Dario Salvi

Khalil Sayegh, originally from Gaza and co-founder of Agora Initiative, talks about a population tired of war and the domination of the extremist movement. Today the protests are more evident because Hamas is weakened and cannot ‘repress them with brutality’. The humanitarian situation is a ‘disaster’ and a large part of the population is at risk of famine due to the block on aid.

Already three petitions have been filed with the High Court against the controversial law pushed by Israel’s radical right and a prime minister under investigation. The opposition pledges to scarp the law as one of its first acts after the next election. Appeals are made to Israeli President Herzog not to sign the bill. Palestinians take to the streets in Gaza against Hamas.

The Patriarch of Jerusalem visited the Gulf country, which is part of the Apostolic Vicariate of North Arabia. Accompanied by Bishop Berardi, the cardinal met with local communities and leading figures of the kingdom. The cardinal led the Mass in the Cathedral of Our Lady of Arabia and took part in a conference at the King Hamad Global Center for Peaceful Coexistence.

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders issued an appeal on behalf of the activist, who was jailed again a few months ago after serving four years in prison for her reports on the pandemic. Last November, she was indicted for “picking quarrels and provoking trouble.”

Hundreds of people took to the streets in protest over the arrest of Istanbul’s mayor. So far Turkish President Erdoğan has remained silent, while the police respond to the protest with new arrests. Tensions and social unrest are likely to increase, while Imamoğlu's fate in the upcoming presidential race remains uncertain.

Today's news: South Korea oppostion moves to impeach interim president; Hanoi arrests pro-democracy activist for ‘anti-communist activities’; Punjab farmers year-long protest broken with bulldozers and over a hundred arrests; Riyadh cracks down on prostitution and ‘immorality’: over 50 arrests.

Today's news: Dozens arrested in Turkey for support for Imamoglu; Jakarta approves the controversial revision of the law on the armed forces; Israel intercepts Houthi ballistic missile and intensifies ground operations in Gaza, at least 70 dead; Agreement between Kuala Lumpur and Ocean Infinity to resume search for flight MH370; Indian court sentences three defendants to death for the murder of 24 Dalits in 1981.

Police impose restrictions on Turkey’s business capital, including road blocks and slow Internet. Members of the country’s main opposition party take to streets, while CHP party leader confirms that the mayor will be its candidate in the next presidential election. So far, the President’s Office has not released any statement. Human rights groups call the charges politically motivated.

For Bishop Martinelli, the sudden escalation comes after Trump's decision to declare the Houthis a terrorist group. The conflict is at risk of getting hot with tragic consequences for civilians. Poverty is extreme and humanitarian projects are hard to implement. The work of the Sisters of Mother Teresa is a “point of reference” for the few Christians who remain in the country.

Today's news: More bombings overnight in Israel and Gaza, far-right leader Ben-Gvir welcomed back into Netanyahu's government; No truce in Ukraine in the two and a half hour phone call between Putin and Trump; Rohingya leader arrested in Bangladesh; Hanoi wants to halve the number of provinces and reduce the authorities at municipal level by up to 70%.

Fr Romanelli bears witness to the tragic escalation of Israel's war in Gaza against Hamas. The clergyman reports that more than 300 people were killed and more than a thousand wounded. His parish church was spared so it continues “to provide our service to everyone,” especially children and senior citizens. Gaza Catholics “pray for peace” with Pope Francis.

In today's news: The Indian authorities have imposed a curfew in Nagpur after an attack by Hindu radicals on the tomb of an ancient Muslim ruler; Jakarta repatriates - and interrogates - over 500 of its citizens returning from Myanmar who were victims of ‘cyberscam’; Beijing has put the publisher Li Yanhe on trial for ‘pro-Taiwan secessionism’; After 14 years, the leader of the Iranian opposition Karroubi has been released from house arrest.