Global Pulse

分类： society

  • Pro-Israel groups target Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub after MEE interview

    Pro-Israel groups target Miss Palestine Nadeen Ayoub after MEE interview

    Nadeen Ayoub, the pioneering Miss Palestine contestant who made history at the recent Miss Universe competition, has become the target of organized harassment campaigns by pro-Israel groups following her appearance on Middle East Eye’s Real Talk podcast. The 27-year-old beauty queen discussed her experience representing Palestinian identity on the global stage, which triggered immediate backlash across social media platforms.

    Betar USA, the American division of the Revisionist Zionist Betar movement known for its aggressive campaigns against Palestinian voices, initiated personal attacks targeting Ayoub’s previous marriage to Sharaf Barghouti, son of imprisoned Palestinian political leader Marwan Barghouti. The incarcerated Barghouti, often compared to Nelson Mandela and viewed as a potential unifying figure in Palestinian politics, is serving multiple life sentences in Israeli prison since 2002 for his role in the Second Intifada.

    During her interview, Ayoub expressed admiration for her former father-in-law, who recently faced physical assault by Israeli prison guards. ‘Palestinians are proud of Marwan – the world sees him as a peace symbol,’ she stated, adding that the attacks had inadvertently created a platform to discuss Palestinian causes.

    The controversy extended to StopAntisemitism, an American pro-Israel organization previously known for targeting children’s content creators, which questioned Ayoub about her family connections on social media. This occurred amid a global campaign for Barghouti’s release supported by prominent figures including Richard Branson, Benedict Cumberbatch, and Bassem Youssef.

    Ayoub also revealed experiencing racism and identity denial throughout the competition, including being labeled a ‘tiara-rist’ by media outlets and facing skepticism about her Palestinian heritage. She described tense interactions with Miss Israel contestant Melanie Shiraz, who allegedly pursued her with Israeli flags during photo sessions. Shiraz later denied these allegations despite viral footage suggesting otherwise.

    The situation unfolds against the backdrop of ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israeli forces have committed numerous ceasefire violations resulting in hundreds of Palestinian casualties since October, effectively transforming established demarcation lines into firing zones.

  • Wildfire-hit town wins €468m in Spain’s Christmas lottery

    Wildfire-hit town wins €468m in Spain’s Christmas lottery

    In a remarkable turn of fortune, Spain’s famed Christmas lottery has brought transformative hope to northwestern regions recently ravaged by catastrophic wildfires. The El Gordo jackpot, distributing hundreds of millions of euros, primarily benefited residents of León province where devastating summer fires had previously wrought destruction.

    The small town of La Bañeza, with approximately 11,000 residents, emerged as a major beneficiary with collective winnings reaching €468 million. Among the celebrants were members of the local football club, whose community had endured the loss of 8,000 hectares to wildfires just four months prior, including the tragic death of 35-year-old Abel Ramos.

    Mayor Javier Carrera characterized the windfall as “an injection of excitement and hope” for a community that had also suffered from the recent closure of a sugar-beet factory resulting in significant job losses. The sentiment was echoed in neighboring Villablino, where residents received €200 million in lottery winnings. Mayor Mario Rivas acknowledged that while the money couldn’t compensate for the loss of lives in recent mining accidents, it represented welcome positive news.

    The winning tickets in Villablino were predominantly sold by a local Alzheimer’s association, adding institutional benefit to the individual windfalls. Additional substantial prizes were distributed in La Pola de Gordón (€60 million) and a working-class Madrid district (€64 million).

    Maribel Martín, a Villablino resident who won €400,000, described the community’s emotional state before the lottery: “We were really down.” She plans to “spread it around a bit and enjoy life” with her winnings.

    The northwestern regions of Spain, though accustomed to seasonal wildfires, experienced particularly severe blazes during record-breaking summer conditions. Firefighters battled enormous fires throughout August across León and neighboring Galicia, with 0.8% of the country’s total surface area burned during the summer crisis.

