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 Israeli Strike Kills 4 Journalists, Including AP Freelancer at Gaza Hospital

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GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (BN24)  — Four journalists were killed Monday in an Israeli strike on a hospital in southern Gaza, including a freelancer who worked for The Associated Press, health officials reported.

Mariam Dagga, 33, a visual journalist who had freelanced for AP and other news organizations since the Gaza war began, was among those killed in the strike on Nasser Hospital, according to Zaher al-Waheidi, head of the Health Ministry’s records department.

The hospital strike killed 19 people total, al-Waheidi said.

Dagga, who has a 12-year-old son evacuated from Gaza earlier in the conflict, had been based at Nasser Hospital and recently reported on doctors’ efforts to treat malnourished children.

Al Jazeera confirmed its journalist Mohammed Salam died in the Nasser Hospital strike. Reuters reported contractor cameraman Hussam al-Masri was killed and contractor photographer Hatem Khaled was wounded in the same incident.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office and Israeli military declined to comment on the strike.

The Israel-Hamas war has become one of the deadliest conflicts for media workers on record. At least 192 journalists have been killed in Gaza during the 22-month conflict, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists. By comparison, 18 journalists have died in Russia’s war in Ukraine, the CPJ reported.

Israel has barred international media from covering the war except for rare guided tours. News organizations rely primarily on Palestinian journalists and Gaza residents to document events in the territory.

Israel has questioned the affiliations and objectivity of Palestinian journalists while preventing international reporters from entering Gaza independently.

Gaza-based journalists face the same challenges finding food and shelter for their families as the civilians they cover, according to media organizations operating in the region.

The Associated Press expressed shock and sadness over Dagga’s death and the killing of other journalists in a statement Monday.

Source: AP

Government Forces Kill Over 30 Jihadists in Nigeria

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Simeon Bateren
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ABUJA, Nigeria (BN24) — The Nigerian military says it has killed 35 jihadist fighters in a series of targeted airstrikes near the country’s northeastern border with Cameroon, part of an ongoing campaign to suppress Islamist insurgents and criminal gangs fueling one of Africa’s most persistent security crises.

In a statement released Sunday, military officials said the strikes were conducted in four separate locations to prevent an imminent jihadist assault on ground troops operating in the region. The strikes reportedly destroyed camps and disrupted enemy movements, although the military provided no visual confirmation of casualties.

Nigeria has been grappling with a deadly insurgency for more than a decade, led by jihadist groups including Boko Haram and its splinter faction, the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). According to the United Nations, more than 35,000 people have been killed and over two million displaced since the insurgency began in 2009.

The latest operation comes amid rising national concern over the scale of violence across the country. On Saturday, a coalition of prominent Nigerians—including former ministers, business leaders, and civil society figures—issued a joint statement warning that parts of the country are suffering from “war-time levels of slaughter,” despite the absence of a formal state of war.

The group cited a recent Amnesty International report claiming that at least 10,217 people have been killed since President Bola Tinubu assumed office two years ago. They called for the establishment of a Presidential Task Force with emergency powers to tackle the country’s overlapping conflicts.

The Nigerian Air Force (NAF), which conducted the latest round of strikes, reiterated its commitment to supporting ground operations aimed at dismantling jihadist strongholds in the northeast. Last week, the military claimed it had eliminated nearly 600 militants in the region over the past eight months, though independent verification remains elusive.

In addition to jihadist violence, Nigeria faces mounting threats from armed criminal gangs—commonly referred to as “bandits”—particularly in the northwestern states of Katsina and Zamfara. These groups are responsible for mass abductions, extortion, and deadly raids on rural communities.

Over the weekend, military aircraft were deployed in Katsina, where officials say dozens of bandits were targeted in an offensive that led to the rescue of 76 hostages, including women and children. However, authorities confirmed that one child died during the rescue operation.

The raid followed a brutal assault last week in the village of Unguwan Mantau, where gunmen stormed a mosque and surrounding homes, killing at least 50 people and abducting around 60 others. Officials say some of those taken were among those rescued during the weekend’s military operation.

The security situation remains dire in the region. According to the South Africa-based Institute for Security Studies, at least 15 jihadist attacks have been recorded this year in border areas near Cameroon and Niger. The group notes that jihadists have begun using modified commercial drones to strike army positions and hinder reinforcements.

International support continues to grow. Earlier this month, the U.S. State Department approved a $346 million arms sale to Nigeria, aimed at bolstering the country’s ability to confront the increasingly complex security threats it faces.

As attacks by jihadist groups and criminal syndicates escalate, analysts warn that without urgent and coordinated action, Nigeria risks further destabilization, particularly in already volatile northern regions.

Credit: BBC

Fulham Hold Manchester United To 1-1 Draw At Craven Cottage

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LONDON (BN24) — Manchester United’s early-season struggles continued on Sunday as Erik ten Hag’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by Fulham at Craven Cottage, leaving the Red Devils still searching for their first Premier League victory of the campaign.

Despite controlling much of the first half, United failed to capitalize on their dominance. A golden opportunity to take the lead was squandered in the 38th minute when Bruno Fernandes sent a penalty soaring over the bar, leaving the visitors frustrated.

United did manage to break the deadlock in the 58th minute, though not without fortune. A corner kick found Leny Yoro at the near post, whose header deflected off Fulham striker Rodrigo Muniz and crossed the line for an own goal, giving the visitors a narrow advantage.

Fulham, who had been largely pinned back in the opening 45 minutes, responded with renewed intensity after the break. Their persistence was rewarded midway through the second half when substitute Emile Rowe slotted home a composed finish in the 73rd minute, converting Alex Iwobi’s incisive pass to draw the hosts level.

The equalizer spurred Fulham on as they pressed for a winner, carving out several promising chances in the closing stages. Manchester United, meanwhile, struggled to regain control and posed little threat as the clock ran down.

With the result, both teams remain in search of rhythm and consistency. For United, the inability to close out games and capitalize on key moments continues to raise questions early in the season, while Fulham will take encouragement from a spirited second-half display.

The draw leaves Manchester United winless in their opening league matches, heightening pressure on Ten Hag’s side to deliver results as the season gathers pace.

Turkish First Lady Urges Melania Trump To Speak Out For Gaza’s Children Amid Famine Crisis

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ANKARA, Turkey (BN24) — Turkey’s first lady Emine Erdogan has appealed to Melania Trump, urging the former U.S. first lady to raise her voice for children caught in Israel’s war in Gaza.

In a letter published Saturday by the Turkish presidency, Erdogan praised Trump’s previous advocacy for children affected by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and called on her to “extend the advocacy” to Palestinians.

“Gaza has turned into a children’s cemetery,” Erdogan wrote, adding, “We must unite our voices and strength against this injustice.”

The letter was released as a United Nations–backed food security assessment reported that half a million people are experiencing famine in Gaza City. The report warned that 132,000 children face life-threatening malnutrition.

“The phrase ‘unknown baby’ written on the shrouds of thousands of Gazan children opens irreparable wounds in our consciences,” Erdogan said in her appeal. She also encouraged Trump to directly urge Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to end the humanitarian crisis.

Erdogan’s letter follows Melania Trump’s recent correspondence to Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Trump asked him to consider the plight of children affected by war. Trump did not refer to specific victims in that letter.

While Emine Erdogan is typically known for her environmental activism—a role that has drawn praise from U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres—she has previously written appeals to spouses of world leaders. In 2016, she addressed the Syrian conflict, and in March she condemned Israel’s actions in Gaza.

The latest letter coincides with a grim report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), which confirmed famine in Gaza City and predicted catastrophic conditions for more than 640,000 people through September. One in three children in Gaza is already acutely malnourished, the report found, with projections of worsening conditions through 2026.

