The United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Monday (Dec 4) that Washington would continue to press for the release of additional hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Addressing a routine White House press briefing, NSA Sullivan said, "This past weekend, I held several rounds of intensive phone calls with partners in Israel, Egypt, Qatar and other nations."

"As we remain intensely engaged in a basically nonstop discussion of the developments in the region since Hamas's devastating terrorist attacks on October 7, we're still talking about trying to find a way forward on hostages. We're talking about sustaining and expanding the humanitarian assistance, making it into Gaza," he added.

<a href="Israel-Hamas war LIVE | Israeli army denies telling WHO to empty aid warehouse in southern Gaza">Click here to follow all updates on Israel-Hamas war</a>

Sullivan also said that Hamas militants were refusing to release civilian women who should have been part of the truce deal. "And it is that refusal by Hamas that has caused the end of the hostage agreement and therefore the end to the pause in hostility," he said.&nbsp;

The NSA urged Israel to avoid attacking areas that it identified as "no-strike" zones in Gaza.&nbsp;

Sullivan's remarks came as the Israeli military intensified its offensive in Gaza, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians.

According to a report by the news agency early Tuesday Reuters, Hamas ally Islamic Jihad's armed wing said its fighters engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers north and east of Khan Younis.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/broken-pelvises-mutilated-bodiesdid-hamas-use-rape-as-weapon-of-war-666257">'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel?</a>

Since the conflict started on Oct 7, around 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million population has already fled Gaza. On Monday, Israel ordered Palestinians to leave parts of Khan Younis, indicating they should move towards the Mediterranean coast and Rafah.

The military posted a map on X with around a quarter of Khan Younis marked off in yellow as a territory that must be evacuated at once.

Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action that would make the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza worse and to spare civilians from more suffering.

&nbsp;"The Secretary-General is extremely alarmed by the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas... For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Monday (Dec 4) that Washington would continue to press for the release of additional hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

The United States National Security Advisor (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Monday (Dec 4) that Washington would continue to press for the release of additional hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Addressing a routine White House press briefing, NSA Sullivan said, "This past weekend, I held several rounds of intensive phone calls with partners in Israel, Egypt, Qatar and other nations." "As we remain intensely engaged in a basically nonstop discussion of the developments in the region since Hamas's devastating terrorist attacks on October 7, we're still talking about trying to find a way forward on hostages. We're talking about sustaining and expanding the humanitarian assistance, making it into Gaza," he added. Click here to follow all updates on Israel-Hamas war Sullivan also said that Hamas militants were refusing to release civilian women who should have been part of the truce deal. "And it is that refusal by Hamas that has caused the end of the hostage agreement and therefore the end to the pause in hostility," he said. The NSA urged Israel to avoid attacking areas that it identified as "no-strike" zones in Gaza. Sullivan's remarks came as the Israeli military intensified its offensive in Gaza, killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians. According to a report by the news agency early Tuesday Reuters, Hamas ally Islamic Jihad's armed wing said its fighters engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli soldiers north and east of Khan Younis. Also read: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel? Since the conflict started on Oct 7, around 80 per cent of Gaza's 2.3 million population has already fled Gaza. On Monday, Israel ordered Palestinians to leave parts of Khan Younis, indicating they should move towards the Mediterranean coast and Rafah. The military posted a map on X with around a quarter of Khan Younis marked off in yellow as a territory that must be evacuated at once. Meanwhile, United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action that would make the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza worse and to spare civilians from more suffering. "The Secretary-General is extremely alarmed by the resumption of hostilities between Israel and Hamas... For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Will continue to push for hostage releases in Gaza, says US NSA

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years.&nbsp;

“Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good child care and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” Kim said in his opening speech as his government stepped up the call for the people to have more children.

Though it is difficult to get details on North Korea's population trends, South Korea assessed that North's fertility rate has declined steadily for the past 10 years, the report said.

South Korea's government statistics agency said that North Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of babies expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, was at 1.79 in 2022, down from 1.88 in 2014.

