Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar feared killed in Israeli Gaza operation

Yahya Sinwar, a senior leader within Hamas, is feared to have been killed during an Israeli military operation in Gaza, according to emerging reports.

Sinwar, who allegedly played a pivotal role in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel, is at the centre of an investigation by Israeli authorities, though confirmation of his death is still pending.

Sources cited by the BBC suggest that preliminary assessments point toward Sinwar, 61, being among those killed in recent strikes, but final verification has not been made.

Disturbing images circulating online depict a lifeless body resembling Sinwar amid the debris of a targeted building, showing visible injuries.

Sinwar gained prominence in Hamas after his release from an Israeli prison in 2011 as part of a widely publicized prisoner exchange. Known for his militant stance, he championed military actions over diplomatic negotiations with Israel.

For years, Israel has considered Sinwar one of its most wanted targets in Gaza. He is accused of orchestrating the deadly October 7 attacks that resulted in the deaths of more than 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of over 250 individuals into Gaza.

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Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, recently invoked a passage from the Torah, underscoring the nation’s determination to retaliate: “You will pursue your enemies, and they will fall before you by the sword.” Gallant emphasized Israel’s commitment to targeting those responsible for assaults on its people.

Anonymous officials quoted by Reuters revealed that the Israeli security cabinet has been briefed on the likelihood that Sinwar has been killed. Similarly, Channel 12 reported that government insiders believe Sinwar was neutralized during the ongoing offensive in Gaza.

An Israeli security source told AFP that DNA testing is underway to confirm whether the body recovered from the rubble belongs to Sinwar. His DNA and biometric data, obtained during his previous imprisonment in Israel, are being used for identification.

The strike reportedly occurred during an operation in Rafah, southern Gaza, where Israeli troops clashed with militants. The Israeli military announced that three fighters were killed in the encounter, with indications suggesting Sinwar may have been among them.

If verified, Sinwar’s death would represent a significant achievement for Israel, dealing a symbolic blow to Hamas amid the ongoing conflict. His leadership role in coordinating Hamas’ militant operations, including the recent attacks, has made him a prime target.

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar feared killed in Israeli Gaza operation

Elon Musk donates $75m to support Trump’s presidential campaign

In a significant display of political backing, billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk has contributed nearly $75 million to a political action committee (PAC) he established to support Donald Trump’s 2024 U.S. presidential campaign.

According to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings made public on Tuesday, this large donation highlights Musk’s growing involvement in Trump’s bid for the presidency.

Musk, the world’s richest man, has become an increasingly prominent figure in Trump’s campaign. Recently, he appeared on stage with the former president at a Pennsylvania rally, where he made his support clear.

Musk has also been vocal on social media, frequently criticizing Trump’s Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris.

Trump has often mentioned Musk in his speeches, even promising to appoint him to a committee aimed at reducing government bureaucracy if he wins the election.

Currently, the race between Trump and Harris is extremely tight, with polls indicating a neck-and-neck contest for the White House.

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Musk’s America PAC, which was launched to mobilize grassroots efforts for Trump, has raised $74.95 million between July and September 2024.

The PAC has directed much of its efforts toward battleground states like Pennsylvania, where the overall outcome of the election may be decided.

The group’s website advertises paid opportunities for individuals to help boost voter turnout, offering $30 per hour with bonuses for high performance.

Musk has also promised $47 to anyone who convinces a registered swing-state voter to sign a petition supporting free speech and gun rights.

Musk’s endorsement of Trump came after the Republican candidate survived an assassination attempt in July 2024, a moment that seemed to solidify the tech mogul’s support.

On the other side of the race, Kamala Harris has been no less aggressive in her campaign efforts. The vice president’s Harris Victory Fund PAC raised $633 million in the same period, according to FEC filings.

Harris entered the race following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal after a poor debate performance against Trump earlier this year.

Since launching her campaign, Harris has energized the Democratic base, focusing heavily on key battleground states. Her PAC’s year-to-date fundraising is close to $1 billion, standing at $931.2 million, indicating the high stakes in this closely watched presidential race.

With both candidates neck-and-neck and political donations pouring in from both sides, the 2024 election is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested in recent history.

Elon Musk donates $75m to support Trump’s presidential campaign

Biden okays $4.5bn student debt relief as vote nears

US President Joe Biden announced Thursday further student debt relief for public servants — amounting to around $4.5 billion — with just over two weeks to go until the presidential election.

The action affects about 60,000 borrowers across the country, said the White House, touting Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris’s efforts to improve loan forgiveness since taking office.

Harris is the Democratic nominee in November’s White House race, running against Republican former president Donald Trump.

The announcement comes as households feel the weight of higher costs of living since the Covid-19 pandemic, with voters citing the economy as a crucial concern in polls.

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Biden said in a statement that with the latest move, more than one million people have had their debt cancelled under Public Service Loan Forgiveness.

The promise of the program — supporting teachers, nurses and others — involved student debt forgiveness after 10 years of public service and 10 years of payments.

“But for too long, the government failed to live up to its commitments, and only 7,000 people had ever received forgiveness,” Biden said.

“I will never stop working to make higher education affordable,” he added.

Harris said in her own statement that higher education “should be a pathway to economic opportunity — not a lifetime of debt.”

She, too, promised to “continue our work to lower costs, make higher education more affordable, and relieve the burden of student debt.”

Biden has embarked on efforts to cancel student debt for millions of Americans, after a student loan payment freeze instituted by Trump during the coronavirus pandemic.

Americans hold $1.6 trillion in student loans, and some end up repaying them over decades as they start jobs and families.

Biden okays $4.5bn student debt relief as vote nears