Hamas has vehemently rejected allegations by the United States that its members were involved in the looting of an aid truck in Gaza, labeling the incident as ‘staged’ to legitimize Israeli-imposed restrictions on humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave. In a statement issued on Sunday, the Palestinian movement dismissed the accusations as ‘baseless and unfounded,’ asserting that no such event had occurred. Hamas criticized Washington for perpetuating what it described as the ‘Israeli occupation’s narrative,’ accusing the US of deepening its ‘unethical bias’ and complicity in the suffering of Gaza’s civilians. The US Central Command (Centcom) released edited drone footage on Friday, purportedly showing individuals looting a truck in northern Khan Younis. Centcom claimed that ‘suspected Hamas operatives’ attacked the driver and stole the truck but provided no concrete evidence linking the individuals to Hamas. Middle East Eye could not independently verify the video’s authenticity or context. Hamas emphasized that neither international nor local organizations had reported any such incident, and it accused the US of fabricating the scene to justify the blockade on Gaza. The Gaza-based Government Media Office highlighted ‘fundamental contradictions’ in the US claims, noting the absence of specific details such as the date, time, or exact location of the alleged incident. It also accused Washington of ignoring Israel’s ceasefire violations, including the killing of over 230 Palestinians. Ramy Abdu, founder of the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor, questioned the credibility of the US claims, citing the heavily edited nature of the video and the lack of supporting evidence. He also disputed Centcom’s claim that 600 aid trucks enter Gaza daily, stating that documented reports indicate the actual number is closer to 145. A week into the ceasefire, UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stephane Dujarric reported a significant drop in aid looting incidents, attributing it to Hamas’s reimposed security control in Gaza. Middle East Eye continues to provide independent coverage of the Middle East and North Africa.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Political violence kills almost 300 since Hasina’s fall: Rights group
In the year following the ousting of Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, nearly 300 people have lost their lives due to political violence, according to a report by the Dhaka-based human rights organization Odhikar. The report, released on Sunday, highlights the ongoing turmoil in the country since Hasina’s 15-year autocratic rule ended in August 2024, when she fled to India. The violence, which has primarily involved political parties, has resulted in at least 281 deaths from August 2024 to September 2025. Additionally, the report documented 40 extrajudicial killings and 153 cases of lynching during the same period. Odhikar’s director, ASM Nasiruddin Elan, noted that while human rights abuses have decreased since Hasina’s departure, issues such as deaths in custody, bribery, and harassment persist. Elan emphasized that many innocent individuals continue to suffer due to their alleged affiliations with Hasina’s now-banned political party, the Awami League. The report also revealed that extortion by political parties, including the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, has affected people across all social strata. Furthermore, inefficient policing has led to frequent mob attacks, with law enforcement agencies being accused of serving party interests and operating with impunity. As of now, neither Bangladesh’s interim government nor any political parties have responded to Odhikar’s findings.
-
UK train stabbing wounds 10; two suspects arrested
A violent stabbing incident on a Doncaster to London King’s Cross train has left 10 people hospitalized, with nine reportedly sustaining life-threatening injuries. The attack occurred late Saturday, prompting a swift response from armed police, emergency services, and counter-terrorism units. The train was halted at Huntingdon station in Cambridgeshire, where the suspects were apprehended. Witnesses described chaotic scenes, with one individual reportedly wielding a large knife and passengers attempting to flee amidst the chaos. UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack as “appalling” and expressed his gratitude to the emergency services for their rapid response. The motive behind the attack remains unclear, and the identities of the two suspects have yet to be disclosed. This incident adds to the growing concern over knife crime in England and Wales, which has been labeled a “national crisis” by the government. Recent efforts to curb knife-related violence include the seizure or surrender of nearly 60,000 blades and a reported 18% drop in knife murders over the past year. However, this attack follows other high-profile stabbing incidents, including a synagogue attack in Manchester earlier this month. The railway lines in the area remain closed as investigations continue, with authorities urging the public to avoid travel in the region.
-
UAE Flag Day: 10 dos and don’ts when hoisting nation’s symbol on November 3
Every year on November 3, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) celebrates Flag Day, a significant occasion where public and private institutions, along with residents, hoist the national flag to honor its symbolism of unity and pride. This tradition traces back to 1971 when Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father, first raised the flag during Eid Al Etihad celebrations. Designed by Abdullah Al Maeena as part of a competition by Al-Ittihad newspaper, the flag’s red, green, white, and black colors embody the nation’s history and shared values. For those participating in this cherished event, adhering to proper flag etiquette is crucial. Here are the key dos and don’ts:
**Dos:**
– Ensure the flag is made from high-quality, sustainable polyester blend with a neutral finish.
– Keep the flag at least 20-25 centimeters above the ground and ensure it remains clean and ironed.
– Inspect the flag for damage or fading before hoisting and fold it properly after use.**Don’ts:**
– Avoid any act of disrespect, such as dropping, tearing, or improperly lowering the flag, as such actions are punishable by law.
