The Turkish government is advancing plans to deploy hundreds of soldiers to Gaza as part of an international peacekeeping force, according to sources familiar with the matter. The proposed brigade, estimated to include at least 2,000 personnel, is being assembled from various army branches with prior experience in peacekeeping and conflict zones. This contingent would join a multinational stabilization force in Gaza, as part of a broader peace plan brokered by former US President Donald Trump, which envisions Turkey as a key player in post-war reconstruction and security arrangements. However, the initiative faces opposition from Israel, and a UN resolution authorizing the deployment has yet to be passed. Israeli government spokesperson Shosh Bedrosian stated unequivocally, ‘There will be no Turkish boots on the ground,’ citing Israel’s reluctance to accept a strong NATO ally operating under a UN mandate in the enclave. Turkish officials, meanwhile, emphasize that their participation would focus on ceasefire implementation, humanitarian recovery, and border control, rather than enforcement actions. Ankara has also highlighted its role in facilitating the return of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin’s remains to Israel, a gesture aimed at fostering goodwill. The final decision on the force’s scope and mandate is expected following consultations between the UN and regional stakeholders in the coming weeks. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan has reiterated that Turkey’s involvement is contingent on a clear UN Security Council mandate, while President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has signaled readiness to deploy troops if required. The Trump administration has framed the multinational force as essential for lasting peace in Gaza, with plans to establish a ‘Board of Peace’ chaired by Trump himself, a move that critics argue would grant Washington unprecedented control over the operation. As negotiations continue, the international community watches closely, with Turkey positioning itself as a stabilizing force in the volatile region.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Media Track at BRIDGE Summit 2025 to confront the global credibility crisis and the economics of influence
The BRIDGE Summit 2025, set to take place from December 8–10 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), will feature the Media Track as one of its seven core pillars. This groundbreaking event, the world’s largest debut media gathering, will bring together over 100 global editors, founders, policymakers, and investors across 50+ sessions. The Media Track aims to tackle the pressing challenges of media credibility, influence economics, and the evolving global information ecosystem. Amidst a decade of transformative shifts in media—from the rise of streaming and social platforms to the advent of artificial intelligence—the Summit will explore how cross-sector collaboration can foster a more resilient, credible, and inclusive media landscape. Key themes include the impact of capital, technology, and philanthropy on editorial independence, the ethics of credibility in an age of synthetic content, and the redefinition of audience engagement in a fragmented media world. Sessions such as “Money Talks: Who’s Funding the News You Read?” and “The Threshold of Truth” will delve into the complexities of modern media ownership, transparency, and sustainability. The Media Track will also feature an impressive lineup of industry leaders, including Gary Vaynerchuk, Moira Forbes, and Jessica Sibley, who will share insights on rebuilding trust and innovation in media. Hosted in Abu Dhabi, the Summit underscores the UAE’s role as a global hub for dialogue and cooperation, while advancing the integration of technology, finance, policy, and culture in the media ecosystem.
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Cross-talk performance at Great Wall in Tianjin attracts over 1,500 spectators
A captivating open-air cross-talk performance was held at the Huangyaguan section of the Great Wall in Tianjin on Saturday, attracting over 1,500 enthusiastic spectators. This unique event brought traditional Chinese comedy to the historic mountain setting, blending humor with cultural heritage in an unforgettable experience. Departing from the confines of conventional indoor theaters, the performance took place against the majestic backdrop of ancient fortifications that once served as a vital military stronghold. The show featured five distinct cross-talk segments, each skillfully crafted to entertain while paying homage to China’s rich cultural traditions. The Huangyaguan Great Wall, renowned for its scenic beauty and historical significance, provided a fitting stage for this cultural celebration. The event not only showcased the enduring appeal of cross-talk, a beloved form of Chinese comedy, but also highlighted the potential of historic sites to serve as venues for cultural and artistic expression. Spectators praised the seamless integration of humor and history, making the performance a memorable highlight of the season.
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Israeli settlers torch factories and farmland in massive West Bank arson raid
In a disturbing escalation of violence, Israeli settlers launched a coordinated arson attack on Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, November 12, 2025. The assault targeted an industrial area east of Tulkarm, near Beit Lid, where masked settlers set fire to a dairy factory, surrounding farmland, multiple buildings, and trucks. The flames spread to a nearby nomadic Palestinian community, destroying their tents. At least four Palestinians were injured as settlers hurled rocks at those attempting to resist the attack. Israeli forces reportedly accompanied and protected the settlers during the assault, further exacerbating tensions.
