Global Pulse

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  • Hamas demands end to Israeli violations before second ceasefire phase

    Hamas demands end to Israeli violations before second ceasefire phase

    Hamas declared on Tuesday that it would suspend advancement to the second phase of the ceasefire agreement until Israel ceases its alleged violations and military operations in Gaza. Senior Hamas official Husam Badran urged mediating nations—Qatar, the United States, and Egypt—to pressure Israel into adhering to the initial terms of the truce.

    Badran emphasized that the next phase of the agreement cannot proceed while Israel continues to breach the ceasefire terms and evade its commitments. Reports indicate that since the ceasefire began on October 10, Israel has violated the agreement at least 738 times.

    The first phase stipulated a cessation of hostilities, the exchange of Israeli captives for Palestinian prisoners, and increased humanitarian aid into Gaza. Badran highlighted that the agreement mandated the daily entry of 400 to 600 aid trucks and the reopening of the Rafah crossing for both goods and individuals. However, Israel has kept the crossing closed, leaving 6,000 aid trucks stranded, according to Gaza’s government media office director.

    Under international pressure, Israel reopened the Allenby Bridge Crossing for commercial traffic, though humanitarian shipments remained heavily restricted. The crossing had been closed since September following a security incident.

    A contentious aspect of the ceasefire involved the division of Gaza into Green and Red zones, separated by a Yellow Line. Israeli military chief Eyal Zamir stated that Israel would retain control over the Green zone, which encompasses most of Gaza’s agricultural land, the Rafah crossing, and over half of its territory. The UN condemned this move, with spokesperson Stephane Dujarric asserting that it contradicts the spirit of the Trump peace plan and called for the restoration of Gaza’s original borders.

    Further exacerbating tensions, Israeli forces reportedly killed two Palestinian children near the Yellow Line on November 29, claiming they posed a threat. Additionally, Israel continued demolishing homes in the Green zone, violating terms meant to halt such operations.

    The second phase of the agreement envisions a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, Hamas’s disarmament, and the deployment of an international stabilization force. Hamas expressed willingness to surrender its weapons to a future Palestinian government, contingent on an end to Israeli occupation. However, the proposed peace council, initially including figures like Tony Blair, faced setbacks following objections from Arab and Muslim leaders.

    Since the October ceasefire, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza reports that Israeli actions have resulted in over 380 fatalities and 987 injuries.

  • Xinjiang’s Tumxuk harvests rice from desert saline-alkali fields

    Xinjiang’s Tumxuk harvests rice from desert saline-alkali fields

    In a remarkable agricultural achievement, the arid desert landscapes of Tumxuk city in China’s Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region have yielded an unexpected bounty—a successful rice harvest from previously barren saline-alkali soil. Approximately 267 hectares of transformed desert terrain in Qianhai town have produced their first crop following an innovative ecological restoration project.

    Situated along the harsh western periphery of the Taklimakan Desert, China’s largest desert expanse, this land rehabilitation initiative commenced earlier this year. By June, agricultural specialists had implemented comprehensive soil improvements and planted specially developed rice varieties engineered for exceptional drought resistance and salt tolerance.

    The cultivation breakthrough employed sophisticated water management techniques, including an intermittent irrigation method applied once the late-planted rice plants reached 1-3 centimeters in height. This approach created optimal aeration conditions for root development while significantly reducing water evaporation from the desert soil.

    According to technician Zhang Yuanqiang, this innovative water-conservation and salt-leaching strategy resulted in substantial resource savings, reducing water requirements by 20-30 percent compared to conventional methods. The agricultural team maintained strict organic protocols, completely avoiding pesticides to prevent chemical contamination of the newly rehabilitated soil.

    Instead of chemical interventions, farmers leveraged the region’s abundant sunlight for natural pest control while implementing in-situ salt leaching techniques. The comprehensive approach created a sustainable ecological cycle: nurturing rice with carefully managed water resources, improving soil quality through rice cultivation, and enhancing water conservation through improved soil conditions.

