International
Venezuelan President holds dialogue with Palestinian counterpart

October 16 |
The President of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro Moros, and the President of the Palestinian National Authority (PNA), Mahmud Abbas, held a telephone conversation on Sunday to address the critical situation of Palestinian civilians after the Israeli aggression in Gaza.
From the official account of the Government of Venezuela, Nicolás Maduro highlighted that they discussed “the terrible situation in the Gaza Strip, after the indiscriminate attacks on the civilian population by Israel, causing thousands of deaths and injuries”.
Recognizing that Israel’s attack has crossed the line of respect for International Humanitarian Law and violates the agreements governing the matter, the Venezuelan Head of State also pointed out that both he and Abbas agreed in demanding an immediate cease-fire.
“We agree in demanding an immediate ceasefire and the establishment of a humanitarian channel of assistance to the population, as well as the reestablishment of international legality, through compliance with the resolutions of the United Nations and respect for the commitments of the parties in each of the negotiations carried out,” said the Venezuelan dignitary.
Likewise, Maduro Moros pointed out that Abbas informed in detail about the development of the events and the diplomatic deployment of the PNA, “as a leading body, committed to peace, dialogue and respect for the agreements signed between the parties, which have been systematically ignored by the Israeli side”.
The Bolivarian leader reaffirmed Venezuela’s unconditional support to the Palestinian cause and the PNA, in function of achieving peace and urging the international community and the UN authorities to assume, with strength and courage, a role of guarantors of such legality, as the only route to achieve peace and fulfill the mandate of the consolidation of the Palestinian State.
“We also reviewed the initiatives promoted by different countries, among them China and Egypt, in function of convening a great world conference in favor of peace and the reestablishment of international legality, which are aimed at immediately stopping the military aggression against civilians and advancing on the definitive path to the reestablishment of the rights of the Palestinian people,” insisted the Venezuelan president.
Likewise, Nicolás Maduro informed about the shipment of more than 30 tons of humanitarian aid, in the coming days, to the Gaza Strip, “as part of the beginning of a plan of direct and constant support to the Palestinian people, through the established humanitarian channels”.
International
American Airlines sued after woman alleges sexual assault on flight

A woman has filed a lawsuit against American Airlines, alleging she was sexually assaulted during a red-eye flight from San Francisco to Dallas last year. According to court documents made public in recent hours, the woman claims airline staff failed to respond to her complaints during the incident.
The alleged assailant, identified as Cherien Abraham, is a Texas man who had previously been reported to the airline for a similar incident involving another female passenger in 2023. The lawsuit states that Abraham “placed his hand on the plaintiff’s thigh, slid it toward her vagina, and touched her genitals.”
In a statement sent to media outlets, American Airlines confirmed it is “working closely with authorities on the investigation.” The company added that “this individual will no longer be allowed to fly with us.”
The plaintiff, Barbara Morgan, was traveling to Dallas to visit her son. She was seated next to Abraham during the flight. After the assault, she attempted to notify flight attendants, but according to her testimony, she received no assistance from the airline staff.
International
Houthis threaten israeli airports, urge airlines to cancel flights

Yemen’s Houthi rebels announced on Sunday that they will begin targeting Israeli airports and urged international airlines to cancel all flights to the country. The statement came just hours after a missile launched from Yemeni territory struck near Israel’s main airport, Ben Gurion, causing panic among passengers.
“The Yemeni Armed Forces will target Israeli airports, particularly the one in Lod, known as Ben Gurion,” said Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree in a statement. He also urged “all international airlines to take this announcement seriously and immediately cancel flights to the enemy’s airport.”
The Houthis have carried out multiple attacks against Israel throughout the war in Gaza in a show of solidarity with the Palestinian people. The missile strike near Ben Gurion International Airport occurred shortly before Israel’s top cabinet ministers were scheduled to vote on whether to escalate military operations in Gaza.
In a related development, Israel’s Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, announced the military will begin calling up tens of thousands of reservists in preparation for possible further action.
International
Vatican speeds up Sistine Chapel preparations for upcoming conclave

Work is accelerating inside the Sistine Chapel as the Vatican prepares for the papal conclave set to begin on Wednesday. The preparations include the installation of a wooden floor, the setup of a stove for burning secret ballots, and the iconic chimney that will signal the election results.
A nearly five-minute video released by the Vatican on Saturday shows technicians assembling scaffolding beneath Michelangelo’s frescoes and laying a false wooden floor, where large tables will be placed to accommodate the 133 cardinals expected to vote.
Elsewhere in the chapel, workers are installing the heavy stove that will be used to burn the ballots. The footage, dated Friday, also shows firefighters climbing the tiled roof to prepare the chimney flue, which will emit either white smoke when a new pope is elected, or black smoke if no decision has been reached.
“This is a key stage for the Catholic Church,” said Silvio Screpanti, deputy director of Vatican infrastructure, on the Vatican’s official website. The stove has been discreetly tested, and in case of any issues, a technician will remain in a nearby technical room with a remote control to manage the stove, which now operates electronically.
A team of five electricians, five technicians, and two florists will remain on-site throughout the conclave. After taking an oath, they will stay within Vatican grounds with no outside contact, including with their families.
Some of these workers have participated in previous conclaves, while younger staff will receive guidance from more experienced colleagues, ensuring a smooth transition for future conclaves.
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