World News

Here’s the latest on Israel’s response to Hamas attack as nation declares war on October 9, 2023 at 12:11 am

Published

3 years ago

October 9, 2023

In the 24 hours that followed Hamas’s unprecedented attacks early Saturday, both Israel and Gaza saw rising death tolls as Israeli forces attempted to fend off Hamas militants while launching a counteroffensive against Gaza.

Hamas’s unprecedented offensive on Saturday marked the largest attack on Israel in decades as militant forces invaded multiple Israeli towns by land, sea and air, while launching a barrage of rocket strikes out of Gaza.

As the fighting rages on, here’s the latest on what we know:

The rising death toll:

As of Sunday afternoon, the death toll surpassed 1,100 individuals on both sides, with thousands more Israelis and Palestinians wounded.

Over 700 people have been killed in Israel, according to The Times of Israel, an Israeli media outlet, which cited officials. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said over 2,150 Israelis have been injured so far.

In Gaza, an estimated 413 people, including 78 children and 41 women, were killed in the territory in the wake of Israeli strikes, The Times of Israel reported Sunday afternoon, citing the Gaza Health Ministry. Another 2,300 were reportedly wounded by the strikes, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Around 260 bodies recovered from music festival near Gaza

Hamas militants also gunned down or captured civilians along highways and at a techno musical festival in the desert near Gaza that attracted thousands of attendees, The AP reported.

The AP said around 260 bodies were recovered from that festival with that number expected to rise.

Over 130 captured in Gaza by Hamas, Islamic Jihad

Hamas and Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad have also repeatedly captured a total of more than 130 individuals, including Israeli soldiers and civilians.

Mousa Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas official, told Arabic language news outlet al-Ghad the militant group has captured over 100 people, per The AP.

This is in addition to the over 30 people claimed to be held by the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, according to Reuters.

In a statement shared by Reuters, Islamic Jihad chief Ziad al-Nakhala said the captives will not be repatriated “till all our prisoners are released,” in reference to thousands of Palestinians in Israeli prisons.

Netanyahu warns of “long” war with Hamas:

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to declare the Jewish State was at war with the Palestinian militants shortly after the multi-pronged attacks began Saturday morning, warning of a “long and difficult war.”

Israel later launched airstrikes in Gaza as retaliation, with Netanyahu vowing to destroy the militant group and forcefully avenge the attacks.

“All of the places which Hamas is deployed, hiding and operating in, that wicked city, we will turn them into rubble,” Netanyahu wrote in a post on X. “I say to the residents of Gaza: Leave now because we will operate forcefully everywhere.”

Fighting continued after nightfall Saturday and before daybreak Sunday, as militants fired more rockets from Gaza, according to The Associated Press.

Israel’s military escalated retaliatory attacks against Palestinians, claiming to have hit an estimated 653 targets. Israel’s counteroffensives have prompted evacuations in at least five towns close to Gaza, The AP reported.

Americans killed, taken as hostages

U.S. officials signaled Sunday morning Americans are among those killed or taken as hostage, without providing specific numbers.

Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday, there are “scores of hostages,” noting American hostages are part of this number. He did not disclose a specific number.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken also told CNN’s “State of the Union,” the agency has received reports that “several Americans” were killed as well as Americans who were kidnapped. Blinken said the agency is “working overtime” to verify these reports.

The Hill has reached out to the State Department for further comment.

U.S government vows unwavering support to Israel

President Biden quickly offered his unwavering support to Israel in the hours following Hamas’s attacks, telling Netanyahu the U.S. is prepared to offer “all appropriate means of support” to Israel.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Sunday confirmed a U.S. carrier strike group will be moved closer to Israel in response to the attacks.

The Ford carrier strike group, which includes the USS Gerald R. Ford — the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier — as well as multiple missile cruisers and missile destroyers, will be moved closer to the Eastern Mediterranean to “bolster regional deterrence efforts,” Austin said.

The White House said Sunday Biden informed Netanyahu that “additional assistance” was on its way to the IDF and should arrive in the coming days.

Biden also expressed his sympathy with the Israeli people, according to a readout from The White House, and committed to remaining in close contact with Netanyahu.

U.S. lawmakers forced to shelter in place while visiting Israel

At least two U.S. lawmakers were forced to shelter in place on Saturday when Hamas launched its attacks during their trips to Israel.

