Nepal Plane Crash: Pilot Sole Survivor Among 18 Fatalities

Pilot Only Survivor in Nepal Plane Crash that Kills 18

A tragic plane crash in Nepal’s capital, Kathmandu, has claimed the lives of at least 18 people after the aircraft caught fire while taking off on Wednesday. The pilot, currently receiving treatment in the hospital, is the sole survivor of the accident.

The Saurya Airlines test flight carried 19 individuals, including technical staff and two crew members, when it crashed. Nepal’s aviation sector is known for its poor safety record, which has been linked to various factors, including unpredictable weather and lax regulations.

The ill-fated flight was en route to Pokhara, a popular tourist destination. Videos circulating online showed the plane engulfed in flames and smoke, with fire engines and ambulances swiftly responding to the scene.

According to the Nepal Civil Aviation Authority’s search and rescue coordination center, the incident occurred at around 11:15 local time (05:30 GMT), mere minutes after takeoff from Tribhuvan International Airport. The plane reportedly "turned right and crashed on the east side of the runway." The authority confirmed that the fire was quickly controlled and rescue operations commenced immediately.

Eighteen bodies have been recovered, with the lone survivor being transported to the hospital. Among the deceased, 17 are Nepali nationals, and one is Yemeni.

Airport chief Jagannath Niraula stated to BBC Nepali that the accident occurred almost immediately after the plane left the ground. However, the cause of the crash remains undetermined. Nepali police spokesperson Dan Bahadur Karki also confirmed the fatalities to BBC Nepali. An airport official mentioned hearing "some cracking noises" from the aircraft.

Nepal’s air safety record has faced criticism. In January 2023, a Yeti Airlines crash killed at least 72 people, attributed to the pilots mistakenly cutting the power, marking the deadliest air crash in Nepal since 1992 when a Pakistan International Airlines plane crash killed all 167 aboard while approaching Kathmandu Airport.

Saurya Airlines operates flights to five destinations within Nepal with a fleet of three Bombardier CRJ-200 jets, according to the company’s website.

Severed Leg of Australian Surfer Found After Shark Attack: Doctors Assess Reattachment

Australian Surfer's Severed Leg Discovered After Shark Attack

A surfer’s severed leg has washed ashore on an Australian beach following a shark attack, with medical professionals now racing to determine if it can be reattached. Kai McKenzie, 23, was surfing near Port Macquarie in New South Wales (NSW) on Tuesday when a 3-meter (9.8-foot) great white shark attacked him.

McKenzie managed to ride a wave back to shore, where an off-duty police officer applied a makeshift tourniquet to control the bleeding. Authorities confirmed that his leg washed up shortly after the incident and was preserved on ice by locals before being taken to the hospital. A medical team is now evaluating surgical options for reattachment.

Emergency services have reported that McKenzie, an amateur pro-surfer, is in a serious but stable condition. They praised the off-duty officer for his quick actions. “He used his dog’s lead as a tourniquet, which essentially saved McKenzie’s life until paramedics arrived,” said Kirran Mowbray from NSW Ambulance. She described McKenzie as “calm” and “able to talk” after the attack, commending his bravery and courage.

McKenzie was initially taken to a local hospital before being airlifted to John Hunter Hospital, a major trauma center in Newcastle, located 200 km (124 miles) away. His severed leg was also transported to the trauma center.

Local media reports indicate that McKenzie had only recently returned to surfing after recovering from a significant neck injury that had kept him out of the water. A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover McKenzie’s medical and rehabilitation expenses, raising over A$75,000 ($49,000; £38,000) as of Wednesday.

Although Australia has a high number of shark attacks, second only to the US, fatal attacks are relatively rare.

Australia.

Climate Activists Ground Flights at Cologne Airport: Runway Blockade Causes Major Disruptions

Flights Halted as Climate Protesters Block Cologne Airport Runway

One of Germany's major regional airports, Cologne-Bonn, has suspended all flights after climate activists glued themselves to the runway. The airport reported that "unauthorized people" accessed the airfield on Wednesday morning, prompting police intervention and halting flight operations.

