Thu Sep 19 05:29:19 UTC 2024: ## Explosions in Lebanon Kill 20, Injure Hundreds, Raising Concerns of War Crimes

**Beirut, Lebanon** – A series of coordinated explosions targeting walkie-talkies in Lebanon on Wednesday killed at least 20 people and injured over 450, prompting international concerns of potential war crimes. The attacks, widely suspected to be carried out by Israel, have escalated tensions with Hezbollah, raising fears of a broader conflict.

Thousands of booby-trapped communication devices detonated across Lebanese cities, particularly in Hezbollah strongholds, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The explosions come just a day after a similar attack targeting pagers killed 12 and injured over 2,800.

International observers have condemned the attacks, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres calling for restraint and warning that the scale and strategy suggest a potential prelude to a wider Israeli military assault.

Human Rights Watch and the UN Human Rights Chief have both expressed concern over the indiscriminate nature of the explosions, stating that booby traps violate international humanitarian law.

While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant praised Israeli intelligence agencies for their “great achievements,” suggesting involvement in the attacks.

Lebanese officials, including Hezbollah, have blamed Israel and vowed retaliation. The explosions have heightened tensions in Lebanon, where ongoing violence threatens to spiral into a wider regional conflict.

## Two Arrested in US$230 Million Cryptocurrency Theft and Laundering Scheme

**Miami, FL and Los Angeles, CA** – Two men, including a Singaporean citizen, were arrested on Wednesday night and charged with stealing and laundering over US$230 million in cryptocurrency.

Malone Lam, 20, of Miami, FL, and Jeandiel Serrano, 21, of Los Angeles, CA, were charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. They are accused of using sophisticated methods to gain access to victims’ cryptocurrency accounts and laundering the stolen funds through various means.

The FBI raided a luxury waterfront home in Miami linked to Lam, seizing high-end vehicles. The suspects allegedly spent the proceeds on luxury goods, including cars, jewelry, and rental properties in Miami and Los Angeles.

## UN General Assembly Demands Israel End Occupation of Palestinian Territories

**New York, NY** – The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution urging Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories within a year.

The nonbinding resolution, passed by a vote of 124-12 with 43 abstentions, demands Israel end its “unlawful presence” and pay reparations for damages incurred during the occupation. The resolution also backed an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that declared Israel’s presence in the Palestinian territories to be unlawful.

Palestine hailed the resolution as “historic,” while Israel and the United States, among others, opposed it.

The UNGA vote comes as Israel continues its military campaign in Gaza, where over 41,250 Palestinians have been killed.

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