A long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has taken effect in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant step toward de-escalation in the region. The truce, which commenced at 12:00 noon local time (0900 GMT) on Friday, has been met with cautious optimism as both parties pledge to uphold the terms of the deal. The international community has emphasized the critical need for full implementation, urging all sides to avoid violations and ensure lasting peace. The agreement, brokered through intensive negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye, and the United States, outlines a phased approach to peace. The initial phase includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from key areas such as Gaza City, the north, Rafah, and Khan Younis, alongside the opening of five crossings for humanitarian aid and the exchange of hostages and prisoners. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the government’s approval of the framework, which includes the release of all hostages, both living and deceased. As part of the deal, Israel will release 1,700 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 48 hostages held in Gaza. Despite the ceasefire, reports of Israeli fighter jets near the Nuseirat refugee camp have raised concerns about potential breaches. Hamas’ top negotiator, Khalil al-Hayya, assured in a televised speech that the US administration and mediators have guaranteed the end of the war, allowing Palestinian factions to focus on self-determination and statehood. Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem called on mediators to pressure Israel to adhere to the agreed terms, warning that any violations could jeopardize international and regional efforts to end the conflict. The agreement follows US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for Gaza, as the region grapples with the devastating toll of the conflict, which has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Trump: US will add extra 100% tariffs on China
In a significant escalation of trade tensions, former US President Donald Trump announced on Friday that the United States will impose an additional 100% tariff on all imports from China starting November 1, 2025. The move, which could be implemented sooner depending on China’s actions, will apply on top of existing tariffs. Trump also revealed plans to enforce export controls on all critical US-made software from November. The announcement was made via his Truth Social account, where he emphasized that these measures are part of broader countermeasures under consideration. This decision comes despite recent trade talks between Chinese and US teams in Madrid, Spain, following earlier discussions in Switzerland, Britain, and Sweden. The announcement triggered a sharp decline in US stocks, marking the worst single-day performance since the height of the tariff war in April. Trump’s aggressive stance underscores the ongoing economic rivalry between the two nations, with potential ripple effects on global trade and markets.
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India 427-4 on 2nd day of 2nd test against West Indies despite loss of century maker Jaiswal
In a dramatic turn of events on the second day of the second cricket Test between India and West Indies, Yashasvi Jaiswal, who had scored a century on the opening day, was run out early in the morning session. Jaiswal, who had resumed his innings at 173 not out, was dismissed for 175 runs off 258 balls after a miscommunication with Shubman Gill. The young batsman had struck 22 fours in his impressive innings. Despite this setback, India continued to dominate, reaching 427-4 at lunch on Saturday. Gill remained unbeaten on 75 runs, with Dhruv Jurel (7 not out) providing support. Nitish Reddy also contributed with a quick 43 off 54 balls. India, leading the two-match series 1-0 after a comprehensive victory in the first Test in Ahmedabad, has maintained its dominance over West Indies, who have not won a Test against India since 2002. Jaiswal’s dismissal occurred on the eighth ball of the morning when he was sent back too late by Gill, and Tagenarine Chanderpaul’s accurate throw from mid-off caught him short of the crease. The pair had added 74 runs for the third wicket before the unfortunate run-out.
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Militant attack on Pakistani police station kills at least 7 officers and wounds 13
In a brazen assault on Friday night, gunmen attacked a police training center in Ratta Kulachi, near Dera Ismail Khan city in northwestern Pakistan, resulting in the deaths of at least seven police officers and six militants. The attack, which involved heavy weapons and a suicide bomber, triggered a prolonged firefight lasting nearly six hours. Officials reported that the assailants attempted to breach the compound after detonating an explosives-laden truck at the facility’s main gate, collapsing part of the boundary wall and killing one officer. Approximately 200 recruits and trainers were present during the assault. Police and paramilitary units eventually regained control, killing six militants and recovering suicide vests, explosives, and weapons. The banned group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan initially claimed responsibility but later denied involvement. Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi praised the slain officers for their bravery. The attack underscores the worsening security situation in the region, which has seen a surge in terrorism since 2021, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province bordering Afghanistan. Pakistani security forces have conducted over 10,000 counterterrorism operations this year, resulting in significant casualties on both sides.