Cologne Bonn Airport said flight operations have been suspended because of a police operation on the runway

Inbound flights have been redirected to nearby airports, including Düsseldorf, Hahn, Nuremberg, and Hannover. Numerous departing flights from Cologne have faced delays or cancellations. The airport has issued a warning about "significant disruption" and advised passengers to check their flight status before traveling.

The activist group Last Generation claimed responsibility for the protest, stating that five individuals glued themselves to the tarmac to block air traffic. Photos shared by the group showed members with their hands glued to the runway, although police later removed three of the five protesters. Last Generation is advocating for the German government to pursue a global agreement to phase out oil, gas, and coal by 2030. They announced plans for similar peaceful, civil protests at airports across Europe and North America on Wednesday.

In Finland, protesters were seen blocking security gates at Helsinki Vantaa Airport, while in Norway, three activists breached the perimeter fence at Oslo's main Gardermoen Airport but were removed within 30 minutes.

Cologne-Bonn ranks as Germany's sixth-busiest airport, following Hamburg, Düsseldorf, Berlin Brandenburg, Munich, and Frankfurt. This incident is not isolated; in May, Munich Airport was shut down for two hours after six climate protesters glued themselves to a runway, resulting in 11 flight diversions and approximately 60 cancellations. Following that disruption, Germany's Interior Minister, Nancy Faeser, stated that security measures at Munich Airport would be reviewed.

Germany.

''How Does Your City’s Heat Compare Globally? Analyzing Two Decades of Climate Data"

 Comparing Your City's Temperature with Global Data

Al Jazeera has analyzed 20 years of climate data from over 1,200 cities worldwide, and the findings are revealing. According to preliminary data from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, July 21 marked the hottest day ever recorded globally, with an average temperature of 17.09°C (62.76°F).

Earlier in the month, the National Centers for Environmental Information (NOAA) reported that last month was the hottest June on record since global record-keeping began in 1850. June 2024 not only set a new high but also marked the 13th consecutive month of global heat records being broken. Heatwaves are becoming more common, with cities experiencing more days exceeding 50°C (122°F).

So, where are the hottest temperatures recorded, and how does your city stack up against others worldwide?

In the following infographic series, Al Jazeera ranks the highest temperatures recorded in more than 1,200 cities between 2004 and 2023.

Where do you think your city stands in this ranking?

If you have never felt temperatures of 50°C (122°F) or even 40°C (104°F), it can be hard to imagine just how extreme that heat feels. Among the 1,283 cities analyzed, 585 recorded a maximum temperature above 40°C (104°F), with 19 reaching at least 50°C (122°F).

So, where does your city fall in this global heat ranking?

Israel War on Gaza: Fierce Battles, Humanitarian Crisis, and Global Reactions

 

Intense Fighting in Khan Younis and Bureij

In the latest ground assault by the Israeli military in Khan Younis, at least 89 Palestinians have been killed and 250 others injured. The area is witnessing intense resistance from Palestinian fighters. Approximately 150,000 residents of Khan Younis were forced to flee within a day, many receiving only minutes of warning before evacuating to areas with minimal infrastructure.

In Washington, DC, hundreds of protesters were arrested ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's address to the US Congress. Netanyahu, who faces potential war crimes charges from the ICC, is also scheduled to meet President Biden, and presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

The ongoing war massacre from israil on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 39,090 people and injuries to 90,147 in Gaza. The death toll in Israel from the October 7 Hamas-led attacks stands at approximately 1,139, with many still held captive in Gaza.

UK Charity Condemns Child Casualties

A Palestinian boy hugs a pair of shoes as he cries while killed members of a family are brought for burial, outside Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis [Bashar Taleb/AFP]

Save the Children reports that at least 24 children are among the over 80 people killed by Israeli forces in a single day in Khan Younis. Jeremy Stoner, the charity’s regional director for the Middle East, expressed outrage over the disproportionate massacre against Palestinian children, emphasizing the inhumane conditions and extreme stress faced by survivors. According to the UN, child casualties have increased by nearly 250 percent since the war began.

