The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has accused Israel of constructing walls inside Lebanese territory near the UN-demarcated Blue Line, the de facto border between the two nations. UNIFIL stated that the walls, built by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), encroached on Lebanese sovereignty and rendered over 4,000 square meters of land inaccessible to Lebanese citizens. The UN peacekeeping force confirmed the violations through surveys conducted in October and November 2025. Israel, however, denied the allegations, asserting that the wall was part of a broader security plan initiated in 2022 and did not cross the Blue Line. The IDF emphasized that the construction was aimed at reinforcing the northern border following lessons learned from recent conflicts. The dispute arises amidst ongoing tensions between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, despite a truce brokered in November 2024. UNIFIL has urged Israel to respect the Blue Line and withdraw from Lebanese territory, citing violations of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which ended the 2006 conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. The resolution also underpinned the 2024 ceasefire, which sought to halt over a year of hostilities. UNIFIL has formally advised the IDF of its findings and requested the removal of the walls.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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‘Really want to see Will Smith’: Fans brave rush hour to listen to Hollywood star at SIBF
The Sharjah International Book Fair (SIBF) witnessed an electrifying atmosphere as fans eagerly gathered to catch a glimpse of Hollywood icon Will Smith. The 57-year-old Academy Award-winning actor took the stage as a guest speaker to delve into the transformative power of storytelling. Accompanied by entrepreneur and podcast host Anas Bukhash, Smith engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue that captivated the audience. Despite the rush hour, dedicated fans like Alicia, an Argentinian expat and restaurant owner, drove over an hour from Jumeirah to attend the event. “I’m a huge fan of Will Smith and Anas Bukhash,” she shared. “I rushed here after a meeting just to see him.” Known for his iconic roles in films like ‘Bad Boys,’ ‘Men in Black,’ and ‘Independence Day,’ Smith’s presence added star power to the fair’s final weekend. Organizers ensured a seamless experience with enhanced security, wristband distribution, and designated seating areas for Gold, Silver, Bronze, and VIP attendees. The 44th edition of SIBF, running until November 16, also featured luminaries like Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, Carlo Rovelli, and Paul Lynch, making it a cultural highlight of the year.
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What does Adnan Hussain’s departure mean for Your Party and the British left?
In a significant blow to the nascent left-wing political movement in the UK, Adnan Hussain, a key figure in the formation of the temporarily named ‘Your Party,’ has announced his departure from the steering group. This decision, revealed on Friday afternoon, underscores his belief that the party lacks the pluralism and inclusivity necessary to accommodate his political vision. Hussain, an independent MP for Blackburn, expressed his concerns about the party’s culture, describing it as ‘toxic, exclusionary, and deeply disheartening.’ His exit comes just weeks before the party’s founding conference, casting doubt on its future and its ability to unite diverse voter bases. Hussain’s departure highlights internal rifts within the party, particularly regarding its ideological breadth and treatment of members. His criticisms extend to the handling of Muslim men within the steering process, which he likened to the very political forces the left opposes. Despite his exit, Hussain remains committed to the Independent Alliance, a parliamentary grouping that includes other independents and former Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn. Your Party, which initially garnered significant attention and support, has been plagued by infighting and ideological clashes. The party’s ability to form a strategic alliance with the Green Party and mobilize working-class and Muslim voters now hangs in the balance. With the British left’s momentum seemingly shifting toward the Green Party, Your Party’s future remains uncertain, leaving the broader left-wing coalition in a precarious position.
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UK government faces legal challenge over broken promise to rescue family from Gaza
A Palestinian father residing in the UK has accused the British government of endangering his family in Gaza by failing to fulfill its promise to evacuate them. Despite assurances made over two months ago, his wife, three children, and adopted nephew remain stranded in the Zawida area of Gaza, displaced by relentless Israeli bombardment. The family now lives in a fragile tent with scarce access to food, clean water, or medical care. The father, who wishes to remain anonymous to protect his family, expressed his anguish, stating, ‘My family are in constant danger, and I worry about them every minute of every day.’ He lamented the UK government’s broken promise, which has left his children terrified and unable to sleep due to hunger and the constant threat of airstrikes. In August 2025, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) agreed to provide consular assistance for the family’s evacuation. However, despite obtaining Israeli clearances, neither the FCDO nor the Home Office has taken concrete steps to secure their exit. The Home Office has granted family reunion visas in principle, but biometric checks—required to activate these visas—are impossible to complete in Gaza, where no visa application center operates. The nearest viable location for biometrics is Jordan, but UK officials have refused to provide the necessary assurances for the family to cross the border. Frustrated by the government’s inaction, the father is now pursuing legal action against Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, accusing them of abandoning his family. Lawyers from human rights firm Leigh Day argue that the UK’s refusal to facilitate the family’s evacuation is unlawful, especially given its previous success in evacuating other groups under similar circumstances. Sarah Crowe, a solicitor with Leigh Day, emphasized the family’s dire situation, stating, ‘They are living on the streets in Gaza without food, shelter, or medical care and remain at risk of serious harm or death.’ The legal action coincides with warnings from local authorities in Gaza about catastrophic flood risks for the displaced population. Since the war on Gaza began in October 2023, Israeli forces have killed over 70,000 Palestinians, with thousands more missing and feared dead. Middle East Eye continues to provide independent coverage of the region, shedding light on such critical issues.
