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Who was Jeffrey Epstein, and what are the court documents about? Formerly redacted names of the financier and sex offender’s network were revealed in records unsealed on Wednesday. The documents also highlight Epstein’s ultra-luxurious lifestyle and over $580 million fortune, which has been reduced to size since his death.

Who was Jeffrey Epstein? Where did he source his $580 mn fortune?

<p lang="en-US">Court documents with names of people linked to sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were made public Wednesday (Jan 3). Former US president Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew – a member of the UK's royal family, as well as musician Michael Jackson and famed magician David Copperfield emerged as some of the big names.<br />
<br />
A New York federal judge had earlier given&nbsp;orders for the release of the files as part of a lawsuit linked to Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She has been serving a 20-year jail prison sentence for crimes which she allegedly committed along with Epstein.<br />
<br />
A total of 943 pages were released by the court. Some of the people named have been accused of wrongdoing and others present on the list are either potential witnesses or those making allegations.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bill-clinton-to-be-named-among-200-linked-to-jeffrey-epstein-sex-trafficking-conspiracy-report-675770">Bill Clinton in list of 200 names linked to Jeffrey Epstein that will be released: Report</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">New York Judge Loretta Preska, while giving orders for making the names public, said that many of those who have been named in the lawsuit were already identified in Maxwell's criminal trial and by the media. The judge said that no objection was raised by others over the release of the documents.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>'Clinton likes them young'</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Ghislaine Maxwell, in a deposition, talked about Andrew's visit to Epstein’s Island which is located in the US Virgin Islands. Epstein has faced accusations of abusing many girls on this island.<br />
<br />
“Were you present on the island when Prince Andrew visited?” the investigators asked Maxwell. Responding in affirmation, she said, “I can only remember once.” Speaking about whether any girls were present on the island at that time, Maxwell said, “There were no girls on the island at all. No girls, no women, other than the staff who work at the house.”<br />
<br />
In one of the documents, a deposition given by Johanna Sjoberg was also included. Sjoberg was allegedly procured by Maxwell for performing sex acts on Epstein. In her deposition, Sjoberg said that Epstein&nbsp;“said one time that Clinton likes them young, referring to girls”.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-explains-jeffrey-epstein-scandal-continues-beyond-the-grave-heres-all-you-need-to-know-671613">Explained | Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues ‘beyond the grave’. Here’s all you need to know</a></p>

<p lang="en-US">The files also included Maxwell's testimony which confirmed that Clinton had travelled on the private jet of Epstein but added that she was not aware how many times. In the early 2000s, Clinton travelled on Epstein's plane for humanitarian trips to Africa and the former US president also praised the sex offender, calling him a committed philanthropist.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Michael Jackson, David Copperfield's Epstein connection</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">Sjoberg added that Michael Jackson as well as David Copperfield visited Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion. “Did you ever meet anybody famous when you were with Jeffrey? she was quizzed. “I met Michael Jackson … at [Epstein’s] house in Palm Beach,” she said.<br />
<br />
When questioned if she massaged Jackson, Sjoberg said: “I did not.” Talking about Copperfield, Sjoberg said that he came for dinner at one of the homes of Epstein and “he did some magic tricks”.</p>

<p lang="en-US"><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Joe Biden to speak at Valley Forge about US democracy</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/joe-biden-to-speak-at-valley-forge-about-us-democracy-676331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p lang="en-US">Sjoberg further replied in the affirmative&nbsp;when&nbsp;asked, “Did you observe David Copperfield to be a friend of Jeffrey Epstein’s?”</p>

<p lang="en-US">“He questioned me if I was aware that girls were getting paid to find other girls,” she added.</p>

<h2 lang="en-US"><strong>Epstein contacted Trump?</strong></h2>

<p lang="en-US">The document further included testimony in which Sjoberg said that she was informed by Epstein that he would contact Donald Trump while on their way to one of his casinos in New Jersey.<br />
<br />
"Jeffrey said, 'Great, we'll call up Trump'," Sjoberg testified after it was said by the pilots that their plane could not land in New York and needed to be stopped in Atlantic City, New Jersey.<br />
<br />
However, no alleged wrongdoing of Trump has been revealed in the documents. In 2019, Epstein was indicted on federal charges of running a sex trafficking ring in which dozens of underage girls were allegedly abused by him.<br />
<br />
Epstein, while waiting for trial in the prison, allegedly died by suicide. Meanwhile, Maxwell was indicted by the prosecutors on sex trafficking charges.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Court documents with names of people linked to sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were made public Wednesday (Jan 3). Former US president Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew – a member of the UK's royal family, as well as musician Michael Jackson and famed magician David Copperfield emerged as some of the big names.