Violence in the Occupied West Bank

Israeli forces have killed three Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. A customs officer was shot in Tubas, while a man was shot and another run over during a raid on the Qalandiya refugee camp. Additionally, a 13-year-old boy succumbed to his injuries after being shot in Tulkarem on July 11. Since the start of the conflict, mass arrests, raids, and killings have become a daily occurrence in the West Bank. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that at least 513 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7.

Outrage Over French MP’s Remarks Against Israeli Olympians

Thomas Portes Accused of Endangering Athletes Amid Gaza Attack

An MP from France Unbowed, Thomas Portes, caused a stir by declaring Israeli athletes unwelcome at the upcoming Paris Olympics, sparking significant backlash.

Protest Remarks

Thomas Portes, at a pro-Palestinian gathering in Paris, voiced his opposition to the presence of Israeli athletes at the 2024 Paris Olympics, citing the ongoing Gazas massacre attack. He urged for mobilization against their participation, stating, “The Israeli delegation is not welcome in Paris.”

CRIF’s Response

Yonathan Arfi, head of the Representative Council of Jewish Institutions in France (CRIF), condemned Portes’ remarks as “indecent” and “irresponsible.” He accused Portes of endangering Israeli athletes, recalling the 1972 Munich Olympics tragedy where 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian terrorists.

Call for IOC Action

Portes later suggested that French diplomats should pressure the International Olympic Committee to ban the Israeli flag and anthem, drawing a parallel with Russia’s ban. “It’s time to end the double standards,” he stated.

Political Backlash

Karen Taieb, a deputy mayor of Paris, criticized Portes, labeling him a “danger and a disgrace” and accusing him of advocating hatred. French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin highlighted the “hints of antisemitism” in Portes’ comments and assured that Israeli athletes would receive 24-hour protection during the Olympics.

Solidarity with Israeli AthletesSocialist MP Jérôme Guedj emphasized that all athletes, including Israelis, are welcome at the Games for their athletic achievements, not their nationalities. He posted, “Of course, Israeli athletes are welcome, like all athletes from all over the world. Not for who they are, but for what they do.”

Official French Stance

French Foreign Minister Stéphane Séjourné reassured the Israeli delegation of their welcome in France at a meeting with EU counterparts in Brussels. He stated, “I want to say on behalf of France, to the Israeli delegation, we welcome you to France for these Olympic Games.”

Upcoming Events

Israel’s football team is set to play against Mali at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris, two days before the Olympic opening ceremony. Israeli President Isaac Herzog is expected to attend a boat parade on the Seine and a commemoration for the Israeli athletes killed in Munich in 1972.

Joe Biden's Decades-Long Political Career in Photos

As the oldest-ever American president, Joe Biden's political career is drawing to a close as he steps aside. Here’s a look back at his journey, which began in 1972.

1974: Youngest US Senator US Senator Joseph Biden of Delaware addresses Drexel University alumni in October 1974, having been the youngest US senator at the time.

1972: 30th Birthday Celebration Senator-elect Joseph Biden and his wife Neilia cut his 30th birthday cake at a party in Wilmington on November 20, 1972. His son, Hunter, waits for the first piece. Biden met the constitutional requirement for senators to be 30 years old when they take office. Photograph: Bettmann/Bettmann Archive

1972: Taking the Oath of Office Senator Joseph Biden takes the oath of office in January 1972 from US Senate Secretary Frank Valeo, with his father-in-law Robert Hunter and son Joseph Beau Biden at his side in Beau’s hospital room. Beau and his brother Hunter were injured in an auto accident that killed their mother Neilia and younger sister Amy.

1975: Meeting Margaret Thatcher Recently elected British Conservative Party leader Margaret Thatcher talks with US Senator Joseph Biden and Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Sparkman during a luncheon in her honor in the US Capitol's Foreign Relations Committee room, Washington DC, on September 18, 1975.

