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Israel says Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in Gaza raid

Venus L Peñaflor
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Israel says Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in Gaza raid

JERUSALEM. Israeli forces have reportedly killed Yahya Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader and one of the key figures behind last year’s deadly attack on Israel. The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that Sinwar, who had been their most-wanted target, was found dead during an operation in Gaza. According to military officials, Israeli troops unknowingly encountered him during a battle in the southern city of Rafah and later discovered his identity in the rubble of a collapsed building.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed the killing of Sinwar as a critical moment in Israel’s campaign against Hamas. “Hamas will no longer rule Gaza. This is the start of the day after Hamas,” Netanyahu declared, urging the militant group to surrender and release the approximately 100 hostages still being held in Gaza. He emphasized that Israel’s military efforts would continue until all hostages are freed and Hamas is disarmed.

Sinwar, who had led Hamas in the Gaza Strip for years, was a central figure in the planning of the October 7, 2023 attack, in which Hamas militants killed 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped 250 others. Israel’s retaliation has resulted in widespread destruction across Gaza and the loss of over 42,000 Palestinian lives, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. While the ministry does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, it reported that more than half of the casualties were women and children.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism that Sinwar’s death could pave the way for peace, stating, “This opens the door for a political settlement that provides a better future for Israelis and Palestinians alike.” Biden also noted plans to discuss a path forward with Netanyahu to bring hostages home and end the war.

Despite this major blow to Hamas, experts warn that the death of its leader may not mark the end of the group’s resilience. “After the leader, a thousand leaders will come. After the man, a thousand men will come,” said Ahmed Hamdouna, a Palestinian refugee displaced from northern Gaza. Hamas, supported by Iran, has endured previous losses of key figures without collapsing.

The Israeli military shared footage of Sinwar’s final moments, which allegedly show him in a heavily damaged room, attempting to hide his identity. Military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari confirmed that Sinwar was found with a bulletproof vest, grenades, and a significant amount of cash. His identity was confirmed through dental records, fingerprints, and DNA testing.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, addressing Hamas fighters, urged them to surrender: “It is time to go out, release the hostages, raise your hands, surrender.” Netanyahu also assured that those who lay down their arms and assist in the return of hostages would be allowed to leave Gaza safely.

As news of Sinwar’s death spread, hundreds gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding the release of hostages. Some, however, expressed fear over potential retaliation. “I’m scared about the 101 hostages… They might murder them or do something because of the murder of Sinwar,” said Ifat Kalderon, whose cousin is being held captive in Gaza.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, sentiments were mixed. Umm Mohammed, a Palestinian woman displaced by the conflict, hoped Sinwar’s death would signal the end of Israel’s military campaign, pleading, “What more goals do they have than that? Enough. We want to go back.”

Despite these hopes, the conflict continues to rage. Israeli forces remain engaged in ground operations in Jabaliya refugee camp, targeting what they describe as regrouping Hamas fighters. Strikes have also continued to hit civilian areas, including a school sheltering displaced Palestinians in Jabaliya, which killed at least 28 people, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Israel maintains that it targets militants with precision, though civilian casualties remain a tragic consequence of the ongoing war.

With Sinwar’s death, Israel has struck a heavy blow against Hamas, but the road to peace appears uncertain, as the humanitarian toll in Gaza continues to rise.

Liam Payne, former One Direction member dies at 31 after hotel balcony fall in Argentina

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Liam Payne, former One Direction member dies at 31 after hotel balcony fall in Argentina

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina. Liam Payne, 31, former member of the globally renowned boy band One Direction, tragically died after falling from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires on Wednesday. Payne fell from the third floor of the Casa Sur Hotel in the Palermo district, resulting in fatal injuries. Buenos Aires police confirmed his death on-site after an emergency call was made reporting an “aggressive man who could be under the influence of drugs or alcohol.” Pablo Policicchio, communications director for the Buenos Aires Security Ministry, stated that Payne had “jumped from the balcony of his room.”

A 911 call, obtained by The Associated Press, captured the distress of the hotel manager who reported, “He’s destroying the entire room and, well, we need you to send someone, please.” Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of his death, with an autopsy underway.

