标签： Asia

Former U.S. President Barack Obama has come under fire from social media users for his recent post on X (formerly Twitter) regarding the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Critics accuse him of dehumanizing Palestinians and employing a ‘bothsides-ing’ approach to what many describe as a genocide. In his post, Obama expressed relief at the prospect of ending the conflict, reuniting hostages with their families, and delivering aid to Gaza. However, his choice of words sparked widespread outrage. Many users highlighted his distinction between ‘Israeli families’ and ‘the people of Gaza,’ arguing that it perpetuates a long-standing pattern of Western rhetoric that diminishes Palestinian humanity. Palestinian-American human rights attorney Noura Erakat emphasized that the people of Gaza are Palestinians who have endured a century-long struggle for survival. Media critic Sana Saeed described Obama’s language as a ‘masterclass in rendering Palestinians faceless and nameless.’ Others criticized his use of the term ‘conflict,’ which they argue misrepresents the situation as a war between equals rather than a genocide. Historian Assal Rad stressed that acknowledging the genocide is essential for accountability and justice. This is not the first time Obama has faced criticism for his stance on Israel and Palestine. In 2023, he supported Israel’s ‘right to defend itself’ while urging attention to Palestinian suffering, a stance some labeled as ‘bothsides-ing.’ The recent ceasefire agreement, signed on Thursday, includes the exchange of captives and aims to begin rebuilding Gaza. However, critics argue that true peace cannot be achieved without justice and accountability for Israel’s actions.

A long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas officially commenced in the Gaza Strip at 12:00 noon local time (0900 GMT) on Friday, October 10, 2025, according to reliable sources. The Israeli military confirmed the implementation of the truce in a concise statement, while local residents reported a noticeable calm across most areas of the coastal enclave following the announcement. This development marks the culmination of weeks of arduous negotiations, facilitated by Egypt and supported by various international stakeholders. The agreement aims to halt the recent escalation of violence that has plagued the region, offering a glimmer of hope for stability and relief to the war-torn population. Eyewitnesses described scenes of cautious optimism as Palestinians navigated the aftermath of the conflict, with many returning to damaged neighborhoods to assess the destruction. The ceasefire represents a critical step toward de-escalation, though its long-term sustainability remains uncertain as both sides cautiously monitor the situation.

Kabul was shaken by loud explosions on Thursday night, prompting the Afghan Taliban to accuse Pakistan of violating Afghanistan’s sovereign territory. The Taliban’s Defense Ministry labeled the incident as an “unprecedented, violent, and provocative act.” The accusations followed reports of airstrikes in the border province of Paktika, located in southeastern Afghanistan, where a civilian market was allegedly bombed. Local residents informed the BBC’s Afghan service that several shops were destroyed in the attack. Pakistan has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the alleged incursion. However, during a press conference on Friday, a senior Pakistani military official claimed that Afghanistan was being used as a “base of operation for terrorism against Pakistan” and vowed to take “whatever necessary measures” to safeguard the country. The incident has further strained the already tense relations between the two neighboring nations, raising concerns about regional stability.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres announced on Thursday that the United Nations is poised to significantly enhance humanitarian assistance to Gaza in the wake of a newly brokered ceasefire agreement. Speaking to reporters at the UN headquarters in New York, Guterres emphasized the organization’s readiness to mobilize resources immediately. ‘The United Nations will provide its full support. We and our partners are prepared to act now,’ he stated. ‘We have the expertise, distribution networks, and community relationships in place. Supplies are ready, and our teams are on standby. We can scale up food, water, medical, and shelter assistance without delay.’ Guterres underscored that the cessation of hostilities alone is insufficient to ensure lasting progress. ‘We need full, safe, and sustained access for humanitarian workers; the removal of bureaucratic obstacles; and the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure. Additionally, UN Member States must ensure that humanitarian operations are adequately funded to address the immense needs,’ he added. The UN chief highlighted the ceasefire as a pivotal moment for both Israelis and Palestinians, urging all parties to seize this opportunity to forge a credible political path toward peace. ‘This agreement offers a glimmer of relief, which must evolve into the dawn of peace and the beginning of the end of this devastating war,’ Guterres remarked. He called for the recognition of Palestinian self-determination, the end of occupation, and the realization of a two-state solution, emphasizing that such measures are essential for achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Guterres also praised the diplomatic efforts led by the United States, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye in facilitating the ceasefire and hostage release, based on a proposal by former US President Donald Trump. He urged all parties to fully adhere to the agreement’s terms and to embrace the opportunities it presents for lasting stability.