Global Pulse

标签： Asia

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  • Israeli forces kill Palestinian teenager near Jenin

    Israeli forces kill Palestinian teenager near Jenin

    Israeli military operations in the occupied West Bank resulted in the deaths of two Palestinian youths on Saturday, marking continued violence in the region despite the ongoing ceasefire in Gaza. The incidents occurred near the city of Jenin, with both fatalities involving controversial circumstances that have drawn international scrutiny.

    In the first incident, 16-year-old Rayyan Abu Mualla was fatally shot by Israeli soldiers in Qabatiya, south of Jenin. Palestinian authorities reported that the teenager was killed at close range after allegedly throwing a stone toward military personnel. Circulating video footage appears to show the moment of the shooting as Abu Mualla approached the soldiers. The Israeli military stated in an official communiqué that their forces responded after the youth “threw a brick” in their direction.

    Medical response teams faced significant obstacles during the aftermath, with Palestinian news agency Wafa reporting that Israeli soldiers blocked ambulance crews from reaching the wounded teenager, effectively leaving him to bleed to death. In a further controversial move, Israeli forces subsequently withheld the victim’s body from being returned to his family.

    Separately, in the town of Silat al-Harithiya west of Jenin, Israeli forces conducted a raid that resulted in the death of 22-year-old Ahmad Zyoud. Military officials claimed Zyoud was shot after “hurling an explosive device” toward security personnel during the operation.

    These latest fatalities occur within a broader context of escalating violence across the West Bank since the commencement of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza two years ago. According to statistics compiled from Palestinian health ministry figures by AFP, Israeli troops or settlers have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians in the West Bank since the start of the Gaza conflict.

    Disturbingly, the Palestinian health ministry has documented that 51 Palestinian minors have lost their lives to Israeli forces in the West Bank since January alone. November witnessed particularly severe violence, with the Colonisation and Wall Resistance Commission reporting approximately 2,144 attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian civilians and their property—1,523 perpetrated by soldiers and 621 by settlers.

  • 3 killed in Taiwan metro stabbing; police rule out ‘terrorism’

    3 killed in Taiwan metro stabbing; police rule out ‘terrorism’

    Taiwanese authorities have confirmed that Friday’s violent stabbing incident at Taipei’s metro system, which resulted in three fatalities and eleven injuries, was not motivated by terrorism. The attack commenced when 27-year-old Chang, identified only by his surname, detonated smoke bombs within Taipei Main Station before embarking on a three-hour stabbing rampage that extended to the Zhongshan shopping district.

    According to an anonymous senior official from the Taipei City Police Department, comprehensive investigation revealed no evidence of political, religious, or ideological motivations behind Chang’s actions. ‘Terrorist attacks have specific defining characteristics that the suspect’s behavior does not satisfy,’ the official stated, emphasizing the preliminary exclusion of terrorism as a motive.

    Police investigation uncovered disturbing evidence on Chang’s personal device, including searches related to ‘random killings’ and historical metro attack methodologies. The suspect, who had been discharged from military service due to alcohol-related offenses, was additionally wanted for failing to report for mandatory reserve training—a legal requirement in Taiwan that carries serious consequences for non-compliance.

    Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an confirmed that Chang was found deceased after apparently jumping from a nearby building on the day of the attack. In response to the tragedy, city officials have implemented enhanced security measures, including doubled police presence for the Taipei Marathon and planned high-intensity drills at metro facilities ahead of New Year’s Eve celebrations.

    President Lai Ching-te has called for improved emergency protocols and counter-terrorism preparedness within law enforcement agencies. Meanwhile, Metro Taipei authorities have temporarily closed a Christmas market near Zhongshan station for three days as a memorial gesture to the victims.

  • Watch: Hundreds of fans gather for last rites of Malayalam film veteran Sreenivasan

    Watch: Hundreds of fans gather for last rites of Malayalam film veteran Sreenivasan

    The Malayalam film industry gathered in solemn tribute on Sunday as veteran actor, screenwriter, and director Sreenivasan was laid to rest in Kochi. The cinematic luminary, who passed away at age 89 on Saturday, was honored by hundreds of mourners including prominent film personalities, political leaders, and devoted fans.

    Emotional scenes unfolded at Sreenivasan’s Kandanad residence where crowds converged to pay their final respects. The funeral procession witnessed an outpouring of grief from across Kerala’s cultural and political spectrum. Among the notable attendees were actors Parvathy Thiruvothu, Renji Panicker, Sathyan Anthikkad, Jagadish, and Prithviraj Sukumaran, who joined collective mourning for the departed icon.

    Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan issued an official statement characterizing Sreenivasan’s demise as “an irreparable loss to Malayalam cinema.” The CM praised the multitalented artist’s unique ability to “bring the life of the common man to the silver screen” through his distinctive blend of humor and social commentary. “Very few filmmakers have succeeded, as he did, in guiding the audience through humor and reflection to levels of awareness he intended,” Vijayan noted.

    Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar joined the condolences, acknowledging Sreenivasan’s “iconic performances and timeless contributions” that would be “remembered forever.” The veteran artist’s passing has sparked widespread reflection on his groundbreaking career that challenged cinematic conventions and established new narrative standards in South Indian cinema.

    Social media platforms flooded with tributes from colleagues and admirers, documenting the profound impact of his work spanning acting, writing, and directing. The ceremony concluded with cremation proceedings attended by family members, colleagues, and representatives from state government offices.

  • ICC to decide by January if ex Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit for trial

    ICC to decide by January if ex Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte is fit for trial

    The International Criminal Court (ICC) is poised to deliver a crucial determination regarding former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s capacity to stand trial by January 2026. This development follows the completion of a comprehensive medical evaluation assessing his cognitive abilities.

    ICC assistant counsel Atty. Kristina Conti disclosed this timeline during a radio interview with Super Radyo DZBB on December 21, indicating the court’s systematic approach to addressing health concerns raised by the defense team. The medical assessment, submitted by a panel of experts by the December 5 deadline set by ICC Pre-Trial Chamber I, reportedly concluded that Duterte remains capable of meaningful participation in pre-trial proceedings.

    This evaluation directly contradicts claims presented by defense attorney Nicholas Kaufman, who asserted the 80-year-old former leader suffers from severe memory impairment affecting his recollection of events, timelines, and even family members. Kaufman had previously requested an indefinite adjournment based on these cognitive concerns.

    The impending fitness determination represents a critical juncture in the case against Duterte, who faces charges of crimes against humanity related to the violent anti-drug campaign he initiated during his tenure as Davao City mayor and later as Philippine president. Currently detained in The Hague, Netherlands, Duterte recently saw his appeal for interim release denied by the ICC Appeals Chamber on November 28.

    Conti emphasized the prosecution’s confidence in their evidence, noting that arrest warrants would not be pursued unless the case reached trial readiness. The January decision will therefore determine whether proceedings will advance or face further delays due to health considerations.

  • President Trump: A year of ruling by executive order

    President Trump: A year of ruling by executive order

    In an extraordinary demonstration of presidential authority, Donald Trump has now signed more executive orders during his current term’s first year than throughout his entire previous presidency. The 221st executive order, designating fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, marks the latest in a rapid succession of presidential directives that analysts describe as one of the most significant displays of executive power in modern American history.

    According to Federal Register data analyzed by AFP, Trump’s current pace of executive actions exceeds the annual averages of his immediate predecessors—Joe Biden, Barack Obama, and George W. Bush—by approximately five to seven times. Only Franklin D. Roosevelt, who governed during the Great Depression and World War II, maintained a comparable rate of executive orders across his four terms.

    Political science professor John Woolley of the University of California, Santa Barbara, characterizes these orders as strategic communication tools. “They serve as signals to crucial constituent groups that the administration is actively advancing their causes,” noted Woolley, who co-directs the American Presidency Project.

    An analysis of the orders reveals distinctive patterns: nearly 60% address domestic matters, while fewer than 10% focus exclusively on foreign policy. Social issues—encompassing culture, civil rights, education, and health—constitute approximately 30% of all orders, surpassing economic matters (20%) and government reform (18%). Immigration and security, central to Trump’s 2024 campaign, account for roughly 10%.

    The content frequently reflects ideological positions, including an July directive prohibiting AI models that emphasize diversity and inclusion, and an August order establishing classical architecture as the preferred style for federal buildings.

    However, the efficiency of governing through executive orders remains questionable. Just Security, a legal analysis website affiliated with New York University, reports that over 20% of Trump’s orders have faced legal challenges, with more than 20 being partially or fully blocked by courts. Recent appellate rulings have deemed significant portions of Trump’s tariff policies illegal, and the Supreme Court has shown skepticism regarding the legality of certain trade measures during November hearings.