Payne had publicly shared his struggles with alcoholism, and in July 2023, he posted a video on YouTube where he spoke about his sobriety, stating he had been sober for six months. Fans were shocked by the news, with many gathering outside the Casa Sur Hotel to pay their respects. A makeshift memorial was quickly set up, with candles and flowers adorning the entrance of the hotel as fans expressed their grief.

Payne rose to international fame as a member of One Direction, which was formed during the British talent show The X Factor in 2010. The band, which included Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Niall Horan, and Louis Tomlinson, became one of the most successful boy bands of all time, with chart-topping hits such as “What Makes You Beautiful” and “Night Changes.” Payne was known as the responsible member of the group and had co-written several of their biggest songs.

After the group disbanded in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, transitioning into EDM and hip-hop. His debut single, “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10 in 2017. He released an album, LP1, in 2019 and his most recent single, “Teardrops,” came out in March 2024.

Payne is survived by his 7-year-old son Bear, whom he had with former partner Cheryl, and by his parents, Geoff and Karen Payne, as well as his two older sisters, Ruth and Nicola.

After the group disbanded in 2016, Payne pursued a solo career, transitioning into EDM and hip-hop. His debut single, “Strip That Down,” featuring Quavo, reached the Billboard Top 10 in 2017.

Los Angeles Archdiocese reaches $880 million settlement over clergy sex abuse claims

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Los Angeles Archdiocese reaches $880 million settlement over clergy sex abuse claims

LOS ANGELES, CA. In one of the largest settlements related to clergy sexual abuse in U.S. history, the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles has agreed to pay $880 million to 1,353 survivors who alleged they were sexually abused as children by Catholic priests. The settlement, announced on Wednesday, follows years of legal battles and is part of a broader reckoning for the Church over decades-old abuse claims.

Archbishop Jose H. Gomez expressed deep regret over the abuse, stating, “I am sorry for every one of these incidents, from the bottom of my heart. My hope is that this settlement will provide some measure of healing for what these men and women have suffered.”

The massive settlement comes after California enacted a law allowing survivors to file new lawsuits based on historical sexual abuse cases involving minors. The law has triggered a wave of claims across the state, leading multiple Catholic dioceses, including those in San Francisco, Oakland, and San Diego, to file for bankruptcy protection as they faced similar allegations.

Unlike those dioceses, the Los Angeles Archdiocese reached its settlement without seeking bankruptcy protection. According to Gomez, the Archdiocese will be able to cover the $880 million settlement using a combination of cash reserves, investments, loans, and contributions from other religious organizations named in the lawsuits. Gomez reassured the public that these payments would not impact the Archdiocese’s ongoing mission of “serving the poor and vulnerable in our communities.”

A joint statement from attorneys representing both the Archdiocese and the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel thanked the survivors for their courage in coming forward. “While there is no amount of money that can replace what was taken from these 1,353 brave individuals who have suffered in silence for decades, there is justice in accountability,” the Plaintiffs’ Liaison Counsel emphasized.

The settlement is seen as a significant step toward closure for survivors, many of whom have spent years seeking recognition and justice for the abuses they endured as children. It also serves as a reminder of the long-lasting impact of the clergy sexual abuse crisis on victims and the Catholic Church alike.

Photo credit: Reuters

Rep. Fernandez: Senate probe sa war on drugs ni Bato, itinuturing na ‘conflict of interest’

Venus L Peñaflor
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Rep. Fernandez: Senate probe sa war on drugs ni Bato, itinuturing na ‘conflict of interest’

MAYNILA. Malinaw na magkakaroon ng conflict of interest kung si Senador Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa ang mangunguna sa Senate inquiry hinggil sa digmaan laban sa droga sa ilalim ng administrasyong Duterte.

Ito ang pahayag ni Laguna Rep. Dan Fernandez, co-chairman ng House Quad Committee. Ayon sa kanya, si Dela Rosa ay may mahalagang papel sa kampanya ng Duterte laban sa droga dahil siya ang naging hepe ng Philippine National Police (PNP) noong ipinatupad ito.

“Delicadeza na lang sana ang pairalin ni Sen. Bato. For me, it is highly inappropriate for him, the chief enforcer of the drug war, to lead a probe into the very operations he designed and implemented,” ani Fernandez.