This incident is part of a broader surge in settler violence that has intensified since October 2023, with a sharp increase in attacks during the olive harvest season—a critical source of income for thousands of Palestinian families. According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, over 2,350 attacks were recorded in October 2025 alone, with 1,584 directly carried out by the Israeli army. These assaults include physical violence, the uprooting of olive trees, the burning of fields, and the obstruction of farmers’ access to their land.
In addition to the arson attack, settlers fenced off Palestinian land in the northern Jordan Valley, preventing farmers from working and undermining their livelihoods. Meanwhile, in occupied East Jerusalem, over 200 settlers entered the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under Israeli police protection, performing Talmudic prayers and rituals while barring Muslim worshippers from entering.
The violence extends beyond property destruction. On Sunday, November 10, settlers attacked a Palestinian community in al-Ara’ara, north of Jerusalem, injuring at least seven people and torching livestock sheds. Similar incidents occurred in Mount Sabih, south of Nablus, where masked settlers armed with clubs assaulted farmers, journalists, and foreign activists during the olive harvest. Among the injured were Reuters photographer Raneen Sawafta, Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammed al-Atrash, and photographer Louay Saeed.
UN bodies and international human rights organizations have condemned the escalating violence. Ajith Sunghay, head of the UN Human Rights Office in Palestine, warned that the attacks aim to sever Palestinians’ connection to their land, facilitate illegal settlement expansion, and dispossess communities. He emphasized the cultural and economic significance of olive cultivation, which represents livelihood, lineage, and resilience for Palestinians.
The international community continues to call for accountability, as most settlers involved in such attacks are rarely prosecuted. The ongoing violence underscores the urgent need for intervention to protect Palestinian lives and livelihoods in the occupied West Bank.
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China sees rise in influenza, rhinovirus, and other respiratory infectious diseases
China is currently grappling with a significant uptick in respiratory and intestinal infectious diseases, according to the National Disease Control and Prevention Administration. During a recent press briefing, spokesperson Xi Jingjing highlighted the rising prevalence of influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, rhinovirus, and other acute respiratory infections. Additionally, norovirus infections, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and other intestinal illnesses are circulating at elevated levels, particularly in schools and childcare facilities. Wang Dayan, director of the Chinese National Influenza Center, noted that flu activity is increasing nationwide, with the H3N2 subtype of influenza A dominating over 95% of cases. The remaining cases are attributed to the H1N1 influenza A strain and influenza B. With 23 provincial-level regions reaching a medium level of influenza activity, the administration anticipates a continued rise in cases as the peak flu season approaches from late December to early January. Authorities are urging the public, especially vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children, and individuals with underlying health conditions, to get vaccinated promptly and enhance personal protection in crowded spaces. Meanwhile, the risk of imported vector-borne diseases like chikungunya fever and dengue fever persists, particularly in southern provinces.
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Zhang Chaoyang emphasized active thinking in AI era
At the 2025 World Internet Conference Wuzhen Summit, Zhang Chaoyang, the founder and CEO of Sohu, highlighted the critical need for original and authentic thinking in the age of artificial intelligence. He warned that over-reliance on AI could lead to a loss of creative and intellectual capabilities. ‘If we delegate all our thinking processes to AI, we risk losing the ability to generate new knowledge,’ Zhang stated. He emphasized that active human thinking is more crucial than ever as AI continues to evolve and integrate into various aspects of life. This call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining human creativity and innovation in a rapidly advancing technological landscape.
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CIIE concludes with record-high intended deals
The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) concluded on Monday, marking a historic milestone with intended deals valued at $83.49 billion, a 4.4 percent increase from the previous year. Wu Zhengping, deputy director of the CIIE Bureau, announced the figures during a press briefing, highlighting the event’s growing significance in global trade. This year’s expo showcased 461 new products, technologies, and services, surpassing last year’s count of 450 and setting a new benchmark for innovation. The event attracted 4,108 exhibitors, including 290 Fortune 500 companies and industry leaders, with a combined exhibition area of 367,000 square meters, both record highs. Notably, 180 multinational companies have consistently participated in all eight editions of the expo, underscoring its enduring appeal. Preparations for the 9th CIIE, scheduled for November 2026, are already underway, with companies securing approximately 80,000 square meters of exhibition space. The expo’s success reflects China’s commitment to fostering international trade and innovation, solidifying its role as a global economic powerhouse.
