Israel: ahead with new settlements in the West Bank. Von der Leyen: 'Europe must be prepared for the risk of war'
Key points
- Transnistria, separatists ask Russia for help against Moldova
- Russia, GDP up 4.6 per cent in January, higher than the previous month's figure
- Sandu: "Moldova remains committed to peaceful solution to Transnistria crisis"
- Hungary, surprising Italian interference in Salis case
- Israel: ahead with new settlements in the West Bank
Mattarella to Police Chief, solidarity with assaulted officers
The President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella called the Chief of Police to be informed of what had happened and to express solidarity with the officers of the patrol car attacked in Turin. This was reported in a note from his press office. Mattarella also reiterated his confidence in and closeness to the police. Immediately afterwards, the President heard from Minister Piantedosi.
His personal physician: 'Biden is able to perform his duties'
Joe Biden is able to perform his duties. This was determined by the president's doctor after a check-up lasting about two and a half hours.
Il presidente Usa Joe Biden. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)
Shipwreck off Senegal, more than 20 migrants dead
More than 20 lifeless bodies were recovered at sea in northern Senegal after a boat of migrants trying to reach Europe sank, according to witnesses. This was stated by the government of the Saint-Louis region, Alioune Badara Samb, adding that some 20 people were rescued.
France, Macron: 4 March vote on abortion in the Constitution
"I pledged to make women's freedom of abortion irreversible by including it in the Constitution. After the National Assembly, the Senate has also taken a decisive step, which I welcome. For the final vote, I will convene Parliament in Congress on 4 March'. Thus the French President, Emmanuel Macron, after the French Senate gave the green light to the inclusion of the right to abortion in the Constitution.
Kiev warns against interference in Transnistria
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry warned against any interference by Russia in Transnistria, Moldova's breakaway region. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine closely follows the latest developments in the Transnistrian region of Moldova and calls for a peaceful resolution of economic, social and humanitarian issues between Chisinau and Tiraspol without any destructive external interference," the ministry said.
Counsellor Zelensky: Thank you Holy See, fruitful work
"A fruitful job, a great thank you to the representatives of the Holy See": this is how Mykhailo Podolyak, the advisor to Ukrainian President Volodymir Zelensky, comments with 'Avvenire' on the humanitarian work of Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, the Pope's envoy for peace in Ukraine. Among the results achieved by the Holy See's mission is the return of many children who had been taken to Russia. 'Russia is absolutely indifferent to the fate of people and children, so it is certainly very positive,' Podolyak remarked, 'that the Vatican has joined us.
Hungary: we are a patriotic government, the EU does not digest it
The EU procedures against Hungary are "purely political in nature. Hungary has a conservative and patriotic government that goes against the dominant liberal line. Brussels cannot digest it'. Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó told Tg1. "Many complaints against us," he added, "come from NGOs financed by George Soros.
France: Senate gives green light to abortion in Constitution
The Senate has given the green light to the inclusion of the right to voluntary termination of pregnancy in the French Constitution. This is a historic decision and not a foregone conclusion, given the majority of centrists and right-wing senators. The green light is without any changes to the text approved by the Assemblée Nationale. There will therefore be no new examination before the meeting of the Chambers in Congress next week.
Lithuania: Farmers do not block the border with Poland
The Lithuanian Foreign Minister, Gabrielius Landsbergis, today called on the Polish authorities not to allow farmers' protests to lead to the blockade of the main border crossing linking Poland and Lithuania, as has been feared in recent days. Landsbergis emphasised that the blockade would endanger the security of the Suwalki corridor, the strip of land dividing Belarus from the Russian exclave of Kaliningrad. "The protest action against Ukrainian grain imports by Polish farmers and the idea of blocking, near the state border, the artery connecting Lithuania with Poland gives the idea of a hybrid operation," the politician said. The Lithuanian Minister of the Interior, Agne Bilotaite, assured that the Lithuanian police force would monitor the situation and would not allow provocations of any kind to take place.
