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  • Qatar and Egypt call for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

    Qatar and Egypt call for Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

    Qatar and Egypt, serving as primary guarantors for the Gaza ceasefire agreement, issued a joint appeal on Saturday for Israel’s complete military withdrawal from Gaza and the immediate deployment of an international stabilization force. These measures, presented during the Doha Forum conference, are deemed essential for implementing the fragile truce’s subsequent phases.

    Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani emphasized that mediators are currently advancing negotiations toward the ceasefire’s next stage. While the initial phase saw Israeli forces reposition behind a designated “yellow line” within Gaza and Hamas release remaining living hostages alongside returning most deceased captives’ bodies, a comprehensive agreement beyond this temporary pause remains elusive.

    “We are at the critical moment. It’s not yet there. So what we have just done is a pause,” Al Thani stated, adding that “a ceasefire cannot be completed unless there is a full withdrawal of the Israeli forces, [and] there is stability back in Gaza.”

    Despite Qatar’s mediation efforts alongside Egypt and the United States—culminating in the October 10th ceasefire—Israel has reportedly committed 600 violations resulting in over 360 fatalities and 900 injuries. Palestinian health authorities confirmed five additional deaths from Israeli fire in northern Gaza on Saturday.

    The proposed second phase envisions Israel’s complete withdrawal from remaining Gaza positions, establishment of an interim governing body, and deployment of an international stabilization mission. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the urgency of this force’s deployment given daily ceasefire violations, suggesting it be stationed along the “yellow line” for verification purposes.

    Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, representing another ceasefire guarantor, revealed ongoing discussions regarding the stabilization force’s leadership and composition. He asserted its primary objective should be separating Palestinians from Israelis, while controversially arguing that disarming Hamas should not be the immediate priority, stating: “We need to put things in proper order, we have to be realistic.”

    Israel has expressed opposition to Turkey’s potential participation in the force, highlighting diplomatic tensions surrounding the proposed international mission.

  • Salah says he has been ‘thrown under the bus’ by Liverpool

    Salah says he has been ‘thrown under the bus’ by Liverpool

    Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has unleashed explosive criticism against the club hierarchy, alleging he’s been deliberately scapegoated and “thrown under the bus” amid a complete breakdown in his relationship with manager Arne Slot. The Egyptian forward made these extraordinary revelations in an emotionally charged post-match interview following his third consecutive benching during Liverpool’s 3-3 draw at Leeds United.

    The 33-year-old scoring sensation, who just seven months ago signed a lucrative two-year contract extension, expressed profound disappointment with his treatment despite his monumental contributions to the club. “I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame,” Salah stated. “I said many times before that I had a good relationship with the manager, and all of a sudden we don’t have any relationship. I don’t know why but it seems to me that someone doesn’t want me in the club.”

    Salah’s frustration stems from what he perceives as broken promises and a lack of respect for his legendary status at Anfield. The forward, who scored 29 goals in Liverpool’s title-winning 2024-25 campaign, emphasized: “I don’t have to go every day fighting for my position because I earned it. I am not bigger than anyone but I earned my position.”

    The situation creates a complex dilemma for manager Arne Slot, who justified his selection decisions by explaining his substitution strategy was about “controlling the game” rather than seeking goals. However, Salah’s public outburst represents a direct challenge to the manager’s authority and reveals deep fractures within the club’s structure.

    With Salah scheduled to depart for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15th, his future at Liverpool appears increasingly uncertain. Saudi Pro League clubs, particularly Al-Hilal managed by Simone Inzaghi, have maintained long-standing interest in acquiring the Middle East’s most recognizable football star. Sources indicate Liverpool are now “open-minded” about a potential transfer despite Salah’s iconic status and numerous records at the club.

    The timing of this controversy could significantly impact Liverpool’s season as they attempt to defend their Premier League title. How the club manages this escalating conflict between their legendary player and current management will likely determine whether Salah’s remarkable Liverpool career ends in acrimony or reconciliation.

  • Emiratis, expats of 35 nationalities to go on 1,000km desert expedition in Abu Dhabi

    Emiratis, expats of 35 nationalities to go on 1,000km desert expedition in Abu Dhabi

    Abu Dhabi prepares to host an extraordinary cultural and physical endurance event as 100 selected youth embark on the groundbreaking ‘Mesrah Mission’ from December 8-22, 2025. This ambitious 1,000-kilometer desert expedition across Abu Dhabi’s terrain represents a unique fusion of heritage preservation and community building initiatives.

    Organized through a collaborative effort between Emirates Foundation and Active Abu Dhabi, the program forms an integral component of the Year of Community 2025 framework. The initiative specifically aims to strengthen national identity among Emirati youth while fostering cross-cultural understanding among the 35 nationalities represented among participants.

