Displaying items by tag: Asia

On 11 September the UN agency for refugees (UNRWA) reported that six of its employees had been killed in an Israeli airstrike on al-Jaouni school in central Gaza, which was sheltering thousands of displaced Palestinians. Altogether, eighteen were killed in the attack. Israel's military stated that the strike targeted terrorists planning attacks from the school, adding that measures were taken to avoid civilian casualties. The UN condemned the attack as a violation of international humanitarian law. The incident marks the fifth strike on the school in eleven months and the highest death toll among UN staff in the current conflict. Israel defended the airstrike, asserting that Hamas uses civilian buildings for military operations - a claim which Hamas denies. Meanwhile, there is evidence that Israel has been laying tarmac on a crucial border road: see

The USA has filed criminal charges against Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas, and five other individuals for orchestrating the deadly attack on 7 October which killed 1,200 people, including forty Americans. The charges include conspiracy to support a terrorist organisation, conspiracy to murder US nationals, and conspiracy to use weapons of mass destruction. The complaint alleges support from Iran and Hezbollah. Three of the defendants are believed to be dead, while Sinwar remains in hiding. These charges are part of a broader effort to dismantle Hamas’s operations, but the White House also says it is actively working with Egypt and Qatar on a new ceasefire and hostage deal. In other developments, in Israel there have been three days of huge protests against Benjamin Netanyahu, and the UK government has decided to suspend sale of certain types of arms sales to Israel because they might be used in violation of international humanitarian law.

Pope Francis, despite health challenges, has embarked on his longest trip as pope, visiting Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor, and Singapore. In this significant visit, which will cover over 32,000 km, he will aim to strengthen ties with Asian countries where Catholicism is often a minority faith but plays a crucial role in education and charity. The trip also highlights the shift in the Catholic Church’s focus toward Asia and away from a Eurocentric model. In Indonesia, the Pope will meet with Muslim leaders and sign an interfaith declaration, emphasising harmony between religions. Francis will again urge world leaders to take stronger action against climate change, particularly when he is in Papua New Guinea, and in the background there are ongoing efforts to rebuild diplomatic ties with China. This trip demonstrates the Pope’s continued energy - even at the age of 87 - and commitment to global outreach.

The MV Sounion, a Greek-owned oil tanker attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea, remains ablaze and could be leaking oil, according to the Pentagon. The tanker, carrying over one million barrels of crude oil, is at risk of causing one of the largest oil spills in history. The Houthis, who claim to be supporting Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas conflict, have been targeting ships in the Red Sea for the past ten months, allegedly sinking two vessels and killing two crew members. The Sounion was first attacked on 21 August, resulting in a fire that disabled its engine. Its 25 crew members were rescued by a European warship a day later. The Pentagon has expressed concern over the potential environmental disaster and reported that salvage operations have been hindered by further threats from the Houthis. Efforts are ongoing to mitigate the potential impact of the spill. Meanwhile, at least ten Palestinians have been killed in a major operation by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank: see Breaking news: Israel and Hamas have agreed on brief pauses to the conflict to allow children to be vaccinated against polio.

In Hong Kong's marinas, a new type of vessel is making waves - an uncrewed, solar-powered catamaran, designed to autonomously clean up plastic waste from waterways. It collects floating trash using a conveyor belt, capturing up to 200 kilos per hour. Launched as a university project in 2020, Clearbot has since expanded its operations to various locations across Hong Kong, Thailand, and India, targeting polluted rivers and lakes. The boats are equipped with advanced algorithms for autonomous navigation and waste analysis, providing valuable data to help prevent further pollution. The boats are also able to perform other environmental tasks, such as clearing algae and removing invasive species. The startup aims to revolutionise marine operations by offering an eco-friendly alternative to traditional, fossil fuel-powered boats, thereby contributing to the reduction of marine pollution and promoting sustainable practices.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have recovered the bodies of six hostages from tunnels in Khan Younis, bringing heartbreaking confirmation to their families. Meanwhile, on 20 August at least twelve Palestinians were killed in an airstrike on a school: see Over 40,000 Palestinians have now died since the conflict began. As the situation escalates, US secretary of state Antony Blinken has been involved in ceasefire negotiations, warning that this may be the last opportunity to secure a hostage and prisoner swap. While a potential agreement appears close, with Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly accepting a US ‘bridging proposal’, there still appear to be large gaps between the two sides. On the central issue of the hostages, Hamas is demanding assurances that Israel will not begin military operations again after thirty of the most vulnerable are released. Israel is concerned that Hamas will drag out a second phase in which the remaining hostages, including male soldiers, are freed.

Thousands of Indonesians are protesting against their government's attempt to reverse a constitutional court ruling that would allow smaller parties to field candidates without needing 20% representation in regional assemblies. Demonstrations have erupted in Jakarta and other major cities as the parliament, dominated by supporters of outgoing president Joko Widodo, and his successor, Prabowo Subianto, swiftly moved to pass emergency legislation. This would maintain the status quo, favouring the ruling coalition: it would also prevent a prominent critic, Anies Baswedan, from running for the influential post of Jakarta governor. The court also upheld the current minimum age limit of thirty for candidates, which would bar Mr Widodo's 29-year-old son from running in a regional contest in Central Java. Despite widespread condemnation, the government has downplayed the situation as part of the ‘checks and balances’ of governance.

Paetongtarn Shinawatra, 37, has been officially endorsed by King Maha Vajiralongkorn as Thailand’s new prime minister, just two days after her election by parliament. The country’s youngest and second female leader, she follows in the footsteps of her father, former PM Thaksin Shinawatra, and her aunt, Yingluck Shinawatra, the country's first female premier. She has taken over after the dismissal of her predecessor, Srettha Thavisin, by the constitutional court. In her first speech, she pledged to govern with an open heart, emphasising stability and continuity. She has vowed to maintain key policies of her predecessor, focusing on economic stimulus, healthcare reform, tackling illegal drugs, and promoting gender diversity. The economy is a real concern for voters, with many asking why her party has failed to fulfil its promise to give about $300 to every voter in Thailand.

Nationwide protests have disrupted hospital services in several Indian cities after the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee medic in West Bengal on 9 August. Thousands of doctors, led by the Federation of All India Medical Association (FAIMA), marched in Kolkata demanding better security and justice. The Indian Medical Association (IMA) also noted the poor working conditions, heavy workloads, and frequent violence faced by doctors in government hospitals. The protests, including an ‘indefinite’ strike by FAIMA, have severely affected hospital services: for example, over 8,000 government doctors in Maharashtra have halted work, except in emergency departments. Police have arrested a volunteer from their forces in connection with the crime, and the investigation has been transferred to the Central Bureau of Investigation by a Kolkata high court, indicating the seriousness with which the case is being treated.

The Israeli government has announced the establishment of Nahal Heletz, the first new West Bank settlement created from scratch since 2017, near Bethlehem. Finance minister Bezalel Smotrich, who pushed for the settlement, stated it will connect Jerusalem to the Etzion settlement bloc and strengthen opposition to a Palestinian state by ‘establishing facts on the ground’. The settlement's formal approval was granted in June, alongside the retroactive legalisation of four illegal outposts. Zoning and construction permits are still required, which could take years. Peace Now, an organisation opposing settlements, says Nahal Heletz will contribute to Israel's ‘de facto annexation’ of the West Bank: ‘It will be an enclave in a Palestinian zone, and will bring about friction and security challenges.’ Meanwhile, a senior Hamas official told the BBC that it will not participate in the indirect talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal due to resume in Doha on 15 August.