1978: Fundraiser with Jimmy Carter Joe Biden points out a friend in the crowd to President Jimmy Carter during a fundraiser at Padua Academy in February 1978. Carter spent the evening in Wilmington campaigning for Biden as he ran for a second term.

1979: SALT II Treaty Hearings Before the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, on the third day of hearings on the SALT II treaty, US Secretary of Defense Harold Brown pointed to a chart illustrating the build-up of US and Soviet missiles. Visible are US Senators George McGovern, Joseph Biden (taking notes), and Edmund Muskie.

1985: Mock Oath of Office

Senator Joe Biden holds his daughter Ashley while taking a mock oath of office from Vice President George Bush during a January 1985 ceremony on Capitol Hill, Washington. Biden’s sons Beau and Hunter hold the Bible during the ceremony.

In September 1988, then-Senator Joe Biden was on the metro liner to Washington, D.C., returning to work in the Senate after surviving a life-threatening aneurysm. Biden was seen tenderly kissing his wife Jill’s forehead after announcing his bid for the 1988 Democratic presidential nomination.

As chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Biden posed with Supreme Court associate justice nominee Clarence Thomas during the confirmation hearings in July 1991.

In the aftermath of the September 11 terror attacks in 2001, Biden and Senate Armed Services ranking Republican John Warner addressed the media outside the U.S. Capitol Police headquarters.

During a visit to Kabul, Afghanistan, in January 2002, Biden met with Afghan students at Ariana High School.

In April 2005, Senator Barack Obama engaged in conversation with Biden during a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing on Capitol Hill concerning the nomination of John Bolton as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

In July 2005, Biden regularly commuted from his home in Wilmington, Delaware, to Washington, D.C., and Capitol Hill via Amtrak.

In January 2007, Biden chaired a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing titled “Where We Are: The Current Situation in Iraq” i
n Washington, D.C.

In August 2008, presumptive Democratic presidential candidate Senator Barack Obama introduced Biden as his vice-presidential running mate with a text message. They took the stage together at the Old State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.

During the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Denver, Colorado, in August 2008, Democratic vice-presidential nominee Senator Joe Biden embraced his son, Delaware Attorney General Beau Biden, on the third day of the convention.

March 2010: St Patrick’s Day Reception

US President Barack Obama and Vice-President Joe Biden share a laugh during the annual St Patrick’s Day Reception in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

May 2011: Situation Room Update

In this handout image provided by the White House, President Barack Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and members of the national security team receive an update on the mission against Osama bin Laden in the Situation Room of the White House on May 1, 2011. Obama later announced that US special forces had killed Bin Laden in a compound in Abbottabad, Pakistan.

January 2017: Presidential Medal of Freedom

US President Barack Obama awards Vice President Joe Biden the Presidential Medal of Freedom during a tribute to Biden at the White House in Washington, DC, on January 12, 2017.

March 2012: A Joke with World Leaders

Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and British Prime Minister David Cameron laugh as Vice President Joe Biden jokes about asking his Irish ancestors for forgiveness for hosting Cameron for lunch at the State Department in Washington, DC.

September 2020: Presidential Debate

Television screens at Walters Sports Bar in Washington, DC, air the first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Joe Biden held in Cleveland.

January 2021: Inauguration

Joe Biden is sworn in as the 46th US president by Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts at the US Capitol in Washington, DC.

June 2021: US-Russia Summit

US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin pose for press ahead of the US-Russia summit at the Villa La Grange in Geneva.

April 2022: Supreme Court Nomination

US President Joe Biden embraces Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson as they watch the Senate vote on her nomination to be an associate justice on the US Supreme Court, from the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

December 2022: Meeting with Zelensky

Joe Biden walks with Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky through the colonnade of the White House in Washington, DC, on December 21, 2022. Zelensky was in Washington to meet with Biden and address Congress, his first trip abroad since Russia invaded Ukraine.

March 2023: National Medal of Arts

US President Joe Biden awards actress Julia Louis-Dreyfus with the 2021 National Medal of Arts during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House in Washington, DC.

