JERUSALEM, March 10 (Reuters) - The Israeli military illegally used white phosphorus munitions over homes in the southern ‌Lebanese town Yohmor on March 3, posing a threat to civilians, Human Rights Watch ‌said in a report on Monday.

"The incendiary effects of white phosphorus can cause death or cruel injuries that result in ​lifelong suffering," Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon researcher at Human Rights Watch, said in the statement.

US President Trump Invites Over 50 Nations to Join ‘Board of Peace for Gaza’
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US President Donald Trump has invited over 50 countries to join a proposed “Board of Peace for Gaza” to oversee the ceasefire, reconstruction, and future peace efforts in the region. About 60 nations received invitations, including China, France, Germany, the UK, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, Egypt, Japan, India, and Russia. Some countries have confirmed participation, while others are still considering. France has reportedly declined, citing concerns over the board’s impact on existing international institutions. The move has sparked global attention as a new approach to managing post-war Gaza.
#fintternews

Hope Uzodimma Sponsors Imo INEC Officials’ Jerusalem Pilgrimage, Sparks Controversy

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has sponsored the Resident Electoral Commissioner, seven INEC department heads, and 27 electoral officers on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, scheduled to begin January 20, 2026. Sources confirmed the officials will be prayed for and formally sent off from the Government House Chapel before departing Owerri for Israel. The development has raised concerns over political patronage and the independence of electoral officials amid Nigeria’s fragile democracy.

#BreakingNews #INEC #ImoPolitics #HopeUzodimma #ElectoralIntegrity #NigeriaPolitics

Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer has reacted to claim to that the court is set to revisit the IPOB leader’s conviction after pressure from Israel and the United States.

Omo, gbe body oo! Former Rivers SSG, Tammy Danagogo, don ask police make dem shift him invitation. Na over alleged assassination plot against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike police wan question am. Letter from him lawyers talk say Danagogo dey out of town, so him no fit appear for January 15, dem beg make dem move am go January 26. Police dey investigate leaked audio wey dey link am with plan to hire Israeli people to kill Wike, plus approach Governor Fubara for funding. Meanwhile, Port Harcourt pastor, Dr. Tombari Gbeneol, don dey two weeks detention as police continue investigation. Police confirm say suspect dey custody, matter still dey under investigation.

Is Trump Becoming the Next “Fallen Despot”? Why Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei Compared Him to Pharaoh, Nimrod and the Shah Amid Rising U.S.–Iran Tensions

Is Donald Trump being cast as the next ruler destined for historical downfall? Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has launched a sharp ideological attack on the U.S. president, accusing him of “tyrannical” leadership and warning that, like infamous rulers of the past, he too could ultimately fall from power.

In a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), Khamenei condemned what he described as Trump’s habit of judging the world with arrogance, arguing that history offers repeated lessons about leaders who rule through hubris. Drawing striking parallels, the Iranian leader invoked figures such as Pharaoh, Nimrod, and Mohammad Reza Pahlavi—rulers who, he said, collapsed at the height of their authority after overreaching their power.

“The US President who judges arrogantly about the whole world should know that tyrants and arrogant rulers of the world… saw their downfall when they were at the peak of their hubris. He too will fall,” Khamenei wrote. The message framed Trump not merely as a political rival, but as part of a long lineage of leaders whose dominance, according to Khamenei, eventually gave way to decline.

The comments come amid deepening hostility between Tehran and Washington, defined by sanctions, military posturing, and public exchanges between senior officials. Khamenei, Iran’s highest authority, has consistently portrayed U.S. foreign policy as imperialistic, often embedding his criticisms within historical and religious narratives aimed at reinforcing Iran’s resistance ideology.

Tensions intensified further following reports that Trump praised Israeli military strikes on Iran in June 2025. According to ABC News Chief Washington Correspondent Jonathan Karl, Trump described the attack as “excellent,” adding that Iran had been given a chance to change course but failed to do so—and warning that “there’s more to come, a lot more.” His remarks coincided with a series of escalating confrontations between Israel and Iran, including strikes on Iranian territory, some reportedly reaching as far as Tehran.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry condemned the attacks as a “blatant act of aggression,” while regional analysts warned that rhetoric from both sides risks further destabilizing an already volatile Middle East. Against this backdrop, Khamenei’s comparison of Trump to fallen despots appears not only symbolic but strategic—seeking to frame U.S. pressure as morally bankrupt and historically doomed.

