Global Pulse

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  • Israel’s attorney general backs ‘de facto West Bank annexation’ measures, report says

    Israel’s attorney general backs ‘de facto West Bank annexation’ measures, report says

    In a significant development regarding Israeli policy in the occupied West Bank, Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has endorsed the government’s recent move to extend civil control over the territory. This endorsement, reported by i24News, represents a notable shift given her past clashes with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the architect of the controversial measures.

    The cabinet approved the sweeping changes on Sunday, which effectively expand Israel’s civil authority in Areas A and B of the West Bank—regions that have been under Palestinian Authority jurisdiction since the 1993 Oslo Accords. During the meeting, Smotrich acknowledged potential international objections but asserted the measures’ compliance with international law as interpreted by Israel’s Ministry of Justice.

    Baharav-Miara reinforced Smotrich’s position, confirming to ministers that his assessment was “correct” and that all approved measures aligned with this legal interpretation. She added that prepared responses were available for any foreign criticism.

    The attorney general’s support surprised many cabinet members, considering her status as a controversial figure within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Previously, the cabinet had voted unanimously to dismiss Baharav-Miara in August, but Israel’s Supreme Court immediately blocked this decision.

    The policy changes include facilitating land ownership for Jewish Israelis in the West Bank by removing restrictions on selling Palestinian-owned land, easing sales regulations, and making land registration records public. Critics warn these measures could accelerate settlement expansion and potentially enable document forgery in land purchases.

    International response has been swift and critical. Multiple nations, including the UK and United States, have condemned the move and warned against annexation of occupied territories, which violates international law. The European Union, United Nations, and eight Muslim-majority countries—Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates—have denounced the measures as imposing “unlawful Israeli sovereignty” in the West Bank. Analysts suggest these changes may effectively cement de facto annexation and signal the end of the Oslo Accords framework.

  • Stephen Chow deepfakes spark legal, ethical concerns in China

    Stephen Chow deepfakes spark legal, ethical concerns in China

    China is confronting a mounting legal and ethical crisis surrounding the proliferation of unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes, with iconic film star Stephen Chow emerging as a primary victim. The sophisticated manipulation of digital likenesses has ignited urgent calls for enhanced platform governance and stricter enforcement of digital identity rights across the nation.

    The controversy gained significant traction when Stephen Chow’s agent, Chen Zhenyu, publicly challenged the legality of these synthetic media creations through a Weibo post this Monday. Chen questioned the platforms’ regulatory failures while suggesting creators were likely monetizing these unauthorized representations without consent.

    This technological dilemma has become particularly pronounced during the Spring Festival period, with AI-generated greeting videos featuring celebrities like comedians Feng Gong and Cai Ming alongside Hong Kong superstar Andy Lau appearing unexpectedly in users’ social media feeds. These fabricated clips show celebrities casually making dumplings in homes and delivering personalized holiday wishes, blurring the boundaries between reality and simulation.

    Legal experts are sounding alarms about the fundamental rights violations inherent in such practices. Professor Zhang Linghan, Director of the Institute of AI Law and Governance at the China University of Political Science and Law, emphasized that facial and vocal data constitute sensitive personal information with distinct biometric functions. Their unauthorized commercial exploitation represents a clear infringement of individual rights.

    China’s existing legal framework, including provisions within the Civil Code and specific regulations governing deep synthesis technologies, explicitly classifies faces and voices as protected personal data. The legislation establishes that unauthorized creation or distribution of such content violates portrait and voice rights, with liabilities extending even to non-commercial applications. The alarming realism of contemporary synthetic media poses substantial risks for misinformation campaigns and fraudulent activities, potentially undermining the integrity of digital ecosystems.

  • Publisher: Dutch novelist and journalist Cees Nooteboom dies at 92

    Publisher: Dutch novelist and journalist Cees Nooteboom dies at 92

    THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Cees Nooteboom, the celebrated Dutch author whose profound literary works exploring European identity made him a perennial Nobel Prize contender, passed away peacefully Wednesday at age 92. His publisher, De Bezige Bij, confirmed the eminent writer died on his beloved island of Menorca.

    Nooteboom’s remarkable seven-decade career spanned multiple genres, establishing him as one of the Netherlands’ most distinguished literary voices. His passing marks the end of an era for European letters.

    The publisher’s statement, composed on behalf of Nooteboom’s wife Simone Sassen, noted the international literary community would deeply miss “the friendship, erudition, passion, and idiosyncrasy of this internationally acclaimed writer.” No cause of death was provided.

