Displaying items by tag: Asia

Over two thousand Iranians are reportedly turning to Christ each day, according to the Bible Society. Despite the severe risks in a nation where leaving Islam can carry a death sentence, underground Christianity is flourishing. One 92-year-old woman evangelises on public transport by inviting strangers to help her read the gospels: many end up taking home a New Testament. This quiet revival is not only drawing Iranians to Jesus, the Jewish Messiah, but also transforming their attitudes toward Israel and the Jewish people, long depicted as enemies by Iran’s regime. Formerly steeped in antisemitism, many new believers now intercede for Israel, praying for peace between the two nations. Amid growing persecution, the gospel is advancing, fulfilling prophetic scripture and reshaping hearts even within regions historically opposed to God’s people. This movement coincides with increased Christian engagement among British youth and raises hope amid cultural hostility. The spiritual battle is intensifying - but so too is the light of Christ in dark places.

In an address to the Security Council, UN emergency relief coordinator Tom Fletcher warned that Gaza’s 2.1 million residents are enduring famine-like conditions after a ten-week aid blockade. He condemned the ongoing displacement of civilians, destruction of hospitals, and systematic denial of humanitarian access by Israel, urging immediate global intervention to prevent genocide. Fletcher described Israel’s alternative aid delivery proposal as a ‘cynical sideshow, a deliberate distraction, and a fig leaf for further violence and displacement’. He said that humanitarian agencies have the capability and verification systems to deliver aid responsibly, but are being obstructed. While the International Court of Justice reviews genocide allegations, Fletcher warned such action may come too late. He appealed to Israel and Hamas: ‘Will you act - decisively - to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law? Or will you say instead, “we did all we could?”’

Following a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir on 22 April, military tensions between India and Pakistan escalated rapidly, culminating in cross-border missile strikes and drone attacks. The conflict nearly led to all-out war, but a US-announced ceasefire on 10 May halted the fighting. Both nations claim victory: India points to deep strikes into Pakistan’s Punjab region, while Pakistan touts the downing of Indian jets, confirmed by foreign sources. Analysts suggest that both sides gained and lost strategically. India achieved a rare reach into Pakistan’s heartland for the first time since 1971, while Pakistan successfully internationalised the Kashmir issue, welcoming external mediation. The ceasefire’s legitimacy is disputed: India insists it was bilateral, while Pakistan credits the USA. Talks between military officials have followed, but Narendra Modi has warned the ceasefire is only a ‘pause’. It would not take much for hostilities to flare up again.

Donald Trump began a Middle East tour with major policy and economic announcements, including lifting long-standing US sanctions on Syria - a country rebuilding after civil war and regime change. The move, which follows a request by Saudi Arabia’s de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, signals a dramatic policy shift. Trump also unveiled a $600 billion Saudi investment commitment in the USA and signed a record-breaking $142 billion arms agreement with Riyadh. The visit prioritised economic cooperation over security concerns and featured meetings with top US business leaders and Saudi officials. The deals, on energy, defence, and infrastructure, could eventually total $1 trillion. Trump praised bin Salman but avoided any mention of the 2018 Khashoggi killing. He also reaffirmed a hard stance against Iran, offering conditional diplomacy. His broader goal: to realign regional power structures, bolster US business, and isolate Tehran while pushing for eventual Arab-Israeli cooperation.

On 8 May Pakistan claimed it shot down twelve Indian drones overnight amid escalating tensions following Indian airstrikes which have killed 31 people across Pakistan. General Ahmed Sharif Chaudhry, describing India’s actions as a ‘blatant act of aggression’, said the drone incursions had targeted major cities including Rawalpindi, where Pakistan’s military has its headquarters. Flights have been suspended in major cities of both nations, and a state of emergency declared in Pakistan’s Sindh region. India has not responded to the drone accusations but claimed its earlier strikes targeted terrorist infrastructure connected with the deadly militant attack in Kashmir on 22 April, even though Pakistan has denied involvement in it. Pakistan's prime minister has vowed revenge, while pressure builds on its army chief to respond. Both sides have exchanged shellfire along the contested Kashmir border. Iran has offered to mediate, as global concern mounts over the risk of broader conflict between the nuclear-armed neighbours.

