US-Israeli Gaza genocide
The Israeli military continues to pound the Gaza Strip with indiscriminate air and artillery strikes, claiming the lives of more Palestinians in the besieged territory. Over thirty people have been killed in attacks across Gaza since Dawn. In Gaza city, five Palestinians were killed and a number injured in Israeli bombing of al-Sabra neighbourhood. Civil defense workers also came under attack as Israeli warplanes struck a school in the Al-Zaytoun neighborhood of the same city. In central Gaza, three Palestinians lost their lives after several homes in the Nuseirat and al-Bureij refugee camps were targeted. The death toll from the US-Israeli genocide since October 20-23 has climbed to over 66000, with more than 168,500 others injured.
Gaza-bound global sumud flotilla
The Global Sumud Flotilla, which is heading to Gaza, says it has come under dangerous aggression by Israeli naval forces. In a statement, the flotilla says one of its lead vessels, named Alma, was aggressively circled by an Israeli warship, labeling the move as an intimidatory operation. It says during the incident, onboard communications, including closed circuit broadcasts, were remotely disabled. The flotilla added that the vessel’s captain was forced to take a sharp evasive maneuver to prevent a frontal collision. The statement underlines that interfering with the flotilla’s passage is unlawful, adding that any attack or interception amounts to a war crime. Earlier, the flotilla announced that it entered the high-risk zone, where previous flotillas heading to Gaza were attacked by Israel. Over 500 activists are on board the flotilla that seeks to deliver aid to Gaza.
US government shutdown begins
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro says millions of Venezuelans are prepared to take up arms if the nation comes under attack. Speaking at Venezuela’s national farming union, Maduro called on farmers to help defend the country from potential US aggression. Maduro noted that victory is guaranteed for the Venezuelans as QUOTE enemies are afraid of us but we are not afraid. His remarks come amid heightened tensions with the United States, following a US military deployment to the Caribbean Sea. Caracas has condemned the US action as a threat to its sovereignty. Venezuelan military authorities have said the deployment demonstrates the country's active resistance and reflects the commitment of both the Armed Forces and the people to defending national sovereignty.