标签： Asia

An Australian charitable organization, United Israel Appeal (UIA) Australia, has transferred nearly $300 million in tax-exempt donations to Keren Hayesod, Israel’s official fundraising entity, since 2013 according to financial disclosures. The most recent data shows $29 million was directed in 2024 alone, despite ongoing military operations in Gaza that have resulted in significant civilian casualties.

Keren Hayesod, established in 1920 following the World Zionist Congress, describes itself as one of four “pillar national institutions” of Israel with special protected legal status. The organization operates fundraising arms across 45 countries, with UIA Australia serving as its primary channel for Australian donations.

The charity’s stated mission involves both short-term humanitarian relief and long-term integration support for Jewish immigrants. However, financial records indicate substantial funding supports the “Wings Lone Soldier” program, which provides assistance to diaspora Jews who voluntarily enlist in the Israeli military. According to Keren Hayesod’s 2024 impact report, the program supported 2,200 soldiers last year, with 65% choosing to remain in Israel after service.

Controversy surrounds these transfers as they occurred during intense military conflict. Independent outlet Michael West Media first reported the figures, noting that The Jerusalem Post documented $645 million in global donations to Keren Hayesod from 2023-2025 specifically supporting Israel during the Gaza operations.

UIA Australia’s upcoming 2026 gala will feature Ron Dermer, former Israeli ambassador to the US and top advisor to the Israeli prime minister, as headline speaker. The organization maintains offices in multiple countries, with varying beneficiary structures—UIA USA raises funds for The Jewish Agency for Israel while the Canadian branch supports Keren Hayesod directly.

Middle East Eye attempted to contact UIA Australia for comment but received no response prior to publication.

WASHINGTON – China’s ambassador to the United States has issued a compelling appeal for strengthened educational and cultural bridges between the two nations, emphasizing youth exchanges as fundamental to stabilizing the world’s most crucial bilateral relationship. Ambassador Xie Feng delivered his remarks during the 2026 China-US Youth Spring Festival Gala at the Chinese embassy, where he highlighted the transformative impact of intercultural engagement.

Karachi, Pakistan – A significant fire erupted in a commercial structure within Pakistan’s largest metropolis on Monday, reigniting safety concerns as it occurred in proximity to the location of last month’s catastrophic blaze that claimed numerous lives. Provincial authorities confirmed emergency response teams were actively engaged in containment operations.

Sukhdev Assardas Hemnani, the official spokesperson for the provincial government, communicated via text message that firefighting units were deployed to manage the rapidly spreading flames. The incident has triggered alarm among citizens and officials alike, given its unsettling geographical and temporal proximity to the Gul Plaza inferno that resulted in substantial casualties just weeks earlier.

The latest fire emergency underscores persistent questions regarding fire safety protocols, building code enforcement, and emergency response capabilities in Pakistan’s densely populated urban centers. This developing situation occurs against the backdrop of ongoing recovery operations from the previous tragedy, where rescue workers continue to search for dozens still missing and feared deceased.

While specific details regarding potential casualties or structural damage remain unconfirmed at this early stage, the incident has already prompted renewed calls for comprehensive reviews of commercial building safety standards throughout the city. Local authorities have yet to release official statements regarding the fire’s origin or the scale of destruction involved.

Satellite imagery, aviation data, and intelligence sources have uncovered Egypt’s clandestine military involvement in Sudan’s civil conflict. A comprehensive investigation reveals that Cairo has been conducting sustained drone operations from a concealed desert airbase against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group for at least six months.

The secret facility, camouflaged within the expansive East Oweinat agricultural development project near the Sudanese border, represents a significant escalation in Egypt’s direct military engagement. This covert campaign marks a strategic shift from Cairo’s previously diplomatic approach to the Sudanese conflict, where it has consistently supported the official Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).

This military escalation follows the RSF’s capture of el-Fasher in North Darfur, where paramilitary forces have been accused of perpetrating mass atrocities against civilians. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi subsequently declared the situation in el-Fasher a “red line,” prompting intensified operations.

The conflict has drawn in multiple regional powers, creating a complex geopolitical landscape. The United Arab Emirates stands accused of facilitating RSF operations, despite official denials, while Turkey, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia have increased support for the Sudanese military. Recent tensions between Saudi Arabia and the UAE have further complicated the situation, with Riyadh taking an increasingly assertive stance against Emirati regional policies.

Ironically, the very agricultural project housing Egypt’s covert drone base has received substantial investment from Emirati companies, highlighting the intricate economic and military relationships characterizing the conflict.

The RSF has acknowledged foreign drone attacks on its positions, vowing retaliation “at the appropriate time and place.” Meanwhile, humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders recently described el-Fasher as “largely destroyed” and resembling a “ghost town” after months of intense fighting that has decimated the civilian population.

A comprehensive investigation utilizing satellite imagery, flight records, and intelligence sources has revealed Egypt’s covert military involvement in Sudan’s civil conflict. According to evidence compiled by The New York Times and Middle East Eye, Egypt has been conducting sustained drone operations from a clandestine airbase concealed within the vast East Oweinat agricultural reclamation project in Egypt’s western desert, approximately 65 kilometers from the Sudanese border.

The operations, ongoing for at least six months, represent a significant escalation in Egypt’s engagement, transitioning from diplomatic efforts to direct military action against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This paramilitary group, accused of perpetrating genocide and massacring thousands of civilians in North Darfur’s el-Fasher, has gained substantial territory against the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which Cairo officially supports.

The conflict has evolved into a regional proxy war with complex international dimensions. The United Arab Emirates stands accused of facilitating support for the RSF, partially through Libyan eastern military commander Khalifa Haftar, who controls the strategic al-Kufra airbase. Conversely, Egypt has aligned with Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Qatar in backing the Sudanese government forces.

Recent weeks have witnessed unprecedented public tensions between traditional Gulf allies Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with Riyadh adopting an assertive stance against Emirati regional policies. Cairo has reportedly shared intelligence with Saudi Arabia regarding UAE activities in Yemen, where similar proxy dynamics have unfolded.

Ironically, the very base from which Egyptian drones target RSF positions has received foreign investment from major Emirati agricultural companies, highlighting the complex economic and geopolitical interconnections.

The RSF acknowledged in November that foreign-based drones were striking their forces and issued warnings of retaliation at “the appropriate time and place.” Meanwhile, humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders (MSF) described el-Fasher as “largely destroyed” and “empty” following a January assessment, revealing the catastrophic human toll of the conflict.