BEIRUT (AP) — A recent surge in violence in western Sudan has resulted in the deaths of at least 53 civilians and left more than 60 injured over a three-day period, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk. The death toll continues to rise as the conflict intensifies. Türk reported that drone and artillery strikes by the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) targeted the Abu Shouk and Daraja Oula neighborhoods of el-Fasher, as well as the el-Fasher displaced persons camp, killing 46 people. Among the victims, over a dozen perished in shelling at one of the last functioning hospitals in el-Fasher. A nearby mosque, where civilians had sought refuge, was also struck. Additionally, at least seven individuals were summarily executed during ground raids by the RSF in what appears to be ethnically motivated killings. Both the RSF and the Sudanese military are under investigation by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity. Türk condemned the ongoing violence, stating, ‘Despite repeated calls, including my own, for specific care to be taken to protect civilians, they continue instead to kill, injure, and displace civilians, and to attack civilian objects, including IDP shelters, hospitals, and mosques, with total disregard for international law. This must end.’ He urged U.N. Member States with direct influence to take immediate action to protect civilians and prevent further atrocities in el-Fasher and across the Darfur region. Sudan has been engulfed in conflict since 2023, when tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese military erupted. Darfur has been particularly hard-hit, with over 40,000 people killed and more than 14 million displaced. Famine has been declared in parts of the country, including Darfur. El-Fasher, the provincial capital of North Darfur, has been under siege for over a year, trapping 260,000 civilians. Hundreds of thousands have fled to Tawila, just outside el-Fasher. Denise Brown, the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Sudan, described Tawila as ‘one of the epicenters of, frankly, what is clearly a humanitarian catastrophe here.’ She noted that about 600,000 internally displaced persons are in Tawila, mostly fleeing from el-Fasher. The U.N. humanitarian plan is only 25% funded, and local actors in el-Fasher are providing limited basic assistance, which is ‘totally insufficient.’ The U.N. is working to negotiate access to el-Fasher to address the dire situation.
分类： world
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Ceasefire agreement comes into effect in Gaza: sources
A long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas officially commenced in the Gaza Strip at 12:00 noon local time (0900 GMT) on Friday, October 10, 2025, according to reliable sources. The Israeli military confirmed the implementation of the truce in a concise statement, while local residents reported a noticeable calm across most areas of the coastal enclave following the announcement. This development marks the culmination of weeks of arduous negotiations, facilitated by Egypt and supported by various international stakeholders. The agreement aims to halt the recent escalation of violence that has plagued the region, offering a glimmer of hope for stability and relief to the war-torn population. Eyewitnesses described scenes of cautious optimism as Palestinians navigated the aftermath of the conflict, with many returning to damaged neighborhoods to assess the destruction. The ceasefire represents a critical step toward de-escalation, though its long-term sustainability remains uncertain as both sides cautiously monitor the situation.
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My one-month-old grandson was killed by police tear gas
Madagascar has been engulfed in widespread protests, driven by mounting anger over persistent power and water shortages, corruption, and a severe cost-of-living crisis. The unrest, led by the youth movement known as Gen Z Mada, has escalated into violent clashes between demonstrators and police, resulting in significant casualties and property damage. According to the United Nations, at least 22 people have lost their lives in the early days of the protests, including a one-month-old infant who succumbed to the effects of police tear gas. Razanasoa Edmondine, the infant’s grandmother, recounted the tragic incident, describing how her daughter-in-law and grandson were caught in the chaos as police dispersed protesters with tear gas. The infant’s death has become a symbol of the human toll of the crisis. President Andry Rajoelina has dismissed the UN’s casualty figures as misinformation but has not provided alternative numbers. He has defended the police, labeling the deceased as rioters rather than peaceful protesters. The protests have disrupted daily life, with businesses reporting significant losses and the tourism sector, a key economic driver, facing widespread cancellations. The socio-economic challenges fueling the unrest are deeply rooted, with high unemployment, inadequate education, and poor economic planning exacerbating the situation. Professor Hery Ramiarison, an economist at the University of Antananarivo, highlights the interconnected cycles of poverty and political instability that have trapped the nation. President Rajoelina has pledged to address the issues within a year, threatening to resign if he fails. However, skepticism remains high among the populace, with many questioning the government’s ability to deliver meaningful change. As the protests continue, the calls for Rajoelina’s resignation grow louder, reflecting the deep-seated frustrations of Madagascar’s youth and their demand for a better future.
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Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of ‘violating Kabul’s sovereign territory’
Kabul was shaken by loud explosions on Thursday night, prompting the Afghan Taliban to accuse Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereign territory. The Taliban’s Defense Ministry labeled the incident as an “unprecedented, violent, and provocative act.” The accusations followed reports of airstrikes in the border province of Paktika, located in southeastern Afghanistan, where a civilian market was allegedly bombed. Local residents informed the BBC’s Afghan service that several shops were destroyed in the attack. Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the alleged incursion. However, during a press conference on Friday, a senior Pakistani military official claimed that Afghanistan was being used as a “base of operation for terrorism against Pakistan” and vowed to take “whatever necessary measures” to safeguard the country. The incident has further strained the already tense relations between the two neighboring nations, raising concerns about regional stability.