    The desert rice fields achieved yields exceeding 100 kilograms per mu (approximately 667 square meters), a result that agricultural specialists consider highly satisfactory given the challenging growing conditions. Following the successful harvest, local growers including farmer Zhang Fei have established partnerships with rice processing companies to manage subsequent sales and distribution.

  • Boost for Asian content at Red Sea Film Festival

    Boost for Asian content at Red Sea Film Festival

    JEDDAH, SAUDI ARABIA – The 2025 Red Sea International Film Festival became the stage for a significant expansion of Asian creative partnerships with the inaugural Asia Content Business Summit held in Jeddah on December 7. The event marked two major milestones: Saudi Arabia’s official accession to the summit and the debut appearance of an official China Pavilion at the festival, which runs from December 4-13.

    The conference, themed ‘Asian Collaboration in Content Production and Distribution,’ assembled industry pioneers and experts from across the continent including China, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. This gathering represented a strategic advancement in cross-regional dialogue within Asia’s rapidly evolving content industry.

    In a move signaling deeper regional integration, Abdullah Al-Muhaisen, Saudi Arabia’s inaugural film director and former royal court advisor, was appointed as senior advisor to the summit. His appointment is designed to catalyze strategic cooperation between Saudi Arabia and other Asian nations in content development and exchange.

    Al-Muhaisen, serving as keynote speaker, articulated the transformative power of content in cultural preservation and exchange. He emphasized that collaborative content production and distribution serves not merely as an industrial development strategy but as a crucial bridge for fostering mutual understanding between civilizations.

    Fred Wang, summit chairman and secretary-general of both the Asian Film Awards Academy and Hong Kong International Film Festival Society, outlined the academy’s initiatives to strengthen Asian content collaboration. He highlighted the ‘Film Camp’ program specifically designed to nurture emerging Asian filmmakers and establish a sustainable talent pipeline for the industry.

    Adding an educational dimension to the dialogue, Haifa Reda Jamal Al Layl, president of Jeddah’s Effat University – which established Saudi Arabia’s first film school – detailed the institution’s commitment to developing local creative talent while emphasizing the necessity of international educational partnerships.

    The Asia Content Business Summit functions as an annual high-level platform focused on content creation, distribution, investment, and technological integration across the Asia-Pacific region, aiming to drive synergistic progress throughout the Asian content ecosystem.

  • Fed Reserve cuts interest rates despite growing divisions

    Fed Reserve cuts interest rates despite growing divisions

    The U.S. Federal Reserve has implemented its third interest rate reduction of the year, lowering the benchmark rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50%-3.75%, marking the lowest level in three years. The decision reveals significant fractures within the central bank’s leadership as policymakers grapple with conflicting economic signals: a deteriorating labor market versus persistent inflationary pressures.

    The rate cut approval was not unanimous, with three Federal Reserve officials dissenting from the majority decision. Stephen Miran, currently on leave from leading Trump’s Council of Economic Advisers, advocated for a more aggressive 50 basis point reduction. Conversely, Austan Goolsbee of the Chicago Fed and Jeffrey Schmid of the Kansas City Fed preferred maintaining the existing rate structure.

    This policy divergence occurs against a backdrop of economic uncertainty exacerbated by the recent prolonged government shutdown, which created data gaps that have left policymakers operating with incomplete information. Recent labor market statistics show unemployment rising to 4.4% in September, while inflation remains elevated at 3%, exceeding the Fed’s 2% target.

    The central bank’s updated economic projections indicate expectations for one additional rate cut in 2026, unchanged from previous forecasts. However, analysts note that incoming data, particularly next week’s November labor market and inflation reports, could significantly alter this outlook.

    Compounding the policy uncertainty, the Fed faces impending leadership changes with Chair Jerome Powell’s term concluding in May 2026. President Trump is expected to announce his nomination for Powell’s successor within weeks, with Kevin Hassett emerging as the leading candidate. Hassett, a longtime Trump economic adviser and former Council of Economic Advisers chair, has consistently defended the president’s economic policies and questioned official economic statistics.

