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  • Australian charity funnelling millions in donations directly to Israeli soldiers: Report

    Australian charity funnelling millions in donations directly to Israeli soldiers: Report

    An Australian charitable organization, United Israel Appeal (UIA) Australia, has transferred nearly $300 million in tax-exempt donations to Keren Hayesod, Israel’s official fundraising entity, since 2013 according to financial disclosures. The most recent data shows $29 million was directed in 2024 alone, despite ongoing military operations in Gaza that have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

    Keren Hayesod, established in 1920 following the World Zionist Congress, describes itself as one of four “pillar national institutions” of Israel with special protected legal status. The organization operates fundraising arms across 45 countries, with UIA Australia serving as its primary channel for Australian donations.

    The charity’s stated mission involves both short-term humanitarian relief and long-term integration support for Jewish immigrants. However, financial records indicate substantial funding supports the “Wings Lone Soldier” program, which provides assistance to diaspora Jews who voluntarily enlist in the Israeli military. According to Keren Hayesod’s 2024 impact report, the program supported 2,200 soldiers last year, with 65% choosing to remain in Israel after service.

    Controversy surrounds these transfers as they occurred during intense military conflict. Independent outlet Michael West Media first reported the figures, noting that The Jerusalem Post documented $645 million in global donations to Keren Hayesod from 2023-2025 specifically supporting Israel during the Gaza operations.

    UIA Australia’s upcoming 2026 gala will feature Ron Dermer, former Israeli ambassador to the US and top advisor to the Israeli prime minister, as headline speaker. The organization maintains offices in multiple countries, with varying beneficiary structures—UIA USA raises funds for The Jewish Agency for Israel while the Canadian branch supports Keren Hayesod directly.

    Middle East Eye attempted to contact UIA Australia for comment but received no response prior to publication.

  • Shanties in a Lagos lagoon: Bulldozed and burnt

    Shanties in a Lagos lagoon: Bulldozed and burnt

    In the heart of Lagos, Nigeria’s sprawling metropolis, a humanitarian crisis unfolds as thousands of residents face forced evictions from their waterfront homes in Makoko, the country’s largest informal settlement. The Lagos State government maintains these demolitions target structures built dangerously close to high-voltage power lines, citing critical health and safety concerns. However, community members and advocacy groups allege these actions represent systematic land appropriation for elite urban development projects.

    Anna Sobie, a mother of five, exemplifies the human toll of this operation. Her family now sleeps on the fractured wooden platform that once supported their home, exposed to the elements without adequate shelter. “We’re sleeping in an open space under the rain,” Sobie recounts, describing how excavators arrived with minimal warning while her family was inside their home.

    The demolitions, which began two days before Christmas, have reportedly displaced over 10,000 residents and destroyed more than 3,000 structures including homes, schools, clinics, and churches according to a coalition of ten non-governmental organizations. These groups document alarming tactics including the use of armed security personnel, bulldozers, and alleged arson attacks on occupied dwellings.

    Historical context reveals Makoko was established in the 19th century by fishing communities, with residents claiming customary land rights predating modern Lagos. The settlement’s population estimates range from 80,000 to 200,000 people, many of whom are low-income families and migrants seeking economic opportunities in Nigeria’s commercial capital.

    Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration defends the actions as necessary urban management, emphasizing the proximity of structures to electrical infrastructure that poses lethal risks. Special Adviser on Urban Development Olajide Abiodun Babatunde stated: “No responsible government anywhere in the world can allow people to live directly under high-tension cables or obstruct vital waterways.”

    The government has promised financial compensation to affected families but has not provided alternative accommodation. This response has failed to satisfy residents like Elizabeth Kakisiwe, who returned from market to find her home demolished and possessions destroyed. “When rain fell days later, we were drenched,” she describes. “At night, we sit in the cold.”

    Tensions escalated recently when police deployed tear gas against more than 1,000 protesters marching toward the state legislature, resulting in injuries and alleged fatalities. Community leaders report five deaths, including children, from tear gas exposure during earlier demolition operations—claims the government says it will investigate.

    Urban development experts note this conflict occurs against Lagos’s severe housing deficit, which has grown from 2.95 million units in 2016 to 3.4 million in 2025 despite increased construction. The city’s rapid population growth and escalating costs have pushed more residents into informal settlements, creating recurring clashes between urban development goals and community rights.

    As excavators continue their work along the lagoon, displaced residents salvage firewood from debris while children repair fishing nets amid the destruction. The remaining structures stand as fragile testaments to a community fighting to preserve its existence against the pressures of modern urban development.

