Dario Salvi

Yesterday, a France-Saudi proposal to recognise full Palestinian sovereignty alongside Israel was presented at the UN. So far, 152 of 193 countries are in favour, but the United States remains opposed. One of the points outlined by Macron in his address is an “International Stabilization Mission”. For Misk, the vote puts the spotlight back on Palestine, but it is only "the first phase”; “other actions" are needed. In the future Palestine, “Muslims, Christians, and Jews must be equal before the law”.

The 42-year-old blogger and lawyer who was jailed for reporting on the pandemic in Wuhan will spend more time behind bars for “causing a public disturbance”. Her "crime" was attempting to meet and defend a trade unionist in Gansu. Friends and supporters highlight the deep Christian faith that inspires her courage.

Syria’s interim president is expected to address the 80th United Nations General Assembly. This is a diplomatic coup for Syria’s post-Assad leadership. The White House scraps the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for 6,000 Syrians in the United States, who now risk arrest and deportation.

A study by the IEA study highlights this projection. Titled "The Future of Electricity in the Middle East and North Africa,” the document notes that electricity output has tripled since 2000 to meet demand for water desalination and home cooling. The use of renewable energies is increasing. Experts believe it is necessary to upgrade existing systems to optimise costs and reduce consumption.

For interim president al-Sharaa, ongoing negotiations between Syria and the Jewish state could yield results ‘in the coming days.’ The Golan Heights issue is excluded. Request for UN monitoring of territorial integrity and respect for airspace. Legislative elections postponed (perhaps) until the end of the month.

The former apostolic vicar of Anatolia is among the more than 500 signatories of the appeal denouncing the “humanitarian tragedy” of the Palestinian civilian population. On 22 September in Rome, public prayer for an end to “genocide” and for “unarmed and disarming” peace. From the international community and the West, “no real attempt to stop Israel”; behind this war, “a formidable business. Stop sending weapons”.

An extraordinary general assembly is set for tomorrow morning. Abbot Damianos resigned recently following internal tensions and a clash with Patriarch Theophilos III. In the past few months, the historic building was the subject of a (contested) expropriation order by Egyptian authorities.

The Chinese Communist Party has recruited the Bamboo Union to promote unification with the People's Republic. Chang An-lo and other key figures have been exploited to boost China’s political influence on the island through intelligence gathering and psychological operations. Meanwhile, Taiwan is cracking down on a pro-Beijing party and prosecuting its members.

Today's news: An airstrike by Myanmar’s junta hits two schools in Rakhine, killing 18. Nepal's president dissolves parliament and announces new elections in March, following the swearing-in of caretaker Prime Minister Sushila Karki. A UN report denounces the progressive deterioration of human rights in North Korea. An all-women sports channel is launched in Saudi Arabia.

In the Holy Year of Hope, such a deed is designed to provide relief and comfort to the many families experiencing financial hardship. This crisis has been ongoing for some time, partly due to Israeli government cuts, and exacerbated by the recent years of war. For Cardinal Pizzaballa, “This was not an easy decision” because it means loss of revenues, but it is a sign of “grace” in “a context of violence”.

Low water levels in the two main rivers, down to 27%, threaten the ecosystem. The situation is exacerbated by dams built upstream in Turkey and Iran. The country receives less than 35% of the quota that would theoretically be allocated to it. Basra is among the centres most vulnerable to change. The collapse of the water levels favours archaeological discoveries.

Turkish authorities continue to crack down on the main opposition party. With the leadership of the commercial metropolis under commission, judges could also remove the national leadership. At least 14 people have been arrested in recent days for inciting street protests. Internet blocks and restrictions, bans on demonstrations, leafleting and sit-ins.