    Market observers express concerns about potential political influence on Fed independence, noting that other candidates including Kevin Warsh, Christopher Waller, and Scott Bessent remain under consideration. The appointment decision could significantly impact market stability depending on the perceived independence of the selected candidate.

  • Race across the world has shown us we can get through anything together

    Race across the world has shown us we can get through anything together

    Four celebrity pairs have completed an extraordinary 6,000-kilometer journey across challenging terrain in the BBC’s Celebrity Race Across the World, transforming their relationships and personal perspectives along the way. The competition, which launched from Mexico’s easternmost point, culminates Thursday as teams race toward Colombia’s windswept Península de La Guajira under strict budget constraints of £950 per person—equivalent to airfare for the same route.

    Presenter Tyler West and singer Molly Rainford confronted initial apprehensions about their ability to complete even the first leg. Their relationship, previously characterized as “passing ships in the night” due to demanding careers, found renewal through the shared challenge. Forced to abandon comforts including Tyler’s beloved Biscoff biscuits, they discovered unexpected travel competence and deepened their bond. “It proved to us we can get through anything together,” Molly reflected, noting how the experience boosted her confidence in interacting with strangers.

    Actor Dylan Llewellyn and his mother Jackie approached the race as an opportunity to exit their comfort zones. For Jackie, who had never been apart from her husband for more than a weekend in three decades of marriage, the journey represented a monumental step. The pair implemented strategic lessons from previous contestants regarding financial conservation and document security. Through the most demanding segments, they discovered profound human kindness and familial connectivity that transcended cultural barriers.

    Broadcaster Anita Rani and her father Bal, the competition’s oldest duo, valued their five uninterrupted weeks together—their first extended travel since Anita’s childhood visit to India. Despite concerns about keeping pace with younger teams, they demonstrated unwavering determination through logistical setbacks including border closures and missed transportation. The experience revealed vulnerable dimensions of their relationship that everyday life typically concealed.

    Siblings Roman Kemp and Harleymoon, who acknowledged their previously distant relationship limited to practical exchanges, discovered transformative perspectives during their stay with indigenous families on Panama’s San Blas Islands. Roman, naturally cautious and work-oriented, found profound insight observing communities thriving with minimal possessions. Harleymoon described the spiritual clarity arising from simplicity—sleeping in hammocks with only bananas for sustenance—which prompted reevaluation of Western consumerism and gratitude for essential human connections.

  • Chinese doctor carries out eye surgery in C909 aircraft

    Chinese doctor carries out eye surgery in C909 aircraft

    In a groundbreaking medical achievement, Chinese ophthalmologists have successfully performed the world’s first eye surgery aboard a domestically developed C909 aircraft, marking the operational launch of China’s inaugural self-developed “flying eye hospital.

    The historic procedure took place on Wednesday at Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport, where Dr. Liang Lingyi, Deputy Director of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, demonstrated remarkable surgical precision while operating inside the aircraft cabin. Using specialized microsurgical equipment, Dr. Liang completed an ocular surface surgery on a patient from rural Henan province in mere minutes.

    The patient, identified as Ms. Zhang, had previously faced significant barriers to specialized eye care due to her remote location. “I never imagined I could receive such advanced medical treatment so close to home,” Zhang expressed after regaining clear vision. “The doctors’ expertise is extraordinary, and I’m profoundly grateful to see the world clearly again.”

    This innovative airborne medical facility represents a major advancement in China’s healthcare accessibility initiatives. The converted C909 aircraft features state-of-the-art medical equipment and sterile environments meeting clinical standards, enabling specialists to deliver high-quality ophthalmological services to underserved regions.

    The flying hospital initiative addresses critical healthcare disparities by bringing sophisticated medical resources directly to remote communities. This approach eliminates the need for patients in isolated areas to undertake arduous journeys to urban medical centers, potentially revolutionizing how specialized care reaches China’s rural population.

    Medical authorities highlight that this achievement demonstrates China’s growing capabilities in both aviation technology and medical innovation. The successful surgery aboard a moving aircraft required overcoming unique challenges including vibration dampening, sterile maintenance, and precision instrument stabilization.

