分类： world

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.

Israel has issued a stark warning of intensifying military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, following a deadly air strike that claimed four lives, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, Israel continues to station troops in five strategic areas in southern Lebanon and has sustained regular strikes against the militant group. Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Hezbollah is ‘playing with fire’ and criticized the Lebanese government for its inaction in disarming the group. Katz vowed that Israel would ‘continue and even intensify’ its enforcement to safeguard its northern residents. The conflict traces back to October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, prompting a prolonged confrontation that displaced thousands of Israelis near the northern border. Although Hezbollah has been significantly weakened by the war, it remains armed and financially resilient. In September 2024, Israel eliminated the group’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with several senior figures. Since the ceasefire, the United States has pressured Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, a move opposed by the group and its allies. Recent escalations include a deadly Israeli ground raid into southern Lebanon, which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned, ordering the army to counter such incursions. Aoun had previously called for talks with Israel, but accused the latter of responding with intensified air strikes, including the latest attack in Nabatiyeh district. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hezbollah operative involved in weapon transfers and efforts to rebuild the group’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Shenzhen, the bustling metropolis in Guangdong province, has been chosen to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026. This announcement has thrust the city into the global limelight, garnering widespread recognition and praise. This marks the third time China will host APEC, following Beijing in 2001 and Shanghai in 2014. The selection of Shenzhen is seen as both fitting and significant, reflecting its role as a beacon of China’s reform, opening-up, and modernization.

Shenzhen’s transformation from a modest fishing village to a global economic powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, its GDP reached 3.68 trillion yuan ($516.73 billion), a staggering leap from 270 million yuan in 1980. The city also cemented its status as China’s top foreign trade hub, with total import and export values hitting 4.5 trillion yuan. Shenzhen’s alignment with APEC’s core values of open trade, digital transformation, and sustainable growth makes it an ideal host.

Experts highlight Shenzhen’s symbolic importance. Dai Yonghong, dean of Shenzhen University’s College of International Studies, emphasized that the city serves as a window into China’s development model and a testament to its reform success. ‘Through Shenzhen, China will showcase its path to modernization, particularly to developing nations,’ Dai noted.

As a hub of technological innovation, Shenzhen is home to global giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI, underscoring China’s commitment to high-quality development and self-reliance in science and technology. Zeng Guosong, secretary-general of the International SparkLink Alliance, sees APEC 2026 as a platform to highlight Shenzhen’s advancements in sectors like wireless communication and foster international collaboration.

The event is also a source of pride for local residents. Ding Hui, a 22-year-old graduate student, expressed enthusiasm about volunteering and sharing the city’s spirit of openness and innovation with global leaders. Meanwhile, Ma Jiangtao, founding director of the Doctorate Association in Shenzhen, plans to leverage APEC to promote talent exchanges and innovation cooperation.

Hosting APEC 2026 will further test and enhance Shenzhen’s capabilities in conference organization, urban management, and international exchanges. Guo Wanda of the China Development Institute views the event as a milestone that will elevate Shenzhen’s global profile and drive improvements in its soft power and infrastructure.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recommenced its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, delivering food aid worth Dh43 million ($11.7 million) as soon as the region’s border crossings reopened. This initiative, led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), aims to provide essential food supplies and relief parcels to the most vulnerable families in Gaza. The aid is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to supporting the Palestinian people through land, sea, and air deliveries. The recent efforts follow a January 2024 announcement by MBRGI to contribute Dh43 million in direct food aid, benefiting one million individuals in the Gaza Strip. This initiative is a continuation of the UAE’s long-standing humanitarian legacy, which included Dh50 million in urgent aid in 2023 and a 71.6-ton shipment of medical supplies delivered via Egypt’s El Arish port in September 2024. Additionally, MBRGI pledged Dh37 million ($10 million) in January 2024 to bolster Gaza’s health sector, focusing on essential medical supplies for children. Samer AbdelJaber, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, praised the partnership, stating that it reflects a shared commitment to alleviating suffering and offering hope to Gaza’s population. These efforts underscore MBRGI’s dedication to making a tangible impact in Gaza and strengthening its strategic alliance with WFP.