World condemns Israeli attack that killed five Al Jazeera journalists

Media rights groups and the United Nations has condemned Israel’s attack in Gaza that killed six journalists, including correspondent Anas al-Sharif.

The journalists who happen to work for Al Jazeera were killed in an Israeli air strike on Sunday, an act which the UN calls a grave breach of international law.

Israel’s military confirms it targeted Anas al-Sharif, alleging, without proof, that Sharif had served as the head of a terrorist cell in Hamas.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said through a spokesman that the UK government was “gravely concerned” and called for an independent investigation. He stated that Israel should ensure journalists can work safely and report without fear.

The funerals of Sharif, fellow Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed Qreiqeh, journalist Mohammad al-Khaldi and cameramen Ibrahim Zaher, Mohammed Noufal and Moamen Aliwa took place on Monday following the targeted missile strike on their tent at al-Shifa hospital in Gaza City.

The Foreign Press Association said it was outraged by the targeted killing. It said the Israeli military had repeatedly labelled Palestinian journalists “as militants, often without verifiable evidence”.

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said it was appalled by the attack and that Israel had failed to provide evidence to back up its allegations against Palestinian journalists.

“Israel has a longstanding, documented pattern of accusing journalists of being terrorists without providing any credible proof,” the organisation added.

The Israeli military has suggested it has documents found in Gaza that confirmed Sharif belonged to Hamas.

It said these include “personnel rosters, lists of terrorist training courses, phone directories and salary documents”.

The only materials that have been released for publication are screenshots of spreadsheets apparently listing Hamas operatives from the northern Gaza Strip, noting injuries to Hamas operatives, and a section of what is said to be a phone directory for the armed group’s East Jabalia battalion.

No Israeli explanation has so far been given for the killing of the entire Al Jazeera news crew.

CPJ says at least 186 journalists have been killed since the start of Israel’s military offensive in Gaza in October 2023.

The Israeli government does not allow international news organisations into Gaza to report freely, so many outlets rely on Gaza-based reporters for coverage.

Anas al-Sharif was a household name who had millions of followers online.

Zambian policeman deliberately freed 13 suspects to celebrate New Year

A police officer in Zambia freed 13 suspects from custody so that they could go and celebrate the new year.

Detective inspector Titus Phiri was arrested after releasing the suspects from Leonard Cheelo police station in the capital, Lusaka, before running away himself.

The 13 detainees were accused of crimes such as assault, robbery and burglary.

They are all currently on the run and a manhunt has been launched to find them.

Police spokesperson Rae Hamoonga said that Mr Phiri, “in a state of intoxication, forcibly seized cell keys” from constable Serah Banda on New Year’s Eve.

“Subsequently, detective inspector Phiri unlocked both the male and female cells and instructed the suspects to leave, stating they were free to cross over into the new year,” he said.

“Out of the 15 suspects in custody, 13 escaped. Following the incident, the officer fled the scene.”

Mr Phiri has not yet commented on the allegations.

Justin Trudeau resign as prime minister of Canada

Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, is stepping down after nine years in office. He announced his resignation as prime minister of Canada and leader of the governing Liberal party speaking in both English and French.

Here is his full statement in English.

Every morning I’ve woken up as prime minister, I’ve been inspired by the resilience, the generosity, and the determination of Canadians. It is the driving force of every single day I have the privilege of serving in this office.

That is why, since 2015, I have fought for this country – for you – to strengthen and grow the middle class.

Why we rallied to support each other through the pandemic, to advance reconciliation, to defend free trade on this continent, to stand strong with Ukraine and our democracy.

And to fight climate change and get our economy ready for the future. We are at a critical moment in the world.

My friends, as you all know, I am a fighter.

Every bone in my body has always told me to fight because I care deeply about Canadians. I care deeply about this country. And I will always be motivated by what is in the best interest of Canadians.

And the fact is, despite best efforts to work through it, parliament has been paralysed for months after what has been the longest session of a minority parliament in Canadian history.

That’s why, this morning I advised the governor general that we need a new session of parliament. She has granted this request and the house will now be prorogued until 24 March.

Over the holidays, I’ve also had a chance to reflect and have had long talks with my family about our future.

Throughout the course of my career, any success I have personally achieved has been because of their support and with their encouragement.

So last night over dinner, I told my kids about the decision that I’m sharing with you today.

I intend to resign as party leader, as prime minister, after the party selects its next leader through a robust, nationwide, competitive process. Last night I asked the president of the Liberal Party to begin that process.

This country deserves a real choice in the next election and it has become clear to me that if I’m having to fight internal battles, I cannot be the best option in that election.

The Liberal Party of Canada is an important institution in the history of our great country and democracy. A new prime minister and leader of the Liberal Party will carry its values and ideals into that next election.

I am excited to see the process unfold in the months ahead.

We were elected for the third time in 2021 to strengthen the economy post-pandemic and advance Canada’s interests in a complicated world, and that is exactly the job that I, and we, will continue to do for Canadians.

French troops to leave Ivory Coast after decades

Ivory Coast has becoming the latest African nation to withdraw French troops from the country after a long military presence.

President Alassane Ouattara said in an end-of-year address to the nation that the 43rd BIMA marine infantry battalion at Port-Bouet in Abidjan – where French troops were stationed – “will be handed over” to Ivory Coast’s armed forces as of January 2025.

In the speech, the President said “We can be proud of our army, whose modernization is now effective. It is in this context that we have decided on the concerted and organized withdrawal of French forces” from Ivory Coast.

France, whose colonial rule in West Africa ended in the 1960s, has nearly 1,000 soldiers in Ivory Coast, according to reports.

Ivory Coast is the latest West African nation to expel French troops after Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger. In November, within hours of each other, Senegal and Chad also announced the departure of French soldiers from their soil.