A potential resolution to the prolonged Middle East conflict appears on the horizon as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu endorses US President Donald Trump’s proposed peace plan for Gaza. While the plan’s success remains uncertain due to its incomplete details and pending implementation, it has garnered significant attention for its potential to reshape the region’s political landscape. The US has strategically engaged key Muslim nations, including Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, and Indonesia, signaling the emergence of a new peace framework. This initiative could bolster America’s global influence, particularly in Asia, where its recent actions have been perceived as inconsistent. Notably, Russia and China have been excluded from the process, marking a significant shift in a region critical to their strategic and economic interests. The plan’s success hinges on US and Israeli leadership, underscoring America’s historical advantage over its geopolitical rivals. However, challenges persist, including rising antisemitism, the ongoing Ukraine conflict, and delicate diplomatic balances, particularly between India and Pakistan. The agreement’s implementation remains fraught with complexities, but its potential to redefine Middle Eastern geopolitics cannot be overlooked.
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Envoy: China and US should be partners helping each other succeed
Chinese Ambassador to the United States Xie Feng emphasized the importance of deepening mutual interests and fostering a partnership where both nations can thrive together. Speaking at a reception in Washington to celebrate the 76th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China, Xie highlighted China’s potential to purchase more American products and create business opportunities for the US, despite a significant decline in bilateral trade this year. He cautioned against the detrimental effects of tariff wars, stating that such conflicts yield no winners. Recent data revealed a sharp drop in US exports to China, particularly in agriculture, with soybean sales plummeting by over 50% in the first half of 2025. Xie underscored the vast room for cooperation between the two nations, citing the growth in bilateral trade from $2.5 billion in 1979 to $688 billion in 2024. He also noted that 82% of American businesses operating in China reported profits in 2024, reflecting the mutual benefits of economic ties. Xie called for equal-footed consultation to resolve trade disputes and stressed the need to avoid confrontation, particularly on sensitive issues like Taiwan. He urged the US to adhere to the one-China principle and refrain from actions that could destabilize bilateral relations. The reception was attended by over 700 guests, including representatives from the US government, international organizations, and foreign ambassadors.
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Man suspected of ordering murder of three Argentine women arrested
Peruvian authorities have apprehended a key suspect linked to the brutal murders of two 20-year-old women and a 15-year-old girl in Argentina. The victims, identified as Morena Verdi, Brenda del Castillo, and Lara Morena Gutiérrez, were lured to a house near Buenos Aires on September 19 under the false promise of payment for attending a party. Their mutilated bodies were discovered days later, buried in the garden of the property. The crime, which was livestreamed on Instagram to a closed group of 45 people, has sparked widespread outrage and anti-femicide protests across Argentina. The suspect, Tony Janzen Valverde Victoriano, also known as ‘Little J,’ was captured by Peruvian police while hiding in a fish-transporting van on a motorway 70 kilometers south of Lima. Peruvian police also detained Matías Ozorio, Valverde’s alleged right-hand man, in a separate operation. Ozorio, an Argentine national, claimed he was coerced into entering Peru by a drug gang to whom he owed money. Argentine authorities have praised Peruvian police for their swift action in capturing the suspects. Valverde, a Peruvian citizen, will remain in custody in Peru pending an extradition request from Argentina, while Ozorio is set to be handed over to Argentine police.
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Youth-led anti-government protests in Morocco turn deadly, with 2 killed in a small town
Morocco has been gripped by a wave of anti-government protests, led predominantly by the country’s youth, which have escalated into violent confrontations with law enforcement. The unrest, now in its fifth consecutive night, has spread across multiple cities, with demonstrators decrying widespread corruption, inadequate public services, and misplaced government priorities, particularly the allocation of billions towards preparations for the 2030 World Cup while schools and hospitals remain underfunded.
