Severe winter storms have struck Gaza, leading to tragic consequences for vulnerable populations. Reports indicate that at least 12 individuals, including several children, have lost their lives due to flooding and the collapse of buildings in makeshift camps. The Hamas-run government media office has confirmed these fatalities, attributing them to the extreme weather conditions.
Furthermore, approximately 27,000 tents that were sheltering displaced Gazans have been severely affected by the relentless rain, leaving many families exposed to the elements. Verified footage from Gaza City highlights the dire situation, showcasing scenes of flooding within the camps, where tents are inundated with water and mud.
In related news, the UK government has imposed sanctions on a Sudanese paramilitary commander after an investigation by BBC Verify identified him as responsible for the execution of unarmed captives. Brigadier General Al-Fateh Abdullah Idris, also known as Abu Lulu, was documented in a harrowing video shooting at least 10 individuals following the takeover of the city of el-Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in late October.
Following the UK sanctions, it is feared that thousands of civilians have been killed by RSF troops, especially after the Sudanese military retreated from the area. Just a day after BBC Verify's findings were released, the RSF published footage of Abu Lulu being taken into custody, leaving his current whereabouts uncertain. The UK Foreign Office stated that it holds Abu Lulu accountable for acts of violence against civilians, particularly those targeted based on their ethnicity and religion.
In addition to Abu Lulu, sanctions were also placed on three other RSF commanders, including deputy leader Abdul Rahim Hamdan Dagalo. These individuals now face travel bans and asset freezes as part of the UK’s efforts to address the ongoing violence in Sudan.
On another front, the US government recently seized a crude oil tanker named the Skipper off the coast of Venezuela. As of now, the tanker is approximately 40 nautical miles east of Guadeloupe and is heading northward. Since activating its transponder system, the Skipper has traveled over 300 nautical miles, being monitored closely by a US Coast Guard vessel during its journey.
According to TankerTrackers.com, the Skipper is likely en route to the port of Houston, Texas. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has claimed that the tanker is carrying 1.9 million barrels of oil, accusing the US of engaging in "criminal naval piracy" in the Caribbean region.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt has announced that the US intends to seize the oil aboard the Skipper following the necessary legal procedures. Additionally, the US Treasury has unveiled sanctions against six other vessels believed to be transporting Venezuelan oil, signaling a broader crackdown on illicit oil trade.
In other news, reports have emerged of attacks in Russia, including a fire at an oil refinery in Yaroslavl, located northeast of Moscow. There are also indications of a fire at a munitions factory in Orsk, close to the Kazakhstan border. BBC Verify is currently working to confirm the authenticity of footage depicting these incidents.
Additionally, our fact-checking team is investigating claims made during a recent episode of BBC’s Question Time that one in three children in Glasgow speak English as a second language. This statistic has sparked discussions regarding language diversity and support for children in the education system.