, Verizon) in the U.S to last night’s X-class <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SolarFlare?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SolarFlare</a>. However, flares only cause radio degradation on the *dayside* of the Earth. As you can see below, the U.S was not affected by the event. So it’s just a coincidence! <a href="https://t.co/8EQxLV2qVJ">https://t.co/8EQxLV2qVJ</a> <a href="https://t.co/A5kImCmStC">pic.twitter.com/A5kImCmStC</a>
— Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanJFrench/status/1760690840656286048?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Interestingly, the solar emissions coincided with widespread cellular phone outages.

As reported by The Associated Press, tens of thousands of outages took place across the country, which affected phones operated AT&amp;T, Verizon and T-Mobile.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/massive-solar-flare-causes-radio-blackouts-across-australia-and-southeast-asia-687637">Massive solar flare causes radio blackouts across Australia and Southeast Asia</a>

The occurrence of the two events raised questions about its connection, however, solar scientists cast doubt over the theory. 
 
"Flares only cause radio degradation on the *dayside* of the Earth. As you can see below, the U.S. was not affected by the event. So it's just a coincidence!," said solar astrophysicist Ryan French at the National Solar Observatory, in a post on X.

<h2 lang="en-US">NOAA says no relation between&nbsp;recent flares and outages</h2>

NOAA's Space Weather Prediction further confirmed that the recent flares and outages are unrelated. 
 
"While solar flares can affect communication systems, radar, and the Global Positioning System, based on the intensity of the eruption and associated phenomena, it is highly unlikely that these flares contributed to the widely reported cellular network outages," they claimed.

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The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on Feb. 22, 2024, peaking at 5:34 p.m. EST. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as X6.3. <a href="https://t.co/ltkQU9Izqw">https://t.co/ltkQU9Izqw</a> <a href="https://t.co/qSaPdaP4ij">pic.twitter.com/qSaPdaP4ij</a>
— NASA Sun &amp; Space (@NASASun) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASun/status/1760806175505838246?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The effects of the solar flares may continue to be felt for days. 
 
NOAA, in its forecast discussion posted at 7:30 a.m. ET (1230 GMT) on Feb 22, wrote that an "eruptive filament" had exploded from the northwest quadrant of the visible disk of the sun on February 21.

Watch:&nbsp;Brightest and hungriest black hole ever detected; It eats one sun a a day

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NOAA said that since most of the energetic material which erupted from the sun is expected to move ahead of Earth in its orbit around the sun, a "glancing influence" is likely to be possible on February 25.

(With inputs from agencies)

Two powerful solar flares from the sun on in the past two days occurred at the same time when widespread cell phone outages took place across the United States, raising questions if the two events were connected.

Two powerful solar flares from the sun on in the past two days occurred at the same time when widespread cell phone outages took place across the United States, raising questions if the two events were connected. An X1.8-class flare erupted at 6:07 p.m. ET (2307 GMT) on Wednesday (Feb 21), and another X1.7-class flare was released from the sun at 1:32 a.m. ET (0632 GMT) on Thursday (Feb 22). In a statement, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) said that the solar flares erupted from a particular region of the sun that "continues to exhibit strong magnetic complexity”. "No apparent CMEs [Coronal mass ejections] resulting from these events have been observed as of the time of this writing, but can not be ruled out," the agency said. However, an alert was issued by NOAA for a solar radio emission which occurred at 6:58 a.m. ET (1158 GMT) and sometimes such eruptions are joined by solar radiation storms and strong coronal mass ejections. Some people are attributing cell network outages (AT&T, Verizon) in the U.S to last night’s X-class #SolarFlare. However, flares only cause radio degradation on the *dayside* of the Earth. As you can see below, the U.S was not affected by the event. So it’s just a coincidence! https://t.co/8EQxLV2qVJ pic.twitter.com/A5kImCmStC — Dr. Ryan French (@RyanJFrench) February 22, 2024 × Interestingly, the solar emissions coincided with widespread cellular phone outages. As reported by The Associated Press, tens of thousands of outages took place across the country, which affected phones operated AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile. Also Read: Massive solar flare causes radio blackouts across Australia and Southeast Asia The occurrence of the two events raised questions about its connection, however, solar scientists cast doubt over the theory. "Flares only cause radio degradation on the *dayside* of the Earth. As you can see below, the U.S. was not affected by the event. So it's just a coincidence!," said solar astrophysicist Ryan French at the National Solar Observatory, in a post on X. NOAA says no relation between recent flares and outages NOAA's Space Weather Prediction further confirmed that the recent flares and outages are unrelated. "While solar flares can affect communication systems, radar, and the Global Positioning System, based on the intensity of the eruption and associated phenomena, it is highly unlikely that these flares contributed to the widely reported cellular network outages," they claimed. The Sun emitted a strong solar flare on Feb. 22, 2024, peaking at 5:34 p.m. EST. NASA’s Solar Dynamics Observatory captured an image of the event, which was classified as X6.3. https://t.co/ltkQU9Izqw pic.twitter.com/qSaPdaP4ij — NASA Sun & Space (@NASASun) February 22, 2024 × The effects of the solar flares may continue to be felt for days. NOAA, in its forecast discussion posted at 7:30 a.m. ET (1230 GMT) on Feb 22, wrote that an "eruptive filament" had exploded from the northwest quadrant of the visible disk of the sun on February 21. Watch: Brightest and hungriest black hole ever detected; It eats one sun a a day NOAA said that since most of the energetic material which erupted from the sun is expected to move ahead of Earth in its orbit around the sun, a "glancing influence" is likely to be possible on February 25. (With inputs from agencies)

