UN pleads for humanitarian aid after nearly 90 killed in Gaza airstrike

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Gaza's health ministry, run by Hamas, reported that at least 87 people were killed and over 40 injured in an Israeli airstrike on Beit Lahia in northern Gaza last Saturday. The ministry said that some people remained trapped under rubble following the strike on a residential area. Israel acknowledged the reports but claimed earlier casualty figures provided by Hamas were "exaggerated." The Israeli military has been heavily bombarding northern

October 21, 2024

Putin hails UAE's role in prisoner exchanges, discusses Middle East conflict

SEOUL, October 21 (AJP) - Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed to the visiting UAE president on Sunday that the relationship between their countries had reached the level of a "strategic partnership." He also thanked the UAE for its mediation efforts in facilitating prisoner exchanges with Ukraine. It is reported that Putin hosted a dinner for President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at his residence, where they are set to hold formal discussions on Monday cover

October 21, 2024

Dubai's global village opens with new attractions and cultural delights

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - UAE's global Village in Dubai, the country's leading multicultural family destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment, officially opened its three iconic gates on Wednesday, marking the start of Season 29. A key event in Dubai's annual calendar, Global Village is recognized for its vibrant performances and activities, as well as its role in supporting the city's cultural, recreational, and community-driven initiatives. Running unt

October 18, 2024

Yahya Sinwar, Hamas chief, killed in Israeli operation

SEOUL, October 18 (AJP) - Israeli forces announced on Thursday the killing of Yahya Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader and the mastermind behind the attack on Israel last year. His death, discovered after an unintentional battle in Gaza, was celebrated by Israeli leaders as retribution for the assault that left around 1,200 Israelis dead and 250 kidnapped. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed it as a significant moment in Israel's mission to dismantle Hamas, urging the group to r

October 18, 2024

UK considers sanctions on Israeli leaders as Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens

SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - The United Kingdom is considering sanctions against Israel's Finance Minister, Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, for their controversial remarks about Palestinians. U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reviewing these actions after Smotrich suggested that starving civilians in Gaza could be justified, and Ben-Gvir praised those involved in settler violence in the West Bank as heroes. Earlier, former UK Foreign Secretar

October 17, 2024

UN condemns Israeli attack on watchtower as Lebanese conflict intensifies

SEOUL, October 17 (AJP) - UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon reported that Israeli forces deliberately attacked one of their positions, damaging a watchtower. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) confirmed that an Israeli Merkava tank fired on the watchtower near Kfar Kila, destroying two cameras and damaging the structure. UNIFIL also stated that Israeli forces obstructed a key logistical operation near Meiss el-Jabal. The mission reminded all parties, including th

October 17, 2024

Hezbollah leader calls for ceasefire, threatens further rocket strikes

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Qassem, warned that the group will target more areas in Israel with rocket attacks unless the Israeli government stops its air strikes and ground invasion of Lebanon. In a live speech on Tuesday, Qassem stated that the solution is a ceasefire, emphasizing that Hezbollah would not be defeated despite ongoing bombardments and leadership losses. He also signaled plans to escalate attacks further into southern Israel. Qassem

October 16, 2024

UAE's nationwide campaign brings vital aid to Lebanon

SEOUL, October 16 (AJP) - The UAE will organize a second round of aid collection events for Lebanon this weekend, following a positive response to the first week of its humanitarian campaign. Events will be held at Expo Centre Sharjah on Saturday and at Dubai Exhibition Centre on Sunday. The UAE Stands With Lebanon initiative has raised over Dh110 million ($30 million) since its launch. Last weekend, thousands participated in events in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, packing 450 tonnes of esse

October 16, 2024

US deploys THAAD in Israel to enhance air defenses against Iranian missiles

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - The U.S. has announced the deployment of a high-altitude anti-missile system (THAAD) and a military crew to Israel, aiming to reinforce its air defenses following a missile attack by Iran on Oct. 1. The Pentagon confirmed that President Joe Biden ordered the THAAD system to protect Israel from future missile threats, as many of the nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran were intercepted, though some hit central and southern Israel. Israel has yet

October 15, 2024

Mounting international pressure on Israel over UN peacekeeper casualties in Lebanon

SEOUL, October 15 (AJP) - Israel has faced growing international criticism following attacks on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon. Despite this, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated calls for UN forces to temporarily leave areas where Israel is conducting military operations against Hezbollah. The UN Security Council has expressed concern over these incidents, with the European Union condemning the attacks and rejecting Israeli claims that the UN is obstructing its mil

October 15, 2024