– Do not add emblems, logos, or decorative elements to the flag.
– Refrain from using the flag on edibles or altering its proportions for decorative purposes.Flag Day serves as a reminder of the UAE’s unity and the deep respect its citizens and residents hold for their national symbol. By following these guidelines, individuals can contribute to preserving the dignity and significance of the UAE flag.
-
Death becomes a growing business in ageing, lonely South Korea
South Korea is witnessing a profound societal shift as its population ages rapidly, with nearly half of its citizens aged 50 or older and birth rates plummeting to among the lowest globally. This demographic transformation has spurred a burgeoning industry centered around death and its associated services. In Busan, a port city, rows of coffins fill university classrooms, where students at the Busan Institute of Science and Technology train to become funeral directors. These students meticulously prepare mannequins for burial, simulating the care required for real-life funerals. Jang Jin-yeong, a 27-year-old student, chose this career path anticipating the growing demand for funeral services in an ageing society. Similarly, Im Sae-jin, 23, was inspired to enter the field after witnessing the dignified preparation of his grandmother’s funeral. The rise of single-person households, now accounting for 42% of all homes in South Korea, has also given birth to a new profession: posthumous home cleaners. These specialists are called to tidy up residences after the solitary deaths of occupants. Cho Eun-seok, a former classical musician, has become one such cleaner, often encountering heartbreaking remnants of lives lived alone. He described homes filled with unopened gifts and neatly stored soju bottles, painting a poignant picture of isolation. South Korea’s high suicide rate, the highest among developed nations, further compounds the issue of lonely deaths. Cho has even begun cleaning vehicles where individuals have taken their own lives and is developing a device to detect unattended deaths, which can lead to environmental hazards. The emotional toll of this work is evident in stories like that of a high school girl who, after escaping domestic violence, lived alone in a tiny room and took her own life. Cho discovered her cherished hamster and guitar, remnants of her unfulfilled dream of becoming a musician. Kim Doo-nyeon, a veteran funeral director, notes an increasing number of young recruits entering the industry, reflecting the growing need for such services. Despite the challenges, these professionals play a vital role in addressing the societal consequences of South Korea’s demographic crisis.
-
Israel warns of intensifying attacks against Hezbollah in south Lebanon
Israel has issued a stark warning of intensifying military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, following a deadly air strike that claimed four lives, as reported by the Lebanese health ministry. Despite a ceasefire agreement reached in November 2024, Israel continues to station troops in five strategic areas in southern Lebanon and has sustained regular strikes against the militant group. Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Hezbollah is ‘playing with fire’ and criticized the Lebanese government for its inaction in disarming the group. Katz vowed that Israel would ‘continue and even intensify’ its enforcement to safeguard its northern residents. The conflict traces back to October 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets into Israel, prompting a prolonged confrontation that displaced thousands of Israelis near the northern border. Although Hezbollah has been significantly weakened by the war, it remains armed and financially resilient. In September 2024, Israel eliminated the group’s longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, along with several senior figures. Since the ceasefire, the United States has pressured Lebanon to disarm Hezbollah, a move opposed by the group and its allies. Recent escalations include a deadly Israeli ground raid into southern Lebanon, which Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned, ordering the army to counter such incursions. Aoun had previously called for talks with Israel, but accused the latter of responding with intensified air strikes, including the latest attack in Nabatiyeh district. The Israeli military confirmed the strike, stating it targeted a Hezbollah operative involved in weapon transfers and efforts to rebuild the group’s infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
-
Academic journal on Hongshan culture launched in Liaoning
Shenyang, Liaoning Province witnessed the official launch of the academic journal *Research on Hongshan Culture* on Sunday, November 2, 2025. This quarterly publication marks a significant milestone in the systematic and long-term study of Hongshan culture, a pivotal component of Chinese civilization dating back to the late Neolithic period. The journal aims to foster academic exchange and collaboration, featuring diverse research areas such as new archaeological discoveries, material culture studies, social and cultural theses, comparative civilization research, scholarship history, and international perspectives. Gu Yucai, President of the Chinese Society of Cultural Relics, chairs the journal, while Bai Baoyu, Director of the Liaoning Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, serves as the editor-in-chief. The editorial board includes esteemed scholars from China and abroad, such as Jia Xiaobing, Pauline Sebillaud from France, and Christian E. Peterson from Canada. Hongshan culture is renowned for its exquisite jade artifacts, large-scale stone tombs, and goddess temples, which highlight the advanced civilization of the era and provide critical evidence for understanding the origins and development of Chinese civilization. Gu Yucai emphasized the journal’s mission to inherit the roots of Hongshan civilization, solve its mysteries through innovation, and promote international exchange. Chu Tianyun, Vice-Governor of Liaoning Province, pledged full support for the journal, envisioning it as a platform for cross-regional and interdisciplinary research to revitalize Hongshan culture in the modern era.