    Nooteboom’s literary journey began with his 1955 debut novel “Philip and the Others,” now considered a Dutch classic that drew inspiration from his hitchhiking adventures across France and Scandinavia. This work established his signature style—meticulously constructed narratives showcasing linguistic mastery and profound cultural insight.

    Beyond fiction, Nooteboom distinguished himself as an observant journalist chronicling Europe’s transformative moments. He reported firsthand on pivotal historical events including the 1956 Soviet invasion of Budapest, the 1968 Paris student uprising, and the 1989 fall of the Berlin Wall.

    After focusing on journalism and travel writing during the 1960s-70s, Nooteboom reemerged as a major novelist with his 1980 work “Rituals,” which achieved both critical acclaim and popular success, eventually being adapted into a feature film. His extensive body of work has been translated into more than 25 languages, with particularly strong recognition in Germany.

    Though never awarded the Nobel Prize, Nooteboom received virtually every major Dutch literary honor plus Germany’s prestigious Konrad Adenauer Stiftung literature prize in 2010. The Dutch National Library noted his “well-considered constructions” and “mastery of language” as consistently praised by reviewers.

    Funeral arrangements remain unannounced as the literary world mourns the loss of one of Europe’s most insightful cultural voices.

  • Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew’s files

    Epstein survivor calls on Palace to search Andrew’s files

    A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse has issued a direct challenge to Buckingham Palace, urging proactive disclosure of all communications between Prince Andrew and the convicted sex offender. Juliette Bryant, who endured abuse by Epstein in the early 2000s, expressed cautious appreciation for King Charles’s recent statement indicating readiness to support police investigations but emphasized the need for concrete action rather than diplomatic rhetoric.

    Speaking from her Cape Town residence, the 43-year-old former model articulated her expectations: ‘Verbal commitments represent merely the initial step. Authentic accountability necessitates comprehensive examination of Prince Andrew’s electronic correspondence and archival records.’ Bryant clarified that while she never encountered Andrew personally and levels no specific allegations against him, she believes institutional transparency remains paramount for justice.

    Buckingham Palace responded through an official spokesperson, reiterating the monarch’s ‘profound concern’ regarding the allegations while maintaining that specific claims should be addressed by Prince Andrew himself. The Palace affirmed cooperation with Thames Valley Police if formally approached and extended continued sympathies to abuse victims.

    The renewed scrutiny follows the U.S. Department of Justice’s release of over three million Epstein-related documents, including photographs depicting Andrew in unconventional poses and evidence suggesting he shared confidential government information with Epstein during his tenure as trade envoy. Bryant described her traumatic experiences with Epstein’s manipulation network, characterizing Ghislaine Maxwell as a terrifying enabler who should remain incarcerated.

    This development represents growing pressure on royal institutions to demonstrate substantive engagement with historical abuse cases rather than issuing carefully worded statements. Victims and advocates alike await tangible investigative actions that might finally provide resolution to this enduring scandal.

  • Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek dies aged 48

    Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek dies aged 48

    The entertainment world mourns the loss of acclaimed actor James Van Der Beek, who passed away at age 48 following a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. Best known for his iconic portrayal of Dawson Leery in the seminal teen drama Dawson’s Creek, the performer’s family confirmed his peaceful passing in a heartfelt statement released through his social media channels.

    Van Der Beek’s cancer journey began with a diagnosis in late 2023, though he only disclosed his condition publicly in November 2024. The father of six initially noticed subtle changes in his bodily functions—common early indicators of bowel cancer—which prompted him to undergo medical screening. Diagnostic tests revealed the disease had progressed to stage three, indicating spread to adjacent lymph nodes.

    Throughout his treatment, the actor transformed his personal health struggle into an opportunity for public education. In candid interviews, he detailed both the physical challenges and emotional turmoil of confronting a life-threatening illness. “I had to rediscover my fundamental worth beyond the roles I cherished as a provider, husband, and father,” Van Der Beek reflected during his treatment period.

    Beyond his signature role in Dawson’s Creek (1998-2003), Van Der Beek’s career encompassed memorable performances in the sports drama Varsity Blues (1999), a self-parodying turn in Don’t Trust the B—- in Apartment 23, and competitive dancing on Dancing with the Stars. His most recent work included a guest appearance in Prime Video’s college comedy Overcompensating earlier this year.

    Even during intensive treatment, Van Der Beek maintained his commitment to both his craft and philanthropy. His final public appearance occurred virtually at a September Dawson’s Creek reunion charity event benefiting F Cancer, where castmates including Katie Holmes and Michelle Williams paid moving tribute to their absent friend.

