October 16, 2024

Daily News Brief

Strike hits south Beirut after Netanyahu vows 'no ceasefire' Israel launched strikes on southern Beirut after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed a ceasefire deal that would leave Hezbollah near Israel's border. The military also ordered residents to evacuate parts of Beirut, a move typically signaling incoming attacks on the Lebanese capital. *) Erdogan: How can the UN protect others when it cannot defend its own staff? President Recep Tayyip Erdogan slammed the UN's credibility, questioning its ability to defend others when it can't protect its own staff. At the Global Diplomacy and Future of Palestine conference in Ankara, President Erdogan criticized the UN Security Council for its inaction, accusing it of standing powerless as Israel continues its strikes and civilians. *) North Korea claims more than a million people joined army this week North Korea claimed over a million young people joined its military after accusing Seoul of sending drones into its airspace. Pyongyang retaliated by blowing up key roads and rail links with the South, warning that more drone flights would be seen as a declaration of war. While Seoul denied the drone claims, North Korea insists it has "clear evidence" and accused the South of spreading anti-regime leaflets over its capital. *) Toddlers and women among victims as migrant boat sinks near Greek island Two infant boys were among four people who died in a migrant boat sinking near the Greek Aegean island of Kos, according to the Greek coastguard. Two women also died in the boat sinking, which occurred in mild weather, a coast guard spokesman said. The spokesperson said 27 people were rescued, including a man detained as a suspected smuggler. *) Egypt's long-delayed mega-museum will open some main galleries in trial run The Grand Egyptian Museum will partially open on Wednesday, showcasing 12 halls of ancient Egyptian artifacts in a trial run for 4,000 visitors, officials said. The $1 billion mega-project near the Giza Pyramids has faced delays, including from the pandemic, with an official opening date still unannounced. The museum will eventually house over 100,000 ancient treasures.