July 2024 — Archive of key stories on Explore Africa Daily

Ismail Haniyeh, a key leader of Hamas, was assassinated in Tehran, according to sources from Hamas and Iran's foreign ministry. This significant event has escalated the already tense situation in the Middle East. Haniyeh, a central figure in Hamas for nearly two decades, was in Iran for a diplomatic visit when he was attacked. This incident follows a series of intensified conflicts between Israel and Hamas.

Beatrice Askul Moe has been nominated by President Ruto as the Cabinet Secretary for East African Community Affairs. This comes as part of efforts to strengthen regional cooperation and economic integration within the East African Community. Moe's credentials will undergo thorough vetting by the National Assembly, underscoring the importance of regional engagement for Kenya.

South Africa faces a daunting Olympic medal challenge with a tough path ahead. Despite a rocky start, they've secured a chance for a medal. A crucial 49-5 victory against Japan earned them a quarterfinal spot. Now, they prepare to face France in the semifinal. With a win, they're guaranteed a gold or silver; a loss leads them to compete for bronze.

Sky Sports has rescheduled a Newcastle United match, inciting anger among Aston Villa and West Ham fans due to potential inconveniences. This change is part of a recent trend of scheduling alterations driven by TV broadcast demands. Newcastle United has seen major shifts, including the transfer of Matt Targett and key victories over Villa and West Ham.

Ohio Senator JD Vance faced backlash for his 'cat lady' comments on childless women, arguing that a society with fewer mothers signals a 'major civilizational crisis.' His remarks have sparked intense debate on women's reproductive choices and their societal implications.

Juventus coach Thiago Motta called for rapid improvement following a humbling 3-0 defeat in their first pre-season friendly. Motta remarked on the reluctance of Soulé to participate but emphasized the need for the entire squad to learn from this early stumble to ensure success in the forthcoming season.

In an exhilarating pre-season matchup at Levi's Stadium in California, Chelsea and Wrexham concluded their duel with a 2-2 draw. Lesley Ugochukwu's late goal in the 82nd minute ensured Chelsea a share of the spoils. Both teams showcased strong performances, offering a glimpse of their potential as they gear up for the new season.

Arsenal begins their pre-season tour in the US with a match against Bournemouth on July 25, 2024. Held at California's Dignity Health Sports Park, the game offers manager Mikel Arteta a chance to try new tactics. With key players absent due to international commitments, the lineups will see fresh faces. Fans can watch the match on AFCBTV, Arsenal.com, and ESPN+.

Chelsea has taken the first steps in securing Villarreal's goalkeeper, Filip Jorgensen. The club's pursuit aligns with their broader recruitment strategy aimed at strengthening their squad, particularly targeting the goalkeeping position. This maneuver is seen as part of their ongoing efforts to bolster the team.

Speculation about Michelle Obama as a potential candidate for the 2024 presidential election continues to grow. While she has previously expressed no interest in running for office, a recent Ipsos poll shows she could defeat Donald Trump. Conversations are fueled by her popularity and the lack of endorsement for Kamala Harris from Barack Obama.

A truck overturned in Kiambu County, spilling highly toxic sodium cyanide and prompting a major emergency response. Health officials have warned the public to stay clear of the area, while teams work to contain and mitigate the spill. Sodium cyanide is extremely hazardous, posing serious health risks and environmental damage. No casualties have been reported yet, and efforts to manage the spill are ongoing.

Aisha Jumwa, recently dismissed as Gender and Culture CS, publicly endorses former Mombasa governor Hassan Joho for a significant role in Ruto's Cabinet, aligning her political future with his. Coastal politicians and religious leaders actively support Joho’s potential Cabinet appointment, citing his skills and experience.