August 2023: Inspecting Wildfire Damage

Joe Biden, First Lady Jill Biden, Hawaii Governor Josh Green, and wife Jaime Green walk along Front Street to inspect wildfire damage in Lahaina, Hawaii, on August 21, 2023.

June 2024: Presidential Debate

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump on stage during the first presidential debate of the 2024 elections at CNN’s studios in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 27, 2024.

July 2024: Campaign Rally in Wisconsin

President Joe Biden leaves a campaign rally at Sherman Middle School on July 5, 2024, in Madison, Wisconsin. Biden was then scheduled for a network interview as his campaign scrambled to manage the fallout from his poor debate performance.

Ukraine's Foreign Minister to Urge China to Reduce Support for Russia

 Kuleba Visits China to Discuss Peace Efforts and Russian Aggression

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba is set to visit China on Tuesday for a two-day discussion to persuade Beijing to decrease its support for Russia and back Kyiv’s push for sustainable peace. The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the primary focus of Kuleba’s visit will be finding ways to halt Russian aggression and exploring China’s potential role in achieving a just and lasting peace.

China, a close political and economic ally of Moscow, denies supporting Russia's invasion of Ukraine. However, Beijing has neither condemned the war nor joined international peace conferences led by Ukraine. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed the planned talks, with spokeswoman Mao Ning stating that Kuleba's visit was initiated by China's foreign minister.

Last year, Beijing proposed a “political settlement” to the conflict, a suggestion that was dismissed by Ukraine and criticized by Western countries for potentially allowing Russia to retain seized territories. During a visit to Beijing in May, Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed approval of China’s plan, describing it as a “genuine desire” to end the war.

In June, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted a peace summit in Switzerland to outline his vision for lasting peace, attracting around 100 delegations from various nations and international bodies, though Russia was not invited. China boycotted the summit, leading Zelenskyy to accuse Beijing of collaborating with Russia to undermine the event. China responded by asserting that all efforts to support peace measures should be recognized.

Recently, Kyiv and Moscow have intensified cross-border missile and drone attacks, primarily targeting energy infrastructure. Russia has been making nearly daily announcements about intercepting Ukrainian drones, which Kyiv claims are retaliatory measures against Russian attacks on military and civilian targets since Moscow launched its special military operation in February 2022.

World Leaders React to Biden Dropping Out of US Election Race

 Global Reactions to Biden’s Withdrawal from Presidential Race

World leaders have shared their reactions to President Joe Biden’s decision to end his re-election campaign. Concerns over Biden’s age and fitness had driven weeks of pressure leading up to his withdrawal.

Israel

Israeli President Isaac Herzog praised Biden for his “friendship and steadfast support for the Israeli people over his decades-long career.” Herzog highlighted Biden’s visit to Israel during wartime and his receipt of the Israeli Presidential Medal of Honor, calling him a true ally and symbol of the unbreakable bond between the US and Israel.

Ukraine

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed respect for Biden’s “tough but strong decision” and gratitude for his unwavering support during Ukraine’s struggle against Russia. Zelenskyy emphasized Biden’s leadership in preventing Putin from occupying Ukraine and his continued support throughout the conflict, hoping for America’s continued strong leadership against Russian aggression

Russia

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow was more focused on winning the war in Ukraine than the outcome of the US election. Peskov emphasized that the priority for Russia was achieving the goals of their special military operation against Ukraine.

United Kingdom

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer respected Biden’s decision and looked forward to working with him during the remainder of his presidency. Starmer acknowledged Biden’s decision as being made in the best interest of the American people.

Canada

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau hailed Biden as a “great man” whose actions were guided by his love for his country. Trudeau praised Biden as a partner to Canadians and a true friend, expressing gratitude to the President and the First Lady.

Australia

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese thanked Biden for his leadership and ongoing service. Albanese highlighted the strong Australia-US alliance and their shared commitment to democratic values, international security, economic prosperity, and climate action.

