News
Netanyahu to Address US Congress Amid Protests and Rising Tensions
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to address the US Congress in Washington, DC, at the invitation of Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson. This marks Netanyahu’s first international trip since the conflict in Gaza began nearly nine months ago, during which over 39,000 people have lost their lives.
Netanyahu’s speech aims to strengthen bipartisan support for Israel as he faces growing scrutiny over his handling of the ongoing war. The address is expected to coincide with a “day of rage” organized by protesters in the US capital. The demonstrations highlight the increasing tensions surrounding the conflict and Netanyahu’s leadership.
American families of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza will be present at the speech, urging Congress to prioritize efforts for their release. The prolonged war has intensified international and domestic pressure on Netanyahu, especially following last week’s ruling by the International Court of Justice declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories as “illegal.” Israel has rejected this ruling.
In May, the chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court applied for arrest warrants for Netanyahu and several senior Hamas leaders, citing alleged war crimes by both parties. Netanyahu condemned the prosecutor’s actions as “a complete distortion of reality,” while Hamas accused the ICC of attempting to “equate the victim with the executioner.”
Domestically, Netanyahu faces significant backlash, with a Channel 12 poll indicating that 72% of Israelis believe he should resign due to security failures on October 7 and the continued captivity of hostages by Hamas. The situation underscores the complex challenges Netanyahu faces both at home and abroad.
In a devastating incident in eastern India, at least 46 people, including 37 children and seven women, have drowned while celebrating the Hindu Jivitputrika festival. The fatalities, which occurred across 15 districts within the past 24 hours, resulted from victims ritually bathing in rivers and ponds swollen by recent flooding.
The three-day festival, which honors children’s wellbeing, is traditionally marked by mothers fasting and families participating in ritual baths. This year, the swollen water bodies, exacerbated by recent floods, have turned the celebratory ritual into a deadly disaster.
Local disaster management officials have expressed fears that the death toll could rise further. State authorities have promised compensation for the families and relatives of the victims.
Fatal accidents during religious festivals are not uncommon in India, where large gatherings often take place with insufficient safety measures. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such gatherings, especially during adverse weather conditions.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have conducted airstrikes in Beirut, reportedly killing Mohammad Hussein Surur, a senior Hezbollah air unit leader. The Lebanese health ministry confirmed two deaths and 15 injuries from the attack. The strikes come amid escalating violence between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides exchanging fire throughout the night and into the morning.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the IDF would continue to fight “with full force” against Hezbollah, aiming to dismantle the Iran-backed militant group. This marks a significant intensification of hostilities between the two sides, which have been exchanging rockets and airstrikes for days. The Lebanese health ministry also reported that 28 people were killed today by Israeli airstrikes.
In retaliation, Hezbollah launched 80 missiles targeting northern Israeli cities, including Safed. Israeli authorities have reported no casualties but noted significant property damage in Safed and Rosh Pina.
Amid the intensifying conflict, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin renewed calls for a diplomatic solution. The U.S., along with 11 other allied nations, has urged both Israel and Hezbollah to agree to a ceasefire to prevent further escalation and civilian casualties.
Ferry travel between the Isle of Man and Lancashire continues to face disruption due to strong winds over the Irish Sea. The Isle of Man Steam Packet Company has cancelled Thursday’s 08:45 BST sailing of the Manxman to Heysham and its scheduled 14:15 return journey. This follows the cancellation of the vessel’s return trip from the Lancashire port on Wednesday evening.
The disruptions have affected postal services, with the Isle of Man Post Office reporting delays in deliveries from the UK. While local deliveries within the island remain unaffected, items posted on Wednesday for UK delivery may not reach Royal Mail’s network in time for Friday delivery.
Additionally, the ferry cancellations have caused a delay in newspaper deliveries, with no papers available on the island on Thursday, as confirmed by the island’s wholesale distributor.
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