The 15th Florence Biennale has become a global stage for artistic brilliance, with four Hong Kong artists—Liu Hongrui, Eva Ku, Cheng Xiaowei, and Ho Chun-yu—showcasing their unique works among 600 artists from 84 countries. The event, renowned for its celebration of diverse styles and techniques, highlights the richness of contemporary art. Jacopo Celona, the Biennale’s director, emphasized the inclusion of Hong Kong artists as a testament to the event’s philosophy of diversity across painting, photography, and fine art jewelry. Liu Hongrui’s *White Landscape*, an oil and distemper on canvas, blends surrealist influences with personal memories of Hong Kong and England, creating a serene yet expressive piece. Eva Ku’s *A Midsummer Night’s Dream* and *Earth’s Cry* reflect her eclectic inspirations, from fairy tales to environmental themes, while Cheng Xiaowei’s *The Bronze Era* jewelry collection reinterprets ancient Chinese bronze artifacts with a modern twist. Ho Chun-yu’s camera-less photography series, *From Cloud to Ground*, explores the interplay of analog and digital techniques. Together, their works embody the Biennale’s theme of dualism and unity, blending tradition and innovation, East and West, and inner and external worlds. The exhibition runs through October 26 at Fortezza da Basso in Florence.
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Palestine will continue to seek justice against Israel at ICC and ICJ, says Hague ambassador
Palestine remains steadfast in its pursuit of justice through international legal channels, despite mounting political pressure and threats of sanctions, Palestinian Ambassador Ammar Hijazi declared in an interview with Middle East Eye on Wednesday. His statement followed a significant ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which underscored Israel’s humanitarian obligations, particularly the need to lift its blockade on aid entering Gaza. Hijazi emphasized that the Palestinian leadership will not retreat from its commitment to seek justice on the global stage, stating, ‘This is a rightful, peaceful, legal, and moral path that we must take until our people are free and our independence is realized.’
Hijazi reiterated Palestine’s cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), where investigations into alleged war crimes by Israeli leaders are ongoing. He dismissed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s demand for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to cease legal actions against Israel at the ICC and ICJ, asserting that the PA lacks the authority to withdraw such cases. ‘It is now in the hands of the prosecutor and the court,’ Hijazi explained, expressing hope that more individuals committing crimes against humanity will be held accountable.
The ICC, the world’s only permanent international court with jurisdiction over senior officials, has been a focal point of Palestine’s legal strategy. In 2021, former ICC Chief Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda launched a war crimes investigation against Israel, following a referral by the PA. The investigation has since gained momentum, with additional referrals from countries such as South Africa, Bangladesh, and Mexico, amid widespread condemnation of Israel’s actions in Gaza. In November 2023, ICC judges issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes, including the use of starvation as a weapon of war.
The ICJ’s recent advisory opinion, which condemned Israel’s restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza and the occupied West Bank, has further bolstered Palestine’s legal position. Represented by Hijazi and a team of international lawyers, Palestine was among 40 states that presented evidence during the hearings earlier this year. The court’s findings, which highlighted Israel’s violations of international law, are expected to influence ongoing ICC investigations. Paul Reichler, a lawyer representing Palestine at the ICJ, noted that the court’s determination of proven facts, such as Israel’s deliberate policy of denying food to civilians, could be pivotal in future legal proceedings.
Hijazi called on the international community to enforce the ICJ’s findings, urging nations to align with international law rather than condone colonialism, genocide, and war crimes. ‘International law is very clear,’ he asserted. ‘What Israel is doing is illegal in the occupied Palestinian territory.’ As Palestine continues its legal battle, the global community faces a critical choice: to uphold justice or remain complicit in ongoing violations.
