Author: WTX News

Deadly unrest over job quotas grips Bangladesh Schools and universities across Bangladesh have been closed indefinitely after six people died during protests over government job quotas. University students have been rallying against the system that reserves a portion of public sector jobs for the relatives of war heroes, women, ethnic minorities, and the disabled. They argue the system is unfair and demand merit-based recruitment. Clashes erupted between supporters of the anti-quota movement and the student wing of the governing Awami League, known as the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL). The violence saw students attacking each other with bricks and sticks, while…

Six tonnes of cocaine found in banana shipment Sniffer dogs in Ecuador discovered 6.23 tonnes of cocaine hidden in a banana shipment, police reported. The dogs alerted handlers during a routine inspection at Posorja port, leading to the seizure of 5,630 parcels of cocaine. The shipment, destined for Germany, was worth an estimated $224 million. Five people were arrested, including a representative from the export company and the banana plantation managers. The cocaine was hidden beneath crates of bananas set for export. Ecuador has become a major transit hub for cocaine from Peru and Colombia, with criminal gangs using its…

50 reportedly killed in latest Israeli strikes in Gaza At least 50 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in Israeli air strikes in south and central Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. One of the deadliest attacks was in the humanitarian zone of al-Mawasi, west of Khan Younis, and another hit a UN-run school in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The Israeli military stated that the strikes targeted members of Palestinian armed groups and is investigating reports of civilian casualties. It claims that half of Hamas’s military leadership and about 14,000 “terrorists” have been killed or detained in nine months…

Toronto reels from floods and power cuts after severe storms Record rainfall from three massive storms has flooded parts of Toronto, cutting power and stranding drivers on major motorways. Environment Canada reported nearly 100mm (4 inches) of rain fell on Tuesday, breaking the city’s daily record set in 1941. Images showed severe flooding, submerged cars, and water pouring down staircases at Union Station. Pop star Drake posted a video on Instagram showing his Toronto home, partially submerged in brown water. The storm left over 167,000 customers without power, according to Toronto Hydro. Several flights were delayed or cancelled at Billy…

Israeli blitz Gaza from land, sea and air on Monday as the Genocide in Palestine showed no sign of slowing down. Israeli Blitz Gaza from land, sea and air Shells rained down on the neighbourhoods of Tal Al-Hawa, Sheikh Ajlin and Al-Sabra in Gaza City. Eyewitnesses said the Israeli army had shelled the Al-Mughraqa area and the northern outskirts of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Deadly Israeli attack on al-Mawasi tent camp not justifiable Israel can “kill 2.3 million people by simply claiming that it was to kill Hamas.” UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese Excessive force against Palestinian…

‘This is not who we are. This is not who we want to be. And this is not who will ever be.’Taoiseach Leo Varadkar makes a statement following yesterday’s stabbing and last night’s riots in Dublin City. pic.twitter.com/mT5Cn6Clvp— Irish and UK Media News (@IREUKmedia) November 24, 2023 Irish PM condemns anti-immigrant Dublin violence Fifteen people appeared in a special court in Dublin following violent protests at a site designated for asylum seekers. Protesters set pallets and construction machinery on fire at the former Crown Paints factory in Coolock, north Dublin, causing a large blaze. Work was set to begin on…

Israeli strike on central Gaza school reportedly kills 22 At least 22 Palestinians were killed and 100 wounded in a strike on a UN-run school in central Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Israeli military stated that the strike targeted Hamas “terrorists” operating from Abu Oraiban School in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Witnesses, however, reported no armed fighters were present, and children were among the casualties. This incident marks the fifth attack on or near schools in eight days. Residents in central Gaza reported new air and artillery strikes on Monday, with five people killed in the Maghazi…

BREAKING: Five people were killed and several others were injured in a mosque shooting in Oman capital Muscat, according to police. pic.twitter.com/VLKFRxha1i— World Times (@WorldTimesWT) July 16, 2024 Four killed in shooting near Oman mosque Four people were killed in a shooting near a mosque in Muscat, Oman’s capital, according to the country’s police. Several others were injured in the incident, which occurred in the al-Wadi al-Kabir area.  Police responded promptly, and an investigation is now underway. While details are scarce, some reports indicate that at least one gunman used an assault rifle. The police have implemented all necessary security…

