Washington (AFP) – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken tells reporters that other hostages held by Hamas should be released, following the news that the militant group released two American hostages abducted during their surprise attack on Israel. SOUNDBITE
Washington (AFP) – “Two American citizens held by Hamas since October 7 were released. These two Americans are safely in the hands of Israeli authorities in Israel,” announces US Secretary of State Antony Blinken while addressing a press briefing. “We welcome their release. We share in the relief that their families, friends and loved ones are feeling,” he adds. SOUNDBITE
Belo Horizonte (Brazil) (AFP) – Growing up, Dyhan Cardoso had every reason to quit ballet: the only black boy in a class of white girls, the Brazilian favela kid had to wake up early every morning for dance lessons. But there was no stopping his raw passion for dance, which has now landed the 19-year-old phenom a contract with one of the premiere US companies, Atlanta Ballet. “He joined the project when he was five to six years old and hasn’t stopped to this day,” says Cardoso’s mother.
Vejle (Denmark) (AFP) – Flooding and rough seas batter the Danish southern coastal town of Vejle as Storm Babet lands after hitting Scotland. Flights and ferries were cancelled in Scandinavia, with meteorologists forecasting gale force winds and flooding in Denmark and southern Sweden.
Rafah (Egypt) (AFP) – Some 175 lorries crammed with vital medicines, food, and water are stationed on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing ready to enter the Gaza Strip. Rafah is the only crossing into the besieged Palestinian territory that is not controlled by Israel, which agreed to allow aid in following a request from its ally Washington. Egyptian state-linked broadcaster Al Qahera News said the crossing would open on 20 October, while a UN has said that the first relief delivery is due to start “in the next day or so”.
Hollywood (United States) (AFP) – “No Doubt” singer and “The Voice” coach Gwen Stefani is greeted by fans at her Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony attended by her husband, country singer Blake Shelton. “These things sometimes don’t feel real or they don’t feel like they really are going to mean something until you’re in the moment”, says the Californian artist.
Herat (Afghanistan) (AFP) – “We can’t go home out of fear”, says 42 year-old Ghulam Sakhi as he sits on a sidewalk in Herat, following several earthquakes which have jolted western Afghanistan this month, leaving more than 1,000 dead and many more homeless. A little further away, tents have been erected to take in people from affected villages who were left homeless. The WHO says nearly 20,000 people have been affected by the earthquakes.
Geneva (AFP) – The first delivery of aid to the besieged Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing with Egypt should take place “in the next day or so”, says UN spokesperson Jens Laerke, quoting UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths. Trucks filled with humanitarian aid have amassed on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing. But so far, none has been delivered to the besieged enclave, which has come under heavy retaliatory Israeli bombardment following an attack by Palestinian Hamas militants on southern Israel on 7 October.
Hanoi (AFP) – Poking a needle into a mound of wool, Vietnamese artist The Vo is on a mission: to make lifelike portraits of dogs and cats for their owners so they can keep memories alive of their beloved pets.
Manila (AFP) – Karaoke is wildly popular in the Philippines where singing machines can be found everywhere including cheap bars, small eateries or even tricycle terminals.
