Author: WTX News

Hamas claims Tel Aviv bomb explosion as suicide attack Hamas has claimed responsibility for a bomb explosion in Tel Aviv on Sunday night that left one person dead and another injured. Israeli authorities confirmed the incident as a terrorist attack, with a powerful explosive device detonating on Lehi Street in southern Tel Aviv.  The blast occurred about an hour after the US secretary of state arrived in the city to discuss a ceasefire and hostage release deal for Gaza. CCTV footage showed a man carrying a backpack moments before the explosion. Paramedics pronounced the suspected attacker, a man in his…

Scientists have finally revealed whether you should put cream or jam first on scones Cream first, or jam first? It’s a question that never fails to divide people, from couples, to friends, and families everyone has their own hot take on cream tea etiquette. And the answer is often very different depending on where you are in the UK, with those in Cornwall believing jam goes first, then clotted cream on top. However, those in Devon are of the opinion that the cream is more like butter and should go on first. But it seems the debate might have finally…

Ukraine has destroyed second Russian bridge Ukraine has destroyed a second strategic bridge in Russia’s Kursk region within a week as it continues its incursion into Russian territory. The Ukrainian military released aerial footage showing a strike on a bridge over the Seym River in Zvannoe, which left part of the structure destroyed. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later confirmed that the incursion aims to create a “buffer zone” to prevent Russian attacks. This marks nearly two weeks since Ukraine launched its largest offensive on Russian soil since the invasion began in 2022. Earlier, Ukraine had destroyed another key bridge over…

Last opportunity to secure ceasefire and hostage release deal – Blinken  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has called the current moment “probably the best, maybe the last opportunity” to secure a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. Blinken made these remarks during a meeting with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, marking his ninth visit to the region since the conflict began in October. The U.S. has shown optimism about reaching a deal, particularly after talks resumed in Doha last week. However, Hamas has dismissed claims of progress as an “illusion,” insisting that any agreement must include the complete withdrawal…

Manhunt in Spain after boy killed playing football Spanish police are searching for a man suspected of killing an 11-year-old boy on a football pitch in Mocejón, near Toledo. The boy was reportedly playing with other children when he was attacked by a hooded individual on Sunday morning. The suspect believed to be around 18 years old, fled the scene, sparking a large manhunt involving a dozen patrols and a helicopter. Local authorities confirmed the attack occurred around 10:00 AM local time. Later that day, residents gathered outside the town hall for a minute’s silence in tribute to the young…

Libya’s central bank halts operations after director kidnapped Libya’s central bank has halted all operations following the kidnapping of its IT director, Musab Msallem, in Tripoli. The bank condemned the abduction, stating that Msallem was taken from his home by an unknown group, and other employees have also faced kidnapping threats. The bank, which plays a crucial role as the sole internationally recognised depository for Libya’s oil revenues, has vowed not to resume operations until Msallem is released. This incident follows a recent siege of the bank by armed men, reportedly aimed at forcing the resignation of the bank’s governor,…

Protests across Venezuela as election dispute goes on Venezuelans have taken to the streets to protest Nicolás Maduro’s contested presidential election win. Opposition leader María Corina Machado, who had been in hiding after being accused of insurrection, joined the protests in Caracas, urging supporters not to be afraid and emphasising that the people’s voice should be heard. Despite a heavy police and military presence, opposition supporters continued their demonstrations, waving election records as evidence of their claimed victory. Machado, who was barred from running in the election, called for nationwide protests to increase pressure on Maduro to concede. Nicolás Maduro…

French film legend Alain Delon dies aged 88 Alain Delon, the French film legend who became an international icon, has died at the age of 88. His death was confirmed by his children on Sunday, who expressed their sadness in a joint statement sent to AFP and reported by French press. Their statement, which has been translated, read: ‘Alain Fabien, Anouchka, Anthony, as well as (his dog) Loubo, have the immense sadness to announce the departure of their father. ‘He passed away peacefully in his house in Douchy, surrounded by his three children and his family. Read More ↗

