Africa
South Africa recalls diplomats from Israel
Officials in South Africa are recalling all of its diplomats from Tel Aviv after Israel intensified air strikes on Gaza over the weekend. South Africa has been a longtime supporter of Palestine and condemned Israel on Monday. Around 200 people were killed from Israel’s Sunday night attack, according to Gaza City’s Al-Shifa hospital.
Deadly flooding in Somalia
Heavy rains in Somalia have forced thousands of people to flee their homes and have left at least 14 people dead. Flooding began last month because of rising water levels. The United Nations estimates that over 47,000 people have fled their homes. The flooding has destroyed bridges and roads, making it difficult for emergency services to reach impacted households. Other parts of Africa like Kenya have also dealt with heavy rainfalls in recent weeks.
Asia
China/Australia meet
Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese visited China over the weekend to meet with China President Xi Jinping. He is the first Australian leader to visit China since 2016. The two countries are expected to discuss trade and security. Xi is expected to ask for more access to key Australian sectors. Both leaders promised to work toward the mutual interest of their countries.
Pollution closes Delhi schools
Authorities in India are closing primary schools for two days because of high levels of pollution. Delhi, the capital of India, is one of the world’s most polluted cities. The city’s air turns toxic in winter because of factors like farmers burning crop remains, low wind speeds and the use of firecrackers during festivals. Doctors have expressed concern of increasing cases of asthma and lung issues among children and older adults because of the air quality.
Europe
Russia attacks Ukraine during awards ceremony
Reports suggest Russian forces carried out a missile attack during an awards ceremony in Ukraine this past Friday. The ceremony took place near the front lines in the southern Zaporizhzhia region, and 19 Ukrainian soldiers were killed. Russia has yet to comment on the attack. Ukrainian troops were celebrating Artillery Day, which honors military personnel working in artillery and missile units.
British man on trial for murder of Italian woman
Michael Whitbread, a 74-year-old British man, appeared in court over the weekend after being arrested on suspicion of killing Michele Faiers, a 66-year-old Italian woman. Faiers was found dead at her home in Italy last week. Whitbread is a retired driving instructor and shop owner, and the judge in his case said the court is working toward a full hearing next February.
Latin America
Colombia looks to control hippo population
Colombia is planning to kill around 160 hippos descended from a herd owned by drug lord Pablo Escobar. Authorities plan to sterilize 20 hippos and transfer others abroad. For years, Colombian authorities have tried to control its hippo population. Escobar’s hippos were left to roam after he was killed by police in 1993.
Bolivia ends diplomatic ties with Israel
Bolivia is cutting diplomatic ties with Israel because of its military actions in Gaza. It became the first Latin American country to cut diplomatic ties with Israel and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. Bolivia also said it will supply Gaza with aid. Other Latin American countries like Chile and Colombia have condemned Israel’s military actions.
North America
Tyson recalls chicken nuggets
Tyson Foods is recalling around 30,000 pounds of chicken nuggets after metal pieces were found in the meat. The company said it recalled the chicken nuggets out of an abundance of caution. So far, one report of a minor oral injury from the food has been reported. Tyson produces its chicken Nuggets at one facility and ships them to distributors in nine states.
Lisa Franchetti becomes leader of Navy
The United States Senate has approved Admiral Lisa Franchetti to lead the United States Navy. She is the first woman to hold the position of Chief of Naval Operations, and her nomination was approved 95-1. Franchetti was nominated by President Joe Biden and it is the first time a woman has been put forward to head a Pentagon military service branch.
