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Gunman opens fire at US embassy in Lebanon, army says

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Gunman opens fire at US embassy in Lebanon, army says

BEIRUT. A gunman fired shots at the U.S. Embassy in Lebanon on Wednesday, leading to an exchange of fire with Lebanese troops that left the attacker wounded, according to the Lebanese army.

The suspect, identified as a Syrian national, was apprehended and transported to a hospital for treatment. Soldiers are conducting a thorough search of the area to ensure no other gunmen are present.

Following the incident, the embassy announced it would remain closed to the public for the rest of Wednesday but plans to resume normal operations on Thursday, June 6. “Small arms fire was reported near our entrance this morning. The facility and staff are safe,” the embassy stated. Diplomatic sources confirmed that U.S. Ambassador Lisa Johnson is currently traveling outside Lebanon.

A Lebanese security source informed Reuters that the gunman was wounded in the stomach during the confrontation. Additionally, a member of the embassy’s security team sustained minor injuries. The embassy spokesperson has not commented on any injuries among the guards.

Pictures of the alleged attacker, verified and geolocated by Reuters, show the suspect near the embassy. The Arabic writing on his vest included the word “Islamic.” As of now, no group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

In response to the shooting, Lebanese security forces established checkpoints around the embassy, with a U.S.-made helicopter provided to the Lebanese army patrolling the area. Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati is actively monitoring the situation with the defense minister and security forces.

The U.S. Embassy is located north of Beirut in a highly secured zone featuring multiple checkpoints. It was relocated from central Beirut after a 1983 suicide bombing that killed over 60 people.

This incident follows a similar occurrence in September when shots were fired near the embassy without causing any injuries. Additionally, in mid-October, during the early days of the Gaza conflict, a large protest took place outside the embassy, which was dispersed by Lebanese security forces using tear gas and water cannons.

Lebanon has been a focal point of conflict between Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel since October, parallel to the Gaza war. This conflict has resulted in tens of thousands being displaced on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border, raising concerns about an escalation.

Meanwhile, in a separate event, a member of Lebanon’s internal security forces assigned to the Saudi embassy in Lebanon died by suicide outside the embassy on Wednesday, as confirmed by a security and a diplomatic source. The security guard reportedly shot himself in the head, with sources indicating he had mental health issues.

Biden says Hamas is sufficiently depleted; Israeli leaders disagree, casting doubts over ceasefire

Venus L Peñaflor
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Biden says Hamas is sufficiently depleted; Israeli leaders disagree, casting doubts over ceasefire

JERUSALEM. Israel set an ambitious goal: to destroy Hamas. The Biden administration initially supported this objective, supplying Israel with considerable weaponry and vocal backing. However, nearly eight months into the conflict, cracks have emerged between the close allies over what defeating Hamas actually entails.

Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden stated that the militant group was no longer capable of launching an attack on Israel akin to the Oct. 7 assault that triggered the war. He suggested it was time for the fighting to end. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right ministers strongly disagree.

Where the U.S. seeks a quick end to the fighting, Israel’s leadership appears determined to push onward. Here’s how the leaders define the destruction of Hamas:

BIDEN: NO ABILITY TO POSE A THREAT

President Biden, on Friday, said it was time to end the Israel-Hamas war, signaling that the objective of destroying Hamas had been met as the militant group was “no longer capable” of carrying out a large-scale attack on Israel like the one on Oct. 7. That day, Hamas militants stunned Israel with a major assault, killing about 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages back to Gaza amid rocket fire targeting Israeli cities and towns.

In the nearly eight months since then, Israel claims its air and ground offensive has significantly depleted Hamas’ military capabilities, killing 15,000 militants—half of Hamas’ fighting force—and wounding thousands more. It also asserts that it has destroyed a significant portion of Gaza’s tunnel network, command centers, and rocket launchers. Biden appeared to believe this was sufficient to meet Israel’s objectives and urged both sides to reach an agreement to release the remaining 85 hostages and the bodies of around 40 more, for an extended ceasefire.