Colombia football head arrested on battery charge Ramón Jesurún, head of the Colombian Football Federation, and his son, Ramón Jamil, were arrested following a brawl at Sunday’s Copa América final in Miami. The Miami-Dade Police Department charged them with battery involving an official or employee. The altercation occurred after Colombia’s 0-1 loss to Argentina in extra time. According to police, the incident began when the Jesurúns became angry while approaching the field entrance. A security officer, instructed to delay entry, tried to guide Ramón Jamil back, leading to an escalation where Ramón pushed the officer, and his son assaulted him…

Combat dog set on Palestinian with Down syndrome and left to die A Palestinian family hiding in their home in eastern Gaza City’s Shujaiya when Israeli soldiers stormed it has suffered an unimaginable level of horror. Muhammed, 24, who had Down syndrome desperately screamed as he tried to free himself from a combat dog unleashed by Israeli soldiers.  “The dog bit his chest, then started biting and mauling his arm. Muhammed was screaming and trying to free himself as the blood poured,” his mother recalled to MEE. “Muhammed could not speak or say any word, but out of horror, he…

Police hunt mayor accused of being Chinese spy The mayor of Bamban, Philippines, Alice Guo, accused of being a Chinese spy, has gone into hiding, officials say. Police were unable to arrest her over the weekend as she was not found at any of her known addresses. Guo is linked to scam centres uncovered in Bamban, concealed in online casinos catering to mainland Chinese, leading to suspicions about her Chinese parentage and potential espionage for Beijing. Her case has captivated the nation, especially amid ongoing tensions between Manila and Beijing over the South China Sea. The Senate ordered her arrest…

Lammy urges immediate ceasefire during Israel visit David Lammy, during his first visit to Israel and the Palestinian Territories as Foreign Secretary, has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He emphasised the need to stop the horrendous loss of life and urged for the release of all hostages held in Gaza and an increase in aid to the territory. In talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Mustafa, Lammy stressed the importance of conducting war according to international humanitarian law. He expressed frustration over British aid trucks being blocked or delayed from entering Gaza…

Hamas-run health ministry says 141 killed in Israeli strikes The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports that 141 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli air strikes since Saturday, with about 400 more injured. One strike targeted a designated humanitarian zone in the al-Mawasi area near Khan Younis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated the attack was aimed at senior Hamas leader Mohammed Deif, but his death is not confirmed.  Eyewitnesses in al-Mawasi described the scene as resembling an “earthquake,” with videos showing the aftermath of smouldering wreckage and casualties. The BBC has confirmed the strike occurred within a humanitarian zone.…

US-built $230 million pier in Gaza is shutting down after two months The high-profile $230 million pier built by the Biden administration to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza is shutting down after just two months due to it no longer being essential for Gaza’s supply of food, water and other humanitarian aid because of key border crossings that have recently reopened. “I do anticipate that in relatively short order, we will wind down pier operations,” national security adviser Jake Sullivan said Thursday. The floating pier, intended to boost humanitarian aid during the Israel-Hamas war, faced numerous challenges. Initial aid convoys…

China hits back at Nato over Russia accusations China’s foreign minister Wang Yi has dismissed NATO’s claims that Beijing is supporting Russia in the Ukraine war, labelling them as “groundless accusations.” Wang warned the Western alliance against provoking confrontation, stating that China has always been a force for peace and stability. His remarks followed a NATO declaration accusing China of aiding Russia’s defence industry and called for an end to such support. During a call with Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp, Wang reiterated China’s stance, denying any material or political support for Russia’s war effort. He also criticised NATO for…

Australian soldier charged with spying for Russia An Australian soldier, Kira Korolev, and her husband Igor Korolev have been arrested and charged with spying for Russia. The couple, both Russian-born Australian citizens, allegedly obtained Australian Defence Force (ADF) materials to share with Moscow. However, Australian police have stated that there has been “no significant compromise” of military secrets. This case marks the first use of Australia’s stricter foreign interference laws, introduced in 2018, to lay espionage charges. Kira, a 40-year-old army private, and Igor, a 62-year-old self-employed labourer, face up to 15 years in jail if convicted. Prime Minister Anthony…

