WORLD NEWS

10^th May 2024

By Adejide

SPAIN, IRELAND AND OTHER EUROPEAN NATIONS READY TO RECOGNISE PALESTINIAN STATE

Spain, Ireland, Slovenia, Malta and many more are expected to vote in favour of Palestine statehood at the UN general assembly later today.

Spain have made their stand public since March agreeing with other nations such as Ireland and Malta to take a lead in recognising Palestine as a full United Nations member state come May 21.

EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell affirmed this decision and guarantees Belgium and other countries would probably follow. “This recognises the will for that state to exist” says Borrell.

Israel has a contrary opinion to this, it feels Palestinian recognition will constitute terrorism which is a factor that can impede the chances of resolution. Meanwhile, the United States have advised the UN to propose a two-state resolution to create lasting peace to their recurrent conflicts.

EU Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell

Today, the United Nations General Assembly is expected to support Palestinian statehood and send the application to the UN Security Council to “reconsider the matter favourably”. 139 of 193 UN member states have recognised Palestinian statehood.

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PRINCE HARRY AND MEGHAN VISIT NIGERIA

The Sussexes arrived in Nigeria on Friday to champion the Invictus Games which is founded to aid the rehabilitation of wounded service members and veterans.

The couple were invited by Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa as it is part of the “Invictus community”. They were warmly welcomed by students of Lightway Academy, Abuja before they proceeded to meet students and staff from the GEANCO Foundation.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex take part in activities at Lightway Academy in Abuja

Meghan discovered her Nigerian lineage in 2022 after a genealogy test so she was anxious to accompany her husband on the visit. Nigerians were so excited when the tour was announced two weeks ago and have been preparing to offer them the best ever reception.

A Lagos based lawyer, Oyeyemi Aderibigbe says “together, they are using their influence to democratise opportunity and push causes for the advantage of underrepresented groups”.

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ZELENSKYY DISMISS BODYGUARD OVER FAILED ASSASSINATION

Drastic decision has to be taken after assassination plot against the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy failed.

Head of State Guard Office, Serhii Rud and two UDO officers were dismissed and detained respectively. The UDO is tasked with the security of the Ukraine President and senior state officials. Rud was appointed as the Presidential bodyguard in October 2019. No official replacement has been made.

Head of the State Guard Service, Serhii Rud

The two colonels were later charged for treason for their involvement in a plot to assassinate the President. Investigations revealed the two officers were carrying out “subversive activities against Ukraine in exchange for financial compensation”.

This is one of many attempts on the life of the Ukrainian President since Russia launched its full scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The plot has once again been linked to the Russian government.

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ISRAEL CLOSED DOWN AL JAZEERA IN THE COUNTRY

Qatari based news network, Al Jazeera have been shut down from operating in Israel on Sunday.

The Israel Ministry of Communication stated it had closed Al-Jazeera offices in Jerusalem and seized its communication equipment. The ministry also blocked its satellite and access to its website.

Overtime, the Israeli government have been complaining of biased reporting of Al-Jazeera and accused the network of being a “mouthpiece” for Hamas. The passage of a new law enabled the country to ban external networks suspected of being a threat to national security.

Al Jazeera said Israel decision is against the human right to access information. It proceeds that the arrest of journalists and closing down of the site will not stop them from reporting Israel crimes. Al Jazeera thereby denied Israel’s allegation of been biased and called on human rights organisations to decry Israeli authorities.

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CEASEFIRE TALKS ENDED “NO DEAL” IN CAIRO

Negotiations between Hamas and the Israeli delegation for ceasefire was futile on Wednesday. So, Israel proceeds with the Rafah incursion.

Efforts were made but still not useful enough to strike a deal for a ceasefire. Hence, the Israel military have intensified efforts to hit Hamas in Rafah while depriving the Gazans access to humanitarian aid. The Israeli military have already taken control of the Rafah crossing cutting off supplies of aid.

Israel soldiers on tanks en route Rafah incursion

Consequently, Gazans have been terrified and fearful of this period for long but it is now upon them. At least, 10,000 Palestinians have fled for safety due to constant bombardment. Sam Rose, director of planning for the UNRWA says Israel was subjecting Gaza to “medieval siege in a scorched earth war”.

A bombarded building in Gaza

Since Sunday, no aid whatsoever has been allowed into Gaza, no fuel, no foods and aid officials are down to their last reserves.

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