    The journey will retrace ancient nomadic pathways, commencing in Al Sila within the Al Dhafra region. Participants will traverse diverse landscapes including the expansive Liwa Desert, the majestic Jebel Hafeet, and the cultural heartland of Al Ain, culminating in a final celebration at Al Wathba on December 22. The expedition structure divides participants into five teams who will utilize fifteen strategically positioned camps throughout their journey.

    According to organizational leadership, the mission transcends physical challenge by incorporating profound cultural immersion. Ahmad Taleb Al Shamsi, CEO of Emirates Foundation, emphasized that “Mesrah Mission represents a values-driven experience designed to strengthen young people’s connection to their heritage while building community spirit and inspiring meaningful national contribution.”

    Comprehensive preparatory training supervised by Abu Dhabi Heritage Authority equipped participants with essential traditional skills including camel riding, Emirati craftsmanship etiquette (‘sana’a’), and ancestral desert navigation techniques. This preparatory phase ensured participants could fully engage with the historical and cultural dimensions of the experience.

    Robust logistical support includes continuous medical, security, and technical accompaniment throughout the two-week journey. Mansour Al Dhaheri, Chairman of Active Abu Dhabi, highlighted the initiative’s dual focus on “motivating youth through heritage-inspired physical activity while strengthening connections to national traditions via an innovative sports-identity integration approach.”

    Participants expressed enthusiastic anticipation for the transformative experience. Emirati participant Fatima Al Hosani noted the opportunity to “witness the contrast between historical and contemporary living conditions, appreciating the national efforts behind modern wellbeing standards.” International participant Yevhenii, a 31-year-old from Ukraine, shared his motivation to “deepen understanding of Emirati customs and heritage” through direct experiential learning.

  • Training program for Kenyans teaching or studying Chinese concludes at Confucius Institute

    Training program for Kenyans teaching or studying Chinese concludes at Confucius Institute

    Nairobi’s Kenyatta University hosted the conclusion of an intensive three-week Mandarin instruction program on Saturday, marking another milestone in China-Kenya educational cooperation. The specialized training initiative, administered through the university’s Confucius Institute, brought together 68 Kenyan educators and advanced students pursuing Chinese language studies.

    The comprehensive program, which commenced on November 17, featured a structured curriculum designed to accommodate varying proficiency levels. Participants received instruction in fundamental Mandarin communication skills, specialized terminology for professional contexts, and immersive cultural education. The virtual format enabled widespread participation from multiple educational institutions across Kenya.

    Beyond linguistic training, the institute facilitated practical cultural workshops showcasing traditional Chinese arts. Participants engaged in hands-on experiences with tea ceremony preparation, ink painting techniques, and intricate paper-cutting crafts. These sessions provided tangible connections to Chinese cultural heritage beyond textbook learning.

    Program coordinator Susan Wachira, who also serves as a lecturer at the institute, noted that such training initiatives have been part of their educational offerings since 2014. ‘These programs consistently demonstrate growing interest in Chinese language acquisition among Kenyan educators,’ Wachira observed. ‘They represent significant steps in building professional capacity for Mandarin instruction within Kenya’s educational system.’

    The Confucius Institute at Kenyatta University continues to serve as a pivotal hub for Sino-Kenyan educational exchange, with this latest program reinforcing its role in fostering cross-cultural understanding and professional development opportunities for Kenyan language educators.

  • Abu Dhabi Grand Prix boosts visitor wellbeing, new research shows

    Abu Dhabi Grand Prix boosts visitor wellbeing, new research shows

    Groundbreaking research from Zayed University reveals that the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix delivers profound psychological benefits extending far beyond motorsport excitement. The annual season finale has evolved into a comprehensive festival experience that significantly enhances visitor wellbeing through multiple dimensions.

    According to the study led by Dr. Graham Manville, Professor of Management, spectators reported an unexpected sense of personal accomplishment throughout the event weekend. Attendees expressed pride in their extensive activities including step counts, culinary explorations, game participation, attraction visits, and concert attendance. These cumulative ‘small achievements’ generated a powerful emotional boost that enriched the overall experience beyond conventional expectations.

    Dr. Ekaterina Koll, Assistant Professor at the College of Interdisciplinary Studies, emphasized that visitor happiness stemmed from the event’s festival-style design rather than solely the racing component. The incorporation of concerts, live music, diverse food zones, and family-oriented activities transformed the Grand Prix into an inclusive destination appealing to broader demographics beyond traditional motorsport enthusiasts. Purposefully designed public spaces facilitating social interaction consistently triggered intense positive emotions among attendees.

