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Netanyahu firm on Rafah invasion with or without a deal as cease-fire talks with Hamas continue

TEL AVIV, Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a resolute statement on Tuesday, asserting Israel’s intent to launch a military incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah, even as cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue.

Netanyahu’s declaration comes amidst a crucial juncture in discussions aimed at securing a truce between the warring parties. The proposed agreement seeks to secure the release of hostages, provide relief to the beleaguered civilian population, and forestall a potential Israeli offensive into Rafah, where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians seek refuge from the relentless violence.

In a statement from his office, Netanyahu emphasized Israel’s unwavering commitment to its objectives, stating, “The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question. We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate Hamas’ battalions there — with or without a deal, to achieve total victory.”

Netanyahu’s stance reflects the delicate balance he faces within his governing coalition, where hard-line factions demand decisive action against Hamas. Meeting with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu reiterated his stance, assuring that Israel would not relent in its pursuit of military objectives.

However, Netanyahu’s posture contrasts with the sentiments of many within the international community, including Israel’s staunch ally, the United States, who have cautioned against actions that endanger civilian lives.

The ongoing negotiations, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, aim to secure a temporary cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of hostages and prisoners on both sides. Yet, significant hurdles remain, particularly regarding the duration of the pause and the eventual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The war, which erupted following a deadly raid into southern Israel, has exacted a devastating toll on both sides, with thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. Despite mounting pressure for a resolution, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges as Netanyahu navigates political pressures and the exigencies of the conflict.

As the cease-fire talks intensify, the specter of further violence looms over Gaza, underscoring the urgent need for a durable and comprehensive agreement to end the protracted suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.

AstraZeneca admits rare side effect of Covid vaccine in court documents

AstraZeneca has admitted in court documents for the first time that its Covid vaccine can cause a rare side effect, potentially opening the door for substantial legal repercussions.

The pharmaceutical giant, in collaboration with the University of Oxford, faces a class-action lawsuit alleging that its vaccine led to fatalities and severe injuries in numerous cases. Lawyers argue that the vaccine triggered a devastating side effect in a small number of individuals, leading to irreversible harm.

The lawsuit’s genesis can be traced back to Jamie Scott, a father of two, who suffered permanent brain injury after developing a blood clot and a brain bleed following his vaccination in April 2021. AstraZeneca, while contesting the claims, has conceded in a legal filing submitted to the High Court in February that its Covid vaccine “can, in very rare cases, cause TTS” – Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome.

TTS is characterized by blood clots and a low blood platelet count, and it has been the focal point of legal battles as victims and grieving families seek damages amounting to an estimated £100 million. AstraZeneca’s admission, a year after the first case was filed, could potentially lead to compensation payouts if the company accepts liability for serious illnesses and deaths linked to its vaccine.

However, the road to this admission has been fraught with legal complexities and disputes. Initially, AstraZeneca refuted any connection between the vaccine and TTS, but the tide appears to have turned with their acknowledgment in court documents. This admission may signal a shift in their legal strategy and could expedite resolution for affected families.

Kate Scott, Jamie Scott’s wife, expressed cautious optimism about AstraZeneca’s admission, emphasizing the need for accountability, fair compensation, and a swift resolution. She underscored the importance of truth and justice for families impacted by the vaccine’s side effects.

In response to these developments, AstraZeneca reiterated its commitment to patient safety, emphasizing the vaccine’s overall safety profile based on clinical trials and real-world data. The company highlighted that regulatory authorities have stringent standards to ensure the safe use of vaccines, including theirs.

Despite AstraZeneca’s assertions, legal battles continue as victims and their representatives press for accountability and compensation. The outcome of these lawsuits will likely have far-reaching implications for vaccine safety regulations and public trust in immunization programs.

As the legal saga unfolds, the spotlight remains on AstraZeneca’s vaccine and its potential side effects, underscoring the complexities and challenges inherent in the pursuit of medical innovation amidst unforeseen risks.

Jamie Scott was left with a permanent brain injury after having a haemorrhage the day after the Covid vaccine – Andrew Fox

Quebec family received wrong body after father’s death in Cuba

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LAVAL, Quebec. A family in Quebec is grappling with a harrowing ordeal after discovering that the remains of their father, who passed away while vacationing in Cuba, were not returned to Canada as expected. Instead, they received the body of another man, leaving them desperate for answers and closure.

Faraj Allah Jarjour, a 68-year-old man from Quebec, tragically passed away on March 22 while swimming in the ocean near Varadero, Cuba, during a family vacation. His daughter, Miriam Jarjour, recounted the heart-wrenching moment when her father suffered a sudden heart attack and died, leaving the family in shock and grief.

Despite the family’s efforts to repatriate her father’s body, their anguish only deepened when they received the wrong body in a casket last week. The body they received belonged to a Russian man significantly younger than Faraj Allah Jarjour, with distinct physical features that did not match their father’s.