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Cair calls on Nobel Prize winner to renounce support for far-right, racist and fascist parties
A prominent American civil rights organization has demanded that the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado, renounce her affiliations with racism, fascism, and far-right ideologies. The Council on American-Islamic Relations (Cair) expressed strong disapproval of the Nobel Prize committee’s decision, citing Machado’s connections to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud Party and her participation in far-right European gatherings. Cair highlighted her appearance at the Patriots of Europe conference in Madrid, where she shared the stage with figures like Geert Wilders and Marine Le Pen, who advocated for a new ‘Reconquista,’ a term evoking the historical expulsion of Muslims and Jews from Spain. The group urged the Nobel committee to reconsider its choice, arguing that it tarnishes the award’s legacy. Machado, who has openly supported Netanyahu and pledged to relocate Venezuela’s embassy to Jerusalem if elected, dedicated her prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump and the Venezuelan people, praising Trump’s backing of her cause. Trump has previously deployed warships near Venezuela to combat drug cartels. Cair emphasized that the Nobel Peace Prize should honor individuals who champion justice universally, not those who endorse divisive and exclusionary ideologies.
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I was ready to die for the Taliban. Now I hope I can prevent others becoming radicalised
Maiwand Banayee, a 45-year-old NHS diabetes remission coach and postgraduate student in Coventry, leads a life far removed from his turbulent past as a Taliban fighter. Born in Afghanistan in 1980, Banayee’s early years were marked by vulnerability and bullying, which led him to seek validation through radical ideologies. At 14, he was radicalized in the Shamshato refugee camp in Pakistan, where he was exposed to intense religious propaganda and the glorification of martyrdom. The camp, dominated by the Hezb-e-Islami group, became a breeding ground for extremism, with mullahs promising heavenly rewards for those who sacrificed their lives. Banayee’s journey into the Taliban’s fold began in 1996, when he returned to Kabul and joined the group, enforcing their austere version of Sharia law. However, his faith in the Taliban began to waver after witnessing their cruelty and hypocrisy. A turning point came when he was forced to pray again by Taliban fighters, an act that deeply wounded his ego and sparked doubts about their true nature. Over time, Banayee distanced himself from extremism, eventually fleeing to the UK in 2001. After years of struggle, including failed asylum applications and homelessness, he found stability in Ireland, where he married and became a citizen. Today, Banayee is an advocate against radicalization, sharing his story in his book, *Delusions of Paradise: Escaping the Life of a Taliban Fighter*. He warns of the dangers of religious schools in Afghanistan, which he believes are radicalizing a new generation of children. Banayee’s message to young people is clear: question everything and seek truth beyond the myths of extremism.
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How hackers forced brewing giant Asahi back to pen and paper
Asahi Super Dry, Japan’s most popular beer, is facing severe supply shortages following a crippling cyber-attack on its production facilities. The incident, which forced Asahi to halt operations at most of its 30 factories across Japan, has left retailers, bars, and restaurants scrambling to meet customer demand. Although some facilities have partially reopened, the company’s computer systems remain offline, forcing manual processing of orders and shipments via pen, paper, and fax machines. This has drastically reduced output, with shipments now at just 10-20% of normal levels.
Asahi, which commands approximately 40% of Japan’s beer market, has apologized for the disruptions but has not provided a timeline for full recovery. The impact extends beyond beer, with shortages also affecting Asahi’s soft drinks, bottled teas, and other products. Major convenience store chains like FamilyMart, 7-Eleven, and Lawsons have warned customers of dwindling supplies.
The ransomware group Qilin has claimed responsibility for the attack, leveraging its platform to extort proceeds from cyber-attacks. While Asahi’s European operations, including brands like Peroni and Grolsch, remain unaffected, the incident highlights Japan’s vulnerability to cyber threats. Experts point to the country’s reliance on outdated systems and a lack of cybersecurity professionals as key weaknesses.
In response, the Japanese government has emphasized its commitment to improving cyber capabilities. The recent enactment of the Active Cyber Defense Law (ACD) grants authorities greater powers to combat cyber threats, including the ability to neutralize attackers’ servers. However, for small businesses like Ben Thai restaurant in Tokyo, the immediate challenge is navigating the ongoing supply disruptions. Owner Sakaolath Sugizaki remains uncertain about when normal operations will resume, echoing the concerns of many across Japan.
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How record auctions are fuelling India’s art boom
The Indian art market is experiencing an unprecedented surge, as evidenced by the recent Saffronart auction in Delhi, where Vasudeo Santu Gaitonde’s untitled 1971 painting sold for a staggering $7.57 million, nearly triple its estimated value. The auction, which achieved a total of $40.2 million, marked the highest-ever total for South Asian art and set a new benchmark for the industry. Gaitonde’s work now stands as India’s second most expensive painting, following closely behind MF Husain’s ‘Untitled (Gram Yatra)’, which fetched $13.8 million earlier this year. The momentum continued as Sotheby’s sold Francis Newton Souza’s ‘Houses in Hampstead’ for a price just below Gaitonde’s piece, making it India’s third most expensive painting. This record-breaking season reflects a broader trend in the Indian art market, which has grown exponentially from $2 million at the turn of the century to an estimated $338 million today, with projections of reaching $1.1 billion by 2030. The boom is fueled by rising wealth among India’s elite and the diaspora, who view art as both a status symbol and a generational investment. Recent tax cuts, reducing the goods and services tax (GST) on art from 12% to 5%, have further bolstered the market. Despite a global slump in art sales, India’s art scene thrives, driven by a surge in art fairs, galleries, and exhibition spaces. Established modernists like Husain, Souza, Gaitonde, and Raza dominate top sales, but auctioneers note that rising prices are also lifting demand for previously overlooked artists. The market’s sustainability is further supported by growing recognition of Indian artists and increased investment in public engagement spaces, such as the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art’s new Delhi building, set to open in 2026. Non-profits like Khoj are also playing a crucial role in nurturing emerging artists, ensuring the ecosystem’s long-term growth.