This decline was slower than South, whose fertility rate last year was 0.78, down from 1.20 in 2014.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-north-korea-sees-strange-uptick-in-number-of-people-suffering-from-hair-loss-663536">North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss</a>

Citing observers, the Associated Press reported that while North Korea is one of the poorest countries globally, the change in its demographic structure is similar to that of rich countries.

“Many families in North Korea also don’t intend to have more than one child these days as they know they need lots of money to raise their kids, send them to school and help them get jobs,” said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG.

In the 1970s-80s, North Korea implemented birth control programmes to slow post-war population growth. Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute said in its report this August that the country's fertility rate recorded a major decline following a famine in the mid-1990s.

The institute said that given Pyongyang's lack of resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties in reviving and developing its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces were not provided.

Recently, North Korea introduced a set of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing arrangements, state subsidies, and educational perks for children, state media reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years.

North Korea's Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un on Sunday (Dec 3) called on the country's women to have more children to halt a fall in the birthrate. Citing state media, the news agency Associated Press said on Monday that Kim's appeal was made during North Korea's National Mothers Meeting, the first of its kind in 11 years. “Stopping the decline in birthrates and providing good child care and education are all our family affairs that we should solve together with our mothers,” Kim said in his opening speech as his government stepped up the call for the people to have more children. Though it is difficult to get details on North Korea's population trends, South Korea assessed that North's fertility rate has declined steadily for the past 10 years, the report said. South Korea's government statistics agency said that North Korea's total fertility rate, or the average number of babies expected to be born to a woman over her lifetime, was at 1.79 in 2022, down from 1.88 in 2014. This decline was slower than South, whose fertility rate last year was 0.78, down from 1.20 in 2014. Also read: North Korea sees strange uptick in number of people suffering from hair loss Citing observers, the Associated Press reported that while North Korea is one of the poorest countries globally, the change in its demographic structure is similar to that of rich countries. “Many families in North Korea also don’t intend to have more than one child these days as they know they need lots of money to raise their kids, send them to school and help them get jobs,” said Ahn Kyung-su, head of DPRKHEALTH.ORG. In the 1970s-80s, North Korea implemented birth control programmes to slow post-war population growth. Seoul-based Hyundai Research Institute said in its report this August that the country's fertility rate recorded a major decline following a famine in the mid-1990s. The institute said that given Pyongyang's lack of resources and technological advancements, it could face difficulties in reviving and developing its manufacturing industry if sufficient labour forces were not provided. Recently, North Korea introduced a set of benefits for families with three or more children, including preferential free housing arrangements, state subsidies, and educational perks for children, state media reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Kim Jong Un calls for North Korean women to have more children to halt fall in birthrate

Eighty-five civilians were killed in a village in Nigeria's Kaduna State after an army drone was accidentally fired at them. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Tuesday (Dec 5), the army acknowledged that one of its drones aimed at armed groups had accidentally struck the Tudun Biri village as residents were celebrating a festival.

Eighty-five civilians were killed in a village in Nigeria's Kaduna State after an army drone was accidentally fired at them. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Tuesday (Dec 5), the army acknowledged that one of its drones aimed at armed groups had accidentally struck the Tudun Biri village as residents were celebrating a festival. The army did not give details about how many people died, but residents said that the death toll was 85. In a statement, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said, "The Northwest Zonal Office has received details from the local authorities that 85 dead bodies have so far been buried while the search is still ongoing." NEMA said that 66 people were injured and were being treated at a hospital. Most of the killed civilians were women, children, and elderly who had been celebrating Maulud — a Muslim festival. President Tinubu orders investigation On Tuesday, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ordered an investigation into the incident. "President Tinubu describes the incident as very unfortunate, disturbing, and painful, expressing indignation and grief over the tragic loss of Nigerian lives," the presidency said in a statement. AFP reported that the Nigerian armed forces often rely on airstrikes in their battle against militias in the northwest and northeast of the country, where jihadists have been fighting for over 10 years. The army said on Tuesday that its drone (which accidentally struck villagers) was on a routine mission. Speaking to AFP, resident Idris Dahiru said, "I was inside the house when the first bomb was dropped... We rushed to the scene to help those affected and then a second bomb was dropped." "My aunt, my brother's wife, and her six children, wives of my four brothers were among the dead. My elder brother's family are all dead, except his infant child who survived," Dahiru added. In the past, military bombing raids have accidentally hit civilians. In September 2021, at least 20 fishermen were killed and several injured in an attack in Kwatar Daban Masara on Lake Chad, when the military mistook them for militants. In 2017, at least 112 people were killed when a fighter jet struck a camp housing 40,000 people displaced by jihadist violence in the town of Rann. (With inputs from agencies)

