Larry Lee
The Latest
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Pope Francis Calls for Genocide Investigation Over Israel's Gaza Actions
Pope Francis has called for a thorough investigation into allegations that Israel's military actions in Gaza may constitute genocide. The remarks, which represent the pontiff's first direct call for an inquiry into such serious charges, come from excerpts of an upcoming book, "Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World," by Hernán Reyes Alcaide, to be released Tuesday. The book coincides with Francis' preparations for the 2025 jubilee year, expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome. 
Pope Francis has called for a thorough investigation into allegations that Israel's military actions in Gaza may constitute genocide. The remarks, which represent the pontiff's first direct call for an inquiry into such serious charges, come from excerpts of an upcoming book, "Hope Never Disappoints. Pilgrims Towards a Better World," by Hernán Reyes Alcaide, to be released Tuesday. The book coincides with Francis' preparations for the 2025 jubilee year, expected to draw millions of pilgrims to Rome. -
Russia Launches Deadly Strikes on Ukraine, Targeting Energy Grid
Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial offensives in months against Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure across the country and leaving at least five dead. The overnight barrage struck major cities, from Odesa and Dnipro to Rivne in the west, and forced residents of Kyiv to take shelter in the city's metro stations. 
Russia unleashed one of its largest aerial offensives in months against Ukraine, targeting critical energy infrastructure across the country and leaving at least five dead. The overnight barrage struck major cities, from Odesa and Dnipro to Rivne in the west, and forced residents of Kyiv to take shelter in the city's metro stations. -
Israeli Strike Reportedly Kills Hezbollah Media Chief
Mohammed Afif, the spokesperson and media relations chief for Hezbollah, was reportedly killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike targeting central Beirut, according to Lebanese security sources. 
Mohammed Afif, the spokesperson and media relations chief for Hezbollah, was reportedly killed on Sunday in an Israeli airstrike targeting central Beirut, according to Lebanese security sources. -
Austria Grapples with Russian Gas Supply Cutoff Amid Energy Tensions
Austria's energy landscape took a dramatic turn as Gazprom halted its natural gas deliveries to Austrian energy company OMV on Saturday, following a dispute over an arbitration award. This development, confirmed by Austrian officials, raises new questions about European energy security during the ongoing crisis sparked by Russia's war in Ukraine. 
Austria's energy landscape took a dramatic turn as Gazprom halted its natural gas deliveries to Austrian energy company OMV on Saturday, following a dispute over an arbitration award. This development, confirmed by Austrian officials, raises new questions about European energy security during the ongoing crisis sparked by Russia's war in Ukraine. -
Israeli Airstrikes Kill Medics in Southern Lebanon Amid Renewed Ceasefire Efforts
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least two medics and injured several others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, marking another deadly escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The attacks targeted emergency response teams in the towns of Kfartebnit and Borj Rahal near Tyre, as well as areas in Beirut's southern suburbs. Two additional medics remain unaccounted for. 
Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Saturday killed at least two medics and injured several others, according to the Lebanese Health Ministry, marking another deadly escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The attacks targeted emergency response teams in the towns of Kfartebnit and Borj Rahal near Tyre, as well as areas in Beirut's southern suburbs. Two additional medics remain unaccounted for. -
Zelensky Sees Faster End to War Under Trump, Seeks Diplomatic Path
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope to end the war with Russia next year through diplomatic channels, coinciding with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, Zelensky said he believes Trump's policies and his administration's approach will accelerate the conflict's resolution. 
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed his hope to end the war with Russia next year through diplomatic channels, coinciding with the anticipated return of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency. In an interview with Ukrainian broadcaster Suspilne, Zelensky said he believes Trump's policies and his administration's approach will accelerate the conflict's resolution. -
Scholz Presses Putin to End Ukraine War in First Direct Call Since 2022; Zelensky Warns Against Isolation Tactic
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday for the first time in nearly two years, urging the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw his troops. The hour-long call, confirmed by German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, saw Scholz pressing Putin for negotiations aimed at achieving a "just and lasting peace." 
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke directly with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday for the first time in nearly two years, urging the Russian leader to end the war in Ukraine and withdraw his troops. The hour-long call, confirmed by German government spokesperson Steffen Hebestreit, saw Scholz pressing Putin for negotiations aimed at achieving a "just and lasting peace." -
Iran Backs Lebanon in Ceasefire Talks as Israel Escalates Strikes
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has appealed to Iran for assistance in securing a ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This request, made during a meeting with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlights the urgent efforts to prevent further deterioration of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. Larijani's visit comes amid heightened U.S. diplomatic activity pushing both sides toward a ceasefire after more than 13 months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. 
Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati has appealed to Iran for assistance in securing a ceasefire in the escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. This request, made during a meeting with Ali Larijani, a senior adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, highlights the urgent efforts to prevent further deterioration of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border. Larijani's visit comes amid heightened U.S. diplomatic activity pushing both sides toward a ceasefire after more than 13 months of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. -
Ukraine Denies Secret Nuclear Weapon Plan
Ukraine has strongly dismissed claims suggesting it could be just months away from developing a nuclear weapon as a last-resort measure against Russia. The allegations, which originated from a report by the Centre for Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies-a Ukrainian military think tank-have sparked significant debate. According to the report, Kyiv could construct a rudimentary nuclear device using spent nuclear fuel from its nine operational power plants, potentially positioning such a move as a bargaining chip against Russian aggression. 
Ukraine has strongly dismissed claims suggesting it could be just months away from developing a nuclear weapon as a last-resort measure against Russia. The allegations, which originated from a report by the Centre for Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies-a Ukrainian military think tank-have sparked significant debate. According to the report, Kyiv could construct a rudimentary nuclear device using spent nuclear fuel from its nine operational power plants, potentially positioning such a move as a bargaining chip against Russian aggression. -
U.S. Opts Not to Limit Military Aid to Israel Amid Gaza Aid Concerns
The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it will not impose restrictions on military assistance to Israel despite only limited progress in expanding humanitarian aid access to Gaza. 
The Biden administration announced Tuesday that it will not impose restrictions on military assistance to Israel despite only limited progress in expanding humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
