Intense fighting in Syria over two days has resulted in a death toll exceeding 1,000, marking one of the deadliest incidents in the 14-year conflict. Clashes between government forces and loyalists of ousted President Assad led to significant civilian casualties and mass displacement, with significant tension remaining in the region.
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Israel said Wednesday it would keep blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza, where a relentless military offensive has turned the Palestinian territory into a "mass grave", a medical charity reported. "Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance," said MSF coordinator Amande Bazerolle.
China is placing Tibetan children in boarding schools to enforce assimilation into the national mainstream, prioritizing Mandarin over Tibetan language and culture. This policy, endorsed by President Xi Jinping, is facing criticism for erasing Tibetan identity and causing psychological harm. Parents have limited choice, as village and private Tibetan schools are being shut down.
A devastating nightclub fire in Kocani, North Macedonia, left 59 dead and many injured. The blaze, sparked by stage fireworks, engulfed the venue quickly due to flammable materials. Most victims were young, including minors. Officials are investigating corruption and lack of safety compliance, with 15 people in custody, including the club's owner and event organizers.
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated the nation won't deploy its navy to support fishers in the contested Scarborough Shoal, aiming to avoid escalating tensions in the South China Sea. This follows an incident where Chinese vessels used water cannons against a Philippine supply boat. China asserts the Philippines' actions are provocative infringements on its sovereignty.
PTI has claimed that former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan is being held in solitary confinement in a death cell at Adiala Jail, Rawalpindi. Party leader Sheikh Waqas Akram alleged that Khan is being denied visits from family and political allies, despite court orders. PTI also raised concerns over his health, citing a lack of medical consultations and restricted access to books. These claims remain unverified. Khan has been jailed since August 5, 2023.
Podcast host Alex Cooper expressed surprise at the $100,000 cost of recreating her studio for Kamala Harris's campaign appearance, calling the set "not that nice." Harris's campaign faced criticism for extravagant spending, including a Vegas display and extensive advertising, despite raising billions.
US President Donald Trump reaffirmed his position that birthright citizenship was intended for slaves' descendants, not for everyone. He expressed confidence that the Supreme Court will support his policy. Meanwhile, Republican senators have introduced a bill to restrict automatic citizenship to children with at least one parent who is a US citizen, permanent resident, or military member.
Pete Hegseth, nominee for Defence Secretary, defended his qualifications during a tense Senate hearing. He addressed scrutiny over past allegations of sexual misconduct, public drunkenness, and his views on women in combat, among others. Hegseth emphasised his commitment to military readiness and a 'warrior ethos,' drawing on his Army National Guard experience.
Former Texas megachurch pastor Robert Preston Morris, 63, surrendered to Oklahoma authorities on charges of child sexual abuse. Morris was accused of committing lewd acts with a child from 1983 to 1987. Having resigned last year, Morris faces five counts, each carrying up to 20 years imprisonment. The case drew attention, given Morris' past political activities.
Starbucks announced reversing its open-door policy, initially introduced in 2018 to promote inclusivity. From January 2025, non-paying visitors will no longer have automatic access to its spaces. This change aims to prioritize paying customers and address safety issues, prompting discussions on the evolving role of third spaces in society and balancing inclusivity with practicality.