Cincunri Sakia

Jumat, 22 Maret 2024

Russian 'revenge strikes' leave over 1m Ukrainians without power - war latest - The Independent

Police respond to reports of mass shooting at Moscow concert hall

Dozens of people are reported to have been killed and injured after gunmen dressed in camouflage opened fire at a popular concert venue near Moscow.

The attack involving at least four gunmen sparked a huge fire at the Crocus City Hall, with the roof reportedly collapsing, according to Russian state media.

Dramatic video footage showed concertgoers taking cover as shots and explosions were heard.

Some of those who tried to escape from the gunmen are thought to have fled to the basement, and others to the roof.

The attack happened as crowds gathered for a performance of a Russian rock band on Friday night.

Russia’s Federal Security Service said in a statement “all possible measures are being taken to provide assistance to those affected” by the shooting.

“The special services are carrying out active search measures following the emergency in the Crocus complex,” it added.

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Moscow shooting - everything we know so far

Here’s what is known about the shooting so far:

-Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk near Moscow on Friday evening during a concert of the band "Picnic", Russian news agency TASS reported.

-The Baza news outlet, which is thought to have good contacts with Russian security services, said 18 people had died and 43 had been wounded in the attack. Authorities had not released an official death toll as of 1900 GMT.

-The Interfax news agency reported up to five gunmen were involved in the attack.

-Russian prosecutors called the attack "an act of terrorism" and have opened a criminal case.

-An eyewitness told Reuters reporters outside the venue that automatic weapons had been used.

-Video posted online by Russian news agencies showed billowing clouds of smoke and flames rising from the venue building.

-TASS reported that people remained inside the building, which is almost completely engulfed in flames and that others were trapped on the roof.

-Special units of Russia’s national guard as well as police and firefighters are on the scene, TASS said.

-Moscow’s mayor cancelled all large-scale public events over the weekend.

Matt Mathers22 March 2024 19:23

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More than 100 people injured

The number of people injured has now been estimated to be at least 100.

Russian state news agency Tass has cited Russia’s Federal Security Service as saying 40 people had been killed and more than 100 wounded.

Jane Dalton22 March 2024 20:40

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US embassy in Russia tells citizens to follow advice of authorities

The US embassy in Russia has told citizens to follow the advice of authorities following the shooting at a popular concert hall.

“The embassy is aware of reports of an ongoing terrorist incident at Crocus City Hall in Krasnogorsk, near Moscow,” it said in a statement.

“US citizens should avoid the area and follow instructions of local authorities.

“The US government’s ability to provide routine or emergency services to US citizens in Russia is severely limited, particularly in areas far from the US embassy in Moscow, due to Russian government limitations on travel for US embassy personnel and staffing, and the ongoing suspension of operations, including consular services, at US consulates in Russia.”

US citizens are advised against all travel to Russia.

Matt Mathers22 March 2024 20:12

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Moscow shooting: in pictures

Matt Mathers22 March 2024 20:04

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Ukraine war: Soldier relives time as a prisoner tortured by Russia in our exclusive event

Answering questions from viewers during our exclusive event hosted by Tim White, Shaun Pinner recounted his time being held in occupied Donetsk after being forced to surrender in Mariupol in 2022

Tom Watling22 March 2024 20:00

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Live: Moscow concert hall on fire following deadly shooting

Matt Mathers22 March 2024 19:59

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Watch: Police respond to reports of mass shooting at Moscow concert hall

Police respond to reports of mass shooting at Moscow concert hall

Matt Mathers22 March 2024 19:58

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Yulia Navalnaya expresses condolences to victims of shooting near Moscow

Yulia Navalnaya, widow of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, on Friday expressed condolences to the victims of the shooting at the Crocus City Hall concert centre near Moscow.

All those involved in this crime must be found and brought to justice, Navalnaya wrote on her account on the X social network X.

Matt Mathers22 March 2024 19:46

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Roof of concert hall collapsing - RIA

Roof of concert hall near Moscow where shooting took place is collapsing, says RIA

The roof of Crocus City Hall, the flame-engulfed concert centre near Moscow where gunfire and explosions were heard on Friday night, is collapsing, Russian state-owned news agency RIA reported.

