The Trump administration has confirmed its involvement in a controversial initiative to construct housing for thousands of ‘screened’ Palestinians in Israeli-occupied Gaza, according to a report by The New York Times. The project, named ‘Alternative Safe Communities,’ is spearheaded by a team of US officials and former Department of Government Efficiency (Doge) workers, operating from luxury hotels in Tel Aviv. Aryeh Lightstone, a senior Trump administration official and former advisor to US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, is leading the effort, reporting directly to Jared Kushner, Trump’s son-in-law and advisor. The plan, which aims to relocate Palestinians to Israeli-controlled areas, has drawn criticism from Arab officials and raises questions about funding and land ownership. The initiative, still in its early stages, involves clearing rubble in Rafah, near Gaza’s border with Egypt, and constructing prefabricated homes, with costs estimated in the tens of millions of dollars. However, no US sovereign funds have been pledged, with Trump suggesting Gulf states should finance the project. The plan also faces legal and ethical challenges, particularly regarding Palestinian land rights and the broader implications of relocating populations in a conflict zone.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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At least 55 dead as Hong Kong firefighters battle burning towers for a second day
A devastating fire at the Wang Fuk Court residential complex in Hong Kong’s Tai Po district has claimed 55 lives, marking one of the deadliest blazes in the city’s modern history. The fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon, engulfed seven of the complex’s eight buildings, with thick smoke and flames still visible on Thursday evening. Over 70 people were injured, and approximately 900 residents were evacuated to temporary shelters. Authorities reported that 51 victims were found dead at the scene, while four others succumbed to injuries in hospitals. One firefighter also lost his life in the tragedy. Hong Kong leader John Lee revealed that contact had been lost with 279 individuals, raising concerns about the number of people still trapped. Firefighters managed to extinguish flames in four buildings by Thursday afternoon, with the remaining three under control. The fire originated from bamboo scaffolding and construction netting, spreading rapidly due to windy conditions and suspected substandard fire-resistant materials. Three individuals, including directors and an engineering consultant from a construction company, were arrested on suspicion of manslaughter. Police seized documents from the office of Prestige Construction & Engineering Company, which was overseeing renovations at the complex. The incident has prompted an anti-corruption probe and calls for stricter safety regulations, including the replacement of bamboo scaffolding with metal alternatives. The tragedy has reignited debates about fire safety standards in Hong Kong’s densely populated residential areas.
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Sarah R Jay unveils her new number “Streets of Gold”
Sarah R Jay, the Italian-Venezuelan singer and composer based in the UAE, has once again captivated audiences with her latest mini-album, ‘Streets of Gold’. The EP, comprising three tracks, delves into the profound themes of war, loss, and the enduring hope for transcendence. Since her debut in 2024, Sarah has established herself as a unique voice in electronic and cinematic pop, blending social consciousness with musical artistry. Her previous works, such as ‘Sea of Sorrow’ and ‘300 Fallen Heroes’, have already showcased her ability to address pressing social issues through her music. ‘Streets of Gold’ continues this tradition, focusing on the families left behind by war, rather than the soldiers on the battlefield. The title track features the poignant line, ‘Trading our youth for streets of gold,’ a metaphor for the young lives lost and the hope that they find peace in the afterlife. Sarah’s music is not just a form of entertainment but a call for empathy and change, urging listeners to reflect on the human cost of conflict. With a strong social media presence and a growing fan base, Sarah R Jay is rapidly becoming one of the most influential artists in the UAE’s music scene.
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Protesters arrested outside High Court as Palestine Action fights UK terror ban
In a dramatic turn of events, London police arrested protesters outside the High Court on Wednesday as they demonstrated against the UK government’s decision to designate Palestine Action as a terrorist organization. The protest, marked by placards reading ‘I oppose genocide, I support Palestine Action,’ saw dozens gather behind the Royal Courts of Justice in Central London. The demonstration coincided with the commencement of a judicial review into the government’s controversial ban on the direct-action group. Among those detained was a pensioner affiliated with Defend Our Juries, who struggled to walk to a police van after being apprehended. Other protesters resorted to passive resistance, forcing officers to physically carry them away. Inside the court, lawyers representing Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, argued that the ban had a chilling effect, citing numerous arrests across the UK in opposition to the proscription. Raza Husain KC, representing Ammori, emphasized that Palestine Action’s tactics of civil disobedience aimed to prevent serious violations of international law by targeting premises linked to Israeli and British arms companies. Husain also noted that the government’s own security assessments found no evidence of the group advocating violence against individuals. The Home Office, represented by James Eadie KC, defended the ban as a necessary measure to disrupt the group’s activities, which include damaging property to hinder the supply chain of weapons to Israel. The trial is set to continue on Thursday, with Defend Our Juries vowing to persist in their opposition to the ban.
