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Poland on Sunday marked 85 years since the outbreak of World War II during an annual commemoration ceremony held at dawn to remember Nazi Germany’s first attacks that triggered the deadly conflict.

Poland marks 85th anniversary of World War II

Taiwan Ministry of National Defence (MND) plans to purchase more than 1,000 additional Stinger missiles from the United States, to deal with increased Chinese military threat to the island nation.&nbsp;

The Taiwan army and navy each ordered 250 Stinger missiles in 2019 and 2015, respectively. However, the country needs more to meet its defence needs.

It further prompted the Taiwan army to order 1,985 more Stringer missiles from the US for approximately NT$55.54 billion, Taiwanese local newspaper Liberty Times reported.&nbsp;

According to the MND's 2025 budget report, the Army will get 549 launch systems and 549 identification and friend of foe (IFF) systems.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pla-navy-survey-ship-enters-japanese-waters-10th-time-in-one-year-754865">Also read:&nbsp;Tokyo lodges protest as Chinese Navy survey ship enters Japanese waters</a>

Moreover, the Navy has planned to buy 45 man-portable Stinger missiles, 15 launch systems, and 15 IFF devices. Navy and Army missiles are scheduled to be delivered by 2031.&nbsp;

Although the Army has not confirmed whether these purchases are included in the Army's procurement plan.&nbsp;

<h2>Taiwan sends&nbsp;letters to US</h2>

Earlier in March, the Taiwanese army highlighted that they had sent 11 letters to the US, urging the delivery of 250 Stinger missiles, which they requested earlier as well.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Pacific leaders reject call to break ties with Taiwan

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Initially, Taiwan's former president Tsai Ing-wen talked about purchasing additional Stinger missiles from the US, to meet air defence needs and prepare for more live-fire target practice as conscript service increased to one year.&nbsp;

China has increased its military activities across Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island.&nbsp;

Earlier on Sunday, Taiwan's MND detected 10 PLA aircraft, seven Chinese Navy vessels, and two official ships operating around the nation.&nbsp;

Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China's continued use of military aircraft and warships to intrude into Taiwan and Japan's air defence identification zones and exclusive economic zones has increased regional tensions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Taiwan Ministry of National Defence (MND) plans to purchase more than 1,000 additional Stinger missiles from the United States, to deal with increased Chinese military threat to the island nation.

Taiwan Ministry of National Defence (MND) plans to purchase more than 1,000 additional Stinger missiles from the United States, to deal with increased Chinese military threat to the island nation. The Taiwan army and navy each ordered 250 Stinger missiles in 2019 and 2015, respectively. However, the country needs more to meet its defence needs. It further prompted the Taiwan army to order 1,985 more Stringer missiles from the US for approximately NT$55.54 billion, Taiwanese local newspaper Liberty Times reported. According to the MND's 2025 budget report, the Army will get 549 launch systems and 549 identification and friend of foe (IFF) systems. Also read: Tokyo lodges protest as Chinese Navy survey ship enters Japanese waters Moreover, the Navy has planned to buy 45 man-portable Stinger missiles, 15 launch systems, and 15 IFF devices. Navy and Army missiles are scheduled to be delivered by 2031. Although the Army has not confirmed whether these purchases are included in the Army's procurement plan. Taiwan sends letters to US Earlier in March, the Taiwanese army highlighted that they had sent 11 letters to the US, urging the delivery of 250 Stinger missiles, which they requested earlier as well. Watch | Pacific leaders reject call to break ties with Taiwan × Initially, Taiwan's former president Tsai Ing-wen talked about purchasing additional Stinger missiles from the US, to meet air defence needs and prepare for more live-fire target practice as conscript service increased to one year. China has increased its military activities across Taiwan, including regular air and naval incursions into Taiwan's ADIZ and military exercises near the island. Earlier on Sunday, Taiwan's MND detected 10 PLA aircraft, seven Chinese Navy vessels, and two official ships operating around the nation. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that China's continued use of military aircraft and warships to intrude into Taiwan and Japan's air defence identification zones and exclusive economic zones has increased regional tensions. (With inputs from agencies)

Taiwan to purchase over 1,000 Stinger missiles from US as Chinese military threat increases

Israel’s military is conducting raids in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank, blocking access to aid for Palestinians in the besieged refugee camp on the fifth day of its assault. Dozens of Israeli soldiers were stationed on the outskirts of the Jenin refugee camp, with Israeli military jeeps and armoured personnel carriers moving into the area.

West Bank Raid: Palestinian militants shot 3 Israeli policemen in West Bank, says IDF

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) issued an emergency tender to secure mpox vaccines for the crisis-hit countries in collaboration with the Bill Gates-membered GAVI vaccine alliance and others, the Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation said in a joint statement on Saturday (Aug&nbsp;31).&nbsp;

The statement said that agreements for up to 12 million doses through 2025 can be made depending on how much the manufacturers can elevate their production capacity. This means that the actual vaccine rollout could take several months.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-declares-mpox-a-global-public-health-emergency-750211">What is mpox? Which countries have reported cases so far?</a>

"The UNICEF tender is issued to help secure mpox vaccines for the hardest hit countries in collaboration with Africa CDC, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, the Pan American Health Organization, and other partners. This collaboration to increase access and timely allocation also includes working together to facilitate donations of vaccines from existing stockpiles in high-income countries to contain the ongoing transmission of mpox," an official UNICEF readout said.&nbsp;

<h2>Africa mpox crisis: What next?&nbsp;</h2>

UNICEF will next set up "conditional supply agreements" with vaccine manufacturers, similar to the ones set up during the Covid pandemic.&nbsp;

"This will enable UNICEF to purchase and ship vaccines without delay once countries and partners have secured financing, confirmed demand and readiness, and the regulatory requirements for accepting the vaccines are in place," it said.

World Health Organization is reviewing the information submitted by the vaccine manufacturers on August 23 and is expected to complete its review for Emergency Use Listing by mid-September, it added.

Also watch |&nbsp;Mpox in Africa: New MPOX strain stirs public health emergency in Africa

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More than 18,000 suspected cases of mpox, including 629 deaths, have been reported this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which is at the epicentre of the crisis. Four out of five deaths have been in children.

