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Nepal protests: Homes of top leaders burned after social media ban sparks deadly unrest-AP

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Nepal protests: Homes of top leaders burned after social media ban sparks deadly unrest-AP

KATHMANDU, Nepal (BN24) — Protesters in Nepal set fire to the homes of several of the country’s most prominent political leaders as unrest spread Tuesday, a day after 19 people were killed in Kathmandu during violent demonstrations against a government-imposed social media ban and widespread corruption.

Videos and images circulating on social platforms showed demonstrators targeting residences of key leaders in and around the capital. The houses of Sher Bahadur Deuba, leader of the Nepali Congress and head of the country’s largest party; President Ram Chandra Poudel; Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak; and Pushpa Kamal Dahal, leader of the Communist Party of Nepal (Maoist), were among those torched. A private school owned by Foreign Minister Arzu Deuba Rana, Deuba’s wife, was also set ablaze.

Authorities imposed an indefinite curfew in Kathmandu and other major cities. Schools in the capital were ordered closed as security forces moved to contain unrest that escalated from protests against the ban on Facebook, X, YouTube, and other platforms into a broader expression of public fury at Nepal’s political class, accused of corruption and neglect.

“Our demand is for peace and an end to corruption so that young people can work and live in our country,” said Bishnu Thapa Chetri, a student who joined the protests. Another demonstrator, Narayan Acharya, condemned Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, saying, “We are here to seek justice for our friends who were killed. Oli should be chased away.”

On Monday, tens of thousands of mostly young demonstrators, many wearing school and college uniforms, had marched through the capital carrying national flags and chanting slogans such as “Stop corruption, not social media.” As crowds pressed against barricades around Parliament, police opened fire after using tear gas and water cannons, killing at least 19 people and wounding more than 100. Doctors at Kathmandu’s National Trauma Center said many victims had gunshot wounds to the head and chest.

The protests, dubbed a “Gen Z uprising”, are being fueled by frustration with entrenched corruption, lack of economic opportunity, and anger at an increasingly unpopular Oli government. “They killed so many youths yesterday who had so much to look forward to,” said protester Durganah Dahal. “As long as this government is in power, we will continue to suffer.”

In response to the bloodshed, Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned late Monday, saying he bore “moral responsibility” for the deaths. Oli announced the formation of an investigative committee to report within 15 days and promised compensation for victims’ families as well as free medical care for the wounded.

The controversy began last week when the government blocked more than 20 social platforms, citing their failure to comply with a new requirement to register and designate local offices for regulatory oversight. Officials said the ban was aimed at curbing fake accounts, hate speech, and fraud, but critics denounced the move as an attempt at censorship and silencing dissent.

While TikTok, Viber and three other platforms have registered with Nepali authorities and remain operational, companies such as Meta (owner of Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp), Google (which owns YouTube), and Elon Musk’s X have not complied. None of the companies responded to requests for comment.

Nepal, which banned TikTok in 2023 for “disrupting social harmony” before later restoring access, has struggled with political instability since abolishing its monarchy in 2008. The Himalayan nation has seen 14 governments in just 17 years, none completing a full five-year term. Analysts say this week’s unrest represents the sharpest challenge yet to Oli’s fourth administration and signals a generational revolt demanding change.

Founder of California porn empire sentenced to 27 years for sex trafficking

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Founder of California porn empire sentenced to 27 years for sex trafficking

SAN DIEGO (BN24) — The founder of a California-based porn empire that lured young women into appearing in adult videos through false modeling promises was sentenced Monday to 27 years in federal prison on sex trafficking charges.

Michael James Pratt, a native of New Zealand and creator of the now-defunct GirlsDoPorn website, pleaded guilty in June in federal court in San Diego to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud or coercion and one count of conspiracy to commit the same crime. U.S. District Judge Janis Sammartino handed down the sentence, describing the scale of exploitation as “profound and devastating.”

