A view shows smoke and fire on the Lebanese side of the border with Israel, after Israel said it had noted armed group Hezbollah preparing to attack Israel and had carried out pre-emptive strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, as seen from Tyre, southern Lebanon August 25, 2024. REUTERS/Aziz Taher
Hamas has claimed responsibility for firing a rocket at Tel Aviv on Sunday, marking the second missile attack on Israel since the October 7 massacre.
The military group’s armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, said it launched an “M90” rocket in response to “Israeli massacres against civilians” in Gaza.
Warning sirens were heard in Rishon Letsiyon, five miles from Tel Aviv, where the missile landed in an open area, according to the Israeli military. The projectile was reportedly launched from Khan Younis in Gaza.
This attack follows a barrage of missiles launched by Hezbollah towards Israel earlier in the day. Hezbollah’s action was reportedly in retaliation for the killing of one of its founders and top commanders in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut last month.
Israel has been preparing for potential attacks from Hezbollah and Iran following its killing of Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil. IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari stated that Hezbollah attempted to launch thousands of rockets but was largely thwarted by Israeli strikes, managing to fire only about 230 rockets and 20 drones.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel’s pre-emptive strikes are “not the end,” suggesting further military action.
The recent escalations threaten to trigger a wider conflict that could involve the United States, Iran, and militant groups across the region.
Since October 7, Hamas’s attack on Israel resulted in 1,199 deaths, mostly civilians. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has killed at least 40,405 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Out of 251 hostages seized by Hamas, 105 remain in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead by the Israeli military.
KRAMATORSK, Ukraine — A British citizen working for Reuters has been found dead following a Russian airstrike in eastern Ukraine, the news agency confirmed Sunday.
Ryan Evans, 38, a safety advisor for Reuters, was discovered under the rubble of Hotel Sapfir in the city of Kramatorsk after a missile strike on Saturday, August 24, 2024.
Reuters stated, “We are devastated to learn that Reuters safety advisor Ryan Evans, who was with our reporting team in Ukraine, has been killed.”
Two Reuters journalists are hospitalized, with one being treated for serious injuries. Three other colleagues are safe, the agency reported.
Evans, a former British soldier, had been working with Reuters since 2022, advising journalists on safety in various locations including Ukraine, Israel, and the Paris Olympics.
Oleksandr Honcharenko, head of the Kramatorsk city military administration, earlier confirmed, “Rescuers found the body of a deceased person under the rubble.”
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the hotel was hit by a Russian Iskander missile, capable of striking targets up to 500 km (310 miles) away.
“An ordinary city hotel was destroyed by the Russian Iskander,” Zelenskyy stated in his Sunday evening address, adding, “It was absolutely purposeful, thought out… my condolences to family and friends.”
Reuters is seeking more information about the attack and supporting affected colleagues and their families.
LILONGWE, Malawi — Malawi has begun screening for mpox at all ports of entry, health officials announced Sunday. This measure comes days after the country registered its first two suspected cases, which are currently awaiting laboratory test results.
The suspected cases involve a 31-year-old male being treated in hospital and a 17-year-old boy receiving care at home, according to health authorities.
This preventive action follows the World Health Organization’s declaration just over a week ago that the spread of the new strain of mpox is a public health emergency of international concern. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is identified as the epicenter of a more deadly strain of the virus that emerged last year and has since spread to more than 10 other African states.
Adrian Chikumbe, spokesperson for the Malawi Ministry of Health, clarified the country’s vaccination strategy: “It’s not given to just everyone like we are doing with the Covid-19 vaccine or other vaccines, this is only reserved for those who are at a very high risk.”
The screening at entry points is part of a broader set of preventive measures, including a public awareness campaign, especially through community health networks. Malawi has also set up a mobile diagnostic unit at a hospital in Lilongwe, the nation’s capital.
Carol Luka, a community health worker, advised the public: “My advice to people is that, when you meet a person or see someone who has mpox, please avoid any contact with them and also avoid contact with any materials that people with mpox have used.”