"Addressing the current mpox vaccine shortage and delivering vaccines to communities who need them now is of paramount importance. There is also a pressing need for a universal and transparent allocation mechanism to ensure equitable access to mpox vaccines," said Director of UNICEF Supply Division Leila Pakkala.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) issued an emergency tender to secure mpox vaccines for the crisis-hit countries in collaboration with the Bill Gates-membered GAVI vaccine alliance and others, the Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation said in a joint statement on Saturday (Aug 31).

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) issued an emergency tender to secure mpox vaccines for the crisis-hit countries in collaboration with the Bill Gates-membered GAVI vaccine alliance and others, the Africa CDC and the World Health Organisation said in a joint statement on Saturday (Aug 31). The statement said that agreements for up to 12 million doses through 2025 can be made depending on how much the manufacturers can elevate their production capacity. This means that the actual vaccine rollout could take several months. Also read | What is mpox? Which countries have reported cases so far? "The UNICEF tender is issued to help secure mpox vaccines for the hardest hit countries in collaboration with Africa CDC, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, WHO, the Pan American Health Organization, and other partners. This collaboration to increase access and timely allocation also includes working together to facilitate donations of vaccines from existing stockpiles in high-income countries to contain the ongoing transmission of mpox," an official UNICEF readout said. Africa mpox crisis: What next? UNICEF will next set up "conditional supply agreements" with vaccine manufacturers, similar to the ones set up during the Covid pandemic. "This will enable UNICEF to purchase and ship vaccines without delay once countries and partners have secured financing, confirmed demand and readiness, and the regulatory requirements for accepting the vaccines are in place," it said. World Health Organization is reviewing the information submitted by the vaccine manufacturers on August 23 and is expected to complete its review for Emergency Use Listing by mid-September, it added. Also watch | Mpox in Africa: New MPOX strain stirs public health emergency in Africa × More than 18,000 suspected cases of mpox, including 629 deaths, have been reported this year in the Democratic Republic of the Congo which is at the epicentre of the crisis. Four out of five deaths have been in children. "Addressing the current mpox vaccine shortage and delivering vaccines to communities who need them now is of paramount importance. There is also a pressing need for a universal and transparent allocation mechanism to ensure equitable access to mpox vaccines," said Director of UNICEF Supply Division Leila Pakkala. (With inputs from agencies)

Mpox crisis: Wider vaccine rollout in Africa could take months as UN still in tender mode

Russia's defence ministry on Sunday said it had downed 158 drones launched by Kyiv overnight that targeted Moscow and its surrounding regions, as well as border zones like Belgorod and Kursk.

Russia-Ukraine War: One injured in Shebekino as Ukraine continues shelling Belgorod

A large majority of Israelis believe this should be Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s last term and that he shouldn’t run in the next elections, according to a new poll.

Israeli Poll: 69% respondents said Netanyahu should resign

Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Sunday (Sept 1) that some of the six Israeli hostages found dead in a Gaza tunnel had been "approved" for release in the event of a truce deal.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Sunday (Sept 1) that some of the six Israeli hostages found dead in a Gaza tunnel had been "approved" for release in the event of a truce deal. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a senior Hamas official said that these captives would have been exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. "Some of the names of the captives announced as found by the (Israeli) occupier... were part of the list of hostages to be released that Hamas had approved in a proposed exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel," the official said on the condition of anonymity. Who were the six hostages? Earlier on Sunday, the Israeli military announced that it recovered the bodies of the six hostages from a tunnel in southern Gaza, where they were apparently killed not long before Israeli troops reached them. Also read | Netanyahu pledges to 'settle the score' with Hamas after six hostages' bodies found in Gaza According to the military, the deceased hostages were identified as Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino. Their bodies were found underground in the city of Rafah and have been taken to Israel, he said. "According to our initial estimation, they were brutally murdered by Hamas terrorists a short time before we reached them," military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said during a press conference. The recovered bodies were of the six hostages from among the 250 hostages captured during the Hamas-led shock incursion into southern Israel on October 7 last year that sparked the war in Gaza. 'Israel will not rest until...' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been facing pressure to reach a deal that includes a ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages, said on Sunday that his country would not rest until it caught those responsible for the killing of the six hostages. Also watch | How Hamas executed Oct 7 attack: New probe reveals explosive details × “In recent days, as Israel has been holding intensive negotiations with the mediator in a supreme effort to reach a deal, Hamas is continuing to steadfastly refuse all proposals. Even worse, at the exact same time, it murdered six of our hostages. Whoever murders hostages – does not want a deal," Prime Minister Netanyahu said. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Some of the six Israeli hostages found dead were approved for potential swap, says Hamas

Yemen's Houthi movement announced on Saturday that they have launched a second attack on a Liberia-flagged container ship, escalating their actions against commercial vessels in the Gulf of Aden.

Houthi rebels launch another attack on Liberia-flagged ship in Gulf of Aden

Voters in two former East German states began casting ballots on Sunday in elections expected to deal a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and deliver big gains for the far-right AfD.

The contests in Thuringia and Saxony come just over a week after three people were killed in a suspected Islamist attack, which has fuelled a bitter debate over immigration in Germany.

Opinion polls have the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead in Thuringia and a close second in Saxony, while also predicting a strong showing for the upstart far-left BSW.

Also watch |&nbsp;Germany: Far-right AfD eyes big gains in elections

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The two parties have found a receptive audience in the eastern states for their criticism of the government in Berlin and of military aid to Ukraine.

An election victory for the AfD would be a landmark in Germany's post-war history and represent a rebuke for Scholz ahead of national elections in 2025.

In both states, Scholz's Social Democrats are polling at around six per cent, while their coalition partners, the Greens and the liberal FDP, lag even further behind.

But even if the AfD does come out on top in the elections, it is unlikely to come to power because other parties have ruled out working with the far right to form a government.

Voting stations close at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT), with the first exit polls expected shortly after.

<h2>Far-right rise</h2>

Created in 2013 as an anti-euro group before morphing into an anti-immigration party, the AfD has capitalised on the fractious three-way coalition in Berlin to rise in opinion polls.

In June's EU Parliament elections, the party scored a record 15.9 per cent overall and did especially well in eastern Germany, where it emerged as the biggest force.

