Displaying items by tag: Asia

A video of a bloodied academic doctor openly criticising Hamas highlights a shift in Gaza. Filmed after an Israeli operation, and illustrating growing frustration, the video has gone viral. Critics accuse Hamas of endangering civilians by hiding hostages in populated areas and launching rockets from civilian zones. Some Gazans are now calling for a ceasefire with Israel, and even within Hamas's ranks discontent is rising. The group's longstanding control is weakening, with criminal gangs and chaos increasing. Despite ongoing support from some, many are now criticising Hamas for the war's devastation and their lack of preparedness. The situation remains complex, with a significant portion of the population still blaming Israel and its allies. The internal battle for public opinion within Gaza is intensifying, with Hamas sensitive to criticism and actively managing its image on social media.

At least 120 people have been killed in a crush at a Hindu religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh. Many victims, including women and children, are still being identified. The disaster occurred when a narrow exit and a fierce dust storm caused panic, leading to a stampede. Witnesses described the chaos, with people falling on each other and some into a roadside drain.  The dead included at least three children. A high-level committee is investigating the overcrowding and poor safety measures at the venue. Survivors and relatives criticised the lack of immediate response from senior officials. The administration’s primary focus is now on aiding the injured and the families of the deceased. Such accidents are common in India due to large crowds and inadequate safety protocols at religious events.

CBN News has reported that over 300,000 people have reportedly been baptised in Papua New Guinea, marking a significant spiritual event. The mass baptisms occurred during the PNG for Christ campaign, a collaborative effort by several organisations. Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church, and his wife, Nancy, led daily events during the two-week campaign. He has recently confirmed that the number of baptisms has surpassed 300,000. Wilson attributed this to the 'Holy Spirit power being poured out on Papua New Guinea’. The campaign saw dramatic changes, including drug lords destroying their marijuana crops and being baptised, prisoners converting, entire villages embracing Adventism, and miraculous healings. Pastor Miller Kuso, PNG United Mission’s personal ministry director, coordinated the events, visiting numerous sites across the country. Prayers are requested for the newly baptised individuals and the leaders who are guiding them in their new faith.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued a veiled warning to reformist presidential candidate Masoud Pezeshkian, criticising those who believe progress depends on the USA. Pezeshkian supports restoring the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers, unlike his hard-line opponents who demand terms favouring Iran. Khamenei has also urged high voter turnout for the election on 28 June, which analysts say could benefit Pezeshkian. There was a record low turnout in the parliamentary elections in March, and voters have expressed widespread apathy as Iran faces an economy crushed by Western sanctions and after widespread anti-government protests in recent years. Pezeshkian, previously unknown to the public, has garnered significant support. However, hard-liners remain critical, especially after the collapse of the nuclear deal in 2018. If no candidate wins over 50% of the vote, a runoff may be required.

A usually staid swearing-in procedure for Indian parliamentarians turned controversial when veteran opposition legislator Asaduddin Owaisi chanted ‘Jai Palestine’ after taking his oath. ‘Jai’, meaning victory in Sanskrit, can be translated as ‘Long live’. He was accused by colleagues from the ruling BJP of violating his constitutional pledge by showing loyalty to another nation, a charge he denied. During the ceremony, Owaisi swore his oath in Urdu, pledging loyalty to the country’s constitution - but then chanted ‘Jai Bhim, Jai Meem, Jai Telangana, Jai Filisteen’. Each slogan represents various communities and regions: ‘Jai Bhim’ for Dalits, ‘Jai Meem’ referring to his party AIMIM, ‘Jai Telangana’ for his home state, and ‘Jai Filisteen’ for Palestine. This incident, amid India's complex political landscape, highlights his advocacy for minority and Dalit rights. He has been an MP from Hyderabad since 2004 and president of AIMIM since 2008, and is known for his fiery oratory in Parliament.

Five years after Bougainville’s decisive vote for independence from Papua New Guinea (PNG), frustrations are growing due to the stalled political process. Over 97% of the autonomous region’s approximately 300,000 residents voted for independence in a 2019 referendum. However, the change requires ratification by PNG’s parliament, which has not yet occurred. Talks broke down last year over disagreements on the ratification process; Bougainville wants a simple majority vote, while PNG insists on a two-thirds majority. Both parties have agreed on an international moderator, but progress remains slow. Bougainville’s president Ishmael Toroama is pressing PNG to fulfil its promises, as residents express deep frustration over the delays. Bougainville has long sought independence, especially following protests against the environmental and social impacts of a copper mine and the subsequent civil war from 1989 to 1998. A 2001 peace agreement led to autonomous governance in 2005 and then to the referendum.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah has warned that no place in Israel would be safe if a full-scale war erupts between the two foes, also threatening Cyprus and other Mediterranean regions. Hezbollah has released drone footage of sensitive Israeli military sites; Nasrallah says that it has a ‘bank of targets’ for precision strikes, and Israel must prepare for attacks by land, air, and sea. He also threatened Cyprus, accusing it of aiding Israel with its airports and bases for military exercises. There was no immediate response from Cypriot authorities; Cyprus has historically allowed Israel to use its airspace for drills, but not its land or bases​. In another development, Benjamin Netanyahu has dissolved his war cabinet after two of his opponents resigned from it: see

Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un have signed a mutual defence agreement pledging support in case of ‘aggression’ against either country. The announcement followed Putin's visit to Pyongyang, his first since 2000, which Kim described as elevating their relationship to a ‘new, high level of alliance’. The pact raises Western concerns, potentially leading to Russian assistance for North Korea in a Korean conflict and North Korean support for Russia in Ukraine. Kim is accused of supplying Russia with weapons, while Putin is believed to be providing North Korea with space technology for its missile programme. Both leaders criticised Western sanctions and vowed to counter them. Kim expressed strong support for Russia's war in Ukraine, marking a historic moment in their alliance.

Hundreds of rockets were fired from Lebanon towards northern Israel on 12 June, hours after an Israeli airstrike which killed a senior Hezbollah commander. The Israeli military reported detecting about 215 projectiles, with some intercepted and several causing fires. The death of the commander, Hajj Abu Taleb, has intensified clashes along the border, with Hezbollah using more advanced weaponry and Israeli airstrikes penetrating deeper into Lebanon. Over 400 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, including more than seventy civilians. On the Israeli side, fifteen soldiers and ten civilians have died since the conflict began. Meanwhile, Antony Blinken stated that mediators are working to finalise a cease-fire deal after Hamas proposed amendments to a US-backed proposal which aims to ensure a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The proposal, announced by Joe Biden, includes these provisions, but Hamas remains sceptical about Israel’s commitment to implementing the terms.

A fire in a residential building in Mangaf has claimed at least fifty lives, mostly foreign workers, including many Indian nationals. The blaze, which broke out early on 12 June, engulfed the building in thick smoke; many of the casualties. The deputy prime minister blamed property owners' greed and building standard violations for the tragedy. The building housed 196 workers: a senior police officer said that warnings were often issued about overcrowding in this type of accommodation.. Dozens were rescued, but many deaths resulted from smoke inhalation. There were thirty Indian nationals among the deceased; other victims were from Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Nepal. However, some bodies were burned beyond recognition and have not yet been identified. Indian officials visited the injured, and Narendra Modi sent a message of condolence to the victims’ families. Kuwait's reliance on foreign workers, particularly in construction and domestic sectors, has often raised human rights concerns about their living conditions.