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Israeli Airstrike Hits Girls’ School Housing Displaced People in Central Gaza, Killing at Least 30

At least 30 people were killed after Israeli airstrikes hit a girls’ school that houses displaced people in central Gaza, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Saturday. The school, located in Deir Al-Balah, was reportedly sheltering many families who had been displaced due to ongoing conflict in the region.

Israel’s military stated that it targeted a Hamas command and control center used to store weapons and plan attacks in Deir Al-Balah, one of the areas most populated with displaced families. The strike led to significant destruction and casualties, with many women and children among the victims, as reported by the CBS News team in Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry confirmed that at least 11 other people were killed in separate attacks across the region. The CBS News team in Gaza also confirmed multiple strikes in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, which is near the school.

Near the hospital, the scene was one of chaos and tragedy. An injured man lay on a stretcher on the ground, while a body covered with a blanket and a dead toddler lay inside an ambulance. Inside the school, classrooms were in ruins, with people searching for victims under the rubble and gathering the remains of those who were killed.

The Gaza Health Ministry and the Hamas-run government media office reported that more than 100 others were wounded in the airstrikes. The ongoing conflict has led to a significant humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with many families left without shelter and basic necessities.

At Least 11 Killed, Including Children, in Golan Heights as Israel Blames Hezbollah for Rocket Attack

A rocket attack on Saturday targeted a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 people and wounding several others, including children, according to Israeli authorities. The attack occurred hours after an Israeli airstrike on southern Lebanon killed three members of the militant Hezbollah group.

The strike, the deadliest on an Israeli target since the renewed hostilities between the two foes began in October, has raised fears of a broader conflagration in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was returning home urgently from a trip to the United States, his office confirmed.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for striking a military base in the Golan Heights in retaliation for Israeli attacks on a village in Lebanon. However, Hezbollah chief spokesman Mohammed Afif told The Associated Press that the group “categorically denies carrying out an attack on Majdal Shams.

Chief spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari addressed journalists, asserting that “Hezbollah is lying.” He confirmed that all 11 people killed were aged 10 to 20 and that more than 20 others were wounded.

In a statement on Saturday, the Israeli military indicated that, based on intelligence, “the rocket launch toward Majdal Shams was carried out by the Hezbollah terrorist organization.” The statement further accused Hezbollah of orchestrating the attack that resulted in the casualties at the soccer field in Majdal Shams.

U.S. Claims First Gold in Swimming on Opening Day of Paris Olympics, Katie Ledecky Wins Bronze

The United States swimming team made a splash on the first day of the 2024 Paris Olympics, securing their first gold medal and setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting competition in the pool.

In a display of aquatic prowess, the U.S. men’s 4×100 meter freestyle relay team clinched gold on Saturday, finishing 1.07 seconds ahead of silver medalists Australia. The winning team, comprised of Jack Alexy, Chris Guiliano, Hunter Armstrong, and veteran Olympian Caeleb Dressel, continued America’s dominance in this event, marking their 10th victory in the last 13 Olympics.

This victory is particularly significant for Dressel, as it marks his eighth Olympic gold medal, further cementing his status as one of the most decorated swimmers in Olympic history. The win also sets a positive tone for Team USA’s swimming campaign in Paris.

However, the day wasn’t without its challenges for the American team. In the women’s 400-meter freestyle, Katie Ledecky, a dominant force in distance swimming, had to settle for bronze. Australian Ariarne Titmus, nicknamed “The Terminator,” successfully defended her Olympic title, leading from start to finish with a time of 3 minutes, 57.49 seconds.

Canadian prodigy Summer McIntosh claimed silver with a time of 3:58.37, while Ledecky touched in at 4:00.86. Despite the third-place finish, Ledecky’s bronze adds to her impressive tally of 11 Olympic medals, including six individual golds – still the most of any female swimmer in Olympic history.

Titmus’ victory cements her growing legacy, now boasting three individual Olympic golds. She’s favored to repeat her 200m and 400m freestyle double from Tokyo in these Paris Games.

