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<p>Gaza-based militant group Hamas said Monday (Sep 30) one of its top leaders in Lebanon was killed in a strike on the country’s south in the day earlier.</p>

<p>“Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amine, the leader of Hamas… in Lebanon and member of the movement’s leadership abroad” was killed in an air strike on his “home in the Al-Bass camp in south Lebanon”, a statement released by Hamas said.</p>

<p>The statement added that Fatah was killed along with his wife, son and daughter in what it dubbed a “terrorist and criminal assassination”.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjUte-puuqIAxXoUGwGHUD0ORYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-puts-forward-condition-for-permanent-ceasefire-in-gaza-until-that-happens-756069" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-puts-forward-condition-for-permanent-ceasefire-in-gaza-until-that-happens-756069&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUte-puuqIAxXoUGwGHUD0ORYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Netanyahu puts forward condition for permanent ceasefire in Gaza: 'Until that happens..'</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, National News Agency, the official media arm of the Lebanese government, reported an air strike on Al-Bass near the city of Tyre in what came as the first such attack on a refugee camp.</p>

<p>Earlier same day, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a secular left-wing group, said three of its members were killed in a strike on Beirut’s Kola district.</p>

<p>It’s not unusual for Israel to target Hamas officials in Lebanon since the war started in Gaza a year ago. Similar strikes have been carried out by Israel in January and August, in which Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri and six other militants in Hezbollah’s south Beirut stronghold were killed. Israel also killed Hamas commander Samer al-Hajj in a strike on a vehicle in the south Lebanon city of Sidon.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran to not confront Israel</strong></h2>

<p>As Israel intensifies its assault on Iranian&nbsp;proxies in the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis, Iran has said it will not send its forces to Lebanon or Gaza for confronting Israeli troops.</p>

<p>"There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran," said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, adding that Lebanon and fighters in the Palestinian territories "have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Gaza-based militant group Hamas said Monday (Sep 30) one of its top leaders in Lebanon was killed in a strike on the country’s south in the day earlier. “Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amine, the leader of Hamas… in Lebanon and member of the movement’s leadership abroad” was killed in an air strike on his “home in the Al-Bass camp in south Lebanon”, a statement released by Hamas said.

Gaza-based militant group Hamas said Monday (Sep 30) one of its top leaders in Lebanon was killed in a strike on the country’s south in the day earlier. “Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amine, the leader of Hamas… in Lebanon and member of the movement’s leadership abroad” was killed in an air strike on his “home in the Al-Bass camp in south Lebanon”, a statement released by Hamas said. The statement added that Fatah was killed along with his wife, son and daughter in what it dubbed a “terrorist and criminal assassination”. Also read: Netanyahu puts forward condition for permanent ceasefire in Gaza: 'Until that happens..' Earlier, National News Agency, the official media arm of the Lebanese government, reported an air strike on Al-Bass near the city of Tyre in what came as the first such attack on a refugee camp. Earlier same day, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a secular left-wing group, said three of its members were killed in a strike on Beirut’s Kola district. It’s not unusual for Israel to target Hamas officials in Lebanon since the war started in Gaza a year ago. Similar strikes have been carried out by Israel in January and August, in which Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri and six other militants in Hezbollah’s south Beirut stronghold were killed. Israel also killed Hamas commander Samer al-Hajj in a strike on a vehicle in the south Lebanon city of Sidon. Iran to not confront Israel As Israel intensifies its assault on Iranian proxies in the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis, Iran has said it will not send its forces to Lebanon or Gaza for confronting Israeli troops. "There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran," said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, adding that Lebanon and fighters in the Palestinian territories "have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression." (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Hamas confirms top leader Sharif Abu al-Amine killed in IDF strike in Lebanon

The sudden and massive escalation between Israel and the Hezbollah armed group in Lebanon has created widespread fear that even worse is to come. Watch in this report to know what Beirut has next in its way.

Israel-Hezbollah War: What's Next in Beirut's Way Through Crises?

In a shift from its earlier ban, Bangladesh will export 3000 tonnes of hilsa fish to India for Durga Puja.

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<p>Moo Deng, the baby hippo in Thailand became a global viral sensation in the past few weeks, and some people are minting money from the memecoin named after the adorable animal who's winning hearts by just being herself.</p>

<p>Moo Deng became internet-famous after videos of her running around, playing, eating, sleeping, and being bathed and slapped&nbsp;by zookeepers went viral.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/watch-viral-baby-pygmy-hippo-who-has-inspired-make-up-looks-merchandise-and-more-758656">Also read: Watch: Viral baby pygmy hippo who has inspired make-up looks, merchandise and more</a></strong></p>

<p>As the frenzy over Moo Deng intensified with her becoming a meme, a memecoin was launched on 11 September on Solana, a decentralised blockchain platform.</p>

<p>The value of Moo Deng Token soared nearly 1400 per cent&nbsp;a week and by last week, it was at a market capitalisation of&nbsp;$300 million, according to cryptocurrency observers.</p>

<p>In a matter of 15 days, a&nbsp;$800 investment in Moo Deng grew to $3.5 million, according to data from Arkham.</p>

<p><strong>Watch: Moo Deng: Two-month-old pint-sized Hippo goes viral for cuteness</strong><br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>There are now memecoins for Moo Deng's mother Jonah as well as siblings&nbsp;Moo Toon and Moo Waan.</p>

<p>An unofficial Twitter fan page for Moo Deng has amassed nearly 50,000 followers, further fueling interest in the token, wrote Crptobriefing.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">unbothered. moisturized. happy. in my lane. focused. flourishing<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/moodeng?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#moodeng</a> <a href="https://t.co/W6IegMFO5A">pic.twitter.com/W6IegMFO5A</a></p>
— kristina🦒 (@kristinakovv) <a href="https://twitter.com/kristinakovv/status/1835798979717874027?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 16, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">So crazy buying of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/MOODENG?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#MOODENG</a>!<br />
<br />
The whale withdrew 2,000 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SOL&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SOL</a>($311K) from <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OKX?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OKX</a> to buy $MOODENG again!<br />
<br />
So far, the whale has spent 27,848 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SOL&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SOL</a>($4.34M) to buy 17.73M $MOODENG at $0.245, becoming the second-largest holder of $MOODENG.<a href="https://t.co/MNpTOqbZ6z">https://t.co/MNpTOqbZ6z</a> <a href="https://t.co/r0BRHdL6Ew">pic.twitter.com/r0BRHdL6Ew</a></p>
— Lookonchain (@lookonchain) <a href="https://twitter.com/lookonchain/status/1840285973701374143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Moo Deng the baby hippo: What you need to know</strong></h2>

<p>Moo Deng was born in July 2024 in Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi province.</p>

<p>She is a&nbsp;pygmy hippopotamus, an endangered species from West Africa.</p>

<p>There are only 2,000 pygmy hippos in the wild.</p>

<p>After her videos started going viral, big companies also joined the frenzy, with Microsoft,&nbsp;DreamWorks, and Universal Pictures creating and sharing memes on social media around her image.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="in">ctrl + alt + Moo Deng <a href="https://t.co/GpB4J7Th3u">pic.twitter.com/GpB4J7Th3u</a></p>
— Windows (@Windows) <a href="https://twitter.com/Windows/status/1837537304094650458?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Even&nbsp;German football club Bayern Munich joined the action, sharing memes of Moo Deng 'reactions' to their UEFA League performance.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Moo Deng, the baby hippo in Thailand became a global viral sensation in the past few weeks, and some people are minting money from the memecoin named after the adorable animal who's winning hearts by just being herself.