The episode raises broader questions: Is Khamenei merely engaging in ideological posturing, or is Iran signaling that it sees Trump’s leadership style as unsustainable in the long run? And does invoking ancient and modern tyrants reflect a deeper effort to mobilize domestic and regional opinion against American influence?

As U.S.–Iran relations continue to harden, the clash of narratives—Trump’s warnings of force and Khamenei’s predictions of downfall—underscores how geopolitical conflict today is fought not only with sanctions and weapons, but with history, symbolism, and the power of storytelling. Whether Trump’s approach will reinforce U.S. dominance or mirror the fate of leaders Khamenei cited remains a question shaping global attention.

Delta Police Redeploy Jesse DPO, Detain Constable Over ₦2.5M Extortion Allegations

The Delta State Police Command has redeployed CSP Chidi Nwabuzor, DPO of Jesse Division, and detained a constable following allegations of extorting ₦2.5 million from a woman seeking her brother’s release from custody.

The allegations surfaced in a viral video implicating the DPO and two officers, Bright and Usman, in the extortion. The victim’s brother, 20-year-old Israel Onojeruo, was initially arrested on January 1, 2026, after being implicated by another suspect. Both were later transferred to the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU).

In response, CP Aina Adesola ordered an immediate investigation by the Anti-Corruption (X-Squad) Unit. The constable, Bright, was detained at command headquarters, while the DPO was redeployed pending investigation due to prior complaints of unprofessional conduct.

The Police assured the public that any officer found guilty would be decisively dealt with under the Police Act. Citizens can report misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit via numbers: 09011112311, 09155570008, 09064308018, 09066575187.

#DeltaPolice #Extortion #NigeriaNews”

Delta Police Redeploy Jesse DPO, Detain Constable Over ₦2.5M Extortion Allegations

The Delta State Police Command has redeployed CSP Chidi Nwabuzor, DPO of Jesse Division, and detained a constable following allegations of extorting ₦2.5 million from a woman seeking her brother’s release from custody.

The allegations surfaced in a viral video implicating the DPO and two officers, Bright and Usman, in the extortion. The victim’s brother, 20-year-old Israel Onojeruo, was initially arrested on January 1, 2026, after being implicated by another suspect. Both were later transferred to the State Anti-Cult Unit (SACU).

In response, CP Aina Adesola ordered an immediate investigation by the Anti-Corruption (X-Squad) Unit. The constable, Bright, was detained at command headquarters, while the DPO was redeployed pending investigation due to prior complaints of unprofessional conduct.

The Police assured the public that any officer found guilty would be decisively dealt with under the Police Act. Citizens can report misconduct through the Complaint Response Unit via numbers: 09011112311, 09155570008, 09064308018, 09066575187.


#DeltaPolice #Extortion #NigeriaNews”

Is Iran’s Supreme Leader Blaming Protesters to Please Trump as Deadly Unrest, Internet Blackouts and Calls for Regime Change Shake Tehran?

Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has accused anti-government protesters of “ruining their own streets to make the president of another country happy,” as nationwide unrest continues to grip Tehran and other major cities despite an unprecedented internet and telephone shutdown. His remarks come amid escalating demonstrations that began over economic hardship but have rapidly evolved into the most serious challenge to Iran’s leadership in years.

Short videos circulating on social media before the blackout showed protesters chanting around bonfires, blocking roads, and leaving streets strewn with debris. Iranian state television later blamed the violence on “terrorist agents” backed by the United States and Israel, reporting unspecified “casualties” while offering few details. During a televised address, Khamenei warned of a hardline response, as crowds in the studio chanted “Death to America,” underscoring the regime’s narrative of foreign interference.

According to analysts, the protests gained momentum after public appeals by exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, who urged Iranians to take to the streets at coordinated times. Holly Dagres of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy said the calls had a decisive impact, transforming scattered demonstrations into a nationwide movement aimed at toppling the Islamic Republic. Witnesses in Tehran reported chants of “Death to the dictator,” “Death to the Islamic Republic,” and slogans calling for the return of the Pahlavi monarchy.