The American women found redemption in the 4×100-meter relay, securing a silver medal behind a record-setting Australian team. The U.S. quartet of Kate Douglass, Gretchen Walsh, Torri Huske, and Simone Manuel set a new American record with a time of 3:30.20, just under two seconds behind Australia’s Olympic record time of 3:28.92. China rounded out the podium with bronze.

As the swimming events continue, all eyes will be on Ledecky, who is favored to claim gold in both the 800m and 1,500m races. The veteran swimmer’s pursuit of more medals adds an intriguing subplot to the ongoing aquatic drama in Paris.

The opening day’s results highlight the fierce competition in the pool, with established swimming powers like the U.S. and Australia trading blows, while emerging stars like Canada’s McIntosh shake up the established order. As the Games progress, swimming enthusiasts can look forward to more record-breaking performances and intense rivalries in the state-of-the-art Paris La Défense Arena.

With many events still to come, the U.S. swimming team has set a strong foundation for what could be another memorable Olympic campaign. The blend of experienced champions like Dressel and Ledecky with rising stars ensures that Team USA remains a force to be reckoned with in the pool, promising more exciting races and potential medals in the days to come.

Paris 2024 Olympics: Super Falcons Chase Vital Win Against Spain

The Super Falcons of Nigeria will hope to secure their first win in the women’s Olympic football tournament at the Paris 2024 Olympics when they take on world champions Spain on Sunday, aiming to keep their qualification hopes alive in Group C.

The Super Falcons suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat against Brazil in their opening match on Thursday and will look to earn a vital three points to stay in the tournament.

The match is scheduled for the Stade de la Beaujoire in Nantes and will be the first encounter between the two teams. Kickoff is set for 6 p.m. Nigeria time.

La Roja are making their Olympic Games debut in Paris after defeating France 2-0 to win the maiden Women’s Euro Nations League.

They are also clear favourites to win their first Olympic gold at the tournament. The Falcons are making their fourth appearance at the Olympics, having debuted at the 2000 Games in Sydney.

The Falcons are currently bottom of the group after losing 1-0 to Brazil, while Spain sits at the top with three points, courtesy of their 2-1 win over Japan.

Though finishing third in the group could still be enough for qualification, a defeat for the Falcons will further limit their chances of taking one of the two slots available for the best third-placed teams.

Spain is in imperious form since their World Cup triumph, winning nine of their last ten matches.

The eleven-time African champions will have their work cut out against a star-studded Spanish side led by World Cup Golden Ball and Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmatí, who scored the equalizer in the victory over Japan.

Randy Waldrum’s side will need to improve on their display against Brazil, where they missed several opportunities to score. The Falcons must bring their best game to stand a chance against the formidable Spanish team.

U.S. Men’s Soccer Team Rebounds with 4-1 Thrashing Over New Zealand for First Win at Olympics

The U.S. men’s soccer team crucially needed a good result against New Zealand to increase its chances of making it out of the group stage, and the team did exactly that. Days after losing its opener to France, the U.S. was able to pick itself up and beat New Zealand in dominant fashion by winning 4-1.

The Americans got on the board early after defender Nathan Harriel was fouled in the opposition’s box, and midfielder Djordje Mihailovic was able to coolly put away the penalty to give his side a 1-0 lead.

It only took the U.S. four minutes to double its lead after veteran defender Walker Zimmerman—one of the overaged players on the roster—got on the end of a rebound from close range.

The first half wasn’t quite over for the Yanks as Kevin Paredes teed up Gianluca Busio inside the box to score and make it 3-0.

The U.S. continued to dominate possession and create opportunities in the second half as Paxten Aaronson got in on the fun by adding his team’s fourth goal of the match in the 58th minute.

Nigeria Moves to Placate Youth to Avert Looming Inflation Protests

Days before a nationwide protest over bad governance and the high cost of living, Nigerian leadership is offering its young people jobs in the state-oil company and billions of naira worth of grants among other incentives to discourage the action.

Nigerian activists have been looking to emulate youth-led protests elsewhere in Africa, which have rocked the government in Kenya and prompted a tough security response in Uganda.

