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8 Dead in Tel Aviv Shooting Amid Iranian Missile Attack

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8 Dead in Tel Aviv Shooting Amid Iranian Missile Attack

A shooting in Tel Aviv left eight people dead and nine others wounded Tuesday evening, coinciding with Iran’s missile attack on Israel, according to U.S. officials briefed on the incident.

The attack occurred in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish neighborhood in southern Tel Aviv, where two suspects opened fire on a boulevard, local police reported. Both suspects were killed in the ensuing confrontation.

“The shooting began as people were rushing to bomb shelters due to the Iranian missile attack,” said a Tel Aviv police spokesperson, who requested anonymity due to the ongoing investigation. “It created a chaotic situation with multiple emergencies unfolding simultaneously.”

U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the attack involved at least one gunman who disembarked from public transportation and began firing a semiautomatic rifle. One official noted that the reported death toll might include the suspects.

The shooting came moments before a barrage of rockets from Iran forced people across Israel, including in Tel Aviv, to seek shelter. This confluence of events has raised concerns about potential coordination between the shooting and the missile attack, though authorities have not confirmed any connection.

Israeli security forces have heightened alert levels across the country in response to both the shooting and the Iranian missile attack. The incidents have escalated tensions in the region, with international observers closely monitoring the situation for potential further violence or retaliation.

The identities of the victims and the motives behind the shooting have not yet been released by Israeli authorities.

Iran Launches Nearly 200 Missiles at Israel, Most Intercepted

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Iran Launches Nearly 200 Missiles at Israel, Most Intercepted

Iran launched approximately 180 missiles toward Israel late Saturday, marking a significant escalation in Middle East tensions, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).

Israeli army radio reported that alarms sounded across the country, with explosions heard in Jerusalem and near the Jordan River. The IDF later confirmed that while several hits were identified, most missiles were intercepted by Israeli and U.S. forces.

“We’re currently assessing the damage from the hits,” an Israeli security official said, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the ongoing situation. “The majority of missiles were intercepted by the Israeli Air Force in cooperation with the U.S. Air Forces Central Command.”

Iran’s UN mission described the attack as a “legal, rational, and legitimate response” to recent events, warning of a “crushing response” to any retaliation. The Iranian order to launch the missiles reportedly came directly from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to a senior Iranian official.

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated, “Iran’s missile attack will have consequences,” noting hits in central and southern Israel.

The U.S. military confirmed its involvement in intercepting some incoming missiles to aid in Israel’s defense, though details remain limited.

Israel’s emergency services reported no serious injuries as of late Saturday, with only minor injuries from shrapnel and anxiety-related incidents recorded.

The attack follows recent assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, which Iran cited as justification for the strike.

US Warns of Imminent Iranian Missile Attack on Israel

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US Warns of Imminent Iranian Missile Attack on Israel

The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to launch an imminent ballistic missile attack against Israel, a senior White House official said Tuesday, warning of “severe consequences” if such an attack occurs.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter, stated that the U.S. is actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations. “A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran,” the official emphasized.

This development comes amid escalating tensions in the region, with the Israeli military earlier Tuesday ordering evacuations of nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities following the announcement of limited ground operations against Hezbollah.

An Israeli military spokesman, responding to the U.S. warning, said they had not yet identified an aerial threat from Iran but affirmed that Israel’s aerial defense systems are fully prepared. The spokesman added that any Iranian attack on Israel would have repercussions.

The potential for an Iranian missile strike adds a new dimension to the already complex security situation in the Middle East, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict.

U.S. officials did not provide specific details about the nature of the potential Iranian attack or the intelligence leading to this assessment. However, the explicit warning from a senior administration official underscores the seriousness with which the U.S. views the threat.

As the situation develops, international observers are closely monitoring the responses from both Israel and Iran, as well as the potential for diplomatic interventions to de-escalate tensions.

The U.S. warning also raises questions about the effectiveness of recent diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions between Iran and its regional adversaries, including the normalization talks between Iran and Saudi Arabia.