Federal prosecutors said Pratt and his associates deceived hundreds of women, many in their late teens, by offering fake modeling opportunities before coercing them into pornography. Victims testified that they were given alcohol and marijuana, pressured to sign contracts without time to review them, and in some cases sexually assaulted or confined in hotel rooms until filming was complete.

Pratt had been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list before his arrest in Madrid in 2022, three years after he fled the U.S. while facing sex trafficking charges. His capture ended an international manhunt that had spanned multiple countries.

The criminal case followed a 2019 civil lawsuit in which 22 women accused Pratt and his partners of fraud, breach of contract, and abuse. In 2020, a San Diego judge ruled in favor of the women and ordered Pratt, Matthew Isaac Wolfe, and producer Ruben Andre Garcia to pay $12.7 million in damages.

Wolfe, who oversaw daily operations, finances, and marketing for GirlsDoPorn, later pleaded guilty to a federal conspiracy charge and was sentenced in 2022 to 14 years in prison. Garcia, an adult performer and producer, received a 20-year sentence, while cameraman Theodore Gyi was sentenced to four years.

Prosecutors argued that Pratt orchestrated the scheme as the ringleader of an operation that “thrived on lies, coercion and intimidation” to profit from vulnerable young women. “The sentence sends a strong message that those who exploit others through fraud and force will face severe consequences,” the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California said in a statement.

Pratt, who built a multimillion-dollar business through the exploitation, now faces what advocates called overdue accountability. Many of the women have spoken publicly about the lasting trauma of the scheme, saying their lives were shattered after their images spread across the internet.

Nepal police kill at least 19 in mass protests over corruption and social media ban

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Nepal police kill at least 19 in mass protests over corruption and social media ban

KATHMANDU, Nepal (BN24) — At least 19 people were killed and more than 140 injured Monday in Nepal’s worst unrest in decades as police opened fire on protesters in Kathmandu and other cities during demonstrations against corruption and a government-imposed social media ban.

The violence erupted after thousands of mostly young demonstrators, many in school or college uniforms, surged toward Nepal’s parliament complex in the capital, tearing down barricades, setting an ambulance ablaze, and hurling rocks and other objects at riot police. Officers responded with tear gas, water cannons, batons, rubber bullets — and eventually live rounds, witnesses said.

“This is a protest by the new generation of Nepal,” one demonstrator told ANI news agency, accusing police of firing indiscriminately into the crowds. Doctors said many of the wounded had gunshot injuries to the head and chest.

Authorities confirmed two people also died in protests in the eastern city of Itahari. Similar demonstrations were reported in Biratnagar, Bharatpur, and Pokhara, underscoring the national scale of the unrest.

The protests, which organizers have called “Gen Z demonstrations,” were sparked by the government’s decision last week to block Facebook, YouTube, X and other social media platforms, citing the companies’ failure to register locally and growing concerns over hate speech, fake accounts, and online fraud. But critics say the move is a thinly veiled attempt to censor dissent and silence opposition voices.

Placards carried by protesters read: “Shut down corruption, not social media” and “Unban social media.”

Interior Minister Ramesh Lekhak resigned late Monday, taking “moral responsibility” for the bloodshed, according to cabinet officials. Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli convened an emergency meeting as the army was deployed to secure parliament and government buildings. Authorities later announced a curfew across key areas of Kathmandu.

The United Nations and rights groups expressed alarm. Human Rights Watch urged Nepal’s government to recognize the demonstrations as a legitimate expression of public anger at corruption, nepotism and weak governance, warning that the excessive use of force risked deepening instability.

“Nineteen young people died today because authorities treated this as a law enforcement problem instead of a political one,” said a rights advocate in Kathmandu. “This is the loudest sign yet that Nepali youth have lost patience with corruption and authoritarianism.”

Nepal, which abolished its monarchy in 2008, has struggled with political instability, cycling through 14 governments since then without one completing a full term. Oli, now serving his fourth term as prime minister, has faced growing criticism for failing to curb corruption or expand job opportunities, leading many young Nepalis to seek work abroad.

