A militia group supported by Israel, accused of looting humanitarian aid in Gaza, has been authorized to lead the rehabilitation efforts in Rafah city, according to reports from Israeli media. The Popular Forces, led by former smuggler Yasser Abu Shabab, will facilitate operations in areas under their control. Israeli sources confirmed the plan but noted that there is no broader strategy for anti-Hamas militias post-Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza. Abu Shabab describes the group as opposing Hamas’s rule, yet it faces allegations of extortion, aid theft, and collaboration with the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Fund (GHF), which has been linked to the deaths of hundreds of Palestinians at aid sites. Some members of the Popular Forces are also reportedly connected to the Islamic State. Israel’s support for the group is part of a broader effort to weaken Hamas’s dominance in Gaza. Palestinian sources revealed that Abu Shabab’s associates have met with senior US officials. Areas controlled by the Popular Forces have received aid and resources, largely due to systematic looting, as highlighted in a 2024 UN report. Despite a ceasefire announcement in October, Israel’s continued attacks in Gaza have resulted in significant casualties, with over 69,179 deaths, including 20,000 children, since October 2023. The military campaign has been widely condemned as genocide.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
China’s power battery industry records nearly 50% jump in sales
China’s power battery industry has maintained its global leadership for the eighth consecutive year, achieving a remarkable 48.9% year-on-year sales growth in the first three quarters of 2025. According to Wan Gang, president of the China Association for Science and Technology, the industry’s sales volume reached 786 gigawatt-hours (GWh) during this period. Speaking at the 2025 World Power Battery Conference in Yibin, Sichuan province, Wan also highlighted that power battery exports surged by 32.7% to 129 GWh. This robust growth has significantly bolstered China’s new energy vehicle (NEV) sector, which recorded sales of 6.937 million units in the first half of 2025, marking a 40.3% increase. Despite these achievements, Wan emphasized ongoing challenges, including the need to enhance battery performance for all-climate and full-scenario applications, improve upstream resource supply, and strengthen downstream recycling systems. He called for diversified technological innovation, intelligent management technologies, and the development of new application models to ensure sustainable growth. The conference also saw the signing of 180 green energy projects worth 86.13 billion yuan ($12.1 billion), expected to generate 90 billion yuan in output and create 30,000 jobs.
-
6-month extension granted to correct status of runaway domestic workers in Saudi Arabia
In a significant move to support ongoing labor market reforms, Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development (HRSD) has granted a six-month extension for domestic workers with irregular legal status to regularize their residency. This initiative specifically targets workers reported as absent (huroob) who remain in the Kingdom, offering them a chance to correct their status without penalties. The grace period, effective from November 11, 2025, allows new employers to utilize the Musaned platform to complete the necessary procedures seamlessly. Musaned, the official Saudi digital platform for domestic worker recruitment, was launched to enhance transparency, streamline processes, and safeguard the rights of both employers and employees. The ministry emphasized that this step aligns with the government’s broader efforts to promote fairness, safety, and opportunity in the labor market, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s commitment to labor reforms and equitable employment practices. Notably, this is the second such initiative in 2025, following a similar six-month grace period announced in May, which applied to cases initiated before the announcement date.
-
Alan Walker lights up Dubai restaurant with surprise set
Dubai’s vibrant dining scene witnessed an unexpected fusion of music and gastronomy as global DJ sensation Alan Walker delivered a surprise performance at Kasumigaseki, the contemporary Japanese restaurant located in Vida Emirates Hills. Fresh from his headline act at the Untold Festival, Walker captivated the intimate venue with a high-energy set, featuring his chart-topping hits like ‘Alone’ and ‘Faded’. The evening kicked off with UAE’s own DJ Bliss, who warmed up the crowd with his signature urban beats, setting the stage for an unforgettable night. Kasumigaseki, known for its unique blend of Tokyo’s street culture and Japanese culinary artistry, temporarily transformed into a pulsating music hub, showcasing Dubai’s ability to turn even a dinner outing into a headline-worthy event. Since its opening earlier this year, the restaurant has quickly become a staple in Dubai’s fine dining landscape, and Walker’s impromptu performance further cemented its reputation as a destination for extraordinary experiences.
