Leaders gather in China for SCO summit ceremony, Xi slams ‘bullying’ behaviour in world order
The SCO comprises China, India, Russia, Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Belarus -- with 16 more countries affiliated...Geostrategy
Aid flotilla with Greta Thunberg set to sail for Gaza
The vessels will set off from the Spanish port city to "open a humanitarian corridor and end the ongoing genocide...Geostrategy
Senior Iranian general Razi Moussavi killed in Israeli strike in Syria
Razi Moussavi "was killed during an attack by the Zionist regime a few hours ago in Zeinabiyah district in the...Iran's president Ebrahim Raisi vowed that Israel "will certainly pay" for the killing, calling it another sign of frustration of the "usurping Zionist regime".
Iran's state TV said Moussavi was targeted by "three missiles" and aired footage showing smoke rising from the area of the strike.
Russia extends ban on entry of trucks from EU, UK, Norway, Ukraine
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - The Russian government has extended the ban on the entry of trucks from the European Union, the...“The restriction will remain in effect until the circumstances that served as the basis for its introduction are eliminated,” the Russian Cabinet said.
The ban was introduced in 2022 as a response to the EU’s decision not to allow trucks with Russian and Belarusian license plates through.
UN General Assembly approves US$3.59bn budget for 2024
NEW YORK, US - The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) approved a US$3.59 billion budget for 2024, including establishing a...The UNGA approved around US$50 million as an additional funding for UN Human Rights Council.
UNGA revealed that it established a multiannual private account for peacemaking and it is used for funding UNPBF.
Gaza toll 20,674 as Netanyahu vows to intensify fighting in coming days
The Gaza health ministry said an Israeli strike late Sunday killed at least 70 people in Al-Maghazi refugee camp, in...The World Health Organization said it led missions to barely functioning hospitals in northern Gaza, describing starving people stripping an aid truck of supplies.
Pope Francis deplored "the desperate humanitarian situation" of Palestinians in Gaza, calling for an immediate ceasefire and the freeing of hostages.
Regional players welcome ceasefire and political process in Yemen
Riyad, Saudi Arabia -- Key regional players have welcomed the agreement – involving a comprehensive set of measures aimed at...This pivotal agreement includes a nationwide ceasefire, initiatives to enhance living standards, and steps towards resuming a comprehensive political process under UN's guidance.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed hope for the roadmap's imminent signing, contributing to a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis.
Spain will not join US-led Red Sea coalition
The Houthis welcomed Spain's stance, with deputy foreign minister Hussein al-Ezzi saying "we highly appreciate Spain's refusal to be drawn...On Thursday, the Pentagon said 20 countries had joined the Washington-led coalition to protect the key shipping lane
Spain's government has been ambivalent and on Sunday a spokesman for the defense ministry told that Spain "will not participate"
Palestinians recount ‘torture’ in Israeli army custody
In recent weeks, the army has faced international criticism after viral footage of detainees stripped down to their underwear and...About 20 men released from Israeli custody "have bruises on their bodies", hospital official in Rafah
The Israeli army rejected the claims, saying detainees are "treated in accordance with international law"
Moroccans protest against Gaza war, Israel ties
The protesters were called to the streets by a disparate group of organizations backing the Palestinian cause, including left-wingers and...The protestors in Rabat denounced what protest leaders called a "war of extermination"
In 2020, the north African country established diplomatic and trade relations with Israel
Tunisia records low turnout in vote for new chamber
More than 260 prominent Tunisian figures had signed a petition against what they called a "useless" election, saying Saied's government...Just 11.66 percent of the nine million strong electorate turned out on Sunday for the vote to choose more than 2,000 councilors from around 7,000 candidates
The electoral authority is scheduled to give preliminary results on December 27. A second round is scheduled for February, with no set date as of now
Gaza war exacting ‘heavy price’ on Israel army: Netanyahu
Israeli prime minister said that in spite of the high toll in Gaza, the country had no choice but to...Netanyahu said the war will go on until Hamas is eliminated and "we restore security"
The army said 14 soldiers had been killed in the Palestinian territory since Friday