According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, 114 of the 281 people who have died from malnutrition so far are children. The ministry also reported that 61 people were killed in the past 24 hours from Israeli attacks, with eight more—including two children—dying from hunger-related causes.

Israel has rejected claims of famine, accusing the IPC of bias and of relying on data provided by Hamas. IPC experts have dismissed those allegations.

The crisis deepens as Israel prepares for a new military offensive to seize control of Gaza City. Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that 19 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a displacement camp in Khan Younis on Friday.

The war, triggered by the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, has left more than 62,000 people dead in Gaza, according to health officials. The conflict has displaced nearly the entire population, destroyed most homes, and devastated Gaza’s healthcare, sanitation and water systems.

Credit: BBC

University Responds to Death of Diabetic Law Student, Suspends Medical Staff, and Demands Hostel Action in Nigeria

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Simeon Bateren
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AWKA, Nigeria (BN24) — Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has taken disciplinary action following the death of a 100-level law student, Isabella Chioma Ajana, who died on July 9, 2025, after reportedly being denied access to her insulin medication due to a dispute over a spare hostel key.

In a statement released Friday, August 22, the university confirmed that medical personnel involved in Ajana’s care at the UNIZIK Medical Centre have been suspended for three months, pending the outcome of a full investigation. The disciplinary move marks the university’s first official step in addressing widespread outrage sparked by the student’s death.

Ajana, who was managing a diabetic condition, was rushed to the university’s medical facility on July 6 but succumbed to complications three days later. Her death drew public attention after her roommates at Elmada Hostel alleged that critical delays in accessing her insulin medication contributed to her condition deteriorating.

According to the roommates, they lost access to their room after misplacing their key and approached the hostel mistress for a spare. The mistress allegedly demanded a N120,000 fee—N40,000 per occupant—before releasing the replacement key. Despite the roommates pleading that Ajana urgently needed her insulin, the hostel staff reportedly refused to relent, leading to a critical delay that may have worsened her health.

UNIZIK, while confirming Elmada as a hostel jointly owned with the institution but privately managed, distanced itself from the handling of the matter by the hostel management. The university has formally requested that the hostel immediately terminate the employment of the hostel mistress involved, calling her actions “deeply troubling.” The statement also noted that the university will reevaluate its partnership with the Elmada Hostel in light of the incident.

The institution assured students and the public that it is committed to uncovering the full facts surrounding the tragedy and will not hesitate to take further action against any individuals found culpable in the events that led to Ajana’s death.

Barcelona Tops La Liga Table After Dramatic Comeback Win Over Levante

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VALENCIA, Spain (BN24) — Barcelona stormed to the top of the LaLiga standings with a thrilling 3-2 comeback win over Levante on Sunday, maintaining their perfect start to the season under new manager Hansi Flick.

The reigning Spanish champions were forced to dig deep at the Estadi Ciutat de València after falling two goals behind in a first half that saw Levante strike with confidence. Iván Romero opened the scoring for the hosts in the 15th minute, finishing coolly on the break after a swift counterattack exposed Barcelona’s defensive line.

Levante doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, capitalizing on a controversial penalty decision. Referee Alejandro Muñiz Ruiz pointed to the spot after a lengthy VAR check confirmed that Barcelona defender Alejandro Baldé had handled the ball inside the area. José Luis Morales stepped up and converted calmly in the seventh minute of added time, sending the home crowd into celebration.

Barcelona’s response was emphatic. Just four minutes after the restart, Pedri ignited the comeback with a stunning long-range strike that beat Levante keeper Andrés Fernández, injecting belief back into the Catalan side. The momentum quickly shifted in the visitors’ favor, and by the 52nd minute, they were level. Ferran Torres met a well-weighted cross from Raphinha with a daring high-footed volley, silencing the Levante support and showcasing the attacking fluidity Flick has instilled in his early tenure.

