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China, Russia, Other Nations Condemn Assassination of Hamas Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran

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The assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran has sparked a wave of condemnation from nations across the globe, with many expressing concern over potential escalation of tensions in the Middle East. As news of the killing spread, world leaders and diplomats rushed to issue statements, underlining the far-reaching implications of this event on international relations and regional stability.

China, an increasingly influential player in Middle Eastern diplomacy, was quick to voice its disapproval. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated during a daily briefing, “We firmly oppose and condemn the act of assassination. We are deeply concerned that this incident may lead to escalation and turbulence in the region.” China, which recently mediated an agreement between Hamas and Fatah in Beijing, called for a “comprehensive and permanent cease-fire” in the Gaza Strip to prevent further escalation of conflicts.

Russia joined the chorus of condemnation, with Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov strongly denouncing the attack. “We resolutely condemn the attack that led to Mr. Haniyeh’s death,” Peskov declared, adding that such actions are “aimed against attempts to establish peace in the region, and could significantly destabilize the already tense situation.”

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry expressed shock at the timing of the assassination, which coincided with the inauguration of Iran’s new president. The ministry’s statement read, “Pakistan condemns terrorism in all its forms and manifestations including extrajudicial and extraterritorial killings irrespective of the motives.” It blamed Israel for the attack, describing it as a dangerous escalation that undermines peace efforts in the region.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan took to social media platform X to denounce the killing of Haniyeh as a “despicable act” aimed at undermining the Palestinian cause. Erdogan asserted, “Zionist cruelty will never accomplish its objectives,” and reaffirmed Turkey’s commitment to supporting “the establishment of a free, sovereign and independent State of Palestine based on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the assassination, directly accusing Israel of being behind the attack. The ministry warned that such actions could “drag the region towards widening the war and threatens both regional and international security and safety.”

The assassination has put a spotlight on the complex web of alliances and conflicts in the Middle East. Haniyeh, who was scheduled to deliver a speech in Turkey’s parliament in August, was killed just hours after attending the inauguration of Iran’s new president. This timing has raised questions about the reach and audacity of the perpetrators, widely suspected to be Israeli operatives, though Israel has maintained its customary silence on such matters.

Iran Vows Revenge Against Israel for Assassination of Hamas Political Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran

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In a dramatic escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Iran has publicly vowed revenge against Israel following the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The killing, which occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, has sparked a firestorm of rhetoric from Iranian leadership, threatening to plunge the region into further conflict.

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, set the tone for his country’s response, declaring that revenge against Israel is now Iran’s national duty. This stark pronouncement came shortly after news broke of Haniyeh’s death, which happened just hours after he attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president, Masoud Pezeshkian.

The powerful Iranian Revolutionary Guard, in a statement laden with ominous overtones, promised a “harsh and painful response” to what they termed a “crime of the Zionist regime.” The statement, issued via their official website, confirmed that Haniyeh and one of his bodyguards were killed at their residence in Tehran, leaving no doubt about the gravity of the situation from Iran’s perspective.

President Pezeshkian, newly sworn into office, quickly joined the chorus of condemnation. In a post on the social media platform X, he asserted that Iran would defend its territorial integrity and ensure that those responsible for the assassination would “regret their actions.” This statement not only reinforces Iran’s stance but also frames the attack as a violation of Iranian sovereignty, potentially broadening the scope of the conflict.

While no group has claimed responsibility for the assassination, suspicion has immediately and firmly settled on Israel. The Israeli government has previously made no secret of its intention to eliminate Hamas leadership, particularly in the wake of the October 7 attack on Israel that resulted in 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. However, following its standard protocol, Israel has declined to comment on the allegations, maintaining a silence that speaks volumes in the charged atmosphere.

The assassination of such a high-profile figure on Iranian soil represents a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, with Iran now poised to play a more direct role. The event raises serious questions about the reach of Israel’s intelligence operations and the potential for a wider regional conflict.

International observers are watching closely as the situation unfolds, aware that Iran’s promise of retaliation could spark a new cycle of violence in an already volatile region. The death of Ismail Haniyeh, a key figure in the Palestinian resistance movement, on the territory of one of Israel’s most ardent opponents, has created a powder keg of geopolitical tensions.

As Iran prepares its response, the international community faces the challenging task of preventing further escalation while addressing the underlying issues that have led to this point. Diplomatic channels are likely working overtime to mitigate the risk of open conflict, but the strong language coming from Tehran suggests that some form of retaliation may be inevitable.

The coming days and weeks will be crucial in determining whether this event leads to a wider confrontation or if cooler heads can prevail. With Iran’s leadership unanimously calling for revenge and Israel maintaining its strategic silence, the stage is set for a high-stakes game of brinkmanship that could reshape the political landscape of the Middle East.