With nearly 90 percent of Nepal’s 30 million people online, the social media shutdown has amplified anger and mobilized disaffected youth in unprecedented numbers. Analysts say the protests mark one of the most serious challenges to Oli’s government since he took office.

10 killed, 61 injured after freight train slams into double-decker bus in central Mexico

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10 killed, 61 injured after freight train slams into double-decker bus in central Mexico

MEXICO CITY (BN24) — A freight train collided with a double-decker passenger bus in central Mexico, killing at least 10 people and injuring 61 others, authorities said Monday.

The crash occurred in an industrial zone along the highway connecting Atlacomulco, about 71 miles (115 kilometers) northwest of Mexico City, with Maravatío in the neighboring state of Michoacán. The impact left the top deck of the bus crumpled and its steel frame mangled, according to images released from the scene.

The State of Mexico attorney general’s office confirmed the victims included seven women and three men. Some of the injured remained in critical condition, while others were discharged from hospitals after treatment.

Canadian Pacific Kansas City de México, the railway operator, said the bus had attempted to cross ahead of the moving train. The company expressed condolences to victims’ families and urged drivers to obey signals and stop orders at railroad crossings. The bus operator, Herradura de Plata, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Deadly bus crashes are common in Mexico, where passenger coaches remain a primary form of long-distance transport. Government data shows that in 2023, there were more than 12,000 highway collisions, causing nearly 1,900 deaths, more than 6,400 injuries, and over $100 million in damages.

In February, another tragedy struck when more than 40 people were killed after a bus traveling from Cancún to Tabasco collided with a trailer truck and burst into flames.

The latest collision comes as President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government seeks to expand Mexico’s passenger rail network, which remains limited compared to the country’s extensive freight system.

Source: Reuters

Trump note to Epstein that he denies signing is released by Dems in Congress

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Trump note to Epstein that he denies signing is released by Dems in Congress

WASHINGTON (BN24) — Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released Monday a sexually suggestive letter addressed to Jeffrey Epstein that purportedly bears President Donald Trump’s signature, intensifying scrutiny of the president’s past association with the convicted sex trafficker despite Trump’s categorical denial of authoring the correspondence.

The letter appeared as part of a 50th birthday album compiled in 2003 for Epstein, a wealthy and well-connected financier who maintained a friendship with Trump before their relationship soured. The full House committee disclosed the complete album Monday night, bringing the controversial document into public view after months of speculation.

Trump has repeatedly denied writing the letter or creating an accompanying drawing of a curvaceous woman that frames the text, going so far as to file a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal for earlier reporting connecting him to the correspondence. The president’s legal and communications teams have mounted an aggressive defense against the allegations.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt issued a firm statement posted on X, declaring that Trump neither drew the picture nor signed the document. She emphasized that the president’s legal team would continue pursuing litigation related to the matter. White House deputy chief of staff Taylor Budowich reinforced this position by posting comparison images of Trump’s signature from various years, asserting definitively that the signature on the Epstein letter does not match the president’s authentic autograph.

The document’s release occurs amid sustained pressure on Trump to authorize greater disclosure regarding the Epstein case and his former girlfriend Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of facilitating Epstein’s sexual abuse of teenage girls. Epstein faced charges of sexually abusing and trafficking dozens of underage girls before taking his own life in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 while awaiting trial.

The controversy once again illuminates Trump’s former friendship with Epstein, which the president maintains ended approximately two decades ago following a personal dispute. Trump recently explained that he severed ties with Epstein after the financier allegedly recruited young women who worked at the spa facility at his Mar-a-Lago resort, including Virginia Giuffre, who became one of Epstein’s most prominent accusers in subsequent sex trafficking allegations.

The letter bearing Trump’s name contains text surrounded by a hand-drawn outline of a curvaceous female figure. The message reads, “A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret,” language that Trump characterizes as entirely inconsistent with his communication style.