  • Envoy calls on US to encourage more youth exchanges

    Envoy calls on US to encourage more youth exchanges

    WASHINGTON – China’s ambassador to the United States has issued a compelling appeal for strengthened educational and cultural bridges between the two nations, emphasizing youth exchanges as fundamental to stabilizing the world’s most crucial bilateral relationship. Ambassador Xie Feng delivered his remarks during the 2026 China-US Youth Spring Festival Gala at the Chinese embassy, where he highlighted the transformative impact of intercultural engagement.

  • Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify to congressional Epstein probe

    Bill and Hillary Clinton to testify to congressional Epstein probe

    In a significant reversal, former U.S. President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton have consented to provide testimony before Congress regarding the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. This development follows months of legal resistance that nearly culminated in criminal contempt proceedings.

    The announcement came via social media from Bill Clinton’s deputy chief of staff, who stated unequivocally: “The former President and former Secretary of State will be there.” This commitment arrives just days before the Republican-controlled House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on holding the Clintons in criminal contempt for their prolonged avoidance of congressional subpoenas.

    The Republican-led House Oversight Committee had advanced the contempt measure in late January with bipartisan support, signaling growing impatience with the Clintons’ reluctance to cooperate. Committee Chairman James Comer emphasized in an official statement that this action demonstrated that “no-one is above the law” when it comes to congressional investigations.

    While photographic evidence released by the Department of Justice places Bill Clinton at Epstein’s properties, including images showing the former president swimming in a pool and relaxing in what appears to be a hot tub, Clinton has consistently denied any knowledge of Epstein’s criminal activities or any personal wrongdoing. Clinton’s spokesperson, Angel Ureña, previously characterized these images as decades old and emphasized that Clinton had severed ties with Epstein long before his sex crimes became public knowledge.

    Notably, no survivors of Epstein’s abuse have accused Bill Clinton of misconduct, and the Clintons’ legal team had previously argued that the congressional subpoenas were “unenforceable,” maintaining they had already provided all relevant information available to them about Epstein.

    The testimony commitment marks a critical juncture in one of the most politically charged investigations in recent memory, potentially shedding new light on the extent of Epstein’s network and its connections to high-profile figures.

  • The yachting industry searches for alternatives to teak

    The yachting industry searches for alternatives to teak

    The global luxury yacht industry is undergoing a significant transformation as it confronts the ethical and legal implications of using Myanmar teak, a prized tropical hardwood now largely prohibited in Western markets. This shift follows high-profile cases involving superyachts belonging to tech billionaires, including Jeff Bezos’s $500 million vessel Koru, built by Netherlands-based Oceanco. Both Oceanco and UK-based Sunseeker faced substantial fines in late 2024 for using this sanctioned timber, which they described as unintentional breaches of due diligence.

    Myanmar teak, renowned for its rot resistance, density, and aesthetic appeal, has long been the standard for high-end yacht decking and interiors. However, its harvest from old-growth forests is controlled by the country’s military-linked sector, leading to international trade sanctions following the 2021 coup. These sanctions, building on existing restrictions, have made imports into the UK, EU, and US illegal.

    The exhaustion of pre-sanction stockpiles and increasing regulatory scrutiny are now accelerating the adoption of alternatives. The industry is exploring a range of innovative materials, including thermally-modified woods, fully synthetic composites, and engineered teak laminates. Major players like Sunreef Yachts, based in Poland and Dubai, have announced a complete transition away from teak. The company now utilizes thermally-modified woods that not only mimic teak’s appearance but offer superior thermal performance, keeping decks cooler and reducing cabin air conditioning needs.

    New products like Tesumo, developed through a collaboration between the University of Göttingen and German shipyard Lürssen, are gaining traction. This material uses a fast-growing African hardwood that undergoes heat treatment and resin impregnation. It has already been installed on high-profile superyachts, including one linked to Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

    Despite these advances, challenges remain. Plantation-grown teak is often viewed as inferior due to shorter, narrower boards and inconsistent quality. While some smaller builders, like the UK’s Jeremy Rogers, continue to source from certified sustainable plantations in Java, the industry consensus is shifting. The driving force is a combination of regulatory pressure, supply chain sustainability concerns, and a growing recognition that modern alternatives can meet the exacting standards of the world’s most discerning yacht owners.

  • Door is open to customs union talks with UK, EU says

    Door is open to customs union talks with UK, EU says

    In a significant diplomatic development, European Commissioner for Finance Valdis Dombrovskis has revealed the European Union’s willingness to explore enhanced trade relations with the United Kingdom, including potential discussions about a customs union arrangement. The announcement came following high-level talks with Chancellor Rachel Reeves and cabinet ministers in London on Monday.