Germany

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz called Biden his “friend” and credited him with strengthening transatlantic cooperation and NATO. Scholz recognized Biden’s decision not to run again as deserving of recognition, acknowledging his achievements for his country, Europe, and the world.

Spain

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez commended Biden for making a “brave and dignified decision.” Sanchez credited Biden’s determination and leadership for overcoming the economic crisis post-pandemic, addressing the Capitol assault, and supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression. Sanchez described Biden as a great president who always fought for democracy and freedom.

Poland

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk praised Biden for making difficult decisions that enhanced safety and democracy. Tusk acknowledged Biden’s motivations for his final decision, which he described as probably the most difficult one in his life.

Czech Republic

Czech Prime Minister Petr Fiala recognized Biden’s decision as that of a “statesman who has served his country for decades.” Fiala valued Biden’s responsible and personally difficult step and wished for a good president to emerge from the democratic competition.

Ireland

Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris praised Biden as a “voice for reason, effective multilateralism, and shared solutions.” Harris highlighted Biden’s unwavering voice and passionate work for peace on the island of Ireland, expressing a great debt of gratitude for his efforts.

Joe Biden Withdraws from Presidential Race, Endorses Kamala Harris

 President Biden Bows Out, Endorses Kamala Harris for Democratic Nominee

President Joe Biden has withdrawn from the presidential race, endorsing Vice President Kamala Harris to lead the Democratic ticket. This unexpected decision comes just months before the November election against Donald Trump, whom Biden has called an existential threat to US democracy. Biden expressed his intention to focus on his presidential duties for the remainder of his term.

Kamala Harris Thanks Biden and Pledges Unity

In a statement, Harris thanked Biden for his leadership and expressed her intention to earn and win the Democratic nomination. She pledged to unite the party and the nation to defeat Trump and his "extreme Project 2025 agenda."

Democratic Leaders Rally Around Harris

Following Biden’s announcement, several prominent Democrats endorsed Harris, including California Governor Gavin Newsom. Democratic leaders and donors had pressured Biden to step aside, seeing no path to victory with him on the ticket. An ABC News/Ipsos poll showed 60% of Democrats believed Biden should end his run, and 76% would be satisfied with Harris as the nominee.

Trump's Reaction and Campaign Strategy

Trump immediately criticized Biden's decision, claiming Biden was never fit to serve as president. Trump's campaign has prepared for Harris’s candidacy, focusing on immigration and economic issues to appeal to swing voters. Trump believes Harris will be easier to defeat than Biden.

Democratic Party Faces Uncertainty and Rapid Fundraising Surge

The Democratic National Committee plans a transparent process to select a candidate to defeat Trump. ActBlue reported raising $27.5 million from small-dollar donors for Harris’s campaign within five hours of Biden’s announcement. Prominent Democrats praised Biden's decision, with Barack Obama and Nancy Pelosi lauding his legacy and patriotism.

Republican Pushback and Legal Challenges

Republicans have cast Biden's decision as undemocratic and have called for his resignation. House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested potential legal challenges, though experts are skeptical of their success. Despite these challenges, Biden's withdrawal marks a dramatic shift in an already tumultuous election season.

Next Steps for Democrats

With the Democratic National Convention approaching, Harris must solidify her support and select a running mate to face Trump and his running mate, JD Vance. Harris's national profile and fundraising capabilities make her a strong contender, but the party faces a tight timeline to finalize its ticket.

US Election Live Updates: Kamala Harris Backed by Top Democrats as Donations Surge Following Biden's Exit

 Kamala Harris Receives Strong Support from Top Democrats Amid Surging Donations

Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to "do everything in my power to unite" the Democratic Party as she received strong endorsements from top Democrats. The liberal political action committee ActBlue reported raising $46.7 million in just hours after President Joe Biden withdrew from the race.

MAGA Inc Replaces Biden Ads with Anti-Harris Campaign

Make America Great Again Inc., a super PAC supporting Donald Trump, announced on Sunday that it would replace anti-Biden television ads in battleground states (Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Pennsylvania) with ads targeting Kamala Harris. The new 30-second ad accuses Harris of concealing Biden’s health issues and blames her for the administration's perceived failures, including immigration issues and inflation. The ad’s narrator claims, “Kamala knew Joe couldn’t do the job, so she did it. Look what she got done: a border invasion, runaway inflation, the American Dream dead.”