As the world holds its breath, waiting to see how Iran will make good on its vow of revenge, one thing is clear: the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh has opened a new and dangerous chapter in the long-standing conflicts of the region. The repercussions of this event will likely be felt far beyond the borders of Iran and Israel, potentially drawing in other regional powers and testing the resolve of the international community to maintain peace in this volatile part of the world.

Stay tuned for updates on this developing story as Iran formulates its response and the international community grapples with the potential for a new eruption of violence in the Middle East.

Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Killed in Alleged Israeli Strike in Iran, Threatening Escalation

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Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed by a predawn airstrike in the Iranian capital on Wednesday, with Iran and the militant group blaming Israel for a shock assassination that risks escalating the conflict even as the U.S. and other nations were scrambling to prevent an all-out regional war. Iran’s supreme leader vowed revenge against Israel.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has pledged to kill Haniyeh and other Hamas leaders over the group’s October 7 attack on southern Israel in which the Palestinian militant group killed 1,200 people and took some 250 others hostage. The strike came just after Haniyeh had attended the inauguration of Iran’s new president in Tehran—and only hours after Israel targeted a top commander in Iran’s ally Hezbollah in the Lebanese capital Beirut.

The dramatic assassination of Hamas’s top political leader threatened to reverberate throughout the region’s intertwined conflicts. Most explosively, the strike in Tehran could push Iran and Israel into direct conflict if Iran retaliates.

“We consider his revenge as our duty,” Iranian supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a statement on his official website. He said Israel had “prepared a harsh punishment for itself” by killing “a dear guest in our home.”

Bitter regional rivals, Israel and Iran risked plunging into war earlier this year when Israel hit Iran’s embassy in Damascus in April. Iran retaliated and Israel responded in an unprecedented exchange of strikes on each other’s soil, but international diplomacy succeeded in containing that cycle before it spun out of control.

Haniyeh’s killing could also prompt Hamas to pull out of negotiations for a cease-fire in the relentless decade-old war in Gaza, which U.S. mediators had said were making progress.

The U.S. and other allied nations are heightening tensions between Israel and Hezbollah along the Lebanese border, with security forces trying to contain after a weekend rocket attack killed an Israeli soldier in the Golan Heights.

Haniyeh’s death comes at a critical juncture, threatening to unravel fragile regional stability and triggering a new wave of violence in a conflict already marked by decades of strife. As Iran vows retaliation and Israel braces for potential reprisals, the international community watches anxiously, fearing the potential fallout of this high-stakes assassination.

The Associated Press

Huge Blaze Erupts at Rocket Accessories Manufacturing Facility in Russia’s Yekaterinburg

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A massive fire erupted at a manufacturing facility in Yekaterinburg, Russia, causing significant damage to the plant. The blaze, which broke out early Wednesday, has drawn the attention of local authorities and emergency services.

Local media reported that the fire started in the early hours of the morning at the Uralvagonzavod plant, which specializes in producing railway cars and military equipment. The plant is one of the largest in the region and plays a critical role in the local economy.

“The fire spread rapidly, engulfing several sections of the facility,” an emergency services spokesperson said. “Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading further.”

Initial reports indicate that no casualties have been reported, but the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities.

Witnesses reported seeing large plumes of smoke rising from the facility, which could be seen from miles away. Videos posted on social media showed firefighters battling the flames, with heavy smoke billowing from the building.

Local officials have urged residents to stay clear of the area to allow emergency services to perform their duties without obstruction.

This incident has sparked concerns about the safety protocols at the plant, and a thorough investigation is expected to determine the cause and prevent future occurrences.

Source:themoscotimes

Angelina Jolie by Son Pax’s Side as He Recovers in Hospital After Accident: ‘He’s Stable’

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Angelina Jolie is by her son Pax’s side as he recovers from an accident in Los Angeles.

A source says Jolie, 49, “is with him and reported that he’s stable.”

Pax, 20, was reportedly hospitalized after an accident in L.A. on Monday, July 29. According to TMZ, law enforcement sources told the outlet that Pax was not wearing a helmet while riding an e-bike in heavy traffic on Los Feliz Boulevard around 5 p.m. when the accident happened. He reportedly sustained a head injury and hip pain.

The Los Angeles Police Department tells PEOPLE that a man in his early 20s was riding a scooter when an accident was reported at 5:12 p.m. on July 29, and that a severe traffic collision report was completed.

Jolie shares Pax and five other kids with ex Brad Pitt: Maddox, 22, Zahara, 19, Shiloh, 18, and 16-year-old twins Knox and Vivienne.

Reps for Jolie and Pitt did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

Earlier in July, a source told PEOPLE that Jolie “seems very happy and content with her life” now, and that she stays “focused on her kids and work.”

