Israel-Palestine, Ethiopia, Uganda.

Today's three stories you should know

Sep 20, 2022

Israel-Palestine

A new investigation from a London-based research group and a Palestinian human rights organisation has concluded that Al Jazeera reporter Shireen Abu Akleh was deliberately killed by Israeli forces. An Israeli investigation found it was “likely” Abu Akleh - an iconic journalist in the Middle East - was shot dead by an Israeli soldier but that it was a mistake. Forensic Architecture and Al-Haq said they used a “precise digital reconstruction” of the scene using drone videos, photographs and a telephoto camera lens to simulate the view of the Israeli soldier’s rifle scope. The findings came on the same day as Abu Akleh’s family formally submitted the case to the International Criminal Court as they continue to demand justice for the journalist.

Ethiopia

Eritrean troops have crossed into Ethiopia and launched a large-scale offensive against rebel forces in the Tigray region, according to the rebels. The US also said it was aware of the incursion. The TPLF, which is the regional authority in Tigray, has been locked in a war for almost two years with the central government in Addis Ababa. Eritrea, which borders Tigray, has sided with the government. The apparent escalation follows an almost five-month ceasefire during which little progress was made in getting the sides to even talk to each other. Thousands of people have been killed and millions forced from their homes since the conflict began.

Uganda

Uganda has declared an Ebola outbreak after confirming one case that led to the death of a 24-year-old man and isolating another eight people with suspected cases. The health ministry and the World Health Organization said the dead man had a case of the relatively rare Sudan strain. There have only been seven previous outbreaks of that strain, four in Uganda and three in Sudan. While any outbreak of Ebola is concerning, Uganda is incredibly experienced at containing them.