分类: world

  • 17 countries, organisations, including Saudi Arabia, condemn Israeli laws on sovereignty over West Bank

    17 countries, organisations, including Saudi Arabia, condemn Israeli laws on sovereignty over West Bank

    A coalition of 17 countries and international organizations, including Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, has issued a strong condemnation of two Israeli laws asserting sovereignty over the occupied West Bank. The joint statement, released through the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), denounces the laws as a blatant violation of international law and United Nations Security Council resolutions, particularly Resolution 2334. This resolution explicitly condemns any actions by Israel that alter the demographic or legal status of Palestinian territories occupied since 1967.

    The statement also references the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which has repeatedly declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land illegal. The ICJ has emphasized Israel’s obligation to ensure access to essential resources for Palestinians and to facilitate humanitarian aid through UN channels. Furthermore, the court has reaffirmed the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and independent statehood.

    The coalition warns against Israel’s continued illegal activities in the West Bank and calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable for its actions. They urge global leaders to ensure that Israel respects the rights of the Palestinian people and adheres to international legal standards. This unified stance highlights growing international concern over Israel’s policies in the region and underscores the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflict.

  • Pakistan bans radical party after deadly protest under anti-terrorism laws

    Pakistan bans radical party after deadly protest under anti-terrorism laws

    Pakistan has once again banned the far-right Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) under anti-terrorism laws, following violent clashes during anti-Israel protests near Lahore that resulted in at least five fatalities. The decision, made during a cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, marks the second time the group has been outlawed. TLP has been at the forefront of some of Pakistan’s most violent protests in recent years. The prime minister’s office stated that the Federal Cabinet unanimously concluded TLP is involved in terrorism and violent activities, citing its violent protests, rallies, and demonstrations that have led to the deaths of security personnel and innocent bystanders. The latest unrest began on October 9, when TLP supporters, led by party chief Saad Rizvi, marched from Lahore towards Islamabad to protest a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Clashes erupted in Muridke, resulting in at least five deaths, including a police officer. Authorities have since launched a sweeping crackdown, sealing 95 bank accounts and several properties allegedly linked to the group. Rizvi has gone underground to avoid arrest. TLP was previously banned in April 2021 after violent anti-France protests but was unbanned seven months later. The group, which contested the 2018 and 2024 general elections, has mobilized thousands of supporters to paralyze cities, demand the expulsion of Western ambassadors, target religious minorities, and incite riots. The party, also known as the Movement at the Service of the Prophet, rose to prominence in 2016 protesting the execution of Mumtaz Qadri, who assassinated Punjab governor Salman Taseer in 2011 over his calls to reform Pakistan’s blasphemy laws.

  • The mysterious owner of a ‘scam empire’ accused of stealing $14bn in crypto

    The mysterious owner of a ‘scam empire’ accused of stealing $14bn in crypto

    At just 37 years old, Chen Zhi, a Cambodian tycoon with a baby-faced appearance, stands accused of orchestrating one of the largest cyber-fraud operations in history. The U.S. Department of Justice has charged him with running scam compounds in Cambodia that allegedly stole billions in cryptocurrency from victims worldwide. In a landmark move, the U.S. Treasury Department seized over $14 billion in bitcoin linked to him, marking the largest cryptocurrency seizure ever. Despite these allegations, Chen’s company, the Cambodian Prince Group, portrays him as a respected entrepreneur and philanthropist. Born in China’s Fujian province, Chen moved to Cambodia in the early 2010s, capitalizing on the country’s real estate boom fueled by Chinese investment and the Belt and Road Initiative. He quickly amassed wealth, founding the Prince Group in 2015, which expanded into banking, aviation, and luxury property development. Chen’s rise was marked by his acquisition of Cambodian citizenship, Cypriot and Vanuatu passports, and high-profile connections, including advisory roles to Cambodia’s political elite. However, his empire began to unravel in 2019 when Cambodia’s online gambling ban, prompted by pressure from China, led to a mass exodus of Chinese nationals and a collapse in property values. U.S. and UK investigations allege that Chen’s wealth stemmed from online fraud, human trafficking, and money laundering, with sanctions now targeting 128 companies and 17 individuals linked to his operations. Despite his philanthropic image, Chen remains an enigmatic figure, having disappeared from public view since the sanctions were announced. The case has raised questions about Cambodia’s tolerance of scam businesses and the global financial systems that enabled Chen’s alleged crimes.

