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.

The Rock-Hewn Churches of Lalibela in Ethiopia are one of the most amazing spiritual sites in the world. Carved directly into solid rock, these ancient churches were built as a “New Jerusalem” and are still active places of worship today. A true masterpiece of faith, history, and African creativity.

#Lalibela #Ethiopia #AfricanHistory #WorldHeritage #places

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

Israeli PM Netanyahu Condemns Attacks on Christians in Nigeria, Calls for Immediate End to Religious Violence

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned militant attacks against Christians in Nigeria, calling the violence “must end, and it must end now” in his Christmas message from Jerusalem. Netanyahu highlighted Israel as a model of religious freedom, contrasting it with regions where Christians face persecution, including Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, the Palestinian Authority, and Nigeria. He cited the dwindling Christian population in Bethlehem, which fell from 80% to 20% under Palestinian Authority control, and criticized ongoing violence against Christian communities. Netanyahu reaffirmed Israel’s support for Christians globally, stating that the country “stands up for Christians across the region” and sends blessings to Christians worldwide.

#NetanyahuSpeaks #ChristianPersecutionNigeria #ReligiousFreedom

Terror Attack at Bondi Beach During Hanukkah Celebration in Sydney Leaves Multiple Injured, Police Make Arrests

A Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach in Sydney, Australia, turned chaotic as gunmen opened fire on the crowd, leaving multiple people injured and some feared dead. Police confirmed that two suspects are in custody, while the operation to secure the area continues. Social media footage shows a bystander confronting and disarming one of the attackers. Authorities urged the public to avoid the area. The attack has sent shockwaves through the city, occurring during the Jewish Festival of Lights, Hanukkah, celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the Second Temple in Jerusalem.

Israel kills 2 Palestinians in Gaza amid fragile ceasefire
JERUSALEM/ABU DHABI - Israeli soldiers killed at least two Palestinians in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the military said, describing them as militants who crossed a demarcation line separating areas under Israeli military control.

October 7 Massacre a ‘Mistake That Cost Iran Dearly,’ - Iran Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei Says.

In a stunning reversal of rhetoric, an Iranian newspaper closely aligned with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has described Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel as a “grave mistake” that inflicted serious damage on Iran’s regional influence. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, the statement marks one of the first public acknowledgments within Iran’s ruling establishment that the Gaza war has weakened, rather than strengthened, Tehran’s strategic position in the Middle East.

In an editorial published this week, the Islamic Republic newspaper overseen by a representative of Khamenei sharply departed from the regime’s long-standing narrative that celebrated the attack as a victory for the so-called “Axis of Resistance.” “Contrary to many opinions and analyses, the ‘Al-Aqsa Flood’ operation was a mistake,” the paper wrote, referring to Hamas’s coordinated assault that killed and kidnapped thousands inside Israel on October 7, 2023.

The editorial went on to argue that the consequences of the attack have been overwhelmingly negative for Iran and its network of allied militias and governments across the region. It specifically cited Syria’s apparent distancing from Tehran as one of the most damaging developments to result from the conflict. “Syria’s departure from the Axis of Resistance and its shift toward alignment with the United States and Israel is one of the most damaging developments of the past two years,” the paper stated, calling it a “direct outcome” of Hamas’s offensive.

The tone of the piece stands in sharp contrast to previous statements by Iranian officials, including Khamenei himself, who had hailed the October 7 assault as a “historic victory” and a “turning point in the struggle against Israel.” Iranian state media and military commanders had also praised Hamas for “changing the balance of power” in the region.

No remorse or regret in our action murdering 1,200 Israelis on October 7th— Hamas leader, Hamad says.

According to the Jerusalem Post report on Friday September 26, 2025, Hamas political bureau member Ghazi Hamad has expressed no regret for the October 7 attacks on Israel, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages. In a CNN interview published on Friday, Hamad claimed the attacks targeted only military objectives and that civilians were not intentionally kidnapped.

He argued that the operation has advanced the Palestinian cause, citing increased international support and condemnations of Israel at the UN General Assembly. Hamad stated, "You know what the benefit of [October 7] is now? …If you look at the (United Nations) General Assembly yesterday, when about 194 people opened their eyes and looked at the atrocity, the brutality of Israel and all of them, they condemned Israel. We waited for this moment for 77 years."

Hamad showed no remorse for Palestinian civilian losses in Gaza, asserting that Palestinians "are proud to sacrifice martyrs." When presented with footage of Gazans criticizing Hamas, he refused to engage fully. On hostages, he denied using them as human shields, claiming they are treated according to "Islamic principles," countering Israeli accusations. Another Hamas official, Osama Hamdan, linked recent state recognitions of Palestine to the attacks.

The context of the October 7 assaults involves Hamas's invasion from Gaza, leading to widespread violence and Israel's subsequent military response. Hamad's stance defends the attacks as strategically beneficial, despite the devastation in Gaza. Negotiations with the US under President Trump have stalled, with Hamad accusing the US of involvement in an assassination attempt on him, eroding trust in mediators.

Hamad's unapologetic position highlights Hamas's defiant narrative amid ongoing conflict, potentially complicating peace efforts. It underscores tensions in mediation and the human cost on both sides. The interview reveals deep divisions, with implications for international diplomacy and the prospects of a ceasefire.

Update: Israel will close French and UK consulates in Jerusalem. Others that recognize Palestine may also be removed!

POPULAR NIGERIAN GOSPEL SINGER IS DEAD.

Popular gospel singer Israel Terhemba Ikyereve, known by his stage name New Jerusalem, is dead.
He passed away at the age of 53.

