The UK government has announced that it will be facilitating commercial flights to the UK to help British nationals trapped and wanting to leave Israel following the Hamas attack.

In an announcement the foreign secretary said the first flights are due to depart from Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv later today, following suspension of flights due to the ongoing conflict.

Vulnerable British nationals will be prioritised for these flights. At this stage the government are contacting those who are eligible for the flights directly and British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they are called says the Foreign Office.

A Salford councillor trapped with his family in Israel called upon the government to act faster after his flight to Verona was cancelled just 30 minutes before it was due to depart.

Since Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel, UK government officials have been working around the clock in London, Jerusalem and Tel Aviv to support British citizens in the country.

A Rapid Deployment Team has also been sent to Israel to bolster the efforts of British consular officials.

In a posting on Facebook and Twitter, Colleague of Councillor Walters, Mike McCusker, called upon pressure to be put on the government to act faster.

The news comes as Israel said there would be no humanitarian break to its siege of the Gaza Strip until all its hostages were freed, after the Red Cross pleaded for fuel to be allowed in to prevent overwhelmed hospitals from “turning into morgues.

Meanwhile, Salford City Council has issued a statement from Salford City Mayor Paul Dennett, Councillor Gina Reynolds Ceremonial Mayor of the City of Salford and Tom Stannard, Chief Executive, Salford City Council regarding the events in Israel and Gaza:

The Israeli military is preparing for a possible ground operation in Gaza but the political leadership has not yet ordered one, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht told reporters this morning. The world can most certainly expect to see more blood shed before this conflict is over.

It is still unbelievable to think that one year ago today, on February 24, 2022, after months of rising tensions between the two countries, Russian President Vladimir Putin would give the order to send troops and tanks over the border in what he termed as a special operation. Since that day the war has had devastating consequences for both countries and has drawn international attention and condemnation of Russia's actions.

Since the start of the conflict, there have been multiple rounds of fighting, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people on both sides and the displacement of millions of Ukrainian people, some of which have been welcomed by Salfordians who have shown huge support and continue to do so.

Local charities have raised thousands of pounds and delivered tons of food and medical aid to the embattled nation.

Today Salford City Council are proudly flying a UK-Ukraine friendship flag in tribute to the people of Ukraine above its Civic Centre in Swinton.

Photo ©: Salford City Council

The fighting has been particularly intense in eastern Ukraine, where separatist groups backed by Russia have been battling Ukrainian forces. The conflict has also spilled over into the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea, with Russian naval vessels and aircraft conducting aggressive maneuvers and confrontations with Ukrainian ships and planes.

The war has caused significant economic damage, particularly to Ukraine, which has seen its economy contract sharply since the start of the conflict. The fighting has disrupted trade and commerce, damaged critical infrastructure, and led to the loss of jobs and livelihoods for many Ukrainians. Russia has also faced economic sanctions from the international community in response to its actions in Ukraine, which have further strained its economy.

The humanitarian toll of the conflict has been staggering, with millions of people displaced from their homes and struggling to access basic necessities like food, water, and medical care. Many of those affected are children, who have been forced to flee their homes and schools and are now living in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions. The conflict has also had a devastating impact on the mental health of those affected, with many experiencing trauma and anxiety as a result of the violence and uncertainty, never knowing when or where the next rocket attack will target.

Despite international efforts to broker a peace agreement, with the most recent attempt by China just this morning, the conflict shows no signs of ending, quite the contrary as Putin looks to be regathering his troops for a new offensive. 

On the one-year anniversary of the start of the Ukrainian-Russian War, it is important to reflect on the toll that the conflict has taken on both countries and to renew efforts to find a peaceful solution. Russia has lost many troops over the past year and moral within the ranks is said to be at an all time low. Equally, Ukraine has seen devastating losses both military and civilian.

There are no winners when it comes to wars.

