China, South Africa, Gaza
Today's three stories you should know
China
China has sentenced two former defense ministers to death, according to state news agency Xinhua, underlining the gravity of an ongoing purge of the military. Wei Fenghe and Li Shangfu were handed the sentences with a two-year reprieve after being convicted of corruption. President Xi Jinping promised a sweeping crackdown on graft when he came to power in 2012, and the military has been a prime target. The top general in the People's Liberation Army (PLA), Zhang Youxia, a Politburo member and ally of Xi, was removed earlier this year. Corruption has been a persistent problem in China for decades, with reports of endemic wrongdoing in the PLA. Critics accuse Xi of targeting opponents.
More from TRT here.
South Africa
African countries including Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho and Zimbabwe have warned their citizens living in South Africa to be careful and stay indoors as anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreigners persist. Migrant rights groups say demonstrators are scapegoating foreigners for a faltering economy and unemployment, which stands at about 30 percent and disproportionately affects the Black community. Nigeria says it is repatriating about 130 citizens after two Nigerians were killed in attacks. The South African government has condemned the violence but said it understands frustrations over immigration.
More from Reuters here.
Gaza
I want to share a story of resilience in Gaza. It’s a story of children, despite two and a half years of constant terror, finding time for fun. Today, AP ran a report (with some wonderful video) about children in a refugee camp learning to breakdance. “I come to this center because I discovered that I have a talent for breakdancing, and I also come here to release the negative energy inside me and to enjoy,” one girl, Habiba Abu Khater, said. It “helps the child with psychological release, especially from the difficult situations we experienced during the years of war,” instructor Fayez Saraj told AP. “We have a significant role in … moving them from an atmosphere of depression and frustration to one of joy.”
More from AP here.