Nigeria: Army drone strikes civilians accidently, kills 85; president orders investigation

Two mass shootings during the weekend in the United States pushed the country to a grim record of mass killings. According to a report by The Washington Post on Monday (Dec 4), the shootings in Texas and Washington last Sunday were the 37th and 38th shootings this year in which four or more victims were killed, the highest number of mass killings since at least 2006.

Two mass shootings during the weekend in the United States pushed the country to a grim record of mass killings. According to a report by The Washington Post on Monday (Dec 4), the shootings in Texas and Washington last Sunday were the 37th and 38th shootings this year in which four or more victims were killed, the highest number of mass killings since at least 2006. In 2022, 36 mass shootings were reported, which was then the highest record. The shootings In Dallas, a 21-year-old man who was previously charged with aggravated assault shot four people, including a toddler inside a house. A teenage girl was hospitalised with bullet wounds, the police said, according to a report by ABC News. The shooting occurred on Sunday afternoon in a neighbourhood in southeast Dallas. The police said the killings stemmed from an isolated incident and there was no threat to the public. Also read: Explained | America and its enduring gun violence issue Meanwhile, in Washington's Vancouver, five members of a family died in their home in what authorities said was an apparent murder-suicide. Reports suggested that a man shot his wife, two daughters, and his brother before killing himself. In a statement, the Clark County Sheriff's Office said it was contacted by a person requesting welfare on Sunday afternoon after "receiving a text message from a family member stating they had harmed others at the residence." Shootings increased in recent years The Washington Post report on Monday said that the killings in Dallas and Washington brought this year's death toll to 197. Ninety-one people were injured this year but they survived, the report added. The publication further said that mass shootings increased in 2019 but dropped next year due to Covid pandemic restrictions. However, as restrictions were relaxed and daily life gradually returned to normal, the frequency of the deadliest shootings went up. This year as well as every year since 2006, the largest number of mass killings occurred in private homes or shelters. This year, 26 of the 38 shootings occurred in homes or shelters. Also read: Data lab | Numbers speak volumes: America's unique struggle with gun violence Speaking to the publication, Thomas Abt, founding director of the Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction, said that the record is a tragic, shameful milestone that should — but probably will not — serve as a wake-up call to politicians opposing gun regulations. Abt, who is also an associate research professor at the University of Maryland, said, "The rise in mass shootings is driven by many factors, but increasingly easy access to firearms is the primary cause.” (With inputs from agencies)

With 38 mass shootings, US crosses grim record for first time since 2006

A paediatrician in Israel's Schneider Children's Medical Center said that the reports of Israeli hostages being in stable condition after being released by Hamas were misleading. According to a report by The Times of Israel on Monday (Dec 4), Dr Yael Mozer-Glassberg, the director of the paediatric liver transplantation service at the medical centre, said, “From the medical point of view, this was a terrible event. Reports that everyone is giving that the returnees are in more or less stable condition are not true.” &nbsp;

Dr Mozer-Glassberg is part of a team of six female physicians, as well as nutritionists, psychologists, and social workers who have attended to 26 hostages - 19 children and seven women who were brought to the centre after they were released.

“The hostages shared with us stories about how limited the food they were given was. If they were given food at all, it was sometimes only a cup of tea and a biscuit or a single dried date in the morning and rice in the evening,” she said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-two-civilians-killed-for-every-hamas-fighter-in-gaza-admits-israeli-military-666395">Around two civilians killed for every Hamas fighter in Gaza, admits Israeli military</a>

The doctor said that Hamas militants inflicted psychological terrorism on the hostages "by forcing them to eat everything given to them after their stomachs had shrunk and hunger pains diminished after having eaten nearly nothing for days."