Pahlavi condemned the government’s decision to shut down communications, warning that cutting internet and landlines was intended to silence the protesters and prevent the world from seeing what was happening inside Iran. He urged international leaders to use “technical, financial, and diplomatic resources” to restore connectivity so that the voices of Iranians could be heard globally.

Human rights groups report a growing toll. The U.S.-based Human Rights Activists News Agency says at least 42 people have been killed and more than 2,270 detained since the protests began. State media acknowledged that private vehicles, public transport, metro stations, and emergency vehicles had been set ablaze during demonstrations, reinforcing claims of widespread unrest.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has also weighed in, warning Tehran against violently suppressing peaceful protesters and threatening severe consequences if the crackdown continues. His comments have fueled speculation that Iran’s leadership is framing the protests as a foreign-backed campaign to delegitimize domestic dissent.

As the internet blackout persists and security forces tighten their grip, questions remain: Are Iran’s leaders confronting a genuine popular uprising driven by economic despair and demands for freedom, or will the government succeed in recasting the movement as an externally orchestrated plot? With mounting deaths, mass arrests, and growing international attention, the unfolding crisis could redefine Iran’s political future.

Israeli Forces Raid Birzeit University in West Bank, Injure Palestinian Students with Live Ammunition and Tear Gas Amid International Law Concerns

Israeli forces stormed Birzeit University in the occupied West Bank on January 6, 2026, wounding at least three Palestinian students with live gunfire and injuring dozens more with tear gas during the raid. The incursion disrupted academic activities for over 8,000 students, with university officials reporting damage to campus facilities, including the main gate, and the seizure of equipment belonging to student movements.
Three students sustained gunshot wounds to the legs and were transferred to hospital by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, while others suffered suffocation or minor injuries from the chaos. The university’s Vice President for Academic Affairs, Assem Khalil, was also detained during the operation.
The Palestinian Ministry of Education condemned the raid as a violation of international law, emphasizing that attacks on universities constitute assaults on the right to education and the sanctity of academic institutions. The ministry urged international organizations, human rights groups, and media bodies to intervene and protect Palestinian higher education from repeated incursions.

#BirzeitUniversity #WestBank #PalestinianStudents #IsraelRaid #EducationUnderAttack #InternationalLaw #OccupiedPalestine #TearGas #Gunfire #PalestinianEducation

Israel Offers Intelligence Sharing to Nigeria to Tackle Insecurity, Protect Vulnerable Christian Communities – Envoy

Israel plans to support Nigeria in addressing insecurity and protecting Christian communities through intelligence sharing and strategic cooperation, according to Israel’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Michael Freeman. The initiative, outlined by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, emphasizes working in partnership with the Nigerian government and respecting national sovereignty.

Freeman stated the support targets broader security challenges, including terrorism, insurgency, and violent extremism, not just threats against Christians. He highlighted Israel’s model of religious freedom, pointing to the thriving Christian population in Israel as an example.

Amid growing concerns over attacks on Christians in Nigeria’s Middle Belt and northern regions, the Israeli involvement is intended as cooperation rather than unilateral action, with all sensitive operations guided by Abuja. The ambassador declined to speculate on potential U.S. unilateral interventions in Nigeria, emphasizing that Israel will act only with government approval.

The announcement comes as Nigeria continues to face threats from Boko Haram, ISWAP, and bandits, with recurring calls for international support to safeguard vulnerable communities.

Police Arrest Port Harcourt Pastor Over Alleged Plot to Assassinate FCT Minister Wike, Hunt Underway for Ex-Rivers SSG

Security operatives from the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have detained Dr. Tombari Joseph Gbeneol, a medical doctor and pastor of Life Forte Chapel Church in Port Harcourt, over an alleged plan to assassinate FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.

The arrest followed the interception of a phone call between Gbeneol and former Rivers State Secretary to the Government (SSG), Dr. Tammy Danagogo, in which they allegedly discussed hiring Israeli nationals to carry out the assassination and seeking funding from Governor Siminalayi Fubara.

