分类： society

The phrase ‘Globalize the Intifada’ has emerged as one of the most contentious slogans in pro-Palestine activism, sparking intense debate about its meaning and legal status. Recent developments in the United Kingdom have seen law enforcement agencies take unprecedented steps to criminalize its use, resulting in the first criminal charges under racial hatred legislation.

British authorities have charged three individuals for chanting the slogan during a December protest supporting hunger-striking Palestine Action prisoners. The charges allege ‘using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intending thereby to stir up racial hatred,’ an offense carrying potential seven-year prison sentences. This enforcement action follows joint announcements from the Metropolitan Police and Greater Manchester Police in December that they would arrest anyone using the phrase or displaying it on placards.

The linguistic and historical context of ‘intifada’ reveals complex layers of meaning. Derived from Arabic, the term translates to ‘shaking off’ or ‘uprising’ and has been applied to various resistance movements beyond the Middle East, including the Jewish uprising in the Warsaw Ghetto during World War II. Historically, it references two specific Palestinian uprisings: the largely non-violent First Intifada (1987-1993) that employed civil disobedience and stone-throwing tactics, and the more violent Second Intifada (2000-2005) that featured suicide bombings and resulted in approximately 4,000 combined casualties.

Pro-Palestine activists maintain the slogan represents a call for international solidarity against what they term Israel’s genocide in Gaza, which has claimed over 71,000 Palestinian lives since October 2023. Ben Jamal of the Palestine Solidarity Campaign asserts the phrase advocates ‘worldwide support for an end to the oppression of the Palestinian people through all means of legitimate resistance’ rather than violence against Jewish civilians.

However, critics including the American Jewish Committee argue the slogan inherently promotes violence, noting that previous intifadas resulted in significant Israeli casualties. UK Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently stated those who don’t view the phrase as violent are ‘daft,’ while Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called it ‘a call to attack Jewish communities around the world.’

The enforcement crackdown follows the December Bondi Beach attack in Australia, where 15 people were killed in an antisemitic incident. Although the attackers had no established connection to Palestine activism, Australian and British authorities have cited rising antisemitic hate crimes as justification for stricter measures. New South Wales Premier Chris Minns has initiated a parliamentary inquiry into banning the phrase, describing it as ‘hateful, violent rhetoric.’

Legal experts and rights organizations have raised concerns about free expression implications. The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians criticized the police action as ‘reckless and nonsensical,’ noting that the Crown Prosecution Service had previously advised that such phrases didn’t meet prosecution thresholds. The situation reflects broader tensions surrounding protest rights and counter-terrorism measures in Western democracies grappling with the complexities of the Israel-Palestine conflict.

In an unprecedented legal move, British authorities have formally charged three pro-Palestine demonstrators for allegedly chanting the word “intifada” during a December protest. The Metropolitan Police confirmed on Monday that Abdallah Alanzi (24), Haya Adam (21), and Azza Zaki (60) face charges of using “threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour intending to stir up racial hatred.”

The defendants were arrested during a December 17th demonstration outside the Ministry of Justice in Westminster, marking the first enforcement actions since the Metropolitan and Greater Manchester police forces announced their intention to prosecute individuals using the phrase “globalise the intifada” at protests. The controversial policy, announced in December, specifically targeted this chant and related placard displays.

Police authorities defended their position, stating: “We recognize community concerns regarding placards and chants such as ‘globalise the intifada.’ Those employing such language at future demonstrations or in targeted manners should anticipate intervention from our forces.”

The Metropolitan Police’s Public Order Crime team conducted a comprehensive investigation that extended beyond the specific intifada chant to examine additional verbal expressions heard during the protest. The three accused individuals will make their initial appearance at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on February 23rd.

Meanwhile, pro-Palestine activists have vigorously contested the characterization of “globalise the intifada” as antisemitic or violent incitement. Notably, British Jewish participants have been visibly active in pro-Palestine marches throughout the United Kingdom.

The term ‘intifada,’ derived from the Arabic root ‘nafada’ meaning “to shake off” or “to rise up,” has complex historical connotations. While some Arab uprisings labeled as intifadas have been predominantly peaceful, the Palestinian intifadas against Israeli occupation have incorporated both civil disobedience and armed resistance.

The charging decision follows October comments by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who characterized calls to “internationalise the intifada” as direct incitement against global Jewish communities. These remarks came after a fatal attack on a Manchester synagogue that claimed two Jewish worshippers’ lives.

Shanghai has inaugurated its annual Yuyuan Lantern Festival, launching an expansive celebration that for the first time extends beyond its traditional Yuyuan Garden venue to incorporate multiple zones near The Bund. The festival commenced on Monday, January 26, 2026, and will continue through March 3, transforming the city’s historic districts into a luminous landscape.

This year’s edition marks a significant geographical expansion, with illuminated displays scheduled to activate at The Bund Finance Center, Ancient City Park, Middle Fangbang Road, Fuyou Road, and The Bund itself beginning February 1. The festival combines traditional lantern craftsmanship with modern technological innovations and contemporary artistic designs, creating an immersive experience that connects Shanghai’s historical heritage with its futuristic vision.

Visitors can engage with diverse attractions including interactive installations, cultural performances, culinary experiences, and retail offerings. The core thematic inspiration derives from Shan Hai Jing (The Classic of Mountains and Seas), an ancient Chinese mythological text dating back over two millennia. This mythological foundation provides the creative direction for the festival’s central light installations at Yuyuan Garden, offering a cultural journey through China’s rich mythological traditions.

The expanded festival layout creates a continuous pathway of illumination through Shanghai’s most iconic landmarks, providing both residents and international tourists with a multifaceted experience that blends sightseeing with cultural education and entertainment.