Twin solar flares led to cell phone outages across US? Science body NOAA says 'unlikely'

Indian-American student Akul Dhawan, who was found dead last month after being reported missing for several hours,&nbsp;froze to death after a nightclub refused to give him entry, as per the latest reports. 
 
The 18-year-old Indian-American student, who was enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US, died of hypothermia following "acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, which significantly contributed to his death”, stated Champaign County Coroner's Office in Illinois. 
 
On January 20, the student's dead body was discovered on the back side of a building close to the university campus in West Urbana, Illinois.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-police-officer-who-struck-and-killed-indian-student-jaahnavi-kandula-wont-be-charged-692499">Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges</a>

The signs of hypothermia were found on the body, however, the exact cause of death was being investigated by the campus police.

<h2 lang="en-US">Club denied entry to Indian-American student 'multiple times'</h2>

On January 20, Akul had gone out for drinks with friends. He, along with his friends, then decided to go to the Canopy Club at around 11:30 pm (local time). Canopy Club is located close to the university campus and the boys had visited the place even the night before. 
 
However, the club's staff members denied him entry into the club. The boy tried "multiple times" to enter the club but was repeatedly denied entry by staff, said the investigators, adding that he also did not use the two rideshare vehicles called for him, reported Kansas City. 
 
Midwest US, along with Illinois, battles brutal cold and freezing temperatures in January as the wind chills dip between -20 to -30 degrees.

Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Why are Indian students dying, being attacked in the US?

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Various calls made to Dhawan went unanswered and one of his friends reached out to the campus police for help. As per the police, an officer searched for Dhawan by driving "at a walking pace" near the "likely path" which he should have taken to come back to the campus. 
 
A university employee next morning notified the police and emergency medical services of "a man on the back porch of a building". The police informed that he was "dead at the time he was found". 
 
His parents, Ish and Ritu Dhawan said that their son was discovered just 400 feet from where he went missing on the basis of the location-tracking data on Dhawan's phone.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian-American student Akul Dhawan, who was found dead last month after being reported missing for several hours, froze to death after a nightclub refused to give him entry, as per the latest reports.

Indian-American student Akul Dhawan, who was found dead last month after being reported missing for several hours, froze to death after a nightclub refused to give him entry, as per the latest reports. The 18-year-old Indian-American student, who was enrolled at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign in the US, died of hypothermia following "acute alcohol intoxication and prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures, which significantly contributed to his death”, stated Champaign County Coroner's Office in Illinois. On January 20, the student's dead body was discovered on the back side of a building close to the university campus in West Urbana, Illinois. Also Read: Jaahnavi Kandula's death: US police officer who struck and killed Indian student won't face criminal charges The signs of hypothermia were found on the body, however, the exact cause of death was being investigated by the campus police. Club denied entry to Indian-American student 'multiple times' On January 20, Akul had gone out for drinks with friends. He, along with his friends, then decided to go to the Canopy Club at around 11:30 pm (local time). Canopy Club is located close to the university campus and the boys had visited the place even the night before. However, the club's staff members denied him entry into the club. The boy tried "multiple times" to enter the club but was repeatedly denied entry by staff, said the investigators, adding that he also did not use the two rideshare vehicles called for him, reported Kansas City. Midwest US, along with Illinois, battles brutal cold and freezing temperatures in January as the wind chills dip between -20 to -30 degrees. Watch: Gravitas | Why are Indian students dying, being attacked in the US? Various calls made to Dhawan went unanswered and one of his friends reached out to the campus police for help. As per the police, an officer searched for Dhawan by driving "at a walking pace" near the "likely path" which he should have taken to come back to the campus. A university employee next morning notified the police and emergency medical services of "a man on the back porch of a building". The police informed that he was "dead at the time he was found". His parents, Ish and Ritu Dhawan said that their son was discovered just 400 feet from where he went missing on the basis of the location-tracking data on Dhawan's phone. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian-origin student froze to death after being denied entry into US nightclub

6 Herbs Which Help Manage LDL Naturally, As Per Ayurveda


Turmeric, filled with curcumin, is the best herb which lowers cholesterol levels naturally.


Amla is filled with antioxidants and vitamin C, which improves blood sugar and reduces cholesterol levels. 


Fennel, filled with fibre, helps in promoting the health of the heart and lowers LDL cholesterol. 


Ashwagandha is an important Ayurvedic herb which helps in reducing LDL cholesterol. 

Giloy is a powerful anti-inflammatory agent with antioxidant properties which helps in reducing cholesterol. 

Fenugreek is filled with soluble fibre which helps in decreasing LDL cholesterol levels. 


Disclaimer: Please note that the information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.


6 Herbs Which Help Manage LDL Naturally, As Per Ayurveda

8 Benefits Of Drinking Turmeric Water Early Morning


Turmeric has curcumin, which is packed with powerful anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants, thereby helping fight free radicals and strengthening the natural defences of the body.

Warm water stimulates digestion and the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric ease bloating and soothe the gut. 

The curcumin content in turmeric boosts metabolism and helps in weight management.


The antioxidant properties of turmeric help in combatting signs of ageing and deliver a healthy skin complexion.


The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin help manage stiffness and joint pain. 


Curcumin also helps improve memory and cognitive function.

The anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin also help regulate the mood and combat symptoms of depression and anxiety.

The liver-supporting properties of turmeric enhance detoxification.

8 Benefits Of Drinking Haldi Water Early Morning

A month after carrying out the cruel execution of a man&nbsp;by nitrogen gas for the first time, the US state of Alabama is now planning to do the same on another death row inmate.

The first execution carried out using the controversial method was widely condemned, including by the United Nations.&nbsp;

State Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office on Wednesday (Feb 21) asked Alabama Supreme Court to fix an execution date for Alan Eugene Miller.&nbsp;

The state said that the execution of Miller, 59, will be carried out using nitrogen gas. He has been convicted of killing three people in the 1999 workplace shootings carried out in suburban Birmingham.

“The State of Alabama is prepared to carry out the execution of Miller’s sentence by means of nitrogen hypoxia,” wrote the attorney general’s office, adding that Miller was given the death sentence in 2000 and now is the time to carry it out.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-alabama-faces-criticism-from-world-over-cruel-nitrogen-execution-683957">US: Alabama faces international criticism for 'cruel' nitrogen execution of inmate</a>

<h2>Alabama faces backlash for nitrogen gas execution&nbsp;</h2>

The request for the execution date has been made as the activists and advocates continue presenting opposing views over the state’s first execution using nitrogen.&nbsp;

On January 25, prison inmate Kenneth Smith convulsed in seizure-like movements for several minutes before dying in the death chamber filled with nitrogen gas. &nbsp;

Marshall said that the execution was “textbook” and added that more such death sentences were carried out by the state using nitrogen gas.

“As of last night, nitrogen hypoxia as a means of execution is no longer an untested method. It is a proven one,” said Marshall, the next day after Smith was executed.&nbsp;

Similar to Smith, Miller had also survived a lethal injection attempt. The state had tried to execute Miller using lethal injection in September 2022.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Alabama, third US state to authorise use of nitrogen for execution

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The execution was cancelled after the officials failed to find an intravenous line which was connected to the prisoner’s veins.

After that, an agreement was struck by the state with Miller’s lawyers in which it was agreed that they would never seek to execute Miller again using lethal injection and that nitrogen gas would be used to execute him in the future.

Miller, who was a delivery truck driver, was convicted for carrying out fatal shootings in which Lee Holdbrooks, Scott Yancy and Terry Jarvis were killed.

(With inputs from agencies)

A month after carrying out the cruel execution of a man by nitrogen gas for the first time, the US state of Alabama is now planning to do the same on another death row inmate.

A month after carrying out the cruel execution of a man by nitrogen gas for the first time, the US state of Alabama is now planning to do the same on another death row inmate. The first execution carried out using the controversial method was widely condemned, including by the United Nations. State Attorney General Steve Marshall’s office on Wednesday (Feb 21) asked Alabama Supreme Court to fix an execution date for Alan Eugene Miller. The state said that the execution of Miller, 59, will be carried out using nitrogen gas. He has been convicted of killing three people in the 1999 workplace shootings carried out in suburban Birmingham. “The State of Alabama is prepared to carry out the execution of Miller’s sentence by means of nitrogen hypoxia,” wrote the attorney general’s office, adding that Miller was given the death sentence in 2000 and now is the time to carry it out. Also Read: US: Alabama faces international criticism for 'cruel' nitrogen execution of inmate Alabama faces backlash for nitrogen gas execution The request for the execution date has been made as the activists and advocates continue presenting opposing views over the state’s first execution using nitrogen. On January 25, prison inmate Kenneth Smith convulsed in seizure-like movements for several minutes before dying in the death chamber filled with nitrogen gas. Marshall said that the execution was “textbook” and added that more such death sentences were carried out by the state using nitrogen gas. “As of last night, nitrogen hypoxia as a means of execution is no longer an untested method. It is a proven one,” said Marshall, the next day after Smith was executed. Similar to Smith, Miller had also survived a lethal injection attempt. The state had tried to execute Miller using lethal injection in September 2022. Watch: US: Alabama, third US state to authorise use of nitrogen for execution The execution was cancelled after the officials failed to find an intravenous line which was connected to the prisoner’s veins. After that, an agreement was struck by the state with Miller’s lawyers in which it was agreed that they would never seek to execute Miller again using lethal injection and that nitrogen gas would be used to execute him in the future. Miller, who was a delivery truck driver, was convicted for carrying out fatal shootings in which Lee Holdbrooks, Scott Yancy and Terry Jarvis were killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Chilling death sentence: Alabama plans second execution using nitrogen gas despite backlash over first

