NewsIsrael protests, Macedonia mourns, Russia strikes Odessa overnight
Israel protests, Macedonia mourns, Russia strikes Odessa overnight
This happened while you were sleeping. Here is what global agencies reported overnight from Thursday to Friday.
- Since Tuesday, tens of thousands of Israelis have been protesting in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. They see the planned dismissal of Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security agency, as an attack on independent institutions that are beyond government control. On Thursday, a demonstration occurred in front of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office. "We will throw this government into the garbage can of history," said Israeli opposition leader Yair Golan. "Israel will either remain a liberal democracy or become a messianic theocracy—we will never give up," he added.
- Thousands of mourners bid farewell to the victims of Sunday's fire in eastern North Macedonia at various cemeteries across the country, local media reported. The fire at the nightclub in the town of Kočani claimed the lives of 59 people, 41 of whom were under 30 years old. Funerals took place in several cities and towns throughout the country, with the largest in Kočani, a town with a population of about 25,000, where 30 victims were buried. Many mourners carried baskets of white flowers along with photos and plaques bearing the names of the deceased. Some attendees required medical assistance, which was provided onsite by Red Cross workers.
- The Russians attacked Odessa late in the evening. Summarizing the attack, Oleg Kiper, head of the Odessa Regional State Administration, wrote on social media that there was damage to civilian infrastructure, including a multi-story residential building, a shopping center, and stores. "Three people were injured, including a young girl," he added.