Moo Deng, the baby hippo in Thailand became a global viral sensation in the past few weeks, and some people are minting money from the memecoin named after the adorable animal who's winning hearts by just being herself. Moo Deng became internet-famous after videos of her running around, playing, eating, sleeping, and being bathed and slapped by zookeepers went viral. Also read: Watch: Viral baby pygmy hippo who has inspired make-up looks, merchandise and more As the frenzy over Moo Deng intensified with her becoming a meme, a memecoin was launched on 11 September on Solana, a decentralised blockchain platform. The value of Moo Deng Token soared nearly 1400 per cent a week and by last week, it was at a market capitalisation of $300 million, according to cryptocurrency observers. In a matter of 15 days, a $800 investment in Moo Deng grew to $3.5 million, according to data from Arkham. Watch: Moo Deng: Two-month-old pint-sized Hippo goes viral for cuteness × There are now memecoins for Moo Deng's mother Jonah as well as siblings Moo Toon and Moo Waan. An unofficial Twitter fan page for Moo Deng has amassed nearly 50,000 followers, further fueling interest in the token, wrote Crptobriefing. unbothered. moisturized. happy. in my lane. focused. flourishing#moodeng pic.twitter.com/W6IegMFO5A — kristina🦒 (@kristinakovv) September 16, 2024 × So crazy buying of #MOODENG! The whale withdrew 2,000 $SOL($311K) from #OKX to buy $MOODENG again! So far, the whale has spent 27,848 $SOL($4.34M) to buy 17.73M $MOODENG at $0.245, becoming the second-largest holder of $MOODENG.https://t.co/MNpTOqbZ6z pic.twitter.com/r0BRHdL6Ew — Lookonchain (@lookonchain) September 29, 2024 × Moo Deng the baby hippo: What you need to know Moo Deng was born in July 2024 in Thailand's Khao Kheow Open Zoo in Si Racha, Chonburi province. She is a pygmy hippopotamus, an endangered species from West Africa. There are only 2,000 pygmy hippos in the wild. After her videos started going viral, big companies also joined the frenzy, with Microsoft, DreamWorks, and Universal Pictures creating and sharing memes on social media around her image. ctrl + alt + Moo Deng pic.twitter.com/GpB4J7Th3u — Windows (@Windows) September 21, 2024 × Even German football club Bayern Munich joined the action, sharing memes of Moo Deng 'reactions' to their UEFA League performance. (With inputs from agencies)

Moo Deng the baby hippo is making some people millions in crypto: It's the 'Mooney' honey

Tory leadership contender Kemi Badenoch has spot a massive controversy at the party's conference. She said that maternity pay needed no changing at all. Congress slammed Badenoch for her comments, they said that her remarks reflected a party that is hopelessly out of touch with the realities of working families.

UK: Kemi Badenoch Labels Maternal Pay As 'Excessive'

The UK conservative leadership contenders are divided over the timeline of the contest. There are four candidates in the race Robert Jenrick, James Cleverly, Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat. Well Jenrick and Tugendhat have publicly called for the party to cut short the contest, a move that is opposed by their opponents. Watch to know more.

UK Tory Leadership Contenders Divided Over Contest Timeline

<p>The New York Times, one of the major American daily newspapers with a vast readership, became subject to intense criticism and mockery after it published an article that critics claimed was intended to soften slain&nbsp;Hezbollah founder Hassan Nasrallah's image across the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the article, which has come under debate, terror leader Nasrallah - who called for the annihilation of Israel - was claimed to be a person who wanted to achieve “equality” for all the religious groups in the conflicted region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The article, which had the headline “Protesters Mourn Nasrallah’s Death Around the World”, was printed on Saturday (Sep&nbsp;28) and did not have a byline.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the article, Nasrallah was strangely praised and called a “gifted orator” who “maintained that there should be one Palestine with equality for Muslims, Jews and Christians.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hezbollah’s Founding Charter: “We want the elimination of Israel.”<br />
<br />
Hassan Nasrallah: “We will murder every Jew.”<br />
<br />
The NYT: “Hezbollah just wanted equality.” <a href="https://t.co/bLZUK3HxQU">pic.twitter.com/bLZUK3HxQU</a></p>
— Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) <a href="https://twitter.com/EYakoby/status/1840444929337606425?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Nasrallah was known to aim for destruction of the Jewish state and various attacks were carried out on Jews across the world by his organisation.</p>

<p>In the article, it is said the slain&nbsp;Hezbollah founder was “beloved” by Shiite Muslims because he provided “social services” in Lebanon.</p>

<p>The 64-year-old Nasrallah was&nbsp;killed in Israel's targeted strike via massive aerial bombardment in Beirut on Friday (Sep&nbsp;27). Nasrallah is known to have co-founded Hezbollah in 1982 and became the sole leader of the terror group by 1992.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-hindus-were-attacked-in-revenge-screams-new-york-times-header-changes-it-after-furore-748268">Bangladesh Hindus were attacked in 'revenge', screams New York Times header, changes it after furore</a></p>

<p>The Iran-backed Hezbollah has been accused of perpetrating various deadly terror attacks on Jewish people in the last 40 years. This included the bombing of a Jewish centre in Buenos Aires&nbsp;in 1994, in which 85 people were killed, and also perpetrating the plane crash which happened the next day and killed 21 people, most of them being Jews.</p>

<p>In the 2000s, Hezbollah carried out various suicide bombings in Israel and targeted public places like restaurants and buses.</p>

<h2><strong>Here's how people reacted to NYT's article</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the NYT's article under debate, one X user wrote, “The Times readership is now down to liberal elites, politicians, Communists and Islamists."</p>

<p>“This is so embarrassing. How does anyone take the NYT seriously anymore?,” quizzed another user.</p>

<p>One user accused the newspaper of “Jihadsplaining” and “attempting to turn explicit calls for genocide into something positive.”</p>

<p>Nasrallah, who often claimed to be anti-Zionist and not antisemitic, was quoted in a Times article on May 23, 2004, “If Jews all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide.”</p>

<p>While publishing this article, we reached out to The New York Times for their comment, which will be added later.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The New York Times, one of the major American daily newspapers with a vast readership, became subject to intense criticism and mockery after it published an article that critics claimed was intended to soften slain Hezbollah founder Hassan Nasrallah's image across the world.

The New York Times, one of the major American daily newspapers with a vast readership, became subject to intense criticism and mockery after it published an article that critics claimed was intended to soften slain Hezbollah founder Hassan Nasrallah's image across the world. In the article, which has come under debate, terror leader Nasrallah - who called for the annihilation of Israel - was claimed to be a person who wanted to achieve “equality” for all the religious groups in the conflicted region. The article, which had the headline “Protesters Mourn Nasrallah’s Death Around the World”, was printed on Saturday (Sep 28) and did not have a byline. In the article, Nasrallah was strangely praised and called a “gifted orator” who “maintained that there should be one Palestine with equality for Muslims, Jews and Christians.” Hezbollah’s Founding Charter: “We want the elimination of Israel.” Hassan Nasrallah: “We will murder every Jew.” The NYT: “Hezbollah just wanted equality.” pic.twitter.com/bLZUK3HxQU — Eyal Yakoby (@EYakoby) September 29, 2024 × Nasrallah was known to aim for destruction of the Jewish state and various attacks were carried out on Jews across the world by his organisation. In the article, it is said the slain Hezbollah founder was “beloved” by Shiite Muslims because he provided “social services” in Lebanon. The 64-year-old Nasrallah was killed in Israel's targeted strike via massive aerial bombardment in Beirut on Friday (Sep 27). Nasrallah is known to have co-founded Hezbollah in 1982 and became the sole leader of the terror group by 1992. Also Read: Bangladesh Hindus were attacked in 'revenge', screams New York Times header, changes it after furore The Iran-backed Hezbollah has been accused of perpetrating various deadly terror attacks on Jewish people in the last 40 years. This included the bombing of a Jewish centre in Buenos Aires in 1994, in which 85 people were killed, and also perpetrating the plane crash which happened the next day and killed 21 people, most of them being Jews. In the 2000s, Hezbollah carried out various suicide bombings in Israel and targeted public places like restaurants and buses. Here's how people reacted to NYT's article Reacting to the NYT's article under debate, one X user wrote, “The Times readership is now down to liberal elites, politicians, Communists and Islamists." “This is so embarrassing. How does anyone take the NYT seriously anymore?,” quizzed another user. One user accused the newspaper of “Jihadsplaining” and “attempting to turn explicit calls for genocide into something positive.” Nasrallah, who often claimed to be anti-Zionist and not antisemitic, was quoted in a Times article on May 23, 2004, “If Jews all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide.” While publishing this article, we reached out to The New York Times for their comment, which will be added later. (With inputs from agencies)

NYT calls Hezbollah founder Hassan Nasrallah ‘champion of equality’, draws ire from readers

California Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed a proposed AI safety bill called SB 1047. The Governor has expressed concern that the bill could stifle innovation and drive AI companies out of the state. Watch to know more.

Newsom Blocks AI Safety Bill Amid Industry Pushback

Japan’s incoming prime minister, Shigeru Ishiba, emphasized continuity this weekend with his initial decisions on key government positions, indicating a focus on stability following a turbulent leadership contest. His choices for key roles such as finance, defense, and foreign ministers, along with the crucial chief cabinet secretary post, reflect his reliance on experienced members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, as he prepares to establish his government on Tuesday.

Japan's New PM Ishiba Considering Snap Elections In October?  | Japan News | World News | WION

Hezbollah, the Islamist militant group based in Lebanon, confirmed on Saturday that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in a massive Israeli airstrike targeting the group’s headquarters in Beirut on Friday. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had earlier announced that Nasrallah, 64, was killed in the operation, dubbed "Operation New Order." The airstrike marks a significant escalation in tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as Nasrallah was a powerful and influential figure within the group.