Nigeria’s state oil firm, which seven years ago warned job seekers against falling prey to fraudulent messages about job placements in the company, published nationwide job vacancies in a post on X for the first time in nearly a decade on Friday. An NNPC Ltd spokesperson said a flood of applications crashed the company’s website.

Nigeria’s Ministry of Youth Development on Friday also relaunched a 110 billion naira ($70 million) youth investment fund that was started in 2020, aimed at providing grants to Nigeria’s youth to generate jobs. The youth ministry had said in May it would revive the program, but little had been heard about it until Friday.

On Tuesday, Nigerian lawmakers passed a new minimum wage more than doubling the amount the least paid worker will earn monthly. Nigerians are organizing online for nationwide protests next week in response to surging inflation that has seen inflation rise to a 28-year-high of 34.2% which they blame on President Bola Tinubu’s removal of fuel subsidies and a currency devaluation.

Religious clerics, traditional rulers, and other prominent Nigerians have joined the government in urging young people from embarking on protests, addressing the negative impact, and urging them to consider the adverse effects Kenya-style protests will have on the country.

Couple Shot Dead in South African Housing Complex Parking Lot

A couple, Delon Jaganath and Micaela, were shot dead in a parking lot of a housing complex in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The shooting took place on Clayfield Drive in Clayfield around 1 am on Friday, July 26, 2024.

Prem Balram from Reaction Unit South Africa (Rusa) said their control room received multiple calls from residents reporting a shooting incident. “On arrival, Reaction Officers discovered the Phoenix SAPS in attendance,” he said.

The body of a female was found in the passenger seat of a white VW Polo and a man believed to be her husband was located in a pathway approximately 20 meters away.

They were shot multiple times and were pronounced deceased at the scene,” Balram said. Witnesses reported seeing a silver VW Jetta (registration unknown) fleeing the scene of the murders. The motive for the shooting was not established.

KZN police spokesperson Constable Thenjiswa Ngcobo confirmed that police in Phoenix are investigating two counts of murder. “This follows an incident in which a 26-year-old woman and a 27-year-old man were found with multiple gunshot wounds on Clayfield Drive,” he said.

Men’s Soccer Recap: Argentina and Spain Cruise to Victories at Paris Olympics

As Matchday 2 of the men’s soccer tournament at the 2024 Paris Olympics unfolded, both Argentina and Spain overcame initial challenges to secure crucial victories, reshaping their medal prospects in the process.

Argentina, desperate for a win after a disappointing start, faced off against Iraq at the Parc Olympique Lyonnais. The South American side wasted no time in asserting their dominance, with Manchester City star Julian Alvarez playing a pivotal role. Alvarez provided two assists as Argentina cruised to a 3-1 victory.

Thiago Almada opened the scoring for Argentina in the 13th minute, capitalizing on a clever pass from Alvarez. Despite a brief setback when Iraq’s Aymen Hussein equalized just before halftime, Argentina regained control in the second half. Luciano Gondou restored their lead with a solid header in the 62nd minute, and Ignacio Fernandez sealed the win with a powerful strike in the 85th minute.

This win breathes new life into Argentina’s Olympic campaign, bringing them level on points with Morocco in their group. Coach Javier Mascherano will be particularly pleased with his team’s response to their opening game struggles.

Meanwhile, in Bordeaux, Spain faced a stubborn Dominican Republic side in what initially appeared to be a challenging match. Barcelona midfielder Fermin Lopez broke the deadlock for Spain in the 24th minute, but the underdogs surprised everyone by equalizing through Angel Montes de Oca’s header – the Dominican Republic’s first-ever Olympic goal.

The game’s turning point came in first-half stoppage time when the Dominican Republic’s Edison Azcona received a straight red card for unsportsmanlike conduct. Spain capitalized on their numerical advantage in the second half, with Alex Baena doubling their lead in the 55th minute and Miguel Gutierrez adding a third in the 70th minute.

This 3-1 victory all but secures Spain’s place in the Round of 16 and likely guarantees them top spot in Group C. For the Dominican Republic, while not mathematically eliminated, their path to progression now requires a win against Uzbekistan in their final group stage match.

