## Ireland wants expansion of the definition of genocide under the Geneva Convention, says Taoiseach

Authored by independent.ie

Ireland wants an expansion of the definition of genocide to bring home the enormity of what Israel is doing in Gaza, the Taoiseach has told the Dáil.

The Israeli Government, with its “far-right elements”, is "committing genocide in Gaza right now," Micheál Martin said.

She acknowledged, on the first anniversary of Ireland recognising the state of Palestine, that the Government has led on the issue.

The Taoiseach said Ireland, Spain and Norway had initiated recognition, followed by Slovenia, in partnership with the Arab states.

But he admitted that Ireland has failed to persuade many other countries that it targeted diplomatically to join the recognition initiative.

The Taoiseach added: "We're hoping that we will broaden the criteria by which Genocide is judged by the Geneva Convention.".

The Central Bank is part of the European Central; Bank, he said, "and is independent of Government too, by the way". »

### Chinese paraglider survives accidental 8,000-metre-high flight above the clouds

Authored by theguardian.com

Video from Peng’s mounted camera showed him above the clouds and covered in icicles as the temperature dropped to a reported -35C, as he tried to control his equipment.

The bureau said any record broken by Peng’s flight would not be officially counted because his flight was not registered.

Wiśnierska was unconscious for about 40 minutes, only learning how high she had flown after safely landing and checking her flight data. »

### EA Cancels Black Panther Game, Closes Cliffhanger Games

Authored by ign.com

Electronic Arts is canceling its planned Black Panther game and shutting down developer Cliffhanger Games, IGN has learned.

In addition to closing Cliffhanger and canceling Black Panther, EA is also laying off some individuals on both its mobile and central teams.

The email doesn't mention EA Sports, but this is due to Miele running EA Entertainment, while EA Sports is a separate division. »

### Spain aims to ban flushing of wet wipes, with manufacturers paying for cleanup

Authored by theguardian.com

According to the law’s outline, wet wipes and balloons are among the 10 single-use plastic items most commonly found on beaches in the EU.

The draft notes that microfibres from wet wipes also end up in rivers and other bodies of water, leaving local authorities with hefty cleanup bills and environmental fines.

Figures from the Spanish Association of Water Supply and Sanitation put the annual cost of clearing wet wipes from sewer and purification systems at €230m (£190m). »

### Russia loses US$450bn in energy revenue due to sanctions

Authored by pravda.com.ua

Russia has lost approximately US$450 billion in revenues from its energy sector due to international sanctions, says Lieutenant Colonel Joby Rimmer, Senior Military Adviser to the UK’s Permanent Mission to the OSCE.

Source: Lieutenant Colonel Joby Rimmer, cited by the Ukrinform news agency.

Western sanctions, including US measures targeting Gazprom Neft and Surgutneftegaz, have significantly reduced Russia’s oil and gas revenues, a key funding source for its war against Ukraine. »

## In pictures

## Also in the news

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#### Researchers puzzle over rash of baby monkey kidnappings

#### Israel announces major expansion of settlements in occupied West Bank

#### A South African woman is sentenced to life in prison for selling her young daughter