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Nasrallah's Death Inflames Tensions In West Asia | World News | WION

Three years ago, Russia was the world's biggest exporter of natural gas, and Europe was its top customer. For the continent's leaders, access to all that cheap Russians energy outweighed any misgivings over doing business with president Vladimir Putin. Despite sanctions and Europe's efforts to diversify to other countries, Russia still remains among Europe's top gas suppliers.

Russia Remains a Leading Gas Supplier to Europe: How Is Europe Managing? | World News | WION

The body of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut, has been recovered, a source close to the movement told AFP on Sunday (September 29, 2024). "His body was recovered on Saturday and shrouded on Sunday after being washed," the source stated, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Hezbollah Recovers Nasrallah's Body, How Will He Be Buried?

The Indian government has lifted the ban on the export of non-basmati white rice with immediate effect. The ban was imposed in July of 2023, aimed to stabilize domestic rice supply and control prices. The decision comes at a time when the country holds ample rice stock and detail retail prices are under control. Exporters have hailed this move as a game changer. Watch to know more.

India Lifts Non-Basmati Export Ban Amid Strong Global Demand

The French government, led by Emmanuel Macron, recently presented India with a final price offer for the 26 Rafale Marine jet deal. This development coincides with Indian National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval's two-day visit to France, beginning on Monday.

Ajit Doval to Visit France Today, Rafale Deal Among Key Agenda Items: Sources | World News | WION

At least 192 people have died and dozens still missing in severe floods and landslides caused by continuous rain in Nepal. The ongoing downpour across Nepal has led to this disaster, claiming many lives. The rescue efforts are ongoing nationwide.

Nepal Floods: Flash Flood Warnings In Place, Heavy Rains Likely To Continue

The Oswal couple faces serious allegations of exploiting and kidnapping their domestic servant. Reports suggest that the couple mistreated their servant, leading to accusations of forced labor and unlawful confinement. The case has sparked widespread attention, with authorities investigating the claims and public outrage growing over the alleged abuse.

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<p>US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. In other news, the White House on Sunday (Sep 29) approved&nbsp;$567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.</p>

<h2><strong>Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-working-like-hell-biden-on-avoiding-all-out-war-in-middle-east-after-israeli-strikes-763056"><strong>'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes</strong></a></p>

<p>After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with US President Joe Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/21/439145-wion-images-2024-06-21t152858915.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-567-million-in-defence-support-for-taiwan-as-taipei-is-on-alert-after-china-missile-firing-763059"><strong>US approves $567 million in defence support for Taiwan as Taipei is on alert after China missile firing</strong></a></p>

<p>The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration on Sunday (Sep&nbsp;29) &nbsp;approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/30/457504-untitled-2.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-scientist-in-us-says-he-faced-death-threats-due-to-work-with-china-on-virus-research-report-763053"><strong>Leading scientist in US says he faced death threats due to work with China on virus research: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>A British scientist working in the United States (US) said that he faced death threats and harassment due to his work with Chinese scientists on virus research before the Covid pandemic broke out in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-four-killed-in-beirut-as-israel-carries-out-first-strike-on-heart-of-lebanons-capital-763028"><strong>West Asia crisis: Four killed in Beirut as Israel carries out first strike on heart of Lebanon's capital</strong></a></p>

<p>Four people were killed in an Israeli strike on a Beirut apartment block on Monday (Sep&nbsp;30) as Israel carried out the first such raid on the heart of Lebanon's capital since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year, the news agency AFP reported citing a Lebanese source.</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-conflict-israel-hits-central-beirut-four-killed-763058"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Israel Hits Central Beirut, Four Killed</strong></a></p>

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US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. In other news, the White House on Sunday (Sep 29) approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan.

US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. In other news, the White House on Sunday (Sep 29) approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China. Click on headlines to read more: 'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with US President Joe Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario. US approves $567 million in defence support for Taiwan as Taipei is on alert after China missile firing The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration on Sunday (Sep 29) approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China. Leading scientist in US says he faced death threats due to work with China on virus research: Report A British scientist working in the United States (US) said that he faced death threats and harassment due to his work with Chinese scientists on virus research before the Covid pandemic broke out in 2020. West Asia crisis: Four killed in Beirut as Israel carries out first strike on heart of Lebanon's capital Four people were killed in an Israeli strike on a Beirut apartment block on Monday (Sep 30) as Israel carried out the first such raid on the heart of Lebanon's capital since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year, the news agency AFP reported citing a Lebanese source. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Israel Hits Central Beirut, Four Killed ×

Morning news brief: Biden to talk to Israeli PM; US approves defence support for Taiwan, and more

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<p>The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration on Sunday (Sep&nbsp;29)&nbsp;approved $567 million in defence support for&nbsp;Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington&nbsp;to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.</p>

<p>The US is&nbsp;Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China has repeatedly demanded Washington stop selling weapons to Taipei.</p>

<p>In a statement, the White House said that President Joe Biden&nbsp;delegated the Secretary of State the authority "to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to&nbsp;Taiwan."</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan on alert after&nbsp;China missile firing</strong></h2>

<p>This assistance by the US to Taiwan came as Taipei was on alert&nbsp;after detecting "multiple waves" of missiles firing deep in inland China.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-on-heightened-alert-after-multiple-waves-of-missile-firing-in-inland-china-763024">Taiwan on heightened alert after 'multiple waves' of missile firing in inland China</a></strong></p>

<p>The Taiwanese defence ministry said that&nbsp;starting from 6.50 am (local time) on Saturday, it detected "multiple waves of firing" by China's Rocket Force and army in the provinces and regions of Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang, which all lie at least 2,000 kilometres from Taiwan.</p>

<p>Taiwan's forces are "continuously monitoring relevant developments, and air defence forces have maintained a high level of vigilance and strengthened their alert", the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p>Days earlier, China said that it&nbsp;carried out a successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile.</p>

<p>China, which views democratically governed Taiwan&nbsp;as its territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past five years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects.</p>

<h2><strong>Taiwan highlights&nbsp;renewed surge of Chinese military activity around island</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, Taiwan raised the alarm&nbsp;about a renewed surge of Chinese military activity around the island and live fire drills, accusing Beijing of policy instability that presented a serious challenge to its neighbours, a report by the news agency Reuters said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | WION Dispatch:&nbsp;Taiwan sounds alarm over renewed military threats from China</strong></p>

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<p>The defence ministry said that on Thursday,&nbsp;it had detected a second day of large-scale Chinese military activities nearby.</p>

<p>Beijing responded to Taipei's concerns by saying&nbsp;that its military drills in airspace and maritime areas around&nbsp;Taiwan&nbsp;were legitimate and that it would continue to strengthen combat readiness and organise such exercises.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration on Sunday (Sep 29) approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.

The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration on Sunday (Sep 29) approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China. The US is Taiwan's most important international backer and arms supplier even in the absence of formal diplomatic ties. China has repeatedly demanded Washington stop selling weapons to Taipei. In a statement, the White House said that President Joe Biden delegated the Secretary of State the authority "to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defence articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan." Taiwan on alert after China missile firing This assistance by the US to Taiwan came as Taipei was on alert after detecting "multiple waves" of missiles firing deep in inland China. Also read | Taiwan on heightened alert after 'multiple waves' of missile firing in inland China The Taiwanese defence ministry said that starting from 6.50 am (local time) on Saturday, it detected "multiple waves of firing" by China's Rocket Force and army in the provinces and regions of Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang, which all lie at least 2,000 kilometres from Taiwan. Taiwan's forces are "continuously monitoring relevant developments, and air defence forces have maintained a high level of vigilance and strengthened their alert", the ministry said in a statement. Days earlier, China said that it carried out a successful test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile. China, which views democratically governed Taiwan as its territory, has ramped up military and political pressure over the past five years to assert its claims, which Taipei strongly rejects. Taiwan highlights renewed surge of Chinese military activity around island Last week, Taiwan raised the alarm about a renewed surge of Chinese military activity around the island and live fire drills, accusing Beijing of policy instability that presented a serious challenge to its neighbours, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Also watch | WION Dispatch: Taiwan sounds alarm over renewed military threats from China × The defence ministry said that on Thursday, it had detected a second day of large-scale Chinese military activities nearby. Beijing responded to Taipei's concerns by saying that its military drills in airspace and maritime areas around Taiwan were legitimate and that it would continue to strengthen combat readiness and organise such exercises. (With inputs from agencies)

