Rorisang Modiba delivers daily updates from around the world.
Austria – Three Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna, Austria, were cancelled after two suspects were arrested for planning a terror attack during her Eras tour. Authorities found explosives and chemicals at one suspect’s home. The suspects were reportedly Islamic State sympathisers. The concert promoter, Barracuda Music, and Swift’s official website confirmed the cancellations.
Turkey – Turkey wants to join South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice. Turkey accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza and has compared Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to Hitler. South Africa filed the lawsuit last year, accusing Israel of breaking the Genocide Convention. Several countries and Palestinian officials also want to join the case, which will take the courts years to conclude. Turkey and Israel have had rocky relations, with recent conflicts affecting their attempts to improve ties.
Israel – Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich suggested starving Gaza residents to secure the return of Israeli hostages might be “just and moral,” but said the world would not allow it. He wants Israel to control aid distribution in Gaza. There are accusations that Hamas steals aid, but no proof has been received by US officials. Israel faces international criticism for restricting food aid. The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor wants arrest warrants for Israeli leaders for using starvation as a weapon.
UK – Thousands of anti-racism protesters in the UK stopped far-right rallies that were planned to target over 100 immigration centres and gathered in multiple cities to protect them. The large groups and increased police presence led to a peaceful night. The failure of the far-right protests might show a deterrent effect from previous violent protests and arrests. In Walthamstow, east London, a significant police presence and thousands of counter-protesters protected the immigration centre.
Pictured above: Taylor Swift.
Source: Instagram
