BBC News Briefing

2 April, 2024

Sofia Lotto Persio

Hello. Israel is facing international scrutiny after a military strike killed seven aid workers in Gaza, and Iran accused Tel Aviv of bombing its consulate in Syria. We are tracking reaction on our live page. In Ukraine, Sarah Rainsford explains how citizens are coping with the blackouts resulting from Russia's attacks on the power grid. We're also checking on British Colombia's drug decriminalisation experiment, and on a British town where potholes have become a huge talking point.

TOP OF THE AGENDA

Food charity suspends aid work in Gaza

Australia's PM has said he expects "full accountability" for the death of aid worker Lalzawmi "Zomi" Frankcom. Credit: Reuters

US-based charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) has announced it will suspend work in Gaza after seven of its aid workers were killed in an Israeli strike after making a food delivery. According to WCK, the workers who died were Australian, Polish, British, Palestinian and a dual US-Canadian citizen. Those governments are now seeking confirmation from Israel of the victims' identities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it was conducting a "thorough review" into the incident - get the latest. The military has, however, refused to comment on Iran's accusation that an Israeli strike hit its consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus, killing seven officers. One of the victims was a high-ranking member of the elite Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards.

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Damascus strike: This serious escalation seems to be testing the resolve of the Iranians and their allies, writes international editor Jeremy Bowen.

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On a mission: WCK founder José Andrés spoke to the BBC last month about his charity's focus on feeding the hungry in Gaza.

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Press freedom: The Israeli parliament has approved a law giving the government power to ban broadcasts of TV channels such as Qatar's Al Jazeera.

WORLD HEADLINES

Gun violence: A 12-year-old suspect has been arrested in connection with a school shooting in Finland in which three children were injured, according to the police.

Legal issues: Donald Trump has posted a $175m (£139m) payment to appeal the verdict in his New York civil fraud case. Meanwhile, a gag order put on Mr Trump in a separate case has been expanded after he made online comments about the daughter of the presiding judge.

Florida: The state's top court has paved the way for a six-week ban on abortion. Separately, it ruled that an amendment to enshrine abortion access in the state constitution could be added to ballots in November.

Australia: A man accused of murdering his stepfather has failed in his bid for re-election as city councillor. He intends to plead not guilty at his trial.

Font debacle: The German football team kit has sparked controversy for the way the number 44 resembles the symbol of Nazi-era SS units.

AT THE SCENE

Kharkiv, Ukraine

Attacks target Ukraine's power supply

A hair salon in a Kharkiv back street has a generator whirring noisily outside the door.

Many small businesses can keep running thanks to small generators. Credit: BBC/Joyce Liu

Just over 10 days ago, a massive Russian missile attack damaged Ukraine's power supply, plunging the country's second city into darkness. As Kharkiv works to restore power, the Russians have increasingly been aiming at the grid.

Sarah Rainsford, Eastern Europe correspondent

Blackout periods have been introduced in order to conserve energy, and there is a schedule for the city. On Saturday those power cuts lasted six hours, but by Sunday they had been reduced to four hours. The timings can slip. "They were supposed to cut the power to my area at 09:00, so I got up especially early to charge everything,'" a friend messaged. "Then I got in the lift and got stuck. They'd cut the power early!"

Read in full

BEYOND THE HEADLINES

Canada's drug decriminalisation trial

Guy Felicella wears a black jacket and stares into the camera

Drug-harm reduction advocates like Guy Felicella say decriminalisation can help save lives. Creidt: BBC

Last year, British Columbia (BC) became the first province in Canada to decriminalise the use of hard drugs as part of its efforts to tackle a deadly opioids crisis. But the policy is facing pushback, leaving its future uncertain.

Keep reading

A staircase leads to the entrance of a derelict spa complex

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Reinventing Tskaltubo

The Georgian town founded on hot springs is looking to restore its former glory.

Here's how

And finally...

Potholes aren't an issue exclusive to British roads, but the town of Daventry in Northamptonshire is becoming a talking point because of them. A frustrated resident started putting up humorous signs in an attempt to shame the council to fix the roads, acquiring the moniker of Daventry Banksie (sic) in the process.

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– Sofia

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