Saxony is the most populous of the former East German states and has been a conservative stronghold since reunification.&nbsp;

Thuringia, meanwhile, is more rural and the only state currently led by the far-left Die Linke, a successor of East Germany's ruling communist party.

A third former East German state, Brandenburg, is also due to hold an election later in September, where polls have the AfD ahead on around 24 per cent.

The picture in each state is slightly different but "in any case, it is clear that the AfD will unite a very strong number of votes behind it", Marianne Kneuer, a professor of politics at the Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden), told AFP.

The AfD has found stronger support in the east, where more voters "identify with its nationalist and authoritarian positions," and many are dissatisfied with the mainstream parties, Kneuer said.

At the party's last campaign meeting on Saturday in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, Thorsten Haentzsche, a 52-year-old voter, said he was "dreaming of an absolute majority" for the AfD.&nbsp;

"But we are realistic. A score of at least 33 per cent would be great because it would give us a blocking minority in the (regional) parliament," he said.

<h2>New challenger</h2>

Dissatisfaction with the government has also fed support for BSW, founded in January by the firebrand politician Sahra Wagenknecht after she quit Die Linke.

Like the AfD, Wagenknecht and her party have made hay with a dovish stance towards Russia and calls for a radical crackdown on immigration.

BSW scored an immediate success in June's European elections, hauling in around six percent of the German vote, and is polling a strong third in Saxony and Thuringia.

Other parties' refusal to work with the AfD leaves BSW as potentially the kingmaker in Thuringia and Saxony, despite serious policy disagreements with potential partners, especially on Ukraine.&nbsp;

The run-up to the votes in Saxony and Thuringia has, however, been dominated by an outcry over immigration stirred up by the deadly stabbing in the western city of Solingen.

The alleged attacker, a 26-year-old Syrian man with suspected links to the Islamic State group, was slated for deportation but evaded attempts by authorities to remove him.&nbsp;

The government has sought to respond to the alarm by announcing stricter knife controls and rules for migrants in Germany illegally.

The conservative CDU, which holds hopes of winning both elections, has said the initial measures do not go far enough and urged a halt to arrivals from Syria and Afghanistan.

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.

Voters in two former East German states began casting ballots on Sunday in elections expected to deal a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and deliver big gains for the far-right AfD.

Voters in two former East German states began casting ballots on Sunday in elections expected to deal a blow to Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government and deliver big gains for the far-right AfD. The contests in Thuringia and Saxony come just over a week after three people were killed in a suspected Islamist attack, which has fuelled a bitter debate over immigration in Germany. Opinion polls have the anti-immigration Alternative for Germany (AfD) ahead in Thuringia and a close second in Saxony, while also predicting a strong showing for the upstart far-left BSW. Also watch | Germany: Far-right AfD eyes big gains in elections × The two parties have found a receptive audience in the eastern states for their criticism of the government in Berlin and of military aid to Ukraine. An election victory for the AfD would be a landmark in Germany's post-war history and represent a rebuke for Scholz ahead of national elections in 2025. In both states, Scholz's Social Democrats are polling at around six per cent, while their coalition partners, the Greens and the liberal FDP, lag even further behind. But even if the AfD does come out on top in the elections, it is unlikely to come to power because other parties have ruled out working with the far right to form a government. Voting stations close at 6:00 pm (1600 GMT), with the first exit polls expected shortly after. Far-right rise Created in 2013 as an anti-euro group before morphing into an anti-immigration party, the AfD has capitalised on the fractious three-way coalition in Berlin to rise in opinion polls. In June's EU Parliament elections, the party scored a record 15.9 per cent overall and did especially well in eastern Germany, where it emerged as the biggest force. Saxony is the most populous of the former East German states and has been a conservative stronghold since reunification. Thuringia, meanwhile, is more rural and the only state currently led by the far-left Die Linke, a successor of East Germany's ruling communist party. A third former East German state, Brandenburg, is also due to hold an election later in September, where polls have the AfD ahead on around 24 per cent. The picture in each state is slightly different but "in any case, it is clear that the AfD will unite a very strong number of votes behind it", Marianne Kneuer, a professor of politics at the Dresden University of Technology (TU Dresden), told AFP. The AfD has found stronger support in the east, where more voters "identify with its nationalist and authoritarian positions," and many are dissatisfied with the mainstream parties, Kneuer said. At the party's last campaign meeting on Saturday in Erfurt, the capital of Thuringia, Thorsten Haentzsche, a 52-year-old voter, said he was "dreaming of an absolute majority" for the AfD. "But we are realistic. A score of at least 33 per cent would be great because it would give us a blocking minority in the (regional) parliament," he said. New challenger Dissatisfaction with the government has also fed support for BSW, founded in January by the firebrand politician Sahra Wagenknecht after she quit Die Linke. Like the AfD, Wagenknecht and her party have made hay with a dovish stance towards Russia and calls for a radical crackdown on immigration. BSW scored an immediate success in June's European elections, hauling in around six percent of the German vote, and is polling a strong third in Saxony and Thuringia. Other parties' refusal to work with the AfD leaves BSW as potentially the kingmaker in Thuringia and Saxony, despite serious policy disagreements with potential partners, especially on Ukraine. The run-up to the votes in Saxony and Thuringia has, however, been dominated by an outcry over immigration stirred up by the deadly stabbing in the western city of Solingen. The alleged attacker, a 26-year-old Syrian man with suspected links to the Islamic State group, was slated for deportation but evaded attempts by authorities to remove him. The government has sought to respond to the alarm by announcing stricter knife controls and rules for migrants in Germany illegally. The conservative CDU, which holds hopes of winning both elections, has said the initial measures do not go far enough and urged a halt to arrivals from Syria and Afghanistan. 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.

German regions go to polls amid expected surge of far-right AfD

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country needs some $100 billion in foreign investment to achieve an annual target of 8 percent economic growth up from the current rate of 4 percent.