-
From barren to bounty: Dunhuang’s ‘golden eggs’
In the arid region of Dunhuang, Gansu province, where evaporation rates surpass rainfall by 50 times, a remarkable agricultural transformation is underway. Once considered barren and unsuitable for farming, the land is now flourishing, yielding what locals proudly refer to as ‘golden eggs.’ This dramatic change is attributed to the innovative application of subsurface drip irrigation and organic soil treatment techniques. These methods ensure water is delivered directly to plant roots while simultaneously pushing away harmful salts, revitalizing the soil. The success of the Dunhuang Model stands as a testament to the power of science and perseverance in converting extreme landscapes into productive farmland. This breakthrough not only boosts local agriculture but also offers valuable insights for other regions facing similar environmental challenges.
-
Hainan unveils 2026 Marine Tourism Year to boost tourism
Hainan Province has officially launched its 2026 Marine Tourism Year with a grand ceremony in Wanning City, marking a significant step in promoting the island’s coastal culture and expanding its marine tourism sector. The event, held at Riyue Bay—a globally acclaimed surfing destination—featured international surfers showcasing Hainan’s pristine beaches and diverse water sports. This initiative aims to bolster Hainan’s marine economy and transition the province’s tourism model from traditional coastal sightseeing to immersive, activity-based experiences. Under the theme ‘Coasts in Hainan, Joys of Journey,’ the 2026 program will introduce 60 high-quality marine tourism products, including tourism projects, water sports, and festivals. Additionally, ten core island-wide itineraries, such as coastal relaxation tours and immersive ocean experiences, are planned. Hainan already boasts a robust coastal infrastructure, including three national-level and three provincial-level resorts, 19 marine-themed scenic areas, 137 seaview lodgings, nine marine culture streets, five nighttime cultural zones, and 14 water sports bases. The campaign targets attracting 18 million marine tourism visitors and generating over 40 billion yuan in revenue by 2027. To assist visitors, a ‘Hainan Marine Tourism Guide (2026)’ was released. The launch ceremony took place at the China Tourism Group Riyue Bay Surf Resort, the country’s first surfing-themed destination. Located along the Hainan Coastal Scenic Highway, the resort integrates a surf park, theme hotels, and a commercial district, offering an all-weather, immersive experience. The resort features China’s first Olympic-standard artificial wave pool, capable of producing 23 different wave types to cater to both beginners and professional surfers. This development aligns with Hainan’s strategic shift toward multidimensional and deep-experience marine tourism, upgrading the product offering from simple sightseeing to a composite format focused on attracting international younger visitors.
-
Paul Pogba among 70 athletes calling on Uefa to ban Israel
A coalition of 70 prominent athletes, including former Manchester United star Paul Pogba, has urged UEFA to suspend Israel from international football competitions. The letter, addressed to UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, was coordinated by advocacy groups Game Over Israel and Athletes 4 Peace. It accuses Israel of committing genocide, apartheid, and crimes against humanity, and calls for its exclusion to prevent the normalization of such actions in the sporting world. The campaign gained momentum after reports in September suggested that a majority of UEFA’s executive committee supported suspending Israel over its actions in Gaza. However, a planned vote was delayed following a ceasefire proposal by former US President Donald Trump. Critics, including Game Over Israel’s campaign director Ashish Prashar, argue that the pause in action reflects either naivety or deliberate inaction. The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) recently approved a motion to formally request Israel’s suspension, with 74 members voting in favor. Similar calls have emerged from other UEFA member nations, including Norway and Turkey. The athletes’ letter highlights the participation of teams from illegal settlements in Israeli football leagues as a violation of international law and asserts that UEFA’s funding and support for the Israel Football Association (IFA) may implicate the organization in these violations. Signatories include Fulham’s Adama Traoré, Morocco’s Hakim Ziyech, and former Leicester manager Nigel Pearson. UEFA’s potential vote on the matter could occur by the end of the month, according to sources close to the campaign. The athletes emphasized that no international platform should welcome a regime accused of such crimes, citing historical precedents like the suspension of apartheid South Africa, Germany, Yugoslavia, and Russia. UEFA previously displayed a banner condemning Israel’s actions during the European Super Cup final in August. The campaign’s success could pressure FIFA to act, though the global body faces counter-pressure from the US, which has vowed to prevent Israel’s exclusion from the 2026 World Cup. Despite these efforts, Israel’s chances of qualifying for the tournament remain slim.