Another Israeli doctor treating freed hostages said that survivors were suffering from an unprecedented level of extremely severe psychological abuse endured during captivity.&nbsp;

"I can tell you that on behalf of all the medical and psychological teams treating those who return, the mental states we encountered have no precedent in medical literature. We feel that we have to rewrite the textbooks of post-trauma," Dr Renana Eitan told Sunday Night in America.

Dr Eitan said that the hostages were subject to starvation, beating, and sexual abuse. The hostages were also being held in inhumane sanitary conditions.

The hostages were held in solitary confinement and spent long days in total darkness until they developed severe hallucinations, she added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

A paediatrician in Israel's Schneider Children's Medical Center said that the reports of Israeli hostages being in stable condition after being released by Hamas were misleading.

A paediatrician in Israel's Schneider Children's Medical Center said that the reports of Israeli hostages being in stable condition after being released by Hamas were misleading. According to a report by The Times of Israel on Monday (Dec 4), Dr Yael Mozer-Glassberg, the director of the paediatric liver transplantation service at the medical centre, said, “From the medical point of view, this was a terrible event. Reports that everyone is giving that the returnees are in more or less stable condition are not true.” Dr Mozer-Glassberg is part of a team of six female physicians, as well as nutritionists, psychologists, and social workers who have attended to 26 hostages - 19 children and seven women who were brought to the centre after they were released. “The hostages shared with us stories about how limited the food they were given was. If they were given food at all, it was sometimes only a cup of tea and a biscuit or a single dried date in the morning and rice in the evening,” she said. Also read: Around two civilians killed for every Hamas fighter in Gaza, admits Israeli military The doctor said that Hamas militants inflicted psychological terrorism on the hostages "by forcing them to eat everything given to them after their stomachs had shrunk and hunger pains diminished after having eaten nearly nothing for days." Another Israeli doctor treating freed hostages said that survivors were suffering from an unprecedented level of extremely severe psychological abuse endured during captivity. "I can tell you that on behalf of all the medical and psychological teams treating those who return, the mental states we encountered have no precedent in medical literature. We feel that we have to rewrite the textbooks of post-trauma," Dr Renana Eitan told Sunday Night in America. Dr Eitan said that the hostages were subject to starvation, beating, and sexual abuse. The hostages were also being held in inhumane sanitary conditions. The hostages were held in solitary confinement and spent long days in total darkness until they developed severe hallucinations, she added. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli hostages were subjected to 'psychological terrorism' by Hamas, say doctors

Israel has informed several Arab states that it wants a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip once its conflict with Hamas ends, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday (Dec 2) citing Egyptian and regional sources.

Israel has informed several Arab states that it wants a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip once its conflict with Hamas ends, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday (Dec 2) citing Egyptian and regional sources. Three of these sources told Reuters that Israel has shared its plans with its neighbours Egypt and Jordan, along with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The sources added that Saudi Arabia, which does not have ties with Israel, was also informed about the development. Reuters reported that this initiative did not indicate an imminent end to Israel's ongoing offensive, but it showed that Israel was reaching out beyond established Arab mediators. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war So far, no Arab states have shown any willingness to police or administer Gaza in the future. According to Palestinian authorities, the Israeli offensive has killed over 15,000 people in Gaza. Hamas killed 1,200 people in its Oct 7 raid and took more than 200 hostages. Why is Israel demanding a buffer zone? Speaking to Reuters, a senior regional security official said that Israel was demanding a buffer zone in Gaza to prevent any Hamas or other militants from infiltrating or attacking Israel as in the October 7 attack. Ophir Falk, the foreign policy adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told the news agency that the plan for a buffer zone was based on a three-tier process that involved destroying Hamas, demilitarising Gaza, and de-radicalising the enclave. Also read: Israeli officials knew about Hamas' attack plan over a year ago, says report "A buffer zone may be part of the demilitarisation process," Falk said but declined to answer when asked whether those plans had been raised with international partners, including Arab states. The idea of a buffer zone in the past too Israel has suggested the idea of a buffer zone in the past too. However, Reuters reported that it was now presenting it to Arab states as part of its future security plans for Gaza. A US official told the news agency that Israel had "floated" the buffer zone idea without saying to whom. But the official also repeated Washington's opposition to any plan that reduced the size of Palestinian territory. Meanwhile, a senior Israeli security source said the buffer zone idea was "being examined", adding: "It is not clear at the moment how deep this will be and whether it could be 1 km or 2 km or hundreds of metres (inside Gaza)." Any encroachment into Gaza would cram its 2.3 million people into an even smaller area. (With inputs form agencies)