    Medical experts note that colorectal cancer originates from polyps in the colon’s lining and remains more prevalent among men. While screening advancements have improved early detection rates, concerning trends show rising incidence among younger demographics—a reality that Van Der Beek sought to address through his advocacy work.

    The actor is survived by his wife and six children, leaving behind a legacy that transcends his on-screen accomplishments to include his courageous cancer awareness advocacy.

  • Tottenham Hotspur sack manager Frank with relegation dogfight looming

    Tottenham Hotspur sack manager Frank with relegation dogfight looming

    Tottenham Hotspur have parted ways with manager Thomas Frank following a disastrous eight-month tenure, the club confirmed on Wednesday. The decision comes after a 2-1 home defeat to Newcastle United left Spurs languishing in 16th position, merely five points above the Premier League relegation zone with 29 points from 26 matches.

    The club’s board, while acknowledging their initial commitment to providing Frank time to build for the future, stated that deteriorating results and performances necessitated an immediate change. The Danish manager, who previously achieved success by establishing Brentford as a Premier League mainstay, failed to translate his methods to last season’s Europa League winners.

    Frank’s position became increasingly untenable as discontent among supporters reached a fever pitch during Tuesday’s match. Jeers and chants of “You’re getting sacked in the morning” echoed throughout Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, accompanied by vocal calls for former coach Mauricio Pochettino’s return.

    The statistics paint a bleak picture: Tottenham have suffered eleven league defeats this campaign, including seven losses at home. They’ve managed just two victories in thirteen Premier League fixtures at their home ground. Their current eight-game winless streak represents the club’s worst run since Juande Ramos was dismissed during a nine-game winless stretch in 2008.

    Complicating matters was Frank’s strained relationship with the fanbase. A January incident where he was photographed holding an Arsenal-branded coffee cup further eroded his standing, as did his criticism of supporters who mocked goalkeeper Guglielmo Vicario following a costly error.

    Paradoxically, Tottenham’s European form provided a stark contrast to domestic struggles. The team qualified comfortably for the Champions League knockout stages by finishing fourth in the expanded 36-team table.

    The club’s hierarchy had shown recent support through the January acquisition of midfielder Conor Gallagher from Atletico Madrid and the appointment of former Liverpool assistant John Heitinga. However, with no improvement in league performance, Frank becomes the latest managerial project to fail at Tottenham.

    The timing presents particular urgency as Spurs face league leaders Arsenal in a crucial North London derby on February 22nd. A defeat could see the club embroiled in their first genuine relegation battle since the 1976-77 season.

  • Gunman holds students and teachers hostage at Thai school; number unknown

    Gunman holds students and teachers hostage at Thai school; number unknown

    A severe security emergency erupted in southern Thailand on Wednesday when an armed assailant stormed a school in Songkhla province, taking an undisclosed number of students and educators hostage. Provincial authorities confirmed the ongoing crisis through official social media channels, indicating that negotiations were underway.

    Initial reports from law enforcement revealed that at least three individuals sustained injuries during the initial shooting incident that preceded the hostage situation. The precise condition of the wounded victims remains unclear as emergency responders established a security perimeter around the educational facility.

    The incident, which occurred on February 11, 2026, represents one of the most serious school security breaches in recent Thai history. Local police and special forces units have been deployed to the scene, though officials have maintained tight control over information disclosure to ensure operational security during the critical response phase.

    Educational institutions throughout the region have been placed on heightened alert as authorities work to resolve the situation without further casualties. The identity of the perpetrator and their specific motivations remain unknown at this developing stage of the investigation.

  • Turkey weighs repatriation of 2,000 IS suspects for trial at home

    Turkey weighs repatriation of 2,000 IS suspects for trial at home

    Turkish authorities are actively engaged in diplomatic negotiations to secure the transfer of their citizens currently imprisoned in northern Syria over alleged affiliations with the Islamic State (IS) group. According to reports from local news outlet Kisa Dalga, Ankara is coordinating with both Iraqi and American officials to facilitate the repatriation of more than 2,000 prisoners. The initiative aims to ensure that all convicted IS members, regardless of nationality, face charges for crimes against humanity and genocide within Turkey’s judicial system.

    This development follows the United States’ recent announcement on January 21 regarding the transfer of IS prisoners to Iraq, signaling an operational shift away from the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) who previously managed detention facilities in northeastern Syria. Under a new agreement with the Syrian government, the SDF is scheduled to integrate into the national army structure.