Trump has categorically rejected any connection to the document, describing The Wall Street Journal’s reporting as “false, malicious, and defamatory.” The president specifically stated that the words do not reflect his typical manner of speaking and emphasized that he does not create drawings, directly contradicting the letter’s apparent contents.

The committee’s document release matches exactly the description provided in The Wall Street Journal’s earlier investigation, lending credibility to the newspaper’s reporting while simultaneously fueling Trump’s legal challenges against the publication.

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee obtained the birthday album Monday as part of a broader collection of documents from Epstein’s estate, representing a significant development in ongoing congressional investigations into the financier’s activities and associates.

The disclosure comes during a bipartisan congressional push for releasing the comprehensive “Epstein files,” responding to years of public speculation and conspiracy theories surrounding the case. Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance prior to his inauguration, had joined calls for greater transparency regarding Epstein-related government records.

The Justice Department began transferring records from the Epstein sex trafficking investigation to the House Oversight Committee in August, marking a significant step toward the broader document disclosure that lawmakers from both parties have demanded.

Rep. Jared Moskowitz (D-FL) holds up a photo of former U.S. President Donald Trump with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein during a meeting of the the House Oversight and Accountability Committee to markup a resolution and report to hold Hunter Biden, President Joe Biden’s son, in contempt of Congress, after he refused to appear for a closed-door deposition, at the Capitol in Washington, U.S., January 10, 2024. REUTERS/Kevin Lamarque

Last month, the committee issued a subpoena to Epstein’s estate demanding extensive documentation beyond the birthday album. Lawmakers specifically requested Epstein’s final will and testament, plea agreements he negotiated with prosecutors, his personal contact directories, and comprehensive records of his financial transactions and asset holdings.

The current case against Epstein emerged more than a decade after he negotiated a controversial secret agreement with federal prosecutors in Florida that effectively disposed of nearly identical allegations. Trump had suggested during his presidential campaign that he would support opening government files related to Epstein, though much previously released information had already entered the public domain through other channels.

The letter’s public release represents another chapter in the ongoing examination of Epstein’s extensive network of relationships with prominent political, business and social figures, while Trump’s legal team prepares to challenge what they characterize as defamatory reporting that falsely connects the president to the convicted sex trafficker’s activities.

Source: AP

Wrestler Jaka dies aged 39 after heart attack

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Wrestler Jaka dies aged 39 after heart attack

WWE, AEW(BN24) — The wrestling world is mourning the loss of Jonathan Echevarria, known professionally as Jaka, who has died at the age of 39 following a critical heart attack.

Jaka had been in intensive care over the weekend, but his family confirmed early Monday that he had sadly passed away. Tributes have since poured in from across the wrestling world, spanning WWE, AEW, and the independent circuit where Jaka made his name as a beloved performer and respected locker room figure.

Best known for his work on the now-WWE-owned Evolve brand, Jaka was a former tag team champion, having defended the titles during a WWE-affiliated show in 2018 while the promotion was still under the leadership of Gabe Sapolsky. Sapolsky, who played a key role in developing Evolve, paid tribute to the late wrestler, saying:

“A true tragedy. No one will say a bad word about the man. My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Thank you for everything, Jaka.”

Beyond Wrestling, where Jaka last wrestled in 2019, confirmed his death by sharing an image of him in the ring surrounded by fellow wrestlers. Their tribute read simply:

“The original Ace. RIP Jaka.”

Jaka also made a notable appearance in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), teaming with Sean Maluta in a match against Santana and Ortiz, one of AEW’s most established tag teams. Though the team came up short, the match marked a significant milestone in Jaka’s career.

Independent promotions that hosted Jaka throughout his career also expressed their grief. C*4 Wrestling shared on social media:

“Very saddened to hear the news about Jaka’s passing. I always loved having him on shows. He was a welcome addition to our locker room. He was kind, hardworking, and thoughtful. To his friends and family, we send our love and support. Rest in peace.”

AEW star Penelope Ford was among the many wrestlers who shared heartfelt remembrances:

“One of the funniest, kindest and insightful humans I was blessed to have known.”