Malawi remains one of the few Southern African countries that have so far managed to avoid a confirmed mpox outbreak. The country’s health officials say they are planning for a worst-case scenario while implementing these preventive measures.
As the situation develops, Malawian authorities continue to urge vigilance and adherence to public health guidelines to prevent the potential spread of mpox within the country.
CAPE COAST, Ghana — A multi-vehicle collision on the Cape Coast-Takoradi highway in Ghana’s Central Region has claimed 14 lives, including an infant, and left several others injured. The accident occurred Sunday morning near Ataabadze, involving a sprinter van, a tipper truck, and an articulated truck.
According to local authorities, the articulated truck attempted to overtake the tipper truck on a sharp curve when it collided with a fully loaded sprinter van traveling from Accra to Takoradi. The impact resulted in a catastrophic crash, scattering debris across the highway.
Dr. Papa Kojo Mbroh, Head of the Emergency Unit at Cape Coast Teaching Hospital, confirmed the death toll. “We’ve received 14 casualties so far, including a baby,” Dr. Mbroh stated. “Our teams are working tirelessly to treat the injured.”
An eyewitness, identified only as Anderson, described the scene to Adom News: “While travelling from Cape Coast to Takoradi, near a curve by a school, two vehicles were approaching from Takoradi. One of the cars was delayed, prompting an articulated truck to attempt an overtaking. Simultaneously, a sprinter van was also trying to overtake. Both vehicles lost control in the curve and collided.”
Joy News reporter Eric Asante, who visited the hospital mortuary, reported that mortuary attendants initially put the death toll at 10, with four more casualties confirmed later at the emergency unit. Asante also noted nearly ten survivors receiving treatment.
The Ghana National Fire Service and Ghana Police Service personnel were quickly dispatched to the scene to evacuate victims and clear the road. The accident caused significant traffic disruptions on the busy highway connecting two major cities.
The sprinter van was reportedly carrying fish mongers and fishermen from Mumford in the Gomoa West District of the Central Region to the Sekondi Fishing Harbor. This tragic incident highlights ongoing concerns about road safety on Ghana’s major highways.
Ghana’s National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has been alerted and is expected to investigate the causes of the accident. “We will be conducting a thorough investigation to determine the factors that led to this tragic event,” said Samuel Obeng, a spokesperson for the NRSA.
The accident has reignited debates about the need for improved road safety measures, including better enforcement of traffic laws and enhanced driver education programs. Local community leaders are calling for immediate action to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
As rescue and recovery efforts continue, authorities are urging drivers to exercise caution, particularly when navigating curves and attempting overtaking maneuvers on highways. The identities of the victims have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
This incident marks one of the deadliest road accidents in Ghana this year, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive road safety reforms in the country.
KHARTOUM, Sudan — Sudan is grappling with a severe famine as the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) continues to ravage the country. Recent peace talks in Geneva have failed to achieve significant progress, leaving millions at risk of starvation.
The United Nations-accredited Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system declared famine conditions in parts of Darfur, Sudan’s westernmost region, four weeks ago. Aid agencies estimate that more than half of Sudan’s 45 million people require urgent humanitarian assistance, with over 12 million displaced.
In a small concession, the SAF allowed 15 UN aid trucks to cross the border from Chad this week. However, aid organizations fear this gesture is insufficient to address the scale of the crisis.
“This is a drop in the ocean compared to what’s needed,” said Dr. Amira Hassan, a Sudan-based humanitarian coordinator. “We need thousands of trucks weekly to prevent a catastrophic loss of life.”
The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the SAF, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the RSF, under Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagolo, has exacerbated long-standing economic and environmental challenges. Both sides have been accused of using starvation as a weapon of war.
The RSF has been implicated in widespread looting and destruction of vital infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. Meanwhile, the SAF has employed tactics to cut off rebel-held areas from external supplies, reminiscent of strategies used during Sudan’s previous civil war.
Recent peace talks in Geneva, jointly convened by the United States and Saudi Arabia, concluded on Friday without substantial progress. U.S. Special Envoy Tom Perriello’s hopes for a face-to-face meeting between the warring generals were dashed when Gen. al-Burhan refused to attend.
