Editorial 11.12.24
International news continues to dominate the UK newspaper front pages this morning as events across the Middle East continue to unfold as do updates into the shooting death of American healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
In domestic news, the government has plans to open 14,000 more prison places and government departments have recommended a pay rise of 2.8% for millions of public sector workers including teachers, NHS staff and senior civil servants next year.
Last night’s Champions League matches make the back pages with Liverpool’s 1-0 win – continuing their perfect start to the campaign – leading most sports pages.
‘Aftermath of Assad fall’
‘Israeli strikes on Syria’s naval fleet is new turmoil in the Middle East,’ says the i.
The i newspaper reports on strikes against Syria’s naval fleet by Israel and Kurdish positions in the north of the country by Turkey, saying there is a “new turmoil” in the Middle East.
‘Israel bombed weapons silos to stop equipment falling into hands of terrorists,’ says The Times.
The Times says Israel bombed hundred of weapons of silos, warplanes, and tanks, quoting the Israeli military saying it wanted to stop the equipment “falling into the hands of terrorist elements”.
Israel has acknowledged that some of its troops have moved beyond a UN buffer zone on the Syrian side of the border but insists it does not intend to march on Damascus, the paper says. The Israeli PM is quoted saying Israel will “do what is necessary to ensure our security.”
‘Israel says they are not a side in this conflict,’ The Guardian says.
The Guardian’s front page quotes Israeli military spokesperson Lt Col Nadav Shoshani as saying “We are not involved in what’s happening in Syria internally,” he says. “We are not a side in this conflict and we do not have any interest other than protecting our borders and the security of our citizens.”
‘Syrian rebels drawing up hit list of those who tortured and killed for Assad regime,’ says the Mirror.
The Daily Mirror says rebels in Syria are drawing up a hit list of people who tortured and killed the Assad regime. The paper says up to 157,000 people might have disappeared after being detained by government forces and bounties are being offered for their capture.
‘CEO shooting suspect to plead not guilty’
‘Mangione manifesto apologises for strife and trauma caused,’ notes the Metro.
The Metro leads with the latest in the Brian Thompson killing. The paper says the man accused of killing the US healthcare CEO, Luigi Mangione, 26, was arrested at a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania. Mangione was found with a three-page handwritten document saying: “I apologise for any strife and trauma, but it had to be done”, the paper says.
Online, the papers continue their coverage.
‘Mangione to plead not guilty,’ says The Guardian.
The Guardian notes Mangione is expected to plead not guilty and will continue to fight extradition to New York.
‘Mangione fiery court appearance as he’s dragged into court,’ says The Independent.
The Independent reports on Luigi Mangione’s fiery court appearance, noting he shouted to reporters – “It’s completely out of touch and an insult to the intelligence of the American people and their lived experience!” – as police dragged him into court.