UN rights chief condemns Israeli 'siege' of Gaza, militants' taking of hostages' October 10, 2023 at 02:13AM

Israeli air strikes targeted residential buildings and schools in the Gaza Strip, according to the UN Human Rights chief. The UN also condemned the mass killings by Palestinian armed groups and the abduction of hostages. The Israeli military has called up 300,000 reservists and imposed a total blockade on Gaza, possibly in preparation for a ground assault. The air strikes have hit UN relief agency premises and resulted in civilian casualties.

Court rejects complaint by US reporter Gershkovich against detention in Russia October 10, 2023 at 12:54AM

A Russian court has rejected US reporter Evan Gershkovich's complaint against the extension of his pre-trial detention. Gershkovich, a Wall Street Journal reporter, was arrested in March on charges of espionage, which he denies. The court's decision means that Gershkovich will remain in detention until at least November 30. No trial date has been set. Gershkovich is the first American journalist to be detained on spy charges in Russia since the Cold War.

Western firms have supplied critical components for Turkish drones October 10, 2023 at 12:42AM

North Korea blames Israel for causing bloodshed in Gaza October 09, 2023 at 11:56PM

China's coast guard has claimed that it chased a Philippine navy ship away from a disputed shoal in the South China Sea. The Philippine ship had allegedly sailed into waters near the Scarborough Shoal, which is within the Philippines' exclusive economic zone. Tensions between the two countries have been escalating over rich fishing areas in the South China Sea.

Middle East crisis tests limits of China's diplomatic push October 09, 2023 at 11:28PM

When China announced a surprise deal restoring ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran this year, it signalled Beijing's desire to be a diplomatic heavyweight in the Middle East.

Under heavy bombing, Palestinians in Gaza move from place to place, only to discover nowhere is safe October 09, 2023 at 10:51PM

Over 180,000 Palestinians are seeking shelter in UN facilities in the Gaza Strip as Israeli warplanes continue to bombard the territory. The airstrikes, in response to an attack by Hamas militants, have caused widespread destruction and casualties. Many Palestinians, including families with children, are trapped in the conflict zone with no safe place to go. The situation is exacerbated by the 16-year blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt.