By Sarah Gill
30th Nov 2023
30th Nov 2023
Your speedy summary of today's must-read stories.
Ceasefire extension
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been extended just before it was due to expire, with mediator Qatar reporting it would continue for one day under the same conditions that saw hostages released in exchange for prisoners. Minutes before the halt in fighting was due to expire at 5am (Irish time), Israel’s military said the truce would be prolonged. “In light of the mediators’ efforts to continue the process of releasing the hostages and subject to the terms of the framework, the operational pause will continue,” it said.
Henry Kissinger
Henry Kissinger, the former secretary of state under Richard Nixon who became one of the most prominent and controversial figures of US foreign policy in the 20th century, has died aged 100. His consulting firm Kissinger Associates announced his death in a statement on Wednesday evening, but did not disclose a cause. The celebrity diplomat has advised a dozen presidents over his long career, including Joe Biden, and won a shared Nobel prize for negotiating the end to the Vietnam war.
Rent increases
More substantial rent increases have been recorded by the Residential Tenancies Board in the second quarter of the year. Rent levels in both new and existing tenancies have increased nationally. The standardised average rent in new tenancies grew by 11.6% year-on-year and in existing tenancies it increased by by 5.3%. The standardised average rent in the second quarter of the year was €1,332 for existing tenancies and €1,574 for new tenancies – a difference of €242 per month.
COP28
As global leaders gather in Dubai for the world’s UN climate conference, delegates hope to clinch an early victory on a disaster fund before the summit turns its focus to fossil fuels and other divisive topics. Governments are preparing for marathon negotiations on whether to agree, for the first time, to phase out the world’s use of CO2-emitting coal, oil and gas, the main source of warming emissions. With finance also high on the meeting agenda, the United Arab Emirates’ COP28 presidency published a proposal on the eve of the summit for countries to formally adopt the outlines of a new UN fund to cover losses and damages in poor countries being hit by climate disasters like extreme flooding or persistent drought.
Cabra stabbing
Last night, two men were rushed to hospital after an alleged assault at the funeral reception of Brandon Ledwidge. The two men are receiving treatment at the Mater Hospital for serious injuries. Officers have launched an investigation and there was a heavy garda presence in the area.
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