Police confirmed Gbeneol is in custody, with investigations ongoing. Authorities are still searching for Danagogo, who reportedly went underground after the plot was uncovered. Security sources described the case as a grave national security threat.

Nigerian Activist Agena Robert Warns ‘If U.S. Can Invade Venezuela, They Can Invade Nigeria,’ Criticizes Trump as Dictator

Nigerian human rights activist Agena A. Robert has condemned the United States over its actions against Venezuela, labeling Washington’s foreign policy as hypocritical, imperialistic, and a threat to global sovereignty.

In a statement titled “The Hypocrisy of Empire: Why the U.S. Assault on Venezuela Is a Threat to Us All,” Robert argued that U.S. claims of promoting democracy are a pretext for controlling Venezuela’s resources. He accused U.S. President Donald Trump of acting like a dictator and criticized double standards in international relations, including tolerance for elites and selective criminalization.

Robert warned that developing nations, including Nigeria, are at risk of foreign intervention disguised as benevolence, citing U.S., Israeli, Chinese, Russian, and European influence under various pretexts. He called for countries in the Global South to resist domination and uphold sovereignty, stressing that Venezuela’s experience should serve as a wake-up call.

The activist emphasized solidarity with Venezuela and the importance of defending self-determination against neocolonial exploitation.

World Council of Churches Urges EU to Impose Sanctions, Enforce Arms Embargo on Israel Over Gaza War and Alleged Violations Against Palestinians

The World Council of Churches (WCC) has called on the European Union to impose sanctions and implement an arms embargo on Israel, citing what it described as a war of genocide in Gaza and continued violations against Palestinians in both Gaza and the occupied West Bank. The appeal was made amid growing international concern over the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territories.

In a statement reported by the Middle East Monitor, Iskandar Majlton, local coordinator of the Ecumenical Accompaniment Programme in Palestine and Israel under the WCC, said the council was deeply disturbed by the escalating cycle of violence and the immense human suffering it has caused. He stressed that the WCC’s position is firmly rooted in international law and human rights principles, condemning all attacks on civilians without exception.

Majlton highlighted what he described as an unprecedented humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip, noting that thousands of civilians—mostly women and children—have been killed, while nearly the entire population has been displaced amid widespread destruction, hunger, and disease. He further argued that the ongoing violence did not begin in October 2023 but is the result of decades-long occupation, the prolonged blockade of Gaza, and systemic inequality faced by Palestinians.

The WCC’s call adds to mounting global pressure on international bodies to take decisive action to address the conflict and uphold accountability under international law.

Venezuela’s Supreme Court Names Delcy Rodríguez Acting President After U.S. Captures Maduro

Following a U.S. military operation that captured Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela’s Supreme Court has appointed Vice President Delcy Rodríguez as acting president to ensure administrative continuity and national defense. Rodríguez partially blamed Israel for Maduro’s capture, calling it a foreign attack with “Zionist undertones.”

The U.S. State Department issued a Level 4 travel advisory for Venezuela, citing severe risks including arbitrary detention, civil unrest, terrorism, and poor health infrastructure. The embassy, operating from Bogotá, warned that all consular services remain suspended and urged U.S. citizens to take precautions, maintain communication with contacts outside the country, and enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

#Venezuela #DelcyRodríguez #MaduroCapture #USMilitary #InternationalCrisis #VenezuelanPolitics #TravelAdvisory #GlobalNews

The consequence of rigging election and forcing yourself on the people- Davido’s aide, Israel reacts to reported capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by US forces

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk Warns Israel Against Death Penalty Bills Targeting Palestinians, Says Proposed Laws Violate International Law

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has called on Israeli authorities to abandon proposed legislation that would introduce mandatory death sentences, warning that the bills violate international law and fundamental human rights standards. The proposed laws, currently before the Israeli Knesset, seek to lower the threshold for imposing capital punishment and would apply almost exclusively to Palestinians, particularly those tried under military law in the occupied West Bank.

Türk said the bills raise serious concerns about discrimination, due process violations, and breaches of international human rights and humanitarian law, stressing that the United Nations opposes the death penalty under all circumstances. He warned that mandatory death sentences, which remove judicial discretion, violate the right to life enshrined in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and carry an unacceptable risk of executing innocent people.

