For Masar Jadid leader Samer Sinijlawi, the turnout was crucial. Now the goal is to mobilise Palestinians for a Palestinian election in March. The high turnout in East Jerusalem is another sign of change. For Adel Misk, at the polls, the voiceless revived the Palestinian issue.
The Chaldean Patriarch raises the alarm over the continuous emigration of Christians, many of whom belong to the productive sector. They are increasingly "marginalised" in the country and no answers are coming from the government. From the joint effort of some leading ecclesiastical figures a renewed commitment for the future.
Today's news: Thai officials investigated for corruption, accused of sending migrants to Finland for payment; Clashes again Manipur, where the longest internet blockade of 2023 was recorded; North Korea is stepping up military cooperation with Russia, Seoul says; UN Security Council asks Houthis to stop attacks on ships in the Red Sea, China and Russia abstain.
On 11 and 12 January, hearings are scheduled in The Hague following a complaint filed by South Africa against Israel for its war against Hamas in Gaza. Its request for "provisional measures" could lead to a quick opinion within the next few weeks. Netanyahu chose one of the most critical voices of its controversial justice reform to defend Israel’s case.
The city-state is an active participant in the ""Operation Prosperity Guardian"" wanted by Washington to counter the actions of pro-Iranian rebels. Targeted are attacks against global maritime trade in one of the key hubs for the Far East. In recent days attacked by militiamen at least 20 merchant ships with the use of missiles.
Prime Minister Netanyahu's political and personal fate hangs in the balance in the Gaza war. The US fears a spillover into Lebanon (and Iran). For the expert in Jewish-Christian dialogue in Israel, Israeli reality is "complex”. After an early mobilisation, rifts are now emerging. Getting the hostages home is a priority, but peace remains the goal, “Even in these dark days.”
Today's news: One of Hezbollah's leaders eliminated in southern Lebanon; Chinese President Xi Jinping said more efforts are needed in the fight against corruption; Former Pakistani premier Nawaz Sharif is free to participate in the upcoming elections; Polling stations open for the Bhutan runoff.
For Card Beshara al-Rahi, the Lebanese do not want an escalation on the southern border, in the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Meanwhile, the United States and Europe are intensifying diplomatic efforts to prevent further violence. Blinken and Borrell warn about worse to come. Hackers attack Beirut airport with messages about Hezbollah and Iran.
Today's news: in Bangladesh unsurprising victory for PM Hasina; Japan earthquake death toll rises to 161; Maldives government suspends three officials who insulted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on social media; Supreme Court in India intervenes on convictions of Gujarat riots in 2002; Citizenship process simplified in Russia.
At the Angelus of the Epiphany, citing the historic meeting of 1964 that tore “down a wall of incommunicability that had kept Catholics and Orthodox apart for centuries”, Pope Francis urged the faithful to “learn from the embrace” of pope and patriarch. He renewed his appeal for peace in the Middle East and the world, lamenting “So many victims of war” and “so much destruction”. On Missionary Childhood Day, the pontiff thanked “missionary children and young people throughout the world” for supporting “the proclamation of the Gospel”.
The complaint of Enishke parish priest Fr. Samir Youssef: "Just yesterday morning the home of a family from our community was hit, the fear is great. They are striking closer and closer to us." A new offensive involving northeastern Syria has been underway for a few weeks now.
A drone strikes a base of the pro-Iranian Popular Mobilisation Forces, blamed for recent attacks against targets linked to the US-led coalition in retaliation for the Gaza war. For the Iraqi government, the action was a “violation of sovereignty” and a “dangerous escalation". In an audiotape, the Islamic State’s new leader, al-Ansari, tries to profit from the conflict in Gaza.
Hamas’s number two was killed yesterday in a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut. For Hezbollah leader Nasrallah: "This crime will never pass”. Lebanese Prime Minister Nagib Mikati is intensifying contacts to prevent the conflict between Israel and Hamas from spreading to Lebanon. The Israeli army is preparing for “any scenario." On Sunday, Maronite Patriarch al-Rahi called for a halt to hostilities that have been ongoing for weeks at the border.
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