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‘Worryingly’ few civilians from Sudan’s el-Fasher making it to Chad, says aid chief
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has taken a grim turn as only a small number of civilians fleeing the recently seized city of el-Fasher have reached eastern Chad, despite its proximity. Charlotte Slente, Secretary-General of the Danish Refugee Council (DRC), highlighted this alarming trend during her recent visit to the region. She reported that despite el-Fasher being less than 300 kilometers from Chad, only around 50 people are entering daily through the border town of Adre, with a total of 200 to 500 crossing all Chad-Sudan borders daily. The DRC described these numbers as “deeply worrying,” especially given the dire situation in el-Fasher, where 90,000 of its 260,000 civilians have fled. The low influx is attributed to the city’s prolonged siege and the perilous journey to safety. Slente shared harrowing accounts from refugees, including a young Sudanese couple who lost family members and endured extreme violence during their escape. The Rapid Support Forces (RSF), responsible for the city’s capture, have been accused of mass killings, sexual violence, and other atrocities, further complicating the humanitarian response. Chad, already hosting over 882,000 Sudanese refugees, is preparing for an additional 90,000 arrivals. Despite its limited resources, Chad’s government is allocating land for new refugee settlements. Slente criticized the international community for its inaction, warning that without concerted diplomatic pressure, more mass atrocities could occur. The conflict, rooted in tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the RSF, has displaced millions and claimed tens of thousands of lives, with no end in sight.
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Gen-Z Taiwan volunteer joins Minqin’s desert afforestation efforts
In the arid expanse of the Gobi Desert, a group of dedicated young volunteers is combating desertification by planting trees and reclaiming barren land. Among them is 20-year-old Lee Ting-Hsuan from Taiwan, who is experiencing the challenging yet rewarding task of afforestation in Northwest China for the first time. Lee, a student at Peking University, is part of a broader initiative in Minqin county, Gansu province, where volunteers have been working tirelessly for over 70 years to transform desertified areas into green landscapes. The program, initiated in 2007 by local resident Ma Junhe, has attracted more than 80,000 participants who have collectively restored approximately 5,667 hectares of desert. Volunteers, including Lee, plant drought-resistant suosuo trees and construct clay sand barriers to stabilize dunes. The initiative not only benefits the environment but also provides economic opportunities for local communities. Lee’s participation highlights the growing interest among young people in meaningful public welfare activities, as she and other volunteers document their efforts on social media to inspire broader participation. The program’s success is evident in the reduction of desertified land in Minqin, contributing to ecological stability and preventing sandstorms from reaching as far as Beijing. Around 20 young volunteers from Macao also joined the effort, led by Su Kun, a member of the Gansu Provincial Committee of the CPPCC. Su emphasized the importance of firsthand experience in understanding the region’s challenges and cultural diversity. Lee’s journey underscores the younger generation’s commitment to ecological protection and the national priority of tree planting in China, which saw 4.45 million hectares of forests planted in 2024.
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Election for body representing Palestinian citizens of Israel sparks reform calls
The election of a new president for the High Follow-Up Committee for Arab Citizens of Israel has ignited a heated debate about the need for reform within the organization. The committee, established in the early 1980s, serves as a representative body for the two-million-strong Palestinian population in Israel, advocating for their political and civil rights. However, critics argue that the committee has become increasingly ineffective in addressing pressing issues such as rising crime rates and ongoing violence in Gaza and the West Bank.
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UN rights council orders probe of ‘atrocities’ in Sudan’s El-Fasher
The UN Human Rights Council has mandated an urgent investigation into alleged atrocities in Sudan’s El-Fasher, aiming to identify and hold perpetrators accountable. The resolution, adopted unanimously during a special session, responds to escalating violence and warnings of potential genocide in the region. UN rights chief Volker Turk highlighted the severity of the crisis, stating that ‘bloodstains on the ground in El-Fasher have been photographed from space.’ The conflict, which began in April 2023 between Sudan’s army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths and displaced nearly 12 million people, creating one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. Recent reports from El-Fasher detail executions, sexual violence, looting, and abductions, with nearly 100,000 residents fleeing the area in the past two weeks. British ambassador Kumar Iyer described the violence as a ‘coordinated campaign against civilians,’ citing credible reports of targeted killings and systematic abuses. The resolution broadens the scope of the UN’s independent fact-finding mission, despite objections from Sudan and other nations. The UAE denied allegations of supporting the RSF, while its ambassador criticized both the RSF and the Sudanese army for indiscriminate attacks. The International Criminal Court is reportedly monitoring the situation closely, with concerns that the violence could spread to the Kordofan region. The UN emphasized the need for accountability to break the cycle of impunity and prevent further atrocities.
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Over 20 Gen Z foreign guests to explore Baise city in Guangxi
The 2025 Overseas Generation Z Guangxi Cultural Experience Tour officially commenced on Wednesday in Baise, located in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. This initiative has attracted over 20 young participants, including foreign media representatives and youth delegates from diverse nations such as the United Kingdom, Italy, Argentina, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Myanmar. The event aims to foster cross-cultural understanding and showcase the rich heritage of Guangxi to the global Gen Z community. Participants will engage in immersive activities, exploring the region’s unique traditions, landscapes, and cultural landmarks. This tour not only highlights Baise’s significance as a cultural hub but also strengthens international ties through youth engagement and cultural exchange.
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Beijing’s air quality improves further
Beijing has made remarkable strides in improving its air quality in 2025, with the Beijing Municipal Ecology and Environment Bureau reporting a 16.6% reduction in the average PM2.5 concentration during the first ten months of the year. The average concentration of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) from January to October stood at 25.6 micrograms per cubic meter, marking a significant improvement. Additionally, the city recorded 254 days of good air quality, an increase of 20 days compared to the same period in 2024. These achievements are attributed to systematic efforts, including the promotion of new energy vehicles, which have surpassed 1.2 million in number by October. To address seasonal pollution, Beijing has strengthened regional collaboration and employed advanced technologies such as satellite remote sensing and online monitoring to identify and mitigate high-pollution areas. These measures underscore the city’s commitment to combating air pollution and enhancing environmental sustainability.