  • Dubai Police answers more than 39,000 calls in 2 days amid unstable weather conditions

    Dubai Police answers more than 39,000 calls in 2 days amid unstable weather conditions

    Dubai’s emergency response systems were put to the test during severe weather conditions that struck the United Arab Emirates on December 18-19, 2025, with police authorities managing an extraordinary volume of public inquiries. The Dubai Police Command-and-Control Centre documented 39,299 incoming calls across a challenging 48-hour period as heavy rains and strong winds battered the region.

    The emergency hotline (999) received 32,391 urgent calls while the non-emergency helpline (901) handled 6,908 additional requests. Beyond traditional phone communications, the police department’s digital infrastructure processed 427 email inquiries and 1,690 live chat sessions through their official website, ensuring residents received timely guidance and support during the weather emergency.

    Police officials publicly commended the exceptional dedication demonstrated by teams operating at both the Command-and-Control Centre and the 901 Contact Centre, highlighting their professional and swift response capabilities throughout the crisis. The adverse weather conditions prompted nationwide safety alerts as authorities worked continuously to minimize public disruption and maintain traffic management systems.

    Neighboring emirate Sharjah experienced similar operational challenges, with municipal authorities responding to 522 waterlogging reports and seven incidents of fallen trees. The Sharjah 993 call center operated at maximum capacity, establishing dedicated communication channels with police departments and field teams to enhance coordination and response efficiency during the emergency situation.

  • Why giving still feels better than receiving: The science, culture and joy behind gifting

    Why giving still feels better than receiving: The science, culture and joy behind gifting

    In an era dominated by minimalism and digital convenience, the ancient practice of gift-giving has not diminished but rather transformed, revealing profound psychological and cultural dimensions that explain its enduring power. Scientific research demonstrates that the act of giving triggers neurochemical rewards in the brain, releasing dopamine and oxytocin that generate pleasure and strengthen emotional bonds. This biological response explains why the anticipation and selection process often brings greater lasting satisfaction than receiving gifts itself.

    The contemporary gifting landscape has evolved significantly toward experiential offerings rather than material possessions. Salina Handa, founder of SENSASIA Spas, observes this shift firsthand: ‘Each year, we see more people moving away from physical items toward gifting experiences. Our festive spa vouchers are designed to feel thoughtful and personal—the giver chooses the message, wrapping, and even the ribbon, making them part of the experience.’

    Cultural traditions continue to shape gifting practices across societies. In many Arab and Asian cultures, arriving empty-handed is considered impolite, with gifts serving as gestures of respect, gratitude, and social belonging. Harrishma Kapur of House of Eleganza notes that weddings and festive seasons emphasize meaningful keepsakes: ‘People want gifts that endure—something classic, symbolic, and worthy of being passed on.’ This season, elegant silver candelabras and sculptural bowls reflect this preference for timeless items.

    Flowers maintain their universal appeal as emotional translators across cultures. Slava Bogdan, founder of Flowwow, describes them as ‘the easiest way to say ‘I love you,’ ‘I’m sorry,’ or ‘Congratulations’ without words. They instantly lift a space and a person’s mood.’ During holidays, floral gifting expands to include wreaths, centrepieces, and seasonal arrangements, with many using flowers as packaging for other gifts.

    At its core, successful gifting transcends monetary value. Cheryl Lobo of Evienne Gifting Atelier emphasizes: ‘When clients approach us, they’re rarely just looking for an object. They want to express gratitude or love while honoring a milestone in a way that lingers beyond the moment itself.’ The most memorable gifts reflect understanding, mark significant moments, and make recipients feel genuinely seen—demonstrating that the true value lies not in the price tag but in the thoughtful presence behind the gesture.

