Overnight briefing: North Korea tensions rise after destroyer launch debacle
This is what global agencies reported during the night from Wednesday to Thursday. During the launch ceremony for a new destroyer in North Korea, a serious incident occurred. Kim Jong Un described it as a "criminal act."
What do you need to know?
- Incident in North Korea during the launch ceremony of a new destroyer, attended by Kim Jong Un.
- Archdiocese of New Orleans agreed to pay nearly £150 million to victims of sexual abuse by clergy.
- Hospital in southern Libya admitted six people, including a child, in critical condition after being stung by a scorpion.
Serious incident in North Korea
During the launch ceremony for a new destroyer in North Korea, with Kim Jong Un in attendance, an incident occurred. A ship weighing approximately 5,000 tonnes was damaged.
"This is a serious incident and a criminal act that should not have happened and cannot be tolerated due to sheer negligence and irresponsibility," said Kim Jong Un, according to KCNA.
The leader simultaneously ordered the destroyer to be repaired before the June party meeting.
"The urgent repair of the destroyer is not a simple practical matter, but a political one directly related to the country's authority," added Kim, according to KCNA.
Trump vs. president of South Africa: Strange exchange in the Oval Office
US President Donald Trump once again accused South Africa of committing genocide against white farmers and presented video clips on the topic during Wednesday's meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office.
During the meeting, there was also a bizarre exchange about an aircraft Trump received from Qatar.
Netanyahu: Israel will control all of Gaza Strip
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Wednesday that he will resist pressure to quickly end the war in the Gaza Strip. He emphasised that the conflict would end only when Hamas is defeated, and hostages are released. He added that after the war, Israel will control the entire Gaza Strip.
"We are ready to end the war on clear terms - all hostages will return home, Hamas will lay down arms, stop ruling, its leaders will be expelled from Gaza, which will be completely disarmed, and we will implement Trump's plan," Netanyahu said on Wednesday evening during the first press conference for Israeli media in five months.
Church in the USA to pay $180 million
The Archdiocese of New Orleans agreed to pay nearly $180 million to victims of sexual abuse by clergy. AP reported that this was the result of a settlement announced on Wednesday.
According to the committee that negotiated the agreement, the archdiocese, its parishes, and several insurers will contribute $179.2 million to a trust fund for the victims. The money will be distributed after the church exits bankruptcy proceedings.
Scorpion stings in Libya
A hospital in Gharyan in southern Libya admitted six people, including a child, in critical condition after being stung by a scorpion. In a statement issued on Wednesday, the hospital warned that high temperatures have triggered increased activity of scorpions and reptiles, especially in agricultural areas. It urged residents to take extra precautions.
The hospital recommended checking shoes and clothing before use, avoiding sleeping directly on the ground, and sealing any cracks in walls and floors.