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New Delhi police detain dozens in anti-pollution protests
In a rare demonstration at New Delhi’s iconic India Gate, dozens of protesters were detained by police on Sunday as they demanded urgent measures to combat the city’s severe air pollution crisis. The protest, attended by people of all ages, saw participants holding banners and chanting slogans like ‘Breathing is killing us’ and ‘Our right, clear air.’ Visuals from the scene showed police forcibly removing protesters and bundling them into buses. The city’s air quality index (AQI) on Monday stood at 345, classified as ‘very poor,’ according to the Central Pollution Control Board. The AQI scale ranges from ‘good’ (0–50) to ‘severe’ (401–500).
New Delhi and its surrounding regions face a recurring winter haze caused by cold air trapping construction dust, vehicle emissions, and smoke from crop burning. This toxic mix leads to widespread respiratory illnesses. Despite efforts by authorities, including a failed cloud seeding attempt last month to induce artificial rain, pollution levels remain alarmingly high.
Opposition leaders criticized the police action, emphasizing the constitutional right to peaceful protest. Rahul Gandhi, leader of the Congress party, stated on X, ‘The right to clean air is a basic human right. Why are citizens … peacefully demanding clean air being treated like criminals?’ Meanwhile, Delhi’s Environment Minister, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling pollution, stating, ‘We will continue every possible effort to rid us of pollution.’
The protest highlights growing public frustration over the lack of effective action to address the annual pollution crisis, which has plagued the capital for years.
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‘Too dark’: Miss Universe Pakistan Roma Riaz sparks debate over beauty standards
Roma Riaz, the 27-year-old Miss Universe Pakistan 2025, has ignited a global conversation about beauty standards after her selection sparked polarizing reactions. Representing Pakistan on the international stage in Thailand, Roma, who hails from a Punjabi Christian family and was raised in the UK, has faced intense scrutiny over her skin tone and body type. Critics have questioned her suitability, citing her darker complexion, Christian faith, and foreign upbringing as deviations from the conventional Pakistani beauty ideal. Comments such as ‘too dark,’ ‘she needs to lose weight,’ and ‘not a true representation of Pakistani beauty’ have highlighted the deeply ingrained preference for lighter skin in South Asia. However, Roma has embraced the platform to challenge these biases, stating, ‘This pageant was more than just becoming Miss Universe Pakistan. It’s an answer to everyone that has ever questioned my identity.’ She emphasized that beauty is not confined to a single mould, advocating for inclusivity and diversity. Beyond beauty, Roma is committed to promoting education for girls, asserting, ‘Education is empowerment, and I want our girls to be more educated, more respected.’ Her supporters have lauded her courage, with one social media user noting, ‘Why do people find it hard to believe pale people exist in the UK and darker tones exist in Pakistan? They’re both beautiful in their own ways.’ Roma’s journey underscores the evolving standards of beauty pageants and the importance of representation in challenging societal norms.
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France’s Sarkozy says prison a ‘nightmare’ as prosecutors seek his release
Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy has labeled his incarceration a ‘nightmare’ as prosecutors seek his release pending an appeals trial over allegations of illegal campaign funding from Libya. Sarkozy, 70, entered prison on October 21, marking the first time a former European Union head of state has been jailed. A lower court in September found him guilty of conspiring to secure funding from Moamer Kadhafi’s Libya for his 2007 presidential campaign, sentencing him to five years in prison. However, the Paris Appeals Court opened a hearing on Monday to consider his release, with a decision expected imminently. Sarkozy appeared via video call from prison, describing the experience as ‘gruelling’ but acknowledged the prison staff had made it ‘bearable.’ Prosecutor Damien Brunet argued that Sarkozy’s release under judicial supervision was justified to mitigate risks of witness tampering or collusion. Sarkozy’s wife, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, and his sons were present in court to show support. The appeals trial, scheduled for March, will reassess the necessity of his pre-trial detention under French law, which requires such measures only if no alternatives exist to safeguard evidence or prevent reoffending. Sarkozy, who has faced multiple legal challenges since leaving office in 2012, remains a polarizing figure in French politics. His imprisonment has sparked debates over judicial independence and the treatment of high-profile inmates, with prison wardens criticizing the special security measures afforded to him. Meanwhile, Sarkozy’s social media accounts have highlighted the outpouring of public support, including letters and gifts sent to him during his incarceration.