  • Public interest litigation plays prominent role in China’s governance

    Public interest litigation plays prominent role in China’s governance

    China’s judicial authorities have significantly expanded the application of administrative public interest litigation as a mechanism for enhancing governance standards nationwide. According to data released by the Supreme People’s Procuratorate (SPP), procuratorates across China filed over 120,000 administrative public interest litigation cases and initiated more than 1,100 direct lawsuits against government departments since January 2025.

    Qiu Jinghui, Deputy Director of the SPP’s Public Interest Litigation Procuratorial Department, disclosed at a Beijing press conference that legal officials simultaneously issued approximately 79,000 procuratorial suggestions to administrative organs. These interventions have produced substantial impacts on governmental operations, prompting administrative bodies to standardize enforcement procedures, strengthen accountability mechanisms, and prevent administrative violations at their source.

    The strategic implementation focuses on addressing public interest infringements resulting from either improper exercise of power or administrative inaction. Procuratorial organs have developed a sophisticated supervision toolkit combining recommendations with litigation to promote standardized operation of administrative authority. This approach has proven particularly effective in breaking down cross-regional and cross-departmental governance barriers.

    Public interest litigation has been deployed across multiple critical domains including ecological conservation, food and drug safety, workplace safety protocols, and cultural relics preservation. These efforts have established collaborative mechanisms to resolve persistent governance challenges that previously lacked effective solutions.

    The system continues to evolve in response to emerging public protection needs. Fourteen priority areas with direct public interest implications have been incorporated into case handling procedures, spanning from cultural relics protection to personal information security and barrier-free environment construction.

    Notably, successful supervision practices are being institutionalized through specialized campaigns and the publication of guiding cases. This systematization enriches China’s distinctive socialist rule of law framework while establishing more robust legal foundations for safeguarding public interests.

  • 4 weddings a day: RAK’s civil service helps non-Muslims get married with privacy, convenience

    4 weddings a day: RAK’s civil service helps non-Muslims get married with privacy, convenience

    Ras Al Khaimah Courts have revolutionized civil marriage services for non-Muslim residents and visitors, establishing a streamlined alternative to conventional judicial processes. This innovative program, which processes approximately four marriages daily, combines legal precision with modern convenience through digital solutions and dedicated facilities.

    Under the leadership of Ibrahim Abdu, Director General of the Wasetak Centre for Transaction Clearance and Translation, the service has evolved significantly to offer remote completion options. Couples can now initiate applications online, participate via video conferencing, and finalize marriage contracts without repeated court visits. This digital transformation maintains full legal validity while enhancing accessibility.

    The service emphasizes privacy and cultural considerations through specially designed venues separate from main court buildings. These spaces accommodate intimate celebrations with limited guests while providing photography services and personalized touches. With costs ranging from AED 370 to 500, the service remains financially accessible while offering premium customization options.

    A distinctive feature involves the formalization of specific agreements within the marriage contract, including educational expenses and child custody arrangements. Once ratified by a judge, these provisions carry the same enforceability as court judgments, providing couples with legal certainty.

    British expatriates Gavin Robinson and Francesca Mcardle recently experienced the service firsthand, praising its efficiency and emotional resonance. “The video conference procedure was remarkably clear and straightforward,” Mcardle noted. “The judge’s approachable demeanor immediately eased our anxieties.” Robinson highlighted the benefit of receiving attested documents immediately: “Eliminating bureaucratic delays allowed us to fully embrace the emotional significance of our union.”

    The dedicated marriage room received particular appreciation for its aesthetic appeal and functional design. “For couples seeking an all-in-one solution, it represents an exceptional option with superb photographic opportunities,” Mcardle added.

    Established in early 2023 under Federal Decree-Law No. 41 of 2022, the service requires applicants to be at least 21 years old, free of legal impediments, and providing explicit mutual consent. Applications are processed electronically through the Ras Al Khaimah Government portal, with ceremonies conducted under judicial supervision.

