A tragic explosion at the Ovruch railway station in northern Ukraine on Friday resulted in the deaths of four individuals and left 12 others wounded. The incident occurred during a routine document check on a platform adjacent to a train. Among the victims were three women—a border guard and two civilians—while the perpetrator, a 23-year-old man, succumbed to injuries sustained during the blast while being treated in an ambulance. The Ukrainian border guard service confirmed the explosion was carried out by the man in a controlled border area. Although Ukrainian media reported the use of a grenade, the interior ministry has yet to confirm the type of explosive device. The man had previously been detained for attempting to illegally cross the state border in western Ukraine. Rescue operations were swiftly carried out, as depicted in images shared by the border guard service on Telegram, showing emergency personnel aiding the injured on the platform.
分类： world
-
Hunger, disease have not stopped in Gaza : WHO
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire despite a ceasefire and an increase in aid deliveries, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). In a press briefing from its Geneva headquarters, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized that the situation is still catastrophic, with hunger and disease continuing to threaten lives, particularly those of children. While the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which took effect on October 10, has allowed for some aid to enter Gaza, the volume remains insufficient to meet the overwhelming needs. Tedros highlighted that more than 170,000 people are injured, with at least 42,000 requiring long-term rehabilitation. Additionally, an estimated one million individuals are in need of mental health care due to the psychological toll of the conflict. The healthcare system in Gaza is severely compromised, with no fully functional hospitals and only 14 out of 36 partially operational. Critical shortages of essential medicines, equipment, and healthcare workers exacerbate the crisis. Since the ceasefire, the WHO has been working to deliver more medical supplies, deploy emergency medical teams, and facilitate medical evacuations. However, 15,000 patients, including 4,000 children, still require treatment outside Gaza, and over 700 have died while awaiting evacuation. Tedros called for the reopening of the Rafah crossing and other entry points to allow more aid and patients to access Egypt. He also urged more countries to accept patients from Gaza for specialized care. Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian needs in Gaza remain immense, and the international community must act swiftly to address the ongoing crisis.
-
Warsaw Ghetto survivor who resisted the Nazis dies
Michael Smuss, a courageous survivor of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising and a Holocaust educator, has died at the age of 99 in Israel. Born in 1926 in the Free City of Danzig (now Gdansk, Poland), Smuss endured unimaginable hardships during World War II, including imprisonment in concentration camps and a death march. As a teenager, he joined the Jewish Resistance in the Warsaw Ghetto, where he played a pivotal role in creating petrol bombs to fight against the Nazis. Captured during the uprising, Smuss survived the horrors of Treblinka and Dachau concentration camps before being liberated by American troops. After the war, he became an artist and dedicated his life to educating future generations about the Holocaust. Last month, Germany’s ambassador to Israel awarded him the German Federal Cross of Merit for his contributions to Holocaust education and fostering German-Israeli dialogue. The embassies of Germany and Poland paid heartfelt tributes to Smuss, honoring his legacy as a symbol of resilience and hope. His story continues to inspire thousands, particularly young people in Germany, who have learned from his testimonies.
-
Men sentenced over London arson attack masterminded by Russia as part of a wider sabotage campaign
A British court has handed down significant prison sentences to five men involved in an arson attack orchestrated by Russian intelligence, marking a critical moment in the fight against foreign sabotage. The attack, which targeted a London warehouse storing satellite communication devices destined for Ukraine, was part of a broader campaign of terrorism and disruption linked to the Wagner paramilitary group. Sentences ranged from seven to 17 years, with Dylan Earl, the mastermind, receiving the harshest penalty. The court revealed that the arson was part of a coordinated European-wide sabotage effort, with similar attacks documented across the continent since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. The judge emphasized that the case underscores Russia’s attempts to exert global influence through covert operations and online recruitment. This is the first instance of sentencing under the UK’s National Security Act of 2023, designed to counter espionage and sabotage by foreign states. The attack caused £1 million in damages and was linked to a subsequent arson in Spain, highlighting the transnational nature of the plot. European intelligence officials warn of escalating risks as Russian-directed saboteurs target civilian infrastructure, aiming to destabilize societies and drain law enforcement resources. The case serves as a stark warning against engaging in activities that undermine national security.
-
India: Bus collision blaze kills 20 on route between Bengaluru and Hyderabad
A devastating bus collision and subsequent fire on the route between Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India has resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, according to domestic media reports. The incident, which occurred on Friday, was triggered by a fuel leak after the bus collided with a motorcycle. The blaze engulfed the vehicle, leading to a tragic loss of life and injuries among passengers. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed deep sorrow over the incident and announced financial compensation for the families of the deceased and the injured. Modi stated that Rs. 2 lakh (approximately Dh2,091) would be provided to the next of kin of each deceased individual, while the injured would receive Rs. 50,000. This tragic event highlights the ongoing issue of road safety in India, which, despite being the world’s third-largest car market, continues to grapple with high rates of fatal accidents. Last year alone, road accidents claimed approximately 180,000 lives nationwide. The collision and fire serve as a grim reminder of the urgent need for improved road safety measures and infrastructure in the country.
