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Israeli airstrikes resume in Gaza following weeklong truce

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israeli airstrikes resume in Gaza following weeklong truce

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip. Israeli airstrikes have resumed in the Gaza Strip, marking the end of a weeklong truce with Hamas. The airstrikes targeted houses and buildings in Gaza minutes after the truce expired. Black smoke filled the besieged territory, with health authorities reporting dozens of Palestinian casualties. Israel dropped leaflets over Gaza City and urged civilians to flee to avoid the fighting.

In response, sirens warned of incoming rockets in Israeli communal farms near Gaza. The renewed hostilities further intensify the suffering in Gaza, where approximately 2 million people are crammed into the southern territory. Israel, vowing to extend its ground assault, has urged people to relocate.

The truce, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, ended with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other. Qatar accused Israel of complicating mediation efforts and worsening the humanitarian crisis. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel to protect Palestinian civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that Israel is committed to achieving the war’s goals, including releasing hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israel. The Israeli military released a map dividing Gaza into parcels, urging residents to learn their location for potential evacuation.

Within hours of the renewed bombardment, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported 109 people killed, while Israel claimed to have struck over 200 Hamas targets. The toll since the war’s start is over 13,300 Palestinians, with concerns about additional casualties trapped under rubble.

The conflict began after an October 7 attack by Hamas and other militants, resulting in civilian deaths and hostage-taking. Despite international efforts to extend the truce, the situation escalated, with both sides accusing the other of violating the ceasefire terms.

Note: The information in this summary is based on the provided news report and may be subject to updates or changes.

South African company to produce vaginal rings providing HIV protection

Venus L Peñaflor
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South African company to produce vaginal rings providing HIV protection

The Population Council announced on Thursday that Kiara Health, based in Johannesburg, will commence the production of silicone vaginal rings designed to protect against HIV. AIDS experts believe this initiative could lead to increased affordability and accessibility of these preventive devices.

The nonprofit council, which holds the rights to the rings currently manufactured by a Swedish company, anticipates the production of approximately 1 million rings annually in the coming years. These rings release a drug, dapivirine, in controlled doses over a month, effectively reducing the risk of HIV infection. Authorized by nearly a dozen countries and endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), the silicone rings are deemed a crucial tool in the fight against HIV.

Currently, around 500,000 rings are available to women in Africa at no cost, courtesy of donors. Ben Phillips, a spokesperson for the U.N. AIDS agency, highlighted the advantage of these rings, emphasizing that they provide women with the autonomy to use them discreetly and without external consent.

“For women whose partners won’t use a condom or allow them to take oral (preventive HIV) medicines, this gives them another option,” Phillips stated.

Given that HIV remains the leading cause of death among women of reproductive age in Africa, and 60% of new infections occur in women, the introduction of these rings holds significant promise. The slow-release dapivirine rings cost between $12 to $16 currently, with expectations of a price reduction once mass-produced in Africa. Developers are also working on an extended three-month version to further decrease annual costs.

The WHO has recommended the use of the ring as an additional preventive tool for women at “substantial risk of HIV.” Regulatory approvals have been granted by authorities in more than a dozen African countries, including South Africa, Botswana, Malawi, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. WHO’s approval is based on advanced studies indicating a roughly one-third reduction in women’s chances of contracting HIV, while other research suggests a potential drop of over 50%.

Last year, activists took the stage during a major AIDS meeting, urging donors to support the provision of these silicone rings for African women.

Former US Secretary Henry Kissinger passes away at the age of 100

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Former US Secretary Henry Kissinger passes away at the age of 100

WASHINGTON. Former US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, a towering figure in Cold War-era foreign policy, has passed away at the age of 100 at his Connecticut home. Born in Germany in 1923, Kissinger, the son of a school teacher, fled the Nazis with his family in 1938, eventually becoming a US citizen in 1943. After serving in the US Army and the Counter Intelligence Corps, he pursued higher education, teaching international relations at Harvard.

Kissinger’s diplomatic career reached its zenith when President Richard Nixon appointed him national security adviser in 1969, granting him significant influence over US foreign policy. His tenure as both national security adviser and secretary of state (1969-77) saw the conclusion of the Vietnam War, the normalization of relations with China, and his innovative use of shuttle diplomacy in the Middle East during the 1973 Yom Kippur War.

While celebrated for these accomplishments, Kissinger’s legacy is marred by controversy. Critics accused him of war crimes due to the bombing campaign in Cambodia during the Vietnam War, leading to the death of over 50,000 civilians. His focus on power dynamics and realpolitik also drew criticism for supporting repressive regimes, including that of Augusto Pinochet in Chile.