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Illinois candidate’s grandchildren among family killed in helicopter crash
Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey is grappling with an unimaginable tragedy after four of his family members perished in a helicopter crash. The devastating incident occurred on Wednesday in Ekalaka, Montana, claiming the lives of Bailey’s son Zachary, his wife Kelsey, and their two children, Vada Rose, 12, and Samuel, seven. The couple’s third child, a 10-year-old boy, was not on board and survived the accident. Bailey and his wife, Cindy, expressed profound grief over the loss, describing it as ‘heartbreaking’ and requesting privacy as they navigate this deeply painful period. The family is drawing strength from their faith, the support of loved ones, and the outpouring of prayers from the community. Bailey, a Republican grain farmer, is currently campaigning for the Illinois governorship in the upcoming election. He previously ran for governor in 2022 but was defeated by Democrat JB Pritzker in a highly competitive race marked by significant financial contributions from both sides. Bailey also sought a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives in 2024 but was unsuccessful. He has a history of public service, having served in both houses of the Illinois state legislature, representing southern Illinois. Pritzker, upon learning of the tragedy, expressed his devastation and extended his condolences to the Bailey family. In a statement posted on X, he wrote, ‘Our prayers and deep condolences are with the Baileys in this time of grief. May the memories of their loved ones be a blessing.’
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Ghana police rescue 57 Nigerians in crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime
In a significant crackdown on human trafficking and cybercrime, Ghanaian police have rescued 57 Nigerian nationals and arrested five suspects allegedly involved in a sophisticated criminal operation. The raid, conducted on Wednesday in a suburban area of Accra, uncovered a facility where victims, aged between 18 and 26, were forced to participate in online romance scams. Authorities seized 77 laptops, 38 mobile phones, two vehicles, three television sets, and various internet-enabled devices from the location. The suspects reportedly lured victims with promises of lucrative job opportunities in Ghana, only to coerce them into illegal activities upon arrival. The Criminal Investigations Department confirmed that all rescued individuals are receiving necessary care, though their repatriation timeline remains unspecified. This incident highlights the persistent issue of human trafficking in West Africa, particularly in Ghana, where victims are often exploited for cybercrime and prostitution. Earlier this year, Ghana’s Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection reported 79 prosecutions and 54 convictions related to human trafficking between 2023 and 2024. The operation aligns with broader regional efforts, as Interpol recently coordinated a cybercrime crackdown across 14 African countries, resulting in 260 arrests and the recovery of nearly $2.8 million lost to scams.
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Dubai: Gold prices recover after big sell-off over the past couple of days
Gold prices in Dubai experienced a notable recovery on Thursday morning, rising by nearly Dh6 per gram after a significant sell-off in the previous days. The precious metal surged above $4,100 per ounce, marking a partial rebound from its recent losses. According to data from the Dubai Jewellery Group, 24K gold was trading at Dh496.5 per gram, up from Dh490.5 at Wednesday’s market close. Other variants of gold, including 22K, 21K, and 18K, also saw increases, trading at Dh459.75, Dh440.75, and Dh377.75 per gram, respectively. Spot gold prices climbed to $4,131.28 per ounce, reflecting a 2% rise. Ipek Ozkardeskaya, a senior analyst at Swissquote, attributed the recent sell-off to overbought market conditions and heightened volatility. She noted that the gold volatility index had reached its highest level since March 2022, historically followed by a 20% price retreat. Despite the potential for further pullbacks, Ozkardeskaya emphasized gold’s enduring role as a safe-haven asset for investors, including retail, institutions, and central banks, amid concerns over sovereign debt, geopolitical tensions, and inflation.
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Pirelli Cyber Tyre named “V2X Innovation of the Year” at Autotech Breakthrough Awards 2025
In a groundbreaking move, HONOR has introduced its latest flagship smartphone, the HONOR X9d 5G, setting a new benchmark in the mobile technology landscape. This cutting-edge device combines unparalleled durability, advanced AI capabilities, and sleek design, making it a standout in the competitive smartphone market. The HONOR X9d 5G is engineered to withstand extreme conditions, ensuring it remains functional even in the most challenging environments. Powered by state-of-the-art AI technology, the smartphone offers enhanced performance, seamless connectivity, and intelligent features that cater to the evolving needs of modern users. Its 5G compatibility ensures lightning-fast internet speeds, enabling users to stay connected and productive on the go. The device’s sleek and ergonomic design not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also ensures a comfortable user experience. HONOR’s commitment to innovation is evident in the X9d 5G, which integrates advanced materials and engineering techniques to deliver a device that is both robust and stylish. With its launch, HONOR continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in mobile technology, offering consumers a device that excels in both form and function.