Jaka’s final match took place in March 2025 with Boca Raton Championship Wrestling, where he once again teamed with Maluta and Neil the Heel in a losing effort to Jonny Fairplay and Oddyssey. His contributions to the wrestling community extended far beyond wins and losses, leaving an impact on those who worked with him both in and out of the ring.

As the wrestling industry continues to reel from the news, Jaka is remembered not only for his talent and passion inside the squared circle but for his humility, humor, and heart outside of it.

He is survived by his family, friends, and countless fans and peers who admired his work and character.

South African lawyer Bouwer Van Niekerk assassinated days after threats over high-profile case

Simeon Bateren
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South African lawyer Bouwer Van Niekerk assassinated days after threats over high-profile case

JOHANNESBURG (BN24) — South Africa’s legal community is in mourning and shock following the assassination of prominent insolvency lawyer Bouwer van Niekerk, who was fatally shot in a boardroom at Smit Sew Attorneys and Conveyancers in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, on Friday morning, September 5, 2025.

Van Niekerk, 43, was a well-known figure in the legal sector, particularly for his work on high-stakes financial cases, including matters tied to the controversial Gupta family and a massive alleged Ponzi scheme. His murder, executed in cold blood inside a law office, is being treated as a targeted killing.

According to Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevhuhulwi, the attackers — two men posing as prospective clients — scheduled a meeting to gain entry to the firm’s office on Avonwold Road. Once inside the boardroom, multiple gunshots rang out. The suspects fled the scene, and nothing was stolen, further pointing to a deliberate assassination rather than a robbery gone wrong.

Police have confirmed they are searching for four suspects and have opened a murder investigation. Authorities have not yet publicly identified a motive, but circumstances strongly suggest Van Niekerk’s professional activities placed him in the crosshairs of powerful interests.

Just days before his death, Van Niekerk reportedly received chilling threats demanding he withdraw from the Ponzi scheme case or face “dire consequences.” According to statements given by his family to News24, he refused to yield, citing his unwavering commitment to justice and accountability.

His assassination mirrors previous targeted killings of legal professionals in South Africa. Most notably, Van Niekerk himself had publicly condemned the 2023 murders of respected insolvency practitioner Cloete Murray and his son Thomas, who were gunned down in Pretoria while investigating corruption linked to the Gupta empire. Van Niekerk had warned that those attacks sent a “terrifying message” to the legal community.

That same warning has now come full circle with his own death — a chilling confirmation of the growing dangers facing those challenging organized crime and systemic corruption in South Africa.

The South African Restructuring and Insolvency Practitioners Association (SARIPA) expressed deep shock and outrage. Chairperson Jo Mitchell-Marais stated:

“This is an assault on the entire judicial system. Our members must be able to work without fear or violence.”

Ian Cameron, chairperson of the parliamentary portfolio committee on police, echoed the alarm:

“When lawyers and investigators are targeted, it is likely justice itself that is being attacked.”

Van Niekerk was a respected legal voice known for his courage and integrity. His death has intensified calls for stronger protections for whistleblowers, attorneys, and investigators working on state capture and financial crime cases.

His passing is not only a personal tragedy but a severe blow to South Africa’s fight against corruption — a battle that, increasingly, seems to carry deadly consequences.

MTV Vmas 2025: full winners list highlights a night of powerful performances and historic wins

Simeon Bateren
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MTV Vmas 2025: full winners list highlights a night of powerful performances and historic wins

NEW YORK (BN24) — The 2025 MTV Video Music Awards took center stage Sunday night at UBS Arena in New York, celebrating a year of musical milestones with a high-energy ceremony hosted by hip-hop legend LL Cool J. With performances, tributes, and a wide-ranging winners list, the night honored the brightest stars in pop, hip-hop, rock, K-pop, and more.

Ariana Grande earned one of the evening’s top honors, winning Video of the Year for her hopeful and visually stunning single, “Brighter Days Ahead.” The track also brought her wins in two additional categories, underscoring her continued reign in pop music and visual storytelling.