News of his death has sparked widespread mourning across Benue State, particularly within the Christian community, where he was revered for transforming Tiv Swange music into a powerful medium for spreading the gospel.

Former Governor of Benue State, Chief Samuel Ortom, led tributes to the late gospel icon during a condolence visit to his residence in Makurdi. Accompanied by members of the Brethren Prayer Group, Ortom described Ikyereve as a devoted Christian whose music resonated far beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“His songs touched my heart as a lover of Christ,” Ortom said. “That attraction led me to seek a personal relationship with him, which began a lasting bond with his family.”

The former governor recounted witnessing the late singer’s music featured in an international programme in Australia, where a Tiv man was teaching music while New Jerusalem’s songs played in the background.

According to Ortom, this was a clear testament to the global impact of Ikyereve’s gospel ministry.

He offered prayers for the bereaved family and pledged his continued support to them and the New Jerusalem Gospel Music Troupe, promising not to abandon them after the burial.

Speaking on behalf of the family, Hon. Iorshagher Ikyereve, the elder brother of the deceased, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Ortom for his unwavering support throughout the late singer’s illness and beyond.

He also disclosed that one of Israel’s sons was named “Ortom” in honour of the former governor’s compassionate involvement in their lives.

Prayers were also led by Rev. Pastor Tor Ujah and Dr Joseph Antyo, both leaders of the Brethren Prayer Group.

The late gospel artist is survived by his wife, fellow gospel singer Deborah Msendoo Ikyereve, four children, and several relatives.

His burial is scheduled for Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Sati Agirigi, Mbamo, Shitile, in Katsina-Ala Local Government Area of Benue State.

IRAN RETALIATES BY HITTING ISRAEL AFTER U.S STRIKES

Iran has carried out a barrage of missile attacks against Israel, hours after the United States attacked key Iranian nuclear sites.

Loud explosions were heard in coastal hub Tel Aviv and Jerusalem on Sunday shortly after the Israeli military reported incoming Iranian missiles and activated air defences.

Sirens rang in Israeli cities, with rescue services and media reports saying at least 20 people were injured.

Israeli police reported “the fall of weapon fragments” in an area near the northern port of Haifa, where local authorities said emergency services were heading to an “accident site”.

Tel Aviv, Haifa, and the southern city of Beersheba have been the three Israeli areas targeted by Iran frequently.

Reporting on missile strikes is subject to strict military censorship rules in Israel, where at least 50 impacts have been officially acknowledged nationwide and 25 people have been killed since the war started on June 13, according to official figures.

Iran has warned of “everlasting consequences” after President Donald Trump claimed the US attacks “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities at Isfahan, Fordow and Natanz.

Meanwhile, Iran’s National Nuclear Safety System Centre and the United Nations nuclear watchdog, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), say there has been no increase in radiation levels following the US strikes.

ISRAEL AIR FORCE HIT 12 IRANIAN MISSILE LAUNCH SITES IN PRECISION STRIKES

In a decisive escalation of its military campaign, Israel has launched a powerful wave of airstrikes targeting Iranian missile infrastructure deep inside hostile territory. The Israeli Air Force struck 12 missile storage and launch sites belonging to Iran, in what the military described as a strategic move to prevent further attacks on Israeli soil.

According to a report shared today by The Times of Israel, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) released footage showing Iranian forces preparing to launch ballistic missiles toward Israel. The videos, captured by surveillance and attack drones, show the exact moment Israeli jets identified the threat and moved swiftly to neutralise it.

One of the released clips features a precision strike on an Iranian air defence system guarding one of the missile sites. The second video shows direct hits on Iranian launch infrastructure, reportedly moments before a planned missile barrage. These visuals were shared by the IDF to reinforce claims that the strikes were not only pre-emptive but highly accurate.

The military operation comes as part of Israel’s broader efforts to dismantle Iran’s ability to wage direct or proxy attacks. In recent days, the IDF has intensified its operations across multiple fronts, targeting Iranian assets and proxies in Syria, Iraq, and now Iran itself.

This latest strike demonstrates Israel’s growing reliance on real-time intelligence and high-precision air power in thwarting threats before they can materialise. With tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem at their highest in years, Israel’s message is unmistakably clear: any preparations to attack will be met with immediate and overwhelming force.

As the situation evolves, all eyes are now on Iran’s next move — and whether the United States will deepen its involvement amid rising pressure to support Israeli military efforts.

EXPLOSIONS HEARD IN TEL AVIV AND JERUSALEM AS ISRAEL MILITARY WARNS OF INCOMING IRAN MISSILE

Israeli forces issued an evacuation warning for parts of north-eastern Tehran ahead of plans to target "military infrastructure"
Shortly afterwards, US President Donald Trump posted on social media that "everyone should immediately evacuate Tehran"
Trump has left the G7 meeting in Canada early "so he can attend to many important matters," the White House has confirmed
Iranian state media reported explosions and heavy air defence fire in Tehran in the early hours of Tuesday morning, according to Reuters
Israeli authorities have now lifted an earlier alert that covered several regions after they detected missiles being launched from Iran - a number of injuries have been reported in Israel
Earlier, dramatic footage showed a live broadcast on Iranian state TV being hit by Israeli strikes
Iran has also closed its airspace until 14:00 local time, according to state media.

Billionaire Elon Musk announced on social media platform X that he has activated Starlink satellite internet service in Iran after Tehran shut down internet access following Israeli strikes on its nuclear facilities early Friday.

“The beams are on,” Musk tweeted Saturday morning.

On Friday, Iran’s Communications Ministry confirmed temporary internet restrictions had been imposed nationwide, preventing citizens from accessing external news amid escalating tensions between Tehran and Jerusalem.