The international community must continue to put pressure on both sides to come to the negotiating table and to find a way to end the violence and restore stability to the region so that it does not spill into the rest of Europe, Putin can not be allowed to win as it would have dire consequences for the whole world.

The sporting world is in mourning after the undisputed master of 'The Beautiful Game' succumbs to his battle against colon cancer, after falling ill over the Christmas period.

The 82-year-old legend that is Pele, is considered to be the greatest football player ever to grace the pitch, with no less than three World Cup wins to his name, amongst countless other accolades which he achieved over the years.

Pele's work was not only spectacular on the pitch but also as an ambassador for the sport which included his charitable work that helped countless underprivileged children across the world.

Prior to his hospital admission, Pele had been living at his home in Guaruja, located just outside of Sao Paulo in Brazil. He was moved to Albert Einstein hospital after his condition deteriorated. 

During the World Cup he made numerous posts on social media, commenting on games as well as congratulating champions Argentina on their win.

He passed away earlier this afternoon (29th December), surrounded by members of his family who were with him until the end.

He was to football as Ali was to boxing, a legend.

It’s International Women’s Day on March 8. This year, it invites you to imagine a gender-equal world: a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination.

A world that's diverse, equitable, and inclusive.

A world where difference is valued and celebrated. 

Becky Cranham, former school teacher and director at PlanBee said:

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"To achieve a gender-equal world, we must encourage and empower girls and young women to achieve their potential and to allow nothing to stand in their way.

"So we decided to create some simple, but powerful posters for girls. Each poster contains a phrase to inspire, encourage or motivate young people, and challenge negative or unhelpful thoughts."

 

Becky has made these posters free to download for our readers. You could put them up around your home, seeing these empowering messages every day will help to encourage your daughters to reach for the stars.

The hashtag for this year’s International Women’s Day is #BreakTheBias.

For further information, email susan@empra.co.uk or phone 07739 364899.

The invasion of Ukraine has begun according to Sajid Javid, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care.

The UK has promised a barrage of sanctions against Russia after President Putin broke international law by ordering tanks to roll in to break away regions of the Ukraine on what he calls a 'Peace Keeping' mission. The orders came just hours after the Kremlin formally recognised some Ukrainian held areas as independent regions.

It is estimated that at least ten thousand troops have crossed the border, sparking fears of a full scale invasion and land grab to follow.

As Russian troops marched in, fighting across the region escalated with a power station taking direct hits from shells and casualties mounting.

American President, Joe Biden's response has been muted with only limited sanctions banning Americans from doing business there, but it is expected more measures will follow.

Speaking before signing his order, Vladimir Putin argued that Ukraine has no right to statehood, that it was 'created by Lenin', is a corrupt US and NATO vassal, and has been directly threatening Russia's security. He also accused the West of trying to 'destroy' Russia.

The move by the Kremlin has been overwhelming condemned with even close ally China urging a diplomatic and peaceful solution to the crisis.

German has responded by pulling the plug on the NordStream 2 gas pipeline in retaliation for Russia's invasion of the Ukraine and the UK Government has vowed to target Putin-linked oligarchs with its own first wave of sanctions hammered out at a Cobra meeting this morning.

A mystery virus which is thought to have infected up to 200 people so far has now been confirmed as being transmissible via human to human contact sparking fears that the deadly infection could develop into a world wide epidemic similar to the deadly SARS outbreak which hit the region two decades ago.

Airports in China have now taken measures to monitor the temperatures of those leaving the country in an attempt to stop it spreading. Those with high temperatures are being placed under quarantine and monitored for signs of fever associated with the disease. Other Airports around the world have put their own screening into motion.

So far the virus which belongs to the same family as corona-viruses has killed three people in china, over the weekend cases tripled with now being reported in Thailand, South Korea and Japan.

The first suspected cases of what has now been dubbed 'Wuhan Virus' were reported on December 31st 2019 in the region of Wuhan in China. It is unclear as to where the origins of the virus come from but it is thought that it is linked to a wholesale fish and animal market. The World Health Organisation has said that it can not exclude limited human to human transmission.