The largest hospital in Alabama, United States has placed a halt on vitro fertilisation procedures after the state’s supreme court delivered the first-of-its-kind decision in which it ruled that frozen embryos are “children”.

Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that frozen embryos should be considered children and that any person can be held liable for destroying them accidentally has now started a new debate in the United States.

The southern US state's hospital took the decision to pause its in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services after the court's ruling as it feared that they could be exposed to criminal prosecution.

The health system of the University of Alabama at Birmingham said that they will continue retrieving eggs from the ovaries of women.&nbsp;

However, it said that the next step they take in the IVF process will be stopped. In the next step, they fertilise the eggs with sperm before they are implanted into the uterus.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-alabama-supreme-court-rules-frozen-embryos-are-children-692287">US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children'</a>

"We are saddened that this will impact our patients' attempt to have a baby through IVF," said the leading state medical provider, in a statement.

"But we must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>What was the lawsuit and what was the decision made by the court?</h2>

The case has emerged from a wrongful death lawsuit which was filed by three couples after a fertility clinic lost their embryos in 2020.

A person had entered the place where the embryos were kept, handled them and dropped them accidentally. Because of that, the embryos were destroyed.

The couples also took steps to sue the Center for Reproductive Medicine and the Mobile Infirmary Association under the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act of the state. The law includes foetuses but does not specifically include embryos which are created from IVF.

Watch:&nbsp;Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/are-frozen-embryos-children-alabama-supreme-court-gives-first-of-its-kind-decision-692484/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, the Alabama Supreme Court in its ruling extended support to the couples and ruled that frozen embryos were considered "children".

The wrongful death law applied to "all unborn children, regardless of their location", the court said, in its decision.

Agreeing with the opinion of the majority, Chief Justice Tom Parker wrote: "Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory."

The ruling does not restrict or ban IVF and even the couples who filed the case actively sought out the procedure.

(With inputs from agencies)

The largest hospital in Alabama, United States has placed a halt on vitro fertilisation procedures after the state’s supreme court delivered the first-of-its-kind decision in which it ruled that frozen embryos are “children”.

The largest hospital in Alabama, United States has placed a halt on vitro fertilisation procedures after the state’s supreme court delivered the first-of-its-kind decision in which it ruled that frozen embryos are “children”. Alabama Supreme Court's ruling that frozen embryos should be considered children and that any person can be held liable for destroying them accidentally has now started a new debate in the United States. The southern US state's hospital took the decision to pause its in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services after the court's ruling as it feared that they could be exposed to criminal prosecution. The health system of the University of Alabama at Birmingham said that they will continue retrieving eggs from the ovaries of women. However, it said that the next step they take in the IVF process will be stopped. In the next step, they fertilise the eggs with sperm before they are implanted into the uterus. Also Read: US: Alabama Supreme Court rules frozen embryos are 'children' "We are saddened that this will impact our patients' attempt to have a baby through IVF," said the leading state medical provider, in a statement. "But we must evaluate the potential that our patients and our physicians could be prosecuted criminally or face punitive damages for following the standard of care for IVF treatments," it added. What was the lawsuit and what was the decision made by the court? The case has emerged from a wrongful death lawsuit which was filed by three couples after a fertility clinic lost their embryos in 2020. A person had entered the place where the embryos were kept, handled them and dropped them accidentally. Because of that, the embryos were destroyed. The couples also took steps to sue the Center for Reproductive Medicine and the Mobile Infirmary Association under the Wrongful Death of a Minor Act of the state. The law includes foetuses but does not specifically include embryos which are created from IVF. Watch: Are frozen embryos Children? Alabama Supreme Court gives first-of-its-kind decision However, the Alabama Supreme Court in its ruling extended support to the couples and ruled that frozen embryos were considered "children". The wrongful death law applied to "all unborn children, regardless of their location", the court said, in its decision. Agreeing with the opinion of the majority, Chief Justice Tom Parker wrote: "Even before birth, all human beings have the image of God, and their lives cannot be destroyed without effacing his glory." The ruling does not restrict or ban IVF and even the couples who filed the case actively sought out the procedure. (With inputs from agencies)

Alabama's largest hospital pauses IVF after SC says frozen embryos are children

More than a hundred "zombie" fires have continued to burn under the ground in Canada, even though winter has set in.&nbsp;

These "zombie" fires, which are known as holdover fires or overwintering fires, have continued to burn under the surface in the winter months which has increased the risk of turning into full-blown wildfires in the spring season.