Binigyang-diin pa niya na “As the architect of the war on drugs, Sen. Bato would be practically investigating himself. This undermines the integrity and objectivity of any findings that may result from this investigation.”

Samantala, unang sinabi ni Manila Rep. Bienvenido “Benny” Abante Jr., co-chair ng House Quad Committee, ang kanyang pagdududa sa kakayahan ni Dela Rosa na magsagawa ng patas na imbestigasyon.

“Maaaring makompromiso ang integridad ng sinasabing Senate probe,” ayon kay Abante.

“I would think that he (Dela Rosa) would be more biased than actually balanced in that hearing,” dagdag pa niya.

“An inquiry into the extrajudicial killings must be impartial, transparent and independent. Sen. Bato will have none of that since he is part of the personalities being investigated. This Senate investigation risks becoming a whitewash if its leadership is not changed,” pagtatapos pa nito.

16 dead in Israeli strike on Lebanese municipal building

Venus L Peñaflor
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16 dead in Israeli strike on Lebanese municipal building

BEIRUT. An Israeli airstrike hit the municipal headquarters of Nabatieh, a provincial capital in southern Lebanon, killing 16 people, including the town’s mayor, and injuring more than 50 others. This marks the most significant attack on a Lebanese state building since Israel’s air campaign started, according to Lebanese officials.

Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati condemned the strike, accusing Israel of deliberately targeting a municipal council meeting intended to address “the city’s service and relief situation” for residents displaced by the ongoing conflict. Mikati stated, “The Israelis intentionally targeted a meeting of the municipal council to discuss the city’s service and relief situation.”

The assault in Nabatieh has drawn international attention, with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reporting an incident where Israeli tanks fired at one of its watchtowers near Kfar Kela, damaging the structure and destroying cameras. While the Israeli military did not immediately respond to UNIFIL’s statement, the peacekeeping force has faced several such incidents since the conflict began.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, visiting northern Israel, maintained that Israel would not cease its operations against Hezbollah for negotiation purposes, saying, “We will hold negotiations only under fire… I said this on day one, I said it in Gaza, and I am saying it here.” His stance has been bolstered by support from U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, who urged Gallant to ensure the safety of UNIFIL forces while continuing operations.

Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, which has been firing across the border in support of Palestinian militants in Gaza, has been relentless in recent weeks. Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon have targeted Hezbollah strongholds and dismantled tunnel networks used by the group’s elite Radwan Forces. A video released by the Israeli military showed multiple explosions in Mhaibib, a town near the Israeli border.

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that over 2,350 people have been killed since the conflict began, with more than 1.2 million displaced. The U.N. noted that a quarter of the country is currently under evacuation orders. In contrast, Israel has lost around 50 people, both military and civilian, in the same period.

The U.S. State Department has expressed support for targeted strikes against Hezbollah, while urging caution to avoid widespread civilian casualties. Matthew Miller, State Department spokesperson, stated, “Obviously, we’d not want to see entire villages destroyed. We don’t want to see civilian homes destroyed.”

Israeli warplanes also resumed airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, marking the first attack on the city since October 10, when 22 people were killed in densely populated neighborhoods. Tensions remain high as the conflict continues, with both sides suffering heavy losses and no end in sight.

As the Israeli campaign pushes forward, diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis face significant challenges, with Hezbollah’s continued presence in southern Lebanon and Israel’s insistence on security along its northern border. The toll of the conflict grows by the day, with civilians on both sides caught in the crossfire.

North Korea destroys inter-Korean road and rail links near border

EDGARDO HERNAL
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North Korea destroys inter-Korean road and rail links near border

SEOUL, South Korea. North Korea demolished sections of inter-Korean roads and rail lines near the heavily fortified border on Tuesday, escalating tensions between the two Koreas. The move prompted South Korea’s military to fire warning shots in response, marking another chapter in the ongoing hostilities on the peninsula.

The South’s Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) confirmed that parts of the road and rail lines on the North Korean side, previously linked to the South, were destroyed around midday. This comes after North Korea announced last week its plans to cut off these connections entirely, as part of its shift towards establishing a “two-state” system, scrapping the long-held goal of reunification.

