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QCPD chief leads distribution of BSKE equipment
Quezon City Police District Director P/Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan led the distribution of equipment Thursday, to be used for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections 2023. The program highlighted the distribution of 179 body-worn cameras from the Quezon City local government unit to QCPD police officers who will be deployed to 107 different polling centers during the BSKE 2023. The use of these tools will guarantee that every action taken during the election is precisely recorded. The Task Force District Anti-Crime Reaction Team was also launched during the activity. The TF-DART was created to deter criminal activities, provide immediate response to incidents, and support the electoral process to maintain peace and order for the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections 2023 in Quezon City. The team is composed of skilled and well-trained motorcycle officers, wherein the Acting Deputy District Director for Operations P/Col. Josefino Ligan was designated as the overall supervisor. The team is also equipped with 22 motorcycles, body vest, body cameras, tactical helmet, and hand-held radios. Meanwhile, the QCPD conducted operations against wanted persons from September 10-12, 2023 wherein 50 wanted persons were arrested by QCPD. “I would like to take the opportunity to thank our beloved Mayor Josefina ‘Joy’ Belmonte for providing this logistics, the body worn cameras, the motorcycles, and other enforcement equipment,” Maranan added. Maranan said that one week before election day, they will deploy 100 percent total strength of the QCPD including 900 personnel at the voting centers, treasurer’s offices, national printing offices, and other vital installations in connection with elections. The post QCPD chief leads distribution of BSKE equipment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Russia’s Luna-25 probe crashes on the Moon
Russia's first Moon mission in almost 50 years, the Luna-25 probe, has crashed on the Moon's surface after an unspecified incident during pre-landing maneuvers, the Russian space agency Roscosmos said Sunday. The crash comes almost a year and a half into Russia's Ukraine offensive that has seen Moscow isolated, with punishing sanctions that have affected its space industry. The failed mission comes as several companies and nations have entered a Moon race, and put a spotlight on the Russian space sector's troubles -- from corruption to lack of innovation and partnerships. Communication with Luna-25 was lost at 2:57 pm (1157 GMT) on Saturday, Roscosmos said. According to preliminary findings, the lander "has ceased to exist following a collision with the Moon's surface". "Measures taken on August 19 and 20 to locate the craft and make contact with it were unsuccessful," the space agency added. It said a ministerial investigation would be opened into the causes of the crash, without giving any indication of what technical problems might have occurred. With Luna-25, Moscow had hoped to build on the legacy of its Soviet-era Luna program, marking a return to independent Moon exploration in the face of financial troubles and corruption scandals at the program and growing isolation from the West. Valery Yegorov, a former researcher with Russia's space program who now lives in exile, said the crash would severely affect Roscosmos's future missions, with the next one not planned until 2028 or "even later". He suggested the probe's failure was linked to electronic problems, possibly resulting from Western sanctions on Moscow. The Luna-25 launch was postponed several times in the last five years, Yegorov said, "because of sanctions imposed on Russia in response to seizing Crimea". Research 'not a priority' "Science, fundamental research, some kind of humanistic ideas about space colonization, about revealing the secrets of the universe, are clearly not a priority right now," said Yegorov, who has denounced the Kremlin's Ukraine offensive. The 800-kilogram (1,760-pound) Luna-25 probe was to have made a soft landing on Monday on the Moon's south pole -- which would have been a historic first. Russia has not attempted to land on a celestial body since 1989, when the Soviet Union's Phobos 2 probe to explore the moons of Mars failed after an onboard computer malfunction. Roscosmos chief Yuri Borisov had said the venture would be "risky", telling President Vladimir Putin in June that the probability of it succeeding was "around 70 percent". Luna-25 had been successfully placed in the Moon's orbit on Wednesday after being launched from the Vostochny cosmodrome in the Russian Far East. Space race But on Saturday, Roscosmos said an "emergency" had been detected during a maneuver by the probe before its landing, preventing the operation from being carried out. Luna-25 had been expected to stay on the Moon for a year, collecting soil samples and looking for water -- an ingredient enthusiasts hope could be used to make rocket fuel for future launches and support potential colonies living