insert_link World Haiti’s people suffer ‘deepening human rights catastrophe’ UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk has issued an urgent warning about the deepening human rights catastrophe in Haiti, after figures showed that January was the most violent month in more than two years. At least 806 people, not involved in the violent exchanges taking place, were killed, injured, or kidnapped in January 2024. today12 February, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Price of chocolate expected to increase due to El Nino U.S. chocolate makers are warning that record-high cocoa prices will push up the price of their products. It comes as the El Nino weather patterns are impacting cocoa yields in West Africa. Caroline Malone reports. today12 February, 2024
insert_link World Moroccan protesters demand end to relations with Israel More pushback for Israel as thousands of Moroccans have taken to the streets of Rabat calling for an end to ties with Israel, over its actions in Gaza. Politicians from across the spectrum are reported to have been among the crowds. According to the BBC, Morocco established diplomatic ties with Israel in 2020 under a US-brokered Abraham Accords. today12 February, 2024
insert_link Business / Economics Moody’s downgrades Israel’s debt rating Moody's has downgraded Israel's debt rating from A1 to A2 due to the economic impact of its conflict with Hamas. The credit rating business listed the increased political risk, weakened institutions, and fiscal strain as key factors. Despite remaining investment-grade, the downgrade will raise borrowing costs for Israel. Bank of Israel Governor Amir Yaron meanwhile says the country's economy is strong and will recover from the impact of the war. today12 February, 2024
insert_link Africa President Samia to meet the Pope in the Vatican Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan is meeting Pope Francis at the Vatican this week. Her 2-day tour includes a delegation from Tanzania's Catholic Church associations. Daniel Kijo reports. today12 February, 2024
insert_link World Qatar releases 8 Indian Navy officers previously sentenced to death Qatar has released eight former Indian naval officers previously on death row. The men were reportedly charged with spying for Israel though neither India nor Qatar confirmed the charges. Their death sentence, handed in October, was dropped in December. Priyata Brajabasi has more. today12 February, 2024
insert_link World Biden & Scholz meet amid Ukraine funding battle US President Joseph Biden and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz have met at White House amid a battle to secure funding for Ukraine. The two leaders came together as European governments are growing increasingly anxious about the inability of US lawmakers to approve new funding to help Kyiv in its fight against Russia. Nick Harper reports from Washington. today12 February, 2024
insert_link World US calls Israel’s actions in Gaza ‘over the top’… The Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for a "massive operation" in Rafah, in the south of Gaza. This comes just hours after the US warned a military offensive in the city without proper planning would be a "disaster". More than a million Palestinians are living in the city bordering Egypt after fleeing from other parts of the strip. Sally Patterson has more. today12 February, 2024
insert_link World Donald Trump’s NATO comment sparks backlash from White House and European leaders There's been a backlash from the White House and from leaders across Europe to Donald Trump's comments about NATO. At a campaign rally on Saturday the former president said the United States might not come to the aid of members of the alliance who aren't contributing enough to defense spending. Our Washington Correspondent Jagruti Dave has more. today12 February, 2024