分类: world

  • Lebanon says 13 dead in Israeli strike on Palestinian camp

    Lebanon says 13 dead in Israeli strike on Palestinian camp

    A deadly Israeli airstrike on a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon has resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, according to Lebanese authorities. The attack, which occurred on Tuesday night, targeted the Ain al-Helweh camp, the largest Palestinian refugee settlement in Lebanon, located near the coastal city of Sidon. Israel claimed it struck a Hamas training compound, but the militant group vehemently denied the allegations, calling them ‘lies’ and asserting that there are no military installations in the camps. An AFP correspondent reported scenes of chaos, with firefighters battling blazes and gunmen firing shots to clear the way for ambulances. Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed the casualties, stating that ambulances were still transporting the wounded to nearby hospitals. The Israeli military released a video of the strike, claiming it targeted terrorists operating in a Hamas training compound. However, Hamas countered that the site was an open sports field frequented by youths. The incident underscores the ongoing tensions between Israel and militant groups in Lebanon, despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024. Lebanon hosts approximately 222,000 Palestinian refugees, and by longstanding convention, the Lebanese army does not enter the camps, leaving security to Palestinian factions. The strike has further strained relations in the region, with Lebanon’s government under pressure to disarm non-state groups, including Hezbollah and Hamas.

  • Israel kills 13 in strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

    Israel kills 13 in strike on Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon

    An Israeli air strike on the Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on Tuesday resulted in the deaths of at least 13 people, according to the Lebanese health ministry. The attack targeted an area near a mosque and a football pitch in the densely populated camp, located on the outskirts of Sidon. Local media reported dozens of injuries, with footage from the scene depicting a chaotic aftermath of civilian casualties and rescue efforts. The Israeli military claimed the strike was aimed at a Hamas “military compound” used for training, a claim vehemently denied by Hamas, which labeled it as “pure fabrication and lies.” The group emphasized that the targeted area was a public sports field frequented by camp residents. Ain al-Hilweh, home to nearly 80,000 people in a 1.5 sq km area, is Lebanon’s largest Palestinian refugee camp. The strike is part of a series of recent Israeli violations of a ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States and France in November 2024. The agreement, which aimed to de-escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, included provisions for Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the replacement of Hezbollah fighters with the Lebanese army. However, UN experts report that Israel has conducted approximately 500 air strikes since the ceasefire, resulting in over 108 deaths. Over the past two years, Israeli attacks in Lebanon have claimed more than 4,000 lives, further exacerbating regional tensions.

  • Ukraine asks Vatican to formalize mediation role for return of citizens taken by Russia

    Ukraine asks Vatican to formalize mediation role for return of citizens taken by Russia

    In a significant diplomatic move, Ukraine has formally requested the Vatican to institutionalize its role in mediating the return of Ukrainian children and civilians taken by Russia during the ongoing conflict. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy conveyed this appeal in a letter to Pope Leo XIV, ahead of a scheduled meeting between the pontiff and a delegation of repatriated Ukrainians. The letter seeks to formalize the informal mediation efforts initiated by Pope Francis, which involved Italian Cardinal Matteo Zuppi as a papal envoy for humanitarian matters. Iryna Vereshchuk, deputy head of Zelenskyy’s office, emphasized the necessity of this formalization to enhance the process’s effectiveness. She highlighted that the Vatican’s role as a neutral intermediary could facilitate structured communications between Ukraine and Russia, ensuring accountability in the return of civilians. Despite the Vatican’s informal involvement, the success of these efforts remains unclear. Vereshchuk accompanied a delegation of Ukrainian families who had been displaced or detained in Russian-controlled territories, underscoring the urgency of resolving this humanitarian crisis. Ukraine continues to document thousands of cases of children unlawfully taken to Russia, a practice condemned as a war crime by the International Criminal Court, which issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin in 2023. According to Ukraine’s Bring Kids Back platform, over 19,000 children have been officially recorded as deported or forcibly transferred, with 1,247 successfully returned through diplomatic channels as of March 2024.

