As the future of Gaza remains uncertain, the Palestinian Authority (PA) faces a critical juncture in its ability to govern effectively and advance the two-state solution. Under the leadership of Mahmoud Abbas, the PA has struggled to gain legitimacy and unity among Palestinians. Abbas, an 89-year-old leader widely criticized for his ineffectiveness, has seen his influence wane, prompting calls for a more dynamic and unifying figure to take the helm. Among the potential successors, Marwan Barghouti, currently imprisoned in Israel since 2002, emerges as a compelling candidate capable of revitalizing the PA and fostering peace. Barghouti, a former member of the Palestinian Legislative Council, is widely respected across the political spectrum and is seen as a unifying force. His popularity among Palestinians, coupled with his experience in cross-border negotiations with Israeli peace advocates, positions him as a potential leader who could bridge divides and implement the Oslo Accords. Recent polls indicate that Barghouti would overwhelmingly win a presidential election, garnering 50% of the vote compared to Hamas leader Khaled Mashal’s 35% and Abbas’s 11%. Despite his imprisonment, Barghouti’s release is increasingly viewed as essential to achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza and advancing the two-state solution. His supporters, including his family, have appealed to international leaders, including U.S. President Donald Trump, to secure his freedom. Barghouti’s potential leadership is seen as a catalyst for reforming the PA and uniting Palestinian factions, making him a pivotal figure in the quest for peace in the region.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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North Korea’s top diplomat meets with Putin on a visit to Russia
In a significant diplomatic move, North Korea’s Foreign Minister Chon Son Hui met with Russian President Vladimir Putin at the Kremlin on Monday, marking another step in the deepening alliance between the two nations. This high-level engagement followed a September meeting between Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Beijing, where both leaders attended a military parade commemorating the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end. During the Kremlin talks, Putin expressed his warm regards to Kim, recalling their cordial discussions in China. Earlier in the day, Chon held discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who praised North Korean troops for their collaboration with Russian forces in the Kursk region following a Ukrainian incursion. Lavrov emphasized that such joint efforts would fortify the historical and strategic bonds between the two countries. Chon highlighted the “considerable progress” in bilateral relations and reaffirmed Pyongyang’s steadfast support for Russia’s policies aimed at safeguarding state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and international justice. According to South Korean intelligence, North Korea has dispatched approximately 15,000 troops and significant military supplies, including artillery and ballistic missiles, to support Russia’s operations in Ukraine. Additionally, Kim has committed to sending thousands of military construction workers and deminers to the Kursk region, further solidifying the military and economic cooperation between Moscow and Pyongyang.
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Vivian Kong Man-wai: Everyone can be an athlete
At the 2025 Greater Bay Area Forum, renowned athlete Vivian Kong Man-wai emphasized that sports transcend mere competition. Speaking on Thursday, Kong highlighted that the essence of athletics lies in the spirit of participation, whether one is on the field or in the stands. ‘There are more important things than just winning,’ she stated, underscoring the broader impact of sports on personal growth and community engagement. Kong’s message resonated with the audience, as she encouraged everyone to embrace the athlete’s mindset, which fosters resilience, teamwork, and a sense of achievement. Her speech aimed to inspire individuals to see sports as a universal platform for self-improvement and collective celebration, rather than a pursuit of trophies alone.
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India’s Shreyas Iyer taken to Sydney hospital after fielding injury
Indian cricketer Shreyas Iyer has been hospitalized in Sydney after sustaining a significant injury during the third one-day international (ODI) against Australia. The incident occurred on Saturday when Iyer, attempting to take a catch to dismiss Alex Carey, fell awkwardly on the field, clutching his side in visible pain. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) confirmed on Monday that Iyer suffered a lacerated spleen and is currently receiving medical care. Despite the injury, India secured a nine-wicket victory in the match, although Australia had already clinched the series with wins in the first two ODIs in Perth and Adelaide. Iyer underwent immediate on-field treatment but did not return to play. The BCCI stated that he is medically stable and recovering well, with the team doctor remaining in Sydney to monitor his progress. India is set to face Australia in a five-match Twenty20 series starting in Canberra on Wednesday.