Court documents with names of people linked to sex offender and disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein were made public Wednesday (Jan 3). Former US president Bill Clinton, Prince Andrew – a member of the UK's royal family, as well as musician Michael Jackson and famed magician David Copperfield emerged as some of the big names. A New York federal judge had earlier given orders for the release of the files as part of a lawsuit linked to Epstein's associate Ghislaine Maxwell. She has been serving a 20-year jail prison sentence for crimes which she allegedly committed along with Epstein. A total of 943 pages were released by the court. Some of the people named have been accused of wrongdoing and others present on the list are either potential witnesses or those making allegations. Also read: Bill Clinton in list of 200 names linked to Jeffrey Epstein that will be released: Report New York Judge Loretta Preska, while giving orders for making the names public, said that many of those who have been named in the lawsuit were already identified in Maxwell's criminal trial and by the media. The judge said that no objection was raised by others over the release of the documents. 'Clinton likes them young' Ghislaine Maxwell, in a deposition, talked about Andrew's visit to Epstein’s Island which is located in the US Virgin Islands. Epstein has faced accusations of abusing many girls on this island. “Were you present on the island when Prince Andrew visited?” the investigators asked Maxwell. Responding in affirmation, she said, “I can only remember once.” Speaking about whether any girls were present on the island at that time, Maxwell said, “There were no girls on the island at all. No girls, no women, other than the staff who work at the house.” In one of the documents, a deposition given by Johanna Sjoberg was also included. Sjoberg was allegedly procured by Maxwell for performing sex acts on Epstein. In her deposition, Sjoberg said that Epstein “said one time that Clinton likes them young, referring to girls”. Also read: Explained | Jeffrey Epstein scandal continues ‘beyond the grave’. Here’s all you need to know The files also included Maxwell's testimony which confirmed that Clinton had travelled on the private jet of Epstein but added that she was not aware how many times. In the early 2000s, Clinton travelled on Epstein's plane for humanitarian trips to Africa and the former US president also praised the sex offender, calling him a committed philanthropist. Michael Jackson, David Copperfield's Epstein connection Sjoberg added that Michael Jackson as well as David Copperfield visited Epstein’s Palm Beach mansion. “Did you ever meet anybody famous when you were with Jeffrey? she was quizzed. “I met Michael Jackson … at [Epstein’s] house in Palm Beach,” she said. When questioned if she massaged Jackson, Sjoberg said: “I did not.” Talking about Copperfield, Sjoberg said that he came for dinner at one of the homes of Epstein and “he did some magic tricks”. Watch: Joe Biden to speak at Valley Forge about US democracy Sjoberg further replied in the affirmative when asked, “Did you observe David Copperfield to be a friend of Jeffrey Epstein’s?” “He questioned me if I was aware that girls were getting paid to find other girls,” she added. Epstein contacted Trump? The document further included testimony in which Sjoberg said that she was informed by Epstein that he would contact Donald Trump while on their way to one of his casinos in New Jersey. "Jeffrey said, 'Great, we'll call up Trump'," Sjoberg testified after it was said by the pilots that their plane could not land in New York and needed to be stopped in Atlantic City, New Jersey. However, no alleged wrongdoing of Trump has been revealed in the documents. In 2019, Epstein was indicted on federal charges of running a sex trafficking ring in which dozens of underage girls were allegedly abused by him. Epstein, while waiting for trial in the prison, allegedly died by suicide. Meanwhile, Maxwell was indicted by the prosecutors on sex trafficking charges. (With inputs from agencies)

Jeffrey Epstein's court files unsealed, Bill Clinton and Prince Andrew emerge as big names

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<p>An imam (the officiating priest of a mosque), identified as Imam Hassan Sharif, was shot outside Masjid Muhammad-Newark in Newark, New Jersey, around 6:15 am. The critically wounded Imam was&nbsp;transported to University hospital two blocks away, where he died from the injuries.</p>

<p>The shooter, dressed in all black, fled the scene. The victim was shot in the abdomen and right arm, as reported by NBC News.</p>