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South African opposition leader Julius Malema is found guilty on gun charges
JOHANNESBURG (AP) — Julius Malema, the prominent leader of South Africa’s opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), was convicted on Wednesday of violating firearm laws during a 2018 political rally. The incident, which was captured on video, showed Malema firing a rifle at his party’s five-year anniversary event in the Eastern Cape province. The footage sparked widespread controversy and led to criminal charges brought by Afrikaner lobby group Afriforum. Malema argued in his defense that the weapon was a toy gun, but Magistrate Twanet Olivier dismissed this claim, finding him guilty of contravening the Firearms Control Act. His then-bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was accused of providing the rifle, was acquitted. Malema criticized the verdict, alleging racial bias, as Snyman is white. Outside the East London Magistrates Court, Malema vowed to appeal the decision, potentially taking the case to the Constitutional Court. While he could face up to 15 years in prison, the absence of a minimum sentence leaves room for leniency. His sentencing is scheduled for January 23, 2024. Malema, a polarizing figure in South African politics, has been a vocal advocate for controversial policies, including the expropriation of white-owned land without compensation and the nationalization of key industries. His influence was highlighted earlier this year when U.S. President Donald Trump referenced him in a tense meeting with South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, falsely alleging a ‘white genocide’ in the country. Malema’s EFF, South Africa’s fourth-largest political party, secured 9% of the vote in the last general elections.
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Violent clashes and arrests as ‘Gen Z protests’ hit Morocco
Morocco has been gripped by a wave of youth-led protests for the fourth consecutive day, marked by violent confrontations between demonstrators and security forces. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets across the country on Tuesday night, voicing demands for improved social services, reduced corruption, and better employment opportunities. The demonstrations, organized by a loosely formed youth group known as GenZ 212, escalated into chaos as protesters reportedly hurled stones at security forces, while footage emerged of cars and banks being set ablaze. The Moroccan Association for Human Rights (AMDH) has accused security forces of physically assaulting protesters and carrying out arbitrary arrests. In the city of Oujda, a protester sustained injuries after being struck by a police car, according to reports from the state news agency MAP. GenZ 212, in a statement posted on its Facebook page, expressed regret over acts of rioting and vandalism that damaged public and private property, urging participants to remain peaceful and avoid undermining the legitimacy of their demands. The protests have also targeted the government’s spending priorities, with demonstrators criticizing the allocation of funds for FIFA World Cup stadiums over essential public services like healthcare and education. The unrest in Morocco mirrors similar youth-led uprisings in Nepal, Indonesia, the Philippines, and Madagascar, where protests have led to significant political changes. In Morocco, approximately 200 protesters have been arrested, with most subsequently released, according to AMDH. The government coalition has expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the youth to find realistic solutions, while praising the security forces’ ‘balanced reaction’ in line with legal procedures.
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State of calamity in Philippines province as earthquake kills 69
A catastrophic 6.9 magnitude earthquake rocked the central Philippines on Tuesday night, claiming at least 69 lives and injuring dozens more. The province of Cebu bore the brunt of the destruction, prompting local authorities to declare a state of calamity early Wednesday. Thousands of residents spent the night outdoors, enduring repeated aftershocks and widespread power and water outages. One Cebu resident described the harrowing scene, with the cries of traumatized children echoing through the streets. This disaster follows closely on the heels of back-to-back typhoons that struck the region just over a week ago, leaving more than a dozen dead. Bogo City, located near the earthquake’s epicenter, suffered the most casualties. Images from the area show cadaver bags lining the streets and makeshift tent hospitals treating hundreds of injured. Local officials have reported extensive damage, including buckled roads, collapsed bridges, and downed power lines, severely hampering rescue efforts. Among the victims were seven individuals from a village built for survivors of Typhoon Haiyan, which devastated the region 12 years ago. In San Remigio, a basketball game was interrupted by the quake, sending nearly 20 people to the hospital, with one fatality. Emergency services are prioritizing search and rescue operations, restoring electricity, and delivering aid. A 4.7 magnitude aftershock struck Bogo on Wednesday evening, causing tremors in Cebu City and neighboring Leyte islands but no additional casualties. The Archbishop of Cebu has advised devotees to avoid churches until structural assessments are completed, highlighting the region’s rich historical heritage. The Philippines, situated on the geologically volatile ‘Ring of Fire,’ is highly susceptible to natural disasters. The national disaster agency in Manila is tasked with releasing official casualty figures, though the process is often slow due to rigorous verification. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
