Fact247 - Popular News

Viral Florida Lookalike “Palm Beach Pete” Denies Epstein Claims

Fact247 — Sun, 29 Mar 26 13:54:50 +0000

A man known online as “Palm Beach Pete” has created social media accounts to deny claims that he is convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, after videos of him driving in Palm Beach, Florida, United States, went viral in March 2026.

The videos, which circulated widely on social media, prompted speculation due to the man’s strong physical resemblance to Epstein. In response, the individual began posting videos identifying himself as “Palm Beach Pete” and stating that he is not Epstein. He has since continued to upload content as public attention around the case has grown.

Despite his repeated denials, some online users remain skeptical. Social media discussions have referenced past reports that Epstein owned property in Palm Beach, and some users have pointed to similarities in facial features and appearance between the two men. There is no verified evidence supporting claims that Epstein is alive, and authorities have not indicated any connection between the viral individual and Epstein.

World's Largest Skin Bank in Israel: Harvesting Palestinian Skin?

Fact247 — Tue, 10 Feb 26 16:10:26 +0000

Israel boasts the world's largest skin bank, launched by the IDF in 1986, storing up to 170 sq meters of human skin grafts for burns and wounds. Meir Hospital manages the facility, supplying local hospitals and exporting to Western nations. Officials praise its life-saving role for soldiers, using cryopreservation to preserve tissue from consented donors—or so they claim.

Yet serious questions plague its operations. In the 1990s, Abu Kabir forensic chief Yehuda Hiss admitted harvesting skin, corneas, and organs from morgue bodies—including Palestinians—without family consent. A 2014 Israeli TV exposé captured officials laughing about "supply shortages" and taking whatever they needed. Practices supposedly ended, but trust eroded.

Dozens of Palestinian bodies returned by Israel since 2023 show missing corneas, skin patches, hearts, livers, and kidneys, per Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor. Families report mutilated corpses handed back after military operations, with no explanations. Critics demand: Where is all that skin going? Straight to Israel's bank, fueling a lucrative medical trade built on occupation.

Israel dismisses charges as antisemitic lies, but mounting evidence—from Hiss confessions to fresh mutilation cases—paints a pattern of exploitation. Palestinians bear the cost of Israel's "medical marvel." Global calls grow for investigations and sanctions.

Bennett and Lapid Join Forces to Challenge Netanyahu in Israel Elections

Fact247 — Wed, 29 Apr 26 22:08:33 +0000

On April 26, 2026, in Herzliya, Israel, former prime ministers Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid announced a joint political alliance aimed at unseating Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in upcoming national elections expected by October.

The two leaders confirmed they will merge their parties—Bennett 2026 and Yesh Atid—into a new bloc, often referred to as “Together” (or “Beyahad” in Hebrew), with Bennett leading the alliance. Their move seeks to unify Israel’s fragmented opposition, which has struggled to mount a consistent challenge to Netanyahu’s long-standing rule.

Bennett and Lapid previously formed a coalition government in 2021 that briefly removed Netanyahu from power, though it collapsed after about 18 months. Despite ideological differences—Bennett positioned on the right and Lapid representing the political center—the pair emphasized cooperation to bring political change.

Recent polling suggests a united opposition could rival Netanyahu’s Likud party, though securing a parliamentary majority remains uncertain. The alliance may also expand, with former military chief Gadi Eisenkot being courted to join.

Abu Obeida 'Lives On': Hamas Replaces Fallen Spokesman with Same Alias

Fact247 — Thu, 01 Jan 26 03:56:13 +0000

Hamas's armed wing, the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, announced a new spokesman on Monday while confirming that his predecessor was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza City in August. In a pre-recorded video broadcast on Arab media outlets, the new spokesman—whose real name remains undisclosed—revealed that the previous spokesman, known publicly as Abu Obeida, was actually Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout, also called Abu Ibrahim. He now uses the same public name, Abu Obeida.

This marks the first official confirmation of Kahlout's identity. For two decades, he led the group's media operations and served as its main spokesman without ever showing his face publicly. The new spokesman paid tribute, stating: “We mourn the great leader Huthaifa Samir al-Kahlout, Abu Ibrahim, head of al-Qassam’s media apparatus, who passed away after two decades of frustrating the enemies and uplifting the hearts of the believers.”

Microsoft Stock Plunge Wipes Out $440 Billion in Historic Single Day Drop

Fact247 — Wed, 04 Feb 26 12:46:22 +0000

Microsoft experienced a dramatic $440 billion loss in market capitalization on January 28, 2026, following a 12% plunge in its stock price after Q4 2025 earnings failed to meet sky-high investor expectations. Despite reporting $80.3 billion in revenue and $26.4 billion profit—year-over-year gains of 15% and 18%—Wall Street punished the tech giant for slower-than-expected Azure cloud growth (31% vs. 33% forecast) and cautious guidance on AI infrastructure spending. Shares fell from $480 to $422 in heavy trading, marking one of the largest single-day losses in U.S. history.

