Dario Salvi

After years away from their homeland, some Syrian refugees are forced to return because of Israel’s war against Hezbollah. In the last 48 hours, almost 30,000 people have been displaced. Lebanese authorities report that "15,600 Syrian citizens and 16,130 Lebanese citizens" have crossed the border. Syrians who return face a triple dilemma: arrest, military draft, or loss of refugee status.

The day that marks Hamas' attack on Israel and the beginning of the war in Gaza for the cardinal is a date “symbolic of the drama we are living”. In the month of Our Lady, the invitation to pray in community for true reconciliation. The ‘vortex’ of ‘violence and hatred’ that causes ‘thousands of innocent victims’ today also finds space ‘in language and in political and social actions’.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has carried attacks against Israel in the past few days, including the latest: drones that were intercepted and shot down by Israel’s air force. In the event of a ground invasion of Lebanon, the group is ready to join the fighting. Meanwhile, in Iraq, the 94-year-old Shia cleric is urging aid for the Lebanese population, but ordinary people fear an escalation that could favour the return of the Islamic State.

The structure, dating back to the fifth century, is subject to deterioration. Climatologists and authorities have started a collaboration to assess the long-term ‘impact and consequences’ on historical sites. But many architectural treasures are at risk, as are the country's crops and ecosystem in the face of a ‘silent enemy’ that threatens the future and is the focus of the Summit of the Future at the UN General Assembly in these hours.

Over 100 people die and 400 are wounded in massive Israeli attacks in south Lebanon. Sources tell AsiaNews that Lebanese civilians are fleeing, sheltering in schools and government buildings. The patriarchal vicar for Israel says that even Nazareth was hit by rockets, and "it is likely" that the whole of Galilee will come under attack by Hezbollah. If leaders do not stop, the effects will be “terrible”. Christians are the weak link in this war as religious tourism dries up and violence spreads in Israel’s Arab community.

Fr Raed talks about concerns triggered by the military escalation on the Lebanese border. Social tensions related to conflict are a rising concern, especially in an increasingly radicalised society. The desire to escape does not concern only Christians. "The only solution is an end to the war in Gaza." Dioceses and priests in Italy (and Europe) are urged to promote small “pilgrimages of solidarity”.

In yesterday's action in Lebanon, apparently harmless objects turned out to be powerful weapons. The NGO that works in 28 countries to remove mines left behind by conflicts calls for an urgent response to the rise of autonomous weapons, part of a broader "phenomenon of miniaturisation of explosive devices and their use in micro drones”. Increasingly, demands are being made for a new ban treaty, like the one with landmines.

Two years on from the murder of the young Kurdish woman at the hands of the morality police, the authorities still impose silence and censorship. Her family, confined to house arrest, iis threatened with mprisonment in the case of public ceremonies. Fragility and divisions in the opposition favour the ayatollahs. The new president promises more freedom on the internet and hijab.

Mark Clifford and Gordon Crovitz, senior officials at Next Digital, filed a complaint against the global accounting firm. They allege BDO enabled rights violations by providing essential services to Hong Kong authorities. The case casts more than a shadow on the "assistance" the company provided to the government in muzzling critical voices.

Viskhan Soltamatov allegedly masterminded the assault on the Franciscan church and supplied the group members with weapons. The arrest took place during a joint operation at the weekend. Up to 42 people are on trial, of whom at least 31 are already in custody. Turkish Christians the most persecuted minority in the country.

A report by the China Labour Bulletin documents 10 years of violations and critical issues in healthcare. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed and aggravated existing systematic issues and unresolved disputes, such as unpaid wages, violence against staff by patients and family members, excessive workloads, and disparities.

Travelling with a high-level delegation, the Iranian leader will be in Baghdad next Wednesday, followed by Erbil. A memorandum of understanding on cooperation and security will be signed. Planned for some time, the visit was postponed following the death in a helicopter crash of Pezeshkian’s predecessor, Ebrahim Raisi.