Middle East

The latest case in recent days, a 30-year-old woman killed by her husband for wanting to leave over constant domestic violence. Another young woman shot by her father and brother while she was holding her small child in her arms. According to some studies, more than 130 women have been killed since last March. At least 74,000 reports of abuse and violence have been filed, but the real number could be 100 times higher.

The parish priest spoke to AsiaNews describing a climate of "impunity" among settler attacks and army closures. At least 10 local families fled to the United States in search of peace and security, not for economic reasons. Israeli forces are forcing closures in Tammoun and the al-Far'a refugee camp, cutting off water supplies and communications.

The apostolic administrator notes that red tape and the lack of legal recognition of the Church are major problems. A torchlight rally was held at 4 am in Antakya to mark the moment when the main quake struck. The main opposition party slams the government, claiming that only 30 per cent of the promised reconstruction has been completed.

The Rosary Sisters nun who shared life with Gazans under Hamas rule as well as the suffering of war spoke to AsiaNews about the US president’s statement in favour of expelling Palestinians from Gaza to turn it into a “Riviera” of the Middle East. For her, Palestinians must be able to live on their own land; otherwise, it would be “like telling the American people to abandon their land”.

The archaeological site north of Nablus linked to the memory of John the Baptist targeted by settlers (and the Israeli army) attacks. The death of a 14-year-old boy hit by a soldier's bullets. Scholar Carla Benelli to AsiaNews: ‘Heritage to be preserved, handed down and shared. Respecting the identity of all: Jews, Christians and Muslims’.

A post-earthquake reconstruction project threatens to cause a radical demographic change. The area is located in Hatay province and is the only one left following the forced displacement of residents from the Musa Dagh region in 1915. New housing and shopping centres are planned. New government clampdown on opponents and critics, İmamoğlu also in the crosshairs.

To mark this year’s jubilee, inaugurated at the end of December in Abu Dhabi, Bishop Martinelli released a pastoral letter to the faithful living in the Gulf region. In it he stresses Christian hope, founded on God's love, which stands and resists despite hardships. He urges the faithful to go on a pilgrimage to one of the shrine churches “to experience the mercy of God”.

An attempt to return to villages near the still-occupied border has left 26 dead and over 160 injured. New deadline of 18 February for Jewish State troops to leave the country. The incidents revive Hezbollah, which insists on the legitimacy of ‘resistance’ to Israel, which must remain armed. US envoy Morgan Ortagus, who succeeds Hochstein, is expected in the coming days.

As part of the truce, five Thais and three Israelis were released today, including Agam Berger. The Netanyahu government complains over the process. After 40 years in prison, the "dean of Palestinian prisoners” was freed over the weekend. His first words were for his grandchildren, not to take the path of armed struggle.

Saudi Arabia will allow foreign capital to invest in Islam’s two holiest cities. Foreigners will be able to buy shares (up to 49 per cent) but direct ownership of real estate is excluded. Jordanian scholar Al Sabaileh told AsiaNews that with Mohammed bin Salman, the country is experiencing a "total change" with the economy dictating foreign and domestic policy choices. Peace with Israel would be a “gigantic step”.

The ‘Personal Status Law’ approved without a parliamentary vote alarms activists and civil society. The fear of a ‘disintegration’ of the family and a step backwards in the role (and rights) of women. Iraqi scholar Saad Salloum: ‘Barter’ between the three main political forces Shiite, Sunni and Kurdish and linked to the interests of each'. Card. Sako: ‘Shocking’ norm that violates ‘freedom’.

Fr. Karakach reaches out to AsiaNews, sharing that the country still has ‘a long way to go’ to become a true ‘rule of law, stable and democratic state’. Among the positives are an open economy and conflict resolution with neighbours, concerns about ‘political freedom’ and an ‘Islamist’ matrix. Summary executions of at least 35 former Assad officials over the weekend.