Currently, 92 zombie fires have been actively burning in British Columbia, and 54 have been simmering in Alberta, as per the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, with as many more continuing&nbsp;to burn in the Northwest Territories.

In Canada, wildfire activity generally peaks during the summer months, especially in the western provinces and territories where lightning strikes and dry conditions are common.

In Canada, the areas which are most wildfire-prone include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/climate-change-how-budget-2024-is-landmark-in-indias-journey-to-a-net-zero-economy-686932">Climate Change: How Budget 2024 is a ‘landmark in India’s journey to net-zero economy’</a>

There are vast forest areas in these regions which are susceptible to ignition in the right conditions.&nbsp;

In 2023, 2,220 wildfires were recorded in British Columbia which damaged an area of 2,830,808 hectares (6,995,078.9 acres).

Sometimes, large fires continue burning in the winter months which damage soil and roots under the ground.

"Smoldering fires are flaming fires that have entered 'energy-saver mode," said Rebecca Scholten, who is a researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in a NASA Earth Observatory post.

&nbsp;"These fires are only just surviving based on the resources they have—oxygen and fuel—and can transition back into flaming fires once conditions are more favourable," he added.

Sometimes, these fires are visible only because of smoke rising from them.&nbsp;

<h2>Is climate change keeping continued ignition underneath?</h2>

Some experts have blamed climate change for an increase in the severity and frequency of wildfires in Canada and the United States, as changing rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures contribute to drier conditions and increase fire ignition.&nbsp;

This year a lot of zombie fires have continued to blaze across the country than usual.

"It's not something I've seen in any of the data sets," said Jennifer Baltzer, a professor in the department of biology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, while speaking to local news CBC.

&nbsp;"What we don't know is how many of these will actually translate to reignition in the spring. This is yet another indication of the impact of climate warming on these systems," she added.

Watch:&nbsp;China braces for severe cold wave; authorities issue orange alert

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/china-braces-for-severe-cold-wave-authorities-issue-orange-alert-692678/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per experts, these fires may have led to an increase in wildfires at the beginning of spring and summer, as per experts.

"It still feels like we haven't had enough time to get recovered, let alone get ready because here we go again," said Sonja Leverkus, a wildfire professor at the University of Alberta, while speaking to local news CBC.

"A lot of people talk about fire season and the end of the fire season, but our fires did not stop burning in 2023. Our fires dug underground and have been burning pretty much all winter," Leverkus added.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than a hundred "zombie" fires have continued to burn under the ground in Canada, even though winter has set in. These "zombie" fires, which are known as holdover fires or overwintering fires, have continued to burn under the surface in the winter months which has increased the risk of turning into full-blown wildfires in the spring season.

More than a hundred "zombie" fires have continued to burn under the ground in Canada, even though winter has set in. These "zombie" fires, which are known as holdover fires or overwintering fires, have continued to burn under the surface in the winter months which has increased the risk of turning into full-blown wildfires in the spring season. Currently, 92 zombie fires have been actively burning in British Columbia, and 54 have been simmering in Alberta, as per the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre, with as many more continuing to burn in the Northwest Territories. In Canada, wildfire activity generally peaks during the summer months, especially in the western provinces and territories where lightning strikes and dry conditions are common. In Canada, the areas which are most wildfire-prone include British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Yukon, and the Northwest Territories. Also Read: Climate Change: How Budget 2024 is a ‘landmark in India’s journey to net-zero economy’ There are vast forest areas in these regions which are susceptible to ignition in the right conditions. In 2023, 2,220 wildfires were recorded in British Columbia which damaged an area of 2,830,808 hectares (6,995,078.9 acres). Sometimes, large fires continue burning in the winter months which damage soil and roots under the ground. "Smoldering fires are flaming fires that have entered 'energy-saver mode," said Rebecca Scholten, who is a researcher at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, in a NASA Earth Observatory post. "These fires are only just surviving based on the resources they have—oxygen and fuel—and can transition back into flaming fires once conditions are more favourable," he added. Sometimes, these fires are visible only because of smoke rising from them. Is climate change keeping continued ignition underneath? Some experts have blamed climate change for an increase in the severity and frequency of wildfires in Canada and the United States, as changing rainfall patterns and increasing temperatures contribute to drier conditions and increase fire ignition. This year a lot of zombie fires have continued to blaze across the country than usual. "It's not something I've seen in any of the data sets," said Jennifer Baltzer, a professor in the department of biology at Wilfrid Laurier University in Ontario, while speaking to local news CBC. "What we don't know is how many of these will actually translate to reignition in the spring. This is yet another indication of the impact of climate warming on these systems," she added. Watch: China braces for severe cold wave; authorities issue orange alert As per experts, these fires may have led to an increase in wildfires at the beginning of spring and summer, as per experts. "It still feels like we haven't had enough time to get recovered, let alone get ready because here we go again," said Sonja Leverkus, a wildfire professor at the University of Alberta, while speaking to local news CBC. "A lot of people talk about fire season and the end of the fire season, but our fires did not stop burning in 2023. Our fires dug underground and have been burning pretty much all winter," Leverkus added. (With inputs from agencies)