Seoul’s unification ministry, responsible for managing cross-border relations, condemned the destruction as a clear violation of previous inter-Korean agreements. Ministry spokesperson Koo Byoung-sam called the action “highly abnormal,” adding, “It is deplorable that North Korea is repeatedly conducting such regressive behavior.”

The demolitions follow heightened tensions after North Korea accused Seoul of sending drones over Pyongyang last week. According to Pyongyang, the drones distributed a “huge number” of anti-North leaflets, prompting a sharp warning from Kim Yo Jong, sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. She stated on Tuesday that South Korea would “pay a dear price” for the alleged incursions. However, South Korea has neither confirmed nor denied the drone flights.

Ongoing clashes over balloon launches have also inflamed the strained relations between the two Koreas. Since May, North Korea has been sending balloons filled with trash in response to anti-regime leaflets floated by activists from the South.

Video Footage of the Demolition

Following Tuesday’s demolitions, the South Korean military released video footage showing an explosion and a plume of smoke rising from a destroyed section of the road on the North Korean side. The video also captured several dump trucks and earth-movers in the area, with North Korean military officials guiding the operation.

In retaliation, South Korea’s military fired warning shots along the military demarcation line. No damage was reported on the South’s side of the border, according to the JCS.

Historic Projects Destroyed

The inter-Korean roads and railways that were blown up were once symbols of reconciliation, built during a period of improved relations between the two Koreas, including a historic summit in 2018. According to South Korea’s unification ministry, Seoul invested more than $132 million into rebuilding the links through cheap loans to the North. “It was a major inter-Korean cooperation project that was carried out upon the request from the North,” said Koo Byoung-sam, noting that Pyongyang remains obligated to repay the loans.

This is not the first time North Korea has taken dramatic steps to sever ties with the South. In 2020, the North blew up a joint liaison office established in a border town after nuclear negotiations with the United States collapsed. In 2023, South Korea filed a lawsuit against the North, seeking damages of around 45 billion won ($33 million) for the destruction of the liaison office.

International Concerns and Local Reactions

China has also expressed concern over the latest developments. Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning called for restraint during a press briefing, saying that Beijing hoped to “avoid further escalation of the conflict.”

Meanwhile, South Korea’s Gyeonggi Province, which borders the North, announced on Tuesday that it would deploy a special police force to crack down on the practice of sending anti-North Korea leaflets from its border areas. While some argue that the leaflet campaigns are an exercise of free speech, critics, along with certain lawmakers, believe that the police should intervene when such activities threaten safety.

With tensions continuing to rise and provocations from both sides increasing, the prospect of inter-Korean dialogue seems more distant than ever.

Surveillance footage shows North Korea blowing up parts of inter-Korean roads on its side

Netanyahu rebukes Macron: “Israel was not created by the UN, but by the blood of our fighters”

Venus L Peñaflor
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0
Netanyahu rebukes Macron: “Israel was not created by the UN, but by the blood of our fighters”

TEL AVIV. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly rejected comments made by French President Emmanuel Macron, who claimed that the United Nations created Israel. Netanyahu responded with a pointed statement, emphasizing that Israel’s creation was the result of the sacrifices made during the 1948 War of Independence.

The diplomatic spat began after Macron, addressing his cabinet, remarked that Netanyahu should “not forget that his country was created by a decision of the U.N.,” referencing the 1947 United Nations resolution that partitioned British-controlled Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states. “Therefore, this is not the time to disregard the decisions of the U.N.,” Macron added, urging Israel to adhere to international consensus.

In response, Netanyahu issued a forceful rebuttal, reading from an official statement: “A reminder to the French President: It was not a U.N. decision that established the State of Israel but the victory that was achieved in the War of Independence with the blood of our heroic fighters, many of whom were Holocaust survivors, including from the Vichy regime in France.” The reference to Holocaust survivors underscored the deep emotional and historical significance Netanyahu attached to Israel’s founding, beyond diplomatic resolutions.

Macron’s comments come amid heightened tensions between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, following Hamas’ unprovoked attack on October 7, 2023. Additionally, Israel has been conducting military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, another Iranian-backed militant group, after a year of rocket fire from its northern neighbor.