Spanish PM calls out Western ‘double standards’ on Gaza at Nato summit Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has used his speech at NATO’s 75th-anniversary summit in Washington to call out the West’s “double standards” regarding the conflict in Gaza as he joined fellow Nato leaders in offering continued support to Ukraine.  Spain recently recognised a Palestinian state and has criticised Israel’s conduct in its war in Gaza. The Spanish stance has angered Israel and its right-wing government.  “If we are telling our people that we are supporting Ukraine because we are defending the international law, this is the same to what…

France’s former first lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy charged in election funding scandal  France’s former first lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, has been charged in an election funding scandal from 2007 involving money from the former Libyan dictator, Col Muammar Gaddafi. She faces charges of hiding evidence and associating with wrongdoers to commit fraud. Additionally, she is suspected of witness tampering and attempting to bribe Lebanese judicial personnel.  Her lawyers says she will challenge the charges. She is under judicial control and cannot contact other accused individuals except her husband, former President Nicolas Sarkozy.  Sarkozy, who served as France’s president from 2007 to 2012,…

Israel tells everyone in Gaza City to leave The Israeli military has ordered all residents of Gaza City to evacuate south to the central Gaza Strip due to intensified operations in the north. Leaflets dropped from aircraft instructed people to leave the “dangerous combat zone” via safe routes leading to shelters in Deir al-Balah and al-Zawaida. The UN expressed deep concerns about these evacuation orders. This is the second time Gaza City residents have been asked to evacuate since the war began. Israeli forces have recently re-entered several districts, targeting Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad fighters. Hamas claims that Israel’s…

Irish woman charged in UAE for attempting suicide has case dropped and can return home Tori Towey, an Irish flight attendant, who had been facing charges including attempted suicide and consuming alcohol in the UAE, has had the charges dropped and her case closed. Towey, 28, from Roscommon, had her passport destroyed and was under a travel ban, but the Dubai Public Prosecution has confirmed the case is no longer active. Radha Stirling, a lawyer and human rights advocate from the Detained in Dubai group, announced that Towey and her mother were thrilled with the news. Irish Prime Minister Simon…

Nato pledges support for Ukraine’s future membership NATO members have pledged strong support for Ukraine’s future membership and additional aid at the recent summit in Washington DC. While no timeline for Ukraine’s membership was set, the alliance’s 32 members affirmed their unwavering support for Ukraine’s defence against Russia. They committed €40bn in aid for the next year, including F-16 fighter jets and air defence support. NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg emphasised that supporting Ukraine is in the security interest of the alliance. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken confirmed the transfer of US-built F-16 jets to Ukraine, marking the first time…

Thursday’s front pages report on domestic news, with the killing of the wife and two daughters of the BBC horse racing commentator John Hunt one of the morning’s lead stories. It comes after a manhunt in which Kyle Clifford, 26, was apprehended. 

Most papers feature images of the England National Team as they beat Switzerland 2-1 to reach the final of the European Championship – where they’ll face Spain. Ollie Watkins is pictured on many of the tabloids after his late goal gave England the win.

Brazil to implement free trade accord with Palestinian Authority in a move to show solidarity for the Palestinian state and people. The south american country has put into effect a free trade agreement with the Palestinian Authority that has been waiting for ratification for more than decade, in a show of support for the Palestinian people. “The agreement is a concrete contribution to an economically viable Palestinian state, which can live peacefully and harmoniously with its neighbors,” Brazil’s foreign ministry said on Monday in a statement. Brazil’s foreign ministry Recognises a Palestinian state It said Brazil, which recognises a Palestinian…

The final is set after another magical semi-final as Ollie Watkins sends the English into dreamland. OIlie Watkins had played 20 minutes at the Euro 2024 before tonight. And now he scored one of the most important goals of his life. The goal that sends England to the final of European Championships against Spain. “It has to be the best. It’s another landmark but we played well throughout the game. It was complicated. They kept changing so we had to change. It was so special at the end.” England boss Gareth Southgate It was another magical semifinal, entertaining and competitive…

The crossbow killer has been captured by Amred police in Enflied. A man thought to be Kyle Clifford has been seen receiving medical treatment and being stretchered out of Lavender Hill Cemetery in Enfield, close to triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford’s home. There’s significant police presence, including armed officers, and emergency services all on site. He was seen being bundled into an ambulance by armed police. Triple murder suspect Kyle Clifford, accused of killing Carol Hunt and her daughters with a crossbow, has been caught in a cemetery in Enfield. He was seen being bundled into an ambulance by armed…