Tributes to Kissinger have been mixed, with former US President George W Bush praising his distinctive voice on foreign affairs, while critics have highlighted his alleged war crimes. Former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair described him as an artist of diplomacy motivated by a genuine love for the free world.

In China, where Kissinger enjoyed enduring popularity, news of his death quickly trended on social media. He was referred to as “an old friend of the Chinese people” by China News, and China Central Television hailed him as a “legendary diplomat” for his role in US-China relations.

Kissinger’s post-government career was marked by prolific commentary, advisory roles for multiple US presidents, and board memberships in various companies. Despite turning 100, he maintained an active lifestyle, including a surprise visit to Beijing in July 2022, where he met Chinese President Xi Jinping, causing tensions with the White House.

In a recent interview at the age of 99, Kissinger reflected on his decisions, stating, “I’ve been thinking about these problems all my life. It’s my hobby as well as my occupation.” He leaves behind a legacy of complex diplomatic achievements, surviving his wife of nearly 50 years, Nancy Maginnes Kissinger, two children from a previous marriage, and five grandchildren.

Elon Musk delivers a defiant and profanity-laden response to departing advertisers

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Elon Musk delivers a defiant and profanity-laden response to departing advertisers

Celebrated entrepreneur Elon Musk has delivered a defiant and profanity-laden message to advertisers who withdrew their support from his platform, X, formerly known as Twitter. Speaking at the New York Times’ DealBook Summit on Wednesday, Musk addressed the recent backlash over his endorsement of an antisemitic tweet and the rise of hate speech on the platform.

In a widely circulated video, Musk exclaimed, “Don’t advertise. If someone’s going to try to blackmail me with advertising, blackmail me with money, go f*** yourself.” This outburst followed a brief moment of contrition for his November 15th tweet, where he endorsed an antisemitic post on X, acknowledging it as one of his worst posts to date.

Musk’s combative remarks included his dismissal of accusations of antisemitism and a clear message to departing advertisers not to attempt blackmail. He directed explicit language towards those who left X, including an apparent reference to Robert Iger, CEO of Walt Disney, one of the companies that withdrew its ads. Other major corporations, such as Apple, IBM, and Coca-Cola, have also followed suit, potentially resulting in up to $75 million in revenue losses.

The advertiser exodus began after Media Matters, a non-profit organization, published a report revealing major companies’ ads alongside pro-Nazi content on X. Musk responded by filing a lawsuit against the organization. The situation escalated when Musk publicly agreed with an antisemitic tweet accusing Jewish people of “hatred against whites.”

Despite acknowledging the severe impact the advertising boycott could have on X, Musk warned that it could lead to the demise of the platform, which he acquired for $44 billion in 2022. He asserted, “What this advertising boycott is going to do is, it is going to kill the company. And the whole world will know that those advertisers killed the company.”

Linda Yaccarino, X’s CEO, characterized Musk’s interview as “wide-ranging and candid” and extended an invitation to advertisers, emphasizing the platform’s unique intersection of free speech and Main Street.

Musk’s recent actions add to a series of erratic decisions since taking charge of Twitter, causing concern among advertisers, who have traditionally formed the core of the platform’s business. Musk’s trip to Israel, where he met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, was explained as independent of the controversy surrounding his tweets, with Netanyahu urging him to find a balance between protecting online free speech and combating hate speech.

Reuters contributed to this report.

Last Filipino hostage released by Hamas

Venus L Peñaflor
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Last Filipino hostage released by Hamas

The last Filipino hostage held by Hamas has been released, as announced by President Marcos yesterday. He confirmed that all Philippine nationals affected by the October 7th attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group have now been accounted for.

“Just days after expressing concern for Noralyn Babadilla’s whereabouts, I am very happy to announce that Noralyn is safely back in Israel, becoming the second Filipino released from Gaza,” the President stated on his official X account.

The Israeli embassy also confirmed Noralyn Babadilla’s release from Gaza, marking a positive turn of events. President Marcos expressed his satisfaction, saying, “With this positive development, I am pleased to inform the nation that all Filipinos affected by the war have been accounted for.”

Currently, Noralyn Babadilla is undergoing a medical evaluation at Tel HaShomer Hospital in Israel to ensure her well-being. The caregiver and her partner, Gideon Babani, had visited close friends in Kibbutz Nirim on October 7th. Tragically, Babani was murdered by Hamas terrorists, while Babadilla was taken captive for 53 days.