NETANYAHU: ELIMINATE REMAINING MILITARY AND GOVERNING ABILITY

In response, Netanyahu insisted that Israel would not agree to a permanent ceasefire until “the destruction of Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, the freeing of all hostages, and ensuring that Gaza no longer poses a threat to Israel.” The Israeli army maintains that the eradication of Hamas is incomplete, with battalions of militants remaining in Rafah and fighting still ongoing in northern Gaza. Although Hamas has continued to launch rockets into Israel, their intensity has significantly diminished since the war’s early months. Netanyahu acknowledges that it may be impossible to fully eliminate the ideology of Hamas, which took control of Gaza in 2007 after winning legislative elections against the rival Fatah party. He noted that Hamas has survived despite a 16-year blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt and four previous wars.

“Hamas has to be eliminated, not as an idea,” Netanyahu said in late March. “Nazism was not destroyed as an idea in World War II, but Nazis don’t govern Germany.”

ISRAEL’S FAR RIGHT: ERADICATE HAMAS AND RESETTLE GAZA

Far-right leaders within Israel’s ultranationalist government have staunchly rejected Biden’s ceasefire proposal, insisting that Israel must continue its war in Gaza until Hamas is completely eradicated. Israel’s Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have both threatened to leave Netanyahu’s government if he endorses Biden’s proposal, a move that could collapse the coalition.

Smotrich stated that agreeing to a ceasefire would amount to a humiliation for Israel and a surrender. He argued that increased military pressure is “the only language understood in the Middle East.” Ben-Gvir has called for the “voluntary” emigration of Palestinians from Gaza and for a return of Israeli settlements, which were unilaterally pulled out in 2005.

At a resettlement conference in May, Ben-Gvir proclaimed that the only way to ensure “the problem won’t come back” was to “return to Gaza now.” He chanted, “Return home! Return to our holy land!”

The disagreement between the U.S. and Israel underscores the complexities of achieving peace in the region. While Biden seeks a swift resolution, Israeli leaders remain committed to a prolonged campaign to secure their objectives. The upcoming negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of the Gaza conflict and the broader Middle East peace process.

187 dayuhan at Pinoy, huli sa POGO raid sa Pampanga

Arman B. Cambe
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187 dayuhan at Pinoy, huli sa POGO raid sa Pampanga

MAYNILA. Umabot sa 187 empleyado ng isang Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO), karamihan ay mga dayuhan, ang dinakip sa isang raid na isinagawa ng awtoridad kamakalawa ng gabi sa Angeles City, Pampanga.

Sa bisa ng search warrant, pinasok ng pinagsanib na puwersa ng Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC), Philippine National Police-Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG), PNP-Integrity Monitoring Enforcement Group (IMEG), at PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG) ang POGO hub na “Lucky South 99” sa Grand Palazzo Royale, Friendship Highway, Angeles City. Ito ay matapos makatanggap ng sumbong na ginagamit ang nasabing lugar para sa human trafficking.

Ayon kay PAOCC Spokesperson Winston Casio, sa 187 inaresto, 29 ay mga Pinoy, 126 ang Chinese nationals, 23 ang Vietnamese, apat ang Malaysian nationals, apat ang Myanmar nationals, at isang Korean national.

Sinabi rin ni Casio na bukod sa mga nahuling empleyado, nasagip sa lugar ang isang Chinese na pinaniniwalaang biktima ng kidnapping. Bukod dito, may nakita ring kuwarto na hinihinalang “torture area” ng mga lalaking dayuhan.

Patuloy pa rin ang imbestigasyon ng mga awtoridad sa posibleng mga nasa likod ng operasyon ng POGO. Kasalukuyang sumasailalim sa immigration biometrics ang mga dinakip upang matukoy ang kanilang pagkakakilanlan.

Israel intensifies Gaza offensive as U.S. presses ceasefire efforts

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel intensifies Gaza offensive as U.S. presses ceasefire efforts

CAIRO. Israel has escalated its military campaign against Hamas in central Gaza, with airstrikes killing dozens of people, as U.S. and Qatari mediators work to finalize a ceasefire deal.

