Three Killed in Methanol Reservoir Fire in Iran’s South 

19 May 2023, Berlin: The flag of Iran flies in the wind in front of the Iranian embassy on Podbielskiallee. (dpa)
19 May 2023, Berlin: The flag of Iran flies in the wind in front of the Iranian embassy on Podbielskiallee. (dpa)
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Three Killed in Methanol Reservoir Fire in Iran’s South 

19 May 2023, Berlin: The flag of Iran flies in the wind in front of the Iranian embassy on Podbielskiallee. (dpa)
19 May 2023, Berlin: The flag of Iran flies in the wind in front of the Iranian embassy on Podbielskiallee. (dpa)

At least three people have died and ten people were injured when a methanol reservoir caught fire in a port in Iran's southern province of Bushehr, state media IRNA reported on Wednesday.

State TV said a vessel carrying methanol, which was docked at the port of Bandar Dayyer and belongs to the Kaveh Petrochemicals Company, had caught fire for reasons which were not yet known.

"Considering the extent of the fire, it is likely that the number of dead and injured will rise," the head of the province's emergency services said.

In April, a large explosion took place at the Shahid Rajaee port in southern Iran killing 57 people, with some officials blaming poor storage of chemicals in containers.

An official investigation into the incident has yet to be completed.



Belgian King Denounces Gaza Abuses in Unusually Direct Remarks

Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
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Belgian King Denounces Gaza Abuses in Unusually Direct Remarks

Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo
Belgium's King Philippe delivers a speech on the occasion of the upcoming Belgian National Day at the Royal Palace in Brussels, Belgium July 17, 2024. REUTERS/Yves Herman/Pool/File Photo

Belgium's King Philippe described abuses in Gaza as a "disgrace to humanity" in a speech on the eve of Monday's national day, unusually direct remarks on international affairs from a monarch who traditionally avoids public politics.

"I add my voice to all those who denounce the serious humanitarian abuses in Gaza, where innocent people are dying of hunger and being killed by bombs while trapped in their enclaves," he said speaking at his palace in Brussels, Reuters reported.

"The current situation has gone on for far too long. It is a disgrace to all of humanity. We support the call by the United Nations Secretary-General to immediately end this unbearable crisis."

It was the first time Philippe has spoken out so strongly and unambiguously about a conflict in public. Belgium's federal government has been more reserved in its criticism of the conflict in Gaza.

The king's role in Belgium is limited to giving advice, support, and warnings to the government without making any political decisions.

Israel launched its assault on Gaza following an October 2023 attack on Israeli towns by Hamas-led fighters. Since then, Israeli forces have killed more than 59,000 people in Gaza, according to health officials there. Much of the territory has been laid to waste and Israel has restricted food and other supplies.

Israel denies that its forces commit abuses in Gaza and says restrictions on supplies are needed to prevent aid from being diverted by militants.