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Dubai’s DP World opens $85-million Sokhna Logistics Park in Egypt
DP World, in collaboration with British International Investment (BII), has officially opened the Sokhna Logistics Park in Egypt, marking a significant milestone in the region’s logistics and trade infrastructure. The $85 million project, situated in the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE), is being developed in two phases. Phase one is now operational, while phase two is set to commence in the third quarter of 2026, expanding the park’s total area to nearly 300,000 square metres. The park is expected to create over 150 jobs in its initial phase, with employment opportunities projected to exceed 300 upon full completion. Strategically located near Sokhna Port, Suez, and the New Administrative Capital, the park benefits from tax and customs exemptions, streamlined trade procedures, and robust connectivity. Already, 90 customers have expressed interest, with several contracts finalized. The park offers integrated logistics solutions, including bonded and non-bonded services, real-time visibility, on-site customs inspections, and a dedicated customer portal. It caters to key industries such as raw materials, packaging, agriculture, electronics, construction, textiles, automotive components, and electric vehicles. Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Chairman and Group CEO of DP World, emphasized the company’s commitment to building a sustainable logistics ecosystem in Egypt, fostering seamless trade flows, job creation, and economic growth. Additionally, DP World has commenced construction of a $29 million cold storage facility in 6th of October City, enhancing Egypt’s cold chain capabilities and addressing rising demand for energy-efficient storage. Since 2008, DP World has invested over $1.3 billion in Egypt, modernizing Sokhna Port and integrating it into global supply chains. The inauguration ceremony was attended by Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly and UAE Ambassador Hamad Al Zaabi, underscoring the project’s regional significance.
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Cummins out of Ashes opener, coach optimistic about second Test
Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins has been ruled out of the first Ashes Test against England in Perth due to a lingering lower-back injury, Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday. Cummins, who has been sidelined since July, will be replaced as captain by Steve Smith for the series opener starting November 21. Despite the setback, coach Andrew McDonald remains optimistic about Cummins’ potential return for the second Test in Brisbane on December 4. McDonald revealed that Cummins has resumed running and is expected to start bowling this week, marking a significant step in his recovery. ‘It takes four-plus weeks to get him up and running, and we’ve run out of time for the first Test, but we’re hopeful for the second,’ McDonald stated. Cummins, a key figure in Australia’s Ashes campaigns since 2017, has been instrumental in the team’s success. His absence in Perth will likely see Scott Boland step into the bowling attack alongside Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc. Boland, known for his effectiveness on Australian pitches, has an impressive Test record with 62 wickets at an average of 16.53. McDonald expressed confidence in Boland’s ability to fill the void, while also highlighting the potential boost of Cummins’ eventual return. Smith, who previously lost the captaincy in 2018 due to the ball-tampering scandal, has led the team six times in Cummins’ absence. McDonald praised Smith’s leadership and the strong partnership between the two players. Additionally, the selectors are considering a Test recall for Mitch Marsh, despite his recent focus on white-ball cricket. ‘We haven’t given up on Mitch Marsh’s Test career,’ McDonald added, emphasizing Marsh’s recent batting form.
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Calm Norris plans to stay relaxed after taking F1 title-race lead
Lando Norris has surged to the top of the Formula One drivers’ championship standings after a commanding victory at the Mexico City Grand Prix. The McLaren driver secured a 30-second lead over Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who narrowly held off Red Bull’s Max Verstappen in a thrilling finish. Norris’s triumph marks his 10th career win and his first in Mexico, propelling him to 357 points, one ahead of teammate Oscar Piastri, who finished fifth. With four races remaining, Norris has seized the momentum, also extending his lead over Verstappen, who has been in formidable form with six consecutive podium finishes. Norris attributed his success to his calm and focused approach, stating, ‘I’m just keeping my head down and focussing on myself. It’s working for me at the minute.’ The victory came in a carnival-like atmosphere at the Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, where Norris maintained composure and executed a flawless race. Meanwhile, Piastri acknowledged the need to adapt his driving style, admitting, ‘I’ve had to drive very differently in the last couple of weeks. It’s about adding tools to the toolbox rather than reinventing myself.’ As the championship battle intensifies, Norris’s relaxed mindset and consistent performance have positioned him as a strong contender for the title.
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UAE: Fujairah F3 power plant begins full commercial operations, to power 380,000 homes
The Fujairah F3 Independent Power Producer (IPP) project has officially commenced full commercial operations as of Monday, October 27, 2025. Situated in the Qidfa area of Fujairah, this 2.4-gigawatt (GW) facility stands as one of the largest and most efficient gas-fired power plants in the United Arab Emirates. The plant is designed to power approximately 380,000 homes, providing reliable electricity while supporting the UAE’s strategic energy transition towards renewable and clean energy sources.
