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At Least 65 Killed in Gaza as Israel Escalates Attacks on Gaza City On Friday

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago03 mins

At least 65 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since dawn, medical sources told Al Jazeera. Among them, 37 were killed in Gaza City, where Israel has intensified airstrikes ahead of a broader planned offensive. An Israeli airstrike targeted a school in Sheikh Radwan, a Gaza City neighborhood where many Palestinians sought shelter in makeshift tents. Gaza’s Ministry of Health reported that at least 12 civilians died in the attack. Footage verified by Al Jazeera shows an Israeli quadcopter dropping an explosive on a building in Sheikh Radwan, followed by smoke rising from the site. Another Palestinian was killed by Israeli forces in the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza’s largest city would be destroyed unless Hamas agrees to Israel’s terms for ending the war. Katz wrote on X: “The gates of hell will soon open on the heads of Hamas’ murderers and rapists in Gaza — until they agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war.” Israel’s ceasefire demands include the release of all captives and Hamas’s complete disarmament. Hamas has expressed willingness to release captives if the war ends but rejects disarmament without Palestinian statehood. Despite accepting a ceasefire proposal brokered by Qatar and Egypt, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday that he had instructed officials to “begin immediate negotiations” to release captives and end the war. However, Netanyahu also confirmed plans to authorize a major military operation to seize Gaza City, potentially starting within days.

DRC prosecutor seeks death penalty for former leader Joseph Kabila

DRC Prosecutor Seeks Death Penalty for Former President Joseph Kabila

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago05 mins

A military prosecutor in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has called for the death penalty for former President Joseph Kabila, who is on trial in absentia for war crimes, treason, and plotting to overthrow the government. Speaking at a military court on Friday, General Lucien René Likulia, the DRC’s military auditor general, urged judges to condemn Kabila for crimes including homicide, torture, and inciting insurrection. The charges are tied to the former president’s alleged support for the M23 rebel group, which has seized large portions of eastern DRC in recent months. Kabila, who ruled the DRC from 2001 to 2019, is accused of collaborating with Rwanda to support M23 fighters in their campaign to destabilise the mineral-rich eastern region. He has been living abroad, primarily in South Africa, since 2023, and denies all allegations. Accusations Tied to M23 Offensive The indictment, seen by AFP, links Kabila to a series of violent events, including the forcible capture of Goma by M23 in January. He is also accused of leading efforts to topple President Félix Tshisekedi and of founding the Congo River Alliance (AFC), described by authorities as the political wing of M23. The military prosecution alleges Kabila colluded with Rwandan officials to launch a “forceful overthrow of the government” and holds him responsible for atrocities committed by M23 in North and South Kivu provinces. Kabila’s appearance in rebel-held territory in May — where he met local religious leaders in the presence of M23 spokesperson Lawrence Kanyuka — was cited as further evidence of his connection to the group. Rwanda has denied involvement, though UN experts report that the Rwandan military has played a “critical” role in M23’s resurgence. Political Fallout Kabila has denounced the trial as politically motivated, calling it “an instrument of oppression.” His party, the Common Front for Congo (FCC), echoed his claims, labelling the prosecution an act of “relentlessness and persecution.” In April, Kabila announced plans to return to the DRC to “promote peace” in the embattled east. The government responded swiftly by banning his party and freezing his assets. The DRC Senate lifted his immunity in May, clearing the way for prosecution. Despite the DRC lifting its moratorium on capital punishment last year, no executions have been carried out in decades. Human rights organisations have raised concerns about the return of the death penalty amid heightened political tensions. Regional and International Implications Kabila’s trial comes at a volatile time for the DRC, with the government struggling to contain multiple armed groups operating in the east. The conflict has intensified since the re-emergence of M23 in 2021, displacing hundreds of thousands and drawing international concern. Although Kabila left office in 2019 and has since resided abroad, he remains a significant political figure. He has frequently criticised President Tshisekedi’s administration, accusing it of authoritarianism and mismanagement. As the trial continues, the DRC faces growing scrutiny over its use of the judiciary in politically sensitive cases, and whether this marks a legitimate effort at accountability — or a purge of opposition figures ahead of the 2026 general elections. Sources: 22 August 2025 | By Al Jazeera

Famine declared in Gaza City - and projected to expand to two other areas in the next month