Chinese authorities have initiated a comprehensive emergency operation following a significant seismic event in northwestern China. A substantial earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale struck Diebu county within Gannan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Gansu province, prompting immediate national response measures.

The tectonic activity occurred precisely at 14:56 hours on January 26, 2026, according to data released by the China Earthquake Networks Center. Scientific measurements placed the epicenter at coordinates 34.06 degrees north latitude and 103.25 degrees east longitude, with the seismic activity originating at a depth of approximately 10 kilometers beneath the Earth’s surface.

In response to the seismic event, China’s emergency management apparatus swiftly activated a Level-IV national earthquake disaster emergency protocol—the country’s standardized response system for moderate seismic events. Specialized work teams have been deployed to the affected region under the coordination of both the State Council earthquake relief headquarters and the Ministry of Emergency Management.

Emergency Minister Wang Xiangxi, who simultaneously serves as deputy commander of the State Council earthquake relief headquarters, has issued directives for rapid situation assessment and damage evaluation. The minister emphasized the critical importance of thorough field inspections and comprehensive preparedness for potential rescue operations. Fire and rescue personnel have already commenced door-to-door inspections in the most vulnerable areas to assess structural integrity and identify potential casualties.

The coordinated response reflects China’s developed disaster management protocols for seismic events, particularly in mountainous regions like Gansu province which experience periodic geological activity. The deployment of specialized teams aims to ensure both immediate emergency response and medium-term recovery coordination in the affected Tibetan autonomous region.

Zhangjiajie National Forest Park in China’s Hunan province has undergone a remarkable metamorphosis into an ethereal winter landscape following recent heavy snowfall. The precipitation has dramatically altered the park’s famous quartz-sandstone pinnacles, dressing them in pristine white mantles while adorning vegetation with intricate crystalline frost formations.

As dawn breaks, the park reveals its transformed splendor with morning sunlight penetrating lingering cloud layers to illuminate mist-enshrouded ridges in warm golden tones. The contrast between dark rock surfaces and snow-covered branches creates a striking visual spectacle throughout the mountainous terrain.

Tourist operations continue seamlessly with cable cars transporting visitors between forested slopes while observation decks host photographers and sightseers clad in vibrant winter attire. These visitors pause to capture the breathtaking panorama of snow-draped peaks against expansive winter skies.

The park’s administration has noted that these optimal winter conditions—combining snow-covered topography, exceptional visibility, and magnificent cloud formations—have established Zhangjiajie as Hunan province’s foremost cold-weather tourism destination. The phenomenon demonstrates how seasonal transformations can enhance natural landmarks’ appeal, offering visitors distinctly different experiences throughout the annual cycle.

London’s Metropolitan Police took 86 individuals into custody on Saturday during a demonstration outside Wormwood Scrubs prison in west London. The protest was organized in solidarity with Muhammad Umer Khalid, a 22-year-old activist from the banned organization Palestine Action who has resumed a hunger strike while in custody.

Khalid represents the final member of a group of seven prisoners who initiated the hunger strike campaign to protest both their detention conditions and the government’s proscription of their direct action group. While three hunger strikers ended their protest on January 14th following the government’s decision to cancel a multi-billion-pound contract with the UK subsidiary of Israeli arms manufacturer Elbit Systems, Khalid has recommenced his food refusal after a brief pause on January 10th.

The young activist, who suffers from muscular dystrophy—a rare genetic condition causing progressive muscle weakness—previously halted an earlier hunger strike after his health deteriorated rapidly within 12 days. Khalid currently remains held on remand at HMP Wormwood Scrubs facing charges related to an alleged break-in by Palestine Action activists at RAF Brize Norton airbase in June of the previous year.

Among his demands are immediate bail and the cessation of what he describes as severe restrictions on his personal correspondence, telephone privileges, and visitation rights. Khalid reported through an intermediary that he had received just one visit, a single postcard, and merely two emails over a three-week period.

The Metropolitan Police stated that protesters were detained on suspicion of aggravated trespass, alleging they refused to vacate the prison grounds and obstructed staff from entering or exiting the facility.

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson responded on Sunday, characterizing the protest escalation as “completely unacceptable” while acknowledging the right to peaceful demonstration. The spokesperson emphasized that prison security was never compromised but warned that those responsible for creating risks would face consequences. The ministry confirmed that prisoners on hunger strike receive regular medical monitoring, including heart checks and blood tests, with hospital transfers occurring when healthcare teams deem it appropriate.

A vibrant scene unfolded at Chengdu’s historic Wenshu Monastery on Monday as thousands of residents and visitors gathered to partake in a cherished annual tradition. The occasion was the Laba Festival, celebrated on the eighth day of the twelfth lunar month (January 26 this year), which serves as a ceremonial prelude to the upcoming Chinese New Year.

The monastery, maintaining a practice spanning more than three centuries, distributed complimentary bowls of freshly prepared laba porridge to enthusiastic crowds who formed extensive queues around the temple grounds. This philanthropic culinary event represents one of Sichuan province’s most enduring cultural customs, symbolizing community harmony and spiritual preparation for the Spring Festival season.

Laba porridge, a special ceremonial dish typically containing glutinous rice, nuts, dried fruits, and beans, carries profound cultural significance in Chinese tradition. The communal consumption of this nutritious concoction at Wenshu Monastery demonstrates the continuing relevance of ancient customs in contemporary society, blending religious tradition with community engagement.

The massive turnout included both local Chengdu citizens and domestic tourists, many of whom specifically planned their visits to experience this unique cultural event. Monastery volunteers worked tirelessly throughout the day to prepare and serve the traditional delicacy, ensuring all participants could enjoy this symbolic meal marking the traditional beginning of Lunar New Year celebrations.