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Former British prime minister Boris Johnson reportedly asked the security services to chalk out plans to raid the Dutch Covid vaccine factory in Leiden.&nbsp;

UK-based Daily Mail newspaper reported citing diplomatic sources that Johnson made the call after saying the EU "stole" millions of AstraZeneca doses destined for Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.&nbsp;

Notably, the AstraZeneca vaccine was produced at two locations in the EU – the Netherlands and Belgium.&nbsp;

The report added that the idea was dropped as the diplomats apparently warned that such an action would jeopardise the relations between both countries.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wales-29-year-old-stabbed-in-village-of-aberfan-manhunt-underway-666581">29-year-old stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway</a>&nbsp;

The report added that Johnson will bring up the incident when he testifies this week before an inquiry into the British government's response to the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;

The sources told Daily Mail that the EU had "basically sequestered" and "impounded" five million doses of the vaccine.&nbsp;

One of the sources was quoted as saying, "Of course, the PM was enraged – they were putting British lives at risk to make a political point and distract from their own failings".&nbsp;

"He ordered officials to look at all options for responding, and that did include asking the security services to look at whether there were any options for physically going and taking the vaccines from the Netherlands and bringing them here," the source added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-signs-new-treaty-with-rwanda-to-send-illegal-migrants-to-african-country-666573">UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation</a>&nbsp;

As quoted, a second source said of the raid: "Boris was infuriated, as you would expect, and he wanted to look at every avenue for responding. It went well beyond trade retaliation; it was diplomatic, security, and everything. He felt he was fighting for British lives and at one point he did ask whether there were military options for just going and getting these vaccines.&nbsp;

"Obviously, that would have had major repercussions, not least in terms of other vaccine supplies that were being manufactured in the EU. I don't know how far the idea got," the source added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;White house warns Putin could win if Ukraine aid dries up

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<h2>Did the Netherlands warn to block shipments?&nbsp;</h2>

Dutch government officials told Politico.eu in March 2021 that the Netherlands was prepared to halt shipments of AstraZeneca's Covid jabs if Britain did not agree to share vaccines more fairly with the EU.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson reportedly asked the security services to chalk out plans to raid the Dutch Covid vaccine factory in Leiden. UK-based Daily Mail newspaper reported citing diplomatic sources that Johnson made the call after saying the EU "stole" millions of AstraZeneca doses destined for Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Former British prime minister Boris Johnson reportedly asked the security services to chalk out plans to raid the Dutch Covid vaccine factory in Leiden. UK-based Daily Mail newspaper reported citing diplomatic sources that Johnson made the call after saying the EU "stole" millions of AstraZeneca doses destined for Britain during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Notably, the AstraZeneca vaccine was produced at two locations in the EU – the Netherlands and Belgium. The report added that the idea was dropped as the diplomats apparently warned that such an action would jeopardise the relations between both countries. Also read: 29-year-old stabbed in village of Aberfan, manhunt underway The report added that Johnson will bring up the incident when he testifies this week before an inquiry into the British government's response to the coronavirus pandemic. The sources told Daily Mail that the EU had "basically sequestered" and "impounded" five million doses of the vaccine. One of the sources was quoted as saying, "Of course, the PM was enraged – they were putting British lives at risk to make a political point and distract from their own failings". "He ordered officials to look at all options for responding, and that did include asking the security services to look at whether there were any options for physically going and taking the vaccines from the Netherlands and bringing them here," the source added. Also read: UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation As quoted, a second source said of the raid: "Boris was infuriated, as you would expect, and he wanted to look at every avenue for responding. It went well beyond trade retaliation; it was diplomatic, security, and everything. He felt he was fighting for British lives and at one point he did ask whether there were military options for just going and getting these vaccines. "Obviously, that would have had major repercussions, not least in terms of other vaccine supplies that were being manufactured in the EU. I don't know how far the idea got," the source added. Watch: White house warns Putin could win if Ukraine aid dries up × Did the Netherlands warn to block shipments? Dutch government officials told Politico.eu in March 2021 that the Netherlands was prepared to halt shipments of AstraZeneca's Covid jabs if Britain did not agree to share vaccines more fairly with the EU. (With inputs from agencies)

Did Boris Johnson really ask to plan raid on Dutch Covid vaccine factory?

A massive flood-like situation and waterlogging have completely disrupted normal life in India's southern Chennai city, which is being battered by the effects of the severe cyclonic storm Michaung. In other news, an&nbsp;intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others.

Click on the headlines to read more:&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-michaung-live-updates-five-deaths-in-tamil-nadu-cyclone-to-make-landfall-in-andhra-today-666232">Cyclone Michaung LIVE Updates: Educational institutes and offices closed as states brace for landfall today 
 
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A massive flood-like situation and waterlogging have completely disrupted normal life in India's southern Chennai city, which is being battered by the effects of the severe cyclonic storm Michaung. Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh state also witnessed heavy rains in some districts, with the weather department predicting similar inclement weather in several districts of Odisha and Jharkhand states.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intense-israeli-air-strikes-hit-gaza-strip-parts-in-total-blackout-666224">Intense Israeli air offensive hits Khan Younis, parts of Gaza in total blackout 
 
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An intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others.&nbsp;As per the news agency Reuters, the target of the air strikes also included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uae-leader-holds-damage-control-conference-after-making-no-science-fossil-claim-666253">UAE leader holds damage control conference after making ‘no-science’ fossil claim 
 
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On November 21, Al Jaber—who happens to be the president and host of the Dubai-based COP28 as well as the CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, Adnoc, set the cat among the pigeons with a string of incendiary comments that didn’t go down well with international climate activists.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/senior-us-official-discusses-alleged-foiled-plot-to-kill-pannun-during-visit-to-india-666219">Senior US official discusses alleged foiled plot to kill Pannun during visit to India 
 
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White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer on Monday (Dec 4) led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel&nbsp;to probe an alleged foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

WATCH |&nbsp;Kenya President William Ruto in India, to receive ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

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A massive flood-like situation and waterlogging have completely disrupted normal life in India's southern Chennai city, which is being battered by the effects of the severe cyclonic storm Michaung.