    The Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center confirmed that this milestone inaugurates regular clinical services through the flying hospital program, with plans to expand surgical specialties and reach additional remote communities across China.

  • Farewell (again) to Neighbours, Australia’s longest running soap opera

    Farewell (again) to Neighbours, Australia’s longest running soap opera

    After four decades of captivating audiences worldwide, the iconic Australian soap opera ‘Neighbours’ prepares for its definitive conclusion this Thursday. The series, which premiered in 1985 and briefly resurrected in 2022 after Amazon MGM Studios intervened, now faces permanent cancellation despite its historic revival.

    The show’s executive producer Jason Herbison acknowledges the peculiar sense of déjà vu surrounding this second cancellation, noting how the series previously received an emotional send-off in 2022 when UK’s Channel 5 dropped it. That initial farewell featured appearances by Hollywood stars Margot Robbie and Guy Pearce, alongside original cast members Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, creating a cultural moment that drew hundreds of fans to Melbourne’s Federation Square for a live screening.

    Jackie Woodburne, who portrayed the beloved character Susan Kennedy since 1994, describes the current finale as feeling more definitive. ‘There was very much a sense of No, this time we’re done,’ she reflects emotionally, acknowledging her character’s role as the heart and moral compass of the fictional Erinsborough community.

    Beyond its entertainment value, Neighbours served as a crucial training ground for Australian acting talent, launching careers of international stars including Russell Crowe, Natalie Imbruglia, and Liam Hemsworth. The series also pioneered representation in Australian television, featuring the country’s first same-sex marriage storyline and evolving to reflect modern diversity standards.

    The cancellation raises concerns about the television industry’s changing landscape. Herbison notes the disappearance of 200 production jobs in an already strained sector, while Woodburne questions whether such authentically Australian content could even originate in today’s market. Despite dwindling viewership and shrinking budgets, the producer maintains that extending the show’s legacy for additional years proved worthwhile.

    While the final episode leaves narrative doors slightly ajar, Herbison acknowledges the impossibility of matching the spectacle of the 2022 finale. The series concludes not with dramatic fireworks but with subtle uncertainty about the future of Ramsay Street’s residents—a fittingly understated ending for a show that championed everyday human connections.

    As international fans like British expat Gemma Clement express devastation over the loss, the industry contemplates the void left by Neighbours’ departure—both as cultural touchstone and vocational pipeline for Australian creative talent.

  • Venezuelans have mixed reactions to Nobel laureate Machado traveling abroad

    Venezuelans have mixed reactions to Nobel laureate Machado traveling abroad

    OSLO, Norway – The Nobel Peace Prize ceremony honoring Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado transformed into both a celebration of democratic principles and a stark condemnation of the Maduro regime’s human rights record. While Machado’s daughter accepted the award on her behalf in Oslo, the absence of the laureate herself underscored the ongoing political tensions in Venezuela.

    Ana Corina Sosa delivered her mother’s prepared remarks to an international audience, stating: “She wants to live in a free Venezuela, and she will never give up on that purpose. We all know she will return to Venezuela very soon.” The statement came as Machado made her first public appearance since January 9, when she was briefly detained following anti-government protests in Caracas.

    The award ceremony featured extensive documentation of human rights abuses under President Nicolás Maduro’s administration. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel committee, detailed instances of torture including electric shocks to genitals, suffocation techniques using plastic bags, and systematic sexualized violence against detainees. He explicitly called on Maduro to “accept the election result and step down”—referencing the controversial 2024 presidential election that extended his term despite evidence of electoral irregularities.

    Back in Venezuela, reactions to Machado’s international recognition revealed deep political divisions. Some citizens, like office worker Josefina Páez, supported her decision: “That woman has made many sacrifices to fight for democracy. It’s time she reunites with her family and continues fighting from abroad.” Others expressed skepticism, with shopkeeper José Hurtado labeling Machado a “traitor” for her alignment with U.S. policies toward Venezuela.