According to the UN, the legislation would require military courts to impose death sentences for intentional killing and amend Israel’s Penal Law to introduce capital punishment for acts defined as terrorism involving the killing of Israelis. Türk noted that the proposals appear explicitly discriminatory, citing language in the bills and public statements suggesting they are intended to apply only to Palestinians, many of whom are convicted after what the UN describes as unfair trials.

The High Commissioner also warned that parts of the legislation could be applied retroactively to cases linked to the October 7, 2023 attacks, violating the principle of legality, and criticised vague definitions that could allow arbitrary use of the death penalty. He further cautioned that denying Palestinians in occupied territories fair trial guarantees under the Fourth Geneva Convention could amount to war crimes. The UN human rights office has urged Israeli lawmakers to halt the legislative process and ensure that any criminal justice measures uphold equality, due process, and the protection of life under international law.

Over 530 Journalists Imprisoned Worldwide in 2025, Including 4 in Nigeria – IFJ Report

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) reported that 533 journalists and media staff were jailed globally in 2025, highlighting ongoing threats to press freedom. Detentions were largely related to professional activities, with China (136), Myanmar (49), Vietnam (37), and Israel (41 Palestinian journalists) recording the highest numbers.

In Africa, Nigeria accounted for four imprisonments, while other countries affected included Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Cameroon. The report also noted 128 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide during the year.

IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger described the situation as a global crisis, urging governments to protect journalists, bring perpetrators to justice, and support a UN convention ensuring journalists’ safety and independence.

Trump Warns Iran of U.S. Military Action Amid Deadly Protests, Says America ‘Locked and Loaded’

U.S. President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran, stating that the United States is prepared to intervene militarily if Iranian authorities violently suppress peaceful protesters. Posting on Truth Social, Trump condemned Iran’s “custom” of targeting demonstrators, declaring that America is “locked and loaded and ready to go.”

The remarks drew sharp responses from Iran, with senior adviser Ali Larijani warning that U.S. interference could destabilize the Middle East. The threats coincide with the largest wave of protests in Iran in three years, sparked by inflation, economic hardship, and government mismanagement.

At least six people have reportedly been killed since the protests began, including a Basij paramilitary member, while dozens have been arrested. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian acknowledged government responsibility for the crisis and called for dialogue with protest leaders.

Analysts note that escalating unrest, economic woes, and ongoing regional tensions, including U.S. and Israeli strikes, have heightened the risk of further violence and instability in Iran.

Israel Announces ‘New Front’ to Protect Christian Communities in Africa and Middle East, Names Nigeria Among Key Focus Areas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced the opening of what he described as a “new front” dedicated to protecting Christian communities across Africa and the Middle East, including Nigeria. Speaking to an audience of Christian Zionists in a speech published on the Israeli Prime Minister’s official YouTube channel, Netanyahu said Israel was responding to growing global threats against what he termed the “Judeo-Christian civilization.”

He credited Christian Zionists with playing a crucial role in the emergence and survival of Israel and described the partnership as enduring and strategic. Netanyahu claimed Israel had recently fought and survived a “seven-front war” but insisted an “eighth front” had emerged—one focused on influencing hearts and minds, especially of young people.

According to him, the struggle extends beyond Israel to the United States and its allies, framing it as a broader battle for Western civilization. He identified radical Shiite and Sunni Islamist groups, naming Iran and the Muslim Brotherhood, as major threats, alleging their influence stretches across Europe, the U.S., Africa, and Nigeria.

Netanyahu also highlighted what he described as widespread persecution of Christians in countries such as Nigeria, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, and others, asserting that Israel is the only country actively protecting and enabling Christian communities to thrive. He announced Israel’s intention to join efforts to form a global coalition—likened to a “United Nations” for Christian community protection—offering intelligence and other forms of support, particularly in Africa and the Middle East.

He concluded by reaffirming Israel’s commitment to defending Christian communities worldwide and extended New Year and Christmas greetings, expressing hope for peace, security, and prosperity, especially for persecuted Christians.