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Dubai: 18-year-old Indian student dies suddenly one day after Diwali
In a heartbreaking incident, Vaishnav Krishnakumar, an 18-year-old Indian student and recipient of the UAE Golden Visa, passed away suddenly in Dubai just one day after Diwali celebrations. The young scholar, who was pursuing his first year of BBA in Marketing at Middlesex University Dubai, collapsed outside his home late Tuesday evening, with the preliminary cause of death identified as cardiac arrest.
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Rosenberg: Trump abandons carrot and wields stick over Putin in Ukraine talks
In a dramatic turn of events, President Donald Trump has called off the highly anticipated US-Russia summit in Budapest, signaling a shift in his approach to dealing with Moscow. This decision comes just weeks after the announcement of the meeting, which was intended to address the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The cancellation underscores the growing frustration within the Trump administration over Russia’s unwillingness to compromise or make concessions to end the war.
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Nigerian separatist leader sacks lawyers at start of his defence in court
Nigerian separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, head of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob), has dismissed his legal team and announced his intention to represent himself in his ongoing trial. The 58-year-old, who faces charges of terrorism and incitement to violence, opened his defense on Thursday by challenging the court’s jurisdiction, an argument swiftly rejected by the presiding judge. Kanu, who also holds a British passport, claims his continued detention violates a previous court of appeal ruling that had ordered the charges against him to be dropped. This decision was later overturned by Nigeria’s Supreme Court. The judge dismissed Kanu’s jurisdictional challenge, instructing him to proceed with his defense. Kanu’s decision to sack his lawyers came just 24 hours after he listed high-profile witnesses, including former Attorney General Abubakar Malami, for his trial. No reasons were provided for the dismissal, and his former legal team has remained silent. Kanu’s case has sparked significant controversy, with Nigerian police recently using tear gas to disperse protesters in Abuja demanding his release. Despite his legal battles, Kanu remains a revered figure among his followers, particularly in southeastern Nigeria. Ipob, banned as a terrorist organization in 2017, seeks independence for the region it calls the Biafran nation. Its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network, has been accused of violent acts in recent years. Kanu was first arrested in 2015 but fled Nigeria in 2017 after a military raid on his home. He was re-arrested in 2021, with his lawyers alleging detention in Kenya, though Kenyan authorities have not commented on the matter. The case continues to highlight deep-seated tensions in Nigeria’s political landscape.
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Top Luxury Property expands presence with new Abu Dhabi branch
Top Luxury Property, a leading UAE-based real estate firm, has unveiled its latest branch in Abu Dhabi, marking a significant milestone in its nationwide expansion strategy. The new office, strategically located in the capital, aims to cater to the burgeoning demand for high-end residential and investment properties in the emirate. The inauguration ceremony drew notable figures from Abu Dhabi’s real estate and economic development sectors, alongside the company’s senior leadership. The branch will specialize in offering residential property services and market advisory support, with a focus on key developments such as Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island, and Al Raha Beach. Manuj Garg, CEO of Top Luxury Property, emphasized the move as a natural progression in the company’s mission to bolster the UAE’s evolving real estate landscape. He highlighted Abu Dhabi’s robust growth potential and the branch’s role in delivering localized expertise while fostering a sustainable and diverse property market. The new branch will feature teams skilled in property consulting, market analysis, and legal advisory, complemented by digital tools that provide clients with access to property data, virtual tours, and online transaction services. This expansion aligns with broader trends in the UAE’s real estate sector, where firms are increasingly establishing a presence across multiple emirates to meet rising investor interest. Top Luxury Property’s existing operations in Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah, and Umm Al Quwain have been driven by structured market practices and data-led frameworks, which will now be extended to Abu Dhabi to ensure operational consistency and enhance collaboration among developers, financiers, and end-users. The launch event also included a networking session, where industry representatives discussed current trends shaping Abu Dhabi’s luxury real estate market and explored opportunities for cross-emirate collaboration in investment and property management. This move underscores Top Luxury Property’s commitment to supporting the UAE’s national economic diversification goals and contributing to the sustainable development of the country’s property sector.