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A list of this year’s Nobel Prize winners so far
The Nobel Prize announcements for 2023 reached their climax on Friday with the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado. This marked the conclusion of a week filled with prestigious recognitions across various fields, leaving only the economics prize, which will be announced on Monday. The peace prize is uniquely awarded in Oslo, Norway, while the other categories are celebrated in Stockholm, Sweden. The official award ceremony is scheduled for December 10, commemorating the death of Alfred Nobel, the founder of the prizes.
This year’s Nobel laureates have made groundbreaking contributions to their respective fields. On October 6, the Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Mary E. Brunkow, Fred Ramsdell, and Dr. Shimon Sakaguchi for their pioneering research on regulatory T cells, a discovery that has advanced the understanding and treatment of autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes and lupus. Their work has also paved the way for improved organ transplant success and cancer therapies.
On October 7, the Nobel Prize in Physics honored John Clarke, Michel H. Devoret, and John M. Martinis for their exploration of quantum tunneling, a phenomenon that has enabled ultrasensitive measurements in MRI machines and laid the foundation for faster computing and advanced technology.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry, awarded on October 8, recognized Susumu Kitagawa, Richard Robson, and Omar M. Yaghi for their development of molecular structures capable of trapping gases. Their work holds promise for addressing global challenges, such as reducing greenhouse gases and harvesting moisture in arid environments.
In literature, Hungarian writer László Krasznahorkai was awarded the Nobel Prize on October 9 for his surreal and anarchic novels, which the judges praised for their artistic power amidst ‘apocalyptic terror.’ Krasznahorkai, a vocal critic of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, has authored over 20 books, including ‘The Melancholy of Resistance’ and ‘Baron Wenckheim’s Homecoming.’
The week concluded with the Nobel Peace Prize being awarded to María Corina Machado, a unifying figure in Venezuela’s opposition movement. Machado, who was disqualified from last year’s presidential election, has faced significant repression from Nicolás Maduro’s government. Her current whereabouts remain unknown, raising questions about her attendance at the December ceremony. Machado is the 20th woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, joining 112 individuals honored in this category.
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UN ready to scale up humanitarian relief to Gazans following ceasefire deal: Guterres
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced on Thursday that the United Nations is poised to significantly enhance humanitarian assistance to Gaza in the wake of a newly brokered ceasefire agreement. Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres emphasized the organization’s readiness to mobilize resources immediately. ‘The United Nations will provide its full support. We and our partners are prepared to act now,’ he stated. ‘We have the expertise, distribution networks, and community relationships in place. Supplies are ready, and our teams are on standby. We can scale up food, water, medical, and shelter assistance without delay.’ Guterres underscored that the cessation of hostilities alone is insufficient to ensure lasting progress. ‘We need full, safe, and sustained access for humanitarian workers; the removal of bureaucratic obstacles; and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. Additionally, UN Member States must ensure that humanitarian operations are adequately funded to address the immense needs,’ he added. The UN chief highlighted the ceasefire as a pivotal moment for both Israelis and Palestinians, urging all parties to seize this opportunity to forge a credible political path toward peace. ‘This agreement offers a glimmer of relief, which must evolve into the dawn of peace and the beginning of the end of this devastating war,’ Guterres remarked. He called for the recognition of Palestinian self-determination, the end of occupation, and the realization of a two-state solution, emphasizing that such measures are essential for achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Guterres also praised the diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye in facilitating the ceasefire and hostage release, based on a proposal by former US President Donald Trump. He urged all parties to fully adhere to the agreement’s terms and to embrace the opportunities it presents for lasting stability.
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Chinese navy ships make a friendship visit to Cambodia as concerns over military links linger
Two Chinese warships, the amphibious warfare ship Yimeng Shan and the training ship Qijiguang, arrived at Sihanoukville’s civilian port in Cambodia on Friday for a friendship and training visit. This visit underscores China’s strategic ties with Cambodia, its closest ally in Southeast Asia, amidst ongoing regional tensions. The warships are scheduled to depart next Tuesday and will subsequently visit Thailand and Singapore. The visit coincides with heightened diplomatic sensitivities, particularly between Cambodia and Thailand, which recently engaged in a five-day armed conflict over border disputes. China’s military support to Cambodia has reportedly caused friction with Thailand, and the unresolved border issues continue to strain relations. Cambodian navy spokesperson Sam Sokha emphasized that the visit aims to strengthen cooperation rather than signal support in the border dispute. Notably, the ships docked at a commercial port instead of the nearby Ream Naval Base, a move seen as an effort to ease political concerns. The Ream Naval Base has been a point of contention, with U.S. suspicions that China has secured exclusive access, a claim denied by Cambodian officials. The Gulf of Thailand, where Sihanoukville is located, is adjacent to the South China Sea, a region of strategic importance for China’s naval operations. Rear Adm. In Sokhemra of the Ream Naval Base highlighted that foreign ships frequently visit Cambodia for cooperative exercises, including those from China, the Philippines, Australia, and the United States. On the same day, the Australian Navy’s frigate HMAS Ballarat also docked nearby, part of its Regional Presence Deployment aimed at fostering regional security and cooperation. China’s Ambassador to Cambodia, Wang Wenbin, reiterated China’s commitment to supporting Cambodia’s sovereignty and development. The visit was met with enthusiasm from local ethnic Chinese communities, who welcomed the ships with traditional dragon dances and Chinese flags. Sihanoukville, a hub for Chinese investment, has also been associated with Chinese-run criminal activities, including scam centers exploiting foreign workers.