    The geopolitical context surrounding the ceremony remains tense, with the United States maintaining military operations in the Caribbean that have resulted in Venezuelan casualties. Meanwhile, Machado’s political successor, Edmundo González, attended the ceremony after seeking asylum in Spain following an arrest warrant issued by Venezuelan authorities. His son-in-law remains among hundreds imprisoned for what human rights organizations classify as political reasons.

    United Nations-backed investigators and Venezuelan NGOs have extensively documented the government’s repression tactics throughout Maduro’s presidency. The opposition now faces logistical challenges regarding how and when both Machado and González might safely return to Venezuela, as their continued exile represents both a symbolic and practical challenge to Maduro’s authority.

  • Sarkozy releases prison diaries about his 20 days behind bars

    Sarkozy releases prison diaries about his 20 days behind bars

    In a remarkably candid memoir penned just weeks after his release, former French President Nicolas Sarkozy offers unprecedented insights into his 20-day incarceration at Paris’s La Santé prison. “A Prisoner’s Diary,” spanning 216 pages, documents Sarkozy’s experience as inmate number 320535 while serving a five-year sentence for campaign finance conspiracy involving alleged Libyan funding during his 2007 presidential bid.

    The memoir vividly describes Sarkozy’s 12-square-meter isolation cell, which he compares to a “bottom-of-the-range hotel” despite its reinforced door with guard eye-hole. The former head of state details his decision to forgo daily yard walks—which he deemed “more like a cage than a place of promenade”—opting instead for exercise on a running machine in what became his “veritable oasis.”

    Beyond the physical descriptions, Sarkozy reveals touching moments: being kept awake by a fellow inmate singing Lion King songs, receiving overwhelming support through postcards covering his walls, and experiencing unexpected kindness from prison staff who consistently addressed him as “Président.”

    The book transforms into political commentary as Sarkozy vehemently denies the charges, claiming victimhood in a “politically-motivated cabal” within France’s justice system. He draws striking parallels between his case and the historic Dreyfus affair, noting both involved “fake documents” and similar humiliations—including his dismissal from the Legion of Honor.

    This dismissal becomes the platform for Sarkozy’s critique of current President Emmanuel Macron, whom he accuses of insincerity for not personally explaining the decision. More significantly, Sarkozy expresses unprecedented warmth toward former rival Marine Le Pen, praising her “brave and unambiguous” support following his conviction. He notably renounces future participation in any “Republican Front” against her National Rally party, arguing that excluding RN voters from the political mainstream constitutes a strategic error for the right.

    The memoir, launched with substantial media attention at a Paris book signing, represents both personal catharsis and political repositioning, potentially reshaping alliances within French conservative politics as Sarkozy maintains considerable influence despite his legal troubles.

  • Zhang Yonghe receives Li Buyun Law Prize for human rights work

    Zhang Yonghe receives Li Buyun Law Prize for human rights work

    In a ceremony coinciding with the 77th International Human Rights Day, Southwest University of Political Science and Law in Chongqing hosted the presentation of the esteemed Li Buyun Law Prize on Wednesday. The award was conferred upon Professor Zhang Yonghe, Executive Director of the university’s Human Rights Institute, in recognition of his exceptional contributions to multiple legal disciplines including human rights law, legal theory, sociology of law, and legal anthropology.

    Huang Wenyi, Vice-Chairman of the Li Buyun Law Award Committee, presided over the ceremony and emphasized Professor Zhang’s unique approach to human rights scholarship. Under Zhang’s leadership, research teams have conducted extensive fieldwork in ethnic minority regions, producing more than a dozen comprehensive reports in both Chinese and English that document China’s human rights advancements for international audiences.

    Professor Zhang’s influence extends beyond academic circles into global policy forums. He has regularly participated in United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva, where he has led delegations in submitting nearly twenty parallel reports that contribute to international human rights discourse. His work effectively bridges theoretical research with practical policy engagement, creating a multidimensional approach to human rights advocacy.

    The Li Buyun Law Prize, named after the renowned Chinese legal scholar, recognizes outstanding achievements in legal research and practice. This year’s award highlights the growing importance of academic institutions in advancing human rights understanding both within China and internationally, particularly through evidence-based research and cross-cultural dialogue.