Zombie fires continue to burn underground in Canada even in winters

In a rare incident, a man from&nbsp;Florida, United States,&nbsp;got 150 live bugs removed from his nose, which were bugging him for months.

The doctors in Jacksonville removed 150 live bugs, which were in the larva stage, and were infesting his nose, as reported by First Coast News. The man was a cancer survivor.&nbsp;

As per the report, the man has been feeling “off” since October, but it wasn’t till he suffered swelling on his face and lips on February 9 that he sought help at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital.

"I started getting nose bleeds, constant nose bleeds,” said the man, while speaking to First Coast News. “I couldn’t even get up to go to the bathroom without my nose starting to bleed," he added.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/archaeological-teams-rare-discovery-blames-romans-for-bedbugs-in-uk-686705">Archaeological team's 'rare' discovery blames Romans for bedbugs in UK</a>

<h2>Doctors told the man 'I see movement'&nbsp;</h2>

When the man went for the examination, the doctors said to him, "I see movement."&nbsp;

Speaking to the outlet, Dr David Carlson said he examined the nose of the man using a camera and discovered dozens of bugs feeding inside the nose as well as the sinus cavity and also shedding excrement and tissue which caused the inflammation.&nbsp;

"Size-wise, there’s variations, but the larger ones were as big as the end of my pinky,” said Carlson, speaking about the pests. “There were certain larvae inside the nose that were scurrying around and looking for places to feed and others that had burrowed into tissue," he added.&nbsp;

Carlson said that his team made attempts to remove the bugs using a suction, however, when that got clogged, a different instrument was used by them to remove the pest.&nbsp;

"They were right up against his skull base, right under the brain, had they gone through that it could have killed him,” Carlson said. The doctors sent the insects to an epidemiologist for identification.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Neuralink's first human patient can now control compute mouse with thoughts

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/neuralinks-first-human-patient-can-now-control-compute-mouse-with-thoughts-692427/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The man hypothesised that the pests invaded his nose since he handled dead fish.

"I know that I have to change my lifestyle as far as I handle fish,” he said while speaking to First Coast News. “Before, I would rinse my hands in the river, now I’ll use cleaner to do a better job and not touch my nose or my hand," he added.&nbsp;

Carlson said that, in his entire career as an ears, nose and throat specialist, he has never seen such a case. The rare condition is known as nasal myiasis in which there is infestation of fly larvae.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a rare incident, a man from Florida, United States, got 150 live bugs removed from his nose, which were bugging him for months. The doctors in Jacksonville removed 150 live bugs, which were in the larva stage, and were infesting his nose, as reported by First Coast News.

In a rare incident, a man from Florida, United States, got 150 live bugs removed from his nose, which were bugging him for months. The doctors in Jacksonville removed 150 live bugs, which were in the larva stage, and were infesting his nose, as reported by First Coast News. The man was a cancer survivor. As per the report, the man has been feeling “off” since October, but it wasn’t till he suffered swelling on his face and lips on February 9 that he sought help at HCA Florida Memorial Hospital. "I started getting nose bleeds, constant nose bleeds,” said the man, while speaking to First Coast News. “I couldn’t even get up to go to the bathroom without my nose starting to bleed," he added. Also Read: Archaeological team's 'rare' discovery blames Romans for bedbugs in UK Doctors told the man 'I see movement' When the man went for the examination, the doctors said to him, "I see movement." Speaking to the outlet, Dr David Carlson said he examined the nose of the man using a camera and discovered dozens of bugs feeding inside the nose as well as the sinus cavity and also shedding excrement and tissue which caused the inflammation. "Size-wise, there’s variations, but the larger ones were as big as the end of my pinky,” said Carlson, speaking about the pests. “There were certain larvae inside the nose that were scurrying around and looking for places to feed and others that had burrowed into tissue," he added. Carlson said that his team made attempts to remove the bugs using a suction, however, when that got clogged, a different instrument was used by them to remove the pest. "They were right up against his skull base, right under the brain, had they gone through that it could have killed him,” Carlson said. The doctors sent the insects to an epidemiologist for identification. Watch: Neuralink's first human patient can now control compute mouse with thoughts The man hypothesised that the pests invaded his nose since he handled dead fish. "I know that I have to change my lifestyle as far as I handle fish,” he said while speaking to First Coast News. “Before, I would rinse my hands in the river, now I’ll use cleaner to do a better job and not touch my nose or my hand," he added. Carlson said that, in his entire career as an ears, nose and throat specialist, he has never seen such a case. The rare condition is known as nasal myiasis in which there is infestation of fly larvae. (With inputs from agencies)