The two leaders have also clashed over Macron’s recent push for an arms embargo on Israel. Earlier this month, Macron called for a halt to arms exports to both Gaza and Lebanon as part of an effort to broker a ceasefire. In an interview, Macron said, “I think that today, the priority is that we return to a political solution, that we stop delivering weapons to fight in Gaza,” according to Euro News.

Netanyahu, however, was quick to condemn these efforts. In a fiery statement earlier this month, he said: “As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilized countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side, yet President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for arms embargoes against Israel. Shame on them.”

Netanyahu further criticized what he called a double standard, noting that Iran continues to supply arms to groups like Hezbollah and Hamas. “Is Iran imposing an arms embargo on Hezbollah, on the Houthis, on Hamas and on its other proxies? Of course not. This axis of terror stands together, but countries who supposedly oppose this terror axis call for an arms embargo on Israel.”

He called such calls a “disgrace,” vowing that Israel would prevail “with or without their support, but their shame will continue long after the war is won.”

Macron has yet to respond to Netanyahu’s latest remarks, but the exchange highlights deepening tensions between Israel and its Western allies as the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon intensifies. While France has ceased supplying arms to Israel, Macron has affirmed that missile defense support would continue.

QuadComm: Leonardo posibleng tumestigo sa drug war cash rewards

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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QuadComm: Leonardo posibleng tumestigo sa drug war cash rewards

MAYNILA. Posibleng tumestigo si dating National Police Commission (Napolcom) commissioner Edilberto Leonardo kaugnay ng mga alegasyon ni dating Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) general manager Royina Garma hinggil sa diumano ay pagbibigay ng cash reward para sa bawat mapapatay sa war on drugs ng administrasyong Duterte.

Nauna dito, sinabi ni Dan Fernandez, chairman ng House Committee on Public Order and Safety na “ang katotohanan ay susi talaga hindi lang sa kalayaan kundi pati na din sa pagbabago. Kaya tama na magpakatotoo kaysa usigin ka ng iyong kunsensya.”

Ayon kay Manila Rep. Bienvenido Abante, isa sa mga chairman ng apat na House committees na nag-iimbestiga sa war on drugs, nagpapakita si Leonardo ng intensyon na tumulong sa imbestigasyon. “We had an initial talk… He asked that we talk to him. Initially speaking, mayroon na siyang tinatawag na intensyon na, okay, sasabihin na niya ‘yung iba in detail,” sabi ni Abante patungkol kay Leonardo.

Si Leonardo ay nagbitiw sa kanyang posisyon sa Napolcom kasabay ng mga pagdinig sa isyu. Gayunpaman, nilinaw ni Abante na hindi pa tiyak ang testimonya ni Leonardo. “Although we are not sure about that. It’s up to him,” dagdag niya. Si Abante rin ang chairman ng House Committee on Human Rights.

Samantala, sinabi naman ni Surigao del Norte Rep. Robert Ace Barbers, chairman ng House Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, na ang testimonya ni Garma tungkol sa Davao model, kung saan may cash reward mula P20,000 hanggang P1 milyon para sa bawat mapapatay na drug personality depende sa kanilang profile, ay kailangang suportahan ng pahayag mula sa iba pang testigo. “Iniintay natin na merong mag-corroborate na ibang witnesses para nang sa ganun, magkaroon ng bigat yung kanyang revelation,” ani Barbers.

Hindi umano nangangahulugan na agad paniwalaan ang mga pahayag ni Garma. “Hindi naman ibig sabihin na kapag siya ay nag-reveal o nagbigay, nagsumite ng affidavit sa amin ay paniniwalaan natin [agad ng] 100%,” dagdag pa ni Barbers.

Nais din ng House Quad Committee na imbitahan ang ilang mga personalidad na binanggit ni Garma, kabilang sina dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte, Senador Ronald dela Rosa, at isang indibidwal na kilala bilang “Muking.” Sinabi ni Barbers, “We took note of all these names so that we will invite them in the next Quadcom hearings.”

