Myanmar: at least 30 dead in a bombing by the Burmese air force on a hospital

Today's headlines: the Mexican parliament approves tariffs of up to 50% to target Chinese imports; Serious disruption in Gaza due to flooding of tent cities caused by bad weather in areas already devastated by war; In South Korea, investigations into links between politicians and the Unification Church are also spreading to the current government; Diwali among UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage

MYANMAR

At least 30 people, including many patients, were killed in a air strike by the Burmese military junta that hit a major hospital in Rakhine State, western Myanmar. This was reported by a spokesperson for the Arakan Army, as well as a humanitarian worker who shared images of the ruined building. More than 70 people were reportedly injured in the attack in the town of Mrauk U, in Rakhine State.

MEXICO-CHINA

Mexico has approved new tariffs of up to 50% on more than 1,400 products, many from China, to boost domestic production. The tariffs will come into effect in 2026 and will affect countries without free trade agreements, such as India and Thailand. China has criticised the decision and launched an investigation into Mexican trade policy. The measure comes as Mexico negotiates with the United States, which is threatening new tariffs, and as China's industrial presence in the country grows in a way that Washington fears could be used to circumvent US tariffs.

GAZA

Dozens of tents for displaced persons were flooded yesterday in the al-Mawasi area of Khan Younis, in the southern Gaza Strip, due to a wave of heavy rains that hit the territory already on its knees from the consequences of two years of war. Sewers destroyed by bombing are exacerbating the problems. The Palestinian Civil Defence in Rafah said it had received calls from people trapped in their tents, while the political stalemate over the start of Phase 2 of the ceasefire, a prerequisite for the start of reconstruction, continues.

SOUTH KOREA

The investigation into the political influence of the Unification Church - the sect founded by Reverend Moon - which began as part of the investigation into former President Yoon and the People Power Party, is widening to include members of the current Democratic Party administration. The current Minister of Oceans and Fisheries, Chun Jae-soo, resigned this morning after allegations that he received between 30 million and 40 million won in cash and two luxury watches from an official of the Unification Church, who was seeking his support for a project. The minister has denied the allegations. Earlier this week, the president ordered authorities to conduct a ‘thorough and impartial investigation’ into any illegal political ties to the controversial church, regardless of party or rank.

INDIA

Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights, has been added to UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The decision to include the festival on the list was taken during a session of the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage currently being held at the Red Fort in Delhi. Deepavali, also known as Diwali, becomes India's 16th intangible cultural heritage of humanity, joining a list that already includes yoga and Durga Puja, for example.

RUSSIA

Russian President Vladimir Putin has approved the Public Health Development Strategy, according to which, over the next six years, almost all medicines available to Russians in public hospitals and state healthcare programmes must be domestically produced. “by 2030, 90% of essential medical preparations must be produced in Russia throughout the entire production cycle”, with over 800 preparations on the mandatory list.

ARMENIA-AZERBAIJAN

According to the website Artsakh Monuments, Azerbaijanis have desecrated and vandalised the 17th-century Erits Mankants monastery in occupied Artsakh, noting that videos show that the miniatures of the church on the main scene have disappeared, as has the cross on the altar, with the ruin of the church in relief on the floor, and the sculpture on the left side has been turned upside down, with “clear intent to commit sacrilege”.