The selloff stemmed from overhyped AI investments, with CEO Satya Nadella warning of multi-billion-dollar data center costs amid competition from Amazon AWS and Google Cloud. Investors feared Microsoft's $100B+ annual AI capex could pressure margins, echoing broader tech sector jitters post-Nvidia's similar dip. Analysts noted enterprise deals remained strong (Copilot subscriptions hit 1M+), but consumer AI adoption lagged.

Microsoft reaffirmed its $80B FY2026 revenue target, emphasizing long-term AI leadership via OpenAI partnership. Shares rebounded 2% next day but remain 10% off peaks. The event underscores tech's volatility as AI transitions from hype to execution amid economic uncertainty.

China’s Unitree Unveils $650,000 Transforming “Mecha” Robot

Fact247 — Fri, 15 May 26 11:23:00 +0000

Chinese robotics company Unitree Robotics has unveiled a massive rideable robot called the GD01, a transforming “mecha” machine priced at about $650,000, drawing comparisons online to the famous Gundam sci-fi franchise. The robot was revealed this week through promotional videos showing the machine walking on two legs, shifting into a four-legged mode and smashing through obstacles.

The GD01 stands around 10 feet (3 meters) tall and weighs roughly half a ton. The cockpit seats a human operator inside an exposed metal frame while the robot moves in either bipedal or quadrupedal form.

Unitree, based in Hangzhou, China, has become one of the country’s most closely watched robotics companies after gaining attention for its humanoid and quadruped robots, including machines capable of flips, kung fu movements and other advanced demonstrations.

While the GD01 has generated major online excitement, some observers questioned its practical use beyond entertainment, demonstrations and promotional events. Discussions on Reddit and tech forums also focused on the robot’s unusual cockpit design and limited visible safety protections.

Israel's Blockade Starves Gaza as Winter Worsens

Fact247 — Sun, 04 Jan 26 06:34:36 +0000

Israeli forces continued deadly operations in Gaza and the West Bank at the start of 2026, killing Palestinians including a child in Jabalia and a man near Nablus. Settler violence, such as mosque vandalism, persisted alongside demolitions in refugee camps. Post-ceasefire casualties have surpassed 400.

A U.S.-brokered ceasefire with Hamas, effective October 2025, required Israel to allow hundreds of aid trucks into Gaza daily. Yet Israel implemented a January 1 ban on 37 international NGOs for failing new registration rules, which demand personal data on Palestinian staff—raising fears of targeting by Israeli military.

Gaza’s Government Media Office reports Israel has killed about 500 aid workers since October 2023. Doctors Without Borders (MSF), among the banned groups, stated 15 of its staff were killed by Israeli forces.

Harsh winter conditions exacerbate the blockade's toll. Flooded camps, collapsing damaged buildings, and hypothermia have killed several, including children, amid malnutrition. Hundreds of thousands of families huddle in overcrowded tents after homes were destroyed in Israel's war.

These 37 organizations provide essential services like healthcare, food, shelter, water, sanitation, education, and psychological support:

Action Against Hunger

ActionAid
Alianza por la Solidaridad
Campaign for the Children of Palestine
CARE
DanChurchAid
Danish Refugee Council
Handicap International: Humanity & Inclusion
Japan International Volunteer Center
Medecins du Monde France
Medecins du Monde Switzerland
Medecins Sans Frontieres Belgium
Medecins Sans Frontieres France
Medecins Sans Frontieres Netherlands
Medecins Sans Frontieres Spain
Medicos del Mundo
Mercy Corps
Norwegian Refugee Council
Oxfam Novib (Oxfam’s Dutch affiliate)
Premiere Urgence Internationale
Terre des hommes Lausanne
International Rescue Committee
WeWorld-GVC
World Vision International
Relief International
Fondazione AVSI
Movement for Peace-MPDL
American Friends Service Committee
Medico International
Palestine Solidarity Association in Sweden
Defense for Children International
Medical Aid for Palestinians UK
Caritas Internationalis
Caritas Jerusalem
Near East Council of Churches
Oxfam Quebec
War Child Holland

This echoes prior actions: In 2024, Israel banned UNRWA, alleging staff involvement in Hamas's October 7 attacks—a claim the ICJ deemed unsubstantiated in October 2025. The ban crippled UNRWA's aid, education, and health services, prompting funding cuts from the U.S. and others (many later restored).

