分类： world

In a significant step toward normalcy, children in Gaza are gradually returning to school after a two-year-long conflict that disrupted education and displaced thousands. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) announced the reopening of some schools in the region following the recent ceasefire. Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, shared on social media that over 25,000 students have already joined temporary learning spaces, with approximately 300,000 others expected to attend online classes. At Al Hassaina school in western Nuseirat, classes resumed despite severe shortages of classrooms and resources. The school, like many others, had served as a shelter for displaced families during the war, with laundry lines still hanging across its three floors. Warda Radwan, an 11-year-old student, expressed her excitement about returning to her studies after losing two years of education due to displacement. The school’s courtyard buzzed with activity as young girls participated in morning assemblies, chanting, ‘Long live Palestine!’ Despite the challenging conditions—students sitting on floors without desks or chairs—the children displayed enthusiasm and eagerness to learn. Jenin Abu Jarad, a relative of a student, expressed gratitude for the reopening of schools, noting that children had been deprived of education since October 7, 2023. The gradual return to schooling marks a hopeful step in rebuilding the lives of Gaza’s youth.

A devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake rocked northern Afghanistan in the early hours of Monday, claiming the lives of at least five individuals and leaving 143 others injured, as reported by Yousaf Hammad, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s National Disaster Management Authority. The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) pinpointed the epicenter of the quake at 22 kilometers (14 miles) west-southwest of Khulm, Afghanistan, with a depth of 28 kilometers (17 miles). The tremor struck at 12:59 a.m. local time and was felt across multiple provinces. Most of the casualties and injuries occurred in Samangan province, where the majority of the injured sustained minor wounds and were released after receiving initial medical care. This seismic event follows a series of devastating earthquakes in the region, including a magnitude 6.0 quake in August 2025 that killed over 2,200 people and a magnitude 6.3 quake in October 2023 that left at least 4,000 dead, according to the Taliban government.

The Israeli military is poised to appoint a new advocate general following the resignation of its top lawyer, Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, who admitted to leaking surveillance footage allegedly showing soldiers raping a Palestinian detainee. The video, released in August 2023, depicted a group of soldiers at the Sde Teiman detention camp forming a human barrier around the victim during Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza. Tomer-Yerushalmi stepped down on Friday, claiming the leak was intended to counter pressure from far-right groups criticizing the military advocate general’s office. The incident has sparked widespread outrage, with at least nine soldiers questioned and five indicted for ‘severe abuse,’ though none for rape. The trial remains ongoing, with the accused soldiers demanding its dismissal. The victim reportedly suffered severe injuries, including a ruptured bowel, broken ribs, and anal and lung damage. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the leak, calling it a ‘severe propaganda attack’ on Israel’s image. Defense Minister Israel Katz is expected to meet with army chief Eyal Zamir to discuss appointing a new advocate general. This scandal adds to growing accusations of systemic abuse of Palestinian detainees, including rape, torture, and denial of medical treatment, with over 70 detainees dying under such conditions since the war began in October 2023. A UN commission has documented evidence of sexual violence by Israeli officers, further fueling international criticism. Despite these allegations, criminal investigations against Israeli soldiers rarely lead to prosecutions, with 88% of cases since October 2023 either closed or inconclusive, according to war monitor AOAV.

In a gesture of solidarity and sympathy, the rulers of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have conveyed heartfelt condolences to King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud of Saudi Arabia following the passing of Prince Khalid bin Mohammed bin Turki bin Abdulaziz bin Turki Al Saud. The messages were sent individually by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammad Al Qasimi of Sharjah, Sheikh Humaid bin Rashid Al Nuaimi of Ajman, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi of Fujairah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mu’alla of Umm Al Qaiwain, and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi of Ras Al Khaimah. Additionally, Crown Princes and Deputy Rulers of the UAE extended similar messages of sympathy to the Saudi monarch. The passing of Prince Khalid, a member of the Saudi royal family, has prompted an outpouring of support from regional leaders, reflecting the deep ties between the UAE and Saudi Arabia. This diplomatic exchange underscores the importance of maintaining strong relationships during times of loss and mourning.