<p>Attorney General Matthew Platkin told NBC News&nbsp;that the shooting does not appear to be motivated by bias. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring all possible angles. The FBI is not currently involved in the investigation.</p>

<h2><strong>Community concerns and tensions</strong></h2>

<p>The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas war. While the motive remains unclear, requests for help and reports of bias&nbsp;against Muslims have increased across the US, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR).</p>

<p>The New Jersey chapter of CAIR expressed deep concern about the incident and urged anyone with information to contact the local police. CAIR is gathering information on the shooting and praying for the imam's speedy recovery.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/only-in-america-an-epidemic-of-gun-violence-without-a-cure-556046">Also read |&nbsp;Only in America: An epidemic of gun violence without a cure</a></p>

<p>Imam Hassan Sharif, an integral member of the mosque community, played a role in supporting new converts. A Newark resident, Saydah Maiga, told NBC News about Sharif's assistance during her conversion to Islam. Sharif served as an advisory board member for the mosque’s Social Services and Health Wellness programme.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US gun violence crisis: How easy is it to buy guns? | WION Wideangle</strong></p>

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<p>This shooting comes several months after an imam at the Omar Mosque in Paterson, near Newark, was stabbed while leading prayers. The suspect, Serif Zorba, faced charges, including attempted murder.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An imam (the officiating priest of a mosque), identified as Imam Hassan Sharif, was shot outside Masjid Muhammad-Newark in Newark, New Jersey, around 6:15 am. The critically wounded Imam was transported to University hospital two blocks away, where he died from the injuries.

An imam (the officiating priest of a mosque), identified as Imam Hassan Sharif, was shot outside Masjid Muhammad-Newark in Newark, New Jersey, around 6:15 am. The critically wounded Imam was transported to University hospital two blocks away, where he died from the injuries. The shooter, dressed in all black, fled the scene. The victim was shot in the abdomen and right arm, as reported by NBC News. Attorney General Matthew Platkin told NBC News that the shooting does not appear to be motivated by bias. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities exploring all possible angles. The FBI is not currently involved in the investigation. Community concerns and tensions The incident occurred amid heightened tensions following the Israel-Hamas war. While the motive remains unclear, requests for help and reports of bias against Muslims have increased across the US, according to the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR). The New Jersey chapter of CAIR expressed deep concern about the incident and urged anyone with information to contact the local police. CAIR is gathering information on the shooting and praying for the imam's speedy recovery. Also read | Only in America: An epidemic of gun violence without a cure Imam Hassan Sharif, an integral member of the mosque community, played a role in supporting new converts. A Newark resident, Saydah Maiga, told NBC News about Sharif's assistance during her conversion to Islam. Sharif served as an advisory board member for the mosque’s Social Services and Health Wellness programme. Also watch | US gun violence crisis: How easy is it to buy guns? | WION Wideangle This shooting comes several months after an imam at the Omar Mosque in Paterson, near Newark, was stabbed while leading prayers. The suspect, Serif Zorba, faced charges, including attempted murder. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Newark mosque Imam dies after being shot, investigation underway

<p>The US-led 12-nation coalition has warned Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthi rebels of "consequences" unless they stop their attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On December 19, 2023, Washington announced the launch of a "multinational security initiative" — constituting Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Seychelles and the United Kingdom among others — to protect trade in the Red Sea after attacks by Houthi rebels in purported solidarity with Palestinians living under a state of war in Gaza&nbsp;forced at least a dozen shipping lines to suspend operations.</p>

<p>"Let our message now be clear: we call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews," the White House said in a statement released on Wednesday, Jan 3, 2023.</p>

<p>Hours after the White House statement, the UN maritime agency said that eighteen shipping companies are re-routing their vessels around Africa to avoid the Red Sea amid an upsurge in attacks on shipping.</p>

<p>"A significant number of companies, around 18 shipping companies, have already decided to reroute their vessels around South Africa to reduce the attacks on vessels," said International Maritime Organization chief Arsenio Dominguez.</p>

<p>"(This) represents an additional 10 days to the journeys (and) negative impact on trade and on increasing freight rates."</p>

<h2><strong>Houthis will bear 'responsibility' if threat to 'global economy' continues: US-led alliance</strong></h2>

<p>The US-led alliance said that the Houthis will bear the consequences if they continue to threaten the global economy.</p>