The comeback was completed in stoppage time when a teasing ball from teenage sensation Lamine Yamal forced Unai Elgezabal into an own goal, his attempted clearance instead glancing past his own keeper to give Barcelona a deserved lead.

With the win, Barcelona sit two points clear at the top of LaLiga, ahead of Real Betis, having taken six points from their opening two fixtures. The result also marks a statement of intent from Flick, whose side displayed both resilience and attacking flair in overcoming a two-goal deficit away from home.

Credit: Sky Sport

Emily in Paris’ Assistant Director Diego Borella Dies During Filming of Season 5 in Venice

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Simeon Bateren
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VENICE, Italy (BN24) — Diego Borella, an assistant director working on the fifth season of the Netflix series Emily in Paris, has died after collapsing during filming in Venice. He was 47.

According to La Repubblica, Borella collapsed in front of colleagues on Thursday evening as the crew was preparing to shoot the final scene of the upcoming season. Emergency services arrived at the Hotel Danieli around 7 p.m., where filming was underway, but despite immediate intervention, Borella could not be revived.

Borella was a well-regarded figure in the Italian film and television industry. A native of Venice, he trained in Rome, London, and New York, building a career that spanned assistant directing, writing, and storytelling. In addition to his behind-the-camera work, he was also a published author of fairy tales and children’s literature.

The unexpected tragedy has brought production of Emily in Paris to a standstill. Filming for the fifth season began on August 15 and was expected to wrap by August 25. The season is set to premiere on December 18, with filming locations spanning Venice and Rome.

Lead actress Lily Collins reprises her role as Emily Cooper, now based at Agence Grateau in the Italian capital. Earlier this year, Collins was seen shooting scenes at iconic Roman landmarks, including the Fendi store and navigating the city on a scooter. The storyline for season five follows Emily’s growing relationship with Italian character Marcello, played by Eugenio Franceschini, further cementing the show’s expansion into Italy.

The production had recently made headlines in April when French actress Camille Razat, who plays Emily’s rival Camille, announced her departure from the series via Instagram.

Netflix has not yet released an official statement regarding Borella’s death. It remains unclear when production will resume. Cast and crew are reportedly receiving support as they process the loss of one of their colleagues.

Borella is remembered in the Italian creative community as a dedicated professional and a passionate storyteller whose contributions extended well beyond the screen.

Russia Blames Ukraine for Drone Attack on Kursk Nuclear Site as Kyiv Marks Independence Day

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Simeon Bateren
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MOSCOW (BN24) — A fire at a nuclear power facility in Russia’s western Kursk region was extinguished after a Ukrainian drone strike damaged a transformer on Sunday, according to Russian officials. The incident, which occurred on the same day Ukraine marked its Independence Day, has intensified tensions between the two countries amid stalled peace efforts.

The Kursk Nuclear Power Plant confirmed via Telegram that radiation levels remained normal following the blast and that there were no casualties. According to the statement, the drone was intercepted by Russian air defenses but detonated upon impact, causing minor infrastructure damage.

Russian authorities have squarely blamed Ukraine for the attack, describing it as an escalation timed to coincide with the symbolic holiday. Ukraine has not publicly responded to the allegation.

The incident comes as the United Nations’ International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) continues to urge both Russia and Ukraine to exercise maximum restraint around nuclear facilities. The safety of such sites has been a persistent concern throughout the war, especially after repeated clashes near the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, Europe’s largest, which remains under Russian control.

Ukraine celebrated its Independence Day on Sunday, commemorating its break from the Soviet Union in 1991. As a sign of solidarity, the United Kingdom announced that Ukrainian flags would be flown over Downing Street. UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated that Britain is “ramping up” its support for Ukraine, calling it a “special day for the freedom and democracy of the Ukrainian people.”

The UK Ministry of Defence also announced an extension of Operation Interflex, its military training programme for Ukrainian forces. Under the updated timeline, British military instructors will continue to train Ukrainian recruits through at least the end of 2026.