Miriam Jarjour, in her desperate quest for answers, has reached out to Canadian consular authorities and various government officials, including her Member of Parliament and Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly. However, the family remains in limbo, awaiting clarity and closure amidst their profound grief.

Expressing her devastation, Miriam Jarjour described her father as a vibrant and beloved family man, known for his infectious smile and active lifestyle. The ordeal has taken a toll on the entire family, with financial burdens adding to their emotional distress.

Despite assurances from Global Affairs Canada that consular officials are working to resolve the issue, Miriam Jarjour feels frustrated by the lack of concrete answers and is pleading for personal intervention to pressure Cuban authorities.

Amidst the anguish and uncertainty, the Jarjour family’s plea remains simple yet poignant: to find their beloved father and lay him to rest with the dignity and respect he deserves.

2 ahas nasagip sa Tayabas matapos ang thermal emergence

TAYABAS CITY. Naitala ang paglitaw ng dalawang ahas sa iba’t ibang lugar sa lungsod na ito dahil sa matinding init ng panahon o thermal emergence, subalit agad namang nasagip at nai-turnover sa Tayabas City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) kamakalawa.

Una sa listahan ang isang Reticulated Python o Malayopython reticulatus na nadiskubre ni Homer Jaspeo, isang residente ng Sitio 3, Brgy. Baguio, nang ito ay makita sa kanilang tahanan noong Abril 26.

Dahil sa kahabaan nito, dinala ang bloated na ahas sa City Veterinary Office upang masusing obserbahan at mabigyan ng angkop na lunas bago ito ibalik sa kanyang likas na tirahan.

Noong Abril 28, isang makamandag na Philippine Cobra o Naja Philippineensis naman ang na-report ng isang concerned citizen matapos itong makita sa Sitio Sampaga, Brgy. Malaoa.

Sa gitna ng pangyayaring ito, patuloy ang paalala ng ahensya hinggil sa Republic Act No. 9147 o Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act of 2001 na nagbabawal sa pangangaso, pangongolekta, at pagmamay-ari ng mga uri ng wildlife o “buhay-ilang.”

Hinihikayat din ng CENRO ang publiko na ipagbigay-alam sa kanila ang anumang uri ng pang-aabuso o iligal na gawain na maaaring makasira sa kalikasan at likas na yaman ng bansa.

Ayon pa sa opisyal ng Tayabas CENRO, ang mainit na panahon ang dahilan kung bakit lumalabas at naghahanap ng malamig na lugar ang mga ahas, na katulad din ng mga tao.

Sweltering heat wave grips Southeast Asia, Philippine students told to stay home

Record-high temperatures have prompted school closures and health advisories across the region as a relentless heat wave grips Southeast Asia.

In response to soaring temperatures, millions of students in all public schools across the Philippines were instructed to stay home on Monday. This decision followed the cancellation of in-person classes for two days as authorities grappled with the severe weather conditions. The Department of Education emphasized the importance of avoiding outdoor activities and staying hydrated, particularly for vulnerable populations such as the young and elderly.

According to Chan Yutha, a spokesperson for Cambodia’s Ministry of Water Resources and Meteorology, this year marks the highest temperatures recorded in 170 years in the country. Forecasters predict temperatures in most parts of Cambodia to soar up to 43 degrees Celsius (109 degrees Fahrenheit) this week.

Meanwhile, Myanmar’s meteorological department reported record-high temperatures in several townships across central regions. Chauk township in Magway recorded the country’s highest temperature at 48.2 degrees Celsius (118.8 degrees Fahrenheit), breaking a longstanding record set in 1968.

The Philippines, among the hardest-hit nations in Southeast Asia, faces the threat of water shortages, power outages, and agricultural damage due to the scorching weather. In response, the Department of Education mandated home-based and online learning for over 47,000 public schools to mitigate health risks posed by extreme temperatures.

The situation in Thailand is equally dire, with temperatures surpassing 44 degrees Celsius (111 degrees Fahrenheit) in northern regions and exceeding 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in Bangkok and metropolitan areas. The Department of Disease Control reported at least 30 heatstroke-related deaths this year, signaling a worrying trend.

While heat-related fatalities have been reported in Bangladesh, the situation appears less severe in Cambodia, where officials indicated minimal to no heat-related deaths. However, health authorities remain vigilant, emphasizing preventive measures to mitigate the impact of the ongoing heat wave.

As Southeast Asia battles the sweltering conditions, concerns mount over the rising number of heat-related illnesses and fatalities. With temperatures expected to remain high in the coming days, governments and communities are urged to prioritize public health and safety in the face of this unprecedented weather phenomenon.