-
Shenzhen hailed as ideal choice for hosting APEC
Shenzhen, the bustling metropolis in Guangdong province, has been chosen to host the 33rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting in 2026. This announcement has thrust the city into the global limelight, garnering widespread recognition and praise. This marks the third time China will host APEC, following Beijing in 2001 and Shanghai in 2014. The selection of Shenzhen is seen as both fitting and significant, reflecting its role as a beacon of China’s reform, opening-up, and modernization.
Shenzhen’s transformation from a modest fishing village to a global economic powerhouse is nothing short of remarkable. In 2024, its GDP reached 3.68 trillion yuan ($516.73 billion), a staggering leap from 270 million yuan in 1980. The city also cemented its status as China’s top foreign trade hub, with total import and export values hitting 4.5 trillion yuan. Shenzhen’s alignment with APEC’s core values of open trade, digital transformation, and sustainable growth makes it an ideal host.
Experts highlight Shenzhen’s symbolic importance. Dai Yonghong, dean of Shenzhen University’s College of International Studies, emphasized that the city serves as a window into China’s development model and a testament to its reform success. ‘Through Shenzhen, China will showcase its path to modernization, particularly to developing nations,’ Dai noted.
As a hub of technological innovation, Shenzhen is home to global giants like Huawei, Tencent, and DJI, underscoring China’s commitment to high-quality development and self-reliance in science and technology. Zeng Guosong, secretary-general of the International SparkLink Alliance, sees APEC 2026 as a platform to highlight Shenzhen’s advancements in sectors like wireless communication and foster international collaboration.
The event is also a source of pride for local residents. Ding Hui, a 22-year-old graduate student, expressed enthusiasm about volunteering and sharing the city’s spirit of openness and innovation with global leaders. Meanwhile, Ma Jiangtao, founding director of the Doctorate Association in Shenzhen, plans to leverage APEC to promote talent exchanges and innovation cooperation.
Hosting APEC 2026 will further test and enhance Shenzhen’s capabilities in conference organization, urban management, and international exchanges. Guo Wanda of the China Development Institute views the event as a milestone that will elevate Shenzhen’s global profile and drive improvements in its soft power and infrastructure.
-
UAE resumes food aid deliveries worth Dh43 million as soon as Gaza’s borders open
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has recommenced its humanitarian efforts in Gaza, delivering food aid worth Dh43 million ($11.7 million) as soon as the region’s border crossings reopened. This initiative, led by the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives (MBRGI) in collaboration with the UN World Food Programme (WFP), aims to provide essential food supplies and relief parcels to the most vulnerable families in Gaza. The aid is part of the UAE’s broader commitment to supporting the Palestinian people through land, sea, and air deliveries. The recent efforts follow a January 2024 announcement by MBRGI to contribute Dh43 million in direct food aid, benefiting one million individuals in the Gaza Strip. This initiative is a continuation of the UAE’s long-standing humanitarian legacy, which included Dh50 million in urgent aid in 2023 and a 71.6-ton shipment of medical supplies delivered via Egypt’s El Arish port in September 2024. Additionally, MBRGI pledged Dh37 million ($10 million) in January 2024 to bolster Gaza’s health sector, focusing on essential medical supplies for children. Samer AbdelJaber, WFP Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa, and Eastern Europe, praised the partnership, stating that it reflects a shared commitment to alleviating suffering and offering hope to Gaza’s population. These efforts underscore MBRGI’s dedication to making a tangible impact in Gaza and strengthening its strategic alliance with WFP.
-
Trump says China’s Xi has assured him that he won’t take action on Taiwan during Republican’s term
In a recent interview with CBS’s ’60 Minutes,’ President Donald Trump revealed that Chinese President Xi Jinping has assured him that Beijing will not pursue its long-standing goal of unifying Taiwan with mainland China during Trump’s presidency. This assurance came despite the issue of Taiwan not being a primary topic in their recent discussions in South Korea, which largely centered on U.S.-China trade tensions. Trump expressed confidence in Xi’s commitment, stating, ‘He has openly said, and his people have openly said at meetings, ‘We would never do anything while President Trump is president,’ because they know the consequences.’
The U.S. has long been wary of China’s potential military actions against Taiwan, a self-governing democracy that Beijing claims as part of its territory. The 1979 Taiwan Relations Act governs U.S. relations with Taiwan, emphasizing the provision of resources for Taiwan’s self-defense and the prevention of any unilateral changes to its status by Beijing. However, the Act does not mandate U.S. military intervention in the event of a Chinese invasion.
When questioned about whether he would deploy U.S. forces to defend Taiwan if attacked, Trump remained noncommittal, adhering to the U.S. policy of ‘strategic ambiguity.’ This policy, maintained by both Republican and Democratic administrations, avoids clear indications of whether the U.S. would intervene militarily in such a scenario. ‘You’ll find out if it happens, and he understands the answer to that,’ Trump remarked regarding Xi.
The Chinese embassy in Washington has yet to comment on Trump’s statements, and the White House has not provided additional details on when Xi or Chinese officials communicated this assurance to Trump. The ’60 Minutes’ interview, recorded at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, is part of a broader segment scheduled to air later Sunday.