News
Israel’s War On Gaza: List of Key Events, Day 186
A Palestinian man carries his child on his shoulders as he walks past damaged buildings in Khan Younis
PM Netanyahu says a date has been set for a ground offensive in Rafah after Israeli troops withdraw from nearby Khan Younis.
Here’s how things stand on Tuesday, April 9, 2024:
Fighting and humanitarian crisis
- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that a date has been set for a ground offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians are sheltering.
- Israeli troops withdrew on Sunday from Khan Younis, another city in the southern Gaza Strip, ending a key phase of the war. Defence officials said they are regrouping before a push into Rafah.
- In response, Hamas spokesperson Sami Abu Zahry told Al Jazeera that the invasion threat “raises questions about the purpose of resuming negotiations”.
- Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City has been left “completely non-functional” after a deadly, weeks-long Israeli siege, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported in its latest update on Gaza.
- The Palestinian death toll from the war has surpassed 33,200 with nearly 76,000 people wounded, Gaza’s Ministry of Health said on Monday. Women and children make up two-thirds of the dead.
Diplomacy and geopolitical tensions
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France’s foreign minister said on Tuesday that pressure, and possibly sanctions, must be imposed on Israel to open crossings to get humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza.
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“There must be levers of influence, and there are multiple levers, going up to sanctions, to let humanitarian aid cross checkpoints,” Stephane Sejourne told RFI radio and France 24 television.
- Turkey restricted the export of 54 of its products to Israel after Israel rejected a Turkish request for its military cargo planes to join a humanitarian aid operation for Gaza.
- Pope Francis met with relatives of captives taken by Hamas on October 7, marking the six-month anniversary of the attacks in southern Israel with an hourlong audience.
- Germany is facing charges at the top United Nations court for allegedly “facilitating the commission of genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza by providing its ally Israel with military and political help.
- In Syria, Israeli warplanes targeted military posts and infrastructure on Monday in the Mahaja area.
- Qatar’s embassy in Washington rejected a statement by James Comer, chairman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform in the United States House of Representatives, that “inaccurately claims” Doha has paid Hamas “$30m per month since 2018”.
- Also in the US, former President Donald Trump said any Jewish person who votes for the incumbent, Joe Biden, in November’s presidential election “does not love Israel and frankly, should be spoken to”.
- US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin asked Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant about what the Israeli military is doing to investigate the “tragic strike” that killed seven aid workers in Gaza last week, according to a US Defense Department readout.
- Disinformation is further compounding Gaza’s crisis, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said in a post on X, calling for international journalists be allowed entry into the enclave.
Violence in the occupied West Bank
- The Israeli army said its forces shot dead a Palestinian woman in the northern West Bank on Monday after she tried to stab a soldier at a checkpoint. The army said the incident took place at the Tayasir checkpoint near Tubas.
- Israeli forces arrested 10 Palestinians in raids across the occupied West Bank on Monday night, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported.
- Three young men were arrested and one was injured by Israeli gunfire in the Aqabat Jabr camp east of Jericho, Wafa said. Seven people were also arrested during large Israeli raids in and around Tulkarem, Wafa added.
East Ham, East London — 8 August 2026: The vibrant Igbo community in the UK came together for an unforgettable evening of entertainment, culture and social connection at Igbotic Game Night, one of the biggest social gatherings celebrating the Igbo community in the United Kingdom.
Among the night’s standout moments was an electrifying performance by Afrobeats artist Obeena, who took the stage and immediately captured the attention of the crowd.
Obeena delivered performances of two of his hit songs, “Wara Wara” and “Banging,” bringing his energetic sound and distinctive stage presence to the event. From the opening moments of his set, fans responded with excitement, singing along, dancing and enthusiastically supporting the artist.
His performance of “Wara Wara” created an instant connection with the audience, while “Banging” took the energy to another level. Obeena’s ability to engage the crowd transformed his set into one of the most memorable entertainment moments of the evening.
Held in East Ham, East London, on 8 August 2026, Igbotic Game Night provided a unique platform for members of the Igbo community to celebrate their heritage while enjoying music, games and social interaction. Events such as this continue to play an important role in bringing together Nigerians and the wider African diaspora in the UK.
For Obeena, the performance was another opportunity to showcase his growing artistry and connect directly with fans. His energetic delivery, stage confidence and ability to command the audience demonstrated why his live performances continue to attract attention.
By the end of his set, Obeena had left the crowd amazed and added another memorable chapter to his journey as an Afrobeats artist. His appearance at Igbotic Game Night was not simply a performance—it was a celebration of Nigerian music, culture and community.
With performances like this, Obeena continues to demonstrate his ambition to take his sound beyond the studio and onto major stages, connecting with audiences through music, energy and an unmistakable African identity.
Igbotic Game Night brought the Igbo community together. Obeena gave them a performance to remember.
Audio
KenryWhite Releases “Kilometers” & “The King” A Powerful Double Release Celebrating Faith, Purpose, and the Journey to Greatness
Nigerian Afrofusion artist KenryWhite unveils his compelling two-track release, “Kilometers & The King,” a project that explores the realities of life’s journey while affirming identity, faith, and purpose.
Leading the release is “Kilometers,” an uplifting anthem that reflects on the distance between dreams and fulfillment. Through heartfelt lyrics, captivating melodies, and vibrant Afrobeats production, KenryWhite encourages listeners to embrace the process, remain resilient, and keep moving forward despite life’s challenges.
Complementing the project is “The King,” featuring Wonder J. The record is a bold declaration of confidence, royalty, and divine purpose, blending infectious Afrobeats rhythms with inspiring lyricism. Together, the duo delivers a record that celebrates self-belief, leadership, and the mindset required to overcome every obstacle.
With rich storytelling, memorable melodies, and contemporary African sounds, “Kilometers & The King” showcases KenryWhite’s artistic growth while delivering music that inspires, motivates, and connects with audiences across the globe.
Now available on all major streaming platforms, “Kilometers & The King” invites listeners to embrace the journey, recognize their worth, and walk confidently into their purpose.
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