Israel informs Arab states it wants a buffer zone in Gaza post war: Report

A Rare Spectacle: UAE Allows Protests at COP28

Once known for banning protests and limiting freedom of expression, the UAE has now allowed demonstrations on the sidelines of the COP28 summit at the Dubai Expo City.


Protests Held from Israel-Hamas War to Climate Action

Protests at the COP28 range from condemning Israel's bombardment of Gaza to calls for climate decolonisation.

Demonstrations Allowed only Under Strict Guidelines

Activists protesting for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and for climate action are allowed to voice their concerns under strict guidelines in the "Blue Zone" of the summit, which include no waving of Palestinian flags.

Former United States ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha has been arrested in a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) counterintelligence probe, accused of secretly serving as an agent of Cuba's government, the news agency Associated Press reported early Monday (Dec 4).

Former United States ambassador to Bolivia, Manuel Rocha has been arrested in a Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) counterintelligence probe, accused of secretly serving as an agent of Cuba's government, the news agency Associated Press reported early Monday (Dec 4). Speaking to the Associated Press, two people familiar with the developments said that Rocha, 73, was arrested in Miami last Friday on a criminal complaint. More details about the case are expected to be made public at a court appearance later on Monday. One of the people told the news agency that the Justice Department case has accused Rocha of working to promote the Cuban government’s interests. Federal law requires people doing the bidding of a foreign government or entity inside the US to register with the Justice Department. A look at Rocha's diplomatic career Rocha served as a diplomat for 25 years, working under both Democratic and Republican administrations. Much of his career was spent in Latin America during the Cold War. The report said that Rocha's diplomatic postings included a stint at the US Interests Section in Cuba at a time when Washington lacked full diplomatic relations with the Fidel Castro government. He also served in Italy, Honduras, the Dominican Republic and Mexico, and worked as a Latin American expert for the National Security Council. The 73-year-old was a top diplomat in Argentina from 1997 to 2000. During his next stint as the US ambassador to Bolivia, Rocha intervened directly into the 2002 presidential race, warning weeks ahead of the vote that Washington would cut off assistance to the South American country if it were to elect former coca grower Evo Morales. Also read: White House, Cuba reject report of China building spy base on the island “I want to remind the Bolivian electorate that if they vote for those who want Bolivia to return to exporting cocaine, that will seriously jeopardise any future aid to Bolivia from the United States,″ Rocha said in a speech that was widely interpreted as an attempt to sustain US dominance in the region. This gambit angered Bolivians and gave Morales a last-minute boost. When Morales was elected three years later, he expelled Rocha's successor as chief of the diplomatic mission for inciting a civil war. After retiring from the State Department, Rocha began a business career, serving as the president of a gold mine in the Dominican Republic partly owned by Canada’s Barrick Gold. The Associated Press report said that most recently, the 73-year-old held senior roles at Pennsylvania-based coal exporter XCoal, Clover Leaf Capital, law firm Foley & Lardner and Spanish public relations firms Llorente & Cuenca. Speaking to the news agency, Llorente & Cuenca's US operations CEO Dario Alvarez said, "Our firm remains committed to transparency and will closely monitor the situation, cooperating fully with the authorities if any information becomes available to us." (With inputs from agencies)

Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, accused of serving as an agent of Cuba: Report

Major General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday (Dec 3) that the Israeli regime would collapse in 48 hours if another military action like the Al-Aqsa Storm operation broke out.