    Iraq has consented to temporarily host these foreign prisoners but emphasizes the urgency for their countries of origin to assume responsibility promptly. The Iraqi Supreme Judicial Council is preparing to launch a comprehensive investigation into IS atrocities, utilizing evidence gathered from conflict zones, archival documents, and visual materials. Both Turkey and the United States are expected to contribute informational and documentary support to these proceedings.

    Among the high-profile detainees Turkey seeks to repatriate is Ilyas Aydin, also known by his operational alias Abu Ubayda, who served as IS’s Istanbul chief. Aydin remains a fugitive suspect in the October 2015 Ankara bombing case that resulted in 109 fatalities and is currently subject to an Interpol red notice. At least 15 other significant suspects from this case are believed to be dispersed across Syrian detention centers.

    However, the repatriation process faces substantial challenges regarding prisoner identification. Many detainees reportedly lack proper documentation or have not declared their citizenship, with some potentially providing false information under instruction—particularly those fluent in multiple languages. Turkish authorities have begun collecting fingerprints and statements from individuals claiming Turkish citizenship as part of verification efforts.

    The legal framework for upcoming trials will incorporate international treaties and judicial rulings based on compiled evidence, establishing procedures for addressing these complex cases of transnational terrorism.

  • UAE closes 230 social media accounts for unlicenced domestic worker hiring in 2025

    UAE closes 230 social media accounts for unlicenced domestic worker hiring in 2025

    In a significant enforcement action against illegal recruitment practices, the United Arab Emirates has terminated 230 social media accounts throughout 2025 for promoting unlicensed domestic worker hiring services. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) announced this crackdown on February 11, 2026, revealing that these accounts operated without official ministry licenses or affiliations with authorized recruitment agencies.

    The ministry emphasized that these unauthorized operations constitute clear violations of the UAE’s Domestic Workers Law, carrying potential legal consequences for both the unlicensed operators and employers who engage their services. Officials warned that dealing with unlicensed recruiters jeopardizes employers’ legal protections and bypasses critical mandatory procedures including comprehensive medical examinations, background verification checks, and conduct assessments.

    Licensed recruitment offices in the UAE adhere to strict service quality standards and operate under specific terms and conditions, including approved pricing structures within comprehensive service packages. These authorized agencies provide trained and qualified domestic workers capable of delivering required services while maintaining safe and healthy family environments.

    Emirati families and resident employers have been strongly advised to exclusively utilize licensed domestic worker recruitment offices. The ministry has encouraged the public to report suspicious advertisements or unethical practices on social media platforms through the dedicated hotline 600590000. Additionally, citizens can verify licensed agencies through the official list available on the ministry’s website.

    This enforcement action follows previous warnings from Dubai Police about fraudulent recruitment advertisements on social media platforms, indicating an ongoing coordinated effort to regulate the domestic worker recruitment sector and protect both employers and workers from exploitation.

  • Nigel Farage makes outlandish claim of Islamists ’embedded’ within UK establishment

    Nigel Farage makes outlandish claim of Islamists ’embedded’ within UK establishment

    Reform UK leader Nigel Farage has escalated his inflammatory rhetoric by alleging that Islamist groups have deeply penetrated Britain’s core institutions. During a Tuesday speech launching his party’s Jewish Alliance group, Farage claimed unnamed ‘senior intelligence sources’ informed him the Muslim Brotherhood had infiltrated Britain’s political system, education establishments, and police forces.

    The right-wing politician, whose party currently dominates in polls, described what he perceived as ‘knowing nods’ from audience members who might have received similar briefings. Without providing specific evidence or details about the alleged infiltration, Farage broadly asserted that Britain faces ‘rife and rampant sectarianism’ that he finds ‘terrifying.’

    His comments faced immediate opposition from within the audience. Multiple Jewish activists heckled the Reform leader, with one woman shouting: ‘My mother didn’t fight the Mosley fascists in Cable Street for this!’ Another protester declared that ‘an attack on one minority is an attack on all,’ though Farage did not respond to these challenges.

    The speech reflects Farage’s recent alignment with United Arab Emirates’ policies regarding political Islam. In late January, Farage was recorded praising UAE officials at a private Dubai party for banning the Muslim Brotherhood, stating ‘We have a lot to learn from you, my dear sirs.’ This alignment comes despite the Muslim Brotherhood’s long-standing position as a peaceful organization seeking democratic political participation.

    The UAE has recently designated eight British organizations as terror groups over alleged Muslim Brotherhood links, though none have violated British laws. In 2023, revelations emerged that the UAE paid a private intelligence firm to smear Britain’s largest Muslim charity by attempting to link it to the Brotherhood and extremists.