Lady Gaga, however, emerged as the biggest winner of the night with four Moon Person trophies, including the prestigious Artist of the Year award. Her emotional duet with Bruno Mars, “Die With a Smile,” won Best Collaboration, further highlighting Gaga’s enduring versatility and creative evolution.

Another standout was Sabrina Carpenter, who added three VMAs to her growing collection. She won Album of the Year for Short n’ Sweet, Best Pop Artist, and Best Visual Effects for her emotionally charged video “Manchild.” Carpenter’s success highlighted her expanding influence across both visual and musical artistry.

Rosé, best known as a member of BLACKPINK, took home Song of the Year for “APT.”, a powerful duet with Bruno Mars. Meanwhile, girl group KATSEYE claimed MTV Push Performance of the Year for “Touch,” capping off a breakout year.

The ceremony also recognized legacy contributions. Mariah Carey was honored with the Video Vanguard Award, celebrating her decades of influence on the music video format. Busta Rhymes received the inaugural Rock the Bells Visionary Award, while Ricky Martin was presented with the first-ever Latin Icon Award, commemorating his global impact.

Among genre-specific wins, Alex Warren was named Best New Artist, and BLACKPINK secured Best Group, continuing K-pop’s global dominance. Tate McRae captured Song of the Summer for “Just Keep Watching” from F1: The Movie, which also earned her Best Editing.

Mariah Carey also won Best R&B Video for “Type Dangerous”, adding another Moon Person to her decorated career. Doechii earned both Best Hip-Hop Video for “Anxiety” and Best Choreography, solidifying her place as one of the most innovative voices in contemporary hip-hop.

Other major wins included:

  • Coldplay for Best Rock Video (“All My Love”)
  • Shakira for Best Latin Video (“Soltera”)
  • Tyla for Best Afrobeats (“Push 2 Start”)
  • Megan Moroney for Best Country Video (“Am I Okay?”)
  • Lisa of BLACKPINK for Best K-pop Video (“Born Again” with Doja Cat and Raye)

On the technical side, Lady Gaga’s “Abracadabra” took home both Best Direction and Best Art Direction, while Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us” earned Best Cinematography, adding to his impressive visual repertoire.

Charli xcx, alongside Billie Eilish, won Video for Good for their collaboration “Guess”, which tackled social themes with bold visuals and lyrical depth.

The 2025 MTV VMAs successfully balanced honoring music legends with uplifting emerging talent. From emotional acceptance speeches to unforgettable performances, the night served as a vivid reminder of music’s unifying power. As the industry continues to evolve, the VMAs remain a vital pulse point for creativity, diversity, and cultural impact.

Brazilian President accuses US of ‘Tariff Blackmail’

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Brazilian President accuses US of ‘Tariff Blackmail’

BRASÍLIA, Brazil (BN24) — Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on Monday accused the United States of engaging in “tariff blackmail,” sharply criticizing a 50 percent import duty imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump that has triggered a steep drop in Brazil’s exports to its second-largest trading partner.

Speaking during a virtual summit of BRICS leaders—including Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa—Lula said the tariff move by Washington represents a growing threat to international trade norms.

“Tariff blackmail is being normalized as an instrument for market conquest and to interfere in domestic affairs,” Lula warned. His remarks came as Brazil’s exports to the U.S. plunged by 18.5 percent in August compared to the same period last year, following the Trump administration’s decision to impose its highest level of trade duties on a broad range of Brazilian goods.

The U.S. tariffs appear to be politically motivated, with Trump citing what he called a “witch hunt” against his close ally, Brazil’s former far-right president Jair Bolsonaro. Bolsonaro, who was defeated by Lula in the 2022 presidential election, is currently on trial for allegedly plotting to overturn the election results and reclaim power. A verdict in that case is expected later this week.