US approves $567 million in defence support for Taiwan as Taipei is on alert after China's missile firing

<p>US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the reporters as he was boarding his Air Force One for Washington, Biden reflected on the situation and said he will inform about his talk with Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, I will be talking to him. And I'll tell you what I say to him when I talk to him," the US president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden added that an "all-out war" scenario must be avoided at all costs.</p>

<p>“It has to be.&nbsp;We really have to avoid it.&nbsp;We have already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave. But, we're not there yet, but we're working like hell with the French and many others to avoid [more] war," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after Nasrallah's death, Israel has not eased on the strikes in Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens have been forced to seek shelter in safer pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel had&nbsp;"settled the account" with a "mass murderer".</p>

<p>"We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bibi&nbsp;revealed that he had personally&nbsp;issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-no-choice-but-to-target-nasrallah-762881" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-no-choice-but-to-target-nasrallah-762881/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Nasrallah's death&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday (Sep 28), the Israeli military said that Nasrallah was eliminated during Friday's strikes, which targeted the suburbs of Beirut.</p>

<p>"Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-apparent-target-of-israeli-strikes-in-lebanons-beirut-who-is-he-762708" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hassan Nasrallah: What you should know about the Hezbollah leader Israel says it has killed</strong></a></p>

<p>Hezbollah also confirmed the death of its leader later in the day with Iran, known for backing the militant outfit, issuing a statement and vowing to avenge the loss.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, more than 80 bombs were dropped by Israel within a few minutes to kill Nasrallah and his aides. After Nasrallah's death, reports claim that his cousin Hashem Safieddine may take the reins of the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario.

US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario. Speaking to the reporters as he was boarding his Air Force One for Washington, Biden reflected on the situation and said he will inform about his talk with Netanyahu. "Yes, I will be talking to him. And I'll tell you what I say to him when I talk to him," the US president said. Biden added that an "all-out war" scenario must be avoided at all costs. “It has to be. We really have to avoid it. We have already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave. But, we're not there yet, but we're working like hell with the French and many others to avoid [more] war," he added. Even after Nasrallah's death, Israel has not eased on the strikes in Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens have been forced to seek shelter in safer pastures. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel had "settled the account" with a "mass murderer". "We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said Netanyahu. Bibi revealed that he had personally issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah Nasrallah's death On Saturday (Sep 28), the Israeli military said that Nasrallah was eliminated during Friday's strikes, which targeted the suburbs of Beirut. "Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Also read | Hassan Nasrallah: What you should know about the Hezbollah leader Israel says it has killed Hezbollah also confirmed the death of its leader later in the day with Iran, known for backing the militant outfit, issuing a statement and vowing to avenge the loss. Notably, more than 80 bombs were dropped by Israel within a few minutes to kill Nasrallah and his aides. After Nasrallah's death, reports claim that his cousin Hashem Safieddine may take the reins of the group. (With inputs from agencies)

'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes

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<p>A British scientist working in the United States (US) said that he faced death threats and harassment due to his work with Chinese scientists on virus research before the Covid pandemic broke out in 2020. According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on Sunday (Sep&nbsp;29), the scientist was identified as&nbsp;Peter Daszak.</p>

<p>Daszak is the president of the EcoHealth Alliance (EHA), a New York-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) focusing on pandemic prevention, scientific research, and other areas.</p>

<p>He was also a member of the World Health Organization's (WHO) team tasked with investigating the origins of Covid.</p>

<p>As per&nbsp;the SCMP report, Daszak said that he and EcoHealth Alliance endured four years of relentless and damaging attacks online and also in the press. The scientist&nbsp;said that attacks were also directed at his family.</p>

<h2><strong>Family's names appear on 'kill list'</strong></h2>

<p>Daszak said that an&nbsp;envelope containing white powder had been sent to his home in the US. Meanwhile, the names of his wife and children appeared on a "kill list"&nbsp;on 4chan, an anonymous online forum.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strong-evidence-hints-covid-19-originated-from-wuhan-market-760272">‘Strong evidence’ hints COVID-19 originated from Wuhan market</a></strong></p>

<p>“That is not appropriate or normal for a scientist to be put through," he told the SCMP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“You talk to the FBI to try and help. They are the same guys investigating you and do not believe that you did not do something wrong. It is awful,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why the growing trouble for Daszak?</strong></h2>

<p>One year after the 2003&nbsp;outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), EHA started working with Chinese scientists to&nbsp;identify the wildlife reservoir of the original Sars-CoV and assess the likelihood of a similar coronavirus causing a global outbreak.</p>

<p>The EHA's&nbsp;partnership with China’s leading virology lab in Wuhan (the Wuhan Institute of Virology aka WIV)&nbsp;began in 2005 with approval from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the State Department.</p>

<p>However, when the Covid pandemic caused global mayhem in 2020, the EHA faced flak&nbsp;for its US-funded coronavirus research in China, with questions over whether it followed grant protocols or conducted risky research.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US 'pressurised' Meta to censor COVID-19 content</strong></p>

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<p>The SCMP report further said that Daszak's partnership with the WIV ended after allegations surfaced that their research caused the Covid pandemic.</p>

<h2><strong>The EHA report responding to allegations</strong></h2>

<p>Recently, the EHA&nbsp;&nbsp;wrote a report responding to allegations from the US House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Many of [the claims levelled against EHA] are built on the false assumption that Covid-19 emerged from the Wuhan Institute of Virology because of a lab leak during research supported by the NIH under a sub-grant from EcoHealth Alliance: There is not a scintilla of verifiable scientific evidence for this,” the NGO said in the report.</p>

<p>The “open and transparent” scientific collaboration ended abruptly when former US president Donald Trump terminated NIH funding to EHA in 2020, it added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A British scientist working in the United States (US) said that he faced death threats and harassment due to his work with Chinese scientists on virus research before the Covid pandemic broke out in 2020.

A British scientist working in the United States (US) said that he faced death threats and harassment due to his work with Chinese scientists on virus research before the Covid pandemic broke out in 2020. According to a report by the South China Morning Post (SCMP) on Sunday (Sep 29), the scientist was identified as Peter Daszak. Daszak is the president of the EcoHealth Alliance (EHA), a New York-based non-governmental organisation (NGO) focusing on pandemic prevention, scientific research, and other areas. He was also a member of the World Health Organization's (WHO) team tasked with investigating the origins of Covid. As per the SCMP report, Daszak said that he and EcoHealth Alliance endured four years of relentless and damaging attacks online and also in the press. The scientist said that attacks were also directed at his family. Family's names appear on 'kill list' Daszak said that an envelope containing white powder had been sent to his home in the US. Meanwhile, the names of his wife and children appeared on a "kill list" on 4chan, an anonymous online forum. Also read | ‘Strong evidence’ hints COVID-19 originated from Wuhan market “That is not appropriate or normal for a scientist to be put through," he told the SCMP. “You talk to the FBI to try and help. They are the same guys investigating you and do not believe that you did not do something wrong. It is awful,” he added. Why the growing trouble for Daszak? One year after the 2003 outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars), EHA started working with Chinese scientists to identify the wildlife reservoir of the original Sars-CoV and assess the likelihood of a similar coronavirus causing a global outbreak. The EHA's partnership with China’s leading virology lab in Wuhan (the Wuhan Institute of Virology aka WIV) began in 2005 with approval from the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the State Department. However, when the Covid pandemic caused global mayhem in 2020, the EHA faced flak for its US-funded coronavirus research in China, with questions over whether it followed grant protocols or conducted risky research. Also watch | US 'pressurised' Meta to censor COVID-19 content × The SCMP report further said that Daszak's partnership with the WIV ended after allegations surfaced that their research caused the Covid pandemic. The EHA report responding to allegations Recently, the EHA wrote a report responding to allegations from the US House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. “Many of [the claims levelled against EHA] are built on the false assumption that Covid-19 emerged from the Wuhan Institute of Virology because of a lab leak during research supported by the NIH under a sub-grant from EcoHealth Alliance: There is not a scintilla of verifiable scientific evidence for this,” the NGO said in the report. The “open and transparent” scientific collaboration ended abruptly when former US president Donald Trump terminated NIH funding to EHA in 2020, it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Leading scientist in US says he faced death threats due to work with China on virus research: Report

<p>Austria's far-right topped Sunday's national elections, marking a historic victory by beating the ruling conservatives in the Alpine EU nation.</p>

<p>While the Freedom Party (FPOe) has been in government several times, this is the first time it has won a national vote.</p>

<p>But even with the victory, it is not certain it will be able to form a government.</p>