Major General Hossein Salami, the commander-in-chief of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said on Sunday (Dec 3) that the Israeli regime would collapse in 48 hours if another military action like the Al-Aqsa Storm operation broke out. According to a report by the news agency ANI, Major General Salami said, "Israel will be removed from the political geography of the world in 48 hours." Salami added that Israel was in a painful situation following a surprise attack by Hamas on Oct 7. A few days back, the IRGC chief issued a renewed threat of war against the United States and Israel. "We fight against America, Israel, and anyone who challenges the grandeur of the Islamic Republic," he said last Thursday, according to a report by Iran International. Also read: Iran, Saudi Arabia discuss scope of improving military ties amid Israel-Hamas war Iran has been a long-time supporter of Hamas both financially and militarily. Since the start of the Oct 7 war, Iran has refrained from direct involvement in the conflict beyond its leaders' and commanders' incitement. Iran urges Muslim states to cut ties with Israel for limited period Last month, Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei appealed to Muslim states having political ties with Israel to at least cut them for a limited time. "Some Muslim governments sometimes condemn the bombings in assemblies and statements and the like - some don't even do that. This (condemnation) is not enough. They should cut off this vital artery of the Zionist regime. They should not allow oil, energy, goods and the like to enter the Zionist regime, they should limit their political relations [with the Zionist regime] at least for a limited period of time - let's say one year or less or more - cut off," Supreme Leader Khamenei said during an IRGC exhibition in Tehran on Nov 19. "Well, now the president of the United States, the chancellor of Germany, the president of France, the prime minister of England, they are defending and helping such an entity and identity (Israel). What does this mean? It means that the issue of racial discrimination, which is one of the most important issues in the world today, and humanity has opened its eyes (to it) and racial discrimination is one of the most hateful ideas and trends, these famous gentlemen (mentioned earlier) all believe in racial discrimination and have no objection to racial discrimination," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran Revolutionary Guard chief's open threat to Israel: 'You will collapse in 48 hours if...'

Hundreds of teary-eyed, keffiyeh-wearing activists protested Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip at the COP28 in Dubai on Sunday (Dec 3), the news agency AFP reported.

Hundreds of teary-eyed, keffiyeh-wearing activists protested Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip at the COP28 in Dubai on Sunday (Dec 3), the news agency AFP reported. Hindered by United Nations (UN) restrictions from raising Palestinian flags or chanting certain slogans, activists at a COP28 "Blue Zone" venue, demanded a ceasefire in the war-torn region. The protest was a rare spectacle in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where demonstrations as banned. As per the report, the Blue Zone is managed by the COP28 and not local authorities. Asad Rehaman, the lead spokesperson for the Climate of Justice Coalition, said on Sunday, "We say to the Palestinian people that the international community may have forgotten you, but you are not alone." Also read: Israeli officials knew about Hamas' attack plan over a year ago, says report "Free Palestine," Rahman told the protesters who echoed his chant before they were shushed because of UN guidelines prohibiting the naming of states, leaders or companies in activist actions within the COP venue. UN guidelines tighten protest space With the fourth day of the UN climate summit kicking off on Sunday, it was not the local authorities that tightened the protest space, but strict UN guidelines that governed previous COPs. The AFP report said that organisers of the protest had to request permits, identify action zones and appeal for approval for banners, slogans and chants -- some of which were banned. Abderraouf Ben Mohamed of the Debt for Climate group said, "We were not allowed to name states or raise (Palestinian) flags." Damian Godzisz, a staff member in the UAE's COP28 team, said he was told to remove a Palestinian flag and a keffiyeh scarf attached to his bag at the security check to the Blue Zone. Also read: We have no desire to harm Gaza's population, says Israeli PM Netanyahu "I find it insensitive that while other nations can display their national attire, the Palestinian flag and keffiyeh are restricted," he said. Israel's bombardment in Gaza continues The Israeli military continued to bombard Gaza on Sunday since the truce between Israel and Hamas expired with international efforts going on for another ceasefire. The war will soon enter its second month. More than 15,500 people have been killed in Gaza, as per the Hamas-run health ministry, in Israeli strikes. On the other hand, Israeli authorities said that 1,200 people, mostly civilians were killed in the Oct 7 Hamas attack. The Israeli army reported 17 rocket salvos from Gaza into Israel on Sunday, adding that most were intercepted and there was only slight material damage. The seven-day pause in fighting, brokered by Qatar with support from Egypt and the United States, led to the release of 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Activists protest Israel's bombardment of Gaza at COP28 venue

