分类： world

A recent investigation by Beam Reports, a Sudanese platform dedicated to combating disinformation, has uncovered a coordinated digital campaign involving Emirati, Israeli, and far-right social media accounts. The campaign falsely alleged that Christians were being targeted and killed by Islamists in Sudan, particularly in the aftermath of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group’s seizure of el-Fasher in Darfur nearly a month ago. The report revealed that the campaign aimed to shift blame for atrocities away from the RSF, reframe Sudan’s conflict as a religious war to garner international sympathy, and flood online spaces with fabricated content to obscure media coverage.

Israel has announced plans to confiscate 180 hectares of privately owned land in the occupied West Bank, citing the development of an archaeological site as the primary reason. The targeted area, located near the town of Sebastia north of Nablus, is home to tens of thousands of olive trees and spans across Sebastia and the neighboring village of Burqa. Local officials have labeled this as the largest land seizure for archaeological purposes since 1967. The site in Sebastia dates back to the Bronze Age, approximately 3200 BCE, and Israel claims it is linked to the biblical city of Samaria, associated with the ancient Kingdom of Israel. However, Palestinians argue that this move is part of a broader strategy to ‘Judaise’ Palestinian heritage and legitimize land annexation. Sebastia’s mayor, Muhammad Azem, stated that Israel aims to connect the archaeological site to the nearby Shavei Shomron settlement, built on land belonging to several Palestinian towns. Additionally, Israel plans to confiscate more land from Burqa to construct a settler road leading to the settlement. Azem warned that this decision seeks to take control of one of Palestine’s largest archaeological sites, effectively blocking Palestinians from accessing their own land. The economic and security impacts are expected to be severe, with local tourism suffering as Palestinians lose access to the site, and foreign visitors are only permitted entry through Israel. Sebastia, which relies heavily on the site for tourism revenue, could face economic paralysis. Azem also revealed that Israel conducted a year-long excavation, reaching deep archaeological layers, and moved a mobile archaeological unit from Sebastia to the Shavei Shomron settlement, further confirming suspicions of land confiscation. In May 2023, the Israeli government allocated 30 million shekels (approximately $9 million) for excavations and development in Sebastia, including the restoration of the town’s old train station, where settlement activity began in 1974. The plans also include a new road bypassing the Palestinian village entirely. Palestinian expert Dirgham Fares accused Israel of using antiquities as a pretext to annex and Judaise more land, calling it a systematic policy. Peace Now, an Israeli NGO, condemned the move as a violation of Palestinian rights and international law, emphasizing that Sebastia is a heritage site within a Palestinian village and part of a future Palestinian state. Fares also highlighted ongoing Israeli restrictions on Palestinian tourism and antiquities ministry staff, including detentions and disruptions of restoration work, further exacerbating tensions in the region.

The Indian government has firmly dismissed social media allegations that the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1 experienced an oil leak during its display at the Dubai Airshow 2025. The Press Information Bureau’s (PIB) Fact Check unit labeled these claims as ‘false’ and ‘propaganda-driven,’ emphasizing that the viral videos circulating online depict a routine procedure rather than a technical malfunction. The footage in question shows the standard draining of condensed water from the aircraft’s Environmental Control System (ECS) and On-Board Oxygen Generating System (OBOGS), a common practice in humid environments like Dubai. The PIB reiterated that the Tejas Mk1 has a proven performance record and has successfully participated in numerous international airshows. The Indian Air Force contingent arrived at Al Maktoum Airbase for the Dubai Airshow, which ran from November 17 to 21, showcasing the aircraft’s capabilities. Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari, Vice Chief of Air Staff, expressed optimism about foreign interest in the Tejas, highlighting the growing defense cooperation between India and the UAE. The Indian Air Force also performed high-maneuver displays with the Tejas, drawing significant attention from the audience. The PIB urged the public to verify facts before sharing unverified claims, reinforcing the aircraft’s reliability and technical integrity.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity through the forced displacement of Palestinians from refugee camps in the occupied West Bank. In a comprehensive report released on Thursday, HRW detailed that 32,000 individuals were forcibly removed from their homes in January and February 2024, with no permission granted for their return. Israeli forces have continued military operations in these camps, deliberately demolishing civilian infrastructure and homes. The report highlights large-scale assaults on the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps in the northern West Bank, where civilians were expelled and infrastructure systematically destroyed. HRW’s findings are based on interviews with 31 displaced Palestinians, satellite imagery, videos, and photographs, which confirm widespread destruction. The report, titled ‘All My Dreams Have Been Erased’: Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank,’ also reveals that Israeli authorities have denied residents the right to return, even in the absence of active military operations. Soldiers have reportedly fired at individuals attempting to access their homes, with only a few allowed to retrieve belongings. The military has bulldozed and razed areas to create wider access routes and blocked all entrances to the camps. According to the United Nations Satellite Centre (Unosat), at least 1,460 buildings have been damaged in the three camps as of October 2023. These actions are part of a broader escalation by Israeli forces in the West Bank, which has included nearly 7,500 raids on Palestinian towns and villages in 2025 alone, as reported by the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA). Over the past two years, Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians and arrested thousands more in the occupied West Bank. HRW’s senior refugee and migrant rights researcher, Nadia Hardman, emphasized the urgent need for international action, calling for targeted sanctions on Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defence Minister Katz, and the enforcement of International Criminal Court warrants.

This week witnessed a series of significant global events that captured public attention. Former U.S. President Donald Trump ordered the release of the highly anticipated Epstein files, shedding light on a controversial chapter in recent history. Meanwhile, the United Kingdom experienced severe weather conditions, with heavy rain and cold temperatures disrupting daily life. On a more uplifting note, the BBC’s annual Children In Need appeal achieved a remarkable milestone, raising over £45 million for charitable causes. These events, while diverse in nature, underscore the dynamic and interconnected nature of global affairs. As we reflect on the past seven days, it’s worth considering the broader implications of these developments and their impact on society. For those eager to test their knowledge of recent events, quizzes curated by Ben Fell offer an engaging way to stay informed and revisit key moments from the week.