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Myanmar Earthquake: Death Toll Climbs to 3,145 Amid Ongoing Rescue Efforts

The devastating earthquake that struck Myanmar nearly a week ago has claimed at least 3,145 lives, with search and rescue teams continuing to recover bodies from the rubble. The 7.7 magnitude quake, which had its epicenter near Mandalay, Myanmar's second-largest city, caused widespread destruction, including collapsed buildings, damaged roads, and destroyed bridges.  Humanitarian aid groups are working tirelessly to provide survivors with medical care and shelter, as thousands remain homeless and vulnerable to disease outbreaks. The United Nations estimates that over 17 million people have been affected by the disaster, with more than 9 million severely impacted.  In response to the crisis, Myanmar's military government has declared a temporary ceasefire to facilitate relief efforts. However, ongoing challenges, including communication blackouts and difficult-to-reach areas, have hindered the full assessment of the disaster's impact.  The coming days will be critical in d...

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Yahya Sinwar: From Militant to Hamas Leader

 

Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7 attacks on Israel, has been announced as the new leader of the militant group Hamas . Here are some key points about Sinwar:

  1. Background and Early Life:

    • Born in 1962 in a refugee camp in Gaza’s Khan Younis, Sinwar was an early member of Hamas, which formed in 1987.
    • He led the group’s security arm, working to eliminate spies for Israel.
    • His ruthless reputation earned him the nickname “The Butcher of Khan Younis.”
  2. Imprisonment and Release:

    • Israel arrested Sinwar in the late 1980s, and he admitted to killing 12 suspected collaborators.
    • He was sentenced to four life terms, but in 2011, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released him in exchange for an Israeli soldier captured by Hamas.
  3. Rise to Power in Gaza:

    • Back in Gaza, Sinwar quickly climbed Hamas’ leadership ranks.
    • He orchestrated the 2016 killing of another top Hamas commander, Mahmoud Ishtewi, in an internal power struggle.
    • Sinwar became head of Hamas in Gaza, aligning the group with Iran and building its military capabilities.
  4. The October 7 Attack:

    • Sinwar, along with Mohammed Deif (head of Hamas’ armed wing), engineered the surprise attack on Israel.
    • The attack killed about 1,200 Israelis (mostly civilians) and sparked a war that claimed nearly 40,000 Palestinian lives in Gaza .
  5. Challenges Ahead:

    • Sinwar has been in hiding since the attack, making day-to-day operations challenging for Hamas .
    • As the new leader, he faces complex geopolitical dynamics and the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

In summary, Yahya Sinwar’s journey from a refugee camp to Hamas leader reflects both resilience and ruthlessness, shaping the group’s future under his leadership.

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