<p>"The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways."</p>

<p>The statement comes after reports in the US media that the Biden administration is considering direct strikes on the Houthis if the attacks continue.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Red Sea Crisis: Iran warship enters trade passage amid Houthi attacks on vessels</strong></p>

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<p>The US has sent an aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, to the area and earlier announced a coalition of countries to protect movement in the Red Sea, through which 12 per cent of global trade passes.</p>

<p>The Indian Navy, too, has deployed INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Mormugao, INS Chennai, and INS Visakhapatnam in the north Arabian Sea region following attacks on India-bound merchant vessels while they were in the maritime region under attack by the Houthis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around 20,000 ships transit annually through the Suez Canal, carrying millions of barrels of oil daily and&nbsp;goods made in Asia. The Houthis have sought to target Bab al-Mandab, a 29 km wide shipping route at its narrowest point in the Red Sea, that has threatened the passage of these merchant vessels across the Suez Canal.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/25/401386-untitled-design-2023-12-25t002340471.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-ship-attacks-inside-disrupted-shipping-route-over-west-asias-gate-of-tears-673216">Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears'</a></strong><br />
<br />
The White House statement pointed out that the merchant shipping vessels through the maritime region also constitute&nbsp;8 per cent of global grain trade, 12 per cent of seaborne-traded oil, and 8 per cent of the world’s liquefied natural gas trade.</p>

<p>Yemen's Houthis, despite a semblance of cessation of hostilities during the Yemeni civil war, at present&nbsp;have drones, short-range rockets, and even ballistic missiles reportedly due to Iranian support.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US-led 12-nation coalition has warned Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthi rebels of "consequences" unless they stop their attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea.

The US-led 12-nation coalition has warned Yemen-based and Iran-backed Houthi rebels of "consequences" unless they stop their attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea. On December 19, 2023, Washington announced the launch of a "multinational security initiative" — constituting Bahrain, Canada, France, Italy, the Seychelles and the United Kingdom among others — to protect trade in the Red Sea after attacks by Houthi rebels in purported solidarity with Palestinians living under a state of war in Gaza forced at least a dozen shipping lines to suspend operations. "Let our message now be clear: we call for the immediate end of these illegal attacks and release of unlawfully detained vessels and crews," the White House said in a statement released on Wednesday, Jan 3, 2023. Hours after the White House statement, the UN maritime agency said that eighteen shipping companies are re-routing their vessels around Africa to avoid the Red Sea amid an upsurge in attacks on shipping. "A significant number of companies, around 18 shipping companies, have already decided to reroute their vessels around South Africa to reduce the attacks on vessels," said International Maritime Organization chief Arsenio Dominguez. "(This) represents an additional 10 days to the journeys (and) negative impact on trade and on increasing freight rates." Houthis will bear 'responsibility' if threat to 'global economy' continues: US-led alliance The US-led alliance said that the Houthis will bear the consequences if they continue to threaten the global economy. "The Houthis will bear the responsibility of the consequences should they continue to threaten lives, the global economy and free flow of commerce in the region’s critical waterways." The statement comes after reports in the US media that the Biden administration is considering direct strikes on the Houthis if the attacks continue. Also watch | Red Sea Crisis: Iran warship enters trade passage amid Houthi attacks on vessels × The US has sent an aircraft carrier, the USS Dwight D Eisenhower, to the area and earlier announced a coalition of countries to protect movement in the Red Sea, through which 12 per cent of global trade passes. The Indian Navy, too, has deployed INS Kolkata, INS Kochi, INS Mormugao, INS Chennai, and INS Visakhapatnam in the north Arabian Sea region following attacks on India-bound merchant vessels while they were in the maritime region under attack by the Houthis. Around 20,000 ships transit annually through the Suez Canal, carrying millions of barrels of oil daily and goods made in Asia. The Houthis have sought to target Bab al-Mandab, a 29 km wide shipping route at its narrowest point in the Red Sea, that has threatened the passage of these merchant vessels across the Suez Canal. Also read | Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears' The White House statement pointed out that the merchant shipping vessels through the maritime region also constitute 8 per cent of global grain trade, 12 per cent of seaborne-traded oil, and 8 per cent of the world’s liquefied natural gas trade. Yemen's Houthis, despite a semblance of cessation of hostilities during the Yemeni civil war, at present have drones, short-range rockets, and even ballistic missiles reportedly due to Iranian support. (With inputs from agencies)

US, allies warn Yemen's Houthis of 'consequences' if Red Sea shipping crisis continues

The world is facing alarming climate challenges. In California, massive waves signal oceanic disturbances, while in India, Delhi NCR's vanishing winters hint at global warming's impact. New Zealand's battle with a rat infestation, spurred by extreme weather, highlights biodiversity threats. These diverse yet interconnected incidents highlight the urgent need for global action to restore our environmental balance.