Nigeria’s President: Exxon-Seplat $1.28 Billion Deal Approval Imminent

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Nigeria’s President: Exxon-Seplat $1.28 Billion Deal Approval Imminent

Nigerian President Bola Tinubu announced Tuesday that Exxon Mobil Corp’s $1.28 billion deal to sell its Nigerian onshore assets to Seplat Energy will receive ministerial approval within days, following regulatory clearance.

The deal, first announced in 2022, has been closely watched by investors and analysts as a potential bellwether for similar transactions in Nigeria’s oil sector.

“As such, the ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator,” Tinubu said in a televised broadcast marking Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has not yet publicly announced its approval of the deal.

This development comes as Nigeria, Africa’s largest oil producer, struggles to increase its oil output due to theft and pipeline vandalism in the Niger Delta. These challenges have prompted companies like Exxon and Shell to focus on deepwater projects for expansion.

Last week, the presidency revealed that Exxon had proposed a $10 billion investment in offshore oil operations as part of a new investment push in Nigeria.

Tinubu emphasized his government’s commitment to facilitating foreign investment while maintaining regulatory standards. “We are committed to make it easy for investors to come and go while upholding the country’s regulatory processes,” he stated.

The president also highlighted that Nigeria had attracted over $30 billion in foreign direct investments since he took office last year. However, his economic reforms, including currency devaluation and subsidy cuts, have faced criticism for exacerbating the cost of living crisis.

To further boost investor confidence, Tinubu promised additional fiscal reforms, including tax reductions for businesses.

As Nigeria seeks to revitalize its oil sector and broader economy, the approval of the Exxon-Seplat deal could signal a new phase of foreign investment and asset transfers in the country’s crucial energy industry.

reuters

Kenya’s Parliament Tables Motion to Impeach Deputy President Gachagua

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Kenya’s Parliament Tables Motion to Impeach Deputy President Gachagua

Kenya’s parliament on Tuesday tabled a motion to impeach Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for alleged gross violation of the constitution, parliamentary speaker Moses Wetang’ula announced, signaling a deepening rift within the country’s leadership.

The motion, presented by Mwengi Mutuse, a member of President William Ruto’s coalition, accuses Gachagua of denying people “equal opportunities for public service appointments and allocation of public resources,” among other charges. Over one-third of lawmakers have signed the motion, meeting the threshold for its introduction.

“A special motion before the House presents an unprecedented constitutional moment in our democracy,” Wetang’ula said. “Without doubt, it summons this house to test for the first time, under the 2010 constitution, the provisions of our constitution relating to the removal from office by impeachment of the deputy president.”

The move comes amid reports of a growing divide between Ruto and Gachagua. The deputy president recently claimed he has been sidelined and denied accusations linking him and associates to violent protests earlier this year.

Majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah confirmed his support for the impeachment, stating, “I will support that impeachment motion to stop a process where government is being undermined and sabotaged from within government.”

Gachagua, who commands significant support in Kenya’s populous central region, has not responded to requests for comment. However, he previously stated that any impeachment motion would require Ruto’s approval.

The political tension comes on the heels of deadly protests against a controversial finance bill, which forced Ruto to shelve the legislation in June and reshuffle his cabinet. More than 50 people were killed in the unrest, marking Ruto’s biggest crisis since taking office in 2022.

Nigeria’s Independence Day Marked by Protests Over Economic Hardship

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Nigeria’s Independence Day Marked by Protests Over Economic Hardship

Nigeria’s 64th independence anniversary on Tuesday was overshadowed by nationwide protests against economic hardship, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators in some areas.

Dozens of protesters in several states waved placards and Nigerian flags, demanding better opportunities and jobs for youth in a country grappling with some of the world’s highest poverty and hunger levels despite being a major oil producer.

This marks the second protest in two months amid worsening economic conditions following government reforms aimed at saving money and attracting foreign investment. The previous demonstration in August resulted in at least 20 protesters killed and hundreds arrested.

President Bola Tinubu, addressing the nation, defended the reforms and called for patience. “Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel,” Tinubu said in a broadcast.

The president highlighted $30 billion in foreign direct investments attracted in the last year and announced a national youth conference to address key issues.