A massive flood-like situation and waterlogging have completely disrupted normal life in India's southern Chennai city, which is being battered by the effects of the severe cyclonic storm Michaung. In other news, an intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others. Click on the headlines to read more: Cyclone Michaung LIVE Updates: Educational institutes and offices closed as states brace for landfall today A massive flood-like situation and waterlogging have completely disrupted normal life in India's southern Chennai city, which is being battered by the effects of the severe cyclonic storm Michaung. Neighbouring Andhra Pradesh state also witnessed heavy rains in some districts, with the weather department predicting similar inclement weather in several districts of Odisha and Jharkhand states. Intense Israeli air offensive hits Khan Younis, parts of Gaza in total blackout An intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others. As per the news agency Reuters, the target of the air strikes also included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter. UAE leader holds damage control conference after making ‘no-science’ fossil claim On November 21, Al Jaber—who happens to be the president and host of the Dubai-based COP28 as well as the CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, Adnoc, set the cat among the pigeons with a string of incendiary comments that didn’t go down well with international climate activists. Senior US official discusses alleged foiled plot to kill Pannun during visit to India White House deputy national security adviser Jon Finer on Monday (Dec 4) led a US delegation to India's capital New Delhi where he discussed forming an investigative panel to probe an alleged foiled plot to assassinate Khalistani separatist and leader of the banned Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) outfit Gurpatwant Singh Pannun. WATCH | Kenya President William Ruto in India, to receive ceremonial welcome at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Morning brief: Indian states brace for Cyclone Michaung landfall, Israel intensifies strikes in Gaza, & more

In the southeast Asian nation of Myanmar, the ruling Junta is facing its biggest military challenge since seizing power in a 2021 coup. An alliance of three Myanmar ethnic minority groups, called the Brotherhood alliance, has waged a coordinated offensive since the 27th of October. The offensive, named by rebels as Operation 1027, signifying the date on which it began, has made inroads into the Junta-controlled areas in the northern Shan state, Kayah state in the east and Rakhine state in the west. Over 100 military outposts have been overrun, trade routes to neighbouring China have been cut off and more than 330,000 people have been displaced since the offensive was launched. The Myanmar army, so far, has failed to mount a serious counter-offensive on the ground, primarily relying on air and artillery strikes. Almost 200 civilians, including children, have been killed in these clashes. Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.

Over 330,000 people displaced since operation 1027 launched

According to those familiar with the plans, Russian President Vladimir Putin will visit Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. This will be his first international trip since his invasion of Ukraine.

Putin make rare abroad visit to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates

Israeli ambassador to UN speaks exclusively to Wion and calls UN-HRC a biased anti-semitic body. He also says that the UN-HRC has established anti-semitic commission against Israel 2 years ago.

Israeli ambassador to UN speaks to Wion | Calls UN-HRC a biased anti-semitic body

British Home Secretary James Cleverly on Tuesday (Dec 5) signed the new migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed on the government's policy of sending asylum seekers to the African country.&nbsp;

Speaking after the signing of the treaty, Cleverly said there was no "credible"&nbsp;reason to block the deportation flights and that he hoped that "we can now move quickly", referring to the backlog of aliens.&nbsp;

Last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that such a move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions.&nbsp;

To mitigate the SC's concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, according to the&nbsp;Financial Times.&nbsp;

Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy"&nbsp;but its implementation remained in limbo due to the court proceedings.

Under the plan, the British government is aiming to send thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda to deter others from crossing the Channel on small, dangerous boats.&nbsp;

In return, the relatively underdeveloped nation has received a payment of $180 million with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/uk-announces-law-to-stop-illegal-immigrants-569817">WATCH |&nbsp;UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants</a>

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<h2>Sunak's back-and-forth on migrant&nbsp;crisis&nbsp;</h2>

At the start of the year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, amid much pomp, laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to&nbsp;stop migrants from entering the UK illegally.&nbsp;

However, Sunak's enthusiasm appeared to take a hit mid-year when he said his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel "won't happen overnight". He also&nbsp;pushed the timeline to achieve his goals beyond the general elections.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/it-wont-happen-overnight-sunak-appears-defeatist-on-small-boats-channel-crossings-582456">Also read | 'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue</a>

“I’ve always said that this is not something that is easy – it is a complicated problem, where there’s no single, simple solution that will fix it. And I’ve also said that it won’t happen overnight,” Sunak said in an interview.&nbsp;

The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 people entered the UK, breaking the previous year's record by more than 17,000. up until August this year, a total of 25,043 illegal migrants had the journey across the Channel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British Home Secretary James Cleverly on Tuesday (Dec 5) signed the new migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed on the government's policy of sending asylum seekers to the African country.

British Home Secretary James Cleverly on Tuesday (Dec 5) signed the new migrant treaty with Rwanda which attempts to circumvent the legal block placed on the government's policy of sending asylum seekers to the African country. Speaking after the signing of the treaty, Cleverly said there was no "credible" reason to block the deportation flights and that he hoped that "we can now move quickly", referring to the backlog of aliens. Last month, the UK Supreme Court ruled that such a move violates the international human rights enshrined in domestic legislation. One of the biggest points raised by the court was that the asylum seekers would then be deported back to their home nations from where they had escaped the torturous conditions. To mitigate the SC's concerns, the new treaty states that anyone sent to Rwanda will be given permanent leave to remain there even if their asylum application failed, according to the Financial Times. Notably, former interior minister Priti Patel in April last year brought the "Rwanda Asylum Policy" but its implementation remained in limbo due to the court proceedings. Under the plan, the British government is aiming to send thousands of illegal migrants to Rwanda to deter others from crossing the Channel on small, dangerous boats. In return, the relatively underdeveloped nation has received a payment of $180 million with the promise of more money to fund the accommodation and care of any deported individuals. WATCH | UK announces law to stop illegal immigrants Sunak's back-and-forth on migrant crisis At the start of the year, British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, amid much pomp, laid out five pledges for 2023, of which one was to stop migrants from entering the UK illegally. However, Sunak's enthusiasm appeared to take a hit mid-year when he said his plan to stop small boats crossing the Channel "won't happen overnight". He also pushed the timeline to achieve his goals beyond the general elections. Also read | 'It won't happen overnight...': UK PM Rishi Sunak appears defeatist on illegal migrants issue “I’ve always said that this is not something that is easy – it is a complicated problem, where there’s no single, simple solution that will fix it. And I’ve also said that it won’t happen overnight,” Sunak said in an interview. The immigration crisis reached a peak in 2022 when over 45,000 people entered the UK, breaking the previous year's record by more than 17,000. up until August this year, a total of 25,043 illegal migrants had the journey across the Channel. (With inputs from agencies)

UK signs new treaty with Rwanda to send illegal migrants to the African nation

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19, but remains healthy enough to hold online meetings, his office said on Tuesday.

The Presidential Communications Office said on its Facebook page Marcos will isolate for five days. The statement did not indicate when he tested positive for the virus.

“The President remains fit to carry out his duties and will be continuing his scheduled meetings via teleconference,” the statement read.