2024: Navigating the future of climate; Coral reefs face bleaching globally | World News | WION

Thousands of doctors walked off the job in England on Wednesday, the start of a six-day strike over pay that was set to be the longest in the history of the state-funded National Health Service.

UK: Thousands of doctors walk off the job, 6-day strike over pay & working conditions | WION

<p>Hezbollah said on Thursday (Jan 5) that a local leader was among four fighters&nbsp;killed overnight in southern Lebanon, in&nbsp;Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency AFP reported that a source close to the militant group said that the deaths included a local Hezbollah leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes after a strike on Beirut this week&nbsp;killed a senior Hamas leader, which further raised tensions in the West Asia region due to the war in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-allies-warn-yemens-houthis-of-consequences-if-red-sea-shipping-crisis-continues-676351">US, allies warn Yemen's Houthis of 'consequences' if Red Sea shipping crisis continues</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Providing details in a statement&nbsp;Hezbollah said that the four fighters had been killed "on the road to Jerusalem" - it is a phrase which they use to announce deaths of its members due to Israeli fire since the Israel-Hamas fighting started on October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, a source close to Hezbollah told AFP that&nbsp;four were killed in Naqura near the Israeli border, adding that one of them was the movement's local leader.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by Lebanon's official National News Agency, Israeli aircraft "carried out raids on the centre of Naqura, which destroyed a home and damaged surrounding houses".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the war started, Hezbollah has exchanged fire almost every day with Israeli forces.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-accuses-us-led-coalition-of-baghdad-strike-calls-it-blatant-aggression-676570">Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Iran blames US &amp; Israel's role in twin blast, vows harsh response&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Video shows strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Lebanese group on Wednesday announced the deaths of five other fighters in southern Lebanon. &nbsp;</p>

<p>A video released by Israel on Wednesday was said to show strikes on Hezbollah targets in the Lebanese town of Yaroun, including a "terrorist squad," an army spokesperson announcement said, further adding that several launches from Lebanon into Israel were identified, crossing into Israel and landing in open areas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Hezbollah said on Thursday (Jan 5) that a local leader was among four fighters killed overnight in southern Lebanon, in Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura.

Hezbollah said on Thursday (Jan 5) that a local leader was among four fighters killed overnight in southern Lebanon, in Israeli strikes on the border town of Naqura. The news agency AFP reported that a source close to the militant group said that the deaths included a local Hezbollah leader. This comes after a strike on Beirut this week killed a senior Hamas leader, which further raised tensions in the West Asia region due to the war in the Gaza Strip. Also read: US, allies warn Yemen's Houthis of 'consequences' if Red Sea shipping crisis continues Providing details in a statement Hezbollah said that the four fighters had been killed "on the road to Jerusalem" - it is a phrase which they use to announce deaths of its members due to Israeli fire since the Israel-Hamas fighting started on October 7. Meanwhile, a source close to Hezbollah told AFP that four were killed in Naqura near the Israeli border, adding that one of them was the movement's local leader. As reported by Lebanon's official National News Agency, Israeli aircraft "carried out raids on the centre of Naqura, which destroyed a home and damaged surrounding houses". Since the war started, Hezbollah has exchanged fire almost every day with Israeli forces. Also read: Iraq accuses US-led coalition of Baghdad strike, calls it 'blatant aggression' Watch: Iran blames US & Israel's role in twin blast, vows harsh response × Video shows strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon The Lebanese group on Wednesday announced the deaths of five other fighters in southern Lebanon. A video released by Israel on Wednesday was said to show strikes on Hezbollah targets in the Lebanese town of Yaroun, including a "terrorist squad," an army spokesperson announcement said, further adding that several launches from Lebanon into Israel were identified, crossing into Israel and landing in open areas. 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)