Palestinian medics reported that since Tuesday, at least 44 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli strikes on central Gaza. The conflict has intensified, with the armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad engaging in gun battles with Israeli forces across the enclave and launching anti-tank rockets and shells.

“The sounds of bombardment didn’t stop all night,” said Aya, a 30-year-old displaced woman in Deir Al-Balah. Among the dead were two children and their mother, unable to evacuate when others in the neighborhood fled. “This is not war, it is destruction that words are unable to express,” said their father, Abu Mohammed Abu Saif.

The Israeli military stated that its jets were targeting Hamas militants in central Gaza, with ground forces operating “in a focused manner with guidance from intelligence” in the Al-Bureij area, a longstanding refugee settlement. “The forces of the 98th Division began a precise campaign in the areas of East Bureij and East Deir al-Balah, above and below ground at the same time,” an Israeli military statement said.

Residents reported that Israeli forces had deployed tanks in Bureij and were shelling nearby settlements, including Al-Maghazi and Al-Nuseirat, and Deir Al-Balah city. “Every time they speak about new truce talks, the occupation uses one town or refugee camp as a pressuring card. Why should civilians, people safe inside their homes or tents, pay the price? Why can’t Arabs and the world stop the war?” Aya told Reuters via a chat app.

CIA Director Burns Discusses Ceasefire in Doha

Amid ongoing violence, hopes remain pinned on diplomatic efforts. CIA Director William Burns met with Qatar’s Prime Minister in Doha to discuss ceasefire terms. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan indicated that the U.S. is awaiting a response from Hamas via Qatari mediators to a ceasefire proposal announced by President Joe Biden last Friday. Qatar reported that the proposal has been refined to be more acceptable to both parties.

Hamas responded positively to the proposal but criticized the U.S. for blaming the Palestinian militant group for delays. A Hamas spokesperson reiterated that any agreement must include a “clear” commitment from Israel to a permanent truce and complete withdrawal from Gaza, a demand Israel has refused until Hamas is eradicated.

U.S. officials suggest Israel is likely to accept the proposal since it originated from them. However, Qatar stressed that Israel needs to present a unified stance, as some factions within the Israeli government oppose any form of truce.

Continued Fighting and Humanitarian Impact

In parallel, the Hamas-allied Islamic Jihad group sent a delegation to Cairo for talks with Egyptian mediators to end the “Zionist aggression on Gaza Strip and efforts to send aid.” Fighting continued in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, with Israeli forces conducting limited operations to eliminate Hamas combat units.

“The forces found combat means and eliminated armed saboteurs who operated nearby and posed a threat,” said an Israeli military statement. Despite the violence, most of the million people who had taken refuge in Rafah have fled once more.

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) reiterated calls for a ceasefire, emphasizing the war’s lasting impact on Gaza’s environment. “The war in #Gaza has upended millions of Palestinian lives & caused catastrophic damage to the natural environment that they depend upon for water, clean air, food & livelihoods. Restoring environmental services will take decades – & cannot even start until a #ceasefire,” it stated on social media.

Since the conflict began last October, following a Hamas incursion into southern Israel that killed approximately 1,200 people and led to over 250 hostages, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 36,000 deaths in Gaza, according to local health authorities. Thousands more are believed to be buried under rubble. About 120 hostages remain in Gaza.

The world’s most expensive cow: Brazil’s $4 million bovine marvel

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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The world’s most expensive cow: Brazil’s $4 million bovine marvel

UBERABA, Brazil. Amid Brazil’s vast cattle population, one cow stands out for her extraordinary value and stature. Viatina-19 FIV Mara Movéis, worth $4 million, holds the title of the world’s most expensive cow, according to Guinness World Records. Her impressive size, weighing in at over 2,400 pounds, and exceptional genetic traits have made her a symbol of Brazil’s ambitions in the beef industry.