A significant international symposium held at Peking University has brought renewed attention to China’s pivotal role in World War II and the historical restoration of Taiwan. Titled ‘The Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression in a Global Perspective,’ the two-day event gathered nearly 100 scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan, Japan, the United States, and Europe. The forum, which commenced on Sunday, aimed to foster a more balanced understanding of China’s wartime efforts and its contributions to the global fight against fascism. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), the World Anti-Fascist War, the restoration of Taiwan, and the founding of the United Nations. Scholars emphasized that China’s sacrifices and strategic importance in WWII have been historically underrepresented in global narratives. Hans van de Ven, a professor at the University of Cambridge, highlighted the need for greater international recognition of China’s wartime suffering and leadership in Asia’s national movements. Lu Fang-sang, a researcher at Academia Sinica in Taiwan, echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of studying China’s resistance within a global context and enhancing cross-strait collaboration in historical research. Liu Wei-kai, a history professor at Chengchi University in Taipei, underscored Taiwan’s continuous resistance against Japanese occupation and criticized the Democratic Progressive Party’s de-Sinicization policies in education, which risk alienating younger generations from their cultural heritage.

In a significant diplomatic gesture, Sun Yeli, the Special Envoy of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Minister of Culture and Tourism, attended the grand opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) in Cairo on Saturday. The event, hosted by the Egyptian government, marked a milestone in the cultural and diplomatic relations between the two nations. Prior to the ceremony, Sun met with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, during which he conveyed President Xi’s warm greetings and presented a congratulatory letter. Sun emphasized China’s commitment to deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Egypt, highlighting the importance of implementing bilateral agreements, enhancing practical cooperation, and fostering cultural exchanges. President al-Sisi reciprocated by expressing his gratitude for Xi’s gesture and reaffirmed Egypt’s eagerness to expand collaboration with China across various sectors. The attendance of China’s special envoy underscores the growing ties between the two countries, with the GEM serving as a symbol of shared cultural heritage and mutual respect.

Hamas has vehemently rejected allegations by the United States that its members were involved in the looting of an aid truck in Gaza, labeling the incident as ‘staged’ to legitimize Israeli-imposed restrictions on humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Palestinian movement dismissed the accusations as ‘baseless and unfounded,’ asserting that no such event had occurred. Hamas criticized Washington for perpetuating what it described as the ‘Israeli occupation’s narrative,’ accusing the US of deepening its ‘unethical bias’ and complicity in the suffering of Gaza’s civilians. The US Central Command (Centcom) released edited drone footage on Friday, purportedly showing individuals looting a truck in northern Khan Younis. Centcom claimed that ‘suspected Hamas operatives’ attacked the driver and stole the truck but provided no concrete evidence linking the individuals to Hamas. Middle East Eye could not independently verify the video’s authenticity or context. Hamas emphasized that neither international nor local organizations had reported any such incident, and it accused the US of fabricating the scene to justify the blockade on Gaza. The Gaza-based Government Media Office highlighted ‘fundamental contradictions’ in the US claims, noting the absence of specific details such as the date, time, or exact location of the alleged incident. It also accused Washington of ignoring Israel’s ceasefire violations, including the killing of over 230 Palestinians. Ramy Abdu, founder of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, questioned the credibility of the US claims, citing the heavily edited nature of the video and the lack of supporting evidence. He also disputed Centcom’s claim that 600 aid trucks enter Gaza daily, stating that documented reports indicate the actual number is closer to 145. A week into the ceasefire, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported a significant drop in aid looting incidents, attributing it to Hamas’s reimposed security control in Gaza. Middle East Eye continues to provide independent coverage of the Middle East and North Africa.

A violent stabbing incident on a Doncaster to London King’s Cross train has left 10 people hospitalized, with nine reportedly sustaining life-threatening injuries. The attack occurred late Saturday, prompting a swift response from armed police, emergency services, and counter-terrorism units. The train was halted at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, where the suspects were apprehended. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with one individual reportedly wielding a large knife and passengers attempting to flee amidst the chaos. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “appalling” and expressed his gratitude to the emergency services for their rapid response. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the identities of the two suspects have yet to be disclosed. This incident adds to the growing concern over knife crime in England and Wales, which has been labeled a “national crisis” by the government. Recent efforts to curb knife-related violence include the seizure or surrender of nearly 60,000 blades and a reported 18% drop in knife murders over the past year. However, this attack follows other high-profile stabbing incidents, including a synagogue attack in Manchester earlier this month. The railway lines in the area remain closed as investigations continue, with authorities urging the public to avoid travel in the region.