President Pezeshkian says Iran need over $100 billion in foreign investment

Pope Francis will next week visit Indonesia, making a symbolic stop at a mosque that has the "Tunnel of Friendship," an extraordinary tunnel linking it to the city's Catholic cathedral.&nbsp;

This visit is part of the pope's 12-day Asia-Pacific tour.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:99,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1789}">Tunnel of Friendship</h2>

The "Tunnel of Friendship," measures 28.3 metres, and it connects Southeast Asia's largest Mosque, the Istiqlal Mosque, with the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whether-people-like-it-or-not-donald-trump-backs-marijuana-legalisation-in-florida-754960">'Whether people like it or not' Donald Trump backs Marijuana legalisation in Florida</a>

It was built in 2020 by the Indonesian government as a symbol of religious unity, a cause close to Pope Francis'&nbsp;heart throughout his 11-year papacy.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:294,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1984}">Pope's Asia-Pacific tour</h2>

Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia marks the beginning of the longest trip of his papacy.&nbsp;

His itinerary, as per the news agency Reuters, also includes Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore.&nbsp;

The long tour with its demanding schedule, as per the report, has raised concerns about his health.

During his Jakarta visit, Pope Francis will attend an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque and tour the tunnel, which features art inscribed on its walls and windows allowing natural light. While the tunnel is not yet open to the public, it symbolises the harmony between the two faiths.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:192,&quot;w&quot;:795,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1882}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confirms-israeli-american-hersh-goldberg-polin-among-gaza-hostage-remains-biden-condemns-hamas-754942">US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas</a>

Nasaruddin Umar, the grand imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, expressed his enthusiasm,&nbsp;"It's extraordinary that the Catholics' number one figure is coming," adding, "Whatever your religion is, let's respect our guest."

Rev. Thomas Ulun Ismoyo, an Indonesian church official, said that the Pope will meet outgoing President Joko Widodo and hold a mass service. The gathering, at a Jakarta stadium, is expected to draw over 80,000 attendees.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis will next week visit Indonesia, making a symbolic stop at a mosque that has the "Tunnel of Friendship," an extraordinary tunnel linking it to the city's Catholic cathedral.

Pope Francis will next week visit Indonesia, making a symbolic stop at a mosque that has the "Tunnel of Friendship," an extraordinary tunnel linking it to the city's Catholic cathedral. This visit is part of the pope's 12-day Asia-Pacific tour. Tunnel of Friendship The "Tunnel of Friendship," measures 28.3 metres, and it connects Southeast Asia's largest Mosque, the Istiqlal Mosque, with the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral. Also read | 'Whether people like it or not' Donald Trump backs Marijuana legalisation in Florida It was built in 2020 by the Indonesian government as a symbol of religious unity, a cause close to Pope Francis' heart throughout his 11-year papacy. Pope's Asia-Pacific tour Pope Francis' visit to Indonesia marks the beginning of the longest trip of his papacy. His itinerary, as per the news agency Reuters, also includes Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. The long tour with its demanding schedule, as per the report, has raised concerns about his health. During his Jakarta visit, Pope Francis will attend an interfaith meeting at the Istiqlal Mosque and tour the tunnel, which features art inscribed on its walls and windows allowing natural light. While the tunnel is not yet open to the public, it symbolises the harmony between the two faiths. Also read | US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas Nasaruddin Umar, the grand imam of the Istiqlal Mosque, expressed his enthusiasm, "It's extraordinary that the Catholics' number one figure is coming," adding, "Whatever your religion is, let's respect our guest." Rev. Thomas Ulun Ismoyo, an Indonesian church official, said that the Pope will meet outgoing President Joko Widodo and hold a mass service. The gathering, at a Jakarta stadium, is expected to draw over 80,000 attendees. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis to embark on Asia-Pacific tour; to visit Indonesia's 'tunnel of friendship'

India and the United States signed two key agreements during Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's official visit to Washington to further boost the comprehensive global strategic partnership between the two nations.

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inks 2 pacts with US during visit to Washington

Russia-Ukraine War: Ukraine launched drones overnight on Moscow, says Russian Official

An alliance of parties seeking independence for New Caledonia has nominated a prominent opposition leader, currently jailed in France over a wave of deadly rioting in the French Pacific territory, as its chief.

Christian Tein, who considers himself a "political prisoner", was one of seven pro-independence activists transferred to mainland France in June -- a move that sparked renewed violence that has roiled the archipelago and left 11 people dead.

His appointment on Saturday to lead the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS) risks complicating efforts to end the crisis, sparked in May by a Paris plan for voting reforms that indigenous Kanaks fear will thwart their ambitions for independence by leaving them a permanent minority.

Laurie Humuni of the RDO party, one of four in the FLNKS alliance, said Saturday that Tein's nomination was a recognition of his CCAT party's leading role in mobilising the independence movement.

It was not clear if the two other alliance members, the UPM and Palika, supported the move after they had refused to participate in the latest FLNKS meeting and indicated they would not support any of its proposals.

The alliance also said it was willing to renew talks to end the protests, but only if local anti-independence parties are excluded.

"We will have to remove some blockades to allow the population access to essential services, but that does not mean we are abandoning our struggle," Humuni told AFP.

On Thursday, France said it had agreed to terms with Pacific leaders seeking a fact-finding mission to New Caledonia in a bid to resolve the dispute, though a date for the mission has not yet been set.

President Emmanuel Macron's government has sent thousands of troops and police to restore order in the archipelago, almost 17,000 kilometres (10,600 miles) from Paris, and the electoral reforms were suspended in June.

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. 
&nbsp;

An alliance of parties seeking independence for New Caledonia has nominated a prominent opposition leader, currently jailed in France over a wave of deadly rioting in the French Pacific territory, as its chief.

An alliance of parties seeking independence for New Caledonia has nominated a prominent opposition leader, currently jailed in France over a wave of deadly rioting in the French Pacific territory, as its chief. Christian Tein, who considers himself a "political prisoner", was one of seven pro-independence activists transferred to mainland France in June -- a move that sparked renewed violence that has roiled the archipelago and left 11 people dead. His appointment on Saturday to lead the Socialist Kanak National Liberation Front (FLNKS) risks complicating efforts to end the crisis, sparked in May by a Paris plan for voting reforms that indigenous Kanaks fear will thwart their ambitions for independence by leaving them a permanent minority. Laurie Humuni of the RDO party, one of four in the FLNKS alliance, said Saturday that Tein's nomination was a recognition of his CCAT party's leading role in mobilising the independence movement. It was not clear if the two other alliance members, the UPM and Palika, supported the move after they had refused to participate in the latest FLNKS meeting and indicated they would not support any of its proposals. The alliance also said it was willing to renew talks to end the protests, but only if local anti-independence parties are excluded. "We will have to remove some blockades to allow the population access to essential services, but that does not mean we are abandoning our struggle," Humuni told AFP. On Thursday, France said it had agreed to terms with Pacific leaders seeking a fact-finding mission to New Caledonia in a bid to resolve the dispute, though a date for the mission has not yet been set. President Emmanuel Macron's government has sent thousands of troops and police to restore order in the archipelago, almost 17,000 kilometres (10,600 miles) from Paris, and the electoral reforms were suspended in June. 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.