Located in Brazil’s agricultural heartland, Viatina-19 is closely monitored by security cameras, a veterinarian, and an armed guard. Billboards along the highway celebrate her grandeur, attracting ranchers, locals, and veterinary students eager to witness this bovine wonder.

Breeding for Excellence

Brazil, the world’s top beef exporter, is determined to dominate global beef markets despite calls from climate scientists to reduce beef consumption due to its environmental impact. The nation’s strategy hinges on breeding superior cattle like Viatina-19. Her owners, including Ney Pereira, have invested heavily in this genetic marvel, utilizing advanced breeding techniques to produce more muscular and fertile cattle.

“We’re not slaughtering elite cattle. We’re breeding them. And at the end of the line, going to feed the whole world,” said Pereira, emphasizing Viatina-19’s role in their vision.

Genetic Goldmine

Viatina-19’s astronomical price is justified by her rapid muscle growth, high fertility, and the consistent quality of her offspring. Lorrany Martins, Pereira’s daughter and a veterinarian, highlighted her perfection in traits such as posture, hoof solidity, and maternal ability. Collecting her egg cells costs around $250,000, a testament to her unparalleled genetic value.

A Symbol of Brazilian Agriculture

Brazil’s agricultural boom, fueled by rising demand from China, has made the cattle industry a pillar of the economy. This influence extends to cultural realms, with country music thriving and live cattle auctions becoming prime-time events. Uberaba, Viatina-19’s home, hosts ExpoZebu, the world’s largest Zebu cattle fair, drawing ranchers and breeders globally.

Challenges and Controversies

Despite her fame, Viatina-19 represents broader challenges. Brazil’s cattle industry is a significant greenhouse gas emitter, contributing to Amazon deforestation. Experts argue for improved grazing practices and reduced slaughter ages to mitigate environmental impacts.

While some in the cattle industry praise Viatina-19’s genetic advancements, others criticize such high-maintenance cattle as impractical for large-scale farming. P.J. Budler of Trans Ova Genetics and Texas cattleman Grant Vassberg have expressed concerns about the sustainability and practicality of breeding such elite cattle.

The Future of Brazilian Beef

Viatina-19 is now pregnant for the first time, furthering her genetic legacy. Pereira and Martins aim to expand their reach, with plans to export her genetic material globally, including to the United Arab Emirates, India, and the US.

“If she is the best in the world – not just her price, but I believe she is the world’s best – we need to share her around the world,” said Pereira. Martins looks even further ahead, hoping Viatina-19 will lay the foundation for even better cattle in the future.

Viatina-19’s story reflects Brazil’s complex interplay of economic ambitions, agricultural innovation, and environmental challenges, positioning her as a key figure in the ongoing evolution of the global beef industry.

FLiRT Variant KP.2 nasa Pilipinas na

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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FLiRT Variant KP.2 nasa Pilipinas na

MAYNILA. Kinumpirma ng Department of Health (DOH) na nakapasok na sa bansa ang COVID-19 subvariant KP.2, na kabilang sa tinatawag na “FLiRT” variants. Ayon kay DOH Assistant Secretary Albert Domingo, “Maaaring may mga naunang kaso ng KP.2, ngunit dahil sa limitadong pagkakasunud-sunod ay hindi namin na-detect at naiulat ito nang mas maaga.”

Ang pinakamaagang sample collection date para sa KP.2 sa bansa ay Mayo 2024. Ang DOH ay nakapagtala ng dalawang kaso ng KP.2, pati na rin ang 30 kaso ng JN.1 at dalawang kaso ng JN.1.18 noong nakaraang buwan, batay sa sequencing data mula sa University of the Philippines-Philippine Genome Center (UP-PGC).