“While we didn’t achieve the breakthrough we hoped for, we remain committed to finding a peaceful resolution,” Perriello stated after the talks. “The humanitarian situation demands urgent action from all parties involved.”
The stalemate in peace efforts is partly attributed to the rivalry between Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, key backers of the SAF and RSF respectively. Their competition for regional influence has complicated diplomatic initiatives.
International aid efforts face significant obstacles. The SAF’s control of Port Sudan and its recognition by the UN as the sovereign government have allowed it to restrict aid flow. The recent opening of the Adré border crossing to Chad is limited to three months and subject to strict inspections.
“Every day of delay costs lives,” said Jean-Michel Dumond, head of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Sudan. “We need unrestricted access to all affected areas immediately.”
The situation is particularly dire in el-Fasher, Darfur, where Médecins Sans Frontières has reported famine-level malnutrition in the Zamzam displaced persons camp.
As the crisis deepens, some food security specialists warn that up to 2.5 million people could die from hunger by the end of the year if significant interventions are not made.
The international community continues to press for a resolution, but with both warring parties showing little willingness to compromise, the prospects for swift peace remain dim. As Sudan teeters on the brink of an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, the world watches anxiously, hoping for a breakthrough that could stem the tide of suffering.
LIVERPOOL, England — Liverpool continued their impressive start to the Premier League season, securing a 2-0 victory over Brentford at Anfield on Sunday. The win marks Liverpool’s second consecutive triumph under new manager Arne Slot, placing them among only four teams to have won both of their opening fixtures.
Luis Diaz opened the scoring in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a swift counterattack following a Brentford corner. Mohamed Salah sealed the victory in the 70th minute, finishing coolly after being set up by Diaz.
The match began with Brentford showing early promise, but Liverpool’s clinical finishing proved decisive. Slot’s side demonstrated their ability to turn defense into attack, with the opening goal resulting from a breakaway led by Salah and Diogo Jota.
Liverpool’s manager, Arne Slot, expressed satisfaction with his team’s performance. “We showed great composure and tactical awareness today,” Slot said in the post-match press conference. “The players are adapting well to our style, and it’s pleasing to see the results on the pitch.”
Brentford had opportunities to level the score, with Christian Norgaard heading wide from close range in the first half and Nathan Collins forcing a fine save from Liverpool goalkeeper Alisson Becker after the restart.
Liverpool’s dominance grew as the match progressed. Trent Alexander-Arnold hit the post with a corner kick, while substitute Cody Gakpo struck the crossbar late in the game, underlining the home side’s attacking threat.
Brentford manager Thomas Frank acknowledged Liverpool’s quality but remained optimistic about his team’s prospects. “Liverpool showed why they’re considered title contenders,” Frank stated. “We had our moments, but we need to be more clinical against top sides.”
The result sees Liverpool join an elite group of teams with a perfect start to the season, while Brentford suffer their first defeat of the new campaign.
Liverpool’s performance showcased the early impact of Slot’s management, with the team displaying a blend of attacking flair and defensive solidity. The partnership between Diaz and Salah proved particularly effective, with both players contributing to each other’s goals.
As the Premier League season unfolds, Liverpool’s strong start under Slot will undoubtedly raise expectations among their supporters. The team’s ability to maintain this form against tougher opposition will be crucial in determining their title aspirations.
For Brentford, the defeat serves as a reminder of the challenges they face in the Premier League. However, their competitive showing against one of the league’s top sides suggests they have the potential to build on their impressive previous season.
With the international break approaching, both teams will have time to reflect on their early season performances and prepare for the challenges ahead in what promises to be an exciting Premier League campaign.
MADRID — Real Madrid clinched their first win of the new La Liga season on Sunday, defeating Real Valladolid 3-0 at the Santiago Bernabeu. The victory comes after Carlo Ancelotti’s side was held to a draw in their season opener against Real Mallorca last weekend.
The match remained scoreless for nearly an hour as Valladolid’s defense held firm against Madrid’s star-studded attack. However, the deadlock was broken in the second half with goals from Federico Valverde, Brahim Diaz, and debutant Endrick.