<p>In line with far-right parties elsewhere in Europe, the FPOe has seen its popularity surge, fed by voter anger over migration, inflation and Covid restrictions.</p>

<p>The FPOe stood at 29.1 per cent of votes, against 26.3 per cent for the conservative People's Party (OeVP), according to projections based on more than 60 per cent of the votes counted.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Austria Elections 2024: Polling Underway In Austrian General Election</strong></p>

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<p>FPOe leader Herbert Kickl, who took over the scandal-tainted party in 2021 and led its recovery, said he was ready to form the government with "each and every one" of the parties in parliament.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It can't be any more clear than today" that the country must "reconnect with the population's needs," Kickl said on national television after the results were announced.</p>

<p>"Our hand is outstretched in all directions," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>- 'Exciting time' -</strong></h2>

<p>At the FPOe headquarters, the atmosphere was festive, as supporters wearing traditional Austrian dresses downed glasses of beer.</p>

<p>"It's a real success... It will be a very, very exciting time" with the FPOe trying to form the government, said Erik Berglund, 35, a waiter. He hailed sharp-tongued Kickl as the "most competent leader".</p>

<p>Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who managed to close the gap to the FPOe in recent weeks in opinion polls, said at his party headquarters that he could see the disappointment of party members.</p>

<p>"It was a race to catch-up, and unfortunately we didn't manage it," Nehammer said, vowing to "continue to fight for the people's interests".</p>

<p>The OeVP's support has plunged from more than 37 per cent in the last national election in 2019. The Greens with whom they governed in an unprecedented coalition were also punished, falling to 8.3 percent from almost 14 percent in 2019.</p>

<p>More than 6.3 million of Austria's nine million inhabitants were eligible to vote.</p>

<p>Nehammer reiterated his refusal to work with Kickl, who has called himself the future "Volkskanzler", the people's chancellor, as Adolf Hitler was termed in the 1930s.</p>

<p>Kickl regularly attacks EU sanctions against Russia and espouses the far-right concept of "remigration": expelling people of non-European ethnic backgrounds deemed to have failed to integrate.</p>

<h2><strong>- 'Earthquake' &nbsp;-</strong></h2>

<p>The FPOe had been widely predicted to narrowly top the vote, but Sunday's results for the party were even better than expected.</p>

<p>"This is certainly an earthquake and sends a shockwave through all the other parties," political analyst Thomas Hofer told AFP.</p>

<p>Even though the FPOe has come first however, analysts predict Nehammer is in a good position to remain chancellor if he forms a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPOe) and another party, probably the liberal NEOs.</p>

<p>The SPOe reached 21 per cent, according to the projections, while the NEOS have nine&nbsp;per cent.</p>

<p>It would be the first time a three-party coalition governs Austria, but analysts say such a coalition will have a hard time given the right-wing shift in the country.</p>

<p>A coalition between the far right and the conservatives still remains a possibility says analysts, given their common platform against immigration and on other issues.</p>

<p>Long a political force in Austria, the FPOe's first government with the conservatives in 2000 set off widespread protests and sanctions from Brussels.</p>

<p>"The FPOe mainly stirs up fears and never has anything constructive to contribute," researcher Theres Friesacher, 29, told AFP after voting in Vienna, citing corruption scandals that have frequently engulfed the party.</p>

<p>Both past OeVP-FPOe governments were short-lived.</p>

<p>The last one, headed by charismatic then-OeVP leader Sebastian Kurz, collapsed over a spectacular FPOe corruption scandal in 2019, after just a year and a half in power.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Austria's far-right topped Sunday's national elections, marking a historic victory by beating the ruling conservatives in the Alpine EU nation. While the Freedom Party (FPOe) has been in government several times, this is the first time it has won a national vote.

Austria's far-right topped Sunday's national elections, marking a historic victory by beating the ruling conservatives in the Alpine EU nation. While the Freedom Party (FPOe) has been in government several times, this is the first time it has won a national vote. But even with the victory, it is not certain it will be able to form a government. In line with far-right parties elsewhere in Europe, the FPOe has seen its popularity surge, fed by voter anger over migration, inflation and Covid restrictions. The FPOe stood at 29.1 per cent of votes, against 26.3 per cent for the conservative People's Party (OeVP), according to projections based on more than 60 per cent of the votes counted. Watch | Austria Elections 2024: Polling Underway In Austrian General Election × FPOe leader Herbert Kickl, who took over the scandal-tainted party in 2021 and led its recovery, said he was ready to form the government with "each and every one" of the parties in parliament. "It can't be any more clear than today" that the country must "reconnect with the population's needs," Kickl said on national television after the results were announced. "Our hand is outstretched in all directions," he said. - 'Exciting time' - At the FPOe headquarters, the atmosphere was festive, as supporters wearing traditional Austrian dresses downed glasses of beer. "It's a real success... It will be a very, very exciting time" with the FPOe trying to form the government, said Erik Berglund, 35, a waiter. He hailed sharp-tongued Kickl as the "most competent leader". Chancellor Karl Nehammer, who managed to close the gap to the FPOe in recent weeks in opinion polls, said at his party headquarters that he could see the disappointment of party members. "It was a race to catch-up, and unfortunately we didn't manage it," Nehammer said, vowing to "continue to fight for the people's interests". The OeVP's support has plunged from more than 37 per cent in the last national election in 2019. The Greens with whom they governed in an unprecedented coalition were also punished, falling to 8.3 percent from almost 14 percent in 2019. More than 6.3 million of Austria's nine million inhabitants were eligible to vote. Nehammer reiterated his refusal to work with Kickl, who has called himself the future "Volkskanzler", the people's chancellor, as Adolf Hitler was termed in the 1930s. Kickl regularly attacks EU sanctions against Russia and espouses the far-right concept of "remigration": expelling people of non-European ethnic backgrounds deemed to have failed to integrate. - 'Earthquake' - The FPOe had been widely predicted to narrowly top the vote, but Sunday's results for the party were even better than expected. "This is certainly an earthquake and sends a shockwave through all the other parties," political analyst Thomas Hofer told AFP. Even though the FPOe has come first however, analysts predict Nehammer is in a good position to remain chancellor if he forms a coalition with the Social Democrats (SPOe) and another party, probably the liberal NEOs. The SPOe reached 21 per cent, according to the projections, while the NEOS have nine per cent. It would be the first time a three-party coalition governs Austria, but analysts say such a coalition will have a hard time given the right-wing shift in the country. A coalition between the far right and the conservatives still remains a possibility says analysts, given their common platform against immigration and on other issues. Long a political force in Austria, the FPOe's first government with the conservatives in 2000 set off widespread protests and sanctions from Brussels. "The FPOe mainly stirs up fears and never has anything constructive to contribute," researcher Theres Friesacher, 29, told AFP after voting in Vienna, citing corruption scandals that have frequently engulfed the party. Both past OeVP-FPOe governments were short-lived. The last one, headed by charismatic then-OeVP leader Sebastian Kurz, collapsed over a spectacular FPOe corruption scandal in 2019, after just a year and a half in power. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Austria's far-right Freedom Party projected to win general election

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<p>Lebanon's health ministry said on Sunday (Sep&nbsp;29) that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of over 50 people. This follows Israel’s military announcement that it continued attacking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and also launched strikes in Yemen.</p>

<p>These attacks came days&nbsp;after a Friday airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which claimed the life of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah.</p>

<p><em>Here are&nbsp;the latest updates from the ongoing crisis in West Asia:</em></p>

<h2><strong>Israeli air force hits 120 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli military announced on Sunday night that it had launched more strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon as cross-border air assaults persisted.</p>

<p>According to a statement by the Israeli military, the air force hit around 120 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and further within Lebanese territory. The statement added that the attacks focused on Hezbollah's infrastructure and important headquarters used by various units of the group.</p>

<h2><strong>24&nbsp;killed, 29 injured in Israeli airstrike near the southern city of Sidon</strong></h2>

<p>Lebanon said that 24 people were killed on Sunday following an Israeli airstrike near the southern city of Sidon. The strike also left 29 individuals injured, according to preliminary reports.</p>

<p>"The Israeli enemy's attack on Ain al-Delb killed, in a preliminary toll, 24 people and injured 29," the Lebanese ministry stated.</p>

<h2><strong>Will&nbsp;attack&nbsp;enemies regardless of how far away they are: Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, said on Sunday that the country would attack its enemies regardless of how far away they are. This statement followed an Israeli military operation that targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen.</p>

<p>"Our message is clear -- for us, no place is too far," Gallant said. The statement, released by his office, came after he observed the strikes from an air force command centre&nbsp;located approximately 2,000 kilometres (1,300 miles) from Yemen.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli military targets Houthi rebels in Yemen</strong></h2>

