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Israel Says Troops Encircle Gaza City As Blinken Visits

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2023

Israeli ground troops encircled Gaza City on Friday in their war against Hamas, as top US diplomat Antony Blinken arrived in Israel for a trip focused on “concrete steps” to minimise Palestinian civilian casualties.

Ahead of Blinken’s arrival, Israel’s military said on Thursday it had “completed the encirclement” of the narrow Palestinian territory’s largest city — signalling a new phase in the nearly month-long conflict.

Fighting was triggered by Hamas’ bloody raids on October 7 that Israeli officials say killed more than 1,400 people.

The Hamas-run Gaza health ministry says more than 9,000 people have died in Israeli bombardments, mostly women and children.

Fresh Israeli strikes rocked the Gaza Strip on Friday morning, an AFP correspondent said, and the Gaza health ministry reported at least 15 deaths in Gaza City’s Zeitun neighbourhood and seven in Jabalia refugee camp.

The Hamas government has said 195 people were killed in Israeli bombardments on Jabalia earlier this week, with hundreds more missing and wounded, figures AFP could not independently verify.

Before his departure, Blinken said he would seek to ensure that harm to Palestinian civilians is reduced, in a visible shift of tone for the United States which has promised full support and ramped-up military aid to Israel.

“We will be talking about concrete steps that can and should be taken to minimise harm to men, women and children in Gaza,” Blinken said.

“This is something that the United States is committed to.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had already had some “very impressive successes” with troops “more than on the outskirts of Gaza City. We are advancing,” he said late Thursday at a base near Tel Aviv.

Israel’s military describes Gaza City as “the centre of the Hamas terror organisation”.

Although many of the city’s half-a-million residents fled south following Israel’s warning to leave the north ahead of a ground operation, those who stayed behind have endured weeks of withering aerial bombardments, dwindling supplies and daily carnage.

– ‘Terrified’ –

Outside Gaza City’s Al-Quds hospital, displaced residents seeking shelter from Israeli strikes told AFP on Thursday that civilians would not withstand the barrage much longer.

“This is not a life. We need a safe place for our kids,” said 50-year-old Hiyam Shamlakh. “Everybody is terrified, children, women and the elderly.”

But yet more carnage seems to lie ahead, as the conflict turns to urban and underground warfare — with Hamas fighting from a tunnel complex believed to span hundreds of kilometres (miles).

The Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, insisted Israeli soldiers would go home “in black bags”.

“Gaza will be the curse of history for Israel,” spokesman Abu Obeida said.

Israel’s allies have backed its right to self-defence, but there is growing global concern and anger at how Israel has chosen to prosecute the war.

A group of UN-mandated human rights experts warned Thursday that “time is running out to prevent genocide and humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza”.

“We remain convinced that the Palestinian people are at grave risk of genocide,” the experts, who do not speak for the United Nations, said in a joint statement.

They called for “a humanitarian ceasefire” and the immediate release of all civilians being held captive since the Hamas attack.

“The situation in Gaza has reached a catastrophic tipping point,” the experts said, warning of the “dire need” for food, water, medicine, fuel and essential supplies and the risk of looming health hazards.

Israel’s Geneva embassy denounced the report as Hamas “propaganda” in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Both Israel and the United States have ruled out a blanket ceasefire, which they say would allow Hamas to regroup and resupply.

US President Joe Biden has backed “temporary, localised” pauses in fighting to allow humanitarian work to be done.

– Escape to safety –

Countries around the world recalled their ambassadors from Israel in protest at the strikes. Bolivia severed diplomatic ties.

Israel has sought to show Jabalia was a legitimate target, saying it killed a senior Hamas commander in a tunnel complex below the camp.

On Thursday some 400 more foreigners and dual nationals managed to escape the war to Egypt, along with 60 wounded Palestinians.

Egypt has said it would help evacuate 7,000 foreigners through Rafah, which was to open again on Friday, a source at the crossing told AFP.

The UN said more than 100 trucks with aid crossed into Gaza on Thursday, a significant increase from previous days.

A total of 374 trucks have entered since a US-brokered deal was enacted on October 21, far short of what aid agencies say is needed.

Meanwhile, in Israel’s north, Lebanon’s Hezbollah said it attacked 19 Israeli positions along the border simultaneously.