Diesel facility bursts into flames as Ukrainians strike 125 miles inside Russia A key fuel facility 125 miles inside Russia has been targeted by Ukrainian troops as they keep up their pressure campaign on Vladimir Putin. Video footage shows huge flames leaping from the Proletarsk diesel storage site in the Rostov region this morning. At least five kamikaze drones are thought to have been used by Ukraine in the attack, which sought to damage Russia’s military supply lines. The blaze was so immense that a fire-fighting train was sent to tackle it. Read More ↗

Katy Perry video prompts investigation in Spain Spanish officials are investigating a music video by Katy Perry, filmed on the ecologically sensitive dunes of the Balearic Islands, for lacking proper permits. The video for her latest single, Lifetimes, features scenes of Perry enjoying the beaches and nightlife of Ibiza and Formentera. However, footage believed to have been shot in the protected dunes of S’Espalmador, a small islet north of Formentera, has raised concerns. The Spanish government alleges that the production company behind the video did not seek the necessary authorisation to film in the area. While Katy Perry herself is…

Yemen flooding leaves at least 57 dead, UN says Flooding in Yemen has claimed at least 57 lives and displaced thousands, according to the UN. Over 34,000 families have been impacted by heavy rains that began in late June and intensified in early August, worsening the country’s already severe humanitarian crisis caused by nearly a decade of civil conflict. Regions like Hudaydah, Hajjah, Taiz, and Marib have been severely affected, with Hudaydah experiencing significant destruction and the displacement of over 6,000 families. Roads are closed, and access to these areas is challenging, the UN reported. The International Organization for Migration…

Teenager stabs five at outdoor cafe in Turkey An 18-year-old has been detained after livestreaming himself stabbing five people at an open-air cafe in Eskisehir, a city in northwestern Turkey. The attack, which took place on Monday, was streamed on social media via a camera mounted on the suspect’s chest. The victims, aged between 57 and 87, were relaxing in a tea garden after praying at a nearby mosque when they were attacked. All five were hospitalised, with two in critical condition. The suspect, identified as Arda K., was found carrying two knives, a small axe, and was dressed in…

No more active wildfires in Athens area – fire service Wildfires around Athens have been brought under control, but Greek officials remain vigilant as the risk of flare-ups persists. Greece’s chief fire brigade spokesman, Vasilis Vathrakogiannis, stated that firefighters will continue to monitor the area and maintain a strong presence, as gusty winds and daytime temperatures above 30°C (86°F) could reignite the flames. The fires, which broke out north of Athens on Sunday, devastated 100,000 acres of land, resulting in one death and multiple injuries, including among firefighters. Thousands of residents were evacuated, and although the smoke cloud over Athens…

US aims to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East The U.S. is working to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East amid concerns over a possible Iranian retaliatory attack on Israel. U.S. Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, emphasised the country’s goal to “deter and defend against any future attack and avoid regional conflict” during a UN Security Council meeting. At the Security Council meeting in New York, Thomas-Greenfield called for a ceasefire deal to be finalised. “A broader regional conflict is not inevitable,” she said. “The United States’ overall goal remains to turn the temperature down in the region, deter…

Japan set for new PM as Kishida bows out as party leader Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has announced that he will not seek re-election as leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), signalling a need for a “new start” within the party. The 67-year-old leader, who has served as Prime Minister since 2021, is expected to step down after the LDP selects a new leader in September. Kishida’s decision comes as his popularity has sharply declined due to a corruption scandal within his party, rising living costs, and a weakening yen. His approval ratings hit a record low…

One dead as wildfires rage across Athens suburbs Fierce wildfires in the suburbs of Athens killed one person on Monday as flames spread rapidly across northern parts of the city. The body, believed to be a woman, was found in a shop in Vrilissia, a town in northern Athens, according to fire service sources. Thousands have been evacuated as the fires threaten homes, businesses, and schools, with authorities warning that the blazes could persist into Tuesday. While the main fire front in the north-eastern Attica region, which includes parts of Athens, has been contained, numerous smaller fires remain active, particularly…

Ukraine claims to control 1,000 sq km of Russian territory Ukraine’s top commander, Oleksandr Syrskyi, announced that Ukrainian forces have seized control of 1,000 square kilometres of Russian territory in their largest cross-border incursion since the war began. The offensive, now in its seventh day, is focused on Russia’s Kursk region. President Volodymyr Zelensky stated that Russia, having brought war to others, is now experiencing it on its own soil. In response, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned the attack as a “major provocation” and ordered Russian forces to expel Ukrainian troops from the area. As the conflict intensifies, around 59,000…

