News

Biden calls for immediate cease-fire after Israel’s deadly strike

Published

2 years ago

April 5, 2024

Ahron Young

In the aftermath of the deadly strike on the World Central Kitchen in Gaza, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have issued apologies.

But pressure continues to escalate from the White House and humanitarian organisations for Israel to take immediate action to safeguard noncombatants and allow more humanitarian aid into the region.

The White House revealed that President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Netanyahu discussed the latest developments in Israel and Gaza, underscoring the gravity of the situation.

However, the conversation has not alleviated concerns over Israel’s military actions.

Today, I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to emphasize that strikes on aid workers and the humanitarian situation in Gaza are unacceptable.

Israel must implement steps to address civilian harm and the safety of workers – and work toward a ceasefire to bring hostages home. pic.twitter.com/c7yB0jwq06

— President Biden (@POTUS) April 4, 2024

Israel admitted to mistakenly targeting vehicles carrying aid workers, leading to questions about the effectiveness of the mechanisms employed by its military to protect humanitarian workers.

Tragic incidents

In response, Israeli authorities announced changes in coordination with aid groups on the ground to prevent such tragic incidents from recurring.

President Biden condemned the strikes on the Washington-based charity, urging Israel to expedite its investigation.

He has consistently criticized Israel for failing to ensure the safety of civilians, including humanitarian workers, in Gaza. Biden cautioned against any offensive in Rafah without a credible plan to protect civilians, a concern echoed by U.S. officials.

The deadly attack has sparked heightened scrutiny from congressional critics, who are calling for a firmer stance from Biden towards Netanyahu.

Some Democrats are demanding increased protection for civilians and are pushing for more stringent conditions on aid, potentially complicating the passage of a $95 billion aid bill in the House, which includes funding for Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan.

It is anticipated that approximately 20 Democrats will oppose the bill due to concerns about the ongoing conflict.

News

Minneapolis protests erupt after fatal ICE shooting

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Tensions rise in Minneapolis after fatal shooting by ICE agent, sparking protests and unrest as investigations unfold.

Tensions in Minneapolis have escalated following the fatal shooting of a mother by a U.S. Immigration agent. The incident has sparked outrage across the city, with residents taking to the streets to demand justice. Authorities are struggling to contain the unrest as public anger continues to mount.

State and federal officials are now at odds over the investigation. The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension has stepped back after the FBI assumed control, while the state attorney general has warned that state-level charges could still be pursued independently. The political divide adds another layer of complexity to an already volatile situation.

In response to the protests, schools in Minneapolis have closed and the National Guard has been activated to maintain order. Citizens are being urged to stay safe as tensions remain high and the city braces for further demonstrations.

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News

Iran protests escalate as economy crumbles

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

Published

1 day ago

January 9, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Iran faces widespread protests as currency collapse and soaring inflation strain household budgets, fueling public anger.

Protests are spreading across Iran after the country’s currency suffered a dramatic collapse, pushing inflation to more than 42 percent in December. Rising prices are squeezing household budgets, with basic goods becoming increasingly unaffordable for millions of Iranians.

What began as frustration over the cost of living has quickly grown into widespread public anger, as families struggle to keep up with soaring expenses amid a weakening rial and economic uncertainty.

These economic pressures have become the catalyst for demonstrations across major cities, marking one of the most serious waves of unrest linked directly to inflation in recent years.

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News

PM initiates royal commission on anti-Semitism and unity

PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders

Published

2 days ago

January 8, 2026

Ahron Young

PM announces royal commission to address anti-Semitism and social cohesion following pressure from various communities and leaders

In Short:
– Anthony Albanese has announced a royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion, led by Virginia Bell.
– The inquiry aims to foster unity in Australia amid rising tensions and concerns from various community groups.

Anthony Albanese has initiated a commonwealth royal commission into anti-Semitism and social cohesion following mounting pressure.

The inquiry, announced in Canberra, will be led by former High Court justice Virginia Bell, despite opposition from some Jewish groups.The Prime Minister stated the need for a royal commission was essential for promoting unity within Australia, particularly after engaging with families of Bondi attack victims and the Jewish community.

He confirmed discussions with NSW Premier Chris Minns and expects the single commission to run over the next 12 months, with further comments from Mr Minns anticipated soon.

The prime minister has been asked if he’s still worried a royal commission would fuel antisemitism. Anthony Albanese insists he doesn’t want the inquiry to weaken social cohesion.

“The royal commissioner will bear in mind how hearings are conducted in the processes of their conduct,” Albanese says.

“We have been working on this for weeks. I have been engaged with the community.”

The prime minister was questioned about whether it was a mistake to reject calls for a royal commission into antisemitism. Following the Bondi terror attack, the federal government faced pressure to establish such a commission.

Anthony Albanese stated that the government has implemented various measures within the 25 days following the attack.

“We have increased funding for security agencies. We have had daily briefings of the National Security Committee,” Albanese says.

“The Commonwealth have particular resources and one of the groups and individuals I’ve spoken to as well have been people outside of New South Wales,” he says.

Highly-respected former High Court judge Justice Virginia Margaret Bell is the PM’s pick to lead the royal commission.

Sustained advocacy

This decision comes after sustained advocacy from various groups, including victims’ families, former leaders, and prominent figures across sectors.

Over recent weeks, Albanese and his team had put forth several arguments against a royal commission, such as concerns over divisiveness and potential exposure of sensitive information.

Gamel Kheir from the Lebanese Muslim Association has suggested that a broader inquiry into all forms of “minority religion” discrimination is needed, expressing wariness within the Muslim community regarding the federal inquiry’s focus.

Broad Support

A significant number of community and cultural organisations back a royal commission addressing social tensions and discrimination related to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

In support of this sentiment, nearly 50 diaspora and faith groups released an open letter urging a thorough examination of rising anti-Semitism and related issues following the Bondi Beach terror attack.