Some 71 people have been killed in Lebanon since the Israel-Hamas war began, according to an AFP tally. On the Israeli side, nine people have died.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah is on Friday expected to break weeks of silence and deliver a speech that could have a profound impact on the region.

Some analysts believe Hezbollah has little interest in becoming fully embroiled in a conflict that Israeli officials have threatened could destroy Lebanon.

Others say the decision lies with Iran, which leads the regional “axis of resistance” against Israel — backing Hamas, Hezbollah and a rollcall of armed groups from Syria, Iraq and Yemen.

Headline

Ex-World Boxing Champion, Ricky Hatton, Is Dead

Published

2 hours ago

September 14, 2025

Editor

Former world boxing champion, Ricky Hatton, has died at the age of 46.

Hatton’s body was found at his home in Manchester on Sunday.

Speaking on the incident, a Greater Manchester Police spokesperson said, “Officers were called by a member of the public to attend Bowlacre Road, Hyde, Tameside, at 6:45am today (Sunday) where they found the body of a 46-year-old man.

“There are not currently believed to be any suspicious circumstances,” the spokesperson said.

Hatton, who won 45 of his 48 professional bouts across an esteemed 15-year career, last fought professionally in 2012.

He earned notable world title wins over Russia’s Kostya Tszyu and Jose Luis Castillo, before defeats by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquaio.

Hatton, who announced his comeback in July was scheduled to fight Eisa Al Dah at middleweight on 2 December in Dubai.

Headline

Nigerians Who Have Broken Guinness World Records

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Over the years, Nigerians have made their mark on the global stage by setting and breaking Guinness World Records across diverse fields.

Here are ten Nigerians who have earned a place in the Guinness World Records:

1. Hilda Baci – Longest Cooking Marathon

Celebrity chef Hilda Baci captured national and international attention in May 2023 after cooking for 100 hours, setting the Guinness World Record for the longest cooking marathon by an individual. Though her record was later surpassed, Baci has remained at the forefront of culinary challenges.

At the time of writing this report, Baci is attempting to cook the largest pot of Jollof rice in collaboration with a food brand.

2. Tunde Onakoya – Longest Chess Marathon

Chess master and founder of Chess in Slums Africa, Tunde Onakoya, etched his name in history on April 17, 2025, after playing non-stop chess for 64 hours in New York, USA. His successful attempt came a year after an earlier effort, which, though unsuccessful in breaking the record, raised over $100,000 for his charity initiative. The 64-hour duration was symbolic, representing the total number of squares on a chessboard.

3. Ojumola Bello – Longest Acting Marathon

Nollywood actress
Ojumola Bello made history in September 2024 when she completed 139 hours and 19 minutes of non-stop acting. The marathon, held at Pent View Hotel in Ikorodu, ran from September 22 to 27, making her the first Nigerian actress to secure such a feat in the global records.

4. Helen Williams – Longest Handmade Wig

Helen Williams is a professional wig maker based in Lagos who turned her craft into a world-class achievement. At just 31, she entered the Guinness World Records in July 2023 with the longest handmade wig, measuring 351.28 metres longer than the Eiffel Tower. Her record reflects not only skill and creativity but also Nigeria’s growing influence in the global beauty and fashion industry.

5. Divine Ikubor (REMA)

Divine Ikubor, professionally known as Rema, is a Nigerian Afrobeats star whose global rise has redefined the country’s music scene. In May 2023, he made history as the first artist to top the MENA charts, earning a Guinness World Records title. His breakout hit Calm Down, released on February 11, 2022, quickly became one of the fastest songs to surpass 100 million streams on Spotify, cementing his status as one of Africa’s most influential young artists.

6. Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau – Longest Dance Party

Kafayat Oluwatoyin Shafau, popularly known as Kaffy, is Nigeria’s most celebrated dancer, choreographer, and fitness coach. She rose to international fame in 2006 after leading a team to break the Guinness World Record for the longest dance party during the Nokia Silverbird Danceathon. Today, she remains a trailblazer in the entertainment industry and a role model for young African performers.

7. Wizkid – One Billion Streams

Ayodeji Balogun, popularly known as Wizkid, one of Nigeria’s most internationally recognized musicians, came to the Guinness World Record spotlight when he featured on Drake’s hit single One Dance, which became the first track to surpass one billion streams on Spotify. The song was released on December 16, 2016.

One Dance marked a significant moment in global music, further solidifying Wizkid’s place in the international music scene. With the song, Wizkid became the first Afrobeats artist to achieve one billion streams on Spotify.