Rep. Dan Goldman (D-N.Y.) and his family were visiting family on Saturday when Hamas launched a barrage of rocket attacks. Goldman along with his wife and three kids sheltered in a stairwell inside of a hotel until early Sunday morning, when they departed for New York, according to his office.

Separately, Sen. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) also took refuge in a bomb shelter at his hotel in Jerusalem on Saturday.

A spokesperson for Booker’s office said the New Jersey Democrat departed Israel on Sunday, cutting his trip short in the wake of the violence. Booker arrived in the country last Friday and had plans to stay through at least Tuesday, when he had a scheduled talk about regional economic integration, his spokesperson said.

Booker recounted his experience on Sunday, saying he and his staff are still “shaken” from the attacks.

The Israeli government formally declared war against Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday following the group’s surprise onslaught of attacks on Saturday that have left hundreds of people dead and thousands more injured. In the 24 hours that followed Hamas’s unprecedented attacks early Saturday, both Israel and Gaza saw rising death tolls as Israeli forces…

Business

GLOBAL SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT RETURNS FOR ITS 5TH EDITION AT THE BRITISH PARLIAMENT – HOUSE OF LORDS, PALACE OF WESTMINSTER

Published

1 month ago

May 16, 2026

Bolanle Media Staff

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Theme: “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation”

London, United Kingdom — The Global Sustainability Summit (GSS) is officially back for its landmark 5th Edition, continuing its legacy as one of the leading international platforms driving sustainable development, climate action, ethical investment, innovation, and global collaboration.

Convened annually at the prestigious British Parliament, House of Lords, Palace of Westminster, by Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto, the Summit has, over the last four years, successfully fostered international dialogue and partnerships that have contributed to the advancement of global sustainability goals, the establishment of sustainability-focused ministries, departments and policy structures across national and subnational governments, and the attraction of major investors into sustainable development projects, corporations and emerging economies.

This year’s summit, themed “People, Planet, and Profit in the Age of AI and Innovation,” will explore how emerging technologies, responsible leadership, sustainable finance, innovation, and global partnerships can shape a more inclusive, resilient and environmentally conscious future.

The 5th Edition promises to be the most impactful yet, bringing together world leaders, policymakers, diplomats, investors, academics, innovators, climate experts and youth leaders from across the globe to discuss actionable solutions toward achieving a sustainable and equitable future.

Among the distinguished speakers, delegates and honorees already lined up for the Summit are:

• His Excellency Mallam AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq — Executive Governor of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum

• His Excellency Senator Prince Bassey Otu — Executive Governor of Cross River State, Nigeria

• Ambassador Patricia Espinosa Cantellano — Former Executive Secretary of UN Climate Change (UNFCCC) and Former Foreign Minister of Mexico

• Lord Marvin Rees, Baron Rees of Easton OBE — Member of the House of Lords, United Kingdom

• Hon. Neema K. Lugangira — Secretary-General of Women Political Leaders (WPL), Brussels and Former Member of Parliament

• Her Excellency Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah — President of the Republic of Namibia

• His Excellency Nangolo Mbumba — Former President of Namibia

• Former President of Tanzania

• Her Excellency Ambassador Professor Olufolake AbdulRazaq — First Lady of Kwara State, Nigeria and Chairperson of Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum

• Your Excellency Dr. Dikko Umar Radda, PhD, CON — Executive Governor of Katsina State and Chairman of the Northwest Governors Forum, Nigeria

• Hon. Sam Shafiishuna Nujoma — Governor of Khomas Region, Namibia

• H.E. Mr. Veiccoh Nghiwete — High Commissioner of the Republic of Namibia to the United Kingdom

• Her Excellency Ms. Macenje “Che Che” Mazoka — High Commissioner of Zambia to the United Kingdom

• Ms. Danielle Newman — Partner Lead, ICT, World Economic Forum

• Leanne Elliott Young — Co-founder, Institute of Digital Fashion & CommuneEast

• Ms. Chloe Russell — Producer & Presenter, Art, Science and Nature

• Professor Marie-Claire Cordonier Segger — University of Cambridge & University of Waterloo

• Dr. Alexandra R. Harrington — IUCN World Commission on Environmental Law (WCEL)

• Professor Payam Akhavan — Massey College, University of Toronto

• Mr. Mallai C. E. Sathya — President, Dravida Vetri Kazhagam and International Movement for Tamil Culture Asia

The Summit will feature high-level panel discussions, strategic investment conversations, sustainability awards, policy dialogues, innovation showcases, youth engagement sessions and international networking opportunities focused on climate resilience, ethical financing, food-water-energy sustainability, circular economy, artificial intelligence, diplomacy and sustainable development.