  • Portuguese-speaking media visit Mixue headquarters in Zhengzhou

    Portuguese-speaking media visit Mixue headquarters in Zhengzhou

    In a significant cultural and economic exchange, media representatives from Portuguese-speaking countries visited the global headquarters of Mixue Ice Cream & Tea in Zhengzhou, Henan province, on Wednesday. This visit was part of the Global Mayors Dialogue Zhengzhou & 2025 International Mayor’s Forum on Tourism, highlighting the growing international interest in China’s business innovations. Helio Robalo, president of the National News Agency of Cabo Verde, expressed his admiration, stating, ‘Coming from afar to China, everything here feels refreshingly new. The visit provided a clear look into the company’s operations.’ As of June 30, Mixue boasts a global network of over 53,000 stores, with approximately 4,700 located outside mainland China, showcasing its expansive reach and influence in the global market.

  • Vapor swirls over water in spectacular weather phenomenon at Tianchi Lake

    Vapor swirls over water in spectacular weather phenomenon at Tianchi Lake

    A breathtaking weather phenomenon recently unfolded at Tianchi Lake, located within the Changbai Mountain Nature Reserve in Jilin Province, China. Strong winds combined with a sharp temperature drop created a mesmerizing scene of vapor swirling over the lake’s surface, resembling a boiling pot. This natural spectacle, known as ‘sea smoke,’ occurs when cold air causes water vapor to condense into mist, which then drifts with the wind, forming what is scientifically termed evaporation fog. Experts from the Jilin Provincial Meteorological Observatory explained that the unique conditions at Changbai Mountain contribute to this phenomenon. As cold air descends the volcanic crater and meets the warmer, unfrozen lake surface, the temperature contrast causes the water vapor to condense into fog. The synchronized movement of the water and air further enhances the visual effect, creating a dreamlike and ethereal atmosphere. The Integrated Media Center of Changbai Mountain captured the event on video, showcasing the lake’s natural beauty and the interplay of weather elements. This rare occurrence highlights the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the region’s environment, drawing attention to the wonders of natural phenomena.

  • What to know about the French militants who clashed with Syrian forces in Idlib

    What to know about the French militants who clashed with Syrian forces in Idlib

    Tensions escalated in northern Syria’s Idlib province this week as Syrian government forces clashed with fighters in Al-Fardan camp, led by Omar Diaby, a French militant with an international arrest warrant. The camp, located near the Turkish border, houses a small group of French and Francophone militants and their families. The confrontation began after residents reported severe violations, including the kidnapping of a girl by an armed group under Diaby’s command. Syrian security forces surrounded the camp, demanding Diaby’s surrender, but he refused, barricading himself and initiating gunfire, which led to intense exchanges and drone strikes. Videos on social media depicted damaged structures and civilians fleeing for safety. Diaby’s son, Jibril, appealed for mercy, emphasizing the presence of families and children in the camp. The arrival of Uzbek militants to defend the camp and fears of political fallout prompted a truce, with Diaby agreeing to surrender heavy weapons. Diaby, also known as Omar Omsen, is a Senegal-born French citizen notorious for recruiting jihadists via YouTube. Designated a terrorist by the U.S. in 2016, he previously led French fighters aligned with the Nusra Front, al-Qaida’s Syrian affiliate. His history includes faking his death in 2015 and conflicts with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), the militant group that controlled northwest Syria before Assad’s fall. The presence of foreign fighters in Syria remains a contentious issue, with many Syrians opposing their extremist views. While some foreign fighters have been integrated into the new national army, their future remains uncertain, posing challenges for Syria’s interim government and its relations with Western nations.

