October 18, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) Sinwar killed in gunfight, defying Tel Aviv's assertions — Israeli media Hamas politburo leader Yahya Sinwar was killed during a surprise gunfight with Israeli forces, according to Israeli media. Previously reported to be hiding in tunnels, Sinwar was actually found dressed in military gear, ready for combat. Israel’s public broadcaster noted that Sinwar’s constant movement kept him battle-ready after months of Israeli attempts to limit his mobility. *) War between Israel, Iran has 'to be considered a high possibility' — Fidan Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has warned that a war between Israel and Iran is a "high possibility," urging Türkiye and the region to be prepared. In an interview on Thursday, Fidan stressed the need for regional countries to brace for this scenario, which he called undesirable, but potentially destabilising. While Türkiye opposes any conflict with Iran, Fidan acknowledged Tehran's right to self-defence if it comes to that. *) 1 billion people, half of world's children, trapped in acute poverty —UN Over 1 billion people live in extreme poverty, with more than half being children, and nearly 40 percent residing in conflict-affected areas, according to a UN report. The report, from the UN Development Programme and Oxford, highlights that 83 percent of the poor live in rural regions, especially in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia. The 2024 Multidimensional Poverty Index, covering 112 countries, tracks poverty using 10 key indicators, including health, education, and living standards. *) Kenya deputy president ousted in historic impeachment Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was ousted from office after being impeached in an unprecedented political saga that has kept the nation on edge. In a historic move, the Senate voted to impeach Gachagua on five of 11 charges, after a similar motion was overwhelmingly approved by the lower house National Assembly last week. The vote capped a day of drama which saw the 59-year-old known as "Riggy G" fail to testify in his defence after being admitted to hospital with chest pains. *) Texas Supreme Court halts execution of man in shaken baby case after lawmakers' last-minute appeal The Texas Supreme Court has halted the execution of Robert Roberson, convicted for the 2002 death of his 2-year-old daughter tied to shaken baby syndrome. The ruling followed intense last-minute legal challenges and bipartisan public pressure, citing concerns about flawed science. Roberson, who had been waiting in a cell near the death chamber, expressed shock and gratitude after the stay was announced.