Doctors remove 150 live bugs from man's nose in Florida

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images.&nbsp;

A NASA-funded team of scientists, working at Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab found that the geographical problem is "happening rapidly enough to threaten infrastructure, farmland, and wetlands that tens of millions of people along the coast rely upon".&nbsp;

The scientists studied satellite data and GPS sensors to understand the motion of the coast and discovered that infrastructure in major cities like Norfolk, Baltimore,&nbsp;New York and Virginia, is built on land which has considerably sunken between 2007 and 2020.&nbsp;

The land sank by an average of 1 to 2 millimetres every year. Some counties in Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia also witnessed the sinking of the land at twice or thrice the speed.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-say-tectonic-plate-tearing-apart-under-pacific-ocean-from-japan-to-new-zealand-688973">Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand</a>

The land in marshes sank by more than 3 millimetres every year, as per the scientists. The forests have also suffered displacement because of the intrusion of saltwater and the subsiding land.

However, wildlife is not the only thing which has been affected. Nearly 897,000 structures, which include highways and airports, are present on the land which is subsiding.&nbsp;

The findings, which followed another study carried out by the Virginia Tech lab, were published in PNAS Nexus.

<h2>Mid-Atlantic region sinking further: NASA images</h2>

The maps were created by NASA using data collected by satellites from the US, Japan and Europe.&nbsp;

In the images, the Mid-Atlantic region was seen sinking more, caused by the Laurentide ice sheet, which started retreating 12,000 years ago and led to the sinking of the region downwards.

Watch:&nbsp;Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/universes-brightest-and-hungriest-black-hole-692383/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Geophysicist at Virginia Tech Leonard Ohenhen, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "In this research, we analyzed satellite radar data to assess how land subsidence increases the vulnerability of communities, properties and infrastructure to coastal hazards. Our major findings show that between 2,000 to 74,000 square kilometres of land area, which is home to 1.2 to 14 million people and 476,000 to 6.3 million properties, are sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year."

"This sinking land affects more than half of the infrastructure in several major cities, putting them at an increased risk of flooding and other coastal hazards," he added.

(With inputs from agencies)

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images.

The increasing sea levels are not only threatening the United States East Coast but are also actually sinking some of the major cities of the country like New York and Baltimore, according to NASA images. A NASA-funded team of scientists, working at Virginia Tech's Earth Observation and Innovation Lab found that the geographical problem is "happening rapidly enough to threaten infrastructure, farmland, and wetlands that tens of millions of people along the coast rely upon". The scientists studied satellite data and GPS sensors to understand the motion of the coast and discovered that infrastructure in major cities like Norfolk, Baltimore, New York and Virginia, is built on land which has considerably sunken between 2007 and 2020. The land sank by an average of 1 to 2 millimetres every year. Some counties in Delaware, Maryland, South Carolina and Georgia also witnessed the sinking of the land at twice or thrice the speed. Also Read: Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand The land in marshes sank by more than 3 millimetres every year, as per the scientists. The forests have also suffered displacement because of the intrusion of saltwater and the subsiding land. However, wildlife is not the only thing which has been affected. Nearly 897,000 structures, which include highways and airports, are present on the land which is subsiding. The findings, which followed another study carried out by the Virginia Tech lab, were published in PNAS Nexus. Mid-Atlantic region sinking further: NASA images The maps were created by NASA using data collected by satellites from the US, Japan and Europe. In the images, the Mid-Atlantic region was seen sinking more, caused by the Laurentide ice sheet, which started retreating 12,000 years ago and led to the sinking of the region downwards. Watch: Universe's brightest and hungriest black hole Geophysicist at Virginia Tech Leonard Ohenhen, while speaking to Newsweek, said, "In this research, we analyzed satellite radar data to assess how land subsidence increases the vulnerability of communities, properties and infrastructure to coastal hazards. Our major findings show that between 2,000 to 74,000 square kilometres of land area, which is home to 1.2 to 14 million people and 476,000 to 6.3 million properties, are sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 millimetres per year." "This sinking land affects more than half of the infrastructure in several major cities, putting them at an increased risk of flooding and other coastal hazards," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Major cities of United States are sinking, warns NASA

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised.

Israeli civilians became victims of “brutal sexual assaults” which were carried out “systematically and deliberately” during October 7 attacks assaults launched by Hamas, as per a report published by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI) on Wednesday (Feb 21).

The report, which also included testimonies from forensic experts, eyewitnesses, news articles and first responders, claimed that Hamas militants - who had barged into Israel - carried out extreme acts of sexual violence and in many cases, killed them “after or even during the rape".