The Oscar winner worked with Pax and Maddox on her upcoming film Without Blood, which she directed with her sons as part of the crew. The movie will have its world premiere at the upcoming Toronto International Film Festival.

Nigerian Sprinter Favour Ofili Denied 100m Spot at Paris Olympics Due to Administrative Failures

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Nigerian sprinter Favour Ofili has been dealt a devastating blow to her Olympic dreams, revealing on Tuesday that she will not be able to compete in the 100-metre race at the ongoing Paris Olympics. The athlete’s exclusion stems from administrative failures by the Athletics Federation of Nigeria (AFN) and the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), sparking outrage and calls for accountability in Nigerian sports administration.

Ofili, an LSU Track and Field alumni, took to social media to express her frustration, stating, “It is with great regret that I have just been told I will not be competing in the 100 metres at this Olympic Games. I qualified, but those with the AFN and NOC failed to enter me. I have worked for four years to earn this opportunity. For what?”

The 21-year-old athlete’s disappointment is compounded by the fact that this is not the first time she has faced such setbacks. Ofili recalled a similar incident from the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, where she and 13 other Nigerian athletes were unable to compete due to administrative failures. Please remember, in the last Olympic Games, I was not able to compete because AFN, NADC and NOC failed to release funds for athletes to be tested, which made 14 Nigerian athletes that qualified to not compete. Now this……” she added.

Ofili’s frustration is palpable as she calls for accountability, stating, “If those responsible are not held accountable for taking this opportunity from me, neither organisation can ever be trusted in the future!” Despite this setback, she remains hopeful about her participation in the 200-metre event, saying, “Next one is the 200 metres. I hope I’m entered.”

The controversy surrounding Ofili’s exclusion is particularly striking given her impressive credentials. She is a Commonwealth Games silver medalist, an African Games champion, a former World U20 champion, and an African Senior Athletics Championships champion in the 200m. Her current world rankings stand at 23 in 100m and 52 in 200m, with her highest rankings being 13 in 200m, 23 in 100m, and 37 in 400m.

Adding to the confusion, PUNCH Online reports that Ofili was initially entered for multiple events including the 100m, 200m, 400m, and 100×100 relay. However, attempts to contact officials from the AFN and NOC for clarification have been unsuccessful.

This incident highlights ongoing issues within Nigerian sports administration. Ofili was one of 10 Nigerian athletes declared ineligible for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics by the Athletics Integrity Unit due to insufficient testing in the lead-up to the games. The repetition of such administrative failures raises serious questions about the management and support of Nigerian athletes on the international stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo Sparks Marriage Rumors After Calling Georgina Rodriguez His ‘Wife’ in Workout Video

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Cristiano Ronaldo has sparked widespread speculation that he and his longtime girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez may have secretly tied the knot.

The 39-year-old football superstar referred to Rodriguez as his “wife” during a workout video for his fitness brand, Whoop. The video, shared on the company’s Instagram account on July 29, has sent fans into a frenzy. In the video, Ronaldo discusses his home workout routines and the importance of staying motivated.

“Most important thing is, it’s not what you do, it’s you have to do,” Ronaldo said during the interview, which took place in his home gym. He continued, “When I’m not training in the club, I like to work with my wife at home because I can push her and she can push me too.”

This casual mention of Rodriguez as his “wife” did not go unnoticed. The Instagram video quickly garnered over 529,000 likes and a flood of comments from curious fans. Many were eager to know if Ronaldo’s use of the term “wife” meant that he and Rodriguez had gotten married in secret.

“Did he say my wife? Are they now secretly married?” one fan commented. Another added, “@cristiano when did you get married with him calling her ‘my wife.’” A third fan humorously noted, “He said ‘my wife’ olalaaa.”

Amid the growing speculation, Ronaldo’s publicist spoke to People magazine, stating that they could not confirm if the couple had actually gotten married. “At this time, I cannot confirm nor deny that Cristiano has married Georgina. I simply do not know,” the publicist said, leaving fans to wonder.

Attempts to get a comment from Ronaldo’s representative have so far been unsuccessful.

Ronaldo and Rodriguez have been together since 2017, and their relationship has been closely followed by the media and fans alike. During a 2022 interview with Piers Morgan, Ronaldo discussed the possibility of marrying Rodriguez. While he expressed his desire to marry her eventually, he mentioned that there was no rush, emphasizing that it would happen when the time was right for both of them.

The couple shares a deeply committed relationship and has been raising their children together. They have often been seen supporting each other at various events and sharing affectionate moments on social media.

The recent speculation about their marital status adds another layer of intrigue to their high-profile relationship. Whether or not they have indeed tied the knot remains a topic of keen interest.

independent.co.uk

Paris 2024: Tennis Day 5 Order of Play and Schedule – When is Novak Djokovic Playing? When Does Rafael Nadal Play?