Kuya, suspek sa pagkamatay ng Grade 7 student

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Nilinaw nila ng Philippine National Police kahapon na kapatid ng Grade 7 na biktima ang pangunahing suspek sa kanyang pagkamatay sa Barangay Cansojong, Talisay, Cebu, at pinabulaanan ang unang ulat na may armadong lalaki na pumasok.

Ayon kay PCol. Jean Fajardo, hepe ng PNP-Public Information Office, ang baril na naging sanhi ng trahedya ay nahulog mula sa bulsa ng kuya ng biktima habang ito ay nakahiga. “Ang totoo po aksidente po itong namatay dahil ‘yung isang kapatid po niya ay nalaglag po ang baril mula bulsa at tumamang aksidente ang bala sa kapatid nya na during that time ay nakahiga po,” ani Fajardo.

Dagdag pa ni Fajardo, sasampahan ng mga kaso ng obstruction of justice at reckless imprudence resulting in homicide ang kapatid ng biktima na si Jacqueline Reponte. Kasama rin sa mga kasong obstruction of justice ang hipag at ama ng biktima dahil sa kanilang pagtatangkang pagtakpan ang krimen.

Natuklasan na itinago ng ama ng biktima ang baril na walang lisensiya pagkatapos ng pangyayari. Nakuha na rin ito ng mga pulis at isinasailalim sa ballistics examination.

“Mali po ‘yung unang lumabas na pinalabas nila na may pumasok doon at sinira pa nila ang pinto para masuportahan ang sinasabi nila na may pumasok na ibang tao doon at binaril ‘yung bata ay sinira pa nila ang pinto para palabasin na pagnanakaw ang motibo but the truth and in fact ‘yung kapatid po ang aksidenteng nakapatay,”  dagdag pa ni Fajardo.

Ayon sa imbestigasyon, nakakuha ng kopya ng CCTV ang mga pulis kung saan maririnig ang usapan ng mga sangkot sa krimen at ang pagtatakip sa mga ito. Lumilitaw din na sangkot ang suspek sa kasong may kaugnayan sa ilegal na droga.

US and UK pressure Hamas to accept Israeli truce offer

RIYADH. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Britain’s Foreign Secretary David Cameron urged Hamas to promptly accept an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages held by the Palestinian militant group in a diplomatic push to end the Gaza war.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on Monday, Blinken called the Israeli proposal “extraordinarily generous” and emphasized the urgency for Hamas to make a decision. He stated, “The only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas. They have to decide and they have to decide quickly.”

According to sources briefed on the matter, Israel’s proposal includes the release of fewer than 40 of the approximately 130 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, in exchange for the release of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. The proposal also outlines a second phase for a ceasefire, involving a “period of sustained calm” as a compromise to Hamas’s demand for a permanent ceasefire.

Meanwhile, Cameron described the Israeli offer as “generous” and urged Hamas to accept it. He stated, “I hope Hamas do take this deal and frankly, all the pressure in the world and all the eyes in the world should be on them today saying ‘take that deal’.”

The Gaza conflict erupted after Hamas seized 253 hostages in an attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties. In response, Israel imposed a total siege on Gaza and launched an air and ground assault that has led to the deaths of about 34,500 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

As diplomatic efforts intensify to end the conflict, Blinken reiterated that the United States could not support an Israeli ground assault on Rafah without assurances for the safety of civilians. He highlighted the need for “calm in Gaza and a credible pathway to a Palestinian state” to move forward with normalization between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Minister, Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, also expressed optimism about the normalization process, stating that an accord between Washington and Riyadh was “very, very close”.

The meeting in Riyadh, attended by foreign ministers from the U.S., France, Jordan, and Egypt, underscores the international community’s concerted efforts to broker a ceasefire and pave the way for long-term peace in the region.

Prince Harry and Meghan set to visit Nigeria in May for Invictus Games Talks

ABUJA, Nigeria. Royalty is set to grace Nigeria’s shores this May as Prince Harry and his wife Meghan prepare for discussions surrounding the Invictus Games, a noble endeavor aimed at aiding the rehabilitation of wounded and sick servicemembers and veterans. This announcement came from a Nigerian defense official on Sunday.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, spokesperson for the Nigerian defense, revealed that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex will be embarking on this significant journey to Africa, a region Harry has long held close to his heart. While the exact arrival date remains unspecified, it is anticipated that Harry will undertake the trip following a service at London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral, commemorating the 10th anniversary of the games.

Nigeria, a nation deeply involved in combating Islamic extremists in its northeast since 2009, was among the countries that participated in last year’s Invictus Games. Modeled after the esteemed Warrior Games in the United States, the Invictus Games were founded by Prince Harry in 2014, offering wounded veterans the opportunity to compete in sports events akin to the Paralympics.