Marcos, who is 66, was last seen in public on Saturday, attending a family day event inside presidential palace grounds.

He has cancelled his events on Tuesday, including a visit to Mindanao in the southern Philippines to attend to victims of a bombing on Sunday and people displaced from strong earthquakes and aftershocks since late Saturday.

Marcos previously contracted the virus in 2020, according to his spokesman at the time and received his second booster dose at a vaccination campaign by the health department last year.

The Philippines has recorded 1,340 new cases of the virus over the past week, according to data from the Health Department.

The Philippines has over 4.1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, most of whom have recovered.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19, but remains healthy enough to hold online meetings, his office said on Tuesday. The Presidential Communications Office said on its Facebook page Marcos will isolate for five days.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has tested positive for COVID-19, but remains healthy enough to hold online meetings, his office said on Tuesday. The Presidential Communications Office said on its Facebook page Marcos will isolate for five days. The statement did not indicate when he tested positive for the virus. “The President remains fit to carry out his duties and will be continuing his scheduled meetings via teleconference,” the statement read. Marcos, who is 66, was last seen in public on Saturday, attending a family day event inside presidential palace grounds. He has cancelled his events on Tuesday, including a visit to Mindanao in the southern Philippines to attend to victims of a bombing on Sunday and people displaced from strong earthquakes and aftershocks since late Saturday. Marcos previously contracted the virus in 2020, according to his spokesman at the time and received his second booster dose at a vaccination campaign by the health department last year. The Philippines has recorded 1,340 new cases of the virus over the past week, according to data from the Health Department. The Philippines has over 4.1 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, most of whom have recovered.

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr tested positive for COVID-19

Israel held an event at the United Nations in New York which focused on sexual violence against women during the October 7th attack by Hamas militants.

Accounts of Hamas militants raping women; Israel-led UN session condemns world silence

In the latest, the cyclonic storm named 'Michaung,' initially situated over the south coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, has shifted northward in the past six hours. The latest observation verifies the completion of the storm's landfall process. In other news,&nbsp;a blast in Peshawar, Pakistan's northwestern city, resulted in injuries to at least four children, aged between seven and ten, along with three adults.

Click on the headlines to read more.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/cyclone-michaung-live-updates-five-deaths-in-tamil-nadu-cyclone-to-make-landfall-in-andhra-today-666232">Cyclone Michaung LIVE Updates: ‘Storm completes landfall process,’ says IMD, death toll reaches 12</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/05/397426-the-battle-for-kyiv-2023-12-05t204411878.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

The cyclonic storm named ‘Michaung,’ previously located over the south coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, has moved northward in the last six hours. The most recent observation confirms that the storm has completed its landfall process.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-it-happened-new-clips-emerge-of-hamas-landing-on-israeli-beach-killing-soldier-teens-on-oct-7-666511">As it happened: New clips emerge of Hamas landing on Israeli beach, killing soldier, teens on Oct 7</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/05/397399-untitled-design-11.png?imwidth=3840" />

Nearly two months after Hamas' surprise attack on Israel led to the killing of over a thousand innocent Israelis, a chilling video footage has emerged, showing how the terrorists killed a soldier and civilians at the Zikim beach on October 7.&nbsp;

The beach, situated north of Gaza, was infiltrated by Hamas after its terrorists landed on the shore in a small dinghy. A group of Israeli teens who had been camping over the weekend on the beach quickly hid&nbsp;themselves but were slaughtered mercilessly.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-at-least-seven-injured-including-four-children-in-peshawar-ied-blast-police-vehicle-was-target-666392">Pakistan: At least seven injured, including four children, in Peshawar IED blast; police vehicle was target</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/05/397329-peshawar-blast-1701758185.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

At least four children, aged between seven and ten, and three adults were injured in a blast that occurred in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar early Tuesday (Dec 5).

According to officials, an improvised explosive device (IED) containing four kilogrammes of explosives went off on a busy road at around 9:10 am local time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/shedding-colonial-baggage-navy-to-indianise-non-officer-ranks-announces-pm-modi-666472">Shedding colonial baggage: Navy to 'Indianise' non-officer ranks, announces PM Modi</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/05/397381-untitled-design-9.png?imwidth=3840" />

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Dec 4) announced that the Indian Navy will now 'Indianise' the ranks for personnel below officer (PBOR) while senior officers will don epaulettes highlighting the "heritage and legacy" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - founder of the Maratha empire. PM Modi made the groundbreaking announcement during his Navy Day address at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-as-debate-over-fossil-fuels-rages-on-at-cop28-summit-global-co2-emissions-hit-record-high-in-2023-666515">Explained: Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now?</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/05/397402-untitled-design-37.png?imwidth=3840" />

While world leaders from nearly 200 countries are&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/cop28-summit-could-the-world-agree-to-ditch-fossil-fuels-at-cop28-664131">debating</a>&nbsp;the course of action&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-46-million-health-professionals-ask-cop28-president-to-ditch-fossil-fuels-653674">on fossil fuels</a>&nbsp;at the United Nations&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-summit-kicks-off-with-breakthrough-climate-disaster-fund-agreement-664840">climate summit COP28</a>&nbsp;in Dubai, a team of scientists, on Tuesday (Dec 5) released a report saying that global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are set to hit a record high in 2023.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-weekend-shootings-in-us-set-a-grim-record-report-666419">With 38 mass shootings, US crosses grim record for first time since 2006</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/05/397358-tampa-shooting.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Two mass shootings during the weekend in the United States pushed the country to a grim record of mass killings. According to a report by The Washington Post on Monday (Dec 4), the shootings in Texas and Washington last Sunday were the 37th and 38th shootings this year in which four or more victims were killed, the highest number of mass killings since at least 2006.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mount-marapi-death-toll-rises-to-22-after-indonesian-volcanos-eruption-666535">Mount Marapi: Death toll rises to 22 after Indonesian volcano's eruption</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/04/397040-volcano.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Two days after the surprise eruption of Indonesia's Mount Marapi, the rescuers have discovered the bodies of 22&nbsp;people so far from the slopes of the volcano, according to an&nbsp;AFP&nbsp;report.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-govt-introduces-tighter-worker-visa-rules-rishi-sunak-dubs-it-radical-666459">UK govt introduces tighter work visa rules, Rishi Sunak calls it ‘radical measure’ to curb immigration</a>

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The Rishi Sunak-led government has introduced a new law in the parliament that seeks to curb immigration by imposing stricter working visa rules, ahead of the general elections next year.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nigeria-army-drone-strike-accidently-kills-85-civilians-prez-orders-investigation-666445">Nigeria: Army drone strikes civilians accidently, kills 85; president orders investigation</a>

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Eighty-five civilians were killed in a village in Nigeria's Kaduna State after an army drone was accidentally fired at them. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Tuesday (Dec 5), the army acknowledged that one of its drones aimed at armed groups had accidentally struck the Tudun Biri village as residents were celebrating a festival. The army did not give details about how many people died, but residents said that the death toll was 85.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-karni-sena-chief-sukhdev-singh-gogamedi-shot-dead-outside-his-home-666450">India: Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi shot dead at his home in Jaipur</a>

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Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena president&nbsp;Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was shot dead on Tuesday (Dec 5) in the western Indian city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The incident transpired in Shyam Nagar area of the city where two men who were with Gogamedi also suffered injuries.&nbsp;

In the latest, the cyclonic storm named 'Michaung,' initially situated over the south coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, has shifted northward in the past six hours.

