Dario Salvi

The cardinal is "worried" about the escalation in Gaza, and the danger that it might inflame the entire Middle East. Religion is used to fuel a “political conflict”. In Lebanon, Hezbollah’s leader met with two senior officials from Hamas and Islamic Jihad. In Gaza, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has seen its capacity to meet needs outstripped by demand.

In his second 'political' speech, the governor assures that a 'long overdue' law, expected since the return of the former British colony to China, will be enacted next year. More than 280 people have been arrested so far under the draconian law imposed by Beijing. Group of activists promote a protest. The 'Sinicisation' of Hong Kong also in schools and culture.

The jubilee year opens today in the Church of Arabia 15 centuries (it was 15 October 523) after the massacre of the saint of Najran and his companions. Msgr Berardi: discover the "rich Christian past of the Arabian Peninsula". Vicar of the South: Promote awareness of the "most precious witness" of the Missionaries of Charity.

Patriarchs and community leaders, along with the archbishop of Canterbury, renew their commitment to “minister to the most vulnerable” in peace as in war, appealing to the international community to protect “hospitals, schools, and houses of worship”. Fr Romanelli mentions the fate of a father who died saving his son by shielding him at St Porphyrius church. A third humanitarian convoy enters the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources report 400 deaths in the last 24 hours.

An Israeli airstrike hit the Greek Orthodox church and a nearby building sheltering displaced Muslims and Christians, killing at least 17, but the toll is likely higher. The 5th-century church is the oldest in the Strip named after the saint who spread Christianity in the area. The UN releases the latest war-related casualties.

The consequences on Israeli domestic politics of the Hamas massacre and the war in Gaza. For the analyst and founder of Ipcri, the Prime Minister, the only one not to apologise among the highest offices, is the "one ultimately responsible" for what happened and is plummeting in the polls. But the whole country will have to face 'the foundations' on which it has built consensus and power. Intelligence and the army, transformed into a police force in the West Bank, caught unprepared.

Israelis blame Islamic Jihad and Palestinians who blame Israel for the blast that devastated one of Gaza’s few remaining functioning hospitals. Founded in 1882 and run by Anglicans, the Al Ahli Arab Hospital was considered an oasis of peace and solidarity, but above all, a place of medical care - in times of war and truce - open to all. Hundreds have died and its future is now uncertain. “The devastation,” the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem laments, “strikes at the very core of human decency.”

Fr Raed Abu Sahlieh reports “high tensions” with fighter jets and drones flying over northern Israel. In 58 years, he has “never seen so much anger, hatred, devastation." Israel is now censoring the media, detaining people even for social media posts. Last night was "better despite the bombings, which were a little less intense,” says Gaza parish priest. Masses are held on Zoom because of fear of bombs. Fr Szwed, of the Jewish-speaking community in Jaffa, is set to hold “the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament” so that peace may return for all.

The vicar of Northern Arabia expresses concern for the escalating war between Israel and Hamas. An invasion of Gaza could have repercussions for the entire region. Pope Francis met today with Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa in the Vatican, renewing dialogue and exchange. Our Lady cathedral has become a tourist destination for Christians and Muslims.

Sultan Al Remeithi, former secretary general of the Muslim Council of Elders and today a member of the Committee created after the document signed in Abu Dhabi by Pope Francis and Al-Tayyeb, speaks to AsiaNews of a conflict that is the fruit of a "long history" of unresolved "political and social tensions", fuelled by "violence and hate speech". The consequences on the 'Abraham Accords' and the normalisation of relations with the Arab world. "Politics, diplomacy and the international community can stop the war, not religious leaders".

The Secretary of State hopes that some "room for dialogue" can be found “without delay". Peace must be based on "justice" and a two-state solution. The “hostages must be returned immediately”. Pro-Palestinian rallies break out across the Middle East. Hamas calls for resistance amid fears of a “second Nakba". Card Pizzaballa laments the "dramatic" situation, fearing that the conflict "is becoming increasingly religious".

Today's news: three Chinese victims among the thousands killed in the war between Israel and Hamas; Dozens of Filipino migrants sue US company over working conditions at World Cup construction sites in Qatar; Beijing repatriated over 500 North Korean exiles at the end of the Asian Games; Japan wants to disband the Unification Church; The low-cost carrier flydubai is the first international carrier to operate in Kabul; Opposition' candidate identified for next year's elections in Russia.