New Caledonia separatists name jailed pro-independence leader Christian Tein as head of alliance FLNKS

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the Hamas on Sunday (Sep 1), as he vowed to "settle the score" with the militant group after the discovery of six hostages' bodies from a Gaza tunnel.&nbsp;

Speaking to the press, Netanyahu declared, "Those who kill hostages do not want a deal" and warned that Hamas leaders would be relentlessly pursued. He emphasised, "We will hunt you down, we will catch you and we will settle the score."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:116,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1806}">Inconceivable brutality</h2>

Netanyahu pointed at Hamas'&nbsp;"inconceivable brutality," and said, "We saw the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas murderers on October 7, and we have seen it again in the tunnels under Rafah."

"The fact that Hamas is continuing to perpetrate atrocities like those it carried out on October 7, requires us to do everything, so that it will not be able to perpetrate these atrocities again."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:345,&quot;w&quot;:741,&quot;h&quot;:49,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2035}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-discovers-bodies-in-gaza-possible-hostages-from-oct-7-the-country-will-tremble-warn-angry-families-754927">IDF discovers bodies of six Oct 7 hostages in Gaza : 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families</a>

"Citizens of Israel, our efforts to free our hostages are continuing constantly. Since December, Hamas has refused to hold genuine negotiations," he added.

He also accused Hamas of launching a deadly shooting attack near Hebron in the occupied West Bank.&nbsp;

"Citizens of Israel. We are fighting on all fronts against a brutal enemy who wants to murder us all. Only this morning, it murdered three police officers in Hebron,"&nbsp;Netanyahu said.

His comments come amid escalating violence, as Israeli forces announced the retrieval of the bodies of six hostages, identified as&nbsp;Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino.

According to an AFP report quoting a&nbsp;senior Hamas official, some of the six Israeli hostages had been "approved" for release in the event of a truce deal.

"Some of the names of the captives announced as found by the (Israeli) occupier… were part of the list of hostages to be released that Hamas had approved" in a proposed exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, the Hamas official said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confirms-israeli-american-hersh-goldberg-polin-among-gaza-hostage-remains-biden-condemns-hamas-754942">US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}">Opposition calls for labour strike</h2>

Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for drastic measures to pressure the government into securing the release of remaining hostages.&nbsp;

Lapid urged Israelis "whose heart was broken this morning" to participate in a major protest in Tel Aviv later on Sunday and appealed to the country's main labour union, businesses, and municipalities to strike.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the Hamas on Sunday (Sep 1), as he vowed to "settle the score" with the militant group after the discovery of six hostages' bodies from a Gaza tunnel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed the Hamas on Sunday (Sep 1), as he vowed to "settle the score" with the militant group after the discovery of six hostages' bodies from a Gaza tunnel. Speaking to the press, Netanyahu declared, "Those who kill hostages do not want a deal" and warned that Hamas leaders would be relentlessly pursued. He emphasised, "We will hunt you down, we will catch you and we will settle the score." Inconceivable brutality Netanyahu pointed at Hamas' "inconceivable brutality," and said, "We saw the inconceivable brutality of the Hamas murderers on October 7, and we have seen it again in the tunnels under Rafah." "The fact that Hamas is continuing to perpetrate atrocities like those it carried out on October 7, requires us to do everything, so that it will not be able to perpetrate these atrocities again." Also read | IDF discovers bodies of six Oct 7 hostages in Gaza : 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families "Citizens of Israel, our efforts to free our hostages are continuing constantly. Since December, Hamas has refused to hold genuine negotiations," he added. He also accused Hamas of launching a deadly shooting attack near Hebron in the occupied West Bank. "Citizens of Israel. We are fighting on all fronts against a brutal enemy who wants to murder us all. Only this morning, it murdered three police officers in Hebron," Netanyahu said. His comments come amid escalating violence, as Israeli forces announced the retrieval of the bodies of six hostages, identified as Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino. According to an AFP report quoting a senior Hamas official, some of the six Israeli hostages had been "approved" for release in the event of a truce deal. "Some of the names of the captives announced as found by the (Israeli) occupier… were part of the list of hostages to be released that Hamas had approved" in a proposed exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, the Hamas official said. Also read | US confirms Israeli-American Hersh Goldberg-Polin among Gaza hostage remains, Biden condemns Hamas Opposition calls for labour strike Meanwhile, Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has called for drastic measures to pressure the government into securing the release of remaining hostages. Lapid urged Israelis "whose heart was broken this morning" to participate in a major protest in Tel Aviv later on Sunday and appealed to the country's main labour union, businesses, and municipalities to strike. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu pledges to ‘settle the score’ with Hamas after bodies of six killed hostages found in Gaza

The anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany party is predicted to do well in Saxony and Thuringia.

Germany: Far-right AfD eyes big gains in elections, voters head to polls in 2 Eastern states

Germany: Far-right AfD eyes big gains in elections

Israel recovered the bodies of six hostages from a tunnel in southern Gaza where they were apparently killed not long before Israeli troops reached them, the military said on Sunday.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel recovers bodies of six hostages in Gaza

UN aid teams have reached a tentative agreement with parties involved in the war in Gaza for humanitarian pauses to allow 640,000 children to be vaccinated amid an outbreak of the virus, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday.

Countdown to peace pauses for polio shots, 640,000 children to be vaccinated

Norwegian Princess Martha Louise married American self-proclaimed shaman Durek Verrett on Saturday, a union of two alternative therapy devotees that has raised eyebrows in Norway.