Famine Declared in Gaza City, Set to Expand to Two More Regions Within Weeks

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago06 mins

A famine has been officially declared in Gaza City and surrounding areas, with the crisis projected to worsen in the coming weeks, expanding to Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis, according to a new report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). More than half a million people in the Gaza Strip are facing “catastrophic conditions,” characterised by starvation, destitution, and an increasing number of deaths. The IPC report marks the first formal famine declaration outside of Africa and the fifth since the organisation’s inception in 2004. Previous famines declared by the IPC include Somalia (2011), and Sudan (2017, 2020, and 2024). “After 22 months of relentless conflict, over 500,000 people in Gaza are facing catastrophic conditions,” the report said. An additional one million people are experiencing severe food insecurity. Projected Expansion of Famine The IPC warned that nearly a third of Gaza’s population — approximately 641,000 people — are expected to face catastrophic conditions within a month. Acute malnutrition is expected to worsen rapidly, with at least 132,000 children projected to suffer from severe malnutrition over the next year — more than double earlier estimates from May 2024. Due to limited access and data from northern Gaza, the IPC was unable to make a precise classification for that region, but noted conditions there may be even worse. What Constitutes a Famine? Under IPC guidelines, famine is declared when an area meets the following criteria: International Outcry and Accusations The famine declaration has triggered global condemnation and renewed calls for an immediate ceasefire. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk called the crisis a “man-made disaster” and accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war. “It is a war crime to use starvation as a method of warfare, and the resulting deaths may also amount to the war crime of wilful killing,” he stated. UN Secretary-General António Guterres echoed the alarm, calling the situation “a moral indictment and a failure of humanity itself.” British Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the findings as “utterly horrifying and wholly preventable,” urging Israel to allow unhindered delivery of aid and calling for a halt to military operations in Gaza City — which he described as the “epicentre of the famine.” UN Under-Secretary-General Tom Fletcher made a direct appeal to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “Enough. Ceasefire. Open the crossings — north and south. All of them.” Israel Rejects Famine Claims The Israeli government has categorically denied the famine designation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the IPC report as “an outright lie,” insisting that Israel has no policy of starvation. “Since the beginning of the war, Israel has enabled the entry of over two million tons of humanitarian aid into Gaza — more than one ton per person,” he said. Israel’s foreign ministry claimed food prices in Gaza had dropped due to a “massive influx of aid” and blamed Hamas for obstructing deliveries. COGAT, the Israeli military agency overseeing aid coordination, also rejected the IPC’s conclusions, stating that over 100,000 aid trucks have entered Gaza since the conflict began. Death Toll from Malnutrition Rising Despite Israeli denials, Gaza’s health ministry reports at least 251 deaths due to famine and malnutrition, including 108 children. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported nearly 13,000 new admissions for acute malnutrition in children in July alone. Israel has challenged these figures, accusing Hamas of inflating the numbers and attributing many of the deaths to pre-existing health conditions.

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea: Hapless Hammers implode as heat on Graham Potter intensifies

West Ham 1-5 Chelsea: Hapless Hammers Implode as Pressure Mounts on Graham Potter

Fola Badmus4 weeks ago4 weeks ago02 mins

Chelsea cruised to a dominant 5-1 victory over West Ham at the London Stadium, deepening the crisis for Hammers manager Graham Potter. West Ham, who suffered a 3-0 defeat at Sunderland last weekend, have now conceded eight goals in just two Premier League matches— the worst defensive start for the club in a top-flight season. Jamie Redknapp described their defending as “scandalous.” Match Highlights: Frustrated West Ham fans booed their team off the pitch and directed anger towards the club’s board. Chelsea’s victory came despite missing Cole Palmer, who was injured in the warm-up.

Brown Ideye Retires From Professional Football

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

2013 Africa Cup of Nations winning Super Eagles’ striker, Brown Ideye has announced his retirement from professional football. The former West Bromwich Albion forward made the annoucement on his X handle on Wednesday. Ideye wrote; “After much thought and consideration with mixed emotions, I’ve decided to retire from professional football. I will first like to thank God for the talent and the long career I’ve enjoyed. “I thank my family and friends for their unwavering love, support and understanding till this day. This game made me and gave me everything -incredible joy, sad days, the opportunity to travel and see the world, lifelong friendships and so many unforgettable memories. “To all the Agents who worked tirelessly and negatiated with clubs for my dreams to come true -thank you. To all the sports journalists who spent long hours days and night covering and highlighting my career, I owe you a depth of gratitude. “To every club I’ve had the honour of wearing their jersey and representing, every coach and teamate who pushed and rooted for me to be better, and every fan who supported me through highs and lows -thank you. “Thank you, Nigeria, for the opportunity you gave me to wear the national colour and be among the Super Eagles. Though my time as a pro-player has come to an end, football will always be a part of my life as I enter my next chapter. “Thank you all for being a part of this journey and I look forward to still seeing you on these football streets.” Some of the notable club Ideye starred are; Bayelsa United, Ocean Boys, Sochaux, Dynamo Kyiv, West Bromwich Albion, Olympiacos, Tianjin Teda, Malaga, Goztepe and Enyimba. Ideye won 28 national team caps and scored six goals.