    Despite these challenges, Woolley suggests Trump is deliberately testing legal boundaries: “He’s wagering that the Supreme Court, with its conservative majority strengthened during his first term, will largely endorse his interpretation of executive power.”

    The language within these orders also distinguishes Trump’s approach. Analysis reveals he employs the verb “impose” five times more frequently than his predecessors and references the “nation” and “American people” at notably higher rates. Additionally, over 15% of orders contain elements of political retaliation, explicitly criticizing previous administrations and opponents—a departure from historical norms according to presidential scholars.

  • Dubai: Man jailed, fined Dh130,000 for stealing 18 AC units from a villa

    Dubai: Man jailed, fined Dh130,000 for stealing 18 AC units from a villa

    A Dubai criminal court has delivered a comprehensive verdict against a repeat offender convicted of stealing multiple air-conditioning units from a residential property, highlighting the emirate’s stringent approach to property crimes. The defendant received a one-year prison sentence, a substantial fine of Dh130,000, and mandatory deportation following incarceration.

    The case originated when a Gulf national property owner discovered the disappearance of 18 AC units from his villa in Al Muhaisnah during a routine inspection. The owner had visited the premises after authorities ordered its closure due to rental regulation violations and unauthorized use as shared accommodation. Upon arrival, he observed clear evidence of forced entry, including a compromised main entrance and interior disarray, prompting an immediate police report.

    Law enforcement authorities conducted a thorough investigation, collecting forensic evidence from the crime scene that proved crucial to the case. The investigation revealed that the suspect was already serving a sentence for similar theft offenses, establishing a pattern of criminal behavior. A forensic laboratory analysis confirmed the defendant’s fingerprints on the external casing of one stolen unit, providing irrefutable physical evidence connecting him to the crime.

    During judicial proceedings, the defendant admitted to stealing the air-conditioning units and confessed to involvement in comparable criminal activities. His voluntary confession, supported by forensic evidence and witness testimonies, strengthened the prosecution’s case significantly. The court determined the fine amount based on the exact market value of the stolen property, ensuring appropriate financial restitution.

    The verdict demonstrates Dubai’s judicial system’s firm stance against recidivism and property violations, particularly emphasizing the protection of private ownership rights. The deportation order underscores the emirate’s zero-tolerance policy toward repeat offenders who threaten community security and property safety.

  • Civilian death toll in Cambodia rises to 19 in renewed conflict with Thailand

    Civilian death toll in Cambodia rises to 19 in renewed conflict with Thailand

    The protracted border dispute between Cambodia and Thailand has escalated dramatically, with Cambodian authorities reporting a sharp increase in civilian casualties. Defense Ministry officials confirmed the death toll has reached 19 civilians, including an infant, with 79 others sustaining injuries as of December 20, 2025.

    The conflict, which reignited on December 7 after a period of relative calm, has now entered its fifteenth consecutive day of hostilities. Lieutenant General Maly Socheata, Undersecretary of State and Defense Ministry Spokesperson, provided the updated casualty figures during a press briefing in Phnom Penh, highlighting the devastating human cost of the renewed fighting.

    According to documentation from Cambodia’s Ministry of Interior, the violence has triggered a massive humanitarian crisis, displacing approximately 510,000 residents from border communities. These individuals have been forced to abandon their homes and seek refuge in emergency shelters as aerial bombardments and ground operations continue along the contested frontier.

    Visual evidence from the Agence Kampuchea Press reveals the extensive damage inflicted on civilian infrastructure, including images of a devastated automotive garage in Poipet town, Banteay Meanchey province, following reported Thai airstrikes. The photographic documentation underscores the conflict’s impact on non-combatants and economic facilities far from the immediate border zone.

    The prolonged engagement represents the most significant escalation between the Southeast Asian neighbors in recent years, with both sides reporting military casualties alongside the growing civilian toll. International observers express increasing concern about the potential for further regional destabilization as diplomatic efforts to mediate a ceasefire continue.

  • UAE: Does husband need to sponsor wife’s residence visa after divorce?

    UAE: Does husband need to sponsor wife’s residence visa after divorce?

    The United Arab Emirates has established clear legal provisions protecting the residency status of women following marital dissolution, according to immigration experts. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022, which implements the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners, women residing in the UAE on spouse-sponsored visas retain specific rights when marriages end.