Sa kabila ng pagdami ng kaso ng COVID-19 nitong nakaraang linggo, nananatili pa rin sa “low risk” ang buong bansa para sa COVID-19. Mula Mayo 21 hanggang 27, naitala ang 2,235 bagong kaso ng COVID-19, na may average na 319 kaso kada araw—mas mataas kumpara sa nakaraang linggo na 202 daily average. Sa mga bagong kasong ito, 20 ang pagkamatay kung saan lima sa kanila ay nangyari mula Mayo 14 hanggang 27.

Sinabi rin ng DOH na 14 porsiyento lamang o 174 sa 1,235 intensive care unit (ICU) beds na nakatuon para sa COVID-19 ang na-occupy, habang 15 porsiyento lamang o 1,601 sa 10,910 COVID-19 na kama ang na-occupy. Ang malala at kritikal na kaso ng COVID-19 na na-admit sa iba’t ibang ospital ay umabot lamang sa 185 o 10 porsiyento ng kabuuang admission.

Ang DOH ay patuloy na nagpapatakbo “sa pag-aakalang ang mga naka-flag na Omicron sub variants ay malamang na nasa bansa.” Batay sa mga ulat, ang pinakamaagang sample collection date para sa JN.1 sa Pilipinas ay Nobyembre 2023.

Noong nakaraang buwan, inatasan ni Health Secretary Ted Herbosa ang Bureau of Quarantine (BOQ) na magsagawa ng masusing screening sa points of entry para sa mga dumarating na bisita mula sa mga bansa kung saan natukoy ang bagong FLiRT variants. Bukas din ang DOH sa paggawa ng mga pagbabago sa kasalukuyang budget nito upang matugunan at mabawasan ang mga posibleng epekto sa bansa ng mga bagong variant ng COVID-19 na tinaguriang “FLiRT”.

Ang FLiRT ay isang palayaw na ginawa ng ilang mananaliksik upang ilarawan ang mga pagbabago sa amino acid sa spike protein ng COVID-19 virus, partikular mula sa phenylalanine (F) hanggang leucine (L) sa posisyon 456, at mula sa arginine (R) hanggang threonine (T) sa posisyon 346. Ang apat na variant under monitoring (VUM) ay JN.1.7, JN.1.18, KP.2, at KP.3, na lahat ay mga inapo ni JN.1.

Philippines denies aiming weapons at Chinese coast guard

Venus L Peñaflor
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Philippines denies aiming weapons at Chinese coast guard

MANILA. The Philippine military has denied accusations that its troops pointed weapons at Chinese coast guard vessels during a tense encounter near the disputed Second Thomas Shoal in the South China Sea. The incident occurred on May 19 during a routine resupply mission for Filipino soldiers stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded warship turned garrison.

Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner refuted claims made by China’s state-run CCTV, which reported that Filipino personnel had aimed guns at Chinese coast guard boats during the confrontation. Brawner clarified that while troops held onto their weapons, they did so strictly for self-defense and did not point them at the Chinese vessels.

“It was just in preparation for self-defense in case something happens because they were very close,” Brawner stated at a press conference, labeling the Chinese coast guard’s actions as “provocative.”

Military officials described how Chinese rigid hull inflatable boats approached within five to ten meters of the Sierra Madre and seized supplies that had been air-dropped for the Filipino troops, actions deemed illegal and unacceptable by the Philippine side.

“This was a cause of alarm. So our soldiers, as a precautionary measure, held onto their firearms. It is part of the rules of engagement,” Brawner explained. “We are denying that any of our soldiers pointed deliberately their guns at any of the Chinese… But we will not deny the fact that they were armed.”

Brawner emphasized that the Sierra Madre, a World War II-era warship intentionally grounded on the reef in 1999, remains a commissioned vessel of the Philippine navy, thus authorized to carry weapons. “We have the right to defend ourselves,” he asserted, vowing that the Philippines would continue to assert its sovereignty in the contested area.

The Second Thomas Shoal, known as Renai Reef in China, is part of the South China Sea, a region almost entirely claimed by China. The area is patrolled by hundreds of Chinese vessels, including what Manila refers to as “Chinese maritime militia,” which were reportedly present during the May 19 incident.