However, the reforms have contributed to pushing inflation to a 28-year high and the naira to record lows against the dollar, exacerbating economic hardships for many Nigerians.

In Abuja, where government officials and military personnel attended an independence anniversary parade, police dispersed protesters in another part of the city with tear gas. Lagos and other major cities saw heavy security presence along key roads.

Cheta Nwanze, managing partner at SBM Intelligence research firm in Lagos, described Nigeria as “an unfortunate case of running very hard and staying in the same place,” citing poor performance in critical areas like education and health.

As the protests gained momentum on social media, many Nigerians voiced their struggles with unemployment and food insecurity.

AP

Congo Rebel Group Generates $300,000 Monthly from Seized Mining Area

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Congo Rebel Group Generates $300,000 Monthly from Seized Mining Area

The M23 rebel group in Congo is generating approximately $300,000 per month in revenue through its control of a key mining area in the country’s east, according to a report presented to the U.N. Security Council.

Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, told the council that the rebels seized the Rubaya mining area in April, which holds significant deposits of tantalum, a rare metal crucial for the production of smartphones and computers.

“Over 15% of the world’s supply of tantalum comes from Rubaya,” Keita said. “Unless international sanctions are imposed on those benefiting from this criminal trade, peace will remain elusive and civilians will continue to suffer.”

The mineral trade has been a contentious issue in the region. Earlier this year, Congo’s government questioned Apple about its knowledge of “blood minerals” potentially being smuggled into its supply chain.

M23, primarily composed of ethnic Tutsis, broke away from the Congolese army over a decade ago. The group’s recent advances have heightened tensions in eastern Congo, where more than 120 armed groups are fighting for power, land, and mineral resources.

The conflict has displaced approximately 6 million people and led to widespread human rights violations, including mass killings and rapes.

Congo has accused Rwanda of supporting M23, a claim backed by U.S. and U.N. experts who estimate that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan government forces are deployed alongside the rebel group. Rwanda denies these allegations but admitted in February to having troops in eastern Congo for security reasons.

Last week, a regional East African court began proceedings in a case filed by Congo against Rwanda, accusing it of violating Congo’s sovereignty by supporting rebels.

reuters

Former US President Jimmy Carter Celebrates 100th Birthday

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Former US President Jimmy Carter Celebrates 100th Birthday

Jimmy Carter, the longest-living U.S. president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, marks his 100th birthday on Tuesday, reaching a milestone that few have achieved in American politics.

Carter, who served as the 39th president from 1977 to 1981, entered hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, 19 months ago. Despite health challenges, including cancer, the former president plans to watch a tribute concert broadcast on Georgia Public Broadcasting, according to his grandson, Jason Carter.

The concert, recorded last month at Atlanta’s Fox Theatre, features performances by country, rock, and gospel music stars. It raised over $1 million for the international programs of the Carter Center, which the former president founded with his late wife, Rosalynn.

President Joe Biden praised Carter in a birthday statement, saying, “Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us.”

Carter’s post-presidency work, focusing on human rights and poverty alleviation worldwide, earned him the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002. His dedication to humanitarian causes has left a lasting impact, particularly through his work with Habitat for Humanity International since the 1980s.

To commemorate Carter’s centennial, Habitat for Humanity is organizing a build of 30 homes in St. Paul, Minnesota, with volunteers including country music stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.

Jonathan Reckford, Habitat’s CEO, stated, “The Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project serves not only as a way to honor the Carters’ legacy but also as a reminder of what is possible when people from all walks come together to work toward one common goal.”

Carter’s birthday comes less than a year after the passing of Rosalynn Carter in November 2023, ending their 77-year marriage. The former president was last seen in public at his wife’s funeral, where he appeared in a wheelchair.

As Carter reaches this remarkable age, his legacy as both a political leader and humanitarian continues to inspire generations of Americans and people around the world.

Global Investors Prepare to Reinvest in China Amid Economic Stimulus Measures

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Global Investors Prepare to Reinvest in China Amid Economic Stimulus Measures

Global investors are signaling a renewed interest in Chinese markets, prompted by Beijing’s recent efforts to stimulate its slowing economy and revitalize its stock markets.