  • Bangladesh court to deliver verdict against Hasina on November 13

    Bangladesh court to deliver verdict against Hasina on November 13

    A Bangladesh court is set to deliver its verdict on November 13 in the high-profile crimes against humanity case against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who has been tried in absentia. The trial, which concluded on Thursday, October 23, 2025, accused Hasina of orchestrating a deadly crackdown during a student-led uprising in July and August 2024, resulting in the deaths of up to 1,400 people, according to the United Nations. Hasina, 78, has defied court orders to return from India to face charges, including failure to prevent murder, which prosecutors argue constitute crimes against humanity under Bangladeshi law. The prosecution has demanded the death penalty if she is found guilty. Attorney General Md Asaduzzaman emphasized that Hasina’s refusal to return to Bangladesh undermines her claims of innocence, stating, ‘If she believed in the justice system, she should have returned.’ The trial, which began on June 1, 2025, included months of testimony and evidence, including audio tapes allegedly showing Hasina ordering security forces to use lethal force against protesters. Hasina, represented by a state-appointed lawyer, has refused to recognize the court’s authority, while her defense claims she was forced to flee the country. Her now-banned political party, the Awami League, has denounced the trial as a ‘show trial’ and maintains her innocence. The verdict comes ahead of Bangladesh’s first elections since Hasina’s overthrow, scheduled for early February 2026.

  • Myanmar scam centre raid sends hundreds fleeing to Thailand

    Myanmar scam centre raid sends hundreds fleeing to Thailand

    In a dramatic turn of events, over 600 individuals fled one of Myanmar’s most infamous scam centers, crossing into Thailand following a military raid on the compound. The sprawling facility, known as KK Park, is part of a network of illicit operations that have flourished along Myanmar’s loosely governed border during its ongoing civil war, which began after the 2021 military coup. These centers are notorious for orchestrating internet fraud, including romance and business scams, targeting victims globally. Sawanit Suriyakul Na Ayutthaya, deputy governor of Thailand’s Tak province, confirmed that 677 people had crossed the Moei River into Thailand as of Thursday morning. Many were seen carrying large suitcases and backpacks, indicating a hasty escape. Authorities are now screening the individuals to determine if they are victims of human trafficking or if they will face charges for illegal border crossing. The scam centers, often fortified and connected to satellite networks like Starlink, have become a multibillion-dollar industry in Southeast Asia. While some workers are trafficked into these compounds, others voluntarily join, lured by the promise of higher earnings. Myanmar’s military has historically turned a blind eye to these operations, which benefit its militia allies. However, pressure from China, a key military backer, has prompted crackdowns, though analysts suggest these efforts may be superficial. The transnational scam industry has caused significant financial losses, with victims in the region conned out of up to $37 billion in 2023, according to a UN report. Recent developments include asset seizures and arrests linked to scam operations across Southeast Asia, highlighting the scale of this illicit enterprise.

  • Amsterdam’s international airport cancels dozens of flights due to storm

    Amsterdam’s international airport cancels dozens of flights due to storm

    Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport, one of Europe’s busiest aviation hubs, faced significant disruptions on Thursday as a severe storm approached the Dutch coastline. The adverse weather conditions prompted the cancellation of approximately 75 departing flights, primarily scheduled for the evening. The airport’s official website updated the cancellations around 11:00 AM local time (09:00 GMT), advising passengers to check their flight status before heading to the terminal. The storm, expected to intensify in the afternoon and evening, raised concerns over safety and operational efficiency. Schiphol Airport authorities emphasized their commitment to minimizing disruptions while prioritizing passenger safety. This incident highlights the vulnerability of major transportation hubs to extreme weather events, which are becoming increasingly frequent due to climate change. Travelers were advised to stay informed through official channels and consider alternative arrangements if necessary.

  • King and Pope make history by praying side by side

    King and Pope make history by praying side by side

    In a landmark moment of religious and historical significance, King Charles III and Pope Leo shared a prayer in the Sistine Chapel, marking an unprecedented act of unity between the leaders of the Church of England and the Catholic Church. This symbolic gesture, conducted under the watchful gaze of Michelangelo’s ‘The Last Judgment,’ bridged a divide that has persisted since the 16th-century Reformation. The service, enriched by music and prayers centered on nature, offered a serene interlude amidst the ongoing scrutiny surrounding Prince Andrew’s ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the gravity of the occasion, the relentless presence of the media was a constant reminder of the modern challenges faced by public figures. King Charles humorously remarked on the omnipresence of cameras, to which Pope Leo responded with a relaxed, ‘You get used to it,’ reflecting his own adaptation to the demands of his high-profile role. The visit, meticulously choreographed, included moments of profound reflection, such as a private prayer at the tomb of St. Paul, and exchanges of gifts, including an icon symbolizing King Charles’s interest in the Orthodox Church. The day concluded with a sense of historical fulfillment, as the visit reinforced the growing friendship between the Catholic and Anglican churches, a bond that continues to strengthen both at the grassroots and leadership levels.