there. Cameras installed on the lander had already taken shots of the lunar surface. Doubts had already emerged about Russia's long-running space cooperation with the West in the wake of its military campaign in Ukraine. While Russia has said it intends to use the International Space Station until 2028, the European Space Agency has dropped plans to co-operate with Moscow on Moon and Mars missions. Moscow last landed a probe -- Luna-24 -- on the Moon in 1976, before shifting away from lunar exploration in favor of missions to Venus and building the Mir space station. Landing Luna-25 successfully would have paved the way for further Russian missions to the Moon, at a time when India and China are launching their own probes and the United States returns to manned missions. India's competing space probe, Chandrayaan-3, entered the Moon's orbit earlier in August, also with the goal of landing on the south pole. Only Russia, the United States and China have previously achieved a controlled landing on the Moon. The post Russia’s Luna-25 probe crashes on the Moon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Jemboy unarmed, posed no threat’
The chief of the Northern Police District yesterday acknowledged that Jerhode “Jemboy” Baltazar was not armed and posed no threat to anyone when he was shot dead by members of the Navotas City police. “We saw that there was no threat and no aggression from the person being arrested but they immediately used their firearms. So our police should be held liable for that,” Brig. Gen. Rizalito Gapas said Thursday. Gapas added that the Navotas police investigation of the “accidental shooting” of the teen was “not exhaustive.” He noted the cops involved were not subjected to paraffin tests to determine who fired their guns. The cops violated the Philippine National Police operational guidelines and the principle of “force continuum,” he said. A use-of-force continuum is the standard for how much force law enforcement personnel may use against a resisting subject in a given situation. It typically includes an officer’s demeanor to de-escalate a situation, and the use of empty hands to control the subject, such as grabbing, pushing, or handcuffing. Likewise, force continuum may put into play non-lethal devices like pepper spray and tasers. The six policemen also did not wear body cameras during the operation in violation of the rules, Gapas said. Navotas police chief, Col. Allan Umipig, was relieved from his post on Wednesday. He earlier refused to identify the six cops who were only charged with reckless imprudence resulting in homicide. The lawyer of the Baltazar family said they want the charge to be elevated to murder, while forensic expert Dr. Raquel Fortun said the cops should be charged with homicide at least. Fortun said the gunshot wound to the head of Baltazar was not immediately fatal, and he might have lived had not the Navotas policemen prevented people from pulling him out of the river. The cops were on a follow-up operation against a murder suspect when they chanced on Baltazar and allegedly mistook him for their suspect. They said they merely fired warning shots at Baltazar. Umipig, who was replaced by Col. Santos Sumingwa Jr., denied there was a cover-up. Aside from Umipig, 22 other police personnel were relieved from their posts. The Philippine National Police-Internal Affairs Service also sought to charge Umipig with dishonesty and command responsibility. IAS Inspector General Alfegar Triambulo said he issued a directive to the National Capital Region Police Office “to have the Navotas chief of police relieved.” Umipig allegedly ordered the names of 11 police officers stricken from the report on the killing of Baltazar, Triambulo said. On 2 August, Baltazar was in a small boat fishing with a friend on the Navotas River in Barangay NBBS Kaunlaran, when the policemen shot him. Baltazar was laid to rest on Wednesday. The post Jemboy unarmed, posed no threat’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vloggers warned: Watch what you’re posting
Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. reminded vloggers and content creators to be responsible in creating videos that they upload on social media and never to make jokes about crimes as they could be held accountable for tumultuous and other disturbances of public order. Acorda made the remark after rapid and resolute response to a highly controversial viral video. The PNP has taken into custody three individuals identified as Mark San Rafael, Mark Lester San Rafael and Eleazar Steven Fuentes all legal ages, have been apprehended on Aug. 1 based on a warrant of arrest on charges of Violation of RPC Art. 513 (Alarm and Scandal) as per Criminal Case No. 83313. “The PNP remains steadfast in upholding the law and ensuring that individuals are held accountable for their deeds. Pranks that induce panic and disrupt public order cannot be taken lightly. We commend our personnel for their swift action in this instance, “ Acorda said in a statement. The controversial case centers around their involvement in a staged kidnapping prank, which triggered widespread public