Matt Mathers22 March 2024 19:19

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Eighteen killed, 43 wounded in shooting at concert hall near Moscow - Russian media outlet

Eighteen people have been killed and forty-three injured in a shooting incident at the Crocus City Hall concert venue near Moscow, Russian media outlet Baza reports.

There have also been reports of a second explosion at the venue, where a pop concert had been about to take place.

Other reports say that 100 people were evacuated from the concert hall.

Matt Mathers22 March 2024 19:11

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2024-03-22 16:51:09Z
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Moscow attack: Gunshots reported as fire breaks out at concert hall - BBC

People have been filming on their phones from inside the concert hall and posting it on social media. At BBC Verify, we’ve been piecing together the story as it unfolds.

One video we’ve verified begins with people starting to leave the hall after something appears to have gone wrong.

Suddenly gunshots ring out, and people start screaming and running in panic.

It’s difficult at this point to know how many people are involved in the incident, but in one video we can see a large number of people in the hall.

Another video we’ve verified from inside the hall shows a close-up of what appear to be gunmen shooting indiscriminately.

Four gunmen are seen in a third video shooting in the venue's foyer. Several casualties are on the floor.

We’ve also verified videos filmed from outside the concert hall which appears to show the building on fire with large plumes of smoke coming out.

This is still a developing story and we’re continuing to verify and analyse footage emerging from the incident.

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2024-03-22 19:07:30Z
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Blinken says Rafah offensive risks 'further isolating' Israel as UN rejects ceasefire resolution - Sky News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned Israel that an offensive on Rafah, the southern Gazan city sheltering more than one million people, would risk "further isolating" it.

Speaking after a US-sponsored ceasefire resolution was vetoed on Friday by Russia and China at the UN Security Council, Mr Blinken said he had taken part in "candid conversations" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A military ground operation in Rafah "risks killing more civilians," the US secretary of state said as he departed Tel Aviv, his final stop in his sixth urgent trip to the region since the Israel-Hamas war started in October.

"It risks wreaking greater havoc with the humanitarian assistance. It risks further isolating Israel around the world and jeopardising its long-term security and standing," Mr Blinken said.

The Israeli prime minister responded saying Israel would "do it alone" if necessary as it considers Rafah the last major stronghold of Hamas in the besieged enclave of Gaza.

Mr Blinken's comments come as permanent UN Security Council members Russia and China vetoed a motion tabled on Friday which tied an immediate ceasefire to the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the 7 October attack.

Russia's ambassador to the UN claimed the proposal was exceedingly politicised and would have effectively given the green light for Israel to launch a ground offensive in Rafah, where more than one million Palestinians have sought refuge.

Israel-Hamas war latest: Three countries reject Gaza ceasefire resolution

Israel has been coming under increasing pressure to allow more humanitarian aid to reach over two million people in Gaza, and better protect civilians, 32,000 of whom are estimated by the local health ministry to have died during Israel's offensive.

The draft had undergone "many rounds of consultations" with members of the 15-seat council, and marked a toughening of America's stance towards Israel.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US ambassador to the UN, said the resolution's failure was "really outrageous and below the dignity of the UN Security Council".

She added: "There are two deeply, deeply cynical reasons behind this vote. First, Russia and China still could not bring itself to condemn Hamas's terrorist attacks on October 7.

"Russia and China refuses to condemn Hamas for burning people alive, for gunning down innocent civilians at a concert, for raping women and girls, for taking hundreds of people hostage.

"This was the deadliest single attack on Jews since the Holocaust - and a permanent member of this council can't even condemn it."

Analysis: No resolution, but a significant day

There is no world crisis grave enough to forge unity at the UN, one that reaches beyond the political dynamic of vested interest.

It was never looking like the resolution would pass, not since the Russians had taunted the Americans over their loose language - the "imperative" around an immediate ceasefire. As the Russians put it, an imperative to put our $100 in our pocket doesn't mean there's $100 in our pocket.