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Midlife crisis as EU relationship with China turns 50?
The 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the European Union (EU) and China has underscored the deepening rifts between the two powers on critical issues of security and trade. At a July summit commemorating the milestone, the EU urged China to cease its support for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and halt the influx of subsidized exports into European markets. China, however, rejected these demands, leaving the relationship at an impasse. Bridging these divides would require significant concessions from either side—either the EU compromising its security and economic interests or China altering its alliance with Russia and its trade policies. Neither scenario appears likely in the near future.
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Strong 7.4 magnitude quake hits southern Philippines
A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck off the southern coast of the Philippines on Friday, prompting immediate tsunami warnings from both Philippine and Indonesian authorities. Residents in coastal towns across central and southern regions were urgently advised to evacuate, with fears of waves exceeding one meter above normal tide levels. The quake resulted in at least one fatality, widespread power outages, and the suspension of classes in affected areas. This seismic event follows closely on the heels of a 6.9 magnitude earthquake in Cebu province just over a week prior, which claimed 74 lives and left hundreds injured. Local media captured scenes of chaos, with overhead cables swaying violently and vehicles coming to a halt as the ground shook. In Davao City, near the epicenter, hospitals overflowed into parking lots as medical staff treated patients outdoors. Edwin Jubahib, governor of Davao Oriental province, reported significant building damage and described the quake as ‘very strong.’ Richie Diuyen, a local disaster agency worker, recounted the terror of the moment, stating, ‘I am still scared and shook. This was the first time I have experienced that.’ The Philippines, situated on the volatile ‘Ring of Fire,’ has been grappling with a series of natural disasters, including typhoons, volcanic eruptions, and earthquakes. Dr. Teresito Bacolcol, director of the Philippine volcanic agency Phivolcs, emphasized the need for preparedness, urging Filipinos to ‘accept our reality’ and remain vigilant. While the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center later declared the threat had passed, aftershocks continued to rattle the southern region of Mindanao. In Indonesia, minor tsunamis were detected, with the highest wave reaching 17cm in the Talaud Islands. Authorities in both nations have called for calm and advised residents to avoid damaged structures.
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Pakistani forces kill 30 militants after deadly ambush that killed soldiers in country’s northwest
Pakistani security forces have conducted a series of targeted operations in the northwestern region, resulting in the deaths of 30 militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban, according to a military statement released on Friday. The raids were launched in response to a deadly ambush earlier this week that claimed the lives of 11 soldiers, including two senior officers, in Orakzai, a district within Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The military identified the slain militants as members of “Khwarij,” a term used by the government to describe groups allegedly supported by India, including the banned Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The operations, carried out on Wednesday and Thursday, were described as a decisive response to the ambush. “These successful operations have avenged the heinous act and brought the main perpetrators to justice,” the military stated. It further emphasized that efforts are ongoing to eliminate any remaining “Indian-sponsored Khwarij” in the area, underscoring Pakistan’s resolve to eradicate terrorism.
In a separate incident on Friday night, a group of Pakistani Taliban militants, including suicide bombers, attacked a police training center in Dera Ismail Khan, another city in the northwest. Local police reported multiple blasts and an ongoing exchange of gunfire, with reinforcements dispatched to the scene. The TTP claimed responsibility for the attack, which occurred hours after Pakistan’s army spokesperson, Lt. Gen. Ahmad Sharif, urged Afghanistan’s Taliban government to prevent the use of its territory for launching attacks on Pakistan.
Pakistan has long accused India of supporting separatist movements in Balochistan and the TTP, allegations India denies. The recent surge in militant violence has strained relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with many TTP leaders believed to operate from sanctuaries across the Afghan border. Pakistani Defense Minister Khawaja Mohammad Asif reiterated the country’s commitment to responding decisively to such attacks, stating that Pakistan would target “those places from where insurgents attack our security forces.”
The escalation in violence comes amid a broader resurgence of militant activity in the region, with the TTP gaining momentum since the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in 2021. The situation remains tense as Pakistani forces continue their operations to neutralize threats and restore security.