5 Minute News

last year

Steve Maman, a businessman and father, decided in 2014 to help children and women affected by the atrocities of ISIS in northern Iraq. He met with the Christian bishop of Baghdad and created a website in Canada to raise community awareness. Despite the challenges and dangers, he managed to gather resources and organize a mission to rescue these individuals. His story is one of great humanity and dedication.

Suspicion is growing that Hashem Safi al-Din, the successor to Nasrallah, is dead following a strong airstrike in Beirut. The strike, carried out by Israel, targeted a building where Safi al-Din was believed to be, but confirmation of his fate remains uncertain. Safi al-Din is seen as the leading candidate to succeed Nasrallah in Hezbollah's leadership. More information regarding the casualty numbers is awaited.

Two young women were murdered in Istanbul by a 19-year-old, who subsequently committed suicide. The suspect had previous relationships with both women. Femicide rates in Turkey have dramatically increased, with hundreds of cases reported in 2024. This situation highlights the severe crisis the country faces regarding violence against women.

Ersin Tatar, the Turkish Cypriot leader, reiterates his desire for a two-state solution in Cyprus. He claims that the Greek Cypriot side is responsible for the lack of a resolution. Referring to his discussions in New York, he emphasized Turkey's support for the recognition of the pseudo-state. He urged opponents of the two-state solution to look at the example of Israel.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan accused Israel of aggressive behavior in the region, claiming it seeks to provoke Turkey. He highlighted the situation in Gaza and Lebanon, stating that Israel disrupts the peace process. He condemned the violation of international law and warned of plans that extend beyond Gaza and the West Bank. Erdoğan addressed the youth, emphasizing the importance of their local and national identity.

The Israeli military reported that over 250 Hezbollah members have been killed during the ground operation in Lebanon. Among the deceased are 21 commanders of the organization. Residents of northern Israel are expected to take weeks to return home, while Hezbollah's military capabilities have been significantly impacted. Despite the losses, Hezbollah may continue to launch attacks against Israel.

After almost 30 years, the Menendez brothers' case is being revisited due to new evidence related to abuse. Erik and Lyle Menendez were convicted for the murder of their parents, claiming they were sexually abused by their father. The Los Angeles County District Attorney announced that there is an ethical obligation to re-examine the case, which will be addressed in a hearing on November 26. The case has gained renewed public interest following the release of a Netflix series.

Odysseas Michailidis gave a bold interview revealing the people who seem to have orchestrated his dismissal. He discusses the corrupt political system and the interests that were threatened by him. He considers the possibility of appealing to the ECHR and whether he will engage in politics and the presidential elections. The interview also includes intriguing comments about his successor and rumors regarding his personal life.

There was tension and conflicts among inmates at the Central Prisons due to protests about poor food conditions. The fight broke out around 1:30 PM in the kitchens, with prisoners expressing their frustration. Complaints about food quality had increased in recent months, leading to grievances filed with the Prisoners' Association.

Doros Theofanous, a life convict, and his 26-year-old accomplice are being brought before the Paphos District Court. The police have completed their investigation and are requesting their immediate referral to the Criminal Court. They also seek to keep both individuals in custody until the case is heard.

The Jerusalem Post analyzes the cost of intercepting the missile attack from Tehran against Israel, noting that defense is more expensive than offense. Despite the launch of 200 ballistic missiles, the cost for Iran is relatively small. Israel is expected to focus on targeting Iran's defense industry to cut off funding from oil revenues that support missile programs. The article concludes that the strategy and needs of the Israeli Air Force will be further clarified.

The Israeli army is urging residents of 20 southern cities in Lebanon to evacuate immediately. Three people were injured due to Israeli strikes targeting rescue workers linked to Hezbollah. Additionally, attacks have blocked escape routes for thousands of people fleeing the conflict. The Israeli forces accuse Hezbollah of transporting military equipment across the border from Syria.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Dr. Abbas Araghchi, arrived in Beirut on a flight from Iran. His visit comes during a time of rising regional tensions, with Israel conducting attacks in Lebanon. At the same time, recent Iranian missile strikes have targeted military sites in Israel. This situation raises concerns about further escalation of conflicts in the area.

The Cabinet has decided to remove the barbed wire from the Green Line. This decision was based on a police report indicating that the measure did not help prevent migration flows. The reactions of local residents were also taken into consideration. Monitoring of the area will be enhanced with patrols and cameras after the fence's removal.

An Israeli strike near the Masnaa crossing between Lebanon and Syria has blocked the road used by many refugees. The Lebanese Minister of Transport reported that the strike targeted a specific area, creating a crater. Israeli authorities accused Hezbollah of using the crossing to transfer weapons. Over 300,000 people have fled from Lebanon to Syria to escape the bombings.

Joe Biden seems to be achieving a more measured approach to the crisis in the Middle East, limiting Israel's responses to Iran's recent attack. The U.S. plays a significant role in determining the direction of the situation, with Biden emphasizing logic over extremes. Despite the challenges, American diplomacy appears to have gained some control over events. However, the future remains uncertain, and developments will depend on the unfolding of political actions.

MP Marinos Mousiouttas has proposed a law to constitutionally regulate the number of terms in the Parliament. According to the proposal, party leaders will be exempt from the three consecutive terms limit. The aim of this regulation is to strengthen democracy and prevent corruption. This approach seeks to renew the political life in the country.

Israel launched new airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut targeting a possible successor to Nasrallah. The attacks caused strong explosions and evacuation notices were issued. Iran warned that it would consider any country aiding the Israeli attacker a legitimate target. The Israeli government is planning immediate responses to Iran's recent attack.

The report from the Ministry of Finance reveals that the 195 ongoing legal proceedings against the state present serious fiscal risks to the Cypriot economy. The compensation claims range from €500,000 to €2 million, and the total potential financial cost could be significant. The legal cases include 135 actions against the Central Government, 37 against state entities, and 23 against Local Authorities. The legal actions mainly involve individuals financially affected by the deposit haircut in March 2013.

The police force is undergoing a leadership change with the appointment of a new Chief and Deputy Chief. In a recent meeting, priorities were set, including tackling corruption and organized crime. There is a need to fill vacant positions in the police, including promotions and new appointments. The image of the police is considered crucial for reversing the negative perception within society.

In Cyprus, 15% of 15-year-olds report having had sexual intercourse, with boys at 24% and girls at 6%. Additionally, 35% of adolescents who had sex did not use condoms or birth control. The study by the World Health Organization examined the sexual health and behaviors of teenagers across various countries. The results highlight significant differences based on gender and socioeconomic status.

The Turkish side aims for a tripartite meeting that avoids engaging with the essential issues of the Cyprus problem. Ersin Tatar has stated that federation will not be discussed and that the agenda of the meeting is open. However, President Christodoulides has made it clear that the agenda is focused and specific to restarting dialogues. The upcoming meeting is viewed as a positive development, and there is optimism regarding the prospects of negotiations.

The alert at public hospitals continues as the new proposal from the Health Services Organization has not led to the suspension of the planned 24-hour strike. Unions are considering taking action while waiting for a meeting with the Organization. Meanwhile, unions representing doctors are voicing concerns over the absence of key elements in the new collective agreement. Despite disagreements, the unions have not expressed strong concerns about wage increases.

Inflation rates in Cyprus saw a slight decrease in September, while food prices are increasing at a rate triple that of general inflation. Basic items such as potatoes and vegetables have surged by 23.30% and 6.38% respectively in September. The rising costs of household essentials are a significant burden for middle and lower-income households, with further increases expected due to the removal of the zero VAT rate. Consumers are expressing deep concern regarding rising prices in stores.