Naghihintay ang komite ng karagdagang testimonya o ebidensyang makapagpapatibay sa mga alegasyon ni Garma upang magbigay-linaw sa usapin ng cash rewards sa drug war, na nananatiling isang kontrobersyal na isyu sa bansa.

US expresses opposition to Israeli airstrikes in Beirut

Venus L Peñaflor
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US expresses opposition to Israeli airstrikes in Beirut

WASHINGTON. The United States, Israel’s closest ally, has voiced its opposition to the extensive scope of Israel’s airstrikes in Beirut, as civilian casualties continue to mount and concerns grow over a potential escalation involving Iran.

In a press briefing on Tuesday, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller confirmed that the U.S. had raised its concerns with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration regarding the ongoing air campaign. “When it comes to the scope and nature of the bombing campaign that we saw in Beirut over the past few weeks, it’s something that we made clear to the government of Israel we had concerns with, and we were opposed to,” Miller told reporters, adopting a more critical tone than previous statements from Washington.

The Israeli military’s ongoing operations, which began two weeks ago, have expanded to affect over a quarter of Lebanon’s territory, according to the United Nations Refugee Agency. The incursions are part of Israel’s efforts to weaken Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group operating in Lebanon, which Israel blames for a series of deadly attacks. These operations follow the killing of senior Hezbollah leaders, including its longtime secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah, a development seen as the biggest blow to the group in decades.

Despite calls from Western nations, including France, for a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, as well as in Gaza, the U.S. continues to express its unwavering support for Israel. In addition to its vocal backing, the U.S. is sending anti-missile systems and deploying troops to bolster Israel’s defenses.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have also communicated with Israeli officials, urging them to take concrete steps to address the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza. U.S. officials said the Israeli government was asked to implement specific measures within 30 days.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained defiant against international pressure for a ceasefire. During a phone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, Netanyahu expressed his opposition to any unilateral halt to the conflict and criticized Macron’s proposal for a Lebanon-focused conference. According to an Israeli government statement, Netanyahu told Macron, “A reminder to the French President: It was not a UN decision that established the State of Israel but the victory that was achieved in the War of Independence.”

The French government has yet to respond to Netanyahu’s remarks, but this exchange adds to the diplomatic tensions between the two leaders, who have previously clashed over France’s stance on halting arms sales to Israel.

As the conflict continues to escalate, the international community remains divided on how best to address the growing crisis in Lebanon and Gaza, with the U.S. facing increased scrutiny over its role in the region.

Kennedy family gathers for funeral of matriarch Ethel Kennedy

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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Kennedy family gathers for funeral of matriarch Ethel Kennedy

Wife of Late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy Remembered for Her Dedication to Family and Social Causes

CENTERVILLE, Massachusetts. Members of the Kennedy family came together on Monday, October 14, for the private funeral of Ethel Kennedy, widow of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, at Our Lady of Victory Church in Centerville, Massachusetts. The service, held under gray skies, marked the end of an era for the iconic family, with the passing of Ethel at age 96 due to complications from a stroke.

Ethel Kennedy, who raised 11 children after her husband’s assassination in 1968, was a dedicated advocate for social justice and human rights throughout her life. The Kennedy family released a heartfelt statement following her death, saying, “Along with a lifetime’s work in social justice and human rights, our mother leaves behind nine children, 34 grandchildren, and 24 great-great-grandchildren, along with numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom love her dearly.”

President Joe Biden honored her memory, calling Ethel “an American icon — a matriarch of optimism and moral courage, an emblem of resilience and service.”

Born into wealth, Ethel married Robert F. Kennedy in 1950, and together they became a political power couple. However, her life was marked by tragedy. She witnessed her husband’s assassination in 1968 at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles, just after he had secured the California Democratic presidential primary. Her brother-in-law, President John F. Kennedy, had been assassinated less than five years earlier.

Despite the loss, Ethel Kennedy continued to champion her husband’s causes, founding the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights and dedicating her life to advocacy work, including efforts in gun control and human rights. Known for her strength and grace, she remained an integral part of the Kennedy legacy.

The funeral was closed to the public, but those closest to the family gathered to pay their final respects, remembering her enduring legacy of compassion, justice, and commitment to the Kennedy family’s public service mission.

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