Global Pulse

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  • Palestinian-US teen freed after nine months in Israeli jail

    Palestinian-US teen freed after nine months in Israeli jail

    A 16-year-old Palestinian-American boy has been reunited with his family following nine months of incarceration in Israeli detention facilities without formal charges. Mohammed Ibrahim, who was arrested at age 15 during a family visit to the Israeli-occupied West Bank, returned to his family in a deteriorated physical condition requiring immediate hospitalization.

    The teenager’s detention stemmed from allegations of stone-throwing at Jewish settlers—accusations he consistently denied throughout his imprisonment. His release follows mounting pressure from U.S. lawmakers and diplomatic engagement from the State Department, though Israeli authorities remained silent when contacted for commentary.

    Medical examination revealed significant health deterioration including pallor, substantial weight loss, and various illnesses contracted during confinement. Family members described the ordeal as a ‘horrific and endless nightmare,’ expressing outrage over what they characterize as abusive treatment and inhumane detention conditions.

    The case has drawn attention to broader concerns regarding Israel’s treatment of Palestinian minors in its justice system. According to Israeli Prison Service data, approximately 350 Palestinian children remain in Israeli detention as security prisoners, many without formal charges. Human rights organizations and UN reports have documented patterns of abuse and torture within this system.

    While celebrating Mohammed’s release, the family has simultaneously highlighted the unsolved killing of another relative—20-year-old dual US citizen Sayfollah Musallet—who was reportedly beaten to death by Israeli settlers in July. No charges have been filed in that case, prompting family demands for greater protection of US citizens abroad.

    The State Department confirmed continued consular support while emphasizing the administration’s prioritization of citizen safety, though family members expressed frustration over perceived insufficient governmental intervention during the nine-month detention.

  • Legoland Shanghai Resort sets a new world record in visitors

    Legoland Shanghai Resort sets a new world record in visitors

    Legoland Shanghai Resort has made headlines by setting a new world record as the fastest Legoland park to attract one million visitors. This remarkable achievement coincides with the resort being honored with the prestigious 32nd Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement in the Theme Park category. The Thea Awards, often likened to the Oscars of the themed entertainment industry, recognized the Shanghai resort as the only Chinese recipient in this category for 2025. The award underscores the park’s excellence in creative design, immersive storytelling, and interactive experiences. Paul Moreton, Chief Development Officer of Merlin Entertainments, expressed immense pride in the recognition, highlighting the resort’s innovative blend of the Lego brand’s creative DNA with unique Chinese cultural elements. The resort features eight themed lands, including the world’s first Lego Monkie Kid land inspired by the Chinese classic ‘Journey to the West,’ and boasts over 75 interactive rides, shows, and attractions. These attractions are built using an astounding 85 million Lego bricks, offering visitors a truly immersive experience. The resort’s success is further amplified by its seasonal events, which continue to enhance its appeal and solidify its position as a global entertainment destination.

  • UAE Lottery to launch new games and prize structures as second year begins

    UAE Lottery to launch new games and prize structures as second year begins

    The UAE Lottery marks its first anniversary with significant operational expansions and substantial prize distributions exceeding Dh147 million to more than 100,000 participants. Operator The Game LLC confirmed on Thursday the introduction of enhanced gaming experiences and revised reward mechanisms as the program enters its second year.

    Scott Burton, Commercial Gaming Director at The UAE Lottery, emphasized the platform’s successful inaugural year: “Our first year demonstrated the extraordinary excitement and rewards The UAE Lottery generates, with remarkable winning stories emerging from players nationwide.”

    From initial modest beginnings with a single draw, the lottery framework has expanded to incorporate 20 distinct gaming formats. The portfolio now features the flagship Lucky Day Draw alongside daily numerical games including Pick 3, Pick 4, and Color Prediction, supplemented by an extensive assortment of scratch cards and digital instant-win games. The operator highlighted that scratch card games alone have distributed five top-tier prizes of Dh1 million each.

    Future developments will focus on new game introductions, upgraded digital functionalities, and reimagined prize architectures. These enhancements will reinforce the organization’s dedication to equitable gaming practices, participant security, and technological innovation.

    A notable transition occurs this Saturday (November 29) with the final opportunity to win the current Dh100 million jackpot before revised prize tiers become effective. The Lucky Day draw operates bi-weekly with entry priced at Dh50, requiring participants to select seven numbers for prizes ranging from Dh100 to the maximum jackpot. Eligibility remains restricted to UAE residents aged 18 years and above.