    The Latvian commissioner, speaking exclusively to the BBC, emphasized Brussels’ “open-minded” approach to future cooperation, stating the bloc remains “ready to engage” should Britain seek closer economic integration. This position represents the most substantial indication yet of EU receptiveness to re-evaluating post-Brexit relations amid growing global instability.

    Dombrovskis outlined several areas of potential collaboration, notably suggesting that Britain and the EU could eliminate “most” food checks between territories if the UK aligns with EU sanitary and phytosanitary standards. Additionally, he confirmed advanced negotiations regarding a youth mobility scheme and expressed EU openness to revisiting Britain’s participation in the €150 billion SAFE defense loans program, despite previous negotiations collapsing in November.

    The meeting, which included European Commissioner for Trade Maroš Šefčovič alongside British ministers Peter Kyle and Nick Thomas Symonds, established a new diplomatic forum dubbed the “Quint” by officials. This group aims to coordinate responses to rapidly changing global trade and economic conditions through regular consultations.

    Chancellor Reeves articulated the pressing need for strengthened UK-EU cooperation, warning that “we are sliding towards a world where the rules are less clear.” She emphasized shared values and objectives between Britain and the EU regarding economic policy, trade, and security matters.

    The commissioner’s comments arrive amidst mounting pressure within the Labour party to reconsider customs union arrangements, despite the party’s manifesto explicitly ruling out rejoining either the EU customs union or single market. Justice Secretary David Lammy has previously advocated that such arrangements could stimulate economic growth.

    Dombrovskis acknowledged that single market access would require accepting freedom of movement principles, making such a scenario unlikely. However, he stressed the EU’s commitment to pragmatic cooperation where mutual interests align, particularly given recent global trade tensions that saw the European Commission threaten retaliatory tariffs against the United States before reaching a diplomatic resolution.

  • After months of acrimony, Colombia’s Petro is about to meet Trump

    After months of acrimony, Colombia’s Petro is about to meet Trump

    Colombian President Gustavo Petro is embarking on a critically important diplomatic mission to Washington for his first face-to-face meeting with US President Donald Trump, following months of escalating tensions and hostile exchanges between the two leaders. The high-stakes encounter at the White House on Tuesday will address multiple pressing issues including Venezuela’s political crisis, narcotics trafficking, oil security, and controversial US military operations targeting alleged drug vessels.

    The relationship between the two nations has been strained by Petro’s repeated condemnations of US foreign policy, including his comparison of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents to ‘Nazi brigades’ and accusations of American imperialistic treatment of other countries. Conversely, Trump has criticized Colombia’s anti-narcotics efforts, accusing Petro’s administration of insufficient action against cocaine flow and threatening expanded military strikes in the region.

    A significant breakthrough occurred following a January 3rd US military operation that seized Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro, after which the two leaders held what was described as a ‘cordial’ phone conversation that Colombian officials characterized as an ‘180-degree turn from both sides.’ US Senator Rand Paul of Kentucky played a pivotal role in facilitating this diplomatic opening, expressing his belief that relations were heading in the wrong direction and required intervention.

    Central to their discussions will be security concerns along the 1,367-mile Colombia-Venezuela border, where the National Liberation Army (ELN) guerrilla group maintains significant control over drug trafficking, extortion operations, and illegal mining activities. According to security analysts from Insight Crime, approximately 1,200 of ELN’s 6,000 members operate in Venezuela, often collaborating with corrupt elements within the Venezuelan military establishment.

    The meeting holds particular significance for US oil companies seeking to operate in Venezuela post-Maduro, as ELN forces pose substantial security threats to foreign investors and employees. Elizabeth Dickinson of International Crisis Group notes that asking Venezuelan military forces to combat ELN presents challenges due to their aligned financial interests in the group’s illicit operations.

    Despite recent tensions that led Colombia to temporarily suspend intelligence sharing with US agencies, military cooperation between the two nations has continued through the Drug Enforcement Administration and Colombian police forces. The outcome of this diplomatic encounter could significantly impact Colombia’s upcoming presidential election in August, where Petro supports Senator Iván Cepeda as his potential successor.

  • The Ultimate Golf Challenge returns: Season 3 tees off at scenic Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

    The Ultimate Golf Challenge returns: Season 3 tees off at scenic Saadiyat Beach Golf Club

    Abu Dhabi’s prestigious Saadiyat Beach Golf Club prepares to host the opening round of the Ultimate Golf Challenge (UGC) Season 3 on February 5, 2026, marking the return of the UAE’s premier corporate golf tournament. Ten elite teams comprising the nation’s top amateur golfers will commence their campaign at the region’s first ocean-front designed course, renowned for its challenging coastal winds and strategic hazards.