The wedding that rattled Norway: Princess Märtha Louise marries American shaman Durek Verrett

Pope Francis to embark on Asia-Pacific tour next week

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday (Aug 31) threw his support behind a ballot initiative aimed at legalising recreational marijuana use in Florida.&nbsp;

Taking to Truth Social, his social media platform, the former US president asserted his endorsement of the measure, and said, "Whether people like it or not, this will happen."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1803}">Florida's Marijuana Initiative&nbsp;</h2>

"In Florida, like so many other States that have already given their approval, personal amounts of marijuana will be legalised for adults with Amendment 3," said Trump.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-slams-donald-trumps-political-stunt-at-arlington-cemetery-comments-nothing-new-754918">Kamala Harris slams Donald Trump's 'political stunt' at Arlington cemetery, comments: 'nothing new'</a>

Putting a spin on the 'Make America Great Again' movement, Trump said through the legalisation, "We will make America SAFE again!"

He argued that individuals should not face criminal charges in Florida for actions that are legal in many other states.&nbsp;

"Someone should not be a criminal in Florida when this is legal in so many other states," Trump wrote.

"We do not need to ruin lives &amp; waste Taxpayer Dollars arresting adults with personal amounts of it on them, and no one should grieve a loved one because they died from fentanyl-laced marijuana."

Trump also advocated for regulations on public cannabis use "so we do not smell marijuana everywhere we go like we do in many of the Democrat-run Cities."

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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:357,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2047}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:526,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2216}">Marijuana and the US</h2>

In the US, the push for decriminalisation is resonating nationwide. As per news agency AFP, three-quarters of Americans reside in states where marijuana is either legal for recreational or medical use, or strictly medical use.&nbsp;

Support is especially prevalent among younger demographics, a group that has increasingly aligned with Trump's rival, Kamala Harris since she secured the Democratic nomination for president.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jeff-walz-brother-of-kamala-harris-vp-pick-tim-walz-might-support-trump-754857" target="_blank">Jeff Walz, brother of Kamala Harris' VP pick Tim Walz, might support Trump</a>

However, the initiative, which is set to appear on the November ballot alongside the presidential election, has met with resistance from Governor Ron DeSantis and other state Republicans.

Earlier this year, DeSantis voiced concerns that the amendment could turn Florida into a "San Francisco or Chicago."&nbsp;

"We got to keep our streets clean," he asserted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday (Aug 31) threw his support behind a ballot initiative aimed at legalising recreational marijuana use in Florida.

Republican Presidential candidate Donald Trump on Saturday (Aug 31) threw his support behind a ballot initiative aimed at legalising recreational marijuana use in Florida. Taking to Truth Social, his social media platform, the former US president asserted his endorsement of the measure, and said, "Whether people like it or not, this will happen." Florida's Marijuana Initiative "In Florida, like so many other States that have already given their approval, personal amounts of marijuana will be legalised for adults with Amendment 3," said Trump. Also read | Kamala Harris slams Donald Trump's 'political stunt' at Arlington cemetery, comments: 'nothing new' Putting a spin on the 'Make America Great Again' movement, Trump said through the legalisation, "We will make America SAFE again!" He argued that individuals should not face criminal charges in Florida for actions that are legal in many other states. "Someone should not be a criminal in Florida when this is legal in so many other states," Trump wrote. "We do not need to ruin lives & waste Taxpayer Dollars arresting adults with personal amounts of it on them, and no one should grieve a loved one because they died from fentanyl-laced marijuana." Trump also advocated for regulations on public cannabis use "so we do not smell marijuana everywhere we go like we do in many of the Democrat-run Cities." × Marijuana and the US In the US, the push for decriminalisation is resonating nationwide. As per news agency AFP, three-quarters of Americans reside in states where marijuana is either legal for recreational or medical use, or strictly medical use. Support is especially prevalent among younger demographics, a group that has increasingly aligned with Trump's rival, Kamala Harris since she secured the Democratic nomination for president. Also read | Jeff Walz, brother of Kamala Harris' VP pick Tim Walz, might support Trump However, the initiative, which is set to appear on the November ballot alongside the presidential election, has met with resistance from Governor Ron DeSantis and other state Republicans. Earlier this year, DeSantis voiced concerns that the amendment could turn Florida into a "San Francisco or Chicago." "We got to keep our streets clean," he asserted. (With inputs from agencies)

'Whether people like it or not' Donald Trump backs Marijuana legalisation in Florida

The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located six bodies in the Gaza Strip. These bodies, as per AFP, are of hostages taken by the militant group Hamas on Oct 7.

The&nbsp;remains were recovered on Saturday "from an underground tunnel in the Rafah area" and formally identified in Israel,&nbsp;said the military.

Israel forces have named them as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sergeant Ori Danino.

The discovery, which comes shortly after other bodies of captives were returned from Gaza, has added to growing outrage against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:179,&quot;w&quot;:717,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2019}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-kill-48-ahead-of-whos-polio-campaign-in-gaza-un-plans-to-vaccinate-640000-children-754914">Israeli strikes kill 48 ahead of WHO's polio campaign in Gaza; UN plans to vaccinate 640,000 children</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2054}">'Abandonment is over'</h2>

Even as the Israeli military warned people against spreading rumours, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an activist group that advocates for the relatives of abductees in Gaza, revealed its plans to announce major protests&nbsp;— to be held on Sunday.

"Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. It is now a fact," said the group as the war approaches its 12th month.

According to the Times of Israel, the group vowed, "Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble."

"We call on the public to prepare. The country will grind to a halt. The abandonment is over," it added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:421,&quot;w&quot;:802,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2261}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-and-gallant-exchange-fiery-words-after-israeli-pm-prioritises-stationing-troops-over-saving-hostages-754758">Netanyahu and Gallant exchange fiery words after Israeli PM prioritises stationing troops over saving hostages</a>

The opposition also slammed Netanyahu for focusing on insignificant issues even as "our sons and daughters are being abandoned and dying in captivity."

Opposition Leader Yair Lapid charged that "Not the Philadelphi Corridor nor the polio vaccines [in Gaza] interest him — just the coalition and preserving [the partnership with Bezalel] Smotrich and [Itamar] Ben Gvir."