In the latest, the cyclonic storm named 'Michaung,' initially situated over the south coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, has shifted northward in the past six hours. The latest observation verifies the completion of the storm's landfall process. In other news, a blast in Peshawar, Pakistan's northwestern city, resulted in injuries to at least four children, aged between seven and ten, along with three adults. Click on the headlines to read more. Cyclone Michaung LIVE Updates: ‘Storm completes landfall process,’ says IMD, death toll reaches 12 The cyclonic storm named ‘Michaung,’ previously located over the south coastal region of Andhra Pradesh, has moved northward in the last six hours. The most recent observation confirms that the storm has completed its landfall process. As it happened: New clips emerge of Hamas landing on Israeli beach, killing soldier, teens on Oct 7 Nearly two months after Hamas' surprise attack on Israel led to the killing of over a thousand innocent Israelis, a chilling video footage has emerged, showing how the terrorists killed a soldier and civilians at the Zikim beach on October 7. The beach, situated north of Gaza, was infiltrated by Hamas after its terrorists landed on the shore in a small dinghy. A group of Israeli teens who had been camping over the weekend on the beach quickly hid themselves but were slaughtered mercilessly. Pakistan: At least seven injured, including four children, in Peshawar IED blast; police vehicle was target At least four children, aged between seven and ten, and three adults were injured in a blast that occurred in Pakistan’s northwestern city of Peshawar early Tuesday (Dec 5). According to officials, an improvised explosive device (IED) containing four kilogrammes of explosives went off on a busy road at around 9:10 am local time. Shedding colonial baggage: Navy to 'Indianise' non-officer ranks, announces PM Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Dec 4) announced that the Indian Navy will now 'Indianise' the ranks for personnel below officer (PBOR) while senior officers will don epaulettes highlighting the "heritage and legacy" of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj - founder of the Maratha empire. PM Modi made the groundbreaking announcement during his Navy Day address at Sindhudurg in Maharashtra. Explained: Global CO2 emissions due to fossil fuels hit new record. Will world leaders at COP28 act now? While world leaders from nearly 200 countries are debating the course of action on fossil fuels at the United Nations climate summit COP28 in Dubai, a team of scientists, on Tuesday (Dec 5) released a report saying that global carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels are set to hit a record high in 2023. With 38 mass shootings, US crosses grim record for first time since 2006 Two mass shootings during the weekend in the United States pushed the country to a grim record of mass killings. According to a report by The Washington Post on Monday (Dec 4), the shootings in Texas and Washington last Sunday were the 37th and 38th shootings this year in which four or more victims were killed, the highest number of mass killings since at least 2006. Mount Marapi: Death toll rises to 22 after Indonesian volcano's eruption Two days after the surprise eruption of Indonesia's Mount Marapi, the rescuers have discovered the bodies of 22 people so far from the slopes of the volcano, according to an AFP report. UK govt introduces tighter work visa rules, Rishi Sunak calls it ‘radical measure’ to curb immigration The Rishi Sunak-led government has introduced a new law in the parliament that seeks to curb immigration by imposing stricter working visa rules, ahead of the general elections next year. Nigeria: Army drone strikes civilians accidently, kills 85; president orders investigation Eighty-five civilians were killed in a village in Nigeria's Kaduna State after an army drone was accidentally fired at them. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Tuesday (Dec 5), the army acknowledged that one of its drones aimed at armed groups had accidentally struck the Tudun Biri village as residents were celebrating a festival. The army did not give details about how many people died, but residents said that the death toll was 85. India: Karni Sena chief Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi shot dead at his home in Jaipur Rashtriya Rajput Karni Sena president Sukhdev Singh Gogamedi was shot dead on Tuesday (Dec 5) in the western Indian city of Jaipur in Rajasthan. The incident transpired in Shyam Nagar area of the city where two men who were with Gogamedi also suffered injuries.

Top 10 world news: Cyclone Michaung completes landfall, Indonesian volcano eruption, and more

Accounts of Hamas militants raping women; Israel-led UN session condemns world silence | WION

A story of resilience from Pastoralists who depend on livestock for the livelihood and how they have overcome all odds and calamities like severe drought and climate change to maintain a life-long tradition and culture. This is the story of the Toposa tribe

Resilient pastoralists of South Sudan

Farmers in Ivory coast have found a new promising business - breeding giant snails in order to avoid them from going extinct because of deforestation or pesticides. The same action is happening in South Africa where farmers of a prized South African sea snail called abalone are fighting to protect the species from poaching

Giant snails: Tasty in the West, hunted in the South

The United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Monday (Dec 4) that Washington would continue to press for the release of additional hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Addressing a routine White House press briefing, NSA Sullivan said, "This past weekend, I held several rounds of intensive phone calls with partners in Israel, Egypt, Qatar and other nations."

"As we remain intensely engaged in a basically nonstop discussion of the developments in the region since Hamas's devastating terrorist attacks on October 7, we're still talking about trying to find a way forward on hostages. We're talking about sustaining and expanding the humanitarian assistance, making it into Gaza," he added.

<a href="Israel-Hamas war LIVE | Israeli army denies telling WHO to empty aid warehouse in southern Gaza">Click here to follow all updates on Israel-Hamas war</a>

Sullivan also said that Hamas militants were refusing to release civilian women who should have been part of the truce deal. "And it is that refusal by Hamas that has caused the end of the hostage agreement and therefore the end to the pause in hostility," he said.&nbsp;

The NSA urged Israel to avoid attacking areas that it identified as "no-strike" zones in Gaza.&nbsp;

Sullivan's remarks came as the Israeli military intensified its offensive in Gaza, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians.