Middle East, US to Israel: Allow worshippers access to Esplanade Mosques during Ramadan
The United States calls on Israel to "facilitate access to the Esplanade of Mosques for peaceful worshippers during Ramadan". This was said by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller, stressing that this is "not only the right thing to do, not only is it right to grant people the religious freedom they deserve, and to which they are entitled, but it is also an issue that is directly important to Israel's security". "It is not in Israel's security interest to inflame tensions in the West Bank or the border region, so we will continue to say this clearly," Miller added, during the briefing with reporters. Israel is considering imposing severe restrictions on access to the Esplanade of Mosques on Israeli Arabs and Palestinians in the West Bank during Ramadan.
European Parliament: Immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza
"The European Parliament calls for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in order to guarantee its inhabitants uninterrupted access to food and water". This is the text of an amendment tabled by the Left Group in the report on the protection of human rights against authoritarian regimes approved by the plenary in Strasbourg.
Middle East: Gallant calls for ultra-Orthodox recruitment
he Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, is calling for all sectors of Israeli society, including the ultra-Orthodox, to be drafted into military service, speaking of a 'national necessity' during the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip. The Times of Israel reports this, recalling that for decades the Israeli ultra-Orthodox have been almost exempted from national service, in order to favour their religious studies. "To achieve the goals of the war, to deal with threats from Gaza, Lebanon, Judea and Samaria, and to prepare for emerging threats from the east, we need unity and cooperation in decisions about our future," Gallant told a press conference. "Today there is a real national need to extend the service time of soldiers in the standing army and to extend the service period of reservists," Gallant added, referring to plans announced by the IDF earlier this month to lengthen soldiers' service time. "We are therefore called upon to make agreements and decisions that we have never made in 75 years," he said.
Middle East, Israel source: we have not seen any Hamas flexibility
"We are not aware of any flexibility on the part of Hamas". This is what an Israeli official told the Times of Israel, after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said in a speech from Beirut that Hamas is showing flexibility in talks for an agreement with Israel on hostage release and ceasefire but is ready to continue fighting. At the same time, the Israeli newspaper reports, the official stressed that the mid-level team sent by Israel to Doha, Qatar, is still there, an indication that there has been no crisis in the indirect talks.
Tajani, no interference on Salis, respect rights
Minister Antonio Tajani received today at the Farnesina the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Hungary , Péter Szijjártó. Tajani first of all reiterated the attention with which the government continues to follow the case of Ilaria Salis and expressed satisfaction that the next hearing has been brought forward to 28 March (initially scheduled for May). At the same time, he handed the Hungarian minister a new, detailed memo on the detention conditions of his compatriot, emphasising the need for a fair trial and the need to ensure the dignity and fundamental rights of Ms. Salis, on whose case the Italian Embassy in Budapest is constantly engaged.
Minister Tajani and the Italian government have long taken the initiative to address the issue of Ms. Salis' detention conditions as is done in many cases for Italian citizens detained abroad. Without any desire to interfere, but with the clear intention of applying pressure to verify that the detention conditions comply with European regulations that call for the protection of human rights. And this is what the Italian government will continue to do in this as in other similar cases.
Berlin, former Raf terrorist's building evacuated
The apartment building in Berlin in which the former Raf terrorist Daniela Klette, who was arrested on Monday, lived was evacuated today. Something potentially dangerous was allegedly found in the Kreuzberg district apartment, and explosives were also suspected to be present. Dpa reports. Meanwhile, the second man arrested yesterday in the German capital, who was initially suspected of being connected to the network of former terrorists of the German Marxist-Leninist formation, has been released. In the meantime, the clandestine, yet unsuspected life of Daniela Klette in Berlin is increasingly being reconstructed in the German media.