With personal experience as an Apache helicopter copilot gunner during his service in Afghanistan in 2012-2013, Harry has been a staunch advocate for veterans in need of support. His upcoming visit to Nigeria is slated to encompass a blend of cultural activities and strategic discussions aimed at solidifying Nigeria’s presence within the games and exploring the prospect of hosting future editions.

In a recent Netflix series dedicated to the Invictus Games, Harry candidly shared his struggles with the aftermath of military service, particularly grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He revealed how his return from Afghanistan stirred emotions long suppressed since the tragic death of his mother, Princess Diana, when he was a mere 12 years old. The prince lamented the lack of support upon his return and the pervasive silence surrounding the impact of Diana’s passing, a topic that had remained largely unaddressed within the royal family.

As preparations for this significant visit unfold, anticipation builds for the fruitful discussions and cultural exchanges that will undoubtedly shape the future trajectory of the Invictus Games and strengthen ties between the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

LGUs inihahanda na ng OCD laban sa lindol

MANILA. Naghahanda na ang Office of Civil Defense (OCD) ngayong linggo sa pakikipag-ugnayan at pagtitipon sa mga lokal na pamahalaan upang paghandaan ang posibleng pagdating ng malakas na lindol gamit ang mga “engineering solutions.”

Ayon kay Undersecretary Ariel Nepomuceno, tagapamahala ng OCD, ang 17 na regional offices ng ahensya ay nag-aalok ng kanilang tulong sa mga LGU upang ipaliwanag ang kahalagahan ng mga solusyong pang-engineering at pagpapatupad ng mga patakaran laban sa pagtatayo ng mga gusaling tirahan sa mga lugar na itinuturing na “no build zone”.

Ayon kay Nepomuceno, mahalaga ang “strict compliance” sa mga alituntunin ng Structural Code of the Philippines upang maging ligtas laban sa posibleng pinsala ng lindol. Ang pangunahing layunin ay ang pag-iiwas sa sakuna bago pa ito mangyari.

“Strict compliance means respecting the safety provisions of the Structural Code of the Philippines and prohibition of construction of houses in NO BUILD zones,” dagdag ni Nepomuceno

“We are more on the preventive approach than sorry later to save thousands of lives,” sabi ni Nepomuceno.

Bagaman makakatulong ang ginagawang “Duck, Cover, and Hold” drills, dapat aniyang mas binibigyang-pansin ang mga solusyong pang-engineering na nakasaad sa National Building Code at ito ang ipinaliliwanag at ipinatutupad sa publiko.

Batay sa siyentipikong pananaliksik, kabilang ang 2014 JICA at Phivolcs Study, nasa 30,000-50,000 na bilang ng mga nasawi at may mahigit sa 100,000 na malubhang nasugatan ang posibleng mangyari kung sakaling maganap ang 7.2 magnitude na lindol mula sa West Valley Fault System sa Metro Manila Area.

Pope Francis visits a women’s prison in Venice

VENICE. Breaking a seven-month hiatus from leaving Rome, Pope Francis embarked on a bustling journey to Venice on Sunday, immersing himself in an array of activities that included an art exhibition, a prison visit, and presiding over Mass. The 87-year-old pontiff, despite recent health setbacks, navigated the lagoon city with a blend of mobility aids, including a wheelchair, golf buggy, and motorlaunch.

While addressing the crowd gathered in St. Mark’s Square, Pope Francis candidly acknowledged the weightiness of his responsibilities, stating, “Please pray for me because this work is not easy.” His admission underscored the challenges inherent in leading the Catholic Church amidst myriad global issues.

The day commenced with the pope’s arrival at a women’s prison, where he inaugurated an exhibition housed within the Vatican’s pavilion as part of the Venice Biennale. In a poignant address to inmates and guards, Pope Francis emphasized the potential for prisons to serve as sites of redemption and renewal, urging society to extend compassion to marginalized communities.

Transitioning to a lighter tone, Pope Francis engaged with young Venetians outside the Santa Maria della Salute basilica, encouraging them to prioritize human connection over digital distractions. “If we always focus on ourselves, our needs, and what we lack, we will always find ourselves back at the starting point, crying over ourselves with a long face,” he remarked, urging a shift towards selflessness and empathy.

Amidst the logistical challenges posed by his health condition, Pope Francis traversed Venice with the aid of a pontoon bridge erected over the Grand Canal, symbolizing a bridge between faith and the enchanting beauty of the city. In his homily during Mass at St. Mark’s Basilica, he lauded Venice’s rich cultural heritage while lamenting the pressing issues of climate change and overtourism plaguing the city.

The pontiff’s visit to Venice marks the beginning of a series of domestic trips within Italy over the next three months, with planned visits to Verona and Trieste. Additionally, he is slated to attend a June summit of Group of Seven (G7) leaders in Bari. Notably, in September, Pope Francis is scheduled to embark on an extensive foreign journey to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste, and Singapore, signifying his commitment to global outreach despite physical limitations.