outrage and concern. The incident, which happened 6 April, came under intense scrutiny following the dissemination of a viral video by the vlogger known as “TOKOMI.” The video portrayed a meticulously orchestrated kidnapping scenario. Staff Sergeant Ronnie Conmigo, a dedicated member of the PNP assigned to PNP IMEG, played a pivotal role in unraveling the prank and formally lodging a complaint against the responsible parties. The video, posted by the vlogger under the pseudonym “Tukomi Blog,” depicted a sophisticated fake kidnapping episode that transpired along Saging Street, Phase 2, Barangay CAA. Criminal complaint The ensuing public uproar prompted Conmigo to initiate a criminal complaint for Alarm and Scandal, subsequently filed before the Office of the City Prosecutor on 11 April 2023. The wheels of justice continued to turn, culminating in the issuance of an Arrest Warrant by Judge Lynnette May D. Deloria-Manarang of Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 124, Las Piñas City. Throughout the arrest process, the PNP meticulously adhered to prescribed protocols, capturing crucial incidents through body-worn cameras and alternate recording devices in accordance with the Rules on the Use of Body-Worn Cameras in Warrant Execution. Following the due legal procedures and bail payment, the accused were granted release from custody on 2 August 2023, as directed by Presiding Judge Lynnette May D. Deloria-Manarang of Metropolitan Trial Court Branch 124. As the legal proceedings continue to unfold, the arraignment of the accused is scheduled for 10 August at 2 p.m, before Judge Deloria-Manarang at MTC Branch 124. Acorda said this incident serves as a poignant reminder of the imperative for responsible online conduct and the far-reaching consequences arising from flouting the law. He said the PNP’s decisive and principled action in this case unequivocally underscores its unwavering commitment to preserving public safety and order in the digital age. The post Vloggers warned: Watch what you’re posting appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
To catch a thief
Artificial Intelligence is now being tapped for crime prevention. Inspired by the 2002 Tom Cruise movie, “Minority Report,” about a futuristic police crime-busting technology, Japan is pilot testing a network of AI-enhanced security cameras that can detect suspicious behavior to preempt criminal activities like shoplifting and trespassing. The National Police Agency’s predictive policing cameras can also detect weapons and alert law enforcers to observe the behavior patterns of suspicious individuals in a crowd, such as fidgeting, restlessness and rapid eye movement, Daily Mail reported. The observations are inputted by the cameras’ software for better crime detection and deterrence. The result of the pilot test will be the basis for the adoption of the technology by the Japanese police. Meanwhile, business establishments can still rely on good old alarm systems for protection against crime. That’s how the VacationLand Federal Credit Union bank in Huron, Ohio, USA alerted police to a break-in on 29 July. Utility equipment — a recycling bin — also came in handy to literally catch the suspected burglar. Footage from police body cams showed Tristan J. Heidl, 27, of Huron, falling into the waiting arms of two responding officers when he exited the bank empty-handed. According to Huron Police Chief Terry Graham, the officers watched as a bag of tools was dropped through a trap door above the credit union’s drive-thru lane followed by the dangling legs of the suspect who fell into a recycling bin below the hatch, NBC News reported. Cops were waiting for the burglar, who failed to crack the bank’s safes, beside the bin. The suspect had no choice but to surrender. Heidl was charged with breaking and entering, possession of criminal tools, and safecracking, Graham said, according to NBC News. WJG @tribunephl_wjg The post To catch a thief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMDA crafts guidelines on use of bodycams
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority on Thursday disclosed that it has met with stakeholders last Wednesday to discuss drafted rules on the use of body-worn cameras for traffic management and enforcement operations, ensuring transparency in carrying out apprehensions of violators. MMDA acting chairperson Don Artes said the body cameras with video and audio recording feature would protect both the traffic enforcers and the motorists being apprehended. “The use of body-worn cameras will prevent traffic enforcers from taking bribes and motorists offering bribes since the Metrobase will record the apprehension process. The footage may serve as evidence,” Artes said. The MMDA chief said that the procedure includes what traffic enforcers should say when motorists object to being recorded and if motorists invoke their right to privacy. “We want to hear the comments and suggestions of the stakeholders before its full implementation,” Artes said. The meeting, presided over by Artes, was attended by other agency officials, 1-Rider Partylist Rep. Bonifacio