According to a report by the news agency early Tuesday Reuters, Hamas ally Islamic Jihad's armed wing said its fighters engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers north and east of Khan Younis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/broken-pelvises-mutilated-bodiesdid-hamas-use-rape-as-weapon-of-war-666257">'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel?</a>

Since the conflict started on Oct 7, around 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million population has already fled Gaza. On Monday, Israel ordered Palestinians to leave parts of Khan Younis, indicating they should move towards the Mediterranean coast and Rafah.

The military posted a map on X with around a quarter of Khan Younis marked off in yellow as a territory that must be evacuated at once.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action that would make the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza worse and to spare civilians from more suffering.

&nbsp;"The Secretary-General is extremely alarmed by the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas... For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Monday (Dec 4) that Washington would continue to press for the release of additional hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Monday (Dec 4) that Washington would continue to press for the release of additional hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Addressing a routine White House press briefing, NSA Sullivan said, "This past weekend, I held several rounds of intensive phone calls with partners in Israel, Egypt, Qatar and other nations." "As we remain intensely engaged in a basically nonstop discussion of the developments in the region since Hamas's devastating terrorist attacks on October 7, we're still talking about trying to find a way forward on hostages. We're talking about sustaining and expanding the humanitarian assistance, making it into Gaza," he added. Click here to follow all updates on Israel-Hamas war Sullivan also said that Hamas militants were refusing to release civilian women who should have been part of the truce deal. "And it is that refusal by Hamas that has caused the end of the hostage agreement and therefore the end to the pause in hostility," he said. The NSA urged Israel to avoid attacking areas that it identified as "no-strike" zones in Gaza. Sullivan's remarks came as the Israeli military intensified its offensive in Gaza, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians. According to a report by the news agency early Tuesday Reuters, Hamas ally Islamic Jihad's armed wing said its fighters engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers north and east of Khan Younis. Also read: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel? Since the conflict started on Oct 7, around 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million population has already fled Gaza. On Monday, Israel ordered Palestinians to leave parts of Khan Younis, indicating they should move towards the Mediterranean coast and Rafah. The military posted a map on X with around a quarter of Khan Younis marked off in yellow as a territory that must be evacuated at once. Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action that would make the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza worse and to spare civilians from more suffering. "The Secretary-General is extremely alarmed by the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas... For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Will continue to push for hostage releases in Gaza, says US NSA

2023 has been a decisive year in the fight against malaria. After 20 years of progress, malaria research has been at a standstill since 2020, but the deployment of the serums such as the rts,s, promises to turn the tide, at least for now. Many experts say it is time to end the killer disease once and for all, but how long will that take?

Long road of eradicating malaria in Africa

Despite war, young malawians are turning to israel for work amid economic crisis at home. Young adults in africa are applying for jobs on israeli farms, many of which desperately need workers following the october 7th hamas attack. However five years ago, it was a different story, many african migrants were being chased out of the nation by force. Most of them seem to have forgotten the past and are willing to stay the course.

Israel-Hamas War: African youth unfazed by the war, seeks opportunities in Israel

Another tiny nation got embroiled in scuffles between the army and some rebel factions forcing the president to dissolve parliament. Guinea-bissau's leader umaro sissoco embalo issued a decree, saying that the date of forthcoming legislative elections will be set at the opportune moment, in line with the constitution. Earlier it was sierra leone having to deal with another attempted coup, indicating the fragility these nations that lie along the continent's west coast

Unstable tiny nations of Africa's west

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.

Almost two months into Hamas militants' unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, reports and accusations of the use of rape&nbsp;and sexual violence as a tool of war continue to circulate.

Israel has accused Hamas of raping "dozens" of women and some men during day one of the attack — a charge vehemently refuted by the militant group.

Labelling the allegations "unfounded lies", the group said they were part of "Zionist campaigns which promote unfounded lies and allegations to demonise the Palestinian resistance".

<h2>Rape — a weapon of war</h2>

Recently, in a statement, UN Women said it was "alarmed by the numerous accounts of gender-based atrocities" during the attacks on southern Israel.

This comes as Israeli police say they have launched an investigation and are collecting evidence of sexual violence.

Meni Binyamin, the head of the International Crime Investigations Unit of the Israeli police, told The New York Times that they "are investigating sexual crimes against both women and men perpetrated by Hamas terrorists".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivqrHYm_eCAxX_gVYBHeBZA7gQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/butchered-limbs-mutilated-raped-israeli-forensic-teams-describe-hamas-atrocities-647016" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/butchered-limbs-mutilated-raped-israeli-forensic-teams-describe-hamas-atrocities-647016&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivqrHYm_eCAxX_gVYBHeBZA7gQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">'Butchered, limbs mutilated, raped': Israeli forensic teams describe Hamas atrocities</a>

In an interview with the publication, Binyamin claimed, "There were violent rape incidents, the most extreme sexual abuses we have seen, of both women and men. I am talking about dozens."

He said that a team of investigators had gathered "tens of thousands" of testimonies from survivors, witnesses and first responders.&nbsp;

Binyamin also said that they were combing through banks of videos and photos from the Oct 7 Hamas incursion, but refused to divulge details, saying, "This is an ongoing investigation."

However, he said that autopsies, forensic evidence, and confessions also corroborate that sexual crimes were committed by Hamas.

<h2>Dishonour on top of abuse</h2>

Yael Sherer, a spokesperson for Israel-based advocacy group Survivors of Sexual Violence, told BBC Radio 4 that there is evidence of sexual violence against both men and women.

"There was sexual violence and rape in these communities in the south of Israel… we have a few living survivors—not a lot—of both genders. It didn't only happen to women, it happened to men as well," she said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivqrHYm_eCAxX_gVYBHeBZA7gQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-terrorists-beheaded-soldiers-and-raped-claims-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-645801" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-terrorists-beheaded-soldiers-and-raped-claims-israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-645801&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivqrHYm_eCAxX_gVYBHeBZA7gQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Hamas terrorists beheaded soldiers and raped women, claims Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu</a>

Sherer alleged that Hamas militants not only sexually violated Israelis but also mutilated their bodies.

"Aside from finding bodies of people who were murdered, a lot of the bodies were mutilated… terrorists made sure to disgrace these people and dishonour them."

<h2>Where's the international condemnation?</h2>

In an opinion piece for Newsweek, Israeli First Lady Michal Herzog expressed her outrage over the international community's failure to condemn the gender-based sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas.