8. Lucy Ejike – Heaviest Powerlifter

Lucy Ejike is a decorated Nigerian Paralympian and one of the country’s most celebrated powerlifters. She made history at the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games by lifting 142 kg in the -61 kg category, setting a Guinness World Record for the heaviest powerlift by a female athlete in that division. Her dominance in the sport stretches back to the Athens 2004 Paralympics, where her 127.5 kg lift in the -44 kg class secured gold and established a record that still stands today.

9. Fela Kuti – Most Studio Albums Recorded By A Solo Artist

Fela Anikulapo Kuti, the legendary Afrobeat pioneer, holds a Guinness World Records title for the most studio albums recorded by a solo artist. Between 1969 and 1992, he released 46 albums over a 23-year career, leaving behind a body of work that continues to shape global music and political activism.

10. Adeoye Ajibola – Paralympic Athletes

Adeoye Ajibola, a Nigerian Paralympic sprinter, made history at the 1992 Barcelona Paralympic Games when he ran the men’s 100 metres in 10.72 seconds. Competing in the T46 classification for athletes with limb impairments, he set a Guinness World Records mark and remains celebrated as one of Nigeria’s greatest Paralympic athletes.

11. Joy Onaolapo – Paralympic powerlifter

Joy Onaolapo was a Nigerian Paralympic powerlifter who delivered an unforgettable performance at the London 2012 Games. On September 1, she won a gold medal in the women’s -52 kg category after lifting 131 kg, a feat that secured her place in the Guinness World Records, among Nigeria’s sporting legends and inspired future generations of para-athletes.

Headline

What To Know About Albania’s AI Minister, Diella

Published

1 day ago

September 13, 2025

Editor

Albania’s government has introduced Diella, an AI-generated virtual cabinet member tasked with public procurement. A world-first move that’s already drawing big praise and big questions.

Nigerian Tribune reports that Prime Minister Edi Rama unveiled Diella on Friday as a virtual member of the government, describing her as a cabinet member “not present physically but created virtually,” adding that she would help ensure public tenders remain free of corruption while making government operations more efficient and transparent.

Below are ten most important, sourced facts and the key open questions to watch out for.

1. Diella as an AI

Diella is a computer system presented as an animated avatar (shown in traditional Albanian dress) and introduced by Prime Minister Edi Rama as a cabinet “member” created by AI rather than a flesh-and-blood minister.

2. Official role and timing

The government
appointed Diella to take responsibility for public procurement when the new cabinet was presented in mid-September 2025. The announcement was made by Prime Minister Edi Rama.

3. Where Diella came from

Diella evolved from a virtual assistant on the government e-Albania portal (AKSHI’s platform). The system was developed by Albania’s National Agency for Information Society (AKSHI) and expanded into a cabinet-level AI.

4. What the government promises

Officials say Diella will make public procurement “100% free of corruption” by removing political discretion from awarding tenders and applying algorithmic decision-making. That is the reform pitch from PM Rama.

5. Legal and constitutional controversy

The appointment has sparked immediate debate. The presidency and opposition have expressed concern about constitutionality and who is accountable for ministerial decisions; some opposition figures have called the move political theatre.

6. Practical authority and human oversight unclear

Reports say procurement responsibilities are intended to be transferred gradually, but the government has not (publicly) published the full operational rules, human-in-the-loop safeguards, or the audit framework that would show who can override or audit Diella’s decisions.

That lack of detail is a major practical question.

7. Tech partnerships and the avatar

News reports say Diella was developed by Albania’s AI lab at AKSHI and Associated Press reports mention collaboration with Microsoft; the avatar’s likeness and voice have also been linked to a local actress in public reporting.

8. Innovation vs. democratic/ethical worries.

Domestic and international reaction is mixed. Supporters call it bold tech innovation to fight endemic corruption; critics warn about democratic accountability, potential for hidden biases, and the optics of “putting AI in power.” International outlets have also shown interest in how Diella will be deployed and analysts are watching closely.

9. Top technical and governance risks to watch

Key risks flagged by observers: how decisions will be explained to losing bidders; whether procurement datasets contain historical bias; who is responsible if the system is manipulated or hacked; and whether legal frameworks allow algorithmic substitution for political decision-making.

These issues drive both legal challenges and practical audit needs.