<p>In response to recent events, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on Sunday, targeting several Houthi rebel sites in Yemen. These strikes reportedly hit crucial infrastructure, including power stations and a seaport. The attacks were part of a broader retaliation after the Iran-backed rebels launched a missile targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport the day before.</p>

<p>"In a large-scale air operation today, dozens of Air Force aircraft, including fighter jets, refuelling planes, and reconnaissance aircraft, attacked military-use targets of the Huthi terrorist regime in the Ras Issa and Hodeida areas of Yemen," said Captain David Avraham, a military spokesperson, in a statement to AFP.</p>

<p>According to the military, "the IDF (military) targeted power stations and a seaport used for oil imports."</p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah says it fired&nbsp;‘rocket salvo’&nbsp;on two locations in Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Iran-backed Hezbollah said that it had launched attacks on two locations in northern Israel. The militant said its fighters had fired a “rocket salvo” at Safed and a smaller nearby location. As per Hezbollah, the attack was carried out, "in defence of Lebanon and its people" and in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanese cities, villages, and civilians.</p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah confirms death of senior leader Ali Karaki in&nbsp;same airstrike that killed Nasrallah</strong></h2>

<p>Hezbollah, in a separate statement, confirmed the death of its senior leader Ali Karaki in the same Israeli strike on Friday&nbsp;that claimed Nasrallah’s life. Israel had previously announced on Friday that it killed Nasrallah during an airstrike on Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah confirmed his death the following day.</p>

<p>Two sources from medical and security told Reuters that Nasrallah’s body was recovered intact from the site of the Friday strike. As of Sunday, Hezbollah had not released any details regarding his funeral arrangements.</p>

<p>According to the IDF, among those killed at Hezbollah’s underground headquarters in the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut alongside Nasrallah are:&nbsp;"Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front; Ibrahim Hussein Jazini, head of Nasrallah’s personal security unit; Samir Tawfiq Deeb, an adviser to Nasrallah; Abd al-Amir Muhammad Sablini, responsible for Hezbollah’s force buildup; and Ali Nayef Ayoub, responsible for Hezbollah’s firepower."</p>

<h2><strong>14 rescuers killed in Israeli airstrikes over two days: Lebanese health ministry</strong></h2>

<p>The Lebanese health ministry announced on Sunday that 14 paramedics had lost their lives due to two days of heavy Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. "This series of attacks killed 14 paramedics in two days," the ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;It condemned the repeated assaults on medical facilities, stating that "paramedics do not participate in&nbsp;hostilities."</p>

<h2><strong>Israel accuses Hezbollah&nbsp;of using civilians as cover&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p data-pm-slice="1 1 []">The Israel Defence Forces on Sunday claimed that the Hezbollah underground base, which they targeted on Friday, was just 53 metres away from a United Nations school in Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military said that this was clear evidence that Hezbollah "hides among civilians," putting the lives of Lebanese citizens at risk. (<a href="https://wionews.com/world/hezbollah-hides-among-civilians-israel-says-militant-groups-hq-located-53-metres-from-un-school-762987"><em>Click here for the full story</em></a>)</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/body-of-hezbollah-chief-nasrallah-recovered-from-site-of-israeli-air-attack-sources-762970">Body of Hezbollah chief Nasrallah recovered from site of Israeli air attack in Lebanon: Report</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Iranian officials attend mourning for Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in Tehran</strong></h2>

<p>Nasrallah’s death has heightened tensions in the region. Iran vowed to avenge his death and Iranian officials attended a mourning ceremony for the Hezbollah leader in Tehran on Sunday (Sep 29).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The event was attended by prominent figures, including Iran’s interior minister Eskandar Momeni, Iran's vice president for strategic affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif, and a Hamas representative in Iran, Khaled Qadoumi.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-chief-killing-militant-groups-will-carry-on-confronting-israel-says-irans-parliament-speaker-762939">Hezbollah chief killing: Militant groups will carry on confronting Israel, says Iran’s Parliament speaker</a></strong></p>

<p>Black flags and billboards honouring the late Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, have been spotted throughout Tehran.</p>

<h2><strong>IDF claims elimination of top Hezbollah leader Nabil Kaouk </strong></h2>

<p>The Israel Defence Forces on Sunday announced that they had killed top Hezbollah leader, Nabil Kaouk, the commander of Hezbollah's Preventive Security Unit and the deputy head of Hezbollah’s central council, on Saturday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-it-killed-top-hezbollah-leader-nabil-kaouk-762959">Israel says it killed top Hezbollah leader Nabil Kaouk in airstrike</a></strong></p>

<p>"Yesterday, the IDF eliminated the terrorist Nabil Kavek, the commander of Hezbollah's Preventive Security Unit and a member of Hezbollah's Central Council. Fighter jets of the Air Force, under the precise direction of Aman, attacked and killed the terrorist Nabil Kavek," IDF said in a statement on X.</p>

<h2><strong>Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 1,000 dead as Israeli strikes continue</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has continued its offensive against Hezbollah following Nasrallah’s killing, targetting&nbsp;several of the group's top commanders as part of an intensifying military campaign.</p>

<p>In Lebanon, the health ministry reported that over 1,000 people have died, with 6,000 injured in the past two weeks. The government estimated that one million people, about a fifth of the population, had been displaced from their homes amid the ongoing Israeli strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs&nbsp;from&nbsp;agencies)</em></p>


Lebanon's health ministry said on Sunday (Sep 29) that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of over 50 people. This follows Israel’s military announcement that it continued attacking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and also launched strikes in Yemen.

Lebanon's health ministry said on Sunday (Sep 29) that Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of over 50 people. This follows Israel’s military announcement that it continued attacking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon and also launched strikes in Yemen. These attacks came days after a Friday airstrike on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which claimed the life of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah. Here are the latest updates from the ongoing crisis in West Asia: Israeli air force hits 120 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon The Israeli military announced on Sunday night that it had launched more strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon as cross-border air assaults persisted. According to a statement by the Israeli military, the air force hit around 120 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and further within Lebanese territory. The statement added that the attacks focused on Hezbollah's infrastructure and important headquarters used by various units of the group. 24 killed, 29 injured in Israeli airstrike near the southern city of Sidon Lebanon said that 24 people were killed on Sunday following an Israeli airstrike near the southern city of Sidon. The strike also left 29 individuals injured, according to preliminary reports. "The Israeli enemy's attack on Ain al-Delb killed, in a preliminary toll, 24 people and injured 29," the Lebanese ministry stated. Will attack enemies regardless of how far away they are: Israel Israel's Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, said on Sunday that the country would attack its enemies regardless of how far away they are. This statement followed an Israeli military operation that targeted Houthi rebels in Yemen. "Our message is clear -- for us, no place is too far," Gallant said. The statement, released by his office, came after he observed the strikes from an air force command centre located approximately 2,000 kilometres (1,300 miles) from Yemen. Israeli military targets Houthi rebels in Yemen In response to recent events, the Israeli military carried out airstrikes on Sunday, targeting several Houthi rebel sites in Yemen. These strikes reportedly hit crucial infrastructure, including power stations and a seaport. The attacks were part of a broader retaliation after the Iran-backed rebels launched a missile targeting Israel's Ben Gurion Airport the day before. "In a large-scale air operation today, dozens of Air Force aircraft, including fighter jets, refuelling planes, and reconnaissance aircraft, attacked military-use targets of the Huthi terrorist regime in the Ras Issa and Hodeida areas of Yemen," said Captain David Avraham, a military spokesperson, in a statement to AFP. According to the military, "the IDF (military) targeted power stations and a seaport used for oil imports." Hezbollah says it fired ‘rocket salvo’ on two locations in Israel Iran-backed Hezbollah said that it had launched attacks on two locations in northern Israel. The militant said its fighters had fired a “rocket salvo” at Safed and a smaller nearby location. As per Hezbollah, the attack was carried out, "in defence of Lebanon and its people" and in response to Israeli strikes on Lebanese cities, villages, and civilians. Hezbollah confirms death of senior leader Ali Karaki in same airstrike that killed Nasrallah Hezbollah, in a separate statement, confirmed the death of its senior leader Ali Karaki in the same Israeli strike on Friday that claimed Nasrallah’s life. Israel had previously announced on Friday that it killed Nasrallah during an airstrike on Hezbollah's headquarters in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Hezbollah confirmed his death the following day. Two sources from medical and security told Reuters that Nasrallah’s body was recovered intact from the site of the Friday strike. As of Sunday, Hezbollah had not released any details regarding his funeral arrangements. According to the IDF, among those killed at Hezbollah’s underground headquarters in the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut alongside Nasrallah are: "Ali Karaki, the commander of Hezbollah’s Southern Front; Ibrahim Hussein Jazini, head of Nasrallah’s personal security unit; Samir Tawfiq Deeb, an adviser to Nasrallah; Abd al-Amir Muhammad Sablini, responsible for Hezbollah’s force buildup; and Ali Nayef Ayoub, responsible for Hezbollah’s firepower." 14 rescuers killed in Israeli airstrikes over two days: Lebanese health ministry The Lebanese health ministry announced on Sunday that 14 paramedics had lost their lives due to two days of heavy Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon. "This series of attacks killed 14 paramedics in two days," the ministry said in a statement. It condemned the repeated assaults on medical facilities, stating that "paramedics do not participate in hostilities." Israel accuses Hezbollah of using civilians as cover The Israel Defence Forces on Sunday claimed that the Hezbollah underground base, which they targeted on Friday, was just 53 metres away from a United Nations school in Beirut, Lebanon. The Israeli military said that this was clear evidence that Hezbollah "hides among civilians," putting the lives of Lebanese citizens at risk. (Click here for the full story) Also read: Body of Hezbollah chief Nasrallah recovered from site of Israeli air attack in Lebanon: Report Iranian officials attend mourning for Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in Tehran Nasrallah’s death has heightened tensions in the region. Iran vowed to avenge his death and Iranian officials attended a mourning ceremony for the Hezbollah leader in Tehran on Sunday (Sep 29). The event was attended by prominent figures, including Iran’s interior minister Eskandar Momeni, Iran's vice president for strategic affairs Mohammad Javad Zarif, and a Hamas representative in Iran, Khaled Qadoumi. Also read: Hezbollah chief killing: Militant groups will carry on confronting Israel, says Iran’s Parliament speaker Black flags and billboards honouring the late Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, have been spotted throughout Tehran. IDF claims elimination of top Hezbollah leader Nabil Kaouk The Israel Defence Forces on Sunday announced that they had killed top Hezbollah leader, Nabil Kaouk, the commander of Hezbollah's Preventive Security Unit and the deputy head of Hezbollah’s central council, on Saturday. Also read: Israel says it killed top Hezbollah leader Nabil Kaouk in airstrike "Yesterday, the IDF eliminated the terrorist Nabil Kavek, the commander of Hezbollah's Preventive Security Unit and a member of Hezbollah's Central Council. Fighter jets of the Air Force, under the precise direction of Aman, attacked and killed the terrorist Nabil Kavek," IDF said in a statement on X. Lebanon’s health ministry reports over 1,000 dead as Israeli strikes continue Israel has continued its offensive against Hezbollah following Nasrallah’s killing, targetting several of the group's top commanders as part of an intensifying military campaign. In Lebanon, the health ministry reported that over 1,000 people have died, with 6,000 injured in the past two weeks. The government estimated that one million people, about a fifth of the population, had been displaced from their homes amid the ongoing Israeli strikes. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Israeli strikes hits 120 Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, targets Yemen's Houthi rebels