Calling international silence over the crimes a "betrayal of all women," Herzog said, "The silence of international human rights organisations, and the unwillingness to believe Israeli women in the face of overwhelming evidence, has been devastating."&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwivqrHYm_eCAxX_gVYBHeBZA7gQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/big-bang-theory-star-condemns-global-silence-on-rape-and-torture-of-israeli-women-by-hamas-664512" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/big-bang-theory-star-condemns-global-silence-on-rape-and-torture-of-israeli-women-by-hamas-664512&amp;ved=2ahUKEwivqrHYm_eCAxX_gVYBHeBZA7gQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">Big Bang Theory star condemns global silence on 'rape and torture' of Israeli women by Hamas</a>

"A Hamas video from a kibbutz shows terrorists torturing a pregnant woman and removing her foetus. Our forensic scientists have found bodies of women and girls raped with such violence that their pelvic bones were broken," said Herzog.

"This evidence, along with the explicit recorded confessions of captured terrorists, makes abundantly clear that mass rape was a premeditated part of Hamas's plan," wrote the first lady.

<h2>UN steps up</h2>

Eight weeks of silence later, the United Nations has launched its own investigation into the sexual violence Hamas is accused of.&nbsp;

In a statement posted on X on Nov 30, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: "There are numerous accounts of sexual violence during the abhorrent acts of terror by Hamas on 7 October that must be vigorously investigated and prosecuted."

"Gender-based violence must be condemned. Anytime. Anywhere," he added.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
There are numerous accounts of sexual violence during the abhorrent acts of terror by Hamas on 7 October that must be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. 
 
Gender-based violence must be condemned. Anytime. Anywhere.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) <a href="https://twitter.com/antonioguterres/status/1729983825965703363?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Drawing attention to the delayed response,&nbsp;Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, on X said, "In every other massacre in which such heinous sexual crimes were committed," the UN Women had "issued an immediate and harsh condemnation."

"But when Israeli women are the victims," these organisations, he said, cast "doubt on the allegations".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
It took 2 months (!) for UNWOMEN to remember to loosely condemn Hamas’ sexual violence on October 7th. In every other massacre in which such heinous sexual crimes were committed, UNWOMEN issued an immediate and harsh condemnation. But when Israeli women are the victims, UNWOMEN… <a href="https://t.co/AzgGlvf9E9">pic.twitter.com/AzgGlvf9E9</a>
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/giladerdan1/status/1730958469090410689?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Witness testimonies reveal ghastly narratives</h2>

In the days since the Hamas attack, horrifying, ghastly witness testimonies of unprecedented sexual abuse, including that of a woman begging to be killed as she was gang-raped, have emerged.&nbsp;

Talking to UK's Sunday Times, Yoni Saadon, a reveller at the Nova Music Festival, recounted tales of horror from October 7.

"I saw this beautiful woman with the face of an angel and eight or 10 of the fighters beating and raping her," he recalled.

"She was screaming, 'Stop it already! I'm going to die anyway from what you are doing, just kill me!'

"When they finished, they were laughing, and the last one shot her in the head," said the 39-year-old.

Giving an account of how he survived the massacre, Saadon, the father of four, revealed that he had smeared himself with the blood of a slain woman to look dead.

"I will never forget her face," he said, talking about his saviour, who had been shot in the head by the attacking militants.

"Every night I wake to it and apologise to her, saying, 'I'm sorry.'"

He also claims to have witnessed the beheading of a young woman who had fought back as Hamas stripped her.

"They threw her to the ground, and one of the terrorists took a shovel and beheaded her," he told The Sunday Times, adding, "And her head rolled along the ground. I see that head, too."

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Almost two months into Hamas militants' unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, reports and accusations of the use of rape and sexual violence as a tool of war continue to circulate.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Almost two months into Hamas militants' unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel, reports and accusations of the use of rape and sexual violence as a tool of war continue to circulate. Israel has accused Hamas of raping "dozens" of women and some men during day one of the attack — a charge vehemently refuted by the militant group. Labelling the allegations "unfounded lies", the group said they were part of "Zionist campaigns which promote unfounded lies and allegations to demonise the Palestinian resistance". Rape — a weapon of war Recently, in a statement, UN Women said it was "alarmed by the numerous accounts of gender-based atrocities" during the attacks on southern Israel. This comes as Israeli police say they have launched an investigation and are collecting evidence of sexual violence. Meni Binyamin, the head of the International Crime Investigations Unit of the Israeli police, told The New York Times that they "are investigating sexual crimes against both women and men perpetrated by Hamas terrorists". Also read | 'Butchered, limbs mutilated, raped': Israeli forensic teams describe Hamas atrocities In an interview with the publication, Binyamin claimed, "There were violent rape incidents, the most extreme sexual abuses we have seen, of both women and men. I am talking about dozens." He said that a team of investigators had gathered "tens of thousands" of testimonies from survivors, witnesses and first responders. Binyamin also said that they were combing through banks of videos and photos from the Oct 7 Hamas incursion, but refused to divulge details, saying, "This is an ongoing investigation." However, he said that autopsies, forensic evidence, and confessions also corroborate that sexual crimes were committed by Hamas. Dishonour on top of abuse Yael Sherer, a spokesperson for Israel-based advocacy group Survivors of Sexual Violence, told BBC Radio 4 that there is evidence of sexual violence against both men and women. "There was sexual violence and rape in these communities in the south of Israel… we have a few living survivors—not a lot—of both genders. It didn't only happen to women, it happened to men as well," she said. Also read | Hamas terrorists beheaded soldiers and raped women, claims Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Sherer alleged that Hamas militants not only sexually violated Israelis but also mutilated their bodies. "Aside from finding bodies of people who were murdered, a lot of the bodies were mutilated… terrorists made sure to disgrace these people and dishonour them." Where's the international condemnation? In an opinion piece for Newsweek, Israeli First Lady Michal Herzog expressed her outrage over the international community's failure to condemn the gender-based sexual violence perpetrated by Hamas. Calling international silence over the crimes a "betrayal of all women," Herzog said, "The silence of international human rights organisations, and the unwillingness to believe Israeli women in the face of overwhelming evidence, has been devastating." Also read | Big Bang Theory star condemns global silence on 'rape and torture' of Israeli women by Hamas "A Hamas video from a kibbutz shows terrorists torturing a pregnant woman and removing her foetus. Our forensic scientists have found bodies of women and girls raped with such violence that their pelvic bones were broken," said Herzog. "This evidence, along with the explicit recorded confessions of captured terrorists, makes abundantly clear that mass rape was a premeditated part of Hamas's plan," wrote the first lady. UN steps up Eight weeks of silence later, the United Nations has launched its own investigation into the sexual violence Hamas is accused of. In a statement posted on X on Nov 30, UN Secretary-General António Guterres said: "There are numerous accounts of sexual violence during the abhorrent acts of terror by Hamas on 7 October that must be vigorously investigated and prosecuted." "Gender-based violence must be condemned. Anytime. Anywhere," he added. There are numerous accounts of sexual violence during the abhorrent acts of terror by Hamas on 7 October that must be vigorously investigated and prosecuted. Gender-based violence must be condemned. Anytime. Anywhere. — António Guterres (@antonioguterres) November 29, 2023 × Drawing attention to the delayed response, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, on X said, "In every other massacre in which such heinous sexual crimes were committed," the UN Women had "issued an immediate and harsh condemnation." "But when Israeli women are the victims," these organisations, he said, cast "doubt on the allegations". It took 2 months (!) for UNWOMEN to remember to loosely condemn Hamas’ sexual violence on October 7th. In every other massacre in which such heinous sexual crimes were committed, UNWOMEN issued an immediate and harsh condemnation. But when Israeli women are the victims, UNWOMEN… pic.twitter.com/AzgGlvf9E9 — Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) December 2, 2023 × Witness testimonies reveal ghastly narratives In the days since the Hamas attack, horrifying, ghastly witness testimonies of unprecedented sexual abuse, including that of a woman begging to be killed as she was gang-raped, have emerged. Talking to UK's Sunday Times, Yoni Saadon, a reveller at the Nova Music Festival, recounted tales of horror from October 7. "I saw this beautiful woman with the face of an angel and eight or 10 of the fighters beating and raping her," he recalled. "She was screaming, 'Stop it already! I'm going to die anyway from what you are doing, just kill me!' "When they finished, they were laughing, and the last one shot her in the head," said the 39-year-old. Giving an account of how he survived the massacre, Saadon, the father of four, revealed that he had smeared himself with the blood of a slain woman to look dead. "I will never forget her face," he said, talking about his saviour, who had been shot in the head by the attacking militants. "Every night I wake to it and apologise to her, saying, 'I'm sorry.'" He also claims to have witnessed the beheading of a young woman who had fought back as Hamas stripped her. "They threw her to the ground, and one of the terrorists took a shovel and beheaded her," he told The Sunday Times, adding, "And her head rolled along the ground. I see that head, too." (With inputs from agencies) 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.

Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel?

In a letter to the house speaker, the director of the office of management and budget, Shalanda Young, warns time is rapidly running out to support Ukraine's fight against the Russian invasion.

White house warns Putin could win if Ukraine aid dries up

This year’s COP28 Summit is currently underway in the UAE, and it has been riddled with controversies right from the word go.

On November 21, Al Jaber—who happens to be the president and host of the Dubai-based COP28 as well as the CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, Adnoc, set the cat among the pigeons with a string of incendiary comments that didn’t go down well with international climate activists.

“There is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phaseout of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5C,” Al Jaber made this explosive statement after he challenged former Irish President Mary Robinson during a She Changes Climate event.

“Please help me, show me the roadmap for a phaseout of fossil fuel that will allow for sustainable socioeconomic development, unless you want to take the world back into caves,” he had added.

<h2>UAE’s damage control</h2>

The comments triggered a major global backlash, which has now prompted the all-powerful UAE leader to desperately win the confidence of the international community back.

“I respect the science in everything I do. I have repeatedly said that it is the science that has guided the principles or strategy as COP28 president. We have always built everything, every step of the way, on the science, on the facts,” Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said during a press conference on Monday (Dec 4).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop28-presidents-no-science-behind-oil-phase-out-statement-causes-alarm-666064">Also read:&nbsp;COP28 president`s `no science` behind oil phase-out statement causes alarm</a>

“I know that there are strong views among some [countries], about the phase-down or phaseout of fossil fuels. Allow me to say this again: This is the first [COP] presidency ever to actively call on parties to come forward with language on all fossil fuels for the negotiated text,” he said.

<h2>UAE trying to strike oil deals during COP28?</h2>

To UAE’s further embarrassment, a bombshell report released last week claimed that the host nation was utilising its hosting of the COP28 summit as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals with at least 15 nations.

Watch:&nbsp;Africa | Tanzania floods claims 63 lives, 116 injured; President cuts short COP28 visit

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A report by BBC claimed that UAE’s COP28 team was preparing to hold meetings with foreign governments, with intentions of furthering fossil fuel collaborations.

(With inputs from agencies)

This year’s COP28 Summit is currently underway in the UAE, and it has been riddled with controversies right from the word go. On November 21, Al Jaber—who happens to be the president and host of the Dubai-based COP28 as well as the CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, Adnoc, set the cat among the pigeons with a string of incendiary comments that didn’t go down well with international climate activists.

This year’s COP28 Summit is currently underway in the UAE, and it has been riddled with controversies right from the word go. On November 21, Al Jaber—who happens to be the president and host of the Dubai-based COP28 as well as the CEO of the United Arab Emirates’ state oil company, Adnoc, set the cat among the pigeons with a string of incendiary comments that didn’t go down well with international climate activists. “There is no science out there, or no scenario out there, that says that the phaseout of fossil fuel is what’s going to achieve 1.5C,” Al Jaber made this explosive statement after he challenged former Irish President Mary Robinson during a She Changes Climate event. “Please help me, show me the roadmap for a phaseout of fossil fuel that will allow for sustainable socioeconomic development, unless you want to take the world back into caves,” he had added. UAE’s damage control The comments triggered a major global backlash, which has now prompted the all-powerful UAE leader to desperately win the confidence of the international community back. “I respect the science in everything I do. I have repeatedly said that it is the science that has guided the principles or strategy as COP28 president. We have always built everything, every step of the way, on the science, on the facts,” Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber said during a press conference on Monday (Dec 4). Also read: COP28 president`s `no science` behind oil phase-out statement causes alarm “I know that there are strong views among some [countries], about the phase-down or phaseout of fossil fuels. Allow me to say this again: This is the first [COP] presidency ever to actively call on parties to come forward with language on all fossil fuels for the negotiated text,” he said. UAE trying to strike oil deals during COP28? To UAE’s further embarrassment, a bombshell report released last week claimed that the host nation was utilising its hosting of the COP28 summit as an opportunity to strike oil and gas deals with at least 15 nations. Watch: Africa | Tanzania floods claims 63 lives, 116 injured; President cuts short COP28 visit × A report by BBC claimed that UAE’s COP28 team was preparing to hold meetings with foreign governments, with intentions of furthering fossil fuel collaborations. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE leader holds damage control conference after making ‘no-science’ fossil claim

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years.&nbsp;

“Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good child care and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” Kim said in his opening speech as his government stepped up the call for the people to have more children.