-
US is sending an aircraft carrier to Latin America in major escalation of military buildup
The U.S. military is intensifying its presence in South America with the deployment of the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier and its strike group to the region. This move, announced by the Pentagon on Friday, aims to enhance the U.S. capacity to monitor and disrupt illicit activities that threaten national security. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth emphasized the mission’s focus on combating drug trafficking and other criminal operations. The USS Ford, currently stationed in the Mediterranean Sea, will take several days to reach South America, marking a significant escalation in a region already witnessing a substantial U.S. military buildup, particularly near Venezuela. This deployment follows a series of targeted strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels, which have resulted in at least 43 deaths since September. The Trump administration has linked these operations to the Tren de Aragua gang, a Venezuelan criminal organization designated as a foreign terrorist group. Critics argue that the military actions, including the recent flight of supersonic bombers near Venezuela, are less about drug interdiction and more about exerting political pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Maduro has responded by mobilizing security forces and civilian militias to defend Venezuela’s coastline. Analysts suggest the U.S. is using the drug crackdown as a pretext to assert dominance in the region, drawing parallels to the post-9/11 war on terror. While some lawmakers support the aggressive approach, others express concerns about the lack of congressional oversight and potential violations of international law.
-
Delhi tries cloud seeding to combat deadly smog, first artificial rain likely on Oct 29
In a groundbreaking effort to combat its chronic air pollution, New Delhi has initiated a cloud seeding project, marking a significant step in the city’s battle against deadly smog. The trial run, conducted on Thursday afternoon, involved a Cessna light aircraft dispersing chemicals over the northern Burari area to induce artificial rain. This innovative approach aims to cleanse the atmosphere by washing away harmful particulate matter. The initiative, a collaboration between New Delhi authorities and the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, is part of a broader strategy to address the city’s severe air quality issues. Delhi Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa confirmed the successful execution of the trial, emphasizing its role in assessing the readiness and coordination of all involved parties. If favorable conditions persist, the city anticipates its first artificial rainfall on October 29. New Delhi, home to 30 million people, consistently ranks among the world’s most polluted capitals, with winter months exacerbating the problem due to cooler air trapping pollutants. Recent celebrations of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights, further deteriorated air quality, with PM2.5 levels soaring to 56 times the World Health Organization’s safe limits. This initiative follows the Supreme Court’s decision to permit the use of less-polluting ‘green’ crackers during the festival. Despite its potential, cloud seeding remains a debated solution, with mixed evidence on its effectiveness and impact on neighboring regions. Nonetheless, New Delhi’s bold move underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to its environmental challenges.
-
Israeli man sentenced to 5 years for illegally selling Greek Cypriot land in breakaway north
A court in Cyprus has sentenced Israeli businessman Shimon Mistriel Aykout to five years in prison for illegally developing and selling luxury apartment complexes in the breakaway northern part of the island. The 75-year-old, who also holds Portuguese and Turkish citizenship, pleaded guilty to 40 counts of constructing and selling properties on land owned by Greek Cypriots without their consent. The case highlights the ongoing property rights dispute in Cyprus, which has been divided since Turkey’s 1974 invasion following a coup attempt to unite the island with Greece. Approximately 160,000 Greek Cypriots fled the north, while 45,000 Turkish Cypriots moved from the south to the north. The internationally recognized government in the south has no control over the Turkish-backed north, and Greek Cypriots continue to demand their property rights through UN-mediated talks. Aykout’s company, Afik Group, developed 400,000 square meters of Greek Cypriot-owned land between 2014 and 2024, with an estimated value exceeding €38 million. Despite appeals for his release on health grounds, the court upheld the sentence, emphasizing the severity of the crime. Prosecutors hailed the ruling as a clear message against exploiting stolen property, while Turkish Cypriot leaders warned of potential economic repercussions. The case is part of a broader crackdown on illegal property exploitation in the north, with several other foreign nationals facing similar charges.
-
UN’s 80th anniversary | The Road to peace
As the United Nations commemorates its 80th anniversary, the world reflects on the ongoing challenges to global peace. This year also marks the 35th anniversary of China’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations. Over the past three and a half decades, China’s ‘Blue Helmets’ have deployed to more than 20 countries and regions, delivering stability, security, and hope to communities ravaged by conflict. Their unwavering commitment has been a cornerstone of international peacekeeping efforts. This milestone underscores China’s dedication to fostering global harmony and its growing role as a responsible global actor. The Chinese military continues to stand firm on the path of peace, earning respect and gratitude worldwide. Let us honor the sacrifices and contributions of these peacekeepers.
-
Roadside bombing kills 3 police officers in northwest Pakistan
A devastating roadside bomb attack targeted a police vehicle in Hangu, a city in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province near the Afghan border, on Friday. The explosion claimed the lives of a city police chief and two junior officers, according to local officials. The attack occurred as the officers were en route to a police station that had been assaulted less than an hour earlier, said Adam Khan, the local police chief. No further details were provided. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi condemned the incident, attributing it to the Pakistani Taliban, a group closely allied with Afghanistan’s Taliban, which regained power in Kabul in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Pakistan has accused Afghanistan of harboring Pakistani Taliban militants who conduct cross-border attacks, a claim Kabul denies. In a separate operation on the same day, Pakistani security forces raided a militant hideout in the Tank district, killing eight Pakistani Taliban militants, as stated in a military release. This surge in violence comes just ahead of a second round of peace talks between Pakistan and Afghanistan, scheduled to take place in Istanbul. The talks, brokered by Qatar and Turkey, follow an initial meeting in Doha on October 19, which aimed to address cross-border violence and establish a monitoring mechanism. Meanwhile, all border crossings between the two nations remain closed since October 13 due to recent clashes, significantly impacting trade. In another incident, insurgents in Pakistan’s Balochistan province kidnapped 13 construction workers in the Khuzdar district, according to local police.