    A significant finding identified the emergence of collective belonging among residents, expatriates, and international visitors. The shared atmosphere fostered a unified spirit where emotions spread rapidly through crowds, particularly during symbolic moments like the pre-race aerial displays. These experiences created temporary but powerful communities within Yas Marina Circuit, strengthening social bonds and enhancing cultural connections.

    The research positions the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as a distinctive cultural and multi-sensory festival that distinguishes itself from other global racing events. The integration of yacht parties, museum exhibitions, gourmet dining, and theme park attractions alongside the track creates a comprehensive experience. Notably, the event’s inclusivity allows comfortable participation for families, solo female travelers, and culturally diverse visitors, reinforcing the UAE’s atmosphere of openness.

    Beyond immediate visitor satisfaction, the study indicates the event significantly shapes Abu Dhabi’s global perception as a premium tourism destination. As the Formula One season finale staged in sophisticated facilities, the Grand Prix enhances the UAE’s soft power by presenting the nation as an welcoming, high-end hospitality hub. Many attendees develop impressions extending far beyond motorsport, frequently reshaping their perception of the city and its cultural identity.

    The research offers valuable insights for future mega-event organization, identifying three core elements strengthening visitor engagement: positive emotional stimulation, facilitated social interaction, and novel experience creation. When balanced effectively with practical considerations including safety protocols, clear navigation, organizational efficiency, and technological integration, these elements generate lasting wellbeing impacts that extend well beyond the event duration.

  • Olympic flame arrives in Rome ahead of Winter Olympics

    Olympic flame arrives in Rome ahead of Winter Olympics

    The iconic Olympic flame has made its ceremonial arrival in Rome, marking a significant milestone in the countdown to the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This historic event signals the beginning of final preparations for the first Italian-hosted Winter Games in two decades.

    The torch’s arrival at the Italian capital initiates a nationwide relay that will traverse the country’s diverse landscapes, building momentum toward the February 2026 opening ceremony. The flame’s journey symbolizes the enduring Olympic spirit and Italy’s commitment to hosting a memorable global sporting event.

    Organizers have coordinated extensive security measures and cultural celebrations to accompany the torch’s procession through historic Italian landmarks. The relay route will showcase Italy’s rich heritage while connecting communities across the nation in anticipation of the games.

    The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics represent Italy’s third time hosting the Winter Games, following previous events in Cortina d’Ampezzo (1956) and Turin (2006). This edition will feature innovative sustainability initiatives and technological advancements in event management.

    International Olympic Committee officials have praised Italy’s preparations, noting the seamless coordination between the host cities and the ongoing infrastructure developments designed to accommodate athletes and spectators from around the world.

  • IndiGo asked to clear refunds for cancelled flights by December 7

    IndiGo asked to clear refunds for cancelled flights by December 7

    India’s Ministry of Civil Aviation has issued a strict directive to IndiGo Airlines, requiring the carrier to process all outstanding passenger refunds for canceled or disrupted flights by 8:00 PM on December 7, 2025. The regulatory mandate comes as part of comprehensive measures addressing recent operational challenges that have significantly impacted air travelers.

    The ministry has explicitly prohibited airlines from imposing rescheduling charges on affected passengers, with non-compliance triggering potential regulatory actions. Authorities have instructed IndiGo to establish specialized passenger support and refund processing units, implement proactive customer outreach initiatives, and maintain automated refund systems until normal operations resume.

    Additional requirements include expedited baggage reconciliation services, with directives mandating home delivery of separated luggage within 48 hours of identification. The ministry emphasized enhanced oversight mechanisms to prevent passenger inconveniences, particularly prioritizing vulnerable groups including senior citizens, differently-abled travelers, and passengers with urgent travel requirements.

    In response to the governmental directive, IndiGo has committed to processing automatic refunds for all cancellations made between December 5 and December 15, 2025, directly to customers’ original payment methods. The airline has implemented a full waiver policy for cancellation and rescheduling requests during this period.

    IndiGo CEO Pieter Elbers previously issued a video apology to customers on Friday evening, outlining a three-pronged strategy to address the ongoing operational crisis. Concurrently, the Ministry of Civil Aviation has imposed fare caps on competing airlines to prevent price gouging amid reduced flight availability, after reports emerged of exorbitant last-minute booking charges during the disruption period.

  • Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado march in cities worldwide

    Supporters of Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado march in cities worldwide

    CARACAS — International supporters of Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado organized coordinated demonstrations across global cities on Saturday, leveraging her recent Nobel Peace Prize recognition to amplify calls for democratic reform in Venezuela. The gatherings occurred as escalating geopolitical tensions involving U.S. military deployments in the Caribbean region add complexity to Venezuela’s prolonged political stalemate.