The woman, now 65 years old, was a fugitive for 30 years, during which time she allegedly participated in several robberies with two other accomplices, former Raf terrorists Burkhard Garweg, now 55, and Ernst-Volker Staub, now 69. In recent hours, photographs have emerged of Klette as a member of a capoeira group in Berlin. The woman called herself Claudia. Between 2009 and 2011, Klette also allegedly paraded with a German-Brazilian dance and music group at the Carnival of Cultures, a famous Berlin event. Welt reports. An Rbb news podcast also allegedly guessed Klette's identity last year and spoke about it publicly.
Milk shortage for children, Cuba asks the UN for help
Long struggling to ensure the operation of its subsidised milk supply programmes for children aged zero to seven, the government of Cuba has officially asked for help for the first time from the UN World Food Programme (WFP), which has already responded with an emergency shipment in February of 144 tonnes of skimmed milk powder. In the confirmation offered to an international news agency, officials at the Pam headquarters in Havana indicated that it was to support 'the government's programme of monthly delivery of one kilogramme of powdered milk for children up to seven years of age', in addition to the available liquid product.
The UN body considers the continuation of the government's assistance plan an 'urgent necessity', and therefore stressed 'the importance of this request', especially in the context of the 'deep economic crisis Cuba faces', which is having a 'significant impact on the food and nutritional security of the population'. In this regard, official Cuban media admitted earlier this week that there will be major difficulties in covering, until the end of March, the production of 700 tonnes of bread destined for low-income groups due to the scarcity of wheat flour.
Germany, G7 discussed the use of Russian assets
The possibility of using frozen Russian assets to help Ukraine in the war against Russia was discussed today at the G7 meeting in Sao Paulo, German Finance Minister Christian Lindner said. According to the latter, the measure must have a legally secure basis in the hope that it can be implemented 'in the short term'. The meeting took place at the opening of the meeting between finance ministers and central bank presidents of the G20, which is being held in the Brazilian megalopolis. "Human tragedies are not only human suffering, but also have consequences for the global economy. And that is why it cannot be ignored," Lindner emphasised.
Jill Biden leads the campaign to win the women's vote
The women's vote could be crucial to defeating Donald Trump in November, which is why Joe Biden 's campaign today announced the launch of 'Women forBiden-Harris', a national plan to organise and mobilise female voters that will be led by First Lady Jill. The campaign will begin on Friday 1 March, Women's Month, with a tour of key presidential states: Georgia, Arizona, Nevada and Wisconsin. "Women brought Joe to the White House four years ago and women will be the ones to bring him back," Jill Biden said in a note. Julie Chávez Rodriguez, the president's campaign manager, stressed that the stakes for women in this election "could not be higher." "Americans will have to decide at the ballot box between Joe and Kamala who will fight for women and their freedoms every day and Donald Trump who is trying to take away our rights," Rodriguez said. "Republicans have underestimated the power of women time and time again, and together, in November, we will make sure they never make that mistake again."
Red Sea: Scocchia (illycaffè), 30% increase in logistics costs
"Illycaffè has had a 30% increase in logistical costs" as a result of the conflict in Middle East and the problems with transit through the Suez Canal: "Everything we have to ship to China costs us 50% more and what we ship to the United States, even if it doesn't pass through the Suez Canal, still costs us 20% more because it is much more difficult to find containers and procure the necessary supplies for transfers by sea: it is time to put in place great resilience". Cristina Scocchia, managing director of illycaffè told Ansa on the sidelines of the inauguration of Sebastiao Salgado's 'Amazonia' exhibition, of which the company is a sponsor.
"However, we are very happy because in the last two years we have seen very positive results materialise: in 2022 we closed a record year, for 2023 we are satisfied because we are growing in turnover, we are growing in double-digit profits despite the macroeconomic and geopolitical complexity. The results,' Scocchia continued, 'we will announce them after the board meeting at the end of the month, but' in any case it has been a year of 'double-digit growth'.