China’s foreign ministry condemned the Philippines’ actions at the shoal, with spokesperson Mao Ning stating at a Tuesday briefing, “On this issue, the Philippines is the one who makes frequent infringements and provocations. The Philippines sending vessels to Ren’ai is in itself illegal, the Philippines is escalating the situation and we cannot accept it.”

As tensions continue to simmer in the South China Sea, both nations remain steadfast in their positions, raising concerns over potential future confrontations.

Gaza ceasefire turns into high-stakes game of political survival for Hamas and Israel

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Gaza ceasefire turns into high-stakes game of political survival for Hamas and Israel

The leaders of both Hamas and Israel find themselves entangled in the complex process of negotiating a ceasefire in Gaza. The outcome of these talks could determine their political futures, and for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, even his physical survival.

The latest negotiations have faced numerous challenges, with prior attempts to reach an agreement collapsing. US President Joe Biden’s three-phase plan, outlined on Friday, aims to bring an end to the conflict, secure the release of hostages, and pave the way for the reconstruction of Palestinian territories. However, Biden acknowledged that transitioning from a limited hostage-for-prisoner deal to a permanent ceasefire will be “difficult.”

The United States has submitted a draft resolution to the UN Security Council supporting Biden’s ceasefire plan. The first phase involves the release of dozens of hostages, both living and dead, a move that would be widely welcomed in Israel, where the failure to free all hostages held by Hamas has been a significant point of contention.

Hamas, however, is unlikely to release its most politically sensitive hostages without assurances that Israel will not resume the conflict once they are freed. Leaks reported by Israeli media suggest Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told parliamentary colleagues that Israel will keep its options open, including the possibility of resuming military actions until Hamas is “eliminated.” Netanyahu’s hard-right coalition partners are expected to demand nothing less.

Netanyahu needs to secure the support of his coalition to avoid the prospect of early elections and to manage his ongoing corruption trial. This necessitates keeping long-term options open, including military action, while navigating the initial hostage negotiations. Conversely, Hamas is pushing for permanent ceasefire guarantees before making significant concessions.

The ongoing struggle is highlighted by the provocative actions of both sides. On May 19, during a routine resupply mission for Filipino troops stationed on the BRP Sierra Madre, Chinese coast guard boats came dangerously close to the ship, prompting Philippine troops to prepare for self-defense without pointing their weapons at the Chinese vessels. The confrontation underscored the delicate balance of power and the high stakes involved in territorial disputes.

As both parties grapple with internal and external pressures, the success of Biden’s ceasefire plan hinges on Netanyahu’s ability to find alternatives to the total elimination of Hamas and on the willingness of Hamas leaders to negotiate terms that could ensure a long-term peace.

Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak noted that Biden announced the deal only after observing Netanyahu’s cautious approach, aware that Sinwar might refuse any terms that do not include his survival. The complex dynamics of these negotiations underscore the fragile nature of the proposed ceasefire.

In the meantime, thousands of Israelis displaced by the October 7 Hamas attacks are anxiously awaiting the outcome. Yarin Sultan, a 31-year-old mother of three from Sderot, expressed her concerns, fearing that a ceasefire without the removal of key Hamas leaders would lead to future violence.

“This ceasefire will kill us,” Sultan told the BBC. “We will free the hostages, but a few years from now you will be the next hostages, you will be the next people who get murdered, the women that are raped – all this will happen again.”

Kinumpiska ng China at itinapon ang food supplies ng mga sundalong Pinoy

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Kinumpiska ng China at itinapon ang food supplies ng mga sundalong Pinoy

MAYNILA. Kinumpirma ng Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) nitong Martes na kinumpiska at itinapon sa dagat ng mga Chinese personnel ang pagkain para sa mga sundalo sa BRP Sierra Madre na nakaistasyon sa Ayungin Shoal.

“Nakipag-agawan pa sila (China) dun sa ini-airdrop na packages, siguro nag­hahanap sila ng construction materials. Some of the supplies were recovered, but most sunk,” ani AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. na naglahad ng panghihinayang sa mga natapong food supplies.