    Protest marches materialized in urban centers including Madrid and Utrecht, with organizers anticipating activities in over 80 cities worldwide. These displays of solidarity aim to transform diplomatic recognition into tangible pressure for democratic transition in the South American nation, where President Nicolás Maduro maintains power despite widespread international criticism.

    The Nobel Committee’s October 10th selection honored Machado’s persistent advocacy for democratic principles, describing her as a symbolic figure “preserving democracy’s flame amid encroaching darkness.” This accolade arrives amidst heightened tensions, with the Trump administration’s military positioning in the Caribbean being interpreted by Maduro’s government as preparation for potential intervention.

    In a pre-recorded message disseminated via social media platforms, Machado addressed supporters: “We are experiencing moments that test our resilience, convictions, and organizational capacity. Our nation requires heightened dedication now that our years of struggle and the Venezuelan people’s dignity have received Nobel validation.”

    Machado’s political trajectory reveals the opposition’s challenges. After securing the opposition coalition’s primary victory, the 58-year-old economist was constitutionally barred from challenging Maduro in the 2023 presidential election. Her replacement, political novice Edmundo González, subsequently sought asylum in Spain following Venezuelan judicial authorities issuing an arrest warrant.

    The electoral process preceding Maduro’s controversial July 2024 reelection involved systematic suppression tactics including candidate disqualifications, arbitrary detentions, and documented human rights violations. Maduro commenced his third consecutive six-year term despite opposition claims of electoral manipulation through the National Electoral Council, an institution predominantly staffed by government loyalists.

    Machado’s current whereabouts remain undisclosed since her January 9th brief detention following a sparsely attended Caracas protest. Her organization continues coordinating resistance activities while navigating government suppression measures, positioning the Nobel recognition as both moral validation and strategic leverage in Venezuela’s ongoing political confrontation.

  • China launches 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites

    China launches 14th group of low-orbit internet satellites

    China has taken another significant stride in its ambitious space-based internet infrastructure project with the successful deployment of its fourteenth satellite cluster. The launch occurred at 3:53 PM local time on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from the Hainan International Commercial Aerospace Launch Center in Wenchang.

    The China Aerospace Science and Technology Corp (CASC), the nation’s premier state-owned space enterprise, orchestrated the mission utilizing a Long March 8A carrier rocket. The newly deployed satellites, engineered by CASC’s subsidiary China Academy of Space Technology, have successfully reached their designated orbital positions according to official statements.

    This latest deployment contributes to the approximately 100 satellites launched throughout 2025 alone, accelerating the development of China’s extensive low-Earth orbit network. The project represents China’s counterpart to SpaceX’s Starlink constellation, envisioning global internet coverage through space-based infrastructure.

    The Long March 8A vehicle, developed by the China Academy of Launch Vehicle Technology, stands as a formidable launch platform measuring 50.5 meters in height. With a liftoff mass of 371 metric tons and generating approximately 480 tons of thrust, this medium-lift rocket specializes in transporting payloads to sun-synchronous orbits. Its capabilities include delivering up to 7 metric tons to orbits at 700 kilometers altitude.

    This mission marked several milestones: the 80th Chinese space endeavor of the year and the 612th overall flight for the Long March rocket series. Notably, this deployment represents the fifth dedicated mission where the Long March 8A variant has been employed specifically for deploying internet connectivity satellites.

  • Hangzhou Normal University apologizes for false recipients’ list

    Hangzhou Normal University apologizes for false recipients’ list

    Hangzhou Normal University has issued a formal apology following the discovery that staff members fabricated a list of recipients for a charitable education project. The incident, confirmed on Saturday, December 6, 2025, involved employees using common names sourced from internet search engines to create false documentation for a public welfare initiative.

    The controversy emerged when astute internet users identified that the university’s published beneficiary list for a program supporting left-behind children contained dozens of names directly traceable to online sources. This revelation triggered widespread public concern regarding the transparency and management of charitable fund allocation.

    According to the university’s investigation, the 450,000 yuan ($63,646) project operated from June 2022 to June 2023 with the stated objective of assisting students from two primary schools in Chun’an county’s mountainous region. The initiative encompassed multiple components including purchasing library infrastructure, developing educational materials, supplying learning resources, and conducting both virtual and physical teaching sessions.

    University officials acknowledged that while seven online teaching sessions were conducted, staff failed to maintain accurate participation records. When confronted with project evaluation requirements, employees resorted to fraudulent practices, generating fictitious beneficiary lists to satisfy reporting obligations. The institution emphasized that no direct cash distributions were involved, with all funds allocated toward material assistance and operational expenses.

    In its official statement, the university attributed the misconduct to procedural negligence and committed to disciplining responsible personnel. The administration has pledged to implement comprehensive reviews of similar programs and establish enhanced oversight mechanisms to prevent recurrence of such incidents.