NewsIsrael's democratic battle; Macedonia mourns fire victims
Israel's democratic battle; Macedonia mourns fire victims
This happened while you were sleeping. Here is what the world agencies reported overnight from Thursday to Friday.
ed. Sara Bounaoui
- Since Tuesday, tens of thousands of Israelis have been protesting in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. They see the planned dismissal of Ronen Bar, the head of the Shin Bet security agency, as an attack on independent institutions that remain beyond government control. On Thursday, a demonstration gathered 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 several 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 of the thousands of mourners carried baskets of white flowers along with photos and plaques bearing the names of the deceased. Some attendees needed medical assistance, which was provided onsite by Red Cross workers.
- The Russians attacked Odessa late in the evening, which is around 3:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Summarizing the information about the Russian attack, Oleg Kiper, head of the Odessa Regional State Administration, wrote on social media that there were damages to civilian infrastructure, including a multi-storey residential building, a shopping centre, and stores. "Three people were injured, including a young girl," he added.