At least 33 Palestinians have been killed in two near-simultaneous Israeli airstrikes on a crowded restaurant and marketplace in Gaza City, according to medics and the Hamas-run health ministry. The Thailandy restaurant, operating as a community kitchen, and a busy market on al-Wahda street were struck, leaving horrific scenes of civilian casualties. Israel’s military said it was investigating the reports. Two days earlier, there were airstrikes on two schools serving displaced families, killing at least 48 people. Israel says it is expanding its military campaign against Hamas, aiming to eliminate the group and rescue the remaining 59 hostages. Critics warn that civilian infrastructure is being targeted and mass displacement and famine are imminent due to a blockade. Gaza’s Hamas-run government accuses Israel of war crimes. The UN has reiterated that Israel is responsible for ensuring access to food and medical aid, and cases of malnutrition are rising alarmingly: see With over 52,000 Gazans reported killed since October 2023, international pressure is growing to halt the violence and resume ceasefire negotiations.

Israel’s total blockade of Gaza, cutting off food, water, and medicine on 2 March, has reached sixty days. The humanitarian crisis is deepening, with the UN warning of imminent famine and the World Food Programme reporting all bakeries shut down and food stocks exhausted. Displacement and ‘no-go’ zones enforced by the IDF prevent access to farmland and supplies. Soup kitchens are close to closure, families are resorting to unsafe food, and prices have risen over 500%. Aid trucks remain stuck at borders. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with deaths rising due to the lack of basic medical supplies. Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice is hearing arguments on Israel’s humanitarian obligations. The USA has defended Israel’s actions and its refusal to cooperate with UNRWA, citing security concerns. The international community faces mounting pressure to intervene and prevent the total collapse of Gaza’s food and health systems. Meanwhile, opposition to Netanyahu’s determination to continue the war, especially from military reservists, is growing: see

Japanese prime minister Ishiba Shigeru and Philippine president Ferdinand Marcos Jr have reaffirmed their countries’ commitment to peace, stability, and resistance to foreign aggression in the Indo-Pacific. The leaders highlighted expanding defence, economic, and diplomatic cooperation, especially amid increasing tensions in the West Philippine Sea. Without naming China directly, both underscored maritime security as a shared concern. Marcos praised Japan's contributions, including coastal surveillance equipment, which have upgraded the Philippines' defence capabilities. He noted that amid growing international divisions, cooperation between the two countries was ‘more important than ever’ to realise a free and open Indo-Pacific. Japan has also supported the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) through loans for large patrol vessels. These ships are actively deployed in Philippine waters to assert sovereignty and monitor Chinese activity. Both leaders described the alliance as grounded in shared values and mutual respect, marking a new chapter in their long-standing diplomatic relationship.

A brutal terrorist attack in Indian-administered Kashmir has left 26 people dead, including tourists and locals, and sent shockwaves across India. On 22 April gunmen opened fire at a popular resort in Pahalgam, targeting visitors gathered at Baisaran meadow. Among the victims were an Indian naval officer on his honeymoon, a tourist guide supporting his family, and multiple members of one family vacationing together. Eyewitnesses report that some attackers questioned victims about their religion before opening fire, although motives remain unconfirmed. Survivors and families describe scenes of chaos, loss, and unthinkable grief. Locals fear the attack could devastate tourism-dependent livelihoods. Kashmir's streets fell silent as businesses shut in protest, while Indian leaders, including prime minister Modi, vowed a strong response. A manhunt is under way, and as families bury their dead and demand justice, the nation mourns a deep and painful wound. India has already closed the border with Pakistan, which has denied involvement with the terrorists, and there are fears that there will be further military escalation. See

The Safe Motherhood Programme, which has drastically reduced maternal and neonatal mortality in Nepal, is at risk due to severe funding shortages. Rs 380 million (£2 million) is urgently needed to reimburse hospitals and continue essential services. An additional Rs 600 million (£3.3 million) will be needed this fiscal year to sustain operations. Launched two decades ago, the programme offers free delivery services, antenatal checkup incentives, and transportation allowances. It helped raise institutional deliveries from 18% to 80% and cut the maternal mortality rate from 539 per 100,000 live births in 1996 to 239 by 2016. However, nearly 130 maternal deaths have already occurred in the current fiscal year. The WHO has warned that progress toward the goal of reducing maternal mortality to 75 per 100,000 by 2030 could stall without immediate investment. The report stresses that broader efforts, like ensuring girls’ education, improving family planning, and tackling health inequalities, are crucial to safeguarding maternal and newborn lives.