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In a tragic escalation of tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the Taliban government has reported that Pakistani military strikes in Afghanistan’s Khost province have resulted in the deaths of at least 10 individuals, including nine children and one woman. The strikes, which targeted a civilian residence, also injured four others in the border regions of Kunar and Paktika. Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid condemned the attack, labeling it an act of aggression by Pakistani forces. This incident marks a significant deterioration in relations between the two nations, which have historically maintained close ties. The violence comes amid the collapse of peace negotiations between the two countries earlier this month. Mujahid stated that the talks failed due to Pakistan’s demand that Afghanistan assume responsibility for Pakistan’s internal security, a condition he deemed unreasonable. The recent clashes follow a series of military confrontations between the two nations, including Pakistani airstrikes in Kabul targeting the leader of the Pakistani Taliban. Despite a ceasefire agreement signed in Doha in October, efforts to reach a long-term resolution have been unsuccessful, with disagreements over militant groups operating in Afghanistan remaining a key point of contention.

A recent nationwide poll reveals that Australian public sentiment toward China has reached its most positive level in five years, with a clear preference for greater strategic autonomy in foreign policy. Conducted by the Australia-China Relations Institute (ACRI) and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), the 2025 ACRI/BIDA poll surveyed 2,045 Australian adults, showing a significant shift in attitudes. Notably, 71% of respondents believe Australia should strengthen its relationship with China, up from 61% in previous years. Additionally, 72% recognize the benefits of bilateral ties, marking a 10% year-on-year increase. The poll also introduced a new question, revealing that 77% of Australians support making independent China policy decisions, even if they diverge from U.S. preferences. Elena Collinson, head of analysis at ACRI, emphasized that this reflects a pragmatic approach, balancing the U.S. alliance with Australia’s autonomy. The survey also highlights growing skepticism toward major-power behavior, with 78% supporting cooperation with China on global challenges like climate change and health. James Laurenceson, ACRI director, noted that Australians increasingly recognize China’s leadership in industries such as electric vehicles and see economic benefits in bilateral trade. He stressed that managing strategic differences and avoiding the use of trade as a geopolitical weapon are crucial for maintaining positive momentum. The poll underscores bipartisan political consensus in Australia that increased trade with China aligns with national interests, signaling optimism for future cooperation.

In a critical meeting with Egypt’s intelligence chief in Cairo, Hamas leadership has formally reaffirmed its commitment to implementing the initial phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. This diplomatic engagement occurred against a backdrop of escalating violence that threatens to derail the fragile truce brokered last month.

The Palestinian militant group emphasized the urgent need for establishing transparent monitoring mechanisms to document violations and ensure immediate corrective actions. The discussions specifically addressed the complex situation of Hamas fighters positioned within tunnel networks in Israeli-controlled sectors of Rafah, alongside detailed negotiations regarding the second phase of the peace agreement.

Despite the ceasefire officially taking effect on October 10, both conflicting parties have exchanged accusations of violations. Recent Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip resulted in at least 24 Palestinian fatalities, including children, according to local reports. Israel maintains these operations targeted and eliminated five senior Hamas operatives.

The United Nations has intensified its calls for upholding the peace agreement, with Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasizing during the G20 summit in Johannesburg that ‘We need peace in Gaza: By upholding the ceasefire and fully implementing the commitments of the peace agreement.’

From an international legal perspective, Hadi Rahmat Purnama, Assistant Professor of International Law at Universitas Indonesia, clarified that ceasefires can be either voluntary or imposed through UN Security Council resolutions under Chapter VII of the UN Charter. He noted that violation of an agreed truce enables resumption of hostilities without constituting perfidy, provided proper warning is given according to the agreement’s terms.

Tragically, UNICEF reports indicate at least 67 children have lost their lives in conflict-related incidents since the ceasefire began, maintaining an alarming average of two daily fatalities. World Health Organization representative Richard Peeperkorn confirmed that ‘although there’s a ceasefire, people still get killed’ in the devastated enclave.