While economic challenges persist, fund managers overseeing more than $1.5 trillion in assets see potential in China’s still-low company valuations. This shift comes as the Chinese government implements measures to boost consumer spending and attract more investment into equities.

Gabriel Sacks, emerging market portfolio manager at Abrdn, which manages £506 billion ($677 billion) in assets, told The Associated Press, “We’re going to be very disciplined, but in aggregate we feel there’s more upside than downside.” Sacks confirmed that Abrdn had selectively purchased Chinese stocks last week.

However, investors remain cautious. China’s factory activity contracted for the fifth consecutive month in September, while the services sector slowed sharply, indicating urgent action may be needed to meet Beijing’s 5% growth target for 2024.

The sentiment shift is notable given recent history. Mutual funds’ China equity holdings fell to a decade-low of 5.1% of portfolios in late August, according to Goldman Sachs strategist Scott Rubner.

Natasha Ebtehadj at Artemis Fund Managers cited a disconnect between current stock valuations and improving policy measures. “There’s too much of a disconnect between what valuations are pricing in and that improving policy narrative,” she said, confirming recent increases in Chinese equity holdings.

Beijing’s recent policy moves include easing home-buying restrictions, cutting bank lending rates, and offering brokers cheap funds to purchase stocks. These actions led to Chinese stocks experiencing their best daily gain since 2008 on Monday.

George Efstathopoulos, a Singapore-based portfolio manager at Fidelity International, cautioned that the current rally might be “technical, liquidity-driven,” potentially fueled by short sellers unwinding bets.

The shift comes after investors pulled a net $1.4 billion from greater China equity funds tracked by Lipper so far in 2024, reversing all inflows from 2023.

Mark Tinker, chief investment officer at Toscafund Hong Kong, suggested that Beijing’s latest measures indicate a focus on building sustainable household demand rather than pursuing quick growth through property or infrastructure booms.

As the situation evolves, many investors are advising clients to consider adding Chinese positions. Luca Paolini, chief strategist at Pictet Asset Management, which oversees more than €260 billion ($291 billion) of client funds, noted, “What we are telling our clients this week is that if you have nothing [in China] you may want to add some positions.”

Reuters

Spain, Barcelona Legend Andrés Iniesta Set to Retire at 40

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Spain, Barcelona Legend Andrés Iniesta Set to Retire at 40

Andrés Iniesta, the Spanish midfield maestro who helped define an era of dominance for both Barcelona and Spain’s national team, is set to announce his retirement from professional football at the age of 40.

Iniesta hinted at the upcoming announcement in a social media post on Tuesday, writing “Coming soon 8/10/24” alongside an anticipation video on his X (formerly Twitter) account.

The diminutive playmaker’s career, spanning over two decades, saw him emerge from Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy to become one of the most decorated players in football history. Iniesta amassed an astounding 35 trophies during his 22-year stint at Barcelona, including nine La Liga titles and four UEFA Champions League crowns.

On the international stage, Iniesta played a pivotal role in Spain’s golden era, contributing to victories at UEFA Euro 2008 and 2012, as well as scoring the winning goal in the 2010 FIFA World Cup final against the Netherlands.

Pep Guardiola, then Barcelona captain, famously told Xavi about a young Iniesta, “You’re going to retire me. This lad is going to retire us all,” highlighting the prodigious talent evident from an early age.

Iniesta’s exceptional ball control, vision, and composure earned him praise throughout his career. FIFA.com described his style: “It is in this position that his direct style and quick feet can be used to full effect, with the ball seeming glued to his toes as he races into threatening positions.”

After leaving Barcelona in 2018, Iniesta continued his career in Japan with Vissel Kobe before a brief stint with UAE Pro League club Emirates.

As the football world prepares to bid farewell to one of its most revered players, Iniesta’s legacy as a complete midfielder who could “attack and defend, create and score,” in the words of former Spain manager Vicente del Bosque, remains secure.

The official announcement, expected on October 8, will mark the end of an era in global football, with Iniesta’s retirement closing a chapter on a generation of Spanish players who revolutionized the game.

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