  • National Guard shooting suspect worked with CIA in Afghanistan

    National Guard shooting suspect worked with CIA in Afghanistan

    A former Afghan security contractor with documented ties to U.S. intelligence agencies stands accused of executing a targeted shooting against two National Guard members in Washington D.C. this week. Rahmanullah Lakanwal, 29, allegedly traveled cross-country from Washington state to carry out what authorities describe as an ‘ambush-style’ attack just blocks from the White House.

    The victims, identified as 20-year-old Sarah Beckstrom and 24-year-old Andrew Wolfe, both remain hospitalized in critical condition after being shot at close range Wednesday afternoon. Lakanwal was subsequently shot and detained by other Guard members present at the scene.

    According to official statements and background investigations, Lakanwal entered the United States in 2021 through Operation Allies Welcome—a special immigration program established following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan. His admission was based on previous service with Unit 03 of the Kandahar Strike Force (locally known as Scorpion Forces), which initially operated under CIA direction before transitioning to Afghan intelligence control.

    A former military commander who served with Lakanwal described him to BBC Afghan Service as a GPS tracking specialist and ‘sporty, jolly character’ who helped secure Kabul airport during the chaotic evacuation. His entire unit was airlifted to the U.S. days after the Taliban entered Kabul.

    The incident has triggered significant policy repercussions. President Donald Trump, who characterized the shooting as an ‘act of terror,’ immediately suspended all Afghan immigration applications and ordered a comprehensive review of all special immigration programs. USCIS Chief Joseph Edlow confirmed the administration would conduct ‘a full scale, rigorous re-examination of every Green Card for every alien from every country of concern.’

    Additionally, the president announced deployment of 500 additional National Guard members to Washington D.C., augmenting the existing force of 2,000 troops deployed since August to address urban crime concerns.

    Lakanwal currently faces multiple felony charges including three counts of assault with intent to kill while armed, potentially carrying more than a decade imprisonment if convicted. He remains under guard while receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained during his apprehension.

  • Earthquake of magnitude 5.3 strikes Indian Ocean at depth of 10km

    Earthquake of magnitude 5.3 strikes Indian Ocean at depth of 10km

    A sequence of earthquakes has rattled the Indian Ocean, with the most recent being a magnitude 5.3 tremor recorded on November 27, 2025. The National Centre for Seismology (NCS) reported that the quake occurred at a shallow depth of 10 kilometers, making it particularly concerning due to the increased risk of stronger ground shaking and potential structural damage. Earlier that same day, a more intense earthquake measuring 6.4 on the Richter scale struck the same region, also at a depth of 10 kilometers. Additionally, a magnitude 4.8 quake was reported on November 26, further highlighting the seismic activity in the area. Shallow earthquakes, like these, are known to be more hazardous as the seismic waves have a shorter distance to travel to the surface, amplifying their impact. This recent activity has drawn comparisons to the devastating 2004 Sumatra-Andaman earthquake, a magnitude 9.2-9.3 event that triggered a catastrophic tsunami, claiming over 227,000 lives across 14 countries. While there have been no immediate reports of significant damage or casualties from the recent quakes, the shallow depth and proximity to populated coastal areas have raised alarms among seismologists and disaster preparedness experts.

  • Bird flu poses pandemic risk worse than Covid-19, says France research centre

    Bird flu poses pandemic risk worse than Covid-19, says France research centre

    Leading French researchers at Institut Pasteur have issued a stark warning that avian influenza could potentially trigger a global health crisis surpassing the devastation caused by COVID-19. Dr. Marie-Anne Rameix-Welti, Medical Director of the institute’s respiratory infections center, emphasized that while current human infections remain rare, the virus’s adaptation for human-to-human transmission would create pandemic conditions of unprecedented severity.

    The highly pathogenic H5 avian influenza strain has already necessitated the culling of hundreds of millions of birds worldwide, creating significant disruptions to food supplies and driving price increases across global markets. Unlike seasonal influenza strains H1 and H3, against which humans maintain some antibody protection, the H5 variant presents a completely novel threat to human immune systems.

    According to World Health Organization data spanning 2003-2025, nearly 1,000 human cases have been documented primarily in Egypt, Indonesia, and Vietnam, with a startling 48% mortality rate. Recent developments include the first documented human case of H5N5 in Washington state, where an immunocompromised individual succumbed to the infection.

    Despite these concerning developments, international health authorities maintain that the immediate risk of human pandemic remains relatively low. Gregorio Torres of the World Organisation for Animal Health advises continued vigilance while reassuring the public about current safety measures for food consumption and outdoor activities.

    The scientific community highlights several advantages in pandemic preparedness compared to the initial COVID-19 response. Multiple vaccine candidates stand ready for rapid deployment, manufacturing protocols have been established for swift vaccine production, and strategic stockpiles of effective antiviral medications have been maintained specifically for influenza threats.

