Fifty-three people are dead or missing after a migrant boat capsized in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Libya, the UN migration agency reported on Monday, marking the latest tragedy in a year that has already seen hundreds of deaths on the perilous central Mediterranean route. Only two survivors were rescued from the boat, which overturned north of Zuwara on Friday, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The incident highlights the ongoing dangers faced by migrants and asylum seekers attempting to reach Europe by sea. The IOM has reported that the boat capsized, adding to the already high number of fatalities this year.
In other news, Ghanaian highlife music pioneer and guitarist Ebo Taylor died at the age of 90. Taylor, who was considered a definitive force behind the highlife genre, passed away on Sunday, a day after the launch of the Ebo Taylor music festival and exactly a month after his 90th birthday. His son, Kweku Taylor, announced the news, stating, "The world has lost a giant. A colossus of African music." Taylor's legacy is described as unmatched artistry.
Meanwhile, Spain and Portugal were hit by a third deadly storm in two weeks, following the damage caused by Storm Kristin and Storm Leonardo. The storms brought deadly flooding and major damage to parts of the Iberian peninsula over the weekend.
In international affairs, French President Emmanuel Macron warned that threats and intimidation by the United States towards the European Union were not over, despite an apparent lull in tensions. In an interview, Macron urged the EU to treat recent turbulence in the transatlantic relationship as a wake-up call to push through reforms. He called on European Union leaders to pursue changes that would strengthen its ability to secure its interests.
Finally, Australian police are facing scrutiny after a violent crackdown on pro-Palestinian protests against Israeli President Isaac Herzog's visit to Sydney. Authorities defended officers' actions amid what they described as volatile conditions, after video showed protesters being beaten and pepper-sprayed.
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