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North Korea displays new long-range missile at military parade celebrating Kim Jong Un’s leadership
In a grand display of military might, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un unveiled the Hwasong-20, a new intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), during a massive military parade in Pyongyang. The event, held on Friday night to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the ruling Workers’ Party, showcased North Korea’s most advanced weapons, including the untested Hwasong-20, described by state media as the nation’s “most powerful nuclear strategic weapon system.” The parade, attended by high-profile foreign dignitaries, underscored Kim’s growing diplomatic influence and his unwavering commitment to expanding North Korea’s nuclear arsenal, capable of targeting the U.S. mainland and regional adversaries. Kim, in a speech, emphasized the need for his military to become an “invincible entity” to counter all threats, though he refrained from directly mentioning the U.S. or South Korea. The Hwasong-20, mounted on an 11-axle launcher truck, represents a significant leap in North Korea’s missile technology, with its solid-fuel engine offering greater mobility and faster launch capabilities compared to older liquid-fueled models. The parade also featured shorter-range ballistic, cruise, and supersonic missiles, which North Korea claims can deliver nuclear strikes against South Korea. The event highlighted Kim’s efforts to strengthen ties with key allies, including China and Russia, as he seeks to break out of international isolation and counter U.S.-led Western influence. High-level visitors, such as Chinese Premier Li Qiang, former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and Vietnamese Communist Party General Secretary To Lam, attended the celebrations, signaling Kim’s increasingly assertive foreign policy. Kim’s recent meetings with Medvedev and Li focused on deepening strategic partnerships, with Medvedev praising North Korean soldiers for their role in supporting Russia’s war efforts in Ukraine. Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Kim has prioritized strengthening ties with Moscow, sending troops and weapons to aid Putin’s campaign. The parade and diplomatic engagements reflect Kim’s dual strategy of bolstering North Korea’s military capabilities while expanding its international alliances.
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Full text of the agreement signed by Israel and Hamas to ‘end the war’ on Gaza
In a groundbreaking development, Middle East Eye has obtained a copy of the historic agreement signed by Israel, Hamas, and international mediators in Egypt, aimed at bringing an end to the prolonged conflict in Gaza. The document, titled ‘Implementation Steps for President Trump’s Proposal for a Comprehensive End of Gaza War,’ outlines a meticulously crafted six-step plan to achieve lasting peace in the region.
The first step involves U.S. President Donald Trump’s formal announcement declaring the end of the Gaza war, with all parties committing to the necessary measures to ensure its cessation. This was swiftly followed by the Israeli government’s approval of the initial phase, signaling a significant step towards de-escalation.
The second step mandates an immediate halt to all military operations, including aerial and artillery bombardments, upon the Israeli government’s endorsement. Concurrently, the third step prioritizes the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid and relief to the beleaguered Gaza Strip, ensuring that the basic needs of the population are met.
The fourth step details the withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to pre-agreed lines, as specified in an attached map, within 24 hours of the Israeli government’s approval. This withdrawal is contingent upon Hamas’s full adherence to the agreement, with the IDF pledging not to re-enter the vacated areas.
The fifth step, to be executed within 72 hours of the IDF’s withdrawal, focuses on the release of all Israeli hostages, both living and deceased, held in Gaza. This phase also includes the establishment of an information-sharing mechanism to ensure the safe and complete exhumation and release of any remaining deceased hostages. In a reciprocal gesture, Israel will release a corresponding number of Palestinian prisoners, with the exchange conducted discreetly through mediators and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), without public ceremonies or media coverage.
The final step involves the formation of a task force comprising representatives from the United States, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and other agreed-upon nations. This task force will oversee the implementation of the agreement, ensuring that both sides adhere to their commitments and coordinate effectively.
This comprehensive agreement, brokered with the involvement of key international players, represents a significant milestone in the quest for peace in the region. It underscores the collective commitment to ending the cycle of violence and fostering a sustainable resolution to the Gaza conflict.