Many US and European arms companies could not significantly ramp up their production capacity in 2022 due to the Ukraine war, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in a report on Monday (Dec 4).

Many US and European arms companies could not significantly ramp up their production capacity in 2022 due to the Ukraine war, the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) said in a report on Monday (Dec 4). As per the report, Russia's offensive in Ukraine (which started in February 2022), and geopolitical tensions around the world fuelled a strong increase in demand for weapons and military equipment last year. "However, despite receiving new orders, many US and European arms companies could not significantly ramp up production capacity because of labour shortages, soaring costs and supply chain disruptions that were exacerbated by the war in Ukraine," the report said. "In addition, countries placed new orders late in the year and the time lag between orders and production meant that the surge in demand was not reflected in these companies’ 2022 revenues," it added. Also read: Putin signs decree to add 170,000 troops to its armed forces as war with Ukraine takes toll Dr Lucie Béraud-Sudreau, Director of SIPRI’s Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme, said that many arms companies faced obstacles in adjusting to production for high-intensity warfare. "However, new contracts were signed, notably for ammunition, which could be expected to translate into higher revenue in 2023 and beyond," Dr Béraud-Sudreau added. Asia, Oceania, Middle East see increased revenues Contrary to US and European arms companies, those in Asia, Oceania and the Middle East saw their arms revenues grow significantly last year, demonstrating their ability to respond to an increased demand within a shorter time frame, as per the SIPRI report. Also read: Ukraine launches investigation into alleged Russian execution of surrendering Ukrainian soldiers In 2022, the arms revenues of the 22 companies from Asia and Oceania listed in SIPRI's Top 100 ranking of arms producers and military services providers rose by 3.1 per cent to reach $134 billion. This was the second consecutive year where the Top 100 arms revenues for Asia and Oceania were higher than those for Europe. Xiao Liang, a researcher with the institute's Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme, said domestic demand and the reliance on local suppliers shielded Asian arms companies from supply chain disruptions last year. "Companies in China, India, Japan and Taiwan all benefited from sustained government investment in military modernisation," Liang added. US arms companies see drop in revenues due to production challenges Monday's report said that arms revenues of the 42 American companies in the Top 100 fell by nearly 8 per cent to $302 billion in 2022. "Of the 42 US companies, 32 recorded a fall in year-on-year arms revenue, most commonly citing ongoing supply chain issues and labour shortages stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic," the report said. Nan Tian, a senior researcher at SIPRI said that there was an influx of new orders linked to the Ukraine war and some major American companies, including Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies, received new orders as a result. "However, because of these companies’ existing order backlogs and difficulties in ramping up production capacity, the revenue from these orders will probably only be reflected in company accounts in two to three years’ time," Tian added. European firms see modest revenue growth The SIPRI report further said that European arms firms saw a modest growth in their revenues which rose by 0.9 per cent to reach $121 billion in 2022. "The war in Ukraine created a demand for material suited to a war of attrition, like ammunition and armoured vehicles. Many European producers of these items saw their revenues grow," said Lorenzo Scarazzato, a researcher with the Military Expenditure and Arms Production Programme.

Many Western arms firms couldn't ramp up production capacity in 2022 due to Ukraine war: Report

Heavy Snowfall Paralyses Southern Germany, Halts Air, Rail Traffic


The southern state of Bavaria has been hit by an overnight heavy snowfall, which has left thousands of travellers stranded. 


Flights, Long-Distance Trains Cancelled 

The heavy snowfall prompted an all-day cancellation of flights and long-distance trains outside of Bavaria’s capital city of