Scientists have now identified the disease as a form of Coronavirus, the cause of diseases such as the common cold as well as much deadlier diseases such as SARS and MER, both of which have been ruled out as suspects.

The clinical signs are mainly fever, cough, tightness of the chest and breathing difficulties, lungs can also become inflamed and filled with fluid in some patients.

As this is a new strain there are currently no vaccines against it and only preventative methods and catching early signs will stop it spreading.

China is taking the virus very seriously with President Xi saying:

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"The recent outbreak of novel coronavirus pneumonia in Wuhan and other places must be taken seriously.

"Party committees, governments and relevant departments at all levels should put people's lives and health first.

"They should ensure that the masses have a quiet, peaceful and joyous Spring Festival."

 

However, as study from Imperial College in London suggest that the cases could be far higher than what China is reporting.

It said:

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"It is likely that the Wuhan outbreak of a novel coronavirus has caused substantially more cases of moderate or severe respiratory illness than currently reported."

so far the virulence of the virus is unknown, it could be not as deadly as SARS but as so little is known about it, including its origin and how easily it can be passed between humans - it will be monitored and treated serious.

Outside of Asia there have been no recorded cases but health services in countries across the globe will be keeping a vigilant watch for it spreading into territories new.

The Ukrainian airlines Boeing 737 crashed shortly after take-off from Tehran today, reports on the ground say that all 177 people on board have sadly lost their lives.

It is unknown as yet what caused the crash with initial reports from within Iran claiming it to have been a mechanical failure, although reportedly the plane was seen to be in flames already as it fell out of the sky - leading some to speculate that it may have been accidentally shot down having been mistaken for a U.S. counter attack on the Iranian capital.

Three Britons and 63 Canadians were among the 177 on board who perished.

Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky has spoken of the tragic loss of life whilst the Ukrainian Embassy in Iran has reported the crash was caused by engine failure and not terrorism or as a result of a missile attack:

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'According to preliminary data the plane crashed due to engine failure for technical reasons. As of now versions of terrorist attack or missile attack are ruled out.' 

Investigators are now at the scene as they inspect the wreckage for clues as to what caused the tragic loss.

The crash comes after rockets were fired from Iranian territory upon U.S. bases in Iraq in a retaliation for the killing of Iranian Revolutionary Guard General Qassem Soleimani.  

President Trump declared 'All is well so far' as the U.S. assessed damage and casualties sustained during an overnight attack in which Iran fired 15 ballistic missiles at U.S. bases in Iraq in what it termed Operation Martyr.  

The president said an official statement would come later this morning but initial reports are that there have been no casualties on the ground and only minimal damage done.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said his country had delivered a 'slap in the face' to the American forces, but added that the missile attack alone was 'not enough' and made calls for the U.S. to be 'uprooted' from the region.

Iran's foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has since said Iran 'took and concluded proportionate measures in self-defence', he gave warning that his country will 'defend itself against any U.S. led aggression'.  

It is unclear what response will be given by Trump but the world super power has a formidable presence in the region and will act to protect its assets and personnel. 

The Pentagon said that the missiles were clearly launched from Iranian territory and that early warning systems were able to give enough time for troops to retreat into bunkers for safety. Several buildings were hit including an aircraft hanger but so far all personnel seem to be accounted for at the base and there have been no casualties reported.

World leaders including PM Boris Johnson have called for calm and a deescalation so as to avoid a wider conflict in the already powder keg region, saying America and the rest of the world can not afford to be dragged into another war.

Despite claims in a U.S. Brigadier Generals claims in a letter that coalition troops will be withdrawn from Iraq within the next few weeks in the wake of Qassem Soleimani's death, The American defence secretary Mark Esper has seemingly dismissed the claim by turning it on its head within just hours of it being made.