Valverde opened the scoring shortly after halftime with a deflected free-kick that found its way past Valladolid goalkeeper Karl Hein, who is on loan from Arsenal. The goal came after Vinicius Junior won a free-kick just outside the penalty area.
Madrid’s second goal arrived in the 88th minute when Eder Militao’s long pass found Brahim Diaz, who expertly lobbed Hein with a half-volley. In the dying moments of the match, Diaz turned provider, setting up Endrick for his debut goal with a powerful low drive that beat Hein at the near post.
Kylian Mbappe, making his home debut for Real Madrid, had several opportunities to score but was denied by impressive saves from Hein. The French striker’s best chance came in the first half when his fierce volley was expertly saved by the Valladolid goalkeeper.
Real Madrid manager Carlo Ancelotti expressed satisfaction with the result. “We showed patience against a well-organized Valladolid side,” Ancelotti said in the post-match press conference. “The goals in the second half were a reward for our persistence.”
The match saw the introduction of new signing Arda Guler, who impressed with his link-up play and had several attempts on goal. Vinicius Junior was also a constant threat, providing key passes and winning the free-kick that led to the opening goal.
For Valladolid, the defeat highlights the challenges they face in La Liga this season. Manager Paulo Pezzolano acknowledged his team’s strong defensive effort but noted the difficulty in maintaining that level against Madrid’s quality. “We defended well for an hour, but against a team like Real Madrid, you need to take your chances when they come,” Pezzolano stated.
The victory moves Real Madrid up the La Liga table and provides momentum as they head into a busy period of fixtures. The performance of young talents like Endrick and Guler, alongside established stars such as Mbappe and Vinicius, offers a glimpse of the potential in Ancelotti’s squad.
As the La Liga season progresses, Real Madrid will look to build on this win and challenge for the title. For Valladolid, the focus will be on learning from this experience and securing points in their upcoming matches against less formidable opponents.
DHAKA, Bangladesh — Severe flooding caused by relentless monsoon rains and overflowing rivers has left at least 20 people dead and affected more than 5.2 million in Bangladesh, officials reported Sunday.
The floodwaters have isolated many communities, creating an urgent need for food, clean water, medicine, and dry clothes. Remote areas are particularly hard-hit, with blocked roads hampering rescue and relief efforts.
Mohammad Yunus, the government’s Chief Adviser and interim leader, addressed the nation in a televised speech, stating, “The administration has adopted all necessary measures to ensure a swift return to normality for flood victims.” Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, assumed leadership following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure amid a student-led uprising earlier this month.
The Bangladesh Meteorological Department has warned that flood conditions could persist if monsoon rains continue, noting that water levels are receding very slowly.
Abdul Halim, a 65-year-old farmer from the Comilla district, described the devastation to Reuters television: “My mud hut was swept away by a 10-foot-high surge of floodwater in the middle of the night. There are no goods and no water. Barely anyone has come with relief aid deep inside the villages.”
Some Bangladeshi citizens have alleged that the floods were exacerbated by the opening of dam sluice gates in neighboring India, a claim that New Delhi has rejected. Yunus addressed this concern, stating, “We have begun discussions with neighboring countries to prevent future flood situations.”
Official reports indicate that more than 400,000 people have taken refuge in approximately 3,500 shelters across 11 flood-affected districts. Nearly 750 medical teams are providing treatment on the ground, with the army, air force, navy, and Border Guard Bangladesh assisting in rescue operations.
The floods underscore Bangladesh’s vulnerability to climate change. A 2015 World Bank Institute analysis estimated that 3.5 million people in the country were at risk of annual river flooding. Scientists attribute the increasing severity of such events to climate change.
Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, emphasized the scale of the disaster: “The impact of this year’s monsoon rains has been widespread and devastating. Entire communities have been completely inundated, and there are now millions of people, including children, in need of safe shelter and lifesaving humanitarian assistance.”
As relief efforts continue, the international community is closely monitoring the situation. The United Nations and various NGOs are mobilizing resources to support the Bangladesh government’s response to this humanitarian crisis.
