The need to contribute financially to their families’ is turning students, even very young ones, into cross-border porters, a trend that is growing, especially in western Iran. Increasingly, many are also victims of accidents or shot by Pasdaran.
Today's headlines: The Philippines, the US, Canada, and Australia hold a two-day exercise in the South China Sea. Taiwan’s defence spending is expected to reach a record high next year. Hamas appoints Yahya Sinwar as its new leader. In South Korea, climate change is disrupting agriculture with new banana and papaya farms popping up.
Speaking to AsiaNews, the Custos of the Holy Land describes a surreal feeling, with something “looming" from Iran. Israel’s nationalist-religious leaders are fuelling the conflict, while Israeli civil society is unable to find a political response. Defending Christian-owned land and property is essential for the future.
Today's headlines: Iran arrested a street female performer for singing in public without headcover. Purges continue in Vietnam, where a tycoon was sentenced to 21 years for fraud. Tomorrow in Jeddah, the OIC will meet to discuss Haniyeh’s assassination at the request of Pakistan and Iran. Cambodia’s prime minister is set to launch the controversial Funan Techo project. China and Kazakhstan plan to jointly build a lunar station.
Victims’ relatives and friends gathered yesterday next to the charred ruins of the port silos, scene of the explosion of 2,750 tons of ammonium nitrate. The investigation by judge Tarek Bitar continues to be hindered by Hezbollah and its allies. Hope is still alive that the investigation can resume, while the pope offers words of comfort at the Angelus.
Today's headlines: Israel is on maximum alert for an expected attack from Iran and its allies in response to Haniyeh’s killing. China hits an historic low in the number of marriages in the first six months of 2024. At the Torkham border crossing, Pakistan denies entry to Afghan drivers without passport or visa. Thailand draws up a ten-year plan in response to healthcare crisis.
At the Angelus, Francis expressed concern for the possible widening of the conflict after Hamas political bureau chief is killed in Tehran. The pontiff also called for “justice and truth” in connection with the deadly Beirut Port explosion. His prayers and expression of closeness also go to floods victims in the Indian state of Kerala.
The ceremony in Bkerké recognises the prelate who in the 17th century gave shape to the Maronite Church and built the country. In his homily, Card Semeraro quoted Pope Benedict XVI: "May Lebanon continue to be a place where men and women can bear [. . .] witness to the communion between people, [. . .] whatever their political, social, or religious standpoint.’”
As Hamas’s top political leader was being eliminated, the United States carried out a raid against pro-Iranian Iraqi Popular Mobilization Forces, which Tehran summoned for a meeting to plan retaliation. Meanwhile, Haniyeh was buried in Doha, Qatar.
China condemns the raid that led to the death in Tehran of the Hamas leader. Only a few days ago, Beijing brokered a deal among Palestinian factions. Caught between Israel and Iran, India has remained silent. Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim was harsh, saying that such a crime was only possible “in an environment of utter impunity.”
The killing of children in a football pitch in the Golan Heights has put the spotlight back on the Druze, who are divided by a border never recognised after the 1967 war. Lebanon has asked the UN to open an independent investigation into the incident. Lebanon’s Druze community warns against attempts by Israel to split from its Arab identity and exploit the tragedy to sow discord with Shias.
The Assembly of Catholic Ordinaries issued a plea after 12 children are killed in a rocket attack on a playground in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights. The Druze are angry at Hezbollah but also at the Israeli government. Catholic bishops call for a stop to the escalation: “The future of children and the welfare of our communities hinge upon our ability to transcend hatred and to embrace the principles of compassion and coexistence.”
Another boat with 45 refugees on board sank in the past few hours in the very stretch of water at the centre of concerns over Houthis attacks against shipping. Almost one hundred thousand people travelled this route in the past year, which the International Organisation for Migration defines as the most dangerous in the world.
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