  • PLA will do everything to safeguard Hong Kong, Defense Ministry says

    PLA will do everything to safeguard Hong Kong, Defense Ministry says

    The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) Hong Kong Garrison has reaffirmed its dedication to protecting Hong Kong, emphasizing its readiness to execute orders and fulfill its responsibilities in accordance with the law. This declaration came during a routine press briefing held by Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, on Thursday. The statement was prompted by inquiries regarding the PLA’s potential involvement in relief efforts following a devastating fire in Hong Kong on Wednesday. The blaze, which erupted in the Wang Fuk Court residential area in Tai Po, claimed 55 lives by Thursday afternoon, according to reports from Xinhua News Agency. Jiang Bin expressed profound sorrow for the victims, including a firefighter who perished while on duty, and extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families and those impacted by the tragedy. The PLA’s commitment underscores its role as a steadfast guardian of Hong Kong’s safety and stability, particularly in times of crisis.

  • Slot admits to bleak mood as Liverpool’s slump deepens with 4-1 defeat

    Slot admits to bleak mood as Liverpool’s slump deepens with 4-1 defeat

    Anfield witnessed one of its most dismal European nights in decades as Liverpool succumbed to a devastating 4-1 defeat against PSV Eindhoven in the Champions League. The loss marks a catastrophic ninth defeat in twelve matches across all competitions for the Reds, representing their worst twelve-game performance since the 1953-54 season.

    Manager Arne Slot conveyed profound disappointment following the match, stating, “The emotions are very negative and disappointing. I was hoping and expecting a better performance, which was far from what we are accustomed to, even in defeat.” The Dutch manager acknowledged his team’s fundamental defensive vulnerabilities, noting, “We simply concede too many goals to compete effectively.”

    The match began disastrously when Virgil van Dijk handled the ball during an early corner, resulting in Ivan Perisic converting the sixth-minute penalty. Although Dominik Szoboszlai temporarily equalized following a parried save from Cody Gakpo’s effort, PSV dominated the second half. Guus Til expertly restored the visitors’ lead before Couhaib Driouech compounded Liverpool’s misery with two late goals, capitalizing on catastrophic defensive errors.

    This humiliating result follows Liverpool’s 3-0 home defeat to Nottingham Forest, signaling the alarming deterioration of Anfield’s former fortress status. The team has now suffered more home losses this season than throughout the entire previous campaign.

    In contrasting Champions League action, Arsenal delivered a statement victory by ending Bayern Munich’s unbeaten start with a 3-1 triumph at the Emirates. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé achieved a personal milestone, scoring four goals for the first time in a Champions League match as Real Madrid narrowly defeated Olympiacos 4-3. Paris Saint-Germain emerged victorious in an eight-goal thriller against Tottenham, with Vitinha’s hat-trick inspiring a 5-3 comeback win.

  • 55 rescued in Hong Kong residential area fire: chief executive

    55 rescued in Hong Kong residential area fire: chief executive

    A significant fire broke out at Wang Fuk Court, a residential complex in Hong Kong, prompting a swift response from local firefighters. Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Chief Executive John Lee confirmed that 55 individuals were successfully rescued during the emergency. The incident occurred on Thursday evening, causing widespread concern among residents and authorities alike. At a press briefing, Lee assured the public that affected households would receive cash grants to aid in their recovery. The fire, which has drawn attention to safety measures in residential areas, underscores the importance of emergency preparedness in densely populated urban centers. The government has pledged to investigate the cause of the blaze and implement measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

  • Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah to host Eid Al Etihad parades on November 28

    Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah to host Eid Al Etihad parades on November 28

    Authorities in Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah have finalized preparations for special Eid Al Etihad parades scheduled for Friday, November 28th, as part of the UAE’s 54th National Day celebrations. The coordinated events will feature military displays and require significant traffic management in both emirates.

    Ajman Police confirmed their parade will commence at 4:00 PM along Corniche Road, with full road closure implemented for the duration of the event. The procession will include organized military units, prompting authorities to advise motorists to utilize alternative routes. Detailed maps have been released to guide drivers around the parade route and suggest optimal detours.

    Simultaneously, Ras Al Khaimah will host its parade along Al Qawasim Corniche, with road closures affecting the main thoroughfare leading to the waterfront area. The RAK parade is scheduled for an earlier timeframe, running from 8:30 AM to 10:00 AM, and will similarly feature military participation. Police authorities have issued specific alternative route recommendations to minimize traffic disruption.

    The coordinated parades represent significant civic events within the broader National Day observances, demonstrating inter-emirate cooperation in celebrating national unity. Residents and visitors are encouraged to plan travel accordingly and follow official guidance from local police departments regarding road usage during the specified time periods.