Satisfaction was also expressed by the CEO for the United States market, on which the Trieste-based group is focusing: "They continue to be the fundamental focus for us, we want to continue to grow in Italy, our market of origin and which is one third of the company, but the United States is the second market, with about 100 million in turnover, and is the first market in the world for coffee, a market that adores high quality Italian-made products such as illycaffè". For Scocchia it is, in short, 'a second home, a second domestic market', so 'we want to double it within the plan period and we have been growing at double figures for two years. It seems that the strategies put in place to conquer it are paying off,' he concludes.
Embassy Israel, Italy continues to support the link between us
"Under the cover of promoting peace, a deliberate attempt is underway to prevent expressions of solidarity and support for Israel " and therefore "I hope that the Senate and Italian society will not give in and will continue to support the historic bond between Israel and Italy." This was said by Israel's ambassador to Italy Alon Bar at the Senate speaking at a press conference to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Israel. The diplomat added that he was aware that the reality is complex and that public opinion is easily swayed but, he stressed: 'We appreciate every gesture of solidarity with Israel and your presence here warms my heart'.
Spain: Masks case, EU calls for investigation by the Anti-Fraud Office
The scandal in Spain of the alleged kickbacks on million-dollar contracts for Covid 19 masks has set off alarm bells at the European Commission, which has contacted the Madrid authorities to 'determine whether European funds are involved' in the so-called Koldo case, and has sent the information to the European Anti-Fraud Office (Olaf) for a full investigation. This is reported by EU sources quoted by the Efe agency and other media, including elDiario.es.
In the crosshairs are contracts worth EUR 53 million, for the supply of medical protective equipment, awarded under emergency procedures, without calls for tenders and paid for in part with European funds. "We are following the situation closely," report the Commission sources quoted, who assure "all necessary measures" will be taken to "protect the EU budget" in the case of diverted European funds. And they reiterate 'zero tolerance against corruption'.
At the centre of the investigation coordinated in Spain by the Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office, the supply of masks to public institutions, including the Ministry of the Interior and the Balearic and Canary Islands administrations, through the company Soluzioni di Gestioni, which obtained twelve public contracts between 2020 and 2021 for a total of EUR 53 million, partly financed by Feder EU funds. The same Public Prosecutor's Office today asked the investigating judge in the case to prevent the entrepreneur Juan Carlos Cueto, one of the main defendants together with Koldo Galcia, the advisor to the former Minister for Development José Luis Abalos, at the centre of the investigation into alleged bribery in contracts for the purchase of medical equipment, from leaving the country without judicial authorisation.
Zelensky, thanks to Belgium financing new ammunition
"I am grateful to Prime Minister Alexander De Croo and Belgium for their decision to finance additional artillery ammunition for Ukraine to be delivered in the coming weeks." Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky writes this on X, posting a photo of their meeting. "We highly value our partnership with Belgium and appreciate that our partners understand how urgent our defence needs are," he adds. Such decisive and timely actions are exactly what we need to defend freedom in Ukraine and throughout our Europe.
Russia, GDP up 4.6% in January, higher than the previous month's figure
Russia's GDP last January rose by 4.6% compared to January 2023. This is up from the figure recorded in December 2023, where year-on-year growth had been 4.4%.
Sandu: 'Moldova remains committed to peaceful solution of crisis with Transnistria'
"Moldova is committed to a peaceful solution" to the crisis with Transnistria, President Maia Sandu said after the Congress of Deputies of the independence and pro-Russian region passed a resolution calling on the Assembly of the Russian Federation for "protective measures" in response to "pressure" from Chisinau. "The government is currently engaged in taking small steps towards the economic reintegration of the country," she added.
Hungary, surprising Italian interference in the Salis case
"It is astonishing that Italy is trying to interfere in a Hungarian court case," said Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó referring to the Salis case, as quoted on the Twitter account of Hungarian government spokesman Zoltan Kovacs. "This lady, presented as a martyr in Italy, came to Hungary with a clear plan to attack innocent people in the streets as part of a radical leftist organisation. I sincerely hope that this lady will receive the deserved punishment in Hungary," added Szijjártó, who met with Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome today.