Bosita, public transport groups, motorcycle riders’ associations, automobile associations, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, Metro Manila local government units and concerned government agencies, among others. Inputs from the stakeholders will be consolidated and presented to the Metro Manila Council, the governing and policy-making body of the MMDA, whose members are the 17 Metro Manila mayors. Artes said the body-worn cameras, designed to capture and record the entire conduct of the operation, are similar to gadgets being used in the United Kingdom. The gadgets have six to eight hours of battery life. The MMDA said that it will issue 120 body cameras to its traffic enforcers as it moved for a more transparent enforcement of traffic rules and regulations. Meantime, Pangkalahatang Sanggunian Manila and Suburbs Drivers Association national president Obet Martin congratulated Artes on his leadership and expressed appreciation for the MMDA’s action as they called for the inclusion of traffic education in the school curriculum. The post MMDA crafts guidelines on use of bodycams appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMDA given unqualified CoA opinion
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has received the fourth consecutive unqualified opinion from the Commission on Audit for its fair presentation of financial statements for the fiscal year 2022. Atty. Don Artes, acting chairman of the MMDA, welcomed the audit findings and praised the organization’s staff for their commitment to the efficient management and use of public funds. “We take pride in the four-year streak of unqualified opinions we have received from COA. This audit rating is concrete proof of the MMDA’s transparent governance,” said Artes. “I thank MMDA officials and employees for ensuring the effective and efficient delivery of the agency’s services and that public funds are efficiently utilized for the benefit of the public,” Artes added. The CoA transmitted to MMDA a copy of the Independent Auditor’s Report penned by its supervising auditor Atty. Reynaldo Darang. The accompanying financial statements “present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the MMDA as of 31 December 2022, and its financial performance, changes in net assets/equity, cash flows, and the comparison of budget and actual amounts for the year then ended in accordance with International Public Sector Accounting Standards,” part of the report read. The audit evidence was “sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our opinion,” added Darang in the report. Artes said the MMDA will continue to push for programs and policies pursuant to its mandates and functions. He added that they, at the MMDA, had always been open to innovations. Among the projects they are proud of, according to the MMDA chief, are the establishment of a Disaster Preparedness Training Center, a Motorcycle Riding Academy, the use of body-worn cameras for traffic enforcers, the EDSA Elevated Walkway, Waste-to-Energy program, and the Metro Manila Drainage Master Plan. He said the agency has also transferred to its newly constructed New Head Office Building in Pasig City, a manifestation of its commitment to strengthen the organization and provide better services to all its partners and stakeholders. The post MMDA given unqualified CoA opinion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2,700 trafficking victims rescued
The joint operatives of the National Capital Region Police Office and Philippine National Police — Anti Cybercrime Group rescued more than 2,700 workers of alleged illegal Philippine Offshore Gaming operation in Las Piñas City on Monday evening. Based on the report of NCRPO, a total of 2,714 individuals including Filipinos (1,528), Chinese-600 Vietnamese-183 Indonesian-137, Malaysian-134, Thailand-81, Taiwan-21, Nigerian-7, Singaporean-5, Myanmar-5, Yemen-4, Pakistan-2, African-2, India-1, Somalia-1, Sudanese-1, Cameroon-1, Iranian-1 were rescued during a raid conducted at the Alabang-Zapote Road, Barangay Almanza Uno, Las Piñas. The operation was conducted through the implementation of the search warrants and warrants to search, seize and examine Computer Data issued by the local court of Las Pinas against to the owners and maintainers of the said POGO hub aliases Quiha Lu, Liangfei Chen, Jimmy Lin, Abbey Ng and others for violating the Expanded Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2012. The implementation was recorded through the use of body-worn cameras and alternative recording devices while an investigation to track the perpetrators of this activity is underway. The rescued foreign nationals were documented for booking and possible deportation. Earlier, PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said they will continue to work closely with other agencies to ensure that those who engage in such heinous crimes are held accountable. “We must all unite in this fight against human trafficking and help put an end to this inhumane practice,” he said in a previous statement. The post 2,700 trafficking victims rescued appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mandatory use of body cameras pushed
