Bali: 4 dead and 32 missing after ferry sinks

Today's news: South Korean Parliament approves Kim Min-seok as prime minister; Hamas reportedly ready to accept truce proposal, Israeli army accused of using internationally banned bombs in bar raid; Over 900 earthquakes in two weeks in a chain of islands in southern Japan; Hong Kong opens the door to legal recognition of same-sex couples; Dhaka, first conviction for exiled former Prime Minister Hasina.

INDONESIA

At least four people are dead and 29 others have been rescued in the still provisional toll from the shipwreck of a ferry carrying 65 passengers and crew off the coast of Bali, Indonesia. The sinking appears to be linked to bad weather in the area, with waves over two metres high, strong winds and currents. Rescue operations are underway to search for the 32 missing people.

SOUTH KOREA

The Seoul parliament today approved Prime Minister-designate Kim Min-seok, a veteran lawmaker and ally of President Lee Jae Myung, paving the way for the formation of a new government after the 3 June victory. Last August, to everyone's surprise, Kim himself predicted that former President Yoon Suk Yeol would impose martial law, which he did.

ISRAEL - PALESTINE - GAZA

Hamas leaders are said to be “satisfied” with the guarantees received to end the war, including the proposal for a ceasefire. This was reported by the Arab portal Asharq, according to which the final response is expected tomorrow. At the same time, the movement that controls the Strip will not hold “public ceremonies” - a source of attacks and controversy - during the upcoming prisoner releases. Accusations are also emerging against the Israeli army, which according to The Guardian used “a powerful and indiscriminate weapon” in the 30 June attack on a beach bar in Gaza, which is “illegal” and could constitute “a war crime”.

JAPAN

Over 900 earthquakes have shaken a remote and sparsely populated chain of islands in the south of the country. Since 21 June, seismic activity has been “very intense” in the seas around the Tokara Islands, with one of the latest tremors recorded yesterday measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale. There have been no reports of damage or tsunami warnings, but authorities are advising residents to be ready to evacuate if necessary.

HONG KONG

The government intends to promote a law aimed at recognising a limited set of rights for same-sex couples whose marriages have already been registered abroad. The city's high court unanimously ruled in September 2023 that marriage was “confined to opposite-sex couples”, while providing for the creation of an “alternative framework” within two years on issues such as healthcare (including hospital visits, medical decision-making, sharing of medical information and organ donation) and rights relating to the body of a deceased person.

BANGLADESH

Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted and is in self-imposed exile in India, has been sentenced to six months in prison by the country's International Court for contempt of court, one of the charges she faces. This is the first sentence against her, a year after street protests led by university students brought down the government.

RUSSIA - CHINA - CUBA

China is developing its business in Cuba's economy, pushing Russia further and further away and tackling the Caribbean island's serious crisis with 55 solar energy projects. Large shipments of panels, materials and fuel have already been transported by ship for this purpose, initiatives in which Russia was previously involved but has now pulled out.

ARMENIA - EU

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Estonian Kaja Kallas, visited Yerevan where she met with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. On this occasion, she announced a European loan of 0 million for sustainability and economic growth programmes, with trade assistance and support for reforms, assuring that Brussels “has never been so close to Armenia”.