Israeli defense minister steps down amid concerns over Gaza hostages

SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant officially stepped down last Friday, with former Foreign Minister Israel Katz taking his place in a ceremony. Gallant's removal, three days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed him, has sparked protests, as he was considered a moderate voice in a largely far-right government. Many see this change as a possible shift in focus, with concerns Netanyahu may deprioritize efforts to retrieve hostages still h

November 11, 2024

Iran's supreme leader vows retaliation amid heightening Iran-Israel conflict

SEOUL, November 11 (AJP) - Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, warned on Saturday of a "crushing response" to recent U.S. and Israeli actions against Iran and its allies, fueling the ongoing conflict with Israel. Speaking to students, Khamenei emphasized that Iran would retaliate for the "actions against Iran and the resistance front." Tensions between Iran and Israel have intensified following Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October, with Iranian

November 11, 2024

Trump's return brings new challenges in a tense Middle East

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Donald Trump’s return to the U.S. presidency comes at a turbulent time in the Middle East, where he has vowed to pursue peace. Known for his strong support of Israel, Trump has also called for a swift end to the Gaza war, raising questions about how he will navigate the conflict given isolationist voices in his party and his own unpredictable approach. If no cease-fire is reached before his inauguration, Trump will step into office as the Gaza w

November 8, 2024

Rising casualties in Lebanon amid escalating Israeli strikes, ground offensive

SEOUL, November 8 (AJP) - Israeli airstrikes struck southern Beirut suburbs early Thursday, targeting areas near Lebanon’s only international airport. The Israeli military issued evacuation orders for the location, citing Hezbollah infrastructure in the vicinity but did not provide further details. Additionally, on Thursday, Israel’s military announced an expansion of its ground operations in northern Gaza, specifically into Beit Lahiya. This area, heavily bombarded si

November 8, 2024

UNRWA chief calls for support as Israel withdraws cooperation

SEOUL, November 7 (AJP) - The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) faces a severe crisis following Israel's recent ban on the organization, stated UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini. He urged UN member states to provide critical support to prevent the agency from collapsing, which would create turmoil for millions of Palestinian refugees. Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs recently withdrew from a longstanding cooperation agreement with UNRW

November 7, 2024

Lebanon accuses Israel over deadly pager explosions in ILO complaint

SEOUL, November 7 (AJP) - Lebanon has lodged a complaint against Israel with the UN's International Labour Organization (ILO) over deadly incidents involving explosive pagers in September. Lebanese Labour Minister Mustafa Bayram filed the complaint in Geneva, condemning the attacks as an "assault on humanity, technology, and workers." He warned that such acts, if unaddressed, could set a dangerous precedent, noting that they had led to fatalities and injuries among Leb

November 7, 2024

UAE hosts largest-ever world Jiu-Jitsu Championship

SEOUL, November 06 (AJP) - Abu Dhabi is hosting a record-breaking Abu Dhabi World Professional Jiu-Jitsu Championship, with over 9,000 athletes from 137 countries competing from Nov. 6 to 16 at the Mubadala Arena in Zayed Sports City. Under the patronage of Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, this 16th edition underscores the UAE capital's growing status as a global jiu-jitsu hub, a notable expansion from the first championship, which had only 2

November 6, 2024

Iranian Foreign Minister visits Pakistan, seeking regional security and stronger ties

SEOUL, November 6 (AJP) - Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrived in Islamabad early Tuesday for a two-day visit, focused on addressing Middle East tensions and strengthening ties with Pakistan. He was welcomed by Pakistani officials and is set to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar and other high-ranking officials. The visit comes amid heightened Iran-Israel tensions following an Oct. 26 Israeli airstrike on Iran, which killed at least

November 6, 2024

Israel suspends agreement allowing UN agency to provide aid in Gaza

SEOUL, November 5 (AJP) - Israel said on Monday it has ended its agreement allowing the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main aid provider in Gaza, to operate within its territory, in line with recent legislation to sever ties with the agency. Israel claims that UNRWA has connections to Hamas, an accusation the agency denies, affirming its commitment to neutrality. Additionally, Israel confirmed its forces conducted a ground raid in Syria on Sunday, targeting a Syrian nati

November 5, 2024

Dubai hosts prestigious best chef awards for first time in Middle East

SEOUL, November 5 (AJP) - The city of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates hosted the eighth edition of The Best Chef Awards this week, marking the event's debut in the Middle East. The three-day event, which began Monday, will wrap up with the main award ceremony at the Asateer Tent in Atlantis, The Palm Jumeirah on Wednesday. Supported by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, the awards feature workshops, panel discussions, and interactive sessions, bringing together cu

November 5, 2024