[QUICKREADS]
Doggedly persisting with its much-criticised zero-Covid policy, China has slipped deeper into the coronavirus quagmire as it reported a record 31,444 infections on Thursday with many of its cities, including Beijing, resorting to community lockdowns to stem the virus amid worsening wintery weather. Among those restricted to their homes were some Indian families who were told not to step out until November 27. They were being provided with food supplies at their doorstep.
A former NYC employee accused Mayor Eric Adams of sexual assault in 1993 in a civil complaint. Lorna Beach-Mathura alleges Adams assaulted her in his car after promising career help. Adams denies the claims. The lawsuit, filed under New York's Adult Survivors Act, also names the NYPD Transit Bureau and others as defendants. Adams' lawyers say he fully denies the "outrageous allegations."
Hannah Gutierrez-Reed, the armorer on the set of "Rust" where Alec Baldwin accidentally shot and killed a cinematographer, is challenging her involuntary manslaughter conviction. Her defense is requesting a new trial, claiming issues with jury instructions. Baldwin, who has pleaded not guilty, faces trial in July. Gutierrez-Reed could be sentenced on April 15. Prosecutors blamed her for bringing live ammunition on set. Assistant director Dave Halls previously pleaded no contest to negligent firearm handling.
The White House confirmed Israel killed Hamas's third-in-command, Marwan Issa, in a Gaza airstrike last week. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Israel also eliminated many Hamas battalions and senior commanders. Israel targeted Issa for his role in planning an attack on Israel. The status of other top Hamas leaders remains unknown.
President Biden warned Netanyahu against a major ground operation in Rafah, urging talks in Washington to discuss Israel's war plans. The US wants an alternative approach to target Hamas and secure the border without a full-scale invasion. Biden and Netanyahu's call marked their first since Feb. 15, amid widening rift over Israel's military campaign against Hamas. Netanyahu faces international pressure for a cease-fire in Rafah.
EU foreign ministers approved new sanctions related to the death of Russian opposition leader Alexey Navalny in an Arctic prison, targeting about 30 individuals and two entities. The decision follows Putin's pre-determined victory in a presidential election with no serious challengers. Navalny's allies called for protests, seen in long lines at polling stations in Moscow and St. Petersburg. Navalny, a Kremlin critic, fell ill in 2020 after being poisoned with a nerve agent.
Former US President Barack Obama made an unannounced visit to meet British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak at 10 Downing Street in London for a one-hour informal discussion. The meeting likely included talks on President Vladimir Putin's re-election and the conflict in Ukraine. Obama's visit was part of his work with the Obama Foundation, aiming to inspire change globally. It was his first visit to Downing Street since leaving office in 2017.
Astronaut Thomas P. Stafford, known for commanding a dress rehearsal for the 1969 moon landing and the first U.S.-Soviet space linkup, has passed away at 93. He was involved in four space missions, including Apollo 10 and the Apollo-Soyuz mission. Stafford's contributions to space exploration and his role as a peacemaker were widely recognized.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of the highest risk of nuclear war in decades, citing tensions with Russia, North Korea, and Iran. Guterres called for the US and Russia to resume talks on nuclear arms reduction treaties and urged support for the Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty. Japan, US, and France pledged to push for the treaty to ban production of key nuclear weapon ingredients.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un congratulated Vladimir Putin on his re-election, praising Russian voters' "unshakeable support." Kim emphasized the valuable estimate of Putin's leadership and executive abilities. North Korea has been a strong supporter of Russia, providing weapons for Moscow's conflict with Ukraine. Putin won over 87% of the vote in an election criticized by Western nations.
Israel has rejected South Africa's request for the International Court of Justice to issue emergency orders for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, calling it "morally repugnant." Israel denies deliberately causing suffering in Gaza and claims South Africa's accusations are unfounded and an abuse of procedures. The dispute is part of South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. ICJ emergency measures aim to prevent situations from worsening before a full case hearing, which can take years.
A charter flight carrying over 30 U.S. citizens fleeing gang violence in Haiti arrived in Miami. The U.S. State Department facilitated the evacuation amid chaos and violence in Haiti, urging citizens to leave. Passengers expressed distress over the situation in their homeland. The State Department is offering limited charter flights for American citizens from Cap-Haïtien. Evacuees must sign a promissory bill to reimburse the government.
The Taliban accuse Pakistan of air strikes killing women and children in retaliation for recent militant attacks in Pakistan. Pakistan blames Afghanistan for harboring militants. The Afghan Taliban denies supporting militant groups and warns of consequences for Pakistan's actions. Pakistan's military claims terrorism has Afghan support. tensions escalate between the neighboring countries.
A UN-backed food security assessment warns that half of Gaza's population is facing "catastrophic" hunger, with famine expected in the north by May due to the Israel-Hamas war. Around 1.1 million people are at risk of "catastrophic food insecurity", with challenges in distributing aid. The situation is urgent, and donors are urged to act before famine hits.
British Foreign Minister David Cameron criticized the outcome of Russia's election, denouncing the "depth of repression" under President Putin's regime. Cameron highlighted the silencing of opposition voices, control over media, and lack of democracy in the country.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed support for a prisoner exchange involving opposition leader Alexei Navalny just before Navalny's death, as he also addressed his own presidential election win. Putin claimed he agreed to the swap but insisted Navalny not return to Russia. Navalny, a critic of the Kremlin, died in prison last month, sparking accusations of foul play. The Kremlin denies involvement.