<p>Israeli airstrikes hit the Yemeni port city of Hodeida on Sunday (Sep 29), according to Houthi media, a day after the rebel group, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for launching a missile at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air strikes killed four people&nbsp;and wounded more than 30, as per the&nbsp;Houthi media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Al-Masirah TV station, controlled by the Yemen-based militant group, reported that the airstrikes targeted "the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa," along with two power stations. Earlier, they had announced "Israeli aggression on Hodeida."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-mole-gave-away-hezbollah-chief-hassan-nasrallahs-location-report-claims-762929">Iranian mole gave away Hezbollah chief Nasrallah’s location? Report claims...</a></strong></p>

<p>In a statement on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, "In a large-scale air operation today, dozens of air force aircraft, including fighter jets, refuelling and intelligence planes, under the direction of the intelligence wing, attacked military targets of the Houthi terrorist regime in the areas of Ras Issa and Hodeidah in Yemen. The IDF attacked power plants and a seaport, which are used to import oil."</p>

<p>"Through the attacked infrastructure and ports, the Houthi regime transfers Iranian weapons to the region, and supplies for military needs, and thus also oil. The attack was carried out in response to the latest attacks carried out by the Houthi regime against the State of Israel," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran condemns Israeli strikes in Yemen</strong></h2>

<p>Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, criticised Israel's recent airstrikes in Yemen, stating they had hit "civilian infrastructure" like fuel tanks and a power plant.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly condemned Israel's repeated assaults on nations within the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance."</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-brings-political-rival-gideon-saar-into-government-patriotic-and-right-thing-to-do-763026">Netanyahu brings political rival Gideon Sa’ar into government: 'Patriotic and right thing to do...'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Lebanese fighters should not be left alone in this battle so that the Zionist regime (Israel) does not attack Axis of Resistance countries one after the other," Pezeshkian&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>"We cannot accept such actions and they will not be left unanswered. A decisive reaction is necessary," he added.</p>

<p>Israel's attack came just a day after it intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis from Yemen, which was aimed at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The Houthis claimed that the timing of their attack coincided with the return of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had just addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>


Israeli airstrikes hit the Yemeni port city of Hodeida on Sunday (Sep 29), according to Houthi media, a day after the rebel group, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for launching a missile at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv.

Israeli airstrikes hit the Yemeni port city of Hodeida on Sunday (Sep 29), according to Houthi media, a day after the rebel group, backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for launching a missile at Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The air strikes killed four people and wounded more than 30, as per the Houthi media. The Al-Masirah TV station, controlled by the Yemen-based militant group, reported that the airstrikes targeted "the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa," along with two power stations. Earlier, they had announced "Israeli aggression on Hodeida." Also read: Iranian mole gave away Hezbollah chief Nasrallah’s location? Report claims... In a statement on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said, "In a large-scale air operation today, dozens of air force aircraft, including fighter jets, refuelling and intelligence planes, under the direction of the intelligence wing, attacked military targets of the Houthi terrorist regime in the areas of Ras Issa and Hodeidah in Yemen. The IDF attacked power plants and a seaport, which are used to import oil." "Through the attacked infrastructure and ports, the Houthi regime transfers Iranian weapons to the region, and supplies for military needs, and thus also oil. The attack was carried out in response to the latest attacks carried out by the Houthi regime against the State of Israel," it added. Iran condemns Israeli strikes in Yemen Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Nasser Kanaani, criticised Israel's recent airstrikes in Yemen, stating they had hit "civilian infrastructure" like fuel tanks and a power plant. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian strongly condemned Israel's repeated assaults on nations within the Iran-backed "Axis of Resistance." Also read: Netanyahu brings political rival Gideon Sa’ar into government: 'Patriotic and right thing to do...' "Lebanese fighters should not be left alone in this battle so that the Zionist regime (Israel) does not attack Axis of Resistance countries one after the other," Pezeshkian said. "We cannot accept such actions and they will not be left unanswered. A decisive reaction is necessary," he added. Israel's attack came just a day after it intercepted a missile fired by the Houthis from Yemen, which was aimed at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv. The Houthis claimed that the timing of their attack coincided with the return of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had just addressed the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, United States. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Four killed as Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles targeting central Israel

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<p>North Korea said on Sunday (Sept 29) that US (United States) military aid worth $8 billion to Ukraine was an&nbsp;"incredible mistake," adding, that Washington was&nbsp;playing with fire against nuclear superpower Russia.</p>

<p>Earlier, US President Joe Biden announced the new aid&nbsp;as Ukrainian&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington seeking help for Kyiv to defend itself, including longer-range weapons that will upgrade its ability to strike Russia from safer distances.</p>

<h2><strong>'US, West should not dismiss...'</strong></h2>

<p>Kim Yo Jong,&nbsp;the sister of North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, said that the US was&nbsp;escalating the Ukraine conflict and driving all of Europe to the brink of a nuclear war.</p>

<p>"The United States and the West should not dismiss or underestimate Russia's serious warning," Kim said in a statement published by state news agency KCNA.</p>

<p>"Are the United States and the West really able to handle the consequences as they recklessly play with fire against Russia, which is a nuclear superpower?," she added.</p>

<p>Helping Zelensky continue a military adventure is a dangerous and irresponsible gamble and announcing the new $8 billion in military aid was "an incredible mistake and foolish act," Kim further said.</p>

<h2><strong>The accusation against Pyongyang</strong></h2>

<p>North Korea has been illegally supplying weapons to Russia. Both countries have dramatically upgraded their ties&nbsp;in the past year, with their leaders meeting twice and agreeing on a "comprehensive strategic partnership" that includes a mutual defence pledge.</p>

<p>The US had recently said that&nbsp;North Korea shipped at least 16,500 containers of weapons to Russia since September last year and Russia has fired missiles from those shipments against Ukraine.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


North Korea said on Sunday (Sept 29) that US (United States) military aid worth $8 billion to Ukraine was an "incredible mistake," adding, that Washington was playing with fire against nuclear superpower Russia.