  • Myanmar’s military says it has raided a second major online scam center

    Myanmar’s military says it has raided a second major online scam center

    Myanmar’s military government has escalated its campaign against cross-border online scams, targeting a second major location in the town of Shwe Kokko near Myawaddy. According to state media reports on Wednesday, authorities detained 346 foreigners and seized nearly 10,000 mobile phones and related equipment used in fraudulent activities. This follows a similar raid in mid-October on KK Park, a notorious scam hub on the Thai border, where over 1,500 foreign workers fled into Thailand. The military has since demolished the KK Park compound, including through controlled explosions. Myanmar is a global hotspot for cyberscam operations, which often involve romantic ploys and fake investment schemes to defraud victims worldwide. The U.N. Office on Drugs and Crime estimates these scam centers generate nearly $40 billion annually. The crackdown, which began in early September, has faced skepticism from critics who question its sincerity, alleging that masterminds remain active elsewhere. Military spokesman Maj. Gen. Zaw Min Tun emphasized China’s cooperation in these efforts, highlighting the alliance between Myanmar’s military government and Beijing, which remains isolated from many Western nations due to its 2021 coup and alleged human rights abuses. The region, loosely controlled by the military, is also influenced by ethnic minority militias, including the Border Guard Force and the Karen National Union, both of which deny involvement in scam operations despite accusations.

  • China sends new pair of giant pandas to Malaysia

    China sends new pair of giant pandas to Malaysia

    In a significant move to bolster international conservation efforts, China has dispatched a new pair of giant pandas to Malaysia as part of a decade-long cooperative program. The pandas, named Chen Xing and Xiao Yue, embarked on their journey from the Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport to Malaysia on Tuesday afternoon. This initiative follows the extension of the conservation agreement between the two nations in April, marking a renewed commitment to the preservation of this iconic species. The China Conservation and Research Center for the Giant Panda in Sichuan province, which facilitated the transfer, emphasized the importance of such international collaborations in ensuring the survival and well-being of giant pandas. This program not only highlights the ongoing diplomatic relations between China and Malaysia but also underscores the global significance of panda conservation efforts.

  • ‘New leap’: UAE, South Korea issue joint declaration during Lee Jae-myung visit

    ‘New leap’: UAE, South Korea issue joint declaration during Lee Jae-myung visit

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) and South Korea have taken a significant step toward strengthening their bilateral ties with the issuance of a joint declaration during South Korean President Lee Jae-myung’s visit to Abu Dhabi. The declaration, described as ‘a new leap toward a shared journey for the next century,’ outlines expanded cooperation across several strategic sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, civil nuclear energy, defence technology, water management, public health, and education. The agreement was reached during a meeting between President Lee and UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two nations have committed to enhancing water innovation ahead of the 2026 UN Water Conference, improving healthcare through the establishment of a Pre-Post Care Center and a K-Medical Cluster, and fostering educational exchanges via training and youth programs. In the defence sector, the partnership will focus on joint development, technology collaboration, and localized production, emphasizing knowledge transfer and capacity building. Additionally, the UAE and South Korea will strengthen their collaboration in civil nuclear energy, particularly in nuclear fuel, maintenance, and digital transformation at the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant. The two countries also plan to promote the Barakah model internationally and advance clean-energy goals through next-generation nuclear technologies and AI-driven efficiency improvements. A notable highlight of the partnership is the UAE’s involvement in the US-backed Stargate project, which aims to build a massive AI data campus in the Gulf region. The first phase, Stargate UAE, will be developed by UAE firm G42 in collaboration with US tech giants OpenAI, Oracle, Nvidia, and Cisco Systems, as well as Japan’s SoftBank Group. The joint declaration also outlines plans for a high-level inter-ministerial dialogue on responsible AI governance, cybersecurity, and semiconductor ecosystem resilience. Furthermore, the UAE and South Korea are exploring the establishment of ‘K-City,’ a hub designed to serve as a one-stop destination for Korean culture, food, and business in the Middle East. This initiative aims to position the UAE as the region’s cultural and economic gateway to South Korea.