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New Zealand launches major inquiry into case of father who hid his children in a forest for years
The New Zealand government has initiated a comprehensive public inquiry into the handling of a high-profile case involving a father who disappeared with his three children into the wilderness for several years before being fatally shot by police. The inquiry, announced by Attorney General Judith Collins, will scrutinize whether government agencies took all necessary steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the children, who were subjected to harsh living conditions without access to healthcare or education. Tom Phillips vanished with his children, aged 5, 7, and 8, from Marokopa in December 2021. The children were discovered at a makeshift campsite in September 2023, hours after Phillips was killed during a confrontation with police following a robbery. The incident, which left a police officer critically injured, has sparked widespread outrage and raised questions about the effectiveness of law enforcement efforts during the family’s prolonged disappearance. The inquiry, led by prominent lawyer and former High Court judge Simon Moore, will examine the actions of officials and deliver its findings by July 2026. The case has gripped New Zealand, prompting debates about the handling of family court proceedings and the adequacy of search efforts. The inquiry will also address concerns about the secrecy surrounding the case and the potential involvement of accomplices in aiding Phillips during his years in hiding.
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Foreign visitors will now pay a lot more to visit US national parks
Starting January 1, international visitors to US national parks will face a significant fee hike as part of the Department of the Interior’s ‘America First’ policy. The annual pass, now rebranded as ‘America the Beautiful,’ will remain at $80 for US residents but will skyrocket to $250 for nonresidents. Additionally, visitors without an annual pass will be charged an extra $100 per person to enter 11 of the most popular national parks, on top of the standard entrance fee. This means a family of four from abroad will pay $480 to visit the Grand Canyon National Park, up from the current $80. The affected parks include iconic destinations such as Yellowstone, Yosemite, and Zion National Parks. Furthermore, the 10 annual fee-free days, which previously allowed all visitors free entry, will now be exclusive to US citizens and permanent residents. These days include Presidents’ Day, Flag Day, and President Trump’s birthday. The policy aims to prioritize US taxpayers, who already fund the National Park System, while ensuring international visitors contribute more to park maintenance and improvements. The fee restructuring follows layoffs of thousands of national park employees earlier this year and proposed budget cuts, raising concerns about the future of park preservation. Critics, including Athan Manuel of the Sierra Club, argue that these changes favor corporate interests over environmental protection, potentially jeopardizing the nation’s natural heritage.
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Most Mena hospitals up to 18 months away from AI readiness, reveals expert
Hospitals across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region are still six to 18 months away from achieving full readiness for large-scale artificial intelligence (AI) implementation, according to industry experts. Despite significant enthusiasm and rapid investments in AI, most institutions lack the essential foundational processes, governance frameworks, and leadership awareness required for safe and effective deployment. Brian de Francesca, Special Envoy for AI and Synthetic Workforce Development at the Arab Hospitals Federation, highlighted this gap during the DATE summit in Dubai, emphasizing that AI adoption is not merely a software purchase but a comprehensive organizational transformation. He noted that many leaders are unaware of AI’s current capabilities, limitations, and associated risks. Sid Ahmed Benraouane, an advisor to the Dubai Government, stressed the importance of visionary leadership in harnessing AI’s potential, warning that without proper safeguards, organizations risk deploying poorly understood systems. Aditya Balaraman, AI innovation lead at Magure, echoed these concerns, pointing out that while ambition is abundant in the region, a clear roadmap is essential for sustainable AI integration. He emphasized that AI could serve as a levelling technology, enabling lower-income markets to catch up if the right investments are made.
