*) Pro-Palestine protesters demonstrate against Netanyahu in US
Pro-Palestine protesters gathered outside Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hotel in Washington DC before he addresses the US Congress.
Protesters carried placards that read: “Arrest Netanyahu” and “A war criminal stays here”, referring to the hawkish Israeli premier responsible for the death of thousands of innocent Palestinian civilians.
*) Israel wants to remain allies with US after Biden: Netanyahu
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel will be the United States’ strongest ally in the Middle East regardless of who is elected president in the upcoming US elections.
The visit, however, has been overshadowed by President Joe Biden’s decision not to seek reelection.
Netanyahu said he would thank Biden for all he has done for Israel throughout his career and discuss with him issues such as securing the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza.
*) Kamala Harris surpasses support needed to become Democratic party’s nominee
US Vice President Kamala Harris said she has secured the broad support needed to become the Democratic party’s nominee for the upcoming presidential election.
Haris said she looks “forward to formally accepting nomination soon”, adding that she is “proud” to have enough delegates for the Democratic party.
According to an Associated Press tally, Harris had 2,214 delegates by Monday night, well beyond the simple majority needed to clinch the nomination on the first ballot.
*) Türkiye warns against treating Syria terror groups as ‘legitimate actors’
Türkiye’s envoy to the UN, Ahmet Yildiz, has warned that terrorist organisations in Syria should not be treated as “legitimate actors”, urging the preservation of Syria’s territorial integrity and political unity.
Addressing a UN Security Council meeting on the political process and the humanitarian situation in Syria, the Turkish envoy warned that “the terrorist organisations commit grave human rights violations against local people in northeast Syria”.
The Turkish diplomat described the humanitarian situation in the country as “catastrophic” and “worsening” and reassured Türkiye’s stance, saying it will continue its efforts to ensure peace in the region.
*) Landslides wreak havoc, kill dozens in southern Ethiopia
At least 55 people have been killed in two landslides in a remote area of southern Ethiopia, local authorities said, warning that the death toll could rise.
The first landslide occurred around 0700 GMT following heavy rains in the remote region.
Authorities said the search for survivors was “continuing vigorously”.