UN data shows Israel has killed 579 aid workers (nearly 400 from UNRWA), over 1,700 health workers, 140 civil defense staff, and 256 journalists since October 7, 2023. Total Gaza deaths exceed 71,000 confirmed, with estimates up to 3-5 times higher.

China Expands Public Relations Campaign in Turkey After BYD Investment Fallout

Fact247 — Tue, 04 Aug 26 18:41:19 +0000

China Expands Public Relations Campaign in Turkey After BYD Investment Fallout

China has stepped up its public relations efforts in Turkey following the collapse of BYD’s planned electric vehicle plant, a project that had been expected to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. The suspension of the investment was viewed as a setback for Ankara, which had offered generous tax incentives to attract the company.

According to analysts, Chinese officials have increased engagement with Turkish media, journalists, academics and political parties in an effort to improve Beijing’s public image. Activities have included sponsored media content, official visits to China and outreach to both government-aligned and opposition groups.

Experts say China is also expanding its influence through cultural and diplomatic initiatives while seeking to reduce criticism over issues such as the treatment of Uyghurs in Xinjiang. Human rights organizations continue to raise concerns over China's policies in the region, while Beijing rejects allegations of abuse.

Most frequently mentioned names in the Epstein files

Fact247 — Fri, 06 Feb 26 15:33:17 +0000

Jeffrey Epstein's unsealed court documents, released in phases from 2024 through early 2026, span millions of pages including flight logs, emails, and depositions. These files mention hundreds of high-profile individuals in various contexts—social ties, travel, or business—without implying criminality for most; only a few faced charges. Analyses by media and databases like Epsteinify rank names by frequency across the full archive.

Here's the top 20 most mentioned, from most to least frequent

1. Donald Trump - Current US President (USA)

2. Ghislaine Maxwell - Epstein associate, convicted trafficker (UK/France)

3. Bill Clinton - Former US President (USA)

4. Alan Dershowitz - Lawyer, Harvard professor emeritus (USA)

5. Ehud Barak - Former Israeli PM (Israel)

6. Jean-Luc Brunel - Model scout (deceased) (France)

7. Prince Andrew - British royal (UK)

8. Hillary Clinton - Former US Senator/Secretary of State (USA)

9. Stephen Hawking - Physicist (deceased) (UK)

10. Leonardo DiCaprio - Actor/producer (USA)

11. Elon Musk - Tech CEO (Tesla/SpaceX, X) (USA/South Africa)

12. Naomi Campbell - Supermodel (UK/Jamaica)

13. Noam Chomsky - Linguist/philosopher emeritus (USA)

14. David Copperfield - Magician/illusionist (USA)

15. Larry Summers - Economist, former Treasury Secretary (USA)

16. Chris Tucker - Actor/comedian (USA)

17. Katie Couric - Journalist/author (USA)

18. Kevin Spacey - Actor (USA)

19. George Lucas - Filmmaker (Lucasfilm founder) (USA)

20. Marvin Minsky - AI pioneer (deceased) (USA)

Other names that also appear frequently but not in the top 20 include -

Bill Gates (Microsoft co-founder, USA),

Michael Jackson (deceased singer, USA),

George W. Bush (former US President, USA),

Mohammed bin Salman (Saudi Crown Prince, Saudi Arabia),

Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem - UAE businessman, DP World chairman (UAE)

Mohammed bin Zayed - UAE President, Abu Dhabi Emir (UAE)

Michael Bloomberg (business magnate, former NYC mayor, USA),

Woody Allen (filmmaker, USA),

Tony Blair (former UK Prime Minister, UK).

Legal experts note mentions often stem from news clippings or contacts, not wrongdoing.

Saudi Oil Giant Aramco Sees Earnings Dip in Early 2026

Fact247 — Tue, 12 May 26 14:03:48 +0000

Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco reported a decline in first-quarter profits as lower crude prices continued to weigh on the energy market. The company announced on May 10 that net profits fell compared with the same period last year, reflecting weaker global oil revenues despite steady production levels.

The state-owned company said it earned $26 billion in the first quarter of 2026, down from around $27.3 billion during the same period in 2025. Saudi Aramco attributed the decline largely to softer oil prices and market conditions affecting the global energy sector.

The results come as Saudi Arabia continues balancing oil production policies with broader economic diversification plans under its Vision 2030 programme. Analysts say fluctuations in crude prices remain a major factor influencing government revenues and spending priorities in the kingdom.

Despite the drop in profits, Aramco remains one of the world’s most profitable companies and a key pillar of the Saudi economy, with global energy demand and OPEC+ production decisions continuing to shape its outlook.