"In the process, he is crushing the families and the nation of Israel," he added.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:603,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2443}">Israeli hostages in Gaza</h2>

The discovery of the hostage bodies comes days after the Israeli military rescued one live witness. Furthermore, in recent days, other bodies of captives were also returned from the Strip. According to reports, Gaza still holds 103 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, along with the bodies of 33 confirmed dead by the IDF.&nbsp;In late November, the militant group Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce,&nbsp;and four hostages were released before that.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located six bodies in the Gaza Strip. These bodies, as per AFP, are of hostages taken by the militant group Hamas on Oct 7.

The Israel Defence Forces on Saturday (Aug 31) night announced that its troops had located six bodies in the Gaza Strip. These bodies, as per AFP, are of hostages taken by the militant group Hamas on Oct 7. The remains were recovered on Saturday "from an underground tunnel in the Rafah area" and formally identified in Israel, said the military. Israel forces have named them as Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Master Sergeant Ori Danino. The discovery, which comes shortly after other bodies of captives were returned from Gaza, has added to growing outrage against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government. Also read | Israeli strikes kill 48 ahead of WHO's polio campaign in Gaza; UN plans to vaccinate 640,000 children 'Abandonment is over' Even as the Israeli military warned people against spreading rumours, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, an activist group that advocates for the relatives of abductees in Gaza, revealed its plans to announce major protests — to be held on Sunday. "Netanyahu abandoned the hostages. It is now a fact," said the group as the war approaches its 12th month. According to the Times of Israel, the group vowed, "Starting tomorrow, the country will tremble." "We call on the public to prepare. The country will grind to a halt. The abandonment is over," it added. Also read | Netanyahu and Gallant exchange fiery words after Israeli PM prioritises stationing troops over saving hostages The opposition also slammed Netanyahu for focusing on insignificant issues even as "our sons and daughters are being abandoned and dying in captivity." Opposition Leader Yair Lapid charged that "Not the Philadelphi Corridor nor the polio vaccines [in Gaza] interest him — just the coalition and preserving [the partnership with Bezalel] Smotrich and [Itamar] Ben Gvir." "In the process, he is crushing the families and the nation of Israel," he added. Israeli hostages in Gaza The discovery of the hostage bodies comes days after the Israeli military rescued one live witness. Furthermore, in recent days, other bodies of captives were also returned from the Strip. According to reports, Gaza still holds 103 of the 251 hostages taken by Hamas on October 7, along with the bodies of 33 confirmed dead by the IDF. In late November, the militant group Hamas released 105 civilians during a weeklong truce, and four hostages were released before that. (With inputs from agencies)

IDF discovers bodies of six Oct 7 hostages in Gaza : 'The country will tremble,' warn angry families

A shocking 6,000 Gazans invaded Israel during the October 7 massacre, roughly doubling the previously estimated figure, according to a new study by the Gaza Division that was given to IDF Chief. Watch to know more.

How Hamas executed Oct 7 attack: New probe reveals explosive details

The Israeli military launched a missile, targeting the lead vehicle of a Gaza aid convoy, resulting in the deaths of five people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that militants had hijacked the vehicle.

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), a nonprofit based in Washington&nbsp;DC, which had organised the convoy, described the incident as "shocking" in a statement released on Friday (Aug 30). The organisation stated that those who lost their lives worked for a local transportation company.

The convoy was transporting medical supplies and fuel to a hospital in Gaza's Rafah run by the Emiratis, with its route coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said&nbsp;a report by The Washington Post, citing Anera's Palestine Country Director, Sandra Rasheed.

A Times of Israel report said that the&nbsp;aid organisation from the United States has acknowledged that a group of people, who the Israeli military alleges were armed, seized control of an aid convoy in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday.

As per the report, the organisation admitted that they did not vet these individuals or coordinate with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gallant-warns-israeli-ministers-to-make-hostage-ceasefire-deal-or-face-danger-of-multi-front-war-754560">Gallant warns Israeli ministers to make 'hostage-ceasefire deal' or face danger of 'multi-front war'</a>

The attack in southern Gaza on Thursday (August 29) occurred just days after a World Food Program truck was fired upon in the same area. These incidents have added to the growing challenges faced by humanitarian organisations operating in the increasingly volatile environment.

<h2>'Armed militants took control' of the lead vehicle: Israel</h2>

The IDF, in its explanation of the incident, said that the attack was carried out when gunmen took control of the lead vehicle in the convoy. "During the convoy’s journey, armed militants took control of a vehicle at the front of the convoy," the Israeli military&nbsp;said.&nbsp;

"An attack was carried out against them. No other vehicles in the convoy were harmed, and it reached its destination as planned," it added. The IDF&nbsp;also said that the "attack on the militants removed the threat to the humanitarian convoy."

Humanitarian organisations delivering aid to Gaza have faced frequent attacks during the ongoing conflict, raising serious concerns about the system for coordinating routes and the IDF’s conduct in the war.

The United Nations has reported that over 280 humanitarian workers have lost their lives since the conflict in Gaza started on&nbsp;October 7 after Hamas attacked Israel.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli military launched a missile, targeting the lead vehicle of a Gaza aid convoy, resulting in the deaths of five people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that militants had hijacked the vehicle.

The Israeli military launched a missile, targeting the lead vehicle of a Gaza aid convoy, resulting in the deaths of five people. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed that militants had hijacked the vehicle. American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera), a nonprofit based in Washington DC, which had organised the convoy, described the incident as "shocking" in a statement released on Friday (Aug 30). The organisation stated that those who lost their lives worked for a local transportation company. The convoy was transporting medical supplies and fuel to a hospital in Gaza's Rafah run by the Emiratis, with its route coordinated with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said a report by The Washington Post, citing Anera's Palestine Country Director, Sandra Rasheed. A Times of Israel report said that the aid organisation from the United States has acknowledged that a group of people, who the Israeli military alleges were armed, seized control of an aid convoy in the southern Gaza Strip yesterday. As per the report, the organisation admitted that they did not vet these individuals or coordinate with the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). Also read: Gallant warns Israeli ministers to make 'hostage-ceasefire deal' or face danger of 'multi-front war' The attack in southern Gaza on Thursday (August 29) occurred just days after a World Food Program truck was fired upon in the same area. These incidents have added to the growing challenges faced by humanitarian organisations operating in the increasingly volatile environment. 'Armed militants took control' of the lead vehicle: Israel The IDF, in its explanation of the incident, said that the attack was carried out when gunmen took control of the lead vehicle in the convoy. "During the convoy’s journey, armed militants took control of a vehicle at the front of the convoy," the Israeli military said. "An attack was carried out against them. No other vehicles in the convoy were harmed, and it reached its destination as planned," it added. The IDF also said that the "attack on the militants removed the threat to the humanitarian convoy." Humanitarian organisations delivering aid to Gaza have faced frequent attacks during the ongoing conflict, raising serious concerns about the system for coordinating routes and the IDF’s conduct in the war. The United Nations has reported that over 280 humanitarian workers have lost their lives since the conflict in Gaza started on October 7 after Hamas attacked Israel. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli strike on Gaza aid convoy organised by US humanitarian group kills five; IDF says vehicle was hijacked