These results highlight the intensity and unpredictability of Olympic soccer, where established powerhouses must overcome determined underdogs. As the tournament progresses, the performances of key players like Julian Alvarez for Argentina and Spain’s midfield maestros will be crucial in determining their teams’ medal chances.

With more matches to come, including Ukraine facing Morocco later in the day, the men’s soccer tournament at the Paris Olympics continues to offer excitement and drama for fans around the world.

The next round of matches will be pivotal, potentially deciding the fates of several teams. Soccer enthusiasts and Olympic followers alike will be eagerly anticipating the upcoming fixtures, as the road to Olympic glory in men’s soccer becomes clearer with each passing game.

Nigerian Police Report Major Arrests in Osun, Abia States for Ritual Murder, Kidnapping

In a series of operations across Osun and Abia states, Nigerian police have made significant arrests related to various serious crimes, demonstrating the authorities’ commitment to combating criminal activities. The arrests, which took place in July 2024, include suspects involved in murder, kidnapping, and child trafficking cases.

In Osun State, police spokesperson Yemisi Opalola reported the arrest of Ganiyu Kehinde, a herbalist based in Oba-Oke, for the murder of his friend, Emmanuel Collins. The case came to light when it was reported to the Oke-Odo Division in Osogbo that Collins, a 35-year-old Ghanaian, had been killed by an unknown person.

Through intelligence-led investigation, police detectives apprehended Kehinde, who confessed to the crime. According to Opalola, the suspect admitted to killing Collins on July 9, 2024, and using parts of the deceased’s body in an attempt to create a ritual soap believed to bring wealth.

Kehinde, when questioned by journalists, claimed that he was influenced by external forces to commit the act. He also admitted to having prepared similar items for others in the past. The police stated that the investigation is ongoing and the suspect will be charged to court upon its conclusion.

In a separate incident in Osun State, 22-year-old Effiong Saviour was arrested for allegedly attacking and robbing a woman in Ipetumodu. The suspect is accused of using a machete in the assault and stealing personal belongings from the victim.

Meanwhile, in Abia State, the police command confirmed the arrest of 162 suspects for various crimes including kidnapping and child trafficking. Police Public Relations Officer Maureen Chinaka provided details during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Umuahia.

Among the notable cases in Abia was the arrest of Josephine Martins, 56, for alleged involvement in child trafficking. The case came to light when a complainant reported concerns about her niece’s missing baby. Investigations led to the arrest of Martins and two other suspects.

In another significant operation, five men were apprehended for the alleged kidnapping of a woman in the Ariaria area of Aba. The victim was reportedly robbed and assaulted before being released after a ransom payment. The Rapid Response Squad traced the suspects to their hideout in Umungbede village, where another victim was rescued.

Additionally, Christian Ezekiel, 25, was arrested for allegedly attempting to traffic three young women to Libya via Kano State without parental consent. The SWAT team intercepted this operation at Milverton Park in Aba.

Chinaka highlighted other achievements of the Abia State Police Command, including the rescue of six children and four adults from kidnappers, and the recovery of various weapons, vehicles, and suspected illegal substances.

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Bomb Explosion at Yobe, Nigeria, Injures Girl

An explosion, suspected to be caused by a planted Improvised Explosive Device (IED), occurred at the popular Buni Yadi market in Gujba Local Government Area of Yobe State, Nigeria on Friday. Channels Television reported that a resident of Buni, Ali Hassan, said the incident happened around 12:30 pm, injuring a girl. The name of the girl and her current state of health have yet to be disclosed.

The spokesman of the Sector 2 Joint Task Force Operation Hadin Kai, Captain Muhammad Shehu, also confirmed the incident, stating that another IED planted in the market was discovered and successfully defused by the Army.

He further explained that the only victim of the explosion is currently receiving treatment at one of the health facilities in Buni Yadi. Captain Shehu emphasized that the incident was a planted IED and not a suicide bombing.

Buni Yadi, located 54 kilometers from Damaturu, the state capital, north of Nigeria was the most severely affected local government area in Yobe State during the two years it was under Boko Haram insurgent control.