Trump’s remarks and the corresponding trade actions have drawn sharp rebukes from Brasília. The Brazilian government has announced it is considering retaliatory measures and has formally requested the intervention of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to mediate the escalating trade dispute.

“Brazil will not allow its economy to be held hostage to external political agendas,” a senior official in Brazil’s foreign ministry told reporters on Monday, signaling a hardening stance from South America’s largest economy.

The tension underscores the broader challenges facing global trade, particularly as geopolitical rivalries and domestic political calculations begin to shape tariffs and other trade policies. BRICS nations, which include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, have increasingly pushed for reforms in global institutions like the WTO to counter what they describe as U.S. dominance in international economic frameworks.

The latest tariff row between Washington and Brasília threatens to strain bilateral relations further, just as both countries navigate high-stakes political transitions and upcoming elections.

Israel vows ‘Hurricane’ of strikes on Gaza to force Hamas to accept surrender demand

Simeon Bateren
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Israel vows ‘Hurricane’ of strikes on Gaza to force Hamas to accept surrender demand

GAZA CITY (BN24) — Israel escalated its military campaign in Gaza on Monday, vowing a wave of intensified airstrikes described as a “mighty hurricane,” aimed at forcing Hamas to release all remaining hostages and agree to a full surrender. The warning comes as the militant group confirmed it is reviewing a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal delivered over the weekend.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a blunt ultimatum via social media, warning Hamas fighters in Gaza and abroad that the enclave faces total destruction unless hostages are freed and weapons laid down. “This is a final warning to the murderers and rapists of Hamas in Gaza and in the luxury hotels abroad,” Katz wrote on X. “Release the hostages and lay down your weapons — or Gaza will be destroyed, and you will be annihilated.”

Residents of Gaza City reported heavy bombardments across multiple districts as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) struck what they described as Hamas targets. Among the sites hit was a 12-story residential building sheltering displaced families. The IDF said the building had been used by Hamas operatives to coordinate attacks against Israeli troops, though local officials claimed civilians were among the dead.

The sharp escalation came just hours after six people, including a Spanish citizen, were killed in a shooting attack at a Jerusalem bus stop. While Hamas did not claim responsibility, the group praised the attackers, fueling further tensions.

Meanwhile, Hamas confirmed it is assessing the latest ceasefire proposal, which calls for the release of all 48 remaining hostages—both living and deceased—on the first day of a negotiated pause in hostilities. According to senior Israeli officials, the offer would initiate broader talks aimed at ending the nearly two-year conflict. However, Hamas has maintained that any agreement must include a definitive end to the war and a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza territory.

Israel relaunched a concentrated assault on Gaza City last month, targeting what it claims are the remaining strongholds of Hamas leadership. Despite widespread destruction, hundreds of thousands of civilians have returned to live among the ruins of neighborhoods flattened during previous phases of the war.

On Monday alone, at least 40 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes and ground operations, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Among the dead was journalist Osama Balousha, bringing the reported number of journalists killed since the conflict began to nearly 250—a figure that, if verified, would make it the deadliest war for members of the press in modern history. Israel has denied targeting journalists and continues to bar foreign media from entering Gaza.

The ongoing war traces back to a surprise Hamas-led assault on southern Israel in 2023, in which 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 were taken hostage. While many were later released during temporary ceasefires in late 2023 and early 2025, dozens remain in captivity, and their fate has become a key sticking point in ceasefire negotiations.

Gaza remains in a humanitarian crisis. Palestinian health officials estimate more than 64,000 people have died since the war began. Shortages of food and medicine have worsened, with nearly 400 people—many of them children—reportedly dying from starvation and malnutrition in recent months. Israeli officials have disputed those figures, claiming they are exaggerated for propaganda purposes.

Efforts by international mediators, including the United States and Egypt, have repeatedly failed to bridge the gap between Israel’s insistence on unconditional surrender by Hamas and the group’s demand for a future Palestinian state. As talks stall and military operations expand, the civilian toll continues to mount in what has become one of the deadliest conflicts in the region’s recent history.

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