分类： world

In a recent escalation of violence in Gaza, Palestinian fighters launched an attack on Israeli troops, resulting in the death of an Israeli reservist. According to Israeli news site Walla, the fighters had been hiding in tunnels for months and their actions appear to be independent of the Hamas leadership. The attack occurred in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where the fighters targeted soldiers using heavy equipment. The tunnel in which they were hiding began to collapse, forcing them to act and catching the Israeli soldiers off guard. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered widespread attacks across the Gaza Strip, leading to the deaths of over 100 Palestinians, including 46 children, further violating the fragile ceasefire. The Israeli military believes the fighters had been concealed in a tunnel near the al-Janina neighborhood, an area under Israeli control. Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vowed on social media to continue efforts to annihilate Hamas, while an MP from his party called for revenge. Separately, the mother of an autistic Palestinian teenager, a citizen of Israel, reported that her son has been abused by prison guards following his detention in the occupied West Bank. The boy, recognized as disabled by the state, was arrested during a family visit and remains in custody despite his mother’s release. His lawyer detailed allegations of severe violence and inhumane conditions in detention, which the Israel Prison Service denies. Additionally, Israeli military data revealed a concerning rise in soldier suicides since the start of 2024, with 279 active-duty soldiers attempting suicide and 48 succeeding. MP Ofer Kasif emphasized the need for support systems for soldiers and an end to the ongoing conflict to address this growing crisis.

In a devastating escalation of violence, Israel launched a series of intense air strikes on Gaza this Wednesday, resulting in the deaths of over 100 Palestinians, nearly half of whom were children. This marks the most severe breach of the ceasefire agreement to date. Israel justified the strikes by accusing Hamas of violating the ceasefire terms, a claim Hamas vehemently denies, asserting full compliance with the agreement. However, evidence suggests that Israel itself has repeatedly violated the ceasefire, including restricting humanitarian aid, keeping the Rafah crossing closed, and conducting frequent air strikes. Since the ceasefire began, Israeli forces have killed 211 people, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where medical supplies, fuel, and essential goods remain critically scarce. The sequence of events leading to Wednesday’s deadly bombardment reveals a pattern of Israeli violations, starting almost immediately after the ceasefire took effect on October 11. These violations include drone strikes, artillery shelling, and incursions beyond agreed deployment lines, often justified by claims of targeting individuals who crossed the ‘Yellow Line.’ Despite Hamas’s calls for mediation and restraint, Israel’s actions have continued unabated, culminating in the latest wave of air strikes. The death toll since the ceasefire began now stands at 211, with overall Palestinian casualties since October 7, 2023, exceeding 68,643, according to leaked military data. Israel has also cited the slow return of deceased captives as a reason for the escalation, despite the ceasefire agreement lacking a specific deadline for such returns. Hamas has returned all living captives and 15 deceased, with efforts to recover more bodies hindered by Israeli restrictions on equipment and access. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with Israel failing to allow the agreed-upon daily aid trucks, leading to severe shortages and a healthcare system on the brink of collapse. The Rafah crossing remains closed, trapping tens of thousands of critically wounded Palestinians who are unable to seek treatment abroad. Middle East Eye continues to provide independent and comprehensive coverage of these developments, shedding light on the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

As the 32nd APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting draws near in the Republic of Korea, China Daily’s Xia Ji explores the culinary threads weaving together the youth of China and South Korea. From the spicy allure of tteokbokki to the numbing heat of mala tang, these shared flavors are transforming two neighboring nations into natural gastronomic allies. The streets of both countries buzz with the exchange of recipes, food trends, and a mutual appreciation for each other’s cuisines. This culinary camaraderie not only satisfies taste buds but also fosters cultural understanding and strengthens diplomatic ties. As young people bond over their favorite dishes, the food scene becomes a vibrant testament to the enduring friendship between China and South Korea. What’s your go-to Chinese or South Korean dish? Share your thoughts below!

The Czech Republic has denied entry to an Israeli reservist after French authorities issued a criminal alert against him, according to Israeli media reports. The unnamed individual, who served in conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon, was detained at Prague’s Vaclav Havel Airport for several hours before being informed of the entry ban. Czech officials cited a Schengen-wide warning issued by France, which prohibits his entry into all European Union countries. The man and his wife were approached by armed police at passport control, who explained that the ban stemmed from French accusations of his involvement in ‘serious crimes.’ The reservist speculated that the alert might be linked to his military service or identity theft, though he claimed never to have visited France. Despite efforts to seek assistance from the Israeli embassy in Paris, the couple was compelled to return to Israel. The Israeli Foreign Ministry clarified that the refusal was unrelated to his military service. This incident follows a pattern of travel restrictions faced by Israeli military personnel globally. In December 2024, two Israeli soldiers were barred from entering Australia after being required to complete a detailed 13-page form, while in January, an Israeli soldier accused of war crimes fled Brazil amid an investigation. Additionally, New Zealand introduced a policy mandating Israeli visa applicants to disclose military service details. Amid growing scrutiny, the Israeli army has reportedly implemented measures to conceal soldiers’ identities to avoid arrest warrants and investigations related to alleged war crimes in Gaza.

The global spotlight is firmly fixed on Gyeongju, Republic of Korea, as it hosts the 2025 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit. This year’s event brings together 21 economies, not merely to discuss economic growth but to collaboratively shape the future of the region. Key themes dominating the agenda include artificial intelligence, the digital economy, and energy transition, all of which underscore the transformative potential of innovation and sustainability. The summit emphasizes connectivity as a driving force for shared prosperity, marking a pivotal moment in the Asia-Pacific’s journey toward a new era of cooperation. Adding to the excitement, China is set to host APEC in 2026, promising further developments in regional collaboration. The event highlights the region’s commitment to addressing global challenges while fostering economic and technological advancements. As leaders and policymakers convene, the world watches closely to see how these discussions will translate into actionable strategies for a more interconnected and sustainable future.