Though it is difficult to get details on North Korea's population trends, South Korea assessed that North's fertility rate has declined steadily for the past 10 years, the report said.

South Korea's government statistics agency said that North Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of babies expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, was at 1.79 in 2022, down from 1.88 in 2014.

This decline was slower than South, whose fertility rate last year was 0.78, down from 1.20 in 2014.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-north-korea-sees-strange-uptick-in-number-of-people-suffering-from-hair-loss-663536">North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss</a>

Citing observers, the Associated Press reported that while North Korea is one of the poorest countries globally, the change in its demographic structure is similar to that of rich countries.

“Many families in North Korea also don’t intend to have more than one child these days as they know they need lots of money to raise their kids, send them to school and help them get jobs,” said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG.

In the 1970s-80s, North Korea implemented birth control programmes to slow post-war population growth. Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute said in its report this August that the country's fertility rate recorded a major decline following a famine in the mid-1990s.

The institute said that given Pyongyang's lack of resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties in reviving and developing its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces were not provided.

Recently, North Korea introduced a set of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing arrangements, state subsidies, and educational perks for children, state media reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years.

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years. “Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good child care and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” Kim said in his opening speech as his government stepped up the call for the people to have more children. Though it is difficult to get details on North Korea's population trends, South Korea assessed that North's fertility rate has declined steadily for the past 10 years, the report said. South Korea's government statistics agency said that North Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of babies expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, was at 1.79 in 2022, down from 1.88 in 2014. This decline was slower than South, whose fertility rate last year was 0.78, down from 1.20 in 2014. Also read: North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss Citing observers, the Associated Press reported that while North Korea is one of the poorest countries globally, the change in its demographic structure is similar to that of rich countries. “Many families in North Korea also don’t intend to have more than one child these days as they know they need lots of money to raise their kids, send them to school and help them get jobs,” said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG. In the 1970s-80s, North Korea implemented birth control programmes to slow post-war population growth. Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute said in its report this August that the country's fertility rate recorded a major decline following a famine in the mid-1990s. The institute said that given Pyongyang's lack of resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties in reviving and developing its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces were not provided. Recently, North Korea introduced a set of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing arrangements, state subsidies, and educational perks for children, state media reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for North Korean women to have more children to halt fall in birthrate

The humanitarian crisis is unfolding in south gaza. Living between life and death, displaced gazans say they have nowhere to go. Spokesperson for Gaza's health ministry says hospitals in southern Gaza have totally collapsed. While the W.H.O. Warns that the situation is getting worse by the hour. What is Gazans fate? Will they find refuge?

W.H.O: Gaza reaching humanity's darkest hour

The humanitarian crisis is unfolding in south gaza. Living between life and death, displaced gazans say they have nowhere to go. Spokesperson for gaza's health ministry says hospitals in southern gaza have totally collapsed. While the w.H.O. Warns that the situation is getting worse by the hour. What is gazans fate? Will they find refuge?

Israel-Hamas war: Safe Zone in Gaza impossible, says UN

In the alleged plot to murder Khalistani terrorist in the US - Pannun - senior US officials lead a delegation in India to discuss the alleged murder plot. White House deputy National Security Advisor lead the US delegation.

Senior US officials visit India amid Indian probe into SFJ Chief Pannun murder plot | WION

Human rights attorneys demanded on Monday that Israel stop receiving fighter jet parts that could be used in attacks on Gaza when they appeared in court in the Netherlands.

Dutch lawyers seek a civil court order to halt the export of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel

The United States has expanded its visa restriction policy for Ugandan officials. This comes as authorities in Uganda are accused of undermining democracy and oppressing marginalised groups.

US restricts visa for Uganda, Zimbabwe officials, restrictions for undermining democracy | WION

An intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others.

As per news agency Reuters reports, the target of the air strikes also included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter.

Israeli army and tanks also pushed the ground campaign against Hamas militants in the south of the enclave after having primarily acquired control of the northern area which is now devastated.

Israel had earlier on Monday ordered Palestinians to leave parts of Gaza's main southern city, Khan Younis. However, the residents complained of even those areas coming under fire where they were asked to go.

The explosions were seen close to residential areas in Gaza, according to Reuters, with many buildings going into total blackout due to lack of electricity.

At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action that would worsen the already alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on," UN&nbsp;spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

The United States also indicated that it expects Israel to avoid attacking areas that Israeli authorities have identified as "no-strike" zones in Gaza.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ending-us-aid-for-ukraine-would-allow-putin-to-prevail-warns-white-house-666210">Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House</a>

"They have also indicated that there are areas where there will be 'no-strike' zones. And in those zones, we do expect Israel to follow through on not striking," Sullivan told reporters at the White House.

<h2>Israeli army told UN health agency to leave southern Gaza warehouse, says Tedros</h2>

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the Israeli military had told the UN health agency to vacate an aid warehouse in southern Gaza before a ground offensive in the area made it inoperable.

"Today, WHO received notification from the Israel Defense Forces that we should remove our supplies from our medical warehouse in southern Gaza within 24 hours, as ground operations will put it beyond use," Tedros wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"We appeal to Israel to withdraw the order, and take every possible measure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and humanitarian facilities," he wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

An intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others. As per news agency Reuters reports, the target of the air strikes also included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter.

An intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others. As per news agency Reuters reports, the target of the air strikes also included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter. Israeli army and tanks also pushed the ground campaign against Hamas militants in the south of the enclave after having primarily acquired control of the northern area which is now devastated. Israel had earlier on Monday ordered Palestinians to leave parts of Gaza's main southern city, Khan Younis. However, the residents complained of even those areas coming under fire where they were asked to go. The explosions were seen close to residential areas in Gaza, according to Reuters, with many buildings going into total blackout due to lack of electricity. At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action that would worsen the already alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza. "For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. The United States also indicated that it expects Israel to avoid attacking areas that Israeli authorities have identified as "no-strike" zones in Gaza. Also read: Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House "They have also indicated that there are areas where there will be 'no-strike' zones. And in those zones, we do expect Israel to follow through on not striking," Sullivan told reporters at the White House. Israeli army told UN health agency to leave southern Gaza warehouse, says Tedros WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the Israeli military had told the UN health agency to vacate an aid warehouse in southern Gaza before a ground offensive in the area made it inoperable. "Today, WHO received notification from the Israel Defense Forces that we should remove our supplies from our medical warehouse in southern Gaza within 24 hours, as ground operations will put it beyond use," Tedros wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "We appeal to Israel to withdraw the order, and take every possible measure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and humanitarian facilities," he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout

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