Almost two years after Assad’s fall, Israel continues to run roughshod over the Syrian villages where it has expanded its presence. A few days ago, a deaf man with Down syndrome who failed to hear an order was shot dead, sparking protests, but al-Sharaa’s words at the UN do not produce any results.
A group of policemen, like private citizens in the past, broke into an institution demanding the payment of their salaries. Behind the assaults was the freezing of current accounts, the economic crisis and the collapse of the local currency, which hit a new low yesterday. It has lost almost 90 per cent of its value since 2019.
Nabil Antaki, a doctor in Aleppo, slams Western sanctions that have led to a different emergency response in Syria and Turkey. People "are desperate"; the displaced need of a roof. In the early stages, machinery and rescue teams that did not come could have saved lives. For Europe and the United States, this is a disgrace.
Msgr Gaid, former secretary to the pope, is responsible for the place of worship inaugurated inside the 'House of the Abrahamic Family'. Open also 'to other Christian communities', it aims to be a reference point for the local community composed largely of migrants. The pontiff's "tireless" work on dialogue with Sunnis, Shiites and Jews and the fight "against the haemorrhaging" of Christians in the Middle East.
Senior Israeli and Palestinian officials met yesterday in Jordan, committed to "de-escalation" and the preservation of the holy places. An attack by settlers in Huwara soon shot down the timid opening with more casualties on both sides. Israeli Finance Minister Smotrich denies reports of a settlement "freeze". Netanyahu pushes to impose the death penalty for terrorism.
The Vicar of Anatolia visited what can be considered the centre most affected by the earthquake on 6 February. The first cases of cholera are beginning to emerge and the risk of 'health infections' is high. People flee as public attention wanes. Earthquake and death at sea of migrants, as happened yesterday in Italy, inter-connected problems: we need a 'global vision'.
The Holy See and Oman established full diplomatic relations yesterday, opening their respective nunciature and embassy. Their aim is to promote “mutual understanding and further strengthening friendship and cooperation”. The local multi-ethnic Church must maintain communal ties.
The data contained in the 2022 report by Article18 activists. At least 134 believers were arrested because of their Christian affiliation, 30 were sentenced to jail or exile, 61 served time in prison. Those who promote prayer services in house churches are also in the crosshairs. Places of worship still closed due to restrictions related to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Today's headlines: as Pyongyang tests more missiles, Seoul warns of risk of exposure to radioactive materials. In Vietnam, US diplomats prevented from meeting Christian leaders. 150 asylum seekers died in Malaysia in 2022, while on the island of Nauru two migrants sewed their lips shut in protest.
Schools, universities and businesses shut down in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem. Egypt and the UN try to mediate to prevent an escalation. UN special envoy bemoans an “already volatile situation. Israel’s Finance Minister Smotrich gets more powers over the Territories. Former Palestinian PM Ahmed Qureia, who played a key role in the Oslo Accords, dies.
The pontiff makes his appeal during a meeting in the Vatican with a group of young priests and monks from Eastern Orthodox Churches. Archbishop Claudio Gugerotti talks about his visit to Aleppo where he expressed the pope’s closeness to earthquake survivors, like “the elderly, left alone at home” without help, and people in Idlib where supplies are hard to deliver. But “once the emergency is overcome”, the future must be rebuilt for everyone.
Today's headlines: a Pakistani delegation visits Kabul to discuss issue of terrorist attacks; Speculation about a metal ball found in Japan; At least 4 dead in China after a mine collapse; In Papua New Guinea a woman taken hostage on Sunday is released; Bombings between Israel and the Gaza Strip after yesterday's deaths in Nablus; Closer and closer ties between Russia and Belarus.
A Russian nuclear power plant is under construction in Mersin with one reactor set to start operating at the end of the year. Supporters say that one plant in five is located in seismic active areas. Its builder, Rosatom, claims the planned reactors can withstand a magnitude 9 earthquake. In a plea to government and opposition, activists and civil society groups are calling for a common front against the project.
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