Lebanon, DR Congo, Israel-Palestine.

Today's three stories you should know.

Jun 07, 2022

Lebanon

Sixty-four people were arrested in Lebanon’s second largest city Tripoli today as they attempted to set sail for Europe to flee the country’s crushing economic crisis. The group - made up of Lebanese, Syrians and Palestinians - were arrested by the military on a beach before they could set sail, according to local media reports. More than three-quarters of Lebanon’s population have been pushed into poverty since 2019, and fuel, food, medicine and electricity are in short supply. Another boat, carrying 60 people, capsized off Tripoli in April. Forty-seven of those passengers were rescued, seven bodies were found and the rest are missing presumed drowned. More people are expected to attempt the journey as the summer months lead to calmer seas.

DR Congo

Belgium’s King Philippe arrived in the Democratic Republic of the Congo today for a historic visit to a nation his royal ancestors once ruled over with despicable brutality. The six-day trip, during which Philippe will be accompanied by Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo, is being sold as an attempt at reconciliation between the two nations. “We are not forgetting the past, we are looking to the future,” Congolese government spokesman Patrick Muyaya told reporters.

Israel-Palestine

Israel is seeking “complete control” over Palestine and has no intention of ending its illegal occupations of Palestinian territories, according to a new UN report. The independent commission of inquiry, set up by the UN Human Rights Council and led by former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, said such policies were at the root of hostilities between Israel and Palestinian groups. The Palestinian Authority welcomed the report. The Israeli government called it a “witch hunt.”