There are solid arguments behind the Russia/China/Algeria veto. To state that Joe Biden has domestic political difficulties created by the US stance is to state a fact.

The US ambassador had other words for it - audacity and hypocrisy on the part of Russia. Not for the first time at the UN building in midtown Manhattan, the interests of the people of Gaza and a growing catastrophe suddenly felt a long way away.

So no resolution but it's not a day without significance. America has shifted its position on a ceasefire and, incrementally, increased pressure on Israel.

As important as discussions were around the security council table, the more immediate impact, practically, is always going to come from talks in Qatar on an actual ceasefire and actual hostage release.

It's a form of words presented to players at the UN that will resonate with the key players in Qatar.

Barbara Woodward, the UK's permanent representative to the UN, warned: "Palestinians are facing a devastating and growing humanitarian crisis which will not improve until more aid can get into Gaza.

"So we are deeply disappointed that Russia and China were unable to support this council to clearly and unequivocally state the need for an immediate and sustained ceasefire."

Washington had previously vetoed three draft resolutions since the war began - two of which would have demanded an immediate ceasefire.

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2024-03-22 18:11:15Z
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Skylar Meade: Idaho white supremacist and accomplice captured after prison break - BBC

By Max Matza

BBC News, Seattle

Idaho police have captured two white supremacist gang members who have been linked to two homicides since a prison break on Wednesday.

Fugitive inmate Skylar Meade, 31, and alleged accomplice Nicholas Umphenour were caught in the city of Twin Falls.

Three officers were injured when Umphenour, 28, allegedly ambushed guards while they took Meade back to prison from a hospital.

Police say both men are members of a prison gang - the Aryan Knights.

They say it is unclear whether the escape was a "gang-sanctioned event".

Officials said the pair are suspected to have been involved in two homicides while on the run since Wednesday.

Idaho State Police Lt Col Sheldon Kelley said prison shackles were found at the scene of one of the killings. Both victims were males in rural northern Idaho.

Skylar Meade (left) and Nicholas Umphenour

Meade and Umphenour were taken into custody after a brief car chase on Thursday afternoon. Police say they were found driving a Honda Civic that belonged to one of the two victims.

Meade escaped from the Saint Alphonsus Regional Medical Center in Boise after being taken there for "self-injurious" behaviour, Josh Tewalt, director of the state's Department of Correction, said in a news conference on Thursday.

Umphenour ambushed prison staff in the early hours of Wednesday morning, opening fire on them while Meade was being transported from hospital back to the Idaho Maximum Security Institution.

Umphenour was released earlier this year from the same prison. Investigators say the two men had lived in the same housing unit there.

Mr Tewalt said it was unclear to what degree the escape was co-ordinated, and that prison officials were now taking steps "to mitigate the damage that gangs can do".

"Independent of their actions, we work hard every day to try and disrupt any organised criminal activity that happens in our facilities," he said.

Two correction officers were shot by the gunman during Meade's escape. One had non-life-threatening injuries and another was in a critical but stable condition.

A third prison guard was injured by gunfire when a responding police officer fired into the emergency department.

Meade has been in prison since 2016 for aggravated battery on a law enforcement officer with a firearm.

He also has several previous convictions, including grand theft and felony possession of a controlled substance.

He was scheduled to be released in 2036.

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2024-03-22 00:20:20Z
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Will Russia vote for US resolution on Gaza ceasefire? - Sky News

Is today the moment the world's top diplomatic body comes together in a collective call for a ceasefire in Gaza? Or will messy, discombobulating and cynical geopolitics get in the way? Will Russia vote for an American resolution?

At 9am New York time (1pm UK time) the United Nations Security Council will vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Déjà vu? Yes. We've been here several times before. Resolutions over the past few months have used different constructions of the same sentences by different countries to find a form of word upon which all sides can agree.

Every time, the United States has been the blocker, vetoing calls for ceasefires because it argued they would only benefit Hamas.

A shift in language

This resolution is different. It was penned by America using its strongest language to date.