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Aug 30) dismissed Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, saying it was necessary to “take care of all our soldiers.”

The development comes after a top Ukrainian pilot was killed on Monday (Aug 26) after his F-16 fighter jet went down.&nbsp;Ukrainian military confirmed the news on August 29.

In his evening address, Zelensky said, “(I thank) everyone who is really fighting for Ukraine — for the result. And it is also necessary at the command level. We must strengthen ourselves. And we must take care of people. Take care of the personnel. Take care of all our soldiers."

Ukrainian president’s office didn’t provide any reason for Oleshchuk’s dismissal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj0q6fLqJ2IAxU6TGwGHedcC1cQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/always-advocated-constructive-dialogue-india-on-making-efforts-to-end-ukraine-conflict-754672" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/always-advocated-constructive-dialogue-india-on-making-efforts-to-end-ukraine-conflict-754672&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0q6fLqJ2IAxU6TGwGHedcC1cQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">‘Always advocated constructive dialogue,’ India on making efforts to end Ukraine conflict</a>

Kyiv Independent, a pro-Ukraine news outlet, reported that the jet crashed while defending against a massive Russian drone attack.&nbsp;Ukraine's defence ministry is said to have opened a probe into the accident.

Oleshchuk had earlier pledged to get to the bottom of the crash, and said that "no one has hidden anything (or is) hiding anything (now)."

<h2>Russia pulls&nbsp;100 paramilitary officers out of Burkina Faso to aid its war efforts in Ukraine</h2>

Russia is pulling 100 paramilitary officers out of Burkina Faso to support its war efforts in Ukraine. These officers are part of a strong 300-personnel contingent from the Bear Brigade, a Russian private military company, that was deployed to the West African country in May to aid its military junta.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj0q6fLqJ2IAxU6TGwGHedcC1cQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-f-16-fighter-jet-crash-in-ukraine-russian-attack-or-friendly-fire-754710" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-f-16-fighter-jet-crash-in-ukraine-russian-attack-or-friendly-fire-754710&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj0q6fLqJ2IAxU6TGwGHedcC1cQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Russia-Ukraine war: F-16 Fighter Jet Crash in Ukraine: Russian Attack or Friendly Fire?</a>

The Bear Brigade announced on its Telegram channel that its forces would return to Russia to help defend against Ukraine’s offensive in the Kursk region. This withdrawal raises concerns about the potential impact on Burkina Faso’s security, as Islamist insurgents recently carried out one of the deadliest attacks in years, killing up&nbsp;to&nbsp;300&nbsp;people.

<h2>Russian strike kills six&nbsp;in Kharkiv</h2>

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv was reportedly&nbsp;hit by a Russian bomb attack Friday in which&nbsp;a residential building and a playground were targeted, killing six people and injuring at least 55 more.

Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said that around 20 people were injured and were being treated in hospital.&nbsp;Ihor Terekhov, the city's mayor, said on Telegram one child was killed in the playground.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Aug 30) dismissed Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, saying it was necessary to “take care of all our soldiers.

Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Aug 30) dismissed Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk, saying it was necessary to “take care of all our soldiers.” The development comes after a top Ukrainian pilot was killed on Monday (Aug 26) after his F-16 fighter jet went down. Ukrainian military confirmed the news on August 29. In his evening address, Zelensky said, “(I thank) everyone who is really fighting for Ukraine — for the result. And it is also necessary at the command level. We must strengthen ourselves. And we must take care of people. Take care of the personnel. Take care of all our soldiers." Ukrainian president’s office didn’t provide any reason for Oleshchuk’s dismissal. Also read: ‘Always advocated constructive dialogue,’ India on making efforts to end Ukraine conflict Kyiv Independent, a pro-Ukraine news outlet, reported that the jet crashed while defending against a massive Russian drone attack. Ukraine's defence ministry is said to have opened a probe into the accident. Oleshchuk had earlier pledged to get to the bottom of the crash, and said that "no one has hidden anything (or is) hiding anything (now)." Russia pulls 100 paramilitary officers out of Burkina Faso to aid its war efforts in Ukraine Russia is pulling 100 paramilitary officers out of Burkina Faso to support its war efforts in Ukraine. These officers are part of a strong 300-personnel contingent from the Bear Brigade, a Russian private military company, that was deployed to the West African country in May to aid its military junta. Also read: Russia-Ukraine war: F-16 Fighter Jet Crash in Ukraine: Russian Attack or Friendly Fire? The Bear Brigade announced on its Telegram channel that its forces would return to Russia to help defend against Ukraine’s offensive in the Kursk region. This withdrawal raises concerns about the potential impact on Burkina Faso’s security, as Islamist insurgents recently carried out one of the deadliest attacks in years, killing up to 300 people. Russian strike kills six in Kharkiv Meanwhile, Ukraine's northeastern city of Kharkiv was reportedly hit by a Russian bomb attack Friday in which a residential building and a playground were targeted, killing six people and injuring at least 55 more. Regional Governor Oleh Syniehubov said that around 20 people were injured and were being treated in hospital. Ihor Terekhov, the city's mayor, said on Telegram one child was killed in the playground. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Ukraine war: ‘We must take care…,’ Zelensky sacks Air Force chief following fatal F-16 crash

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