Israeli tanks crash into gate of UN headquarters in Lebanon
On October 13, two Israeli tanks destroyed the gate of the headquarters of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), according to Reuters. The incident occurred when Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu called for the evacuation of UNIFIL troops from the area of fighting with Hezbollah.
After the tank crashed through the gate, several explosions occurred nearby, causing black smoke to fill the compound, leaving 15 UNIFIL soldiers treated for smoke inhalation. UNIFIL condemned this as a serious violation of international humanitarian law and Resolution 1701.
US suddenly changes stance on conflict in Lebanon
On October 13, the US changed its stance, supporting Israel's attacks on Lebanon to destroy Hezbollah facilities, instead of calling for a ceasefire as before.
The US sees this as a new approach to finding a diplomatic solution, said Matthew Miller, spokesman for the US Department of Foreign Affairs. However, this change comes with risks, as the US and Israel may face the risk of stirring up a regional war. Previously, the ceasefire effort failed after Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.
5,000-year-old giant tomb discovered in China
An ancient royal tomb dating back about 5,000 years has just been discovered at the Wangzhuang site in Henan Province, China. With an area of over 17 square meters, the tomb is considered "super large" compared to the period of construction.
About 350 artifacts, including a jade veil, were unearthed. Archaeologists believe the tomb's owner may have been a king of a prehistoric kingdom. The Wangzhuang site dates back to the Dawenkou Culture, a flourishing late Neolithic culture.
1.4 million North Korean youths join the army in 1 week
North Korea announced that around 1.4 million young people, including students and union officials, had joined or re-enlisted in the past week alone. According to the KCNA news agency, these young people pledged to join the "sacred war to annihilate the enemy".
The statement comes amid escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula, with increased military moves from both North and South Korea. North Korea warned that if war breaks out, "South Korea will be wiped off the map."
EU says it will do well without Russian gas
EU Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson has insisted that the EU can live well without Russian gas. She has warned European gas companies against seeking new deals to maintain Russian gas flows through Ukraine, calling this a “dangerous political choice”.
The transit agreement between Russia and Ukraine will expire on December 31, 2024, and Ukraine has announced that it will not be extended. The EU has prepared alternative supply routes, reducing its dependence on Russian gas from 45% in 2021 to 15% in 2023.