Israel: moving ahead with new settlements in the West Bank
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich pledged to continue expanding settlements in the West Bank, defying international pressure on Israel to stop building. Smotrich announced the approval of a new settlement called Mishmar Yehuda, in Gush Etzion, a group of Jewish settlements located south of Jerusalem. The expansion of the settlements ''will continue with impetus'', Smotrich announced.
Moscow: 'Protecting Transnistria is a priority'
Russia takes into account the request for help from Transnistria, as "protecting the interests" of the separatist entity's citizens in Moldova is "among Moscow's priorities". The foreign ministry said this, quoted by Russian agencies.
Transnistria: 'Our appeal to Moscow for diplomatic support'
Transnistria is asking Russia for "diplomatic support" to resolve its disputes with the Moldovan government. This was said by the pro-Russian separatist entity's foreign minister, Vitaly Ignatiev, regarding the request for help launched to Moscow by the Congress of Deputies in Tiraspol against what he called Moldova's "growing pressure". 'First of all,' Ignatiev stressed, 'we are talking about a request for diplomatic support. We say that Russia is a responsible guarantor for the solution of the Transnistrian conflict'. The Tiraspol representative recalled that Russia is part of the 'five plus two' negotiating group, in which Moldova, OSCE, Ukraine and Transnistria itself, as well as EU observers from the US, are also present.
Moldovan government spokesman: propaganda from Trasnistria, no risk of escalation
"At the current stage, we want to say clearly and firmly that there is no danger of escalation and destabilisation of the situation in the Transnistrian region of the Republic of Moldova. This is another campaign to create hysteria'. This was stated by Moldovan government spokesman Daniel Voda following a meeting of the executive, according to the Moldovan news agency Moldpres. The statement came after authorities in the breakaway region of Transnistria called on Russia to take measures to 'defend' the region from what was described as 'increasing pressure' from Moldova.
Transnistria, separatists ask Russia for help against Moldova
The authorities of the self-proclaimed Transnistrian Republic, a pro-Russian separatist entity on the territory of Moldova, said they intend to ask Moscow for "help" against "pressure" from Chisinau. This was reported by the Russian news agency Tass. The resolution in question calls for "addressing the Council of the Russian Federation and the State Duma with a request to implement measures to protect Transnistria in the face" of what is described as "increasing pressure from Moldova". In the text, the separatists claim that 'more than 220,000 Russian citizens reside in the area of the unrecognised secessionist republic, that Russian peacekeeping in the Dnestr river region has been successful, and that Russia has acted as a mediator in the talks between Chisinau and Tiraspol'. According to France-Presse, the self-proclaimed Supreme Council of the separatist region had earlier stated that it would discuss the 'political and socio-economic situation' in the region by talking about what it called 'pressure' from Moldova. The tensions in Transnistria are 'dangerous' for the entire region, according to Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk.
Chrysler recalls over 338,000 defective Jeep Grand Cherokee
Chrysler is recalling more than 338,000 Jeep Grand Cherokee due to a steering wheel problem that could cause drivers to lose control of the vehicle. The recall affects 338,238 Chrysler's Jeep Grand Cherokee L and Jeep Grand Cherokee 2021-2023. In documents released Tuesday by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the automaker says the upper control arm ball joint and steering knuckle may separate and cause the wheel to fall outward, resulting in loss of vehicle control and increased risk of a crash. People with affected vehicles can visit dealers to have the upper control arm bolts replaced free of charge.
Spain, three Colombians killed in a drug trafficking dispute
The bodies of three men shot dead were found last night in and next to a car on Avenida Gola de Pujol, in Valencia's El Saler district. According to initial investigations by the Civil Guard, the three men, of Colombian origin, may have been killed in a settling of scores between drug gangs. One of the bodies was inside a Volkswagen Passat, while the other two were outside the car, when the first patrol of the police arrived on the scene, alerted by a 112 alert. One of the victims, identified in the course of the investigation coordinated by the Homicide Section of the Civil Guard, is a Colombian drug trafficker whose family was murdered last year in Colombia.