    This fusion of technological convenience, legal robustness, and cultural sensitivity positions Ras Al Khaimah as an emerging destination for internationally-minded couples seeking practical yet meaningful matrimonial solutions.

  • A car crashes into a bus stop in Germany and injures 3 people

    A car crashes into a bus stop in Germany and injures 3 people

    A traffic incident in the central German town of Giessen resulted in multiple injuries on Monday when a motorist collided with vehicles before crashing into a bus shelter. Local authorities confirmed three pedestrians sustained injuries, including one individual who suffered serious harm requiring immediate medical attention.

    The Giessen Police Department identified the driver as a 32-year-old Azerbaijani national residing locally. Preliminary reports indicate the suspect initially sideswiped two automobiles traveling in the same direction before veering into the bus stop area. Following the impact with pedestrians, the driver continued operating his Audi vehicle for a short distance before ultimately stopping and being apprehended by responding officers.

    Law enforcement officials emphasized that the precise sequence of events and contributing factors remain under active investigation. “The exact circumstances of the incident are currently unknown,” police stated in an official release, noting that forensic analysis and witness interviews are ongoing. The suspect remains in custody as authorities work to determine whether mechanical failure, medical emergency, or other factors precipitated the collision.

    The incident occurred approximately 53 kilometers north of Frankfurt in a region with typically moderate traffic density. Emergency services responded promptly to secure the area and transport the injured to medical facilities. No additional information regarding the victims’ conditions or potential charges against the driver has been disclosed pending further investigation.

  • Ecuadorean soldiers found guilty of forced disappearance of boys

    Ecuadorean soldiers found guilty of forced disappearance of boys

    In a landmark judicial ruling that has captured national attention, an Ecuadorian court has delivered severe sentences to military personnel convicted in the forced disappearance and subsequent deaths of four minors. Eleven soldiers received prison terms of 34 years and eight months each for their involvement in the 2023 incident that resulted in the tragic deaths of Nehemías Arboleda (15), Steven Medina (11), and brothers Ismael (15) and Josué Arroyo (14).

    The case unfolded in Guayaquil, where the boys were apprehended by a military patrol while returning from a football game. Judicial investigations revealed that the soldiers forcibly removed the children’s clothing, subjected them to physical abuse and racist taunts, and abandoned them naked in a perilous, isolated area. Despite one victim managing to contact his father, the boys had vanished by the time assistance arrived. Their brutally beaten and charred remains were discovered days later near a military installation.

    Of the seventeen defendants initially charged, five received reduced sentences of two and a half years for cooperating with prosecutors, while a lieutenant-colonel was acquitted entirely. The court dismissed the defense’s claim that the soldiers bore no responsibility since the victims were alive when abandoned, instead ruling that the deliberate placement in a hazardous environment directly caused their deaths.

    Presiding Judge Rodríguez delivered a sweeping verdict that condemned the actions as ‘a state crime’ against innocent civilians. The ruling mandates official apologies to the victims’ families, the installation of a commemorative plaque, and compulsory human rights training for all military personnel. The case has sparked intense scrutiny of Ecuador’s ongoing militarized campaign against drug cartels and organized crime, which has significantly expanded military powers amid escalating violence nationwide.

    The victims, collectively known as ‘The Malvinas Four’ after their neighborhood, have become symbols of both institutional accountability and the human cost of Ecuador’s security crisis. While the judgment identifies the military patrol as responsible for the disappearances and subsequent deaths, investigations continue into the unidentified parties who burned the victims’ remains.

  • Ecuadorian court hands down max sentences to 11 soldiers in case of 4 disappeared minors

    Ecuadorian court hands down max sentences to 11 soldiers in case of 4 disappeared minors

    An Ecuadorian court has delivered landmark sentences against eleven military personnel for the abduction and torture of four children, marking a significant moment in the nation’s ongoing struggle with security forces accountability. The soldiers received 34-year prison terms for the forced disappearance of the victims—brothers Ismael and Josué Arroyo, along with their friends Saúl Arboleda and Steven Medina, aged 11 to 15—whose charred remains were discovered near a Guayaquil military base in December 2024.