    Legal authorities confirm that divorced women become eligible to apply for a dedicated one-year residency extension commencing from the official divorce date. This provision offers crucial transition time for affected women to regularize their immigration status independently. Importantly, the regulation explicitly states that former husbands cannot be legally compelled to continue sponsoring their ex-wives’ visas beyond this transitional period.

    The legal framework does maintain provisions for children’s residency, allowing fathers to continue sponsoring their children’s visas irrespective of marital status changes. This distinction between parental and spousal obligations provides clarity for families navigating post-divorce arrangements.

    Legal professionals recommend that women in this situation seek comprehensive counsel to understand all rights stemming from divorce proceedings, including potential maintenance provisions, child custody arrangements, and alimony considerations under applicable personal status laws. The UAE’s dual legal system addresses these matters through Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 on Personal Status for Muslims and Federal Law No. 41 of 2022 on Civil Personal Status for non-Muslims.

    For specific immigration queries, individuals are advised to contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs directly for official guidance tailored to their particular circumstances.

  • Watch: Heavy rains lash Ras Al Khaimah as lowest temperature recorded

    Watch: Heavy rains lash Ras Al Khaimah as lowest temperature recorded

    Ras Al Khaimah experienced significant disruption on December 20, 2025, as intense rainfall triggered widespread flooding across the northern emirate. Social media footage circulated by Storm Centre documented the severity of the situation, showing vehicles navigating extensively waterlogged roads while floodwaters encroached upon commercial establishments.

    The precipitation event produced particularly dramatic scenes in mountainous regions, where torrential downpours generated cascading waterflows down rugged slopes. Concurrently, the UAE recorded its most frigid temperature of the current winter season, with thermometers dropping to 3.5°C in Jebel Jais—marking a substantial climatic shift for the region.

    This meteorological instability follows Friday’s extensive rainfall that previously inundated multiple areas nationwide. The persistent adverse conditions have prompted coordinated governmental response, including remote work recommendations from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation for severely impacted zones. The Ministry of Interior concurrently amplified safety advisories, urging residents to exercise heightened caution during travel and outdoor activities.

    While the National Center of Meteorology indicated the primary rainfall wave has subsided, forecasts anticipate continued cooler temperatures and intermittent showers throughout the weekend. Authorities maintain active monitoring of weather developments, implementing responsive measures to address emerging challenges posed by the unusual winter conditions.

  • UAE: How to build wealth with real estate in ‘slow, steady but strategic’ way

    UAE: How to build wealth with real estate in ‘slow, steady but strategic’ way

    The United Arab Emirates’ residential property sector presents a compelling wealth-building opportunity for investors adopting a measured, strategic approach rather than seeking rapid returns. According to market analysis, the sector’s valuation is projected to surge from $143.22 billion in 2025 to $217.09 billion by 2030, representing a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.66%. This growth trajectory underscores the market’s potential for sustained appreciation.

    Industry experts emphasize that successful real estate investment begins with modest acquisitions rather than premium properties. Porush Jhunjhunwala, CEO of Banke International Properties, notes that serious portfolios typically originate with studio or one-bedroom units in well-selected communities rather than luxury penthouses. The key lies in identifying locations with consistent rental demand, where even a single property can evolve into a significant wealth driver through patient holding.

    Dubai’s rental market demonstrates particularly strong fundamentals, with average gross yields remaining healthy and exceeding 7% in certain mid-market communities. Areas including International City, JVC, and Dubai Silicon Oasis offer some of the highest rental yields, reflecting sustained demand that forms the foundation of long-term wealth accumulation.

    The UAE’s property growth is fueled by multiple factors: a rising population, substantial infrastructure commitments, and continued investor engagement. Market data reveals considerable buyer interest, with 69% of respondents in a Property Finder survey expressing intentions to purchase property within the next six months.

    Financial experts caution against treating mortgages as primary strategies rather than tools. Vijay Valecha, Chief Investment Officer at Century Financial, advises stress-testing cash flows and maintaining payment capabilities under shifting market conditions. He emphasizes that reducing debt during high-interest periods provides guaranteed returns through interest savings, while reinvesting rental income accelerates wealth compounding.

    The most successful investors demonstrate that meaningful wealth accumulation doesn’t require frequent transactions. Many have built substantial net worth through one or two carefully selected assets held over extended periods, allowing market appreciation and rental income to compound effectively. This approach prioritizes stability and gradual growth over speculative short-term gains, creating sustainable wealth through market fundamentals rather than timing strategies.