A report by the US defence department covers the period between December and February, involving about 65 countries and 29 shipping and energy companies. This has increased insurance premiums and pollution. Attacks by the pro-Iranian militant group were sparked by the war in Gaza.
The first World Children's Day is being celebrated over the weekend, at the initiative of the Holy Father. Bishop Martinelli met with a group of children, answering their questions, and inviting them to put "their joy, their enthusiasm" at the service of the Church. About a hundred young people met in Hong Kong to share experiences and expectations.
Bishop Aldo Berardi, head of the vicariate that includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, comments on Pope Francis' decision to grant the Syro-Malabar Church jurisdiction over Indian migrants. "This is not a secondary element, it concerns areas that go beyond rituals" and will have to be defined. The problem of places of worship, relations with the State and interlocution with the Muslim world. "Too many voices" can create "confusion".
Hundreds of aid groups and NGOs are calling for help. So far, only US$ 435 million have been raised out of US$ 2.7 billion needed to meet basic needs. The EU is providing €125 million, but, in addition to “life-saving assistance”, what is really needed is a “political solution”.
This was reported by the Egyptian minister speaking at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh. The government has raised transit taxes from 5% to 15%, From the Saudi capital Blinken accuses Iran, the main source of instability in the region. Hamas delegation in Cairo to study the truce, in the Strip people continue to die from Israeli raids. Women and children among the victims.
Today's news: Hong Kong denied access to a Reporters Without Borders representative, who was searched and then deported; At least 16% of the candidates in the first phase of the Lok Sabha vote have pending criminal cases; Taiwan earthquake death toll rises to 16, over 1100 injured; The Houthis claim an attack on four boats in the Gulf, also a 'US warship'.