North Korea said on Sunday (Sept 29) that US (United States) military aid worth $8 billion to Ukraine was an "incredible mistake," adding, that Washington was playing with fire against nuclear superpower Russia. Earlier, US President Joe Biden announced the new aid as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited Washington seeking help for Kyiv to defend itself, including longer-range weapons that will upgrade its ability to strike Russia from safer distances. 'US, West should not dismiss...' Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un, said that the US was escalating the Ukraine conflict and driving all of Europe to the brink of a nuclear war. "The United States and the West should not dismiss or underestimate Russia's serious warning," Kim said in a statement published by state news agency KCNA. "Are the United States and the West really able to handle the consequences as they recklessly play with fire against Russia, which is a nuclear superpower?," she added. Helping Zelensky continue a military adventure is a dangerous and irresponsible gamble and announcing the new $8 billion in military aid was "an incredible mistake and foolish act," Kim further said. The accusation against Pyongyang North Korea has been illegally supplying weapons to Russia. Both countries have dramatically upgraded their ties in the past year, with their leaders meeting twice and agreeing on a "comprehensive strategic partnership" that includes a mutual defence pledge. The US had recently said that North Korea shipped at least 16,500 containers of weapons to Russia since September last year and Russia has fired missiles from those shipments against Ukraine. (With inputs from agencies)

Playing with fire against Russia: North Korea reacts to US military aid to Ukraine

<p>At least 52&nbsp;people have died across&nbsp;five US states—South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia—as of Saturday&nbsp;(Sep 28), after Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday as a Category 4 behemoth, breaking records as the storm worsened.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The death toll continues to rise as one of the most powerful hurricanes hit the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The officials feared that more bodies would be discovered across several states.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hurricane continued to produce heavy rains across several states, sparking life-threatening floods.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hurricane-helene-us-coast-guard-rescues-man-and-his-dog-lost-at-sea-as-hurricane-barrels-toward-land-762506"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Hurricane Helene: US Coast Guard rescues man and his dog lost at sea as hurricane barrels toward land</strong></a></p>

<p>Millions of homes and businesses have reportedly remained out of power across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. It has further prompted that power outages could drag on for weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 50 people were rescued from the roof of a hospital in Unicoi County, Tennessee, about 120 miles (200 km) northeast of Knoxville, according to state officials.</p>

<p>Several highways across multiple US states&nbsp;have been closed due&nbsp;to the mudslides.&nbsp; Meanwhile,&nbsp;rainwater also swept over roofs and snapped phone lines, while some houses have vanished from the ground.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: Tropical Storm Helene Causes Massive Destruction in Florida</strong></p>

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<p>The mayor of hard-hit Canton, North Carolina, called the scene “apocalyptic".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I’m sure that number will go up as we have people we know who are trapped, and we’re trying to get to right now,” Georgia Governor Brian Kemp&nbsp;said.</p>

<h2><strong>President Biden&nbsp;</strong>approves&nbsp;emergency declaration<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden has approved emergency declaration requests from the governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The White House stressed that about 1,500 federal disaster response personnel will be deployed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least 52 people have died across five US states—South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia—as of Saturday (Sep 28), after Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday as a Category 4 behemoth, breaking records as the storm worsened.

At least 52 people have died across five US states—South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, North Carolina and Virginia—as of Saturday (Sep 28), after Hurricane Helene made landfall late Thursday as a Category 4 behemoth, breaking records as the storm worsened. The death toll continues to rise as one of the most powerful hurricanes hit the country. The officials feared that more bodies would be discovered across several states. The hurricane continued to produce heavy rains across several states, sparking life-threatening floods. Also read: Hurricane Helene: US Coast Guard rescues man and his dog lost at sea as hurricane barrels toward land Millions of homes and businesses have reportedly remained out of power across Florida, Georgia, and the Carolinas. It has further prompted that power outages could drag on for weeks. More than 50 people were rescued from the roof of a hospital in Unicoi County, Tennessee, about 120 miles (200 km) northeast of Knoxville, according to state officials. Several highways across multiple US states have been closed due to the mudslides. Meanwhile, rainwater also swept over roofs and snapped phone lines, while some houses have vanished from the ground. Watch | US: Tropical Storm Helene Causes Massive Destruction in Florida × The mayor of hard-hit Canton, North Carolina, called the scene “apocalyptic". “I’m sure that number will go up as we have people we know who are trapped, and we’re trying to get to right now,” Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said. President Biden approves emergency declaration United States President Joe Biden has approved emergency declaration requests from the governors of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Alabama. The White House stressed that about 1,500 federal disaster response personnel will be deployed. (With inputs from agencies)

Hurricane Helene: At least 52 dead in five US states, millions of homes without power

<p>A SpaceX mission to send a spacecraft for the return of two astronauts who went to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Boeing Starliner has&nbsp;been launched on Saturday (Sep 28) from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission was supposed to launch on Thursday but was delayed due to the deadly Hurricane Helene which hit Florida and other parts of the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA’s Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will finally be brought back home after spending over 100 days longer than expected on the ISS.</p>

<p>The mission, Crew-9 took off at around 1:17 pm ET on Saturday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA&nbsp;streamed the launch on their website.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">LIVE: Our <a href="https://twitter.com/SpaceX?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SpaceX</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crew9?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crew9</a> mission launches to the <a href="https://twitter.com/Space_Station?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Space_Station</a>. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled for 1:17pm ET (1717 UTC). Questions? Use <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AskNASA?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AskNASA</a> <a href="https://t.co/ShUyD36syY">https://t.co/ShUyD36syY</a></p>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1840016251130708361?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>After the Hurricane Helene danger passed, the mission teams reset everything to launch Crew-9.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-polls-stranded-astronauts-sunita-williams-butch-willmore-express-desire-to-vote-from-space-758604"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Stranded astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Willmore express desire to vote from space</strong></a></p>

<p>Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said, “We rolled out a little late this morning. We are vertical at the pad.”</p>

<p>SpaceX has provided the service eight times in the past four years, carrying astronauts to and from the space station under NASA's Commercial Crew Program. However, the outbound leg of this mission will carry only two crew members instead of four – NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;SpaceX launches truly international astronaut team on Crew-7 flight to space station for NASA</strong></p>

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<p>The two other seats will fly empty, reserved for Williams and Wilmore to occupy on the spacecraft’s return flight in 2025.</p>

<p>“The word that comes to mind for this flight is ‘agility,’” Steve Stich said during a press&nbsp;conference ahead of the launch on Friday.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A SpaceX mission to send a spacecraft for the return of two astronauts who went to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Boeing Starliner has been launched on Saturday (Sep 28) from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

A SpaceX mission to send a spacecraft for the return of two astronauts who went to the International Space Station (ISS) on a Boeing Starliner has been launched on Saturday (Sep 28) from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The mission was supposed to launch on Thursday but was delayed due to the deadly Hurricane Helene which hit Florida and other parts of the United States. NASA’s Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore will finally be brought back home after spending over 100 days longer than expected on the ISS. The mission, Crew-9 took off at around 1:17 pm ET on Saturday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida. NASA streamed the launch on their website. LIVE: Our @SpaceX #Crew9 mission launches to the @Space_Station. Liftoff from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station is scheduled for 1:17pm ET (1717 UTC). Questions? Use #AskNASA https://t.co/ShUyD36syY — NASA (@NASA) September 28, 2024 × After the Hurricane Helene danger passed, the mission teams reset everything to launch Crew-9. Also read: Stranded astronauts Sunita Williams, Butch Willmore express desire to vote from space Steve Stich, manager of NASA’s Commercial Crew Program, said, “We rolled out a little late this morning. We are vertical at the pad.” SpaceX has provided the service eight times in the past four years, carrying astronauts to and from the space station under NASA's Commercial Crew Program. However, the outbound leg of this mission will carry only two crew members instead of four – NASA astronaut Nick Hague and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. Watch | SpaceX launches truly international astronaut team on Crew-7 flight to space station for NASA × The two other seats will fly empty, reserved for Williams and Wilmore to occupy on the spacecraft’s return flight in 2025. “The word that comes to mind for this flight is ‘agility,’” Steve Stich said during a press conference ahead of the launch on Friday. (With inputs from agencies)

SpaceX launches mission Crew-9 to bring stranded Starliner astronauts home

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