The language in the latest circulated draft of the resolution is key. It "...determines the imperative of an immediate and sustained ceasefire to protect civilians on all sides, allow for the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance, and alleviate humanitarian suffering, and towards that end unequivocally supports ongoing international diplomatic efforts to secure such a ceasefire in connection with the release of all remaining hostages".

Words like "imperative", "immediate", "sustained" and "in connection" are vital and do a lot of work in terms of how the text as a whole is received and the success it has in passing.

For America to use "immediate" is significant because it's a first.

Less than four weeks ago the US vetoed the last resolution precisely because it included the word "immediate'". The US ambassador argued then that an immediate ceasefire at that point would hinder the hostage release negotiations.

Beyond that, in the context of the hostages, by adding "towards that end" and "in connection with" prior to mentioning the release of all the hostages, the new text loosens the previously tight linkage between an immediate ceasefire and hostage releases. There is ambiguity over whether the ceasefire is conditional on the release of all the hostages. In UN texts, ambiguity can be intentional and helpful.

The evolution of this US resolution has happened over several weeks during which America's diplomats in New York have reluctantly hardened the language in consultation with other members.

A key issue, as ever in this Gaza ceasefire resolution quest, has been the issue of condemning Hamas without condemning Israel - a red line for Arab bloc in the Security Council.

They highlight that the Israel-Palestinian hostilities didn't begin with the 7 October Hamas attack and they insist on condemnation of Israel's actions since the incursion.

Another issue in early drafts of the text had been the much-talked-about Israeli-planned assault on Rafah.

Initial American language had said that moving into Rafah could be OK in certain circumstances. Again, this is an issue for the Arab bloc.

US frustration

That America, of all nations, has penned this text reflects how they have moved on the issue and how frustrated they are with Israel regarding aid access to Gaza.

It is also a hint that the Americans either think the ceasefire talks (between Israel and Hamas through mediators in Doha and Cairo) are coming close to a deal or that they could do with some pressure being placed on them. The Arab bloc around the table will take account of the Palestinian view of the text. Will they find the text too wishy-washy? The text will need to condemn Israel enough to satisfy the Palestinians.

Russia's position

There is one key thing to watch: Russia. Along with China, as permanent members of the Security Council, they have the power to veto resolutions.

Western diplomats are concerned that Russia may seek to veto this US resolution despite voting for all other ceasefire-demanding resolutions for Gaza. Why would they do that?

If the Arab bloc and the Palestinians are not happy with the text, and see an advantage in it not passing, they can pressure Russia and China.

But it could be more straightforward or cynical (some would say) than that. Russia may conclude it has no interest in allowing America to dig itself out of its own diplomatic hole.

Would the resolution have any impact?

Last important point - even if this resolution does pass, it is not binding. It is a so-called Chapter VI resolution which doesn't specify measures to enforce compliance.

Only Chapter VII resolutions are considered to be legally binding, and the UN has never tabled an Israel-related Chapter VII resolution, which could authorise economic or military sanctions.

Given that Israel has undermined the United Nations at every turn in this crisis, arguing that elements within the body have worked against its right to self-defence, it is feasible that they dismiss any successful resolution.

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2024-03-22 02:36:01Z
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Kamis, 21 Maret 2024

New Gaza hospital raid sign of Hamas capabilities - BBC

Palestinians fleeing north Gaza after Israeli troops raided al-Shia hospital, move southward, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip March 21, 2024

By Yolande Knell and Rushdi Abualouf

BBC News, in Jerusalem and Istanbul

Four months after Israeli troops first stormed Gaza's biggest hospital, al-Shifa, claiming it was a cover for a Hamas command and control centre, they have returned.

The Israeli military said it had "concrete intelligence" that Hamas operatives had regrouped there. Palestinians have told the BBC of their fears at being trapped in fierce battles.

While this week's raid again highlights a desperate humanitarian situation, it is also a strong reminder that Hamas is far from a spent force.