Trump Rallies Support with Insults and Attacks on Harris

At a rally in Michigan, Trump used his characteristic inflammatory language to mock Harris, dubbing her “laughing Kamala” and calling her “crazy” and “nuts.” He is expected to focus his attacks on Harris’s involvement in the administration’s immigration policies and economic management.

Trump Campaign Shifts Focus to Harris, Highlighting Immigration and Economy

Trump’s campaign plans to highlight Harris’s association with the Biden administration’s immigration policies and economic issues, which they believe will resonate with swing voters. Campaign sources revealed preparations for Harris’s candidacy had been underway for weeks. Trump expressed confidence in defeating Harris, stating, “Harris will be easier to beat than Joe Biden would have been.”

Harris Engages with Key Democrats for Support

Harris spent Sunday afternoon calling congressional lawmakers to garner support, including a conversation with Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer. Representative Annie Kuster of New Hampshire, chair of the New Democrat Coalition, endorsed Harris, demonstrating her growing backing within the party.

Trump Insults Biden, Pelosi in First Rally Since Assassination Attempt

 Republican Nominee Delivers Fiery Two-Hour Speech Mocking Democrats and Repeating False Election Fraud Claims

Grand Rapids, Michigan — Former President Donald Trump held his first campaign rally since surviving an assassination attempt last week, delivering a two-hour speech where he targeted Democrats with insults and repeated false claims about immigration and election fraud.

Amid heightened security, Trump mocked President Joe Biden as "feeble" and compared former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to a "dog." The crowd cheered as Trump called on them to "fight, fight, fight," referencing his defiant gesture after the assassination attempt.

Rally Highlights and Support

Al Jazeera’s Phil Lavelle reported that Trump’s supporters gathered in large numbers to show their backing for the candidate in Michigan, a critical battleground state for the upcoming election.

"For hours before this rally began, there were queues. People were lining up for miles," Lavelle said. Supporters wore T-shirts and hats emblazoned with Trump’s image and the words “fight, fight, fight.”

Insults and False Claims

In his speech, Trump described Biden as a “stupid” and “low-IQ individual” and accused Democrats of wanting to remove Biden from the ticket after his nomination.

“They have a couple of problems. Number one, they have no idea who their candidate is,” Trump said. Referring to Pelosi, Trump said, “She’s turned on him like a dog. She’s as crazy as a bed bug.” He also denigrated Vice President Kamala Harris as “crazy.”

Trump repeated false claims of election fraud in 2020, urging voters to deliver a “landslide that is too big to rig.”

Immigration and International Relations

The Republican candidate also threatened undocumented migrants and claimed an "invasion" over the US border. He accused Democrats of allowing it to happen for political gain.

Trump touted his relationships with global leaders, including China’s Xi Jinping and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. He called Xi a “great guy” and mentioned receiving a “beautiful note” from him after the assassination attempt.

Reactions and Criticism

Al Jazeera’s Lavelle noted this rally marked the first joint campaign appearance of Trump and JD Vance. “This becomes a two-man campaign now where they both try to spread the MAGA message,” Lavelle said.

Despite calls for lowering rhetoric after the assassination attempt, Trump’s speech remained aggressive. Democratic strategist Arshad Hasan said Trump and Vance have taken a highly negative tone, undermining calls for unity.

Biden’s Position and Democratic Concerns

Meanwhile, Biden remains in self-isolation after contracting COVID-19. Campaign spokesperson Michael Tyler stated Biden's return details will be announced soon. Biden has refocused on Trump, criticizing his acceptance speech at the Republican convention.

Opinion polls indicate a tight national race, with Biden trailing in key battleground states. Democrats are increasingly concerned about Biden’s re-election prospects after his poor debate performance last month. However, replacing Biden at this stage poses significant challenges.