A bill has been filed in the Senate Wednesday mandating every law enforcer to use wearable cameras during special police operations and other similar activities. Senate Bill 2199 or the Body-worn Camera Act was filed by Senator Raffy Tulfo to ensure transparency and strengthen evidence quality during law enforcement operations, including warrants of arrest, implementation of search warrants, enforcement of visitorial powers of the Chief Philippine National Police and unit commanders, anti-illegal drugs operation, among others. According to the bill, the law will provide for an effective law enforcement operation beginning from the investigation, apprehension, detention and to prosecution — “by utilizing sound and modern procedure in crime investigation.” Body-worn camera refers to an electronic camera system designated to law enforcement units for creating, generating, sending, receiving, storing, displaying, and processing audio-visual recordings that may be worn during operations. Under SB 2199, body-worn cameras shall meet the following minimum standard requirement of 720p or higher video resolution; built-in frame rate, audio, date and time-stamping, and GPS; eight hours continuous battery life; capability to store eight hours continuous audio-video footage; and with a night mode built-in. Tulfo believes that legislating the proposal to require law enforcement officers to wear and activate body-worn cameras will help the investigating body to go-in depth probes that will be based on the captured and recorded evidence by the cameras during the entire operation. The post Mandatory use of body cameras pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bantag, Zulueta arrest soon
Department of Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla on Wednesday disclosed that the National Bureau of Investigation is closing in on former Bureau of Corrections chief Gerald Bantag and former deputy security officer Ricardo Zulueta and they can be found in a short time. The DoJ chief said law enforcement agencies, including the NBI, are already on the verge of finding Bantag, who has been accused of masterminding the death of broadcaster Percy Lapid and alleged middleman Jun Villamor. Remulla confirmed that tracker teams are pursuing Bantag and Zulueta and that the NBI is on top of the investigation. “We want to give them (Bantag and Zulueta) the presumption that they will obey the process,” Remulla said. “They have an idea of Bantag’s location and are on the right track. They can find Bantag in a short time.” He also disclosed that Bantag has sent a second surrender feeler and is “negotiating” for his detention and Zulueta’s. Bantag had expressed his intention to surrender six days ago while Remulla was in the United States with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Meantime, the training of personnel in the use of body cameras as part of the reform program of the Bureau of Corrections has started, according to BuCor OIC-deputy director general for Operations J/SInsp. Angelina Bautista. “The program will really help us to monitor our stakeholders since the capabilities of the software that we are using is made in USA and it is capable of capturing activities with auto recording and live streaming and feed directly to our Command Center,” Bautista said. The post Bantag, Zulueta arrest soon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SC ruling triggers massive info try on police BWCs
Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar ordered Sunday deputy chief for operations Lt. Gen. Israel Ephraim Dickson to prepare for a massive information campaign on the use of body-worn cameras......»»
Chief justice: SC working on issues on search warrants, attacks on lawyers
The Supreme Court under the helm of recently-appointed Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo is working on the guidelines on the use of body-worn cameras in police operations and revision of guidelines on the issuance of search and arrest warrants......»»
PNP to start using body cameras
CEBU CITY, Philippines—The use of body cams by our police officers is expected to start this month as the Philippine National Police (PNP) launched the Body-Worn Camera System (BWCS) on Friday morning, June 4, 2021. According to PNP chief, Police General Guillermo Eleazar, these body-worn cameras will be used by cops during tactical responses and […] The post PNP to start using body cameras appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Oplan Harabas yields 3 drivers positive for drugs
FOLLOWING the surprise drug test conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Davao and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on public utility vehicles (PUVs) last March 26, 2024, two taxi drivers in Davao City were found to be positive for drugs......»»
‘Oplan Harabas’ starts
THE Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Davao Region (PDEA-Davao) has started its surprise drug test on bus and van drivers under “Oplan Harabas”, part of Oplan Biyaheng Ayos, on Tuesday morning, March 26, 2024......»»
