Dario Salvi

From Yemen, the Houthis attack southern Israel with drone strikes. Iran's supreme leader calls on Muslims (and Arabs) to rally against the Jewish State, starting with an economic boycott. Faced with the risk of an expansion of the war in Gaza, Msgr. Martinelli speaks of a "prophetic place" of "confrontation and peace". Do not bend religion to a "purpose of conquest". The Pope returns to the Emirates for COP28.

Today's news: Israel renews attacks on the Strip, the UN says it will not rule out Jabalia refugee camp attack being considered a 'war crime'; The Cambodian government establishes an authority for civil cases, separate from the ordinary courts; Beijing tightens regulations on bank capital to contain financial risks; Senior officials of an Indonesian pharmaceutical company convicted over a drug linked to the deaths of 200 children; Bhutan appoints an interim government ahead of parliamentary elections; Entire Russian settlements beyond the polar circle without heating,wood or coal as winter sets in.

At the end of the Marian prayer, the pontiff said that tomorrow's Mass for the Dead will be held at the Rome War Cemetery. He urged the faithful again to pray for the populations suffering from today's wars, in particular in Ukraine, Palestine, and Israel. On the feast day of All Saints, he emphasised the two traits of holiness: a gift "for all" and a journey "to be made together.”.

Today's headlines: China began polling 1.4 million people to find ways to encourage births. After the repatriation deadline expired, Pakistan began arresting Afghans illegally in the country. North Korea is set to close one quarter of its embassies around the world. A Vietnamese man is sentenced to three and a half years for live-streaming videos critical of the government on social media. The 2034 World Cup goes to Saudi Arabia. Gandhi accuses the Modi government of spying on opponents' phones. In Russia, more incidents of intolerance towards the Jewish community are reported.

A bloody thread runs along the history of Iraq’s Christian community in the last 20 years. The Chaldean patriarch bemoans the lack of ‘guarantees" of "real security" and a “stable future". The wedding party tragedy in the Nineveh plain helps drive Christians away. The cardinal does not mince words about a Christian militia that attacks and divides Christians rather than protect them.

Added to concerns over the civilian victims of the conflict in the Strip are fears for regional economies. Oil prices and repercussions in the energy sector are being watched. A sharp drop in GDP is expected for the entire MENA region. World Bank: the impact on employment in an area where 300 million young people will be knocking on the door of the labour market by 2050.

Today's news: Ongoing ground battle in Gaza. Bangkok cancels visas for tourists from India and Taiwan; South Korean discount store recalls 53 thousand plastic slippers for toxic chemical substances; Two-year jail terms for four former student leaders at Hong Kong University; Nepal's mountains have lost a third of their glaciers in 30 years; On the Turkish side of Mount Ararat traces of seawater over 5,000 years old, possible evidence of the biblical universal flood; Naval'nyj and political prisoners on hunger strike yesterday on Prisoners of Conscience Day.

For Bernard Sabella, the failure of the peace process and the delegitimisation of the Palestinian Authority have left a "political vacuum”. The United States and the international community should work to avoid escalating “violence and vengefulness”. Iranian Foreign Minister and his Vatican counterpart talk on the phone. Card Pizzaballa consecrated the Holy Land to Mary.

Today's news: clashes and arrests at funeral of 17-year-old Iranian girl who died over hijab, another Mahsa Amini; Exports in textiles to Vietnam down, losses $41 billion; Israeli army raids continue in Gaza: in Dagestan a plane from Tel Aviv attacked; At least 13 killed and dozens injured in a train accident in Andhra Pradesh; Discontent among Hong Kong Muslims over the presence of a Chinese flag at official events atop the most important mosque; Tenth meeting between the leaders of Singapore and Malaysia, first since the Covid-19 pandemic; Russian satellite production "no longer competitive."

More than half of the 220 hostages held in Gaza are foreign nationals from 25 different nations. At least a quarter are workers: 54 Thais, five Nepalis, two Filipinos, one Chinese, and one Sri Lankan. Thailand sends a team of negotiators to secure the hostages’ release. Fearing the war, many migrants are leaving Israel.

The world looks to Gaza and sees bombs and deaths. Fr Youssef Asaad and the Holy Family parish post testimonies on social media about charity, solidarity and celebrations that unite Catholics and Orthodox. Muslim families are also supported. Patriarch Pizzaballa tells Gaza Christians that they are not alone. Today the pope will pray in St Peter's for peace. In Israel, support for an invasion of Gaza is collapsing.

For the Vicar of Anatolia, it is necessary to respond to the serious issues underlying the conflict, starting with a Palestinian state. The great powers ought to “step aside" in favour of a local process, which will be long, to bring peace to the region. Prayer and fasting can “extinguish the “mounting hatred.”