The report has not mentioned how many cases of sexual assault have been documented and has not even clarified if they spoke to the victims, although it added that in most cases “the victims were killed after or even during the rape.”

“Many of those who have been raped and tortured were murdered, unable to ever voice their experiences. When most of the victims of sexual assaults are murdered, we have a moral and humanitarian obligation to amplify their silent cry,” the report stated.&nbsp;

As per the evidence collected by the ARCCI, men, women, and children, all became victims of gruesome sexual abuse which took place on October 7.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-urges-un-court-to-consider-israels-security-needs-not-order-israel-out-of-west-bank-and-gaza-692424">US urges UN court to consider Israel’s ‘security needs,’ not order Israel out of West Bank and Gaza</a>

The report further tells about the testimonies submitted by some of the survivors which narrate&nbsp;the brutal nature of the sexual crimes, including the ones which took place at the Nova music festival, in southern Israel.

The report stated that “several survivors of the massacre (Nova) provided eyewitness testimony of gang rape, where women were abused and handled between multiple terrorists who beat, injured, and ultimately killed them.”

<h2>Genitals of many victims mutilated: report&nbsp;</h2>

The report further said that some rapes took place in front of an “audience” of the victims’ friends, partners or family and intended to “increase pain and humiliation of all present".&nbsp;

According to the testimonies of forensic experts and first responders submitted to the ARCCI, the genitals of various bodies were mutilated.&nbsp;

As per the report, some of the victims lived in communities near the Gaza Strip&nbsp;and were women or young girls “who were raped, mostly in their bedrooms, while partially dressed in their pyjamas.”

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Israelis rally in Tel Aviv for release of Hamas-held hostages

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israelis-rally-in-tel-aviv-for-release-of-hamas-held-hostages-692563/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Two hostages, who were released in late November, spoke about witnessing and hearing other hostages being assaulted in captivity.&nbsp;

Israeli police have been looking into witness testimonies, videos and transcripts of interrogation&nbsp;of suspects published with regards to rape cases and forensic evidence in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel.

ARCCI CEO Orit Sulitzeanu said that the report had been “submitted to decision-makers at the UN [United Nations],” as per the release by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. Israeli civilians became victims of “brutal sexual assaults” which were carried out “systematically and deliberately” during October 7 attacks assaults launched by Hamas, as per a report published by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI) on Wednesday (Feb 21).

Disclaimer: Some readers may find the story disturbing. Discretion is advised. Israeli civilians became victims of “brutal sexual assaults” which were carried out “systematically and deliberately” during October 7 attacks assaults launched by Hamas, as per a report published by the Association of Rape Crisis Centers in Israel (ARCCI) on Wednesday (Feb 21). The report, which also included testimonies from forensic experts, eyewitnesses, news articles and first responders, claimed that Hamas militants - who had barged into Israel - carried out extreme acts of sexual violence and in many cases, killed them “after or even during the rape". The report has not mentioned how many cases of sexual assault have been documented and has not even clarified if they spoke to the victims, although it added that in most cases “the victims were killed after or even during the rape.” “Many of those who have been raped and tortured were murdered, unable to ever voice their experiences. When most of the victims of sexual assaults are murdered, we have a moral and humanitarian obligation to amplify their silent cry,” the report stated. As per the evidence collected by the ARCCI, men, women, and children, all became victims of gruesome sexual abuse which took place on October 7. Also Read: US urges UN court to consider Israel’s ‘security needs,’ not order Israel out of West Bank and Gaza The report further tells about the testimonies submitted by some of the survivors which narrate the brutal nature of the sexual crimes, including the ones which took place at the Nova music festival, in southern Israel. The report stated that “several survivors of the massacre (Nova) provided eyewitness testimony of gang rape, where women were abused and handled between multiple terrorists who beat, injured, and ultimately killed them.” Genitals of many victims mutilated: report The report further said that some rapes took place in front of an “audience” of the victims’ friends, partners or family and intended to “increase pain and humiliation of all present". According to the testimonies of forensic experts and first responders submitted to the ARCCI, the genitals of various bodies were mutilated. As per the report, some of the victims lived in communities near the Gaza Strip and were women or young girls “who were raped, mostly in their bedrooms, while partially dressed in their pyjamas.” Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Israelis rally in Tel Aviv for release of Hamas-held hostages Two hostages, who were released in late November, spoke about witnessing and hearing other hostages being assaulted in captivity. Israeli police have been looking into witness testimonies, videos and transcripts of interrogation of suspects published with regards to rape cases and forensic evidence in the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel. ARCCI CEO Orit Sulitzeanu said that the report had been “submitted to decision-makers at the UN [United Nations],” as per the release by Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (With inputs from agencies)

TRIGGER WARNING: Israeli civilians suffered sexual assaults ‘systematically’ during Hamas attack, says Report

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