Norway, King Harald V hospitalised during trip to Malaysia
King Harald V of Norway is still in hospital in Malaysia after falling ill while on a private trip. Malaysia's national news agency Bernama reports that Europe's oldest monarch, 87, is being treated at the Sultanah Maliha Hospital on the tourist island of Langkawi and cites sources that the 87-year-old ruler is in the hospital's Royal Suite. Norwegian TV2, quoting the hospital, reported that the king's condition is stable. The royal palace in Oslo had made it known on Tuesday that the king was hospitalised for an infection, but gave no further details. Harald, who has been seen using crutches in recent years, has been repeatedly ill in recent months.
Brazil, former President Bolsonaro hospitalised for assessments
Former Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro was hospitalised on Wednesday for assessments, his spokesman Fabio Wajngarten said on social media, adding that doctors would assess whether he needed surgery to correct an abdominal hernia.
Since 2018 Bolsonaro has undergone several operations, some directly related to when he was stabbed in the gut while campaigning for the presidency in September 2018.
Al-Sisi: hope for ceasefire agreement in the coming days
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi expressed hope that there could be a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip soon. 'We hope that we will reach a ceasefire in the coming days and that there will be genuine relief for the people of Gaza,' he said, according to the Ynet website. Reporting this is Times of Israel.
Al Sisi, with Gaza until the creation of a Palestinian state
'We will continue to support the Palestinian cause until the recognition of an independent Palestinian state within the borders set on 4 June 1967'. This was reiterated by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi in a speech at the fifth edition of the 'Able with Differences' event dedicated to disability. "We hope that the Rafah crossing will always be a way to provide aid to the Gaza Strip," he added.
Woman Life calls for Iran to be excluded from Biennale
Woman Life Freedom Europe and Woman Life Freedom Italy are calling for the Islamic Republic of Iran to be excluded from the Venice Biennale 2024. The two organisations are calling for a strong and clear signal to the international community by cancelling Iran's participation; the appeal has been signed by many personalities from the arts and culture.
Haniyeh, open to agreement but ready to fight again
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, in a televised speech in Beirut and picked up by international media, says the group is "showing flexibility in talks" for a potential agreement that would see the release of hostages held in Gaza and a temporary ceasefire, but is also "ready to continue fighting". In the televised speech, Haniyeh also called on the so-called 'axis of resistance' to step up its attacks.
Navalnaya, 'I don't know if there will be arrests at the funeral. Putin must pay"
"I thought that in the 12 days since Alexei's death I would have time to prepare this speech. But first we spent a week collecting Alexei's body and organising the funeral. Then I chose the cemetery and the coffin. The funeral will take place the day after tomorrow and I still don't know if it will be peaceful or if the police will arrest those who came to say goodbye to Alexei'. This was said by Yulia Navalnaya speaking in the plenary of the Eurochamber. "Putin must answer for what he did to my country. Putin must answer for what he did to a neighbouring and peaceful country. And Putin must answer for what he did to Alexei. My husband will not see what the beautiful Russia of the future will look like, but we must see it. And I will do my best to make his dream come true, for the evil to fall and this beautiful future to come,' Navalnaya said.
007, military aid to Ukraine falls, increases to Russia
- Western countries' support for Ukraine, which is crucial for the continuation of Kiev's military effort, continued throughout 2023, albeit with an important decrease from the previous year. At the end of the year, the total military aid allocated by European countries exceeded that offered by the US for the first time. On the other hand, the support that third-party actors offer to Russia's military industrial base is increasing. China has probably provided Moscow with some dual technologies, while . other countries have offered direct military support: Iran drones, North Korea munitions. This is shown in the annual intelligence report presented today.