Afghanistan’s Taliban government has accused Pakistan of conducting overnight airstrikes in three eastern provinces, resulting in the deaths of 10 civilians, including nine children. The strikes, which targeted Khost, Kunar, and Paktika provinces, also left four others injured. Zabihullah Mujahid, the chief spokesperson for the Afghan government, condemned the attacks as “atrocities” and a violation of Afghan territory. He emphasized Afghanistan’s right to defend its airspace and people, vowing an appropriate response. Pakistan’s military and government have yet to comment on the allegations. These accusations come amid heightened tensions between the two nations, following cross-border clashes last month and a deadly attack in Peshawar, Pakistan, earlier this week. Iran has offered to mediate, while Qatar and Turkey continue to support a fragile ceasefire. The ongoing conflict has disrupted bilateral trade and movement across the border, further straining relations.

The Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), an Israeli and US-backed aid distribution organization, has officially concluded its operations in Gaza, as announced by its executive director, John Acree, on Monday. The organization, which has been linked to the deaths and injuries of over 2,600 Palestinians, faced widespread criticism from global aid networks despite claims of setting new standards in aid delivery. GHF’s mission, which began in late May, aimed to demonstrate efficient and transparent humanitarian aid delivery in conflict zones, supported by the Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) and the international community. However, its militarized approach and lack of direct aid provision led to significant challenges for Gaza’s population. Palestinians were required to travel long distances to GHF’s four distribution sites in the south, often risking injury or death from armed Israeli soldiers and US security contractors. Whistleblowers and social media reports allege deliberate shootings of aid seekers. Despite GHF’s denial of casualties, Gaza’s health ministry reported over 2,600 deaths and 19,182 injuries during its operations. Questions about GHF’s funding sources persist, with a lawsuit filed in August seeking transparency from the Trump administration. The broader Israeli war on Gaza has resulted in over 245,000 Palestinian casualties, predominantly civilians, according to recent reports.

The recent eruption of Ethiopia’s Haile Gobi volcano has sent volcanic ash and sulfur dioxide gas drifting toward Yemen and Oman, according to Ibrahim Al Jarwan, Chairman of the Emirates Astronomy Society. The eruption, which began on November 23, 2025, marks the first known activity of the volcano in approximately 10,000 years. Satellite imagery captured a dense ash column rising over 10 kilometers into the sky, with the plume moving east-northeast toward the southern Arabian Peninsula. Al Jarwan warned that the ash and gas could cause eye and respiratory irritation for residents in affected areas, and the interaction of sulfur dioxide with moisture might lead to light acid rain. The Oman Environment Authority has issued advisories, though no significant rise in pollution levels has been detected yet. Aviation authorities have also been alerted, as volcanic ash poses risks to aircraft engines, visibility, and navigation systems. The eruption, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region within the Great Rift Valley, is a significant event for researchers studying dormant volcanic systems and geological activity in the African Rift Valley. While the eruption has subsided, experts caution that follow-up explosions are possible, necessitating continued monitoring. The ash plume, tracked by VAAC Toulouse, has already reached parts of Yemen, and regional agencies are closely observing its movement as wind patterns may shift.

Saudi Arabia has initiated comprehensive atmospheric monitoring following the eruption of the Hayli Gubbi volcano in Ethiopia, which sent volcanic ash plumes soaring up to 14 kilometers into the sky. The eruption, the first in 12,000 years, has caused ash clouds to drift over Yemen, Oman, India, and northern Pakistan, raising concerns about air quality and aviation safety across the region. The Kingdom’s meteorology center confirmed that no direct impact on Saudi Arabia’s atmosphere has been detected so far. Meanwhile, Oman’s Environment Authority issued an advisory regarding potential air quality degradation, though monitoring stations have yet to record increased pollutant levels. India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has issued safety advisories to airlines, urging them to avoid affected regions and altitudes. An Abu Dhabi-bound Indigo flight was diverted to Ahmedabad due to the ash. Airlines have been instructed to adjust flight planning, monitor updates, and report any ash encounters. The Hayli Gubbi volcano, located in Ethiopia’s Afar region, erupted for several hours on Sunday, marking a rare geological event in the Rift Valley, a hotspot for tectonic activity. The Smithsonian Institution’s Global Volcanism Program noted that this is the first recorded eruption of Hayli Gubbi in the Holocene epoch.