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.
分类： world
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Hurricane Melissa drone footage shows destroyed homes and towns under water
Newly released drone footage has unveiled the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica, with St Elizabeth and Montego Bay bearing the brunt of the storm’s fury. The aerial visuals depict entire neighborhoods submerged under floodwaters, with homes reduced to rubble and infrastructure severely damaged. These regions, among the hardest hit, now face a long and arduous recovery process. The hurricane’s relentless winds and torrential rains have left thousands displaced, prompting urgent calls for humanitarian aid and disaster relief efforts. Local authorities are scrambling to assess the full extent of the devastation while coordinating rescue operations for those stranded in the flood-ravaged areas. The footage serves as a stark reminder of the increasing intensity of tropical storms in the Caribbean, raising concerns about climate change’s role in exacerbating such natural disasters.
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Neighbors by plate: How food strengthens China-ROK ties
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!
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Budapest boxing club says board member, family among 11 killed in Kenya plane crash
A devastating plane crash in Kenya has claimed the lives of 11 individuals, including a prominent Hungarian boxing club leader and his family. The incident occurred on Tuesday when a Cessna Caravan aircraft, operated by Mombasa Air Safari, crashed in a hilly, forested area of Kwale County shortly after takeoff from Diani. Among the victims were eight Hungarians, two Germans, and the Kenyan pilot. Gyula Süllős, a long-time supporter and president of the Vasas SC boxing program, was identified as one of the deceased. The Hungarian Foreign Minister, Péter Szijjártó, confirmed that two families, including children, were among the victims. Kenya’s aviation department secretary, Terry Mbaika, stated that some bodies remain unrecovered due to challenging terrain and heavy rains. The investigation, expected to take 30 days, aims to ensure transparency. This tragedy highlights concerns about Kenya’s aviation safety, as recent audits indicate its accident investigation performance falls below global standards.
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Israeli who fought in Gaza barred from entering Czech Republic
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.
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At least 20 dead in Haiti as Hurricane Melissa hits
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across Haiti, with at least 20 fatalities reported, including 10 children, according to officials. The catastrophic flooding and landslides triggered by the hurricane have caused widespread devastation, particularly in Petit-Goave, where a river overflowed, claiming 25 lives. Mayor Jean Bertrand Subrème described the situation as overwhelming, with many residents still trapped under collapsed buildings. Along Haiti’s southern coast, numerous homes have been swept away, leaving communities in ruins. Pascal Bimenyimana from the World Relief NGO reported that 3,000 people are currently sheltering in the south, with survivors clearing debris by hand. The US National Hurricane Center (NHC) had earlier warned of the potential for catastrophic damage, citing Haiti’s underdeveloped infrastructure as a significant vulnerability. The hurricane has also severely impacted Jamaica and Cuba, with Jamaica experiencing 185mph winds that left most of the island without power. While no deaths have been confirmed in Jamaica, Montego Bay’s mayor Richard Vernon expressed grave concerns about the safety of residents. Hurricane Melissa is now moving northeast towards the Bahamas and Bermuda, raising fears of further destruction.
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It’s APEC time – Global spotlight on Gyeongju
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.
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Hurricane Melissa – what we know about the damage in Jamaica
Jamaica is currently facing the daunting task of evaluating the extensive damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. Authorities are working tirelessly to gauge the full extent of the destruction, as social media platforms flood with harrowing images and videos showcasing the storm’s aftermath. The hurricane, which recently swept through the region, has left a trail of devastation, prompting urgent response efforts from both local and international aid organizations. While official reports are still being compiled, the visual evidence circulating online paints a grim picture of the widespread impact on infrastructure, homes, and communities. The Jamaican government has called for calm and cooperation as they prioritize rescue and relief operations. Meanwhile, residents are urged to remain cautious and avoid affected areas until safety assessments are completed. The long-term implications of Hurricane Melissa on Jamaica’s economy and environment remain uncertain, but the immediate focus is on providing essential support to those in need.
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Expo boosts Sino-Africa relations
The 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo, held from October 28 to 31 in Nairobi, Kenya, has emerged as a pivotal event in fostering Sino-Africa cooperation in agriculture. As Africa grapples with food insecurity and strives to build resilient agricultural systems, the expo has provided a platform for policymakers, investors, researchers, and farmers to exchange innovations, explore business opportunities, and establish partnerships. Organized by Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition and Agri-Africa Exhibition, with support from Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the event has drawn over 150 exhibitors and 100 international delegations, marking a significant step in positioning Kenya as a regional hub for agri-business and innovation. Kipronoh Ronoh, principal secretary in Kenya’s State Department of Agriculture, highlighted the expo’s role in promoting innovation, technology adoption, and market access as key drivers of agricultural transformation. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, emphasized Africa’s untapped agricultural potential, citing its fertile land, year-round sunshine, and youthful population. However, she acknowledged the continent’s challenges, including limited access to technology, financing, and markets, as well as the impacts of climate change. Drawing parallels to China’s agricultural transformation over the past five decades, Guo expressed China’s commitment to sharing its expertise in innovation, technology transfer, and market reforms to support Africa’s agricultural development. The expo underscores the growing agricultural partnership between China and Africa, reflecting a shared vision for sustainable growth and food security.
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UK to provide £2.5m in support to Jamaica after hurricane
The UK has pledged £2.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding to Jamaica in the wake of the catastrophic damage caused by Hurricane Melissa. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) announced the aid package, which includes essential supplies such as shelter kits, water filters, and blankets. Additionally, UK relief teams and technical experts have been deployed to assist with disaster response and recovery efforts. During Prime Minister’s Questions, Sir Keir Starmer expressed deep concern over the ‘truly shocking’ scenes of destruction emerging from Jamaica. The UK has also pre-positioned the naval vessel HMS Trent in the region to provide further support. With an estimated 8,000 British nationals in Jamaica, the FCDO has urged them to register their presence for updates and assistance. A specialist consular team has been dispatched to Miami to aid affected British citizens. Hurricane Melissa, now a Category 3 storm, initially struck Jamaica’s southern coast with winds reaching 295 km/h (185 mph), surpassing the intensity of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The storm has left three-quarters of the island without power, flooded vast areas, and caused significant damage to homes, hospitals, and businesses. Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the island a ‘disaster area,’ warning of ongoing severe impacts. Families in the UK have struggled to contact loved ones in Jamaica, with many reporting failed communication attempts. The National Hurricane Center has warned of continued heavy rainfall, flash flooding, and landslides, particularly in mountainous regions, which could persist into Wednesday night.