Speaking ahead of the Summit, Convener Ambassador Canon Chinenem Otto noted:

“As the world rapidly evolves through artificial intelligence and technological innovation, we must ensure that sustainability remains people-centered, environmentally responsible and economically inclusive. The Global Sustainability Summit continues to serve as a bridge connecting governments, institutions, innovators and investors to accelerate practical sustainability solutions globally. Our fifth edition is not only a celebration of progress made over the years, but also a renewed call for global collaboration and actionable impact toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals and Net Zero ambitions.”

The Global Sustainability Summit continues to position itself as a catalyst for transformative partnerships and sustainable global progress, reinforcing the urgent need for collective action toward a more resilient and sustainable future.

More announcements regarding additional speakers, partners and summit activities will be unveiled in the coming weeks.

News

US May Completely Cut Income Tax Due to Tariff Revenue

Published

7 months ago

November 30, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

President Donald Trump says the United States might one day get rid of federal income tax because of money the government collects from tariffs on imported goods. Tariffs are extra taxes the U.S. puts on products that come from other countries.

What Trump Is Saying

Trump has said that tariff money could become so large that it might allow the government to cut income taxes “almost completely.” He has also talked about possibly phasing out income tax over the next few years if tariff money keeps going up.

How Taxes Work Now

Right now, the federal government gets much more money from income taxes than from tariffs. Income taxes bring in trillions of dollars each year, while tariffs bring in only a small part of that total. Because of this gap, experts say tariffs would need to grow by many times to replace income tax money.

Questions From Experts

Many economists and tax experts doubt that tariffs alone could pay for the whole federal budget. They warn that very high tariffs could make many imported goods more expensive for shoppers in the United States. This could hit lower- and middle‑income families hardest, because they spend a big share of their money on everyday items.

What Congress Must Do

The president can change some tariffs, but only Congress can change or end the federal income tax. That means any real plan to remove income tax would need new laws passed by both the House of Representatives and the Senate. So far, there is no detailed law or full budget plan on this idea.

What It Means Right Now

For now, Trump’s comments are a proposal, not a change in the law. People and businesses still have to pay federal income tax under the current rules. The debate over using tariffs instead of income taxes is likely to continue among lawmakers, experts, and voters.

News

Epstein Files to Be Declassified After Trump Order

Published

7 months ago

November 20, 2025

Bolanle Media Staff

Former President Donald Trump has signed an executive order directing federal agencies to declassify all government files related to Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier whose death in 2019 continues to fuel controversy and speculation.

The order, signed Wednesday at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago estate, instructs the FBI, Department of Justice, and intelligence agencies to release documents detailing Epstein’s network, finances, and alleged connections to high-profile figures. Trump described the move as “a step toward transparency and public trust,” promising that no names would be shielded from scrutiny.

“This information belongs to the American people,” Trump said in a televised statement. “For too long, powerful interests have tried to bury the truth. That ends now.”

U.S. intelligence officials confirmed that preparations for the release are already underway. According to sources familiar with the process, the first batch of documents is expected to be made public within the next 30 days, with additional releases scheduled over several months.

Reactions poured in across the political spectrum. Supporters praised the decision as a bold act of accountability, while critics alleged it was politically motivated, timed to draw attention during a volatile election season. Civil rights advocates, meanwhile, emphasized caution, warning that some records could expose private victims or ongoing legal matters.

The Epstein case, which implicated figures in politics, business, and entertainment, remains one of the most talked-about scandals of the past decade. Epstein’s connections to influential individuals—including politicians, royals, and executives—have long sparked speculation about the extent of his operations and who may have been involved.

Former federal prosecutor Lauren Fields said the release could mark a turning point in public discourse surrounding government transparency. “Regardless of political stance, this declassification has the potential to reshape how Americans view power and accountability,” Fields noted.

Officials say redactions may still occur to protect sensitive intelligence or personal information, but the intent is a near-complete disclosure. For years, critics of the government’s handling of Epstein’s case have accused agencies of concealing evidence or shielding elites from exposure. Trump’s order promises to change that narrative.

As anticipation builds, journalists, legal analysts, and online commentators are preparing for what could be one of the most consequential information releases in recent history.