Hezbollah source says local chief among four killed in south Lebanon

A US court released a new batch of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, a millionaire and jet-setting financier who killed himself in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

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<p>Japan, which is currently reeling in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, reported of a positive development where self-defence forces rescued nearly 122 people.</p>

<p>Most importantly, a dog also had a role to play in the rescue efforts.</p>

<p>The defence minister released a statement on Thursday informing that an elderly woman, who was trapped in a house which was devastated in the powerful quake, was rescued by a search dog named Jennifer.</p>

<p>Jennifer is one of the specially trained canines which is deployed to the regions that are hardest hit by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake&nbsp;on Jan 1.</p>

<p>They have joined thousands of troops and firefighters in the desperate search for survivors on the Sea of Japan coast.</p>

<p>"The Self-Defence Forces had rescued 122 people by yesterday, including an elderly woman in a house in Wajima City, who was found and rescued by a search dog (Jennifer)," Defence Minister Minoru Kihara wrote on X.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="ja">自衛隊は捜索犬（ジェニファー号）が輪島市内の家屋内にて独居高齢女性を発見・救出するなど、昨日（3日）までに122名を救助。正念場の本日は隊員を約4,600名に増強して活動します。<a href="https://t.co/m0bmyhjnZG">https://t.co/m0bmyhjnZG</a></p>
— 木原みのる(木原稔) (@kihara_minoru) <a href="https://twitter.com/kihara_minoru/status/1742789578468343907?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, which is a crucial day, the number of personnel will be increased to approximately 4,600," he added.</p>

<p>At least 84 people have been confirmed dead after the quake and a slew of powerful aftershocks struck the country on New Year's Day. At least 79 others have been listed as missing by the local authorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-airlines-inferno-coastguard-plane-did-not-get-clearance-for-take-off-transcripts-suggest-676484">Japan Airlines: Coastguard plane did not have clearance for take-off</a></p>

<h2><strong>Freezing temperatures and heavy rain hamper relief work</strong></h2>

<p>Japan's massive earthquake left tens of thousands without power or running water. The misery deepened with freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Monday's quake of magnitude 7.6 was centred near Noto, which is about 300 kilometres from Tokyo on the opposite coast. Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas were shaken by more aftershocks on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The heavy rains also raised fears of landslides that could further hamper efforts to rescue people trapped under rubble.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan, which is currently reeling in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, reported of a positive development where self-defence forces rescued nearly 122 people.

Japan, which is currently reeling in the aftermath of a devastating earthquake, reported of a positive development where self-defence forces rescued nearly 122 people. Most importantly, a dog also had a role to play in the rescue efforts. The defence minister released a statement on Thursday informing that an elderly woman, who was trapped in a house which was devastated in the powerful quake, was rescued by a search dog named Jennifer. Jennifer is one of the specially trained canines which is deployed to the regions that are hardest hit by the 7.5 magnitude earthquake on Jan 1. They have joined thousands of troops and firefighters in the desperate search for survivors on the Sea of Japan coast. "The Self-Defence Forces had rescued 122 people by yesterday, including an elderly woman in a house in Wajima City, who was found and rescued by a search dog (Jennifer)," Defence Minister Minoru Kihara wrote on X. 自衛隊は捜索犬（ジェニファー号）が輪島市内の家屋内にて独居高齢女性を発見・救出するなど、昨日（3日）までに122名を救助。正念場の本日は隊員を約4,600名に増強して活動します。https://t.co/m0bmyhjnZG — 木原みのる(木原稔) (@kihara_minoru) January 4, 2024 × "Today, which is a crucial day, the number of personnel will be increased to approximately 4,600," he added. At least 84 people have been confirmed dead after the quake and a slew of powerful aftershocks struck the country on New Year's Day. At least 79 others have been listed as missing by the local authorities. Also read: Japan Airlines: Coastguard plane did not have clearance for take-off Freezing temperatures and heavy rain hamper relief work Japan's massive earthquake left tens of thousands without power or running water. The misery deepened with freezing temperatures and heavy rainfall. Monday's quake of magnitude 7.6 was centred near Noto, which is about 300 kilometres from Tokyo on the opposite coast. Ishikawa prefecture and nearby areas were shaken by more aftershocks on Wednesday. The heavy rains also raised fears of landslides that could further hamper efforts to rescue people trapped under rubble. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan Earthquake: Search dog rescues elderly woman trapped inside damaged house

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