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Day five of the 2024 Olympic Games is packed with tennis galore where plenty of the stars will be heading to the courts. In the men’s singles third round, Novak Djokovic will face Dominik Koepfer, while Carlos Alcaraz will play Roman Safiullin. Later in the day, Alcaraz will be joined by doubles partner Rafael Nadal in the third round. Coco Gauff will also feature in the mixed and women’s doubles.

BERNETTI / AFP) (Photo by MARTIN BERNETTI/AFP via Getty Images)

The tennis events at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games continue on Wednesday, July 31. Some of the biggest stars, including Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, and Rafael Nadal head to the courts to face off in the men’s singles and a variety of doubles events.

Djokovic, who knocked Nadal out to advance into the third round, will face Dominik Koepfer and Alcaraz will play Roman Safiullin in the third round of the men’s singles.

Alcaraz will later join Nadal in the men’s doubles as they take on Americans Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram.

In the doubles, Gauff will be joined by US teammate Taylor Fritz in the mixed doubles quarter-final where they will meet Canada’s Gabriela Dabrowski and Felix Auger-Aliassime.

Gauff will partner Jessica Pegula as they come up against Linda Noskova and Karolina Muchova in the women’s doubles second round.

WHEN DOES CARLOS ALCARAZ PLAY?

Two-time Wimbledon champion Alcaraz will face off against Safiullin at Suzanne-Lenglen on Wednesday.

Riot Police Deployed as Violent Crowds Clash Outside Southport Mosque

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Violent scenes have erupted outside a mosque in Southport as tensions run high following a recent knife attack in the town. A large crowd has gathered, leading to confrontations with police and resulting in injuries to officers and damage to property.

Southport riot police have been deployed to the area, with vans and officers standing guard outside the mosque. The situation has rapidly escalated, with eyewitnesses reporting numerous acts of violence and vandalism. People in the crowd can be heard shouting slogans such as “No surrender” and “English till I die,” indicating the presence of nationalist sentiments among the protesters.

Our Sky News team on the ground has captured footage of bricks being thrown at police vans and other projectiles flying through the air. In a particularly concerning development, a group of individuals attempted to tip over a riot van, showcasing the intensity of the confrontation.

The violence has not been limited to property damage. Several police officers have suffered what appear to be minor injuries in the chaotic scenes. One officer was seen with blood on her face, highlighting the dangerous nature of the situation. The crowd, described as consisting of hundreds of youths and men, many wearing masks and hoodies, has engaged in running battles with the officers outside the Southport mosque.

In addition to bricks and bottles, firecrackers have been set off, adding to the chaos. The sound of multiple police sirens and a helicopter overhead creates an atmosphere of tension and urgency. In a serious escalation, a police van appears to have been set on fire, with large flames billowing around the vehicle.

The riots seem to be fueled, at least in part, by misinformation spread in the aftermath of the knife attack. False accusations have been circulating online, including incorrect names of the 17-year-old suspect who has been arrested. While Merseyside Police have stated that the unnamed suspect is from Wales, unfounded claims that he was an asylum seeker who arrived in the UK by boat have spread on social media platforms.

Earlier today, Home Secretary Yvette Cooper addressed the issue, stating that social media companies “need to take some responsibility” for the speculation. Downing Street has also urged the public to avoid “unhelpful” speculation about the attack, expressing concerns that misreporting online could inflame community tensions.

The situation remains volatile, with a large police presence attempting to contain the violence and protect the mosque and surrounding areas. As night falls, there are concerns that the unrest could spread to other parts of the town.

Local authorities are urging residents to stay indoors and avoid the area around Hart Street, where the original knife attack took place and which is now the epicenter of the riots. Community leaders are calling for calm and asking people not to be swayed by unverified information circulating on social media.

Southport Community Holds Vigil for Victims of Tragic Incident

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Many tears were shed as flowers were laid, and tributes were paid to those who died, and those still fighting for life in the hospital in Southport.

Leading the vigil, the chaplain of Southport Hospital, Martin Abrams, addressed the gathering: “Tonight is about standing in solidarity during these tragic events. We stand together and we weep together.”

The Mayor of Sefton, Councillor June Burns, also spoke at the event. She shared her emotions upon visiting the scene of the tragedy and seeing the messages and tributes there. “It’s unbelievable that we find ourselves laying flowers for little girls who just wanted to dance,” she said.

Only the seagulls failed to observe an emotionally charged minute’s silence, as the people of Southport showed their respect and support for the families who are grieving, and those who face an agonizing wait for news of their loved ones in the hospital.

After the speeches and the silence, a single voice shouted out from the crowd and encapsulated the feelings of the people there. A single sentiment, shared by hundreds: “We all stick together.”

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