July 30, 2024

*) Hezbollah moves missiles as Israel threatens to attack Lebanon Lebanon’s Hezbollah has begun moving precision-guided missiles as Israel threatens to attack Lebanon. An official with the Lebanese group said that Hezbollah’s stance remains unchanged. While the group does not seek a full-blown war with US-backed Israel, it will fight without limits if war breaks out. Hezbollah says it will continue skirmishes with the Israeli military until Tel Aviv ends its “genocidal war” on besieged Gaza. *) RSF bombardment in Sudan’s Al Fasher kills 65: activists According to activists, at least 65 people, mostly children, have been killed since Saturday in bombardments by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in Sudan’s Al Fasher city in Darfur region. The Al Fasher Resistance Committees reported that more than 70 rockets were launched in just one day by the RSF-linked militia known as the Janjaweed at hospitals, homes, mosques, and markets. Al Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, is the national army’s last remaining position in the Darfur region and a key front in the war with the RSF, which has turned Sudan into the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. *) US announces $1.7B in new military aid for Ukraine The United States has announced new military aid for Ukraine valued at around $1.7 billion, including air defence munitions and artillery rounds that Kiev’s forces say they urgently need. Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his deep gratitude to US President Joe Biden, the US Congress, and the American people for the assistance in a social media post. The United States has been a key military backer of Ukraine, committing more than $55 billion in weapons, ammunition, and other security assistance since Russia’s attacks began in February 2022. *) Venezuela recalling envoys from 7 countries opposing Maduro’s win Venezuela has announced it is withdrawing its diplomatic staff from seven Latin American countries that questioned the election victory of President Nicolas Maduro. In a statement, the Foreign Ministry rejected the “interventionist actions and statements” of the governments of Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Peru, Panama, the Dominican Republic, and Uruguay, which signed a joint statement calling for a complete review of the election results. This decision follows the National Electoral Council’s announcement of Maduro’s victory, granting him a third six-year term as the country’s leader. *) Seine pollution again shuts down Paris 2024 triathlon training Olympic organisers have cancelled a third day of triathlon training in the Seine River, after weekend downpours in Paris polluted the waterway. However, they remain “confident” the medal events will proceed as scheduled this week. The triathlon is the first Olympic event slated for the Seine, with marathon swimming set for the second week of the Games. Sunday’s and Monday’s swimming training sessions were also cancelled due to pollution levels.