Israeli military radio: Hamas reportedly rejected the agreement
Israeli Military Radio, quoted by the media, reported, according to an unsourced report, that Hamas had responded negatively to a proposal for an agreement on a temporary ceasefire and the release of hostages. A proposal called - according to the same report - a 'Zionist document' that does not meet Hamas' demands for an end to the war, the full return of displaced Palestinians to the north of the Strip, and allows the release of a few Palestinian security detainees in exchange for the hostages. There is no confirmation in Israel to the news nor any other sources.
Middle East: hostage relatives march from Gaza border to Jerusalem
Relatives of Israeli hostages still in the hands of Hamas started a four-day march from the site of the Nova Festival, the scene of a massacre by Hamas, on the border with the Gaza Strip towards Jerusalem. The march - the organisers explained - will pass through 'many cities'. Haim Rubinstein, spokesman for the families of the hostages, invited civilians to join the march on the way to free the hostages.
Nalvany, funeral on Friday in a Moscow church. He will be buried at Borisovskoe cemetery
The funeral service for Aleksei Navalny will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. (local time) in the Church of the Icon of the Mother of God in the Maryno district, southeast of Moscow, announced Kira Yarmish, a former spokeswoman for the dissident who died on the 16th in the Kharp penal colony where he was being held. Navalny will be buried shortly afterwards, at 4 o'clock, at the Borisovskoe cemetery, pointed out the director of the Foundation against Corruption, Ivan Zhdanov, recalling the difficulties of Navalny's entourage in finding an available room for the ceremony.
Israel: '10 rockets arrived from Lebanon towards the north of the country'
(ANSA) - TEL AVIV, FEB 28 - About 10 rockets arrived from Lebanon this morning in northern Israel, particularly in the Kiryat Shmona area where warning sirens sounded. The army made this known, adding that some were intercepted by the air defence system. In response, the army continued, Israel hit a 'Hezbollah weapons warehouse and military facilities in the Ramyeh area in southern Lebanon'. This morning's launching towards Israel was claimed by the Lebanese faction of Hamas, which spoke of '40 Grad rockets towards bases near Kiryat Shmona'. (ANSA).
Hamas: almost 30,000 dead in Gaza
The Hamas-led Ministry of Health in Gaza updated its death toll in Gaza, reporting that 29,954 people have died in the Strip to date.
German frigate repels first Houthi attack in the Red Sea
The German naval frigate Hessen, deployed in the Red Sea as part of an EU naval mission to protect maritime traffic, repelled an attack by Iranian-backed Houthi militias in Yemen for the first time. This was reported by Dpa sources, adding that the ship successfully engaged two enemy targets last night. This was the first deployment of German naval weapons in the deployment, which started on Friday, one of the most dangerous missions of the German armed forces in recent decades. The mission aims to protect international law, freedom and security on the seas, but also to stabilise trade routes and the entire region, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said last week.
Von der Leyen: 'No more illusions, Europe wakes up against dangers'
"In recent years, many European illusions have been shattered. The illusion that peace is permanent. The illusion that economic prosperity could be more important to Putin than destroying a free and democratic Ukraine. The illusion that Europe alone was doing enough on security - be it economic or military, conventional or cyber. Looking around, it is clear that there is no longer room for any more illusions. Putin has used the peace dividend to prepare for his war. As a result, the world is as dangerous as it has been for generations. Russia's brutal war of aggression against Ukraine is now in its third year and is more entrenched and intense than ever'. This was stated by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in the debate on 'European Security and Defence' at the plenary session of the European Parliament.
Defence, Von der Leyen: 'Europe must be prepared for the risks of war'
"Let me be clear on one point: European sovereignty will make our partnerships stronger. It will never affect the importance and necessity of our NATO alliance. On the contrary, a more sovereign Europe, in particular in defence matters, is crucial for the strengthening of NATO." This was said by the President of the EU Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaking at the Eurochamber plenary. "That is why I welcome the news that Sweden will soon become a Nato ally. And I want to congratulate Sweden under the leadership of Kristersson on this historic step for the country and for our common security," she stressed.