The project is a collaborative effort involving Emirates Water and Electricity Company (EWEC), Abu Dhabi National Energy Company PJSC (TAQA), Marubeni Corporation, Mubadala Investment Company, and Hokuriku Electric Power Company. It features state-of-the-art JAC-class gas turbine technology from Mitsubishi Power, integrated into an advanced Combined Cycle Gas Turbine (CCGT) configuration. This technology ensures high thermal efficiency, rapid response capabilities, and a low emissions profile, making Fujairah F3 a cornerstone of the UAE’s cleaner and more sustainable energy production.
Developed under the IPP model, the ownership structure of the project includes TAQA (40%), Marubeni Corporation (20.4%), Mubadala (20%), and Hokuriku Electric Power (19.6%). EWEC serves as the sole procurer of electricity from the project under a long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA).
Andreas Collor, Chief Operations Officer of TAQA’s Generation business, emphasized the plant’s role in meeting growing power demand and its flexibility in integrating renewables into the grid. Mohamed Almarzooqi, Chief Asset Development and Management Officer of EWEC, highlighted the plant’s transitional capacity in supporting utility-scale renewable energy integration while ensuring grid reliability during peak demand periods.
Dr. Alyazia Ali Al Kuwaiti, Executive Director of Mubadala’s UAE Investments platform, noted the project’s contribution to national energy security and its alignment with Mubadala’s Net Zero goals. Naoki Ito of Marubeni Corporation and Masayoshi Hayashi of Hokuriku Electric Power Company both underscored the importance of international partnerships and innovative approaches in addressing the region’s evolving energy needs.
Les Graham, Executive Managing Director of Fujairah Power Company F3 LLC, emphasized the plant’s efficiency and flexibility in enabling the growth of renewable energy in the UAE, aligning with the vision of a sustainable grid.
Fujairah F3 is a critical component of EWEC’s long-term strategy to increase the share of renewable and clean energy in the electricity generation mix. Its flexible operations and high-efficiency generation capacity complement the integration of intermittent renewable energy, supporting a modern, decarbonized energy system. This project exemplifies the UAE’s commitment to deploying cutting-edge technologies that reduce emissions, boost efficiency, and support sustainable development.
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India evacuates nearly 50,000 as cyclone Montha gains strength
India has initiated a large-scale evacuation effort, relocating nearly 50,000 people to relief camps as Cyclone Montha intensifies over the Bay of Bengal. The storm, expected to strengthen into a severe cyclone by Tuesday, is forecast to bring destructive winds and torrential rains to the eastern states of Andhra Pradesh and Odisha. Disaster response teams have been deployed to evacuate families from vulnerable low-lying areas, while fishermen in Odisha have been advised to avoid venturing into the sea. Authorities have canceled holidays for emergency personnel and ordered the closure of schools and colleges in coastal regions. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts the cyclone will make landfall in Andhra Pradesh later on Tuesday. This comes as the region braces for potential widespread damage, with 3.9 million people anticipated to be affected. Cyclones are a recurring threat to India’s east coast, particularly between April and December. The 1999 Odisha super cyclone, which claimed nearly 10,000 lives, remains one of the country’s most devastating natural disasters. Meanwhile, neighboring Tamil Nadu has issued alerts for heavy rainfall, with Chennai, the state capital, at risk of flooding. In Nepal, disaster authorities have warned of potential rain and snowfall, urging trekkers to exercise caution following recent floods and landslides that killed 53 people this month.
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Pakistan and Afghanistan hold third day of peace talks as border tensions test ceasefire
Peace negotiations between Pakistan and Afghanistan entered their third day on Monday in Istanbul, Turkey, as both nations seek to de-escalate ongoing border tensions. The talks, facilitated by Qatar and hosted by Turkey, follow a recent ceasefire agreement brokered on October 19 after deadly clashes along the border resulted in significant casualties on both sides. U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking at the ASEAN summit in Malaysia, expressed optimism about resolving the crisis “very quickly.” However, violence persists, with Pakistan’s army reporting the killing of 25 militants and the loss of five soldiers during recent border skirmishes. The discussions aim to solidify the ceasefire and address broader issues, including Pakistan’s allegations that Afghanistan harbors militants responsible for cross-border attacks. Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed the talks are ongoing, though no outcomes have been announced. Meanwhile, trade and border communities await a resolution, as key trade routes remain closed, leaving hundreds of trucks stranded. The negotiations mark a critical effort to stabilize a region plagued by decades of conflict, dating back to Pakistan’s role in the U.S.-backed war against the Soviet Union in Afghanistan in 1979.