The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a catastrophic health crisis, with over 1,000 Palestinians in need of medical treatment having died since the war began, according to Dr. Mohammed Abu Salmiya, director of al-Shifa Hospital. The dire situation is exacerbated by Israel’s stringent restrictions on essential medical supplies entering the Gaza Strip, leaving the already collapsing health system in ruins. Since the ceasefire began on October 11, only 10 percent of the required medical supplies have reached the besieged enclave, leaving more than 350,000 patients with chronic conditions without access to vital medication. Hospitals are overwhelmed, receiving the bodies of patients who succumb to their illnesses daily due to the lack of medicine. ‘Without treatment, their fate is death,’ Abu Salmiya warned. Additionally, 22,000 Palestinians, including 18,000 who have completed the necessary paperwork, are unable to travel abroad for treatment due to the continued closure of crossings by Israel. Women and children are among the most vulnerable, with newborn mortality rates skyrocketing from 10 percent before the war to over 40 percent now. Pregnancy-related mortality rates have also risen drastically. The crisis worsened after Israel launched a wave of heavy air strikes across Gaza, killing 104 people, including 46 children, and wounding hundreds more. Abu Salmiya described the situation as a ‘massacre,’ with the wounded dying before their eyes due to the lack of medical attention. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Palestinian Civil Defence search-and-rescue team, highlighted the severe lack of equipment, which has drastically limited their ability to carry out rescue operations. ‘Thousands of people in Gaza have died because civil defence teams were unable to reach them immediately and efficiently to rescue them,’ he explained. Israel has yet to allow heavy equipment into Gaza for use by the civil defence, with any machinery entering the enclave being used solely to retrieve the bodies of Israeli captives killed in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, Israeli forces have killed at least 68,643 Palestinians and wounded over 170,000, with most of those killed being civilians. Around 10,000 are missing and believed to be dead and buried under rubble.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Dubai’s ‘Outstanding’ schools: Here are total fees for all 23 institutions
Dubai’s educational landscape is renowned for its diversity and excellence, with the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) playing a pivotal role in guiding parents through their school selection process. The 2023-24 KHDA report highlights 23 schools in the emirate that have achieved the prestigious ‘outstanding’ rating, alongside 48 rated as ‘very good’. These evaluations extend beyond academic performance, encompassing student wellbeing, inclusivity, and alignment with international benchmarks. External assessments in key subjects further enhance the comprehensive evaluation of each institution.
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Israel carries out deadly incursion in south Lebanon
In a significant escalation of tensions, Israeli forces conducted a deadly incursion into southern Lebanon on Thursday, resulting in the killing of a municipal worker. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun swiftly responded by ordering the armed forces to confront any future Israeli incursions, emphasizing the defense of Lebanese territory and citizen safety. The Israeli military confirmed the raid, stating it targeted Hezbollah infrastructure and fired upon a ‘suspect’ deemed an immediate threat. The incident has drawn sharp condemnation from Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who labeled it a ‘flagrant aggression against Lebanese sovereignty.’
According to Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA), Israeli troops stormed the Blida municipality building, where employee Ibrahim Salameh was sleeping, and fatally shot him. The health ministry confirmed his death, and an AFP journalist documented bullet holes and bloodstains at the scene. Blida’s mayor explained that Salameh was on duty, as most homes in the area were destroyed during last year’s conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.
The Israeli military defended its actions, claiming the building was used by Hezbollah for ‘terrorist activity under the guise of civilian infrastructure.’ Meanwhile, in the nearby village of Adaisseh, Israeli forces reportedly destroyed a religious ceremony hall at dawn. This raid comes despite a November 2024 ceasefire agreement, which has not halted Israel’s regular air strikes on Lebanon, often targeting Hezbollah positions.
The UN rights commission reported that Israeli forces have killed 111 civilians in Lebanon since the ceasefire. Hezbollah, weakened by the war, faces increasing pressure from the US to disarm. During a recent meeting of ceasefire monitors, US envoy Morgan Ortagus urged the Lebanese army to fully implement its plan to bring all weapons under state control by year-end. The situation remains volatile, with fears of further escalation in the region.
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Petrofac’s downfall, shock administration send ripples across Gulf energy sector
The recent collapse of Petrofac, a once-renowned British engineering and construction giant, has sent ripples across the global energy sector, particularly in the Middle East. The company, which played a pivotal role in developing key infrastructure in the Gulf, is now under court-appointed administration following the cancellation of a €2 billion offshore wind contract in the Netherlands. This decision has left its parent company in financial turmoil, with its shares delisted from the London Stock Exchange and its future hanging in the balance.
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Beijing completes over 60 Great Wall emergency reinforcement projects in five years
Over the course of the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Beijing has successfully completed more than 60 emergency reinforcement projects on the Great Wall, restoring over 20 kilometers of its historic structure. This significant achievement was announced by municipal authorities on Wednesday, highlighting the city’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage. Huo Zhijing, deputy director of the publicity department of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, emphasized the integration of the Great Wall’s protection with the conservation of the Central Axis and ancient capital structures, forming a comprehensive cultural heritage conservation system. Chu Jianhao, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Cultural Heritage Bureau, noted that Beijing has pioneered a unique approach by embedding archaeological research throughout the restoration process. This method ensures that every phase of repair is informed by detailed research, enhancing the authenticity and historical accuracy of the restoration efforts. Additionally, adjustments to protection zones and improved monitoring mechanisms have been implemented to better manage both the Great Wall and its surrounding environment. To further enhance conservation efforts, an early warning platform is being developed for Great Wall resources management and real-time surveillance. This platform will utilize advanced technologies such as drones and quadruped robots for regular inspections, significantly improving efficiency and accuracy in monitoring the condition of the Great Wall.
