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02nd Feb 2024
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
105 people killed in Gaza overnight
105 people were killed in Gaza overnight as Israel continued its bombardment in the wake of talks between both sides. Qatari, US, Israeli and Egyptian officials met in Paris for talks, with Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari saying yesterday the discussions had arrived at an agreement for exchanging hostages and prisoners. However, a Hamas source thas said that there was “no agreement on the framework of the agreement yet” and that “the Qatari statement is rushed and not true”.
Kieran Quilligan murder probe
Gardaí have launched a murder investigation after a post-mortem examination confirmed that the remains found in Co Cork earlier this week are those of missing man Kieran Quilligan. The 47-year-old had been missing since September last year. The remains were discovered on Monday, 29 January by a search dog at a location in Rostellan in east Cork. Following the discovery, a post-mortem examination was carried out. It’s understood that DNA and dental records were examined to determine the identity of the body.
Nairobi gas explosion
Last night, gas explosion in Kenya’s capital killed at least two people and injured 222 others. The blaze started when a truck carrying gas blew up in Nairobi’s Embakasi district at about 11:30 p.m. local time, “igniting a huge ball of fire that spread widely,” government spokesperson Isaac Maigua Mwaura said in a social media post. Residential buildings, businesses and cars were damaged in the blast and subsequent inferno.
Cork school apologises after guest speaker launches tirade against ‘gender benders’
Gaelscoil Uí Riada in Cork has apologised to parents after a lay guest speaker at a school Mass criticised divorce, used the term “gender benders”, and questioned Ireland’s choice of a non-binary artist to represent Ireland in the Eurovision. The principal and the chairman of its board of management have requested a meeting with Bishop of Cork and Ross Fintan Gavin to discuss the incident, which prompted a number of people to walk out in protest.
Dublin Airport
Cracks are emerging in the Government over the future of Dublin Airport as senior Green allies of Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan object to rising capacity at the State’s main aviation hub. In a further sign of Coalition discord over the expansion the Fianna Fáil mayor of Fingal and seven party councillors have challenged a 7,000-page planning submission from airport operator DAA. The DAA plan has prompted resistance from Sinn Féin, with TDs Louise O’Reilly and Darren O’Rourke making submissions questioning the proposal.