Basketball: Port Harcourt to Host Phase I & II of 2025 NBPL

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago04 mins

Port Harcourt, Rivers State, has been selected to host the 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League’s Phase I and II, with games starting 28 August. The Nigeria Basketball Federation (NBBF) has named Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as one of four venues to stage the forthcoming 2025 Nigeria Basketball Premier League (NBPL). In a letter dated 19th August, 2025, and addressed to all participating clubs, the NBBF announced Port Harcourt as the only city to host both Phase I and Phase II of the league’s new format, which will see action between all sixteen (16) participating teams broken down into four phases (Group, Inter-Group, Playoff, and Final Four) across the Savannah and Atlantic Conferences. The Indoor Basketball Court, on 54 Niger Street, Port Harcourt Township, which is home to defending champions Rivers Hoopers BC, will also welcome Delta Force, Oluyole Warriors, and Kwara Falcons in Group B of the Atlantic Conference. Ibadan, Oyo State, will host Group A games in the Atlantic Conference, which will see Ebun Comets, Police Batons, Lagos Legends, as well as Hoops & Read, go head-to-head at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba. In the Savannah Conference, the Moshood Abiola National stadium, Abuja, will be the centre of action for Group A teams – Nile University, Nigeria Customs, Gboko Chiefs, and Correctional Service – while Group B games between Kano Pillars, Plateau Peaks, Gombe Bulls, and Bauchi Nets will hold at the Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium, Kano, Kano State. All teams are expected to arrive at their various centres between 26 and 27 August, with match action to hold from 28 August to 3 September, after which follows a period of rest before the commencement of the Inter-Group Phase (II). The Inter-Group Phase, scheduled for 24 September – 5 October, will once again see Port Harcourt play host, this time to all eight (8) teams in the Atlantic Conference, while all teams from the Savannah Conference will converge at the National Indoor Sports Hall, Rayfield, Jos, Plateau State. Venues for the Playoffs and Final 4 are yet to be named. The latest development means Port Harcourt, Rivers State, will host Premier League Basketball games for the third straight year, having also hosted the finals of the 2023 and 2024 NBPL seasons.

Salah Wins Record Third PFA Player of The Year Award

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

Mohamed Salah has become the first three-time winner of the Professional Footballers’ Association (PFA) Player of the Year award with the Liverpool forward eclipsing two-time winners Cristiano Ronaldo, Thierry Henry and Gareth Bale by claiming the 2025 award. Salah, who was previously voted the Player of the Year in 2018 and 2022, emerged as the winner from a six-player shortlist including Liverpool teammate Alexis Mac Allister, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer, Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes, Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice and Newcastle striker Alexander Isak. Salah received the PFA trophy at a gala presentation in Manchester on Tuesday, with the Egypt international winning the award, as voted by his fellow players, after scoring 29 goals in Liverpool’s Premier League title winning campaign last season. The 33-year-old’s goal in Liverpool’s 4-2 win against Bournemouth in the opening game of the 2025-26 league season last Friday took him to 187 Premier League goals, moving him into joint fourth position in the all-time standings alongside former Newcastle and Manchester United forward Andy Cole. Salah had previously been one of seven players to have won the PFA Player of the Year award on two occasions. Alongside Salah, Henry (2003 & 2004), Ronaldo (2007 & 2008) and Bale (2011 & 2013) were joined by Kevin De Bruyne ( 2020 & 2021), Alan Shearer (1995 & 1997) and former Manchester United striker Mark Hughes (1989 & 1991) on the list of double winners. Liverpool also dominated the PFA Premier League Team of the Year with four players — Salah, Mac Allister, Virgil van Dijk and Ryan Gravenberch earning selection. For the first time since 2017, no Manchester City player was selected for the team of the year.

NCAA Bans Flight Mode, Orders Shutdown of Phones

Fola Badmus1 month ago1 month ago03 mins

The Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has directed that all passengers must now completely switch off their mobile phones and electronic devices during aircraft take-off and landing. The directive was issued by the Director General of NCAA, Capt. Chris Najomo, at the National Civil Aviation Security Committee Meeting on Tuesday in Abuja. Najomo explained that the new regulation replaces the long-standing practice of using “flight mode,” stressing that only a full shutdown of devices will now be permitted. He said, “All mobile phones, I repeat, all mobile phones and other portable electronic devices should be switched off during at least the critical phase of flight on all Nigerian airlines. Switched off.” “There’s nothing like anything like flight mode any longer. Must be switched off. Nigerian air operators are therefore required to amend their operations manual to reflect this requirement and submit to the NCA for approval, if different from this resolution. He further disclosed that the decision is part of broader measures to unify aviation safety regulations and curb rising cases of unruly passenger behaviour across the nation’s airports. “The era of business as usual is over,” Najomo declared, noting that tougher enforcement would follow to ensure compliance. Najomo stated that the Authority remains committed to enforcing stricter compliance from both airlines and passengers, while also rolling out public awareness campaigns to educate travelers on their obligations. “We’re going to go on air. We’ll make sure that we take all these preambles of informing passengers, going further of their responsibilities, and going further, things will not be as usual as what it is. If you’re unruly, you’re unruly. “So, you see, we have a new beginning from where we are. It will not be as business as usual. I can assure you that. It will not. And I want to also tell the airline operators here, we are going to start checking that you would do the adequate training.”