November 5, 2024

Daily News Brief

*) Trump, Harris bid their final push as US election looms In the final sprint before election day, US Vice President Kamala Harris rallies Pennsylvania, while Donald Trump fires up crowds in multiple states. Harris has urged voters to recognise their power, wrapping up her day with star-studded support in Philadelphia. Trump lamented the election as "the most important political event" in US history, hoping for a historic comeback. Some 77 million have already cast early votes. *) Israel makes UNRWA ban official despite global protests Israel has notified the UN it is cancelling its agreement with UNRWA, sparking global condemnation. The decision follows an overwhelming Knesset vote to ban the agency’s activities in Palestinian territories. Western allies, including the United Kingdom and France, voiced concern, while the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned of “devastating consequences” for Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. *) Countries urge UNSC to stop arms sales to Israel A coalition of 54 countries and organisations has urged the UN Security Council to take swift action to halt arms transfers to Israel amid its devastating Gaza invasion. The appeal cites concerns over violations of international law and references a recent UN resolution calling for restrictions on arms that could be used in occupied Palestinian territories. *) Canada, India condemn Brampton Temple clashes amid tense ties India and Canada have condemned violence at a Hindu temple in Brampton amid rising diplomatic tensions. Social media videos showed clashes involving flagpoles and punches. The fighting followed Canada's expulsion of Indian diplomats over the killing of a Sikh separatist leader. Both Prime Ministers, Narendra Modi and Justin Trudeau, strongly denounced the violence, while local police continued their investigation. *) Women, children among 24 dead in Comoros boat tragedy At least 25 people drowned after traffickers capsized their boat near the Comoros Islands, the UN's migration agency confirmed on Monday. The tragedy, which left only five survivors, marks the third such disaster in recent months. The deadly route to the French territory of Mayotte has claimed thousands of lives since 2011, according to the International Organization of Migration.