  • Brazil’s Lula joins negotiators at UN climate talks, but no deal yet on major issues

    Brazil’s Lula joins negotiators at UN climate talks, but no deal yet on major issues

    At the COP30 United Nations climate summit in Belem, Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva called for urgent global action to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, emphasizing the need for a collective transition to renewable energy. Despite his presence and that of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, progress on key issues remains slow, with negotiators missing self-imposed deadlines. Lula, flanked by Brazilian negotiators and his wife, stressed the existential threat of climate change, stating, ‘We haven’t found another place to live.’ He advocated for a flexible approach, allowing countries to transition at their own pace while receiving financial support. COP30 President André Corrêa do Lago had set a Wednesday deadline for decisions on four critical issues: toughening climate plans, distributing $300 billion in climate aid, addressing trade barriers, and improving transparency. However, negotiations have yet to yield concrete outcomes. Scientists criticized the proposed fossil fuel phaseout road map as inadequate, urging a more detailed and actionable plan. Lula also promoted the Tropical Forests Forever Facility, a multibillion-dollar fund aimed at incentivizing forest conservation. Despite the challenges, experts like Neil Grant of Climate Analytics remain hopeful, asserting that existing tools can still achieve the Paris Agreement’s goals. Over 110 climate action plans were celebrated at the summit, highlighting ongoing efforts to implement past agreements. COP30 Climate Champion Dan Ioschpe emphasized the importance of real-world implementation, particularly in industries like aviation, maritime, and agriculture. A new initiative aims to secure $1 trillion in investments to upgrade global electricity grids, renewable energy storage, and biofuel production.

  • Ronaldo and Musk attend Trump’s dinner with Saudi Crown Prince

    Ronaldo and Musk attend Trump’s dinner with Saudi Crown Prince

    In a high-profile gathering at the White House, US President Donald Trump hosted a lavish dinner for Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Tuesday, attended by notable figures including Portuguese soccer legend Cristiano Ronaldo and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk. The event, held in a formal black-tie setting, underscored the convergence of sports, business, and international diplomacy. Ronaldo, who currently plays for Saudi club Al Nassr, was seated near the head of the table, while Musk, CEO of SpaceX and Tesla, marked a notable reconciliation with Trump after their previous public disputes. FIFA President Gianni Infantino also attended, highlighting the upcoming 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States. During the dinner, Trump praised the Saudi Crown Prince as a ‘man of leadership’ and shared a personal anecdote about his son Barron’s admiration for Ronaldo. The event also featured other prominent guests, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, further emphasizing its significance as a platform for global networking and diplomacy.

  • China-Europe youths look toward a shared future

    China-Europe youths look toward a shared future

    The China-Europe Youth Dialogue 2025 convened in Beijing on Monday, uniting over 100 young representatives from 30 European countries and China. This landmark event highlighted the pivotal role the younger generation will play in fostering bilateral relations over the next half-century. Participants engaged in dynamic discussions, sharing their visions for the future and strategies to actively contribute to this evolving partnership. The dialogue underscored the importance of youth-driven initiatives in addressing global challenges and strengthening cross-cultural understanding. As the world faces unprecedented changes, the event emphasized the need for collaborative efforts to build a sustainable and inclusive future. The insights and aspirations shared during the dialogue are expected to influence policy-making and international cooperation in the years to come.

  • Japan: Major fire engulfs residential area; 300 houses under power blackout

    Japan: Major fire engulfs residential area; 300 houses under power blackout

    A devastating fire erupted in the southern Japanese city of Oita late Tuesday, engulfing a residential area and spreading to a nearby forested mountain. The blaze, which remains uncontained, has forced the evacuation of 175 residents from 115 households, with one individual still unaccounted for. Firefighters have been battling the ferocious flames throughout the night, as footage captured the inferno turning the sky red and consuming homes. Witnesses described the fire as unprecedented, with strong winds exacerbating its spread. ‘The mountain was burning, the one behind,’ one resident recounted, adding that he only managed to grab his driver’s license and smartphone before fleeing. The fire has affected at least 170 buildings and caused a power blackout in 300 houses. Oita’s governor has sought military assistance to aid in the crisis. Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as efforts to extinguish the fire persist.