President Marcos has instructed Philippine embassy officials in Tel Aviv to attend to Babadilla’s needs in coordination with Israeli authorities. He extended gratitude to Israeli authorities for facilitating her release and for ongoing assistance to Filipinos in Israel. Additionally, he thanked the governments of Egypt and Qatar for their crucial role in the process over the past several weeks.

Following her release, the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) assured Babadilla of full support and assistance upon her return to the country. DMW officer-in-charge Hans Cacdac emphasized the agency’s resilience and dedication to providing care and assistance to Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) and their families.

The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) acknowledged and appreciated the mediation efforts of the State of Qatar, which led to the release of Ms. Babadilla, and previously of Mr. Jimmy Pacheco. The DFA also recognized the support and participation of Egypt, the International Committee of the Red Cross, and other international organizations in the process.

“We remain committed to looking after the welfare of Filipinos affected by the ongoing conflict and share the hope for the eventual cessation of all hostilities in the region,” the DFA stated.

Both Noralyn Babadilla and Jimmy Pacheco will receive support from the Israeli government designated for all victims of terror.

Meanwhile, 36 more overseas Filipino workers are returning home from war-torn Israel today. The DMW reported that the 10th batch of returnees, comprising 32 caregivers and four hotel workers, is arriving on board Philippine Airlines flight PR 731 at 6:30 p.m.

Lalaki, pinatay dahil sa utang

Arman B. Cambe
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Lalaki, pinatay dahil sa utang

SAN FRANCISCO, Quezon. Patay ang isang 45 anyos na lalaki matapos pagbabarilin ng apat na kalalakihan sa Barangay Pagsangahan nitong Miyerkoles ng hapon, Nobyembre 29.

Kinilala ng mga pulis ang biktima na si Ricky Aniban na residente ng Sitio Tumbaga, sa nabanggit na barangay.

Ayon sa inisyal na imbestigasyon ng San Francisco Municipal Police Station, habang minamaneho ni Aniban ang kanyang motorsiklo kasama ang asawa bilang back rider, biglang hinarang ng apat na suspek ang kanilang daanan saka bumunot ng baril ang isa sa mga suspek at pinaputukan ang biktima sa ulo, na agad nitong ikinamatay.

Ayon sa karagdagang imbestigasyon, lumutang na ang motibo ng pag atake ay ang hindi pa nababayarang utang ng biktima.

Dahil sa kalayuan ng lugar, na may 53 kilometro ang layo mula sa istasyon ng pulisya, dumating ang mga pulis ilang sandali matapos ang krimen.

Kasalukuyang nagsasagawa ng imbestigasyon ang mga pulis upang kilalanin at dakipin ang mga suspek.

Israel and Hamas extend Gaza truce for another day

Venus L Peñaflor
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0
Israel and Hamas extend Gaza truce for another day

In a 12th-hour decision, Israel and the militant group Hamas have agreed to extend the existing truce through Thursday, facilitating the continued release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The announcement, mediated by Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, came just minutes before the initial truce was set to expire.

Under the terms of the extension, which align with the conditions of the original truce, Hamas commits to releasing 10 Israeli hostages per day, reciprocated by the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the extension, emphasizing that it is contingent on ongoing mediation efforts and adherence to the established framework.

“The operational pause will continue in light of the mediators’ efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework,” stated the IDF on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Israel clarified that the truce can be extended as long as Hamas continues to agree to release hostages. However, the government asserted its readiness to resume military operations if the militant group decides to cease the releases.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to Israel for the third time since the conflict erupted on Oct. 7, aiming to negotiate an extension of the Gaza cease-fire. Speaking alongside Israeli President Issac Herzog, Blinken expressed the U.S.’s relentless focus on securing the release of hostages from Gaza and highlighted the positive developments in recent days.

“From day one, we have been focused relentlessly on trying to secure the release of hostages from Gaza, from Hamas. And we have seen over the last week the very positive development of hostages coming home, being reunited with their families, and that should continue today,” said Blinken, noting that the truce is producing results in terms of releasing hostages and providing humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas reportedly face challenges as the militant group has already released most of the women and children held captive. Hamas signals potential demands for further concessions in exchange for releasing male hostages, including soldiers.

In the latest wave of releases, Hamas freed 14 hostages, including a second American citizen, bringing the total number of Israelis, including dual nationals, and foreign nationals released during the truce to 73 and 24, respectively.

Since the surprise attack on Oct. 7, which resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 240 by Hamas, Israel has targeted the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, a terror attack unfolded near Jerusalem on Thursday, with two gunmen opening fire on people waiting for buses. At least three people were reported killed in what Herzog termed “a serious terror attack.” The situation remains complex as negotiations continue amidst regional tensions.