US sends submarine to Middle East as tensions grow The US has deployed a guided missile submarine to the Middle East as regional tensions escalate following the assassination of senior Hezbollah and Hamas leaders. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also announced that an aircraft carrier, which was already heading to the area would sail there more quickly. This move highlights the US’s commitment to defending Israel, with Austin stating that the US will “take every possible step” to protect its ally. The deployment comes amid concerns that Iran may retaliate for the assassination of Hamas’s top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, in…

Hamas says Gaza truce talks must be based on Joe Biden’s plan Hamas has stated that any ceasefire talks regarding the conflict in Gaza should be based on existing plans rather than introducing new rounds of negotiations. This comes after international mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US urged both Israel and Hamas to participate in ceasefire and hostage release negotiations scheduled for August 15. Israel has agreed to send a team of negotiators, following a previous breakdown in talks last month when new terms were introduced to a framework initially presented by US President Joe Biden in May. On…

Pilot killed as chopper crashes into Australian hotel A helicopter crashed into the roof of the DoubleTree by Hilton hotel in Cairns, northern Queensland, early Monday morning, resulting in the death of the pilot. The crash, which occurred around 01:50 am local time, ignited a fire and forced the evacuation of hundreds of hotel guests. Authorities confirmed that the pilot, the sole occupant of the helicopter, died at the scene. Two hotel guests, an elderly man in his 80s and a woman in her 70s, were taken to the hospital in stable condition. Queensland Police and the Australian Transport Safety…

Ukrainian troops now up to 30km inside Russia, Moscow says Ukrainian forces have advanced up to 30 kilometres inside Russia, marking the most significant incursion since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The offensive, taking place in Russia’s Kursk region, has entered its sixth day. Russia’s defence ministry reported clashes between its troops and Ukrainian forces near the villages of Tolpino and Obshchy Kolodez. Meanwhile, Russia’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova accused Kyiv of “intimidating the peaceful population of Russia.” In his nightly address, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed the attack, noting that Russia had launched…

Greek residents flee as wildfire rages uncontrolled near Athens A massive wildfire north of Athens has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents as flames, some reaching 25 meters (80 feet) high, continue to devastate the area. The historic site of Marathon is among the regions where emergency services are relocating people to safety. In the nearby town of Varnavas, properties have been engulfed by the fire, with firefighters working to rescue those trapped in a convoy of 20 to 25 vehicles attempting to flee the area. Greece has been battling 40 wildfires since Saturday afternoon, with seven still active.…

Venezuela opposition urges global protest over poll result Venezuela’s opposition party is urging worldwide protests on August 17 in response to its claim of winning the recent presidential election. The official results, announced by the government-controlled electoral commission, declared President Nicolás Maduro the winner, granting him a third consecutive term. The opposition claims that its candidate, Edmundo González, was the true victor and demands the release of detailed polling station data. This claim has gained support from the European Union and the US, while several Latin American countries have yet to recognise Maduro’s win. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado called…

Rwandan president sworn in after 99% election win Paul Kagame has officially begun his fourth term as Rwanda’s president after securing 99% of the vote in last month’s election. While Kagame is credited with bringing peace and stability to Rwanda following the 1994 genocide, critics argue that his rule has become increasingly authoritarian, stifling dissent and democracy. Rights groups have pointed to the overwhelming electoral margin as evidence of a flawed democratic process, noting that only two challengers were allowed to run against Kagame in the July 15 election. This is consistent with his previous election victories, where he has…

Venezuelan president bans X for 10 days over Musk row Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has signed a decree blocking access to the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) for 10 days after a public feud with its owner, Elon Musk. The dispute began after Maduro was declared the winner of last month’s contested presidential election. Musk called Maduro a “dictator” and a “clown,” while Maduro accused Musk of inciting hatred and violence. Amid rising anti-government protests over the election, Venezuela’s security forces have arrested hundreds. Independent observers and the main opposition party have labelled the July 28 election as undemocratic,…