Arshad Hasan, a Democratic political strategist, acknowledged the turmoil within the Democratic Party but emphasized the difficulty of replacing Biden so close to the election.

“The real discussion is how we would decide, with about 100 days for the election, who would be on the top of the ticket. That is where there isn’t a clear answer. Biden is the one person who can make that decision. And so far he said he’s staying.”

Israel Intercepts Missile Fired by Houthis at Eilat

 Israel Says It Intercepted Missile Fired by Houthis at Port City of Eilat

Israeli forces intercepted a ballistic missile fired by Houthi militants in Yemen targeting the southern city of Eilat, following Israeli strikes on Yemeni port facilities in Hodeidah.

Brig Gen Yahya Saree, the Houthi military spokesperson, claimed that multiple ballistic missiles were fired towards Eilat and an American ship in the Red Sea was targeted with missiles and drones, both of which he described as “successful”.

The Houthi group had vowed a “huge” response to Israeli attacks amid concerns of escalating regional conflict. Heavy fighting was reported in Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, with numerous casualties from Israeli airstrikes in central Gaza.

“The Houthis’ response to the Israeli aggression against our country is inevitably coming and will be huge,” said Saree.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that its Arrow 3 missile defense system intercepted the missiles directed at Eilat early on Sunday outside Israeli airspace. Sirens were activated in Eilat to warn residents of possible falling shrapnel.

The missile attack followed Israeli airstrikes on oil facilities and a power station near Hodeidah, which according to Saree, resulted in three deaths, 87 injuries, and significant damage to the port facilities.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Hodeidah’s port was targeted because it was used for military purposes by the Houthis. “They used this weapon to attack Israel, to attack the countries of the region, to attack an international shipping lane, one of the most important shipping lanes in the world,” Netanyahu said after the strikes.

The strikes on Hodeidah raised concerns about the delivery of international aid to Yemen, where millions face starvation and an estimated 18.2 million people need humanitarian assistance, according to the EU. The UN has described Hodeidah port as “critical to the delivery of food and humanitarian assistance”.

Saudi Arabian authorities denied involvement in the attack and did not allow their airspace to be used for the strikes, despite ongoing conflict with Houthi militants.

The Israeli strikes on Hodeidah were a response to a rare drone attack on Tel Aviv early Friday morning, which killed one man and injured 10 others. The Houthis claimed success in the drone attack due to their advanced drone capabilities, while Israeli authorities cited “human error” for the lapse in air defenses.

The Houthis have vowed to continue their attacks as long as Israeli assaults on Gaza persist. Israeli strikes in Gaza have resulted in over 38,000 deaths in nearly 10 months of conflict, the longest in the country's history.

The Houthis’ targeting of global shipping routes in the Red Sea has disrupted trade, forcing ships to reroute away from Eilat and significantly affecting the port's business.

Prime Minister Netanyahu is facing increasing pressure domestically and from military officials to agree to a ceasefire deal, potentially involving the release of some of the estimated 116 hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and a pause in fighting.

Netanyahu met with negotiators before his scheduled departure to Washington, where he is expected to meet President Joe Biden and address Congress. Netanyahu's office announced a delay in his departure to Monday morning, with the Biden meeting set for Tuesday.

Observers hope Netanyahu’s trip to the US will help ease tensions in northern Israel and southern Lebanon, where the IDF is engaged with Iranian-backed Hezbollah militants, and prevent a regional war.

Hezbollah recently fired rockets towards a kibbutz in northern Israel in response to an Israeli strike in Lebanon. Hamas militants based in Lebanon also fired at an Israeli army base, and a drone strike injured two Israeli soldiers in the occupied Golan Heights.

Despite US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s assertion that a ceasefire deal was near, major gaps remain in the negotiations. US efforts to prevent war between Israel and Lebanon have seen more success than those aimed at securing peace in Gaza. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah indicated the group would halt attacks on Israel if a Gaza ceasefire is achieved.

Approximately 200,000 people are displaced on both sides of the “blue line” marking the Israel-Lebanon border.