"We must move quickly. The threat of war may not be imminent, but it is not impossible. The risks of war should not be exaggerated, but should be prepared for. And this starts with the urgent need to rebuild, resupply and modernise the armed forces of the member states. In doing so, Europe should strive to develop and produce the next generation of winning operational capabilities. And to ensure that it has the sufficient amount of equipment and technological superiority that we may need in the future. This means enhancing our defence industrial capability over the next five years'. This was stated by the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, in the debate on 'European Security and Defence' at the plenary session of the European Parliament.
Israel: '8 major terrorist targets hit in Gaza overnight'
Tel Aviv, Feb. 28 (Adnkronos) - The Israeli army claimed to have struck overnight "eight important terrorist targets" responsible for the rockets fired towards the Israeli city of Ashkelon. In a message on Telegram, the IDF wrote that "during a joint ground and air activity in the Gaza Strip, eight major terrorist targets were hit in an area from which rockets were fired towards the city of Ashkelon last night. Tunnels and infrastructure used by terrorists were also hit'.
Navalny case, Medvedev: 'Biden grandfather with dementia embracing extremist widow'
"A grandfather every day weaker with an uncertain gait and in a state of persistent dementia embraced a cheerful widow of a deceased Russian extremist". This is how on Telegram the deputy chairman of the Russian Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, commented on the meeting between US President Joe Biden and the widow of the dissident Alexei Navalny who died in prison.
China: 'Special envoy will visit Ukraine, Russia and the EU'
China has announced that its special envoy for Eurasian Affairs Li Hui will visit Ukraine, Russia and the European Union, as well as Germany, Poland and France, starting on 2 March in efforts to foster a political solution to the conflict between Moscow and Kiev. This was announced in a note by the Foreign Ministry in Beijing, according to which Li will be engaged in the second round of his kind of diplomatic efforts.
"Biden wants assurances from Israel on US weapons use in Gaza"
The Biden administration has given Israel until mid-March to sign a letter assuring that it will comply with international law with the use of American weapons and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Axios reports. The American initiative is part of the memorandum wanted by Biden and published on 8 February. Although the document is not directed specifically at Israel, the policies it provides for reflect the fears expressed by US Democratic senators about Israel's campaign in Gaza. If the requested assurances are not given by the deadline, arms transfers to the country will be suspended.
Guerra Hamas-Israele, le immagini del 28 febbraio
Photogallery15 foto
China: 'US to stop selling arms to Taiwan'
Beijing "strongly opposes US arms sales to the Chinese island of Taiwan, in any form, and urges the US to respect the three joint communiqués". This was said by Zhu Fenglian, the spokeswoman for the central government's Taiwan Affairs Office, in response to Washington's go-ahead for the '$75 million arms sale plan' to the island. In detail, this is a relatively minor deal that does not include actual weapons, but covers global communication and positioning systems and related technology that can be integrated with those of the US and allies.
President Duma: Macron remembers where Napoleon ended up
Russian Duma President Vyacheslav Volodin criticised French President Emmanuel Macron's statement on the possibility of sending NATO troops to Ukraine. "In order to maintain personal power, Macron has come up with nothing better than unleashing a third world war. His initiatives are becoming dangerous for French citizens," he wrote on Telegram. "Before making such statements, Macron would do well to remember how it turned out for Napoleon and his soldiers, more than 600,000 of whom were left lying in the damp earth."
Western troops in Ukraine, allies fail Macron
The hypothesis of a western troop presence in Ukraine, evoked yesterday by President Macron at the summit convened in Paris, does not convince the western allies. The US, EU, NATO, Great Britain, Germany, Spain, Sweden and Italy reject the idea. But PM Attal insists that one cannot 'exclude anything in a war'. Moscow is dismissive: for Lavrov, Macron should 'use his head for more rational and safe thinking for Europe', while Medvedev speaks of Macron's 'incontinence in talking'. In this scenario a direct conflict with NATO would be 'inevitable', says the Kremlin.
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