Gaza, Tunisia, Brazil

Today's three stories you should know

Gaza

The U.S. gathered intelligence of Israeli officials discussing how they had used Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, sending them into tunnels they believed may be booby-trapped with explosives, two former American officials told the Reuters news agency. The information was shared with the White House in the final days of Joe Biden’s presidency, Reuters reported. Using civilians as shields during military activity is a war crime. Palestinians have long documented the practice, including incidents of people being tied to Israeli military vehicles.

More from Reuters here.

Tunisia

Tunisian opposition leader Jawhar Ben Mbarek is being subjected to brutal violence in prison two weeks into a hunger strike, his family and lawyers said. Ben Mbarek, a fierce critic of President Kais Saied, was sentenced this year to 18 years for plotting to overthrow the government. He has said the charges are fabricated. His hunger strike is one of a wave being held by at least five opposition leaders. Saied suspended parliament in 2021, citing corruption and mishandling of the coronavirus pandemic, in a move his opponents described as a coup. He has since concentrated all executive power in his hands.

More from the Straits Times here.

Brazil

Protesters from Indigenous communities have forced their way into the COP30 climate summit in Brazil, clashing with security while holding placards reading “Our forests are not for sale.” The international climate summit is being held in Brazil for the first time and is taking place in the city of Belém on the edge of the Amazon rainforest. It was a controversial choice, partly due to its proximity to Amazon residents who say they have nevertheless been sidelined by organizers.

More from BBC here.