Ayon kay Brawner, sa apat na supply packages, isa ang nakumpiska, binulatlat, at itinapon sa dagat ng China Coast Guard (CCG). Ipinakita rin ng AFP sa media ang video ng ginawang pagkumpiska ng China at pagtatapon sa dagat ng mga food supplies at iba pang items para sa mga sundalo sa BRP Sierra Madre.

Bukod sa mga pagkain, naglalaman din ng mga gamot ang ini-airdrop na supplies para sa mga sundalo, lalo na’t may mga pagkakataong nagkakasakit ang mga ito.

Binigyang-diin ni Brawner na walang karapatan ang China na kumpiskahin ang nasabing supply lalo na at ang lugar ay nasasaklaw ng Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) ng Pilipinas.

Sa kabila nito, ayon kay Brawner, naging matagumpay naman ang airdrop ng resupply para sa mga sundalo ng AFP sa Ayungin Shoal.

Ang BRP Sierra Madre ng Philippine Navy, na nakabalahura sa Ayungin Shoal simula pa noong 1999, ang nagsisilbing kanlungan at outpost ng mga sundalong Pinoy na nagtatanod sa West Philippine Sea.

Israel confirms deaths of four more hostages in Gaza, including three elderly men featured in Hamas video

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel confirms deaths of four more hostages in Gaza, including three elderly men featured in Hamas video

JERUSALEM. The Israeli military has confirmed the deaths of four more hostages kidnapped on October 7, including three elderly men who appeared in a Hamas video pleading for their release. This announcement on Monday intensifies pressure on the Israeli government to accept a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal that could facilitate the return of remaining hostages in Gaza and potentially end the eight-month conflict.

Currently, around 80 hostages are believed to be alive in Gaza, with the remains of 43 others also present. Since President Joe Biden introduced the ceasefire proposal last Friday, Israel has witnessed large-scale protests urging the government to bring the hostages home. Despite Biden’s assertion that the proposal originated from Israel, Israeli leaders have distanced themselves from the plan, continuing military operations against Hamas until the militant group is dismantled.

The four men confirmed dead on Monday night—Nadav Popplewell, Amiram Cooper, Yoram Metzger, and Haim Peri—were taken alive into Gaza, according to the Hostages Forum, an advocacy group for the hostages’ families. The group issued a statement following the announcement, saying, “It is time to end this cycle of sacrifice and neglect. Their murder in captivity is a mark of disgrace and a sad reflection on the significance of delaying previous deals.” They called for the immediate approval of the new ceasefire plan.

Hundreds of protesters, including relatives of the captives, gathered outside Israel’s Defense Ministry and military headquarters in Tel Aviv on Monday night, demanding a deal. Smaller protests occurred across the country.

In November, around 100 captives were released during a weeklong exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The three men declared dead on Monday had female relatives released during that exchange. Israel’s military spokesman, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, reported that the four hostages were killed during an army operation in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, adding that recent operations had provided enough intelligence to confirm their deaths. Their bodies remain with Hamas, and the exact cause of death is unknown. Hamas previously claimed that Nadav Popplewell died from wounds sustained in an Israeli airstrike, but provided no evidence.

The three elderly men—Cooper, Metzger, and Peri—appeared gaunt and frail in a December video released by Hamas, titled “Don’t let us grow old here.” In the video, they expressed confusion and despair over their abandonment. Cooper, an economist, was a founder of Kibbutz Nir Oz. Metzger contributed to the kibbutz winery, and Peri established its art gallery and sculpture garden. Kibbutz Nir Oz was severely impacted during the October 7 Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of around 250 hostages to Gaza.

Earlier on Monday, the military announced the discovery of Dolev Yehud’s body in a community near the Gaza border, attacked by Hamas on October 7. Yehud, 35, was previously thought to be among the hostages in Gaza until his body was found, revealing he had been killed in the initial attack.

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