标签： Asia

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Sunday the resumption of ceasefire enforcement in Gaza, following a series of targeted strikes against Hamas earlier in the day. The military emphasized its commitment to maintaining the truce while warning of a robust response to any breaches. In an official statement, the IDF declared, ‘In accordance with the directive of the political echelon, and following a series of significant strikes in response to Hamas’ violations, the IDF has begun the renewed enforcement of the ceasefire.’ The statement further underscored the military’s resolve, stating, ‘The IDF will continue to uphold the ceasefire agreement and will respond firmly to any violation of it.’ This development comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, highlighting the fragile nature of the ceasefire and the potential for renewed conflict.

In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel has suspended humanitarian aid to Gaza following a series of military strikes on Sunday. The Israeli military accused Hamas of violating a recent US-brokered ceasefire by launching attacks on its forces. The strikes, which targeted Hamas infrastructure including tunnels, weapons depots, and militants, resulted in at least 18 casualties, according to local health authorities and Gaza residents.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered a forceful response to what he described as Hamas’ breach of the ceasefire agreement. The military reported that militants in Rafah fired an anti-tank missile and attacked Israeli soldiers. Despite these developments, Hamas’ armed wing claimed it remained committed to the ceasefire and denied knowledge of the clashes in Rafah.

The suspension of aid has raised concerns about the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where hundreds of thousands of people were already facing famine as of August, according to the IPC global hunger monitor. The Rafah border crossing, a critical conduit for aid, remains closed, further exacerbating the situation. The UN has emphasized the urgent need for increased humanitarian assistance, even as aid flows through other crossings had improved prior to the suspension.

The ceasefire, which took effect on October 11, had temporarily halted two years of conflict. However, both sides have accused each other of violations, casting doubt on the prospects for lasting peace. Key unresolved issues include Hamas’ disarmament, Gaza’s future governance, the composition of an international stabilization force, and steps toward Palestinian statehood.

Amid the uncertainty, some Palestinians have rushed to stockpile goods, fearing a collapse of the truce. The situation echoes Israel’s response to ceasefire violations by Hezbollah in late 2024, which initially threatened but ultimately maintained a fragile peace. As tensions persist, the path to a durable resolution remains fraught with challenges.

A tragic aviation incident unfolded at Hong Kong International Airport early Monday morning, resulting in the deaths of two ground staff members. The Emirates flight EK9788, a Boeing 747-481 operated by Turkish cargo airline Air ACT, skidded off the north runway and plunged into the sea shortly after arriving from Dubai at approximately 03:50 local time (19:50 GMT). The aircraft reportedly collided with a vehicle on the runway during the mishap. According to a statement from the Civil Aviation Department, the two ground staff fell into the water during the accident. Despite being rescued, they succumbed to their injuries and were pronounced dead at the hospital, as reported by local media outlets, including public broadcaster RTHK, citing police sources. The four crew members onboard the plane survived the crash and were transported to the hospital for treatment. The affected runway has been closed indefinitely, though the airport’s other two runways remain operational. The Airport Authority has announced a press conference scheduled for 10:00 local time (02:00 GMT) to address the incident. Rescue efforts were bolstered by the Hong Kong Government Flying Service, which deployed helicopters, and the Fire Services Department, which sent vessels to the scene. The accident has disrupted air traffic, with at least 11 cargo flights initially scheduled to arrive at the airport on Monday being canceled, as per the Airport Authority’s website. This incident marks a rare blemish on the safety record of Hong Kong International Airport, which has historically maintained a strong reputation for operational safety.

In a daring heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, thieves executed a meticulously planned break-in on Sunday morning, targeting the renowned Galerie d’Apollon. Using an extendable ladder, the intruders accessed an upper window overlooking the gallery, which houses some of France’s most priceless treasures. While authorities have yet to disclose the exact items stolen, the gallery is home to an array of historic jewels, including the world-famous Regent Diamond, the Hortensia Pink Diamond, and the crowns of Louis XV and Empress Eugenie. The Regent Diamond, weighing 140.64 carats, is considered one of the finest diamonds globally, valued at over $60 million. The Hortensia Diamond, with its storied past of theft and recovery, and the ornate tiaras of French royalty, including the Duchess of Angoulême’s emerald and diamond tiara, were also among the targeted exhibits. The Galerie d’Apollon, commissioned by Louis XIV in 1661, is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture, adorned with gold leaf and paintings, and served as the inspiration for Versailles’ Hall of Mirrors. The thieves reportedly dropped Empress Eugenie’s crown outside the museum during their escape, leaving behind a trail of clues. This audacious theft has raised concerns about the security of one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions.