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Our top stories

dozens of people were killed and many more hurt in one of the heaviest

waves of Russian attacks in Ukraine for months.

Ukrainian officials said 158 drones and missiles were launched across the country in the overnight attacks.

Most were shot down but civilian targets, including educational

facilities, residential buildings and a maternity centre, were hit. President Joe Biden said that attacks showed that Congress, quote,

must step up and approve further military aid for Ukraine without delay.

Dong Jun, a former head of the Chinese Navy, was appointed Defence Minister following the

mysterious disappearance of Li Shank Fu, the previous incumbent.

The position is largely ceremonial, but can involve working with America

to reduce the risk of conflict.

Mr. Dong's previous roles included senior command positions focused on the flash points of Taiwan and the South China Sea. South Africa asked the International Court of Justice

to declare that Israel is, quote, in breach of its obligations under the Genocide Convention for its attacks on Gaza.

Israel dismissed the claim as, quote, baseless.

Earlier the UN warned that more than 150,000 people were being forced to flee Central

Gaza as the Israeli forces expanded their ground offensive.

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