Egypt has denied that a controversial court ruling over Sinai's Saint Catherine monastery threatens the UNESCO world heritage landmark, after Greek and church authorities warned of the sacred site's status. President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi's office defended the ruling Thursday, saying it "consolidates" the site's "unique and sacred religious status", after the head of the Greek Orthodox church in Greece denounced it.
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Israel's announcement of establishing 22 new West Bank settlements, including legalizing unauthorized outposts, has sparked international concern. This move, deemed illegal under international law, is expected to further strain the relations with allies critical of Israel's actions. Israeli officials defend the decision as strengthening their hold on the region and preventing a Palestinian state.
The Dutch government has set aside 5.7 million euros for a likely payout following the brazen theft of an ancient Romanian pure-gold helmet from a museum in the Netherlands. In this case, the state had guaranteed insurers that it would cover 5.7 million euros ($6.5 million) if the works were stolen.
The annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca commences amidst a history of tragic incidents, including stampedes, attacks, and fires. Last year, over 1,300 pilgrims died due to extreme heat. This year, with temperatures expected to exceed 40°C, Saudi authorities have deployed 250,000 personnel from forty agencies to ensure the safety and well-being of over a million pilgrims.
Lawsuits, scandals, armed troops and a knife-wielding attacker all failed to deter Lee Jae-myung's ascendancy from sweatshop worker to the cusp of South Korea's presidency. South Korea has experienced a leadership vacuum since lawmakers suspended Yoon for deploying armed troops to parliament in his failed attempt to suspend civilian rule.
The Michigan supreme court has declined to hear appeals from families of the Oxford High School shooting victims, effectively ending their efforts to hold school employees accountable. The court's decision upholds a lower court ruling that found no evidence school staff were the "proximate cause" of the tragedy, emphasizing Ethan Crumbley's premeditated actions.
Tragedy struck in Gaza as at least 31 people were killed and over 150 wounded while seeking food aid. Witnesses reported Israeli forces opened fire on crowds near a distribution site, a claim the Israeli army denies.
US senator Cory Booker's gesture at the California Democratic convention has sparked controversy, drawing comparisons to a similar action by Elon Musk. Social media users likened Booker's extended-arm movement to a Nazi salute, mirroring criticism Musk faced previously. Musk responded with an emoji on X.
Ken Miyagishima, former Las Cruces mayor, has launched his campaign for New Mexico governor, focusing on public safety, affordable housing, and healthcare workforce improvements. He aims to succeed Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, addressing public concerns about crime and education. Miyagishima emphasizes border enforcement and economic cooperation, while also proposing a state "metro" police force to combat crime in cities like Albuquerque.
Devastating floods in central Nigeria, triggered by torrential rains and a collapsed dam, have claimed over 150 lives in Niger State. The market town of Mokwa is among the hardest hit, with more than 50 homes swept away and thousands displaced. President Bola Tinubu has offered condolences and mobilized federal agencies to provide assistance, including search-and-rescue operations, relief materials, and temporary shelter.
In Florida, Rhonda Paulynice has been arrested for allegedly killing her 6-year-old son in a misguided attempt to exorcise demons. The child's decomposing body was discovered nearly two weeks after his death, prompting charges of second-degree murder, failure to report a death, and altering a body. Authorities had visited the home previously for domestic disturbances, but the boy was never directly involved.