    The case emerged when the children failed to return from a soccer match in the port city of Guayaquil on December 8, 2024. Security footage later revealed military patrols detaining the children and forcing them into a pickup truck. Initially, the military claimed drug gangs were responsible for the killings, but Judge José Suárez’s investigation determined that soldiers executed the children ‘in a cruel fashion’ after subjecting them to brutal beatings with rifles and forced labor.

    The ruling mandates each convicted soldier to pay $10,000 in reparations to the victims’ families and issue public apologies. Additionally, the military must conduct a formal ceremony acknowledging institutional responsibility and install a memorial plaque at the involved base. Five cooperating soldiers received reduced sentences of 2.5 years.

    This case occurs amid President Daniel Noboa’s controversial militarization initiative, launched in January 2024 to combat Ecuador’s spiraling drug violence. While homicide rates have tripled since 2021 due to gang conflicts over cocaine smuggling routes, human rights organizations have documented widespread abuses by security forces, including extrajudicial killings and mass arbitrary detentions.

    The Defense Ministry stated it would comply with the court’s decision, affirming ‘respect for the law.’ The convicted soldiers will face separate murder trials next year.

  • Major incident declared over giant hole at canal

    Major incident declared over giant hole at canal

    A significant infrastructure failure has triggered a major emergency in Whitchurch, Shropshire, where a substantial segment of the historic Llangollen Canal collapsed early Monday morning. The incident, officially classified by engineers as an “embankment failure,” resulted in a massive cavity swallowing sections of the waterway and leaving multiple narrowboats either submerged or precariously perched on the edge of the newly formed chasm.

    The collapse occurred approximately at 04:00 GMT, with emergency services receiving the first reports around 04:20. According to Scott Hurford, Area Manager at Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service, approximately fifty firefighters were deployed to the scene. Their immediate response facilitated the safe evacuation of about fifteen individuals from affected vessels, with no reported casualties according to local police authorities.

    Engineers from the Canal and River Trust, the organization responsible for maintaining the waterway, have clarified that initial characterizations of the event as a “sinkhole” were inaccurate. Mark Durham, the Trust’s Principal Engineer, explained that the failure occurred in a man-made embankment engineered over two centuries ago to elevate the canal. This structure catastrophically failed, causing water to torrent into adjacent fields and the canal bed to drop away, creating a trench estimated by witnesses to be approximately 15 feet (4 meters) deep and 150-180 feet (45-55 meters) long.

    Eyewitness accounts describe a terrifying experience. Residents aboard moored boats reported being awakened by unusual noises, violent shaking, and the sensation of their vessels being pulled by sudden currents. Lorraine Barlow, a liveaboard boater on The Singing Kettle, described feeling “something amiss” with bubbling sounds and unusual currents before her boat began tilting dangerously. Paul Storey, another resident, recounted being awoken by the crash of belongings sliding from cabinets and the tremendous roar of rushing water.

    The environmental impact was immediate and significant, with an estimated million gallons of canal water flooding into surrounding fields. Fire crews successfully installed a flood gate to prevent further water loss and potential flooding in the town, stabilizing the situation. The recovery phase, which involves salvaging the affected boats and assessing the damage, is now underway. However, the Canal and River Trust has stated it is too early to determine either the cause of the embankment failure or a timeline for the complex reconstruction project.

    Local officials expressed shock at the scale of the devastation. Whitchurch councillor Sho Abdul described the scene as “insane,” comparing the crater to something created by an explosion rather than a natural sinkhole. The community has been advised to avoid the area in Chemistry, Whitchurch, while investigations and repairs continue. The Trust has committed to supporting affected boaters and investigating its inspection protocols, with engineers confirming the embankment had recently been inspected with no signs of imminent failure detected.