    The competitive field features defending champions Noble Legacy Masters alongside inaugural winners Tristar Gladiators and eight other formidable squads: The A Team, Alpha Ninjas, Brain Dubai, Mayfair Chippies, Meteora Magicians, Shershaah Eagles, Sultans of Swing, and Three Comma Masters. Each organization has spent months refining rosters through meticulous handicap analysis and strategic pairing preparations.

    Tournament Commissioner Kunal Seth noted the elevated competitive standards, stating: ‘The level of preparation and team strategies surpass previous seasons. Every franchise arrives with championship aspirations, recognizing that each round will critically impact the final standings.’

    The four-tournament series will progress across the UAE’s most iconic courses following the Saadiyat opener: Jumeirah Golf Estates’ Earth Course (February 26, matchplay format), Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club (April 2, best-ball Stableford), and concluding at Emirates Golf Club’s Faldo Course (May 7, individual Stableford).

    Noble Legacy Masters co-owner Achal Ghai emphasized team cohesion as the decisive factor: ‘Our previous victory demonstrated that belief and trust create championship teams. We return with strengthened resolve and enhanced unity.’ Meanwhile, The A Team has incorporated new talent alongside experienced players under mentors Aman and Ayesha Chopra, adopting a philosophy balancing competitive excellence with camaraderie.

    The opening round employs a specialized format where teams field two five-player squads, with the four highest Stableford scores from each group contributing to the cumulative team total. This structure emphasizes both individual skill and collective performance while testing adaptability to Saadiyat’s distinctive environmental challenges, including strategic bunkering and wildlife-preserved fairways occasionally shared with local gazelles.

  • Witkoff, Araghchi expected to meet on Friday for possible nuclear deal discussions: Axios

    Witkoff, Araghchi expected to meet on Friday for possible nuclear deal discussions: Axios

    Senior American and Iranian diplomats are preparing for a pivotal meeting in Istanbul this Friday, signaling a potential breakthrough in nuclear negotiations. According to an Axios report published Monday, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will convene in the Turkish capital to explore pathways toward a renewed nuclear agreement.

    The upcoming discussions, confirmed by two informed sources, represent the most significant direct diplomatic engagement between the two nations in recent months. The meeting occurs against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions and international concerns about Iran’s nuclear advancements.

    In a related development, Reuters has learned from a senior regional diplomat that several key Middle Eastern nations will participate in the Istanbul gathering. The anticipated attendance includes representatives from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, and Egypt, indicating broad regional interest in stabilizing nuclear diplomacy.

    The planned meeting follows recent diplomatic movements, including Witkoff’s scheduled visit to Israel for consultations with Prime Minister Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Iranian officials have reportedly been evaluating diplomatic options with the United States to reduce mounting fears of military confrontation.

    This diplomatic initiative emerges as the region witnesses parallel developments, including Saudi Arabia’s recent suspension of 1,800 Umrah travel agencies due to performance issues, highlighting the interconnected nature of regional stability and economic concerns.

  • Trump launches $12-billion minerals stockpile to boost US manufacturing, counter China

    Trump launches $12-billion minerals stockpile to boost US manufacturing, counter China

    The Trump administration has unveiled a groundbreaking $12 billion initiative to establish a national stockpile of critical minerals, marking a significant escalation in the US-China trade and technology competition. Dubbed ‘Project Vault,’ the program will utilize seed funding from the US Export-Import Bank to acquire strategic reserves of lithium, nickel, rare earth elements, and other minerals essential for electric vehicle batteries, advanced weaponry, and consumer electronics.

    According to an administration official familiar with the plan, the initiative represents Washington’s direct response to perceived Chinese price manipulation in global mineral markets that has hampered American mining operations for years. The venture will combine private investment with a substantial $10 billion EXIM Bank loan to create a buffer stock for manufacturers, insulating them from volatile pricing and supply chain disruptions.

    Three major commodities trading firms—Hartree Partners, Traxys North America, and Mercuria Energy Group—have been designated to manage the procurement process for the strategic reserve. The program’s structure allows automotive and technology companies to access vital materials while keeping inventory risks off their balance sheets, analogous to a wholesale membership model for industrial materials.

    Beyond commercial applications, Project Vault includes provisions for establishing a 60-day emergency mineral supply for national security purposes. The initiative comes alongside legislative efforts from bipartisan lawmakers who recently proposed a separate $2.5 billion mineral stockpile bill, indicating broad political consensus on addressing supply chain vulnerabilities in critical materials.