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South African firebrand MP Malema convicted of firing a gun in public
Julius Malema, the leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has been convicted of discharging a firearm in public, an offense that could result in a maximum prison sentence of 15 years. The incident dates back to 2018, when a video surfaced showing Malema firing multiple shots into the air during his party’s fifth-anniversary celebrations in the Eastern Cape province. Malema was charged alongside his former bodyguard, Adriaan Snyman, who was later acquitted. This conviction adds to Malema’s recent legal troubles, as he was found guilty of hate speech less than two months ago. Malema, a polarizing figure in South African politics, has frequently criticized the white minority and advocated for the redistribution of wealth and land to the black majority. The firearm case, which involved charges of unlawful possession, reckless endangerment, and discharging a weapon in public, saw Malema claiming in court that the firearm was not his and that the shots were fired to energize the crowd. Magistrate Twanet Olivier delivered the guilty verdict after three days of proceedings, with sentencing postponed to January 2026. The prosecution was initiated by AfriForum, an Afrikaner lobby group with a contentious relationship with Malema and the EFF. This group also played a role in Malema’s hate speech conviction earlier this year, where the equality court ruled that his inflammatory remarks demonstrated an intent to incite harm. Malema’s legal battles highlight the ongoing racial tensions in South Africa, three decades after the end of apartheid.
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Oktoberfest opening delayed in Munich after fatal fire and bomb threat
Authorities in Munich, Germany, have postponed the opening of the iconic Oktoberfest venue following a tragic incident involving an explosion and fire in the northern district of Lerchenau. The incident, which occurred near a residential property, resulted in one fatality and prompted a large-scale emergency response. Mayor Dieter Reiter announced that the Theresienwiese festival grounds would remain closed until at least 17:00 local time on Wednesday due to a bomb threat linked to the ongoing investigation. Police revealed that the fire at a single-family home was likely intentionally set amid a family dispute. Booby traps were discovered at the scene, necessitating the intervention of special forces to neutralize the threat. While one individual was found deceased, another remains missing but is not considered a danger. The incident has raised concerns about potential connections to other locations, including the Oktoberfest site, which has already drawn over 3.5 million visitors since its commencement on September 20. Emergency personnel continue to work diligently at the scene as investigations unfold.
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Brown bear heavyweight Chunk wins Fat Bear Week despite injury
In a remarkable display of resilience, a 500kg brown bear named Chunk has emerged victorious in Fat Bear Week 2025, overcoming a broken jaw to claim the title. The annual competition, held at Alaska’s Katmai National Park and Preserve, invites voters from around the world to select the bear that best embodies ‘fatness and success’ as they prepare for winter hibernation. Chunk’s triumph was celebrated by park rangers and fans alike, who were inspired by his ability to adapt and thrive despite his injury. Park ranger Naomi Boak remarked, ‘He reminded us how resilient bears are and how they have the ability to recover from injury and hardship.’ Chunk’s journey to victory was closely followed by voters from over 100 countries, who watched live web streams of the bears at Katmai’s Brooks River. One voter, Amy Hall, shared her admiration for Chunk on an explore.org livestream, calling him an ‘inspiration’ for his ability to heal and adapt. Chunk’s profile on the Fat Bear Week website revealed that he sustained the injury during mating season, likely from a fight with another bear. Despite this setback, he managed to outpace his rival, a massive bear known as 856, by over 30,000 votes. The competition, which began as a small event in 2014, has since grown into a global phenomenon, drawing attention to the lives and challenges of these majestic creatures.