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‘I panic every time she coughs’ – Delhi’s toxic air is making its children sick
Delhi, the Indian capital, is grappling with a severe air pollution crisis, with children emerging as the most vulnerable victims. Hospitals across the city are witnessing a surge in young patients suffering from respiratory issues, a direct consequence of the hazardous air quality. The situation has reached alarming levels, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) consistently hovering between 300 and 400, far exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended limit. Fine particulate matter (PM2.5), which can penetrate deep into the lungs, is a major contributor to the health crisis. Pediatric clinics are overwhelmed, with doctors reporting a tenfold increase in pollution-related illnesses among children. Dr. Shishir Bhatnagar, a pediatrician in Noida, noted that 50-70% of his patients during the pollution season suffer from breathing difficulties, compared to 20-30% in normal times. The government has implemented emergency measures, including halting construction and banning polluting vehicles, but these efforts have failed to curb the smog. Parents like Khushboo Bharti, whose one-year-old daughter Samaira was hospitalized with pneumonia, are living in constant fear. Research underscores the long-term health risks for children, including stunted development, weakened immunity, and cognitive impairments. A recent study from the University of Cambridge linked air pollution to a higher risk of dementia. Many families are considering relocating to safer environments, but for the economically disadvantaged, escape is not an option. Dr. A Fathahudeen, a pulmonologist, warns that chronic exposure to pollution can lead to irreversible lung damage in children. While schools have shifted to hybrid learning and outdoor activities have been curtailed, parents question how long they can keep their children indoors. The crisis has sparked protests and calls for urgent action to protect the health of Delhi’s youngest residents.
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US: ICE detains mother of press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has detained Bruna Ferreira, the mother of White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt’s nephew, according to multiple media reports. The 33-year-old Brazilian national was taken into custody in Revere, Massachusetts, earlier this month and is currently held at an ICE facility in Louisiana. The exact date of her detention remains unclear, though initial reports suggest it occurred in early November. Ferreira was initially transferred to a women’s prison in Vermont before being moved to South Louisiana. She is now facing removal proceedings due to allegations that her family overstayed a tourist visa that expired in 1999, as confirmed by Department of Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin. Ferreira, who arrived in the U.S. as a child in 1998, has an 11-year-old son with Michael Leavitt, Karoline’s brother. The couple was engaged in 2014 but later separated, and they currently share custody of the child. Ferreira’s sister, Graziela Dos Santos Rodrigues, revealed that Ferreira was detained while en route to pick up her son from school in New Hampshire. Ferreira had previously benefited from the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which provides temporary protection from deportation and work authorization, but was unable to renew her legal status. Her attorneys are reportedly seeking permanent residence for her. Karoline Leavitt, a prominent advocate of the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies, has not publicly commented on the matter. Dos Santos Rodrigues expressed disappointment, stating that Leavitt has not reached out to offer assistance, despite their familial ties. She also criticized suggestions from Michael Leavitt and his father that Ferreira should self-deport, emphasizing that Brazil is not her home. The Department of Homeland Security has yet to respond to requests for comment.
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Shark attack in Australia leaves woman dead, man critically injured
A tragic shark attack occurred off the east coast of Australia on Thursday, resulting in the death of a woman and severe injuries to a man, according to police reports. The incident took place at Crowdy Bay, located 360 kilometers (224 miles) north of Sydney, at approximately 6:30 a.m. Emergency services were swiftly dispatched to the scene after receiving reports of the attack. Witnesses provided immediate assistance to the victims before paramedics arrived. Despite their efforts, the woman succumbed to her injuries at the scene. The man, who sustained critical injuries, was airlifted by helicopter to a nearby hospital for urgent medical attention. Authorities have not yet disclosed specific details about the circumstances surrounding the attack. Police have announced plans to collaborate with marine experts to identify the species of shark involved. Following the incident, the beach within Crowdy Bay National Park was closed to swimmers as a precautionary measure. The park is renowned for its beach camping, fishing spots, and hiking trails. This incident follows a similar tragedy in September, when a man in his 50s was fatally attacked by a shark off Sydney’s Long Reef Beach, with sections of his surfboard recovered from the scene.