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Saudi Arabia removed as host of inaugural Esports Olympics in 2027
In a groundbreaking effort to enhance early detection of breast cancer, Burjeel Cancer Institute has unveiled a mobile screening initiative aimed at making diagnostic services more accessible to all. The program, aptly named ‘Early Detection on Wheels,’ deploys state-of-the-art mobile units equipped with advanced screening technologies to reach underserved communities. This initiative seeks to bridge the gap in healthcare access, particularly for women in remote or economically disadvantaged areas, where early detection can significantly improve survival rates. The mobile units will offer mammograms, consultations, and educational resources, all free of charge, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder essential healthcare services. By bringing these critical services directly to communities, Burjeel Cancer Institute aims to empower individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to combat breast cancer effectively. This innovative approach underscores the institute’s commitment to public health and its mission to reduce the burden of cancer through proactive measures.
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Shenzhou XXI astronauts to embark on journey to space
China is poised to take another significant step in its space exploration endeavors with the upcoming launch of the Shenzhou XXI mission. The China Manned Space Agency has announced that astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang will embark on this historic journey. The mission is scheduled to lift off at 11:44 pm on Friday, Beijing Time, from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. This mission underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing human spaceflight. The Shenzhou XXI mission is expected to contribute valuable data and experience to China’s broader space exploration goals, including potential future missions to the Moon and beyond.
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Merz in Turkey: Germany seeks to rebuild strategic defence ties
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s inaugural official visit to Ankara on Thursday signifies a pivotal shift in Berlin’s approach toward Turkey, emphasizing a security-oriented and transactional partnership. This visit underscores Germany’s growing reliance on Ankara’s role in bolstering European security and marks an effort to reset bilateral relations on a new foundation of cooperation. Historically, Germany’s concerns regarding Turkey revolved around domestic issues, human rights, and migration, particularly concerning Syrian refugees. However, Merz’s agenda now encompasses broader collaboration, including joint efforts to address the war in Ukraine and potential defense sector initiatives. A notable development is Germany’s approval of a €10.7 billion Eurofighter jet deal with Turkey, featuring advanced Meteor missiles and cutting-edge weaponry. Sources in Ankara suggest that Berlin has also urged Greece and Cyprus not to obstruct Turkey’s participation in the EU’s Safe initiative, which allocates €170 billion for defense industry investments. Merz emphasized the multifaceted nature of German-Turkish relations, spanning foreign policy, security, migration, energy, and trade, during his arrival in Ankara. He expressed his commitment to strengthening this partnership through discussions with President Erdogan. Turkey’s mediation efforts in the Ukraine conflict, including hosting talks between Russia and Ukraine, have been welcomed by Berlin. However, achieving a lasting peace would require significant strategic adjustments, potentially involving territorial compromises for Ukraine. Beyond Ukraine, Turkey has raised bilateral concerns, including a request for price reductions on Siemens high-speed trains for its expanding rail network. Ankara also seeks updates to the customs union, visa facilitation, and cooperation in Africa to counter Chinese influence. Additionally, Turkey aims for Germany’s continued support for the Gaza ceasefire plan brokered by Donald Trump, which envisions Hamas’s disarmament and political transformation. Merz is expected to address the issue of Turkish asylum seekers, pressing Ankara to accept more rejected applicants as Germany intensifies deportation efforts. Official data reveals that 22,560 Turkish nationals await deportation, with Germany also exploring the resumption of deportations to Syria, contingent on Turkey’s cooperation. This visit highlights the evolving dynamics of German-Turkish relations amid shifting geopolitical priorities.
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China’s amphibious AG600 completes first open water scoop-drop drill
China’s domestically developed AG600 Kunlong amphibious aircraft has successfully completed its first scoop-and-drop drill in open water, marking a significant milestone in its operational capabilities. The Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) announced the achievement on Thursday, highlighting the aircraft’s performance in natural conditions over Songhua Lake in Jilin province. This drill, which involved scooping and dropping water, tested the AG600’s systems comprehensively, a step forward from previous trials confined to the Jingmen test flight base in Hubei province. The AG600, capable of carrying a 12-tonne water load and skimming additional fills from lakes, can drop a total of 120 tonnes of water, sufficient to cover over 4 hectares with heavy-rain intensity during fire-fighting missions. Following its production certification in June, the AG600 has entered mass production, with the first three units set for delivery by the end of 2025.
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International youth talent alliance launches in Beijing’s Chaoyang district
In a significant move to foster global collaboration in vocational training, the International Youth Talent Development Alliance was officially launched in Beijing’s Chaoyang district. The initiative was unveiled during the Fourth Chaoyang District Vocational Training Development Conference, which commenced on October 25. This groundbreaking alliance aims to unite domestic and international vocational training institutions and universities, creating a platform for knowledge exchange and skill development. The conference, held in Beijing, highlighted the district’s commitment to nurturing young talent and addressing the evolving demands of the global workforce. The alliance is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of vocational education, offering innovative solutions and fostering international partnerships. This initiative underscores Beijing’s strategic vision to position itself as a hub for talent development and innovation on the global stage.