Interview: ISU chief hails next generation stars rising at Gangwon 2024
GANGNEUNG, South Korea, Jan. 28 (Xinhua) -- The next generation stars in ice skating are rising at the 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympic Games, chief of the global skating governing body has said. "Next-generation stars can compete [at a] global level. Just like many other sports, this is an event where we get to see the rising stars, the next generation stars," Kim Jae-youl, president of the International Skati.....»»
PNP to procure 4,000 bodycams in 2024
The Philippine National Police is set to address the shortage of body-worn cameras in its inventory by procuring an additional 4,000 units in 2024......»»
Pagasa-Mactan warns of intense heat in next five days
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Cebuanos, especially those with pre-existing conditions, are advised to avoid too much exposure to the sun from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. as this may have harmful effects on the body. Al Quiblat, chief of Pagasa-Mactan, said the warm weather with heat index ranging from 37 to 40 degrees Celsius is.....»»
Nuke developers call to set competitive playing field
Government regulators are now urged to prioritize the establishment of a level-playing field to entice developers to pour in massive capital for the development and integration of nuclear power into the country's electricity grid. During the second nuclear energy roundtable talks between the Philippines and Canada on Tuesday, Felino Bernardo, chief operating officer of Aboitiz Power Corp.'s Thermal Business Group, emphasized the need for well-coordinated industry policies to help kick off local nuclear adoption. "I think it will start with the amendment or the passing of laws in the Lower House. Once done, it requires setting up the regulatory body, and for that regulatory body to build its capability and come up with regulations, policies, and guidelines for us developers to follow," Bernardo said. "The DoE (Department of Energy) has to come up with the right signal for developers to come up with their plans to make sure that we build accordingly," he added. Coordinated deals Bernardo noted that nuclear power plants, whose operations can last as long as 80 years, require a different set of policies for power deal contracts. "That is quite different from what we have now. The current CSP (Competitive Selection Process) policies are only for 15 years. Now, nuclear power plants can live as long as 40, 60 years, and some probably 80, so you have to match the two," he explained. According to Bernardo, nuclear power, particularly the small modular reactors, "have a place in our economy because we need all of them and we will need a lot of them." He, however, noted that developers need to make sure that they can deliver nuclear power safely. Aboitiz Power Corp., the holding company for energy-related investments of the Aboitiz Group, previously announced its exploratory discussion with Ultra Safe Nuclear Corp., an American firm that can potentially help the company’s local nuclear energy development. The forum yesterday served as a platform for industry experts, policymakers, and leaders to collectively deliberate on the significant questions and concerns related to the transition to nuclear energy. It covered the determining mechanisms for transition financing, assessing the commercial viability of nuclear energy, and exploring the potential for retrofitting and upgrading existing plants to be nuclear-capable. Congress support Meanwhile, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla reiterated that the government would need the support of Congress in ratifying a law that would help jumpstart nuclear development. Pending the law, Lotilla pointed out that the DoE and all other concerned government agencies are actively looking out for possible sites where a nuclear power plant can be built. To recall, the House Nuclear Energy Committee approved a consolidated substitute bill last March that seeks to comprehensive atomic regulatory framework and establish the Philippine Atomic Regulatory Commission. Since the government is prohibited from taking on power generation endeavors, the DoE has also tapped the National Economic and Development Authority to work on the private sector’s participation in nuclear development. The post Nuke developers call to set competitive playing field appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Scores killed in Gaza strikes as new aid convoy arrives
Scores of Palestinians were killed in central Gaza on Sunday after Israel stepped up its strikes on the war-torn enclave and another convoy of 17 aid trucks arrived as the Hamas-run territory faces "catastrophic" shortages. With the violence raging unchecked, Iran said the region could spiral "out of control". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Lebanon's Hezbollah, saying getting involved would be "the mistake of its life". Washington warned any actors looking to inflame the conflict that it would not hesitate to act in the event of any "escalation". Hamas militants in Gaza stormed across the border into Israel on 7 October, launching a raid that killed at least 1,400 people, mostly civilians who were shot, mutilated, or burnt to death on the first day, according to Israeli officials. They also seized more than 200 hostages in the worst-ever attack in Israel's history. Israel has hit back with a relentless bombing campaign that has so far killed more than 4,600 Palestinians, mainly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Officials said the central town of Deir al-Balah had been particularly badly hit overnight from Saturday to Sunday. The ministry said at least 80 people had been killed in the overnight raids on central Gaza, which destroyed more than 30 homes. At the hospital morgue, an AFP journalist saw the bodies of many children on the bloodied floor, where distraught families wept as they identified the victims. Among them was a man clutching his dead toddler and a young boy who pulled back a blanket over his little sister's body. "My cousin was sleeping in his house with his daughter in his arms. He was a man with no record, nothing to do with the resistance," said Wael Wafi, gazing at the body of his cousin, his arm still wrapped around his three-year-old daughter Misk. Also Sunday, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) said that 29 of its staff had been killed since the start of the war in a statement on X, formerly Twitter, saying half of them were teachers. On Saturday it had given a toll of 17. The scale of the bombing has left basic systems unable to function. The UN said dozens of unidentified bodies had been buried in a mass grave in Gaza City because cold storage had run out. Meanwhile, an Israeli soldier was killed near the Gaza border by an anti-tank missile fired by militants inside the enclave, the army said. 'Accident' as Israel hits Egypt post Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned the war with Hamas could take months. "It will take one month, two months, three months, and at the end, there will be no more Hamas," Gallant said. A second convoy of 17 trucks of aid entered Gaza from Egypt on Sunday following an initial delivery of 20 trucks on Saturday after intensive negotiations and US pressure. Separately, an AFP journalist saw six trucks leaving Rafah after filling up from dwindling fuel stocks held at the crossing as the enclave faces catastrophic shortages after Israel cut off supplies of food, water, fuel, and electricity. It later resumed water supplies to the south on 15 October. Although Egyptian media said another 40 trucks would enter Gaza on Monday, the UN says the enclave needs 100 trucks per day to meet the needs of Gaza's 2.4 million residents. And so far, there have been no deliveries of fuel, with UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini warning Sunday that supplies would run out "in three days". "Without fuel, there will be no water, no functioning hospitals, and... aid will not reach many civilians in desperate need," he said. The Hamas government said 165,000 housing units -- half of those in the entire Gaza Strip -- had been destroyed in the raids. With fears growing that the conflict could spread, Israel on Sunday admitted accidentally hitting an Egyptian border post, apologizing for the incident which Cairo said had left an unspecified number of border guards with "minor injuries". Risk of regional escalation There were fresh exchanges of fire over Israel's northern border with Lebanon as fears grew that Hezbollah, a close ally of Hamas and Iran, could enter the conflict, prompting Israel's Netanyahu to warn it would be "the mistake of its life". "We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating," he said. Iran also warned about the conflict spreading on Sunday, with top diplomat Hossein Amir-Abdollahian cautioning that if Washington and Israel did not "immediately stop the crime against humanity and genocide in Gaza.. the region will go out of control". But Washington said it wouldn't hesitate to act in the event of any "escalation", just hours after the Pentagon moved to step up military readiness in the region. "If any group or any country is looking to widen this conflict and take advantage of this very unfortunate situation that we see, our advice is: don't," US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on ABC News. On Sunday, Pope Francis used his weekly Angelus prayer in Rome to plead for an end to the bloodshed. "War is always a defeat, it is a destruction of human fraternity. Brothers, stop!" he said. He later held a 20-minute conversation with US President Joe Biden about "conflict situations in the world and the need to identify paths to peace", the Vatican said. Biden later discussed with war with the leaders of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, and Italy, the White House said. The US president also held talks with Netanyahu, said the White House, adding: "The leaders affirmed that there will now be continued flow of this critical assistance into Gaza." In Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron's office announced he would be traveling to Israel on Tuesday for talks with Netanyahu. Protesters marched in several European capitals on Sunday. At least 10,000 people rallied in support of Israel in Berlin as Chancellor Olaf Scholz vowed to stamp out a resurgence of anti-Semitic incidents linked to the Israel-Hamas conflict. Thousands gathered in Paris to demand an end to Israel's operation in Gaza, the first pro-Palestinian rally in the French capital that wasn't banned on security grounds. The post Scores killed in Gaza strikes as new aid convoy arrives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»