Esper told journalists that no such decision has been taken and there were no plans which would suggest a withdrawal was on the cards, going on to say that both he and his staff were trying to figure out the meaning of the wording used in a letter signed by the General which suggested a large scale troop movement outside of Iraq would take place.

On Monday the Iraqi parliament voted on a non legally binding motion ordering the Americans to remove troops from the country in response to the attack carried out on Iran second in command and right hand of the Ayatollah.  

Some within the country have said they have fears of a resurgence of ISIS as a force in the region should the United States and its Allies remove troops. 

Meanwhile the Pentagon has said that it is not immediately able to confirm the letters authenticity although the Iraqi defence officials have insisted the letter was delivered by U.S. forces and was official.

The Americans currently have 5,200 soldiers deployed in bases around Iraq in order to support local troops in the fight against ISIS forces, in contrast the U.K. has just 400 troops deployed in support roles.

If troops are pulled out then it would end the Americans 17-year presence within the country, cripple the attempts to fight against ISIS and surely allow the extremists to make a comeback in the region which would have a huge impact.

After the killing by a missile fired from a U.S. drone on Sunday, tensions across the region are high with threats of a counter attack on U.S. assets imminent. Top Iranian officials have placed a $80m bounty on the head of U.S. President Donald Trump and have been sending signals that they aim to hit him personally with attacks on his financial interests.

The U.K. has sought to defuse the situation and lower tensions on both sides as an all out war in the region would have a devastating impact leading to the deaths of countless innocent people.

So the question for now is Will they or Won't they?

The Pentagon has confirmed that it carried out an airstrike at the instruction of President Trump in retaliation for an Iranian led attack on the US embassy in Baghdad earlier this week.

Qassem Soleimani, the head of Iran's Quds Force, was killed in a precision strike on a vehicle he was travelling in on Friday at Baghdad International Airport.

Four precision guided missiles fired from a U.S. drone obliterated two black Hyundai vehicles in which Soleiman and his entourage were travelling in as they made their way down an access road close to Baghdad Airport.

The U.S. Defence Department said that strike was justified to protect American lives.

Iranian officials have condemned the attack which they describe as an act of terrorism and issued a statement warning of imminent retaliation from Tehran.

Meanwhile Top Democrats in the U.S. have warned that the airstrike unsanctioned by Congress had the potential to trigger a larger conflict within the powder keg of the middle east.

In a statement former Vice President Joe Biden said that Trump had just tossed a stick of dynamite into a tinderbox.

With tensions already high in the middle east this latest move by the President Trump has the potential to trigger a war between the two countries.

This action will be viewed by Iran as a huge military provocation which will no doubt result in a retaliation of their own against U.S. assets and personnel.

Peter's death happened as he parked up his UK plated Audi outside his luxury villa on the Costa Del Sol, near Fuengirola in Spain, as he returned home from the Gym.

The Salford born father of two children known as Snaggle to his friends and family, is said to have died instantly after one of the seven bullets fired at him struck his heart.

Peter was gunned down in a residential street called Calle Ofrebres, which sits in the hills which run alongside the Costa del Sol, at around 3.15pm on Thursday afternoon.

It is thought that another vehicle pulled alongside him, whereupon shots were fired before the vehicle sped off from the scene.

Emergency services made a desperate attempt to save his life at the scene by practising CPR but sadly they were unable to save him. 

Officers have so far made no arrests and although no official comment has been made by police, a Spanish newspaper is reporting that they are focusing on the theory that the ex-pat was murdered in a drugs-related incident, after Williamson had been arrested earlier in the year (March) suspected of trafficking cannabis resin via a transport firm from Malaga to an unconfirmed destination.

Although it should be made clear that there is no evidence we have seen to support the papers claims as no charges were made against Williamson and it is thought that his arrest was a case of mistaken identity on behalf of the Spanish police.

Regardless it is a devastating loss to his family, especially so to his two children who will now grow up without a father, we offer his family and friends our condolences at this time and hope that those responsible for his barbaric murder are swiftly brought to justice.

Photo: SolarPix