-
China’s courier sector posts record-breaking growth during ‘Double 11’ shopping festival
China’s courier industry has set new benchmarks during the annual ‘Double 11’ shopping festival, with daily parcel handling reaching an unprecedented 777 million, as reported by the State Post Bureau of China. From October 21 to November 11, postal and courier companies across the nation managed an astonishing 13.94 billion parcels, averaging 634 million per day—a 117.8 percent increase over the usual daily volume. This remarkable achievement highlights the sector’s enhanced capability to handle the massive surge in demand during major shopping events. The bureau credited this growth to vigorous online consumption, fueled by extensive promotional efforts from e-commerce platforms. The sustained expansion of the express delivery market underscores its crucial role in supporting consumption upgrades and bolstering the real economy. These record figures not only reflect the resilience of China’s consumer market but also the efficiency of its logistics network, which continues to ensure the smooth circulation of goods and drive economic growth.
-
OMODA&JAECOO marks 2,000 car sales milestone in UAE with exclusive one-day offer
OMODA&JAECOO, the globally recognized automotive brand, has reached a significant milestone by selling 2,000 vehicles in the UAE within less than a year of its official launch in February 2025. To commemorate this achievement, the brand has announced an exclusive one-day offer, dubbed the ‘Best Offer of the Year,’ available at all six of its UAE showrooms on November 16, 2025. The details of this attractive deal will only be revealed to customers who visit the showrooms on the day. This initiative aims to reward loyal customers and further strengthen the brand’s market presence in the region. The parent company of OMODA&JAECOO has also been recognized for its global success, securing the 233rd position on the 2025 Fortune Global 500 list and surpassing 5 million vehicle exports worldwide. This ‘Dual 500’ achievement highlights the company’s rapid international growth and commitment to innovation in the automotive industry. Additionally, OMODA&JAECOO has enhanced its regional visibility through a high-profile advertising campaign at Dubai International Airport, showcasing its upcoming models, the JAECOO J8 SHS and OMODA C7. This campaign has captured the attention of millions of travelers, further solidifying the brand’s reputation for bold design and advanced hybrid technology. Since its debut, OMODA&JAECOO has gained a strong foothold in the UAE market, appealing to drivers who value sophistication, innovation, and driving excitement. Shawn Xu, CEO of OMODA & JAECOO Automobile International, expressed pride in the brand’s accomplishments and gratitude for the support of UAE customers. The exclusive one-day offer is a gesture of appreciation to the brand’s growing customer base, inviting them to experience its award-winning vehicle lineup at showrooms in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah.
-
‘Pakistan Idol’: Giving back a nation its voice
In a nation often overshadowed by crises, ‘Pakistan Idol’ emerges as a beacon of hope and a testament to the indomitable spirit of its people. This groundbreaking nationwide singing competition, airing every Saturday and Sunday, has become a cultural phenomenon, showcasing the dreams, aspirations, and raw talent of young Pakistanis from cities like Karachi, Lahore, Sukkur, Multan, Islamabad, and Rawalpindi. From students to mothers with infants in tow, contestants from diverse backgrounds are seizing their moment in the spotlight, reviving Pakistan’s rich musical heritage and introducing it to new audiences.
Beyond its captivating performances, ‘Pakistan Idol’ symbolizes a broader societal shift. It reaffirms the belief in meritocracy, challenging the dominance of family clout, financial privilege, and favoritism. Through a flood of cellphone votes, ordinary Pakistanis are reclaiming their voice, demonstrating that talent can indeed triumph over adversity. The show also serves as a powerful reminder of Pakistan’s unparalleled musical legacy, from the timeless ghazals of Mehdi Hassan to the genre-defying innovations of ‘Coke Studio.’ In a country often divided by language and class, music has become a unifying force, bridging gaps and fostering a sense of shared identity.
For the Pakistani diaspora, ‘Pakistan Idol’ offers a nostalgic connection to their roots, while its global streaming potential promises to introduce international audiences to the country’s burgeoning musical talent. The inclusion of female contestants, who defy societal norms by pursuing their passion for music, adds another layer of significance, paving the way for future generations of women artists.
Despite its success, the show has not been without controversy, particularly regarding the selection of its judges—Zeb Bangash, Bilal Maqsood, Fawad Khan, and Rahat Fateh Ali Khan. While their diverse expertise and constructive feedback have been widely praised, the choice has sparked debate, underscoring the challenges of pleasing a diverse audience.
Ultimately, ‘Pakistan Idol’ is more than a reality show; it is a reflection of Pakistan’s zeitgeist, brimming with ambition, resilience, and creativity. As these young artists redefine their reality to match their dreams, they are not only revitalizing Pakistan’s music scene but also inspiring a nation to believe in the power of possibility.