Meanwhile, on the battlefield, Russia claimed its forces had seized two more villages in the eastern Donetsk region. The advances come slowly and at a high cost, as Russia now controls an estimated 20% of Ukrainian territory nearly four years after launching a full-scale invasion in 2022.

International diplomacy has gained momentum in recent weeks. On August 15, U.S. President Donald Trump held a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska, a meeting billed as a critical step toward ending the conflict. While both leaders described the talks as “productive,” Trump has since expressed growing frustration over the lack of a peace agreement.

“I’m going to make a decision as to what we do and it’s going to be a very important decision,” Trump said Friday. “That’s whether or not it’s massive sanctions or massive tariffs or both — or we do nothing and say it’s your fight.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky continues to call for an unconditional ceasefire, urging greater cooperation from Moscow and the international community. He has accused Russia of deliberately obstructing progress toward peace by refusing to engage directly.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov responded by saying that President Putin remains willing to meet Zelensky, but only when a summit agenda is agreed upon. Lavrov accused the Ukrainian leader of rejecting all proposals, stating that “this agenda is not ready at all.”

As Ukraine marks another year of independence, the conflict with Russia remains unresolved — with fighting ongoing, diplomacy in flux, and tensions surrounding nuclear security once again in focus.

Credit: BBC

Fire Outbreak Disrupts Water Supply Across Northeastern Accra, Ghana

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Simeon Bateren
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ACCRA, Ghana (BN24) — Water supply to several parts of Accra has been disrupted following a fire outbreak at the Dodowa Booster Station, Ghana Water Ltd (GWL) announced Saturday.

The utility company said operations at the facility were shut down to allow engineers to carry out urgent repair works. The Dodowa Booster Station is a key distribution point, and the shutdown has caused widespread shortages and low water pressure across multiple communities in the North-Eastern corridor of the capital.

Areas affected include East Legon, Agbogba, Haatso, Atomic, Frafraha, Ashaley Botwe, Adjiringanor, Ashongman, Dome, Adenta, Madina, Oyarifa and surrounding communities.

“Engineers are currently on site working tirelessly and around the clock to restore the system to full operation,” the company said in its statement.

GWL management expressed regret over the inconvenience and appealed to residents and institutions for patience as restoration efforts continue. The company assured that measures were being taken to prioritize uninterrupted supply to essential facilities such as schools and hospitals.

Institutions running low on stored water have been advised to contact their Municipal Chief Executives, Assembly Members, or Unit Committee Members for emergency assistance. Dedicated helplines have also been made available.

“We are grateful for the patience and understanding of our valued customers and stakeholders during this period,” the statement added.

UK to Pay Kenyans Affected By 2021 Military Fire $4m

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Simeon Bateren
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NAIROBI, Kenya (BN24) — The British government has agreed to pay $4 million in compensation to more than 7,000 Kenyan residents after a wildfire sparked during a British Army training exercise swept through Laikipia County in 2021.

The fire broke out in March 2021 near Lolldaiga Hills Conservancy during joint drills with Kenyan forces. Large sections of the protected conservancy were destroyed, and unexploded ordnance left behind injured local residents. Communities later reported health problems linked to smoke and damage to the environment.

Anger grew after a British soldier appeared to admit responsibility in a social media post. That prompted a Royal Military Police investigation and fueled demands for justice from affected families.

Lawyer Kelvin Kubai, who represented the victims, confirmed Friday that compensation payments have been issued. He said the settlement was described as relief for “smoke nuisance” caused by the fire but noted that residents continue to face the longer-term effects.

The British High Commission in Nairobi called the fire “extremely regrettable” and acknowledged frustrations over the delay in compensation.

The British Army Training Unit Kenya, which maintains a permanent base in Nanyuki, has faced renewed scrutiny over the impact of foreign military training on local communities following the case.

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