FirstFT: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar killed, Israel says
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Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar has been killed in Gaza.
Large-scale military exercises by China raise concerns in Taiwan.
The newly appointed leader of Macau, supported by Beijing, takes charge in this gambling capital.
Good morning. Yesterday, Israel announced that it had eliminated Yahya Sinwar, the head of Hamas and the mastermind behind the October 7 attack last year, which sparked the most deadly conflict in the history of the Israeli-Palestinian struggle.
The death of Sinwar marks a key turning point in the year-long conflict, striking a serious setback for the Palestinian militant organization and serving as a significant triumph for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Israel Defense Forces announced that Sinwar was killed on Wednesday by troops from their southern command in the southern part of the Gaza Strip, but did not provide additional information. Hamas has not yet verified Sinwar's death.
Netanyahu celebrated Sinwar's death, calling it a "triumph of good over evil" and a sign that a new era was starting after Hamas's leadership in Gaza. He also mentioned that militants who still have Israeli hostages could now choose to release them and have a chance to survive.
The IDF provided details on how they found and eliminated Sinwar, stating that their troops happened to see him on Wednesday. Here’s a rundown of the events that unfolded during the chase for the Hamas leader.
‘A man on borrowed time’: After over a year of unyielding pursuit, the intense hunt for Yahya Sinwar, Israel’s top target, finally concluded in a destroyed building in southern Gaza.
Here’s what else I’m monitoring today:
Economic updates: China is set to share its GDP figures for the third quarter, along with the house price index for September and retail sales numbers. Meanwhile, Japan will publish its inflation data for September.
UK-China Relations: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy is set to meet with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing. Sources indicate that during this meeting, Lammy will address issues related to human rights and China's backing of Russia.
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China's demonstration of military strength near Taiwan during extensive drills has raised concerns in Taipei. A high-ranking official in Taiwan's national security has urged other democratic nations to take a stronger stance against Beijing. This call comes after China sent a record number of warplanes into the area on Monday.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced that he has received intelligence indicating that 10,000 North Korean troops are getting ready to join the conflict alongside Russia. While the White House stated that it could not verify these claims on its own, National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby expressed that the situation is "worrisome."
3. The CEO of Alimentation Couche-Tard stated in Tokyo that their suggested $47 billion acquisition of Seven & i is a more advantageous and less risky option compared to the Japanese company's plan to split up. He encouraged Seven & i to begin discussions. Couche-Tard's executives are currently in Japan to advance their proposal and expressed their desire to engage in talks about their offer with government representatives who would need to assess any potential agreement.
4. China intends to nearly double its credit assistance for a specific set of housing initiatives to 4 trillion yuan ($562 billion) as part of its strategy to revitalize the property market and boost the economy. The country’s housing minister announced that these new funds are expected to be utilized by the year's end. Discover more about the list of projects that qualify for this financial support.
Meta recently let go of approximately 24 employees in Los Angeles for misusing their $25 meal allowances to purchase non-food items like acne treatment pads, wine glasses, and laundry supplies. These dismissals occurred last week, shortly before the company initiated a reorganization of specific teams within WhatsApp, Instagram, and its augmented and virtual reality division, Reality Labs.
The upcoming leader of Macau's gambling industry is a former high-ranking judge who has Beijing's support and has cautioned against the unchecked growth of the gaming sector. Sam Hou Fai was elected without any opposition on Sunday by a committee filled with pro-Beijing officials and business figures. Experts predict that when Sam assumes office in December, China's influence will likely exert more pressure on the region's gambling industry.
FT Magazine: Robert Armstrong, the Financial Times' financial analyst in the US, spends a day at the country's third-largest shopping mall and uncovers some economic insights that shed light on the peculiarities of the current election.
Northvolt's troubles: Sources reveal that Europe’s leading battery maker and most financially backed startup has faced challenges right from the start.
Weight-loss medications like Ozempic and similar treatments have been shown in studies to reduce the misuse of opioids and alcohol by as much as 50%. This suggests that these drugs may have wider benefits beyond just helping with obesity and diabetes management.
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Artificial intelligence is being utilized in various areas to tackle challenges in some of the world's most impoverished nations. For example, in Zambia, it is aiding in enhancing medical diagnoses; in Kenya, it assists farmers in recognizing crop diseases; and in Ethiopia, it is being used to customize educational resources based on students' requirements. However, there are concerns that this rapid technological advancement may widen the gap in digital accessibility.
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Step Away From The News For A While
Italian fashion brand Prada and the American aerospace company Axiom Space introduced the spacesuits intended for astronauts on NASA’s forthcoming Artemis III mission, revealed yesterday. Here’s a closer look at the 200kg-plus gender-neutral white extravehicular mobility unit suit, which may not be the epitome of style but is meticulously designed for space exploration.
Further input from Gordon Smith and Irwin Cruz.