Some analysts suggest it shows the desperate need for a comprehensive strategy to deal with the Islamist armed group and a clear plan on the post-war governance of Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) now claim to have killed "over 140 terrorists" in ongoing fighting at al-Shifa and to have made some 600 arrests, including dozens of top Hamas commanders as well as some from Islamic Jihad. Two Israeli soldiers have also been killed.

Israeli reports suggest that in recent weeks the army found that senior Hamas figures had resumed operations at al-Shifa and that some even took their families to the hospital. The IDF says it uncovered arms caches and a large quantity of cash at the site.

Hamas has denied that its fighters were based there and claims that those killed were wounded patients and displaced people.

Israeli forces raid Gaza's al-Shifa hospital

Palestinian witnesses have told the BBC that gunfire and Israeli air strikes have been endangering patients, medics and hundreds of people still sheltering in the grounds.

A local journalist has shared footage of smoke billowing from the complex.

In another unverified video, shared on social media, dozens of women can be seen hunkering down in a building with their children. One says: "They took our men to an unknown place and now they're asking women and children to leave. We don't know where we'll go".

In the background, an IDF officer says over loudspeaker: "Do not leave the buildings without instructions. We seek to evacuate civilians without harm, as we did in other hospitals in the past."

Since Wednesday evening, communications have been severely restricted, making it hard to contact medics and others at the scene.

A Palestinian woman fleeing Al Shifa hospital following an Israeli raid, carries her triplet children as she moves southward, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, in the central Gaza Strip March 21, 2024.

Back in November, there were accusations of possible violations of international law as Israeli tanks closed in on al-Shifa, in the heart of Gaza City. Premature babies were among those who died as conditions deteriorated in the besieged hospital.

The IDF released surveillance camera footage which showed two hostages snatched from Israel being taken into the hospital. After an extensive search, Israeli troops blew up a large tunnel with rooms which ran under the site and later withdrew.

The Israeli army went on to suggest that Hamas's regional brigades and battalions in the north of the Gaza Strip had been disbanded. But soon reports emerged that small cells were regrouping.

While Hamas has undoubtedly been severely weakened by the war, there have since been signs that it has been trying to restore its governing capability, including through policing and with some possible involvement in aid distribution.

Washington has indicated that Israel's renewed military action at al-Shifa Hospital illustrates its worry that its close ally does not have an adequate strategy to dismantle the organisation.

"Israel cleared Shifa once. Hamas came back into Shifa, which raises questions about how to ensure a sustainable campaign against Hamas so that it cannot regenerate, cannot retake territory," the US National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, said this week.

The US has been pressing Israel to come up with a feasible alternative for Hamas rule in Gaza. Its plan has been to promote individuals linked to the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority (PA) and to work with Arab states to prevent a power vacuum.

Blinken in Middle East to discuss post-war Gaza

Israel previously said it was seeking to cooperate with clan leaders in Gaza without affiliation to the PA or Hamas.

Now, the Wall Street Journal has reported that Israeli security officials are "quietly developing a plan to distribute aid", working with Palestinian leaders and businessmen not linked to Hamas. The suggestion is that this "could eventually create a Palestinian-led governing authority".

Israeli media have suggested the operation at Shifa Hospital could last for several days. It is not being linked to the military operation in Rafah which Israel insists it must carry out to win the war with Hamas.

There has been international concern over the impact such an offensive on the Egypt border could have as more than half of the 2.3m residents of Gaza are now displaced there.

"It's going to happen. And it will happen even if Israel is forced to fight alone," the Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister, Ron Dermer, told the Call Me Back with Dan Senor podcast.

While the IDF has formulated operational plans for Rafah and handed these to Israel's government, no order has yet been given to execute them.

It is seen as unlikely that such a move will take place during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which ends around 9 April. It would also take time for Israel to build up the necessary forces in Gaza.

Despite declarations to the contrary, Israeli experts also believe that in order for a Rafah operation to be effective, ultimately coordination will be needed with Egypt and the US.

"The Egyptians are on the other side of the border," pointed out retired General Amos Gilad on Israel's Kan Radio. "You can't do anything in Rafah without coordinating with the Egyptians and the Americans."