Hamas releases 16 hostages in latest swap, negotiations ongoing for truce extension

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Hamas releases 16 hostages in latest swap, negotiations ongoing for truce extension

JERUSALEM. Hamas released a group of 16 hostages late Wednesday, in the latest hostage exchange under the current Gaza truce. The release included 10 Israeli women and children along with four Thai nationals. The freed hostages are now being transported to Israeli hospitals for reunification with their families. Additionally, two Russian-Israeli women were released separately, with Israel set to free 30 Palestinian prisoners in return.

International mediators are working urgently to extend the truce further, allowing for additional exchanges and maintaining the cessation of Israel’s air and ground offensive. Negotiations are becoming more challenging as most women and children held by Hamas are now freed, and the militant group is expected to seek larger releases in exchange for freeing men and soldiers.

As the talks continue, there is mounting international pressure for the ceasefire to persist, given the extensive Israeli bombardment and ground campaign in Gaza over nearly eight weeks. The conflict has resulted in thousands of Palestinian casualties, displaced three-quarters of the population, and led to a severe humanitarian crisis.

Israel, welcoming the recent release of dozens of hostages, commits to maintaining the truce if Hamas continues to free captives. However, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized on Wednesday that Israel intends to resume its campaign against Hamas, which has ruled Gaza for 16 years and orchestrated the attack that triggered the ongoing war.

Netanyahu stated, “After this phase of returning our abductees is exhausted, will Israel return to fighting? So my answer is an unequivocal yes. There is no way we are not going back to fighting until the end.”

Smartmatic disqualified sa Comelec bidding, hindi kasali sa elections 2025

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Smartmatic disqualified sa Comelec bidding, hindi kasali sa elections 2025

Diniskwalipika ng Commission on Elections (COMELEC) ang technology provider na Smartmatic sa proseso ng procurement kahit sila ang nagbibigay ng mga makina para sa automated elections mula pa noong 2010.

Sinabi ito ni COMELEC chairperson George Garcia sa X, dating Twitter, pagkatapos ng petisyon na isinampa dahil sa diumano ay “serious and material irregularities” sa pagpapadala at pagtanggap ng resulta ng eleksyon noong 2022.

“We disqualified smartmatic to participate in all COMELEC procurement,” ayo kay Garcia nitong Miyerkules.

Ang petisyon ay isinampa upang hilingin sa COMELEC na huwag payagang makalahok ang kumpanya sa public bidding para sa automated election system ng 2025.

Nauna dito, itinanggi ng Smartmatic ang mga akusasyon laban sa kanila, habang sinasabi na “premature” ang diskwalipikasyon na petisyon.

Kabilang sa mga nagpetisyon sina dating poll commissioner Augusto Lagman, dating Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) Secretary Eliseo Rio, retiradong Col. Leonardo Odoño, at dating Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines president Franklin Ysaac.

Ang petisyon ay inihain noong Hunyo.

Dalawang big time drug pusher, arestado sa P6-M halaga ng Marijuana sa Cavite

Arman B. Cambe
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Dalawang big time drug pusher, arestado sa P6-M halaga ng Marijuana sa Cavite

GMA, Cavite. Nalambat ang dalawang notoryus na “marijuana courier” sa isang operasyon na isinagawa ng Philippine Drug Enforcement Authority (PDEA) at GMA – Cavite Police Office, sa Barangay Maderan, General Mariano Alvarez, Cavite, noong Miyerkules ng gabi.

Kinilala ang mga suspek na sina John Ruwell Soriano alyas”John,” at Mark Anthon Villarin alyas “Utoy,” parehong naninirahan sa nasabing lugar. Sa isinagawang pag-aresto, nasamsam ang mahigit 5000 gramo ng tuyong dahon ng marijuana na may street value na P600,000.

Batay sa ulat ng pulisya, isinagawa ang buy-bust operation sa nabanggit na lugar noong Miyerkules ng gabi matapos magpanggap na bibili ang isang pulis upang mahuli ang mga suspek.

Pagkatapos na maipasa ang buy-bust money sa dalawang suspek, agad silang inaresto at nakuha sa kanila ang marijuana na nakalagay sa apat na plastic sachet.

Ayon sa pahayag ng PDEA-Calabarzon information office, sina Mallari at Soriano ay kabilang sa listahan ng mga big time drug pusher na namamayagpag sa buong Calabarzon, ayon sa ulat ng PNP Region 4A Intelligence Unit.

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