ADEN, Yemen — A boat carrying migrants capsized off Yemen’s southwestern coast on Tuesday, resulting in thirteen deaths and leaving fourteen people missing, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Sunday.
The vessel, which was carrying twenty-five Ethiopians and two Yemenis, overturned near the coast of Yemen’s Taiz governorate. The bodies of eleven men and two women were recovered along the shores of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a critical sea route for global commodity shipments.
“Search operations are ongoing in hopes of locating those still missing, including the Yemeni captain and his assistant,” an IOM spokesperson said. The cause of the capsizing remains unclear.
This incident highlights the ongoing risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the Gulf of Aden. In July, a similar tragedy occurred when a boat carrying at least forty-five refugees capsized off the Taiz coast, with only four survivors.
The IOM, which maintains a database of migrant deaths and disappearances, reports that since 2014, 2,082 migrants have died or gone missing along the route from East Africa and the Horn of Africa to Gulf countries.
“These recurring tragedies underscore the urgent need for safe, legal migration pathways,” said the IOM’s Chief of Mission in Yemen. “We continue to work with regional governments to address the root causes of irregular migration and to enhance search and rescue capabilities.”
The Bab al-Mandab Strait, where the incident occurred, is a narrow waterway connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. Its strategic location makes it a common route for migrants seeking to reach Gulf countries, often fleeing poverty and conflict in their home nations.
Yemen, despite its ongoing civil war and humanitarian crisis, remains a transit point for migrants from the Horn of Africa. The country’s instability and limited coast guard resources complicate rescue efforts and migration management.
International aid organizations have called for increased cooperation between countries in the region to prevent such tragedies and to address the underlying factors driving dangerous migration attempts.
As search efforts continue for the fourteen missing individuals, authorities are working to identify the deceased and notify their families. The incident serves as a grim reminder of the perils faced by migrants and the complex challenges of managing migration in conflict-affected regions.
WOLVERHAMPTON, England — Chelsea secured a commanding 6-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers in Sunday’s Premier League match at Molineux, with Noni Madueke netting his first Premier League hat-trick and Cole Palmer contributing a goal and three assists.
The win marks Chelsea’s first league points under new head coach Enzo Maresca, following their opening defeat to Manchester City and a midweek victory in a Conference League qualifier against Servette.
Chelsea took an early lead in the second minute when Nicolas Jackson scored his first goal of the season, heading in from a corner. Wolves equalized through Matheus Cunha before Cole Palmer restored Chelsea’s lead with a skillful half-volley. Hwang Hee-chan leveled the score for Wolves just before halftime, ending a chaotic first 45 minutes at 2-2.
The second half saw Chelsea assert their dominance, with Madueke scoring three times in quick succession. All three goals came from assists by Palmer, showcasing a burgeoning partnership between the two young attackers.
Chelsea’s final goal came from Joao Felix, making his second debut for the club after returning on loan. The Portuguese forward finished emphatically after being set up by Pedro Neto, who had come on as a substitute to a warm reception from the Wolves fans.
The match highlighted Chelsea’s attacking prowess but also exposed defensive vulnerabilities in both teams. Wolves looked particularly susceptible to Chelsea’s counter-attacks, conceding with alarming frequency in the second half.
Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca expressed satisfaction with the result in his post-match comments. “This victory is a testament to the hard work and talent of our players,” Maresca said. “Noni [Madueke] and Cole [Palmer] were exceptional today, but it was a strong team performance overall.”
Wolves boss Gary O’Neil acknowledged his team’s defensive shortcomings. “We competed well in the first half but lost our shape after the break,” O’Neil stated. “We’ll need to address these issues quickly as we move forward in the season.”
The result moves Chelsea up the Premier League table, providing a boost of confidence for Maresca’s squad. For Wolves, the heavy defeat raises questions about their defensive organization and will likely prompt tactical reassessment.
As the Premier League season progresses, both teams will look to build on the lessons learned from this high-scoring encounter. Chelsea’s attack shows promise, while Wolves will be eager to shore up their defense in the coming weeks.
