13 h. ago Israel’s annexation plans fuel fears of Palestinians’ annihilation

Nearly two years after Hamas militants stormed southern Israel, the war in Gaza has entered a darker, deadlier phase. The territory now faces a reckoning its residents describe as annihilation. Israel’s latest military campaign in Gaza and its West Bank annexation plans have left observers warning that the age-old Palestinian presence across both could soon be erased. On Wednesday, Israel’s government unveiled plans to annex 82 per cent of the occupied West Bank. The escalation comes despite...

Politics

3 d. ago UAE says Israeli annexation of West Bank ‘red line’ for Abu Dhabi

The United Arab Emirates warned Israel on Wednesday that any annexation of the West Bank would constitute a red line for Abu Dhabi that would severely undermine the spirit of the Abraham Accords that normalised relations between the two countries. “From the very beginning, we viewed the Accords as a way to enable our continued support for the Palestinian people and their legitimate aspiration for an independent state,” said Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Envoy of...

Politics

1 week ago Israeli strikes on Yemeni capital Sanaa kill 4, wound dozens

Israeli strikes hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday in retaliation for Houthi missiles fired towards Israel, with Houthi health officials saying the attack killed four people and wounded 67. The strikes are the latest in more than a year of direct attacks and counterstrikes between Israel and Houthi militants in Yemen, part of a spillover from the war in Gaza. The Israeli military said the targets included a military compound housing the presidential palace, two power plants and a fuel...

Events

1 week ago Israeli strikes on Yemeni capital Sanaa kill 6, wound dozens

Israeli strikes hit the Yemeni capital Sanaa on Sunday in retaliation for Houthi missiles fired towards Israel, with Houthi health officials saying the attack killed sex people and wounded 86. The strikes are the latest in more than a year of direct attacks and counterstrikes between Israel and Houthi militants in Yemen, part of a spillover from the war in Gaza. The Israeli military said the targets included a military compound housing the presidential palace, two power plants and a fuel storage...

Events

2 w. ago Israel revokes Australian diplomat visas over Palestinian recognition

Israel’s foreign minister on Monday said he had revoked the visas of Australian diplomats to the Palestinian Authority, following a decision by Canberra to recognise a Palestinian state and cancel an Israeli lawmaker’s visa. The Australian government said it had cancelled the visa of a lawmaker from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition who had advocated against Palestinian statehood and called for Israel to annex the occupied West Bank. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar...

Politics

2 w. ago Ahead of Israeli offensive, some Palestinians are leaving Gaza City

Fearing an Israeli onslaught could come soon, some Palestinian families began leaving eastern areas of Gaza City, now under constant Israeli bombardment, for points to the west and some explored evacuating further south. Israel’s plan to seize control of Gaza City has stirred alarm abroad and at home where tens of thousands of Israelis held some of the largest protests seen since the war began, urging a deal to end the fighting and free the remaining 50 hostages held by Palestinian militants in...

Politics

2 w. ago Thousands of Palestinians leave Gaza City amid fears of Israeli offensive

Fearing an imminent Israeli ground offensive, thousands of Palestinians have left their homes in eastern areas of Gaza City, now under constant Israeli bombardment, for points to the west and south of the shattered territory. Israel’s plan to seize control of Gaza City has stirred alarm abroad and at home where tens of thousands of Israelis held some of the largest protests seen since the war began, urging a deal to end the fighting and free the remaining 50 hostages held by Palestinian...

Politics

2 w. ago Is China hiding its rare earth production plans? US tensions fuel speculation

Is China hiding its rare earth production plans? US tensions fuel speculation  South China Morning Post

Events

4 w. ago Green gold: the rise of Thailand’s coveted exotic plant trade

Bright, heart-shaped anthuriums spilled onto the walkways, as collectors expertly examined the intricate patterns of philodendrons, pausing for a moment to admire the rows of rare ferns that erupted in every imaginable shade of green between the bustling booths. At June’s annual Bangkok International Exotic Plants Show, horticulturists revealed some of the secrets behind their “green gold” rush to This Week in Asia – a trade made possible by Thailand’s hothouse climate, rich soils and...

Politics