Over 50 children killed in refugee camp as death toll among Gaza's children rises

SEOUL, November 4 (AJP) - UNICEF said on Sunday that over 50 children have been killed in the past 48 hours in Gaza's Jabalia refugee camp, underscoring the devastating impact of the conflict on children. Save the Children highlighted the "intensity of this conflict and its catastrophic toll on children." Rachel Cummings, Save the Children's Humanitarian Director in Gaza, described the relentless bombardment and the constant fear faced by children. Since Israel&

November 4, 2024

US deploys B-52 bombers to Middle East as Iran warns of retaliation

SEOUL, November 4 (AJP) - Strategic bombers from the United States have arrived in the Middle East amid rising concerns over a possible new offensive by Iran against Israel, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed early Sunday. The B-52 Stratofortress bombers, originating from the 5th Bomb Wing at Minot Air Force Base, were deployed to the region, according to CENTCOM, which did not provide further details. Previously, Pentagon officials indicated that B-52 bombers, along

November 4, 2024

Tensions escalate for UN peacekeepers in Lebanon as ceasefire efforts continue

SEOUL, November 1 (AJP) - The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said that there were over 30 incidents in October that resulted in property damage or injuries to its soldiers, amid Israel's calls for peacekeepers to leave their posts. UNIFIL spokesperson Andrea Tenenti said that about 20 of these incidents could be linked to Israeli military actions, with seven confirmed as deliberate, while the source of other incidents remains unclear. Tenenti expressed conce

November 1, 2024

Bill Clinton faces criticism over comments on Israel and Palestine conflict

SEOUL, November 1 (AJP) - Former U.S. President Bill Clinton is facing backlash from Muslim and Arab Americans after comments made during a rally for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in Michigan on Wednesday, a key swing state with significant Arab and Muslim populations. Clinton said that Israel has been "forced" to target civilians in Gaza and implied Israel's historical precedence in the Holy Land, saying Israelis were there "first," sparking criticism f

November 1, 2024

Senior US officials head to Middle East for crisis talks

SEOUL, October 31 (AJP) - Senior Biden administration officials are set to visit the Middle East this week to meet with regional leaders amid heightened tensions following Israel's recent attack on Iran, which led Tehran to promise retaliation, Turkey's state-run news agency Anadolu reported on Wednesday, citing a senior U.S. official. CIA Director Bill Burns will visit Cairo on Thursday to discuss bilateral issues with Egyptian officials, including securing the release of h

October 31, 2024

US, Saudi officials discuss AI collaboration and Middle East stability

SEOUL, October 31 (AJP) - A senior U.S. diplomat met with top Saudi officials in Washington on Wednesday to discuss advancing cooperation in artificial intelligence and reducing Middle East tensions, according to the State Department. Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell engaged in talks with Saudi Arabia's National Security Advisor Musaid al-Aiban and Minister of Communications and Information Technology Abdullah al-Swaha. According to State Department Spokesman Matt Miller,

October 31, 2024

Israeli airstrikes claim dozens of lives in Hezbollah-controlled Bekaa Valley

SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon's eastern Bekaa Valley have led to at least 60 fatalities, including two children, in attacks on 16 sites within the Baalbek region, a Hezbollah stronghold, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Another 58 people were injured, with rescue operations ongoing. Israel has yet to comment on the incident. Over the past five weeks, Israel has launched thousands of strikes across Lebanon, targeting alleged Hezbollah operativ

October 30, 2024

Qatar calls out Israel's decision to ban on UN refugee agency

SEOUL, October 30 (AJP) - Qatar condemned Israel's decision to bar the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, from operating in Israel and annexed East Jerusalem, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday. Israeli lawmakers passed the legislation on Monday, prohibiting both UNRWA's activities in these areas and any collaboration between Israeli officials and the agency. Qatari ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari warned that blocking UNRWA’s support would have &

October 30, 2024

Israel's allies call on Israel to rethink proposed ban on UNRWA's vital aid

SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Foreign ministers from seven of Israel's allies — Germany, France, Britain, Australia, Canada, Japan, and South Korea — have issued a statement opposing Israel's proposed legislation to ban UNRWA, the UN agency aiding Palestinian refugees. They warned that if UNRWA is prohibited from operating in the West Bank and Gaza, the humanitarian situation could worsen drastically, particularly in northern Gaza, where UNRWA provides critical servi

October 29, 2024

Egypt to lead ceasefire mediation amid Israel-Hamas conflict

SEOUL, October 29 (AJP) - Egypt suggested a two-day ceasefire in Gaza on Sunday with a proposal for Hamas to release four hostages in exchange for a number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has proposed a plan to initiate ceasefire talks within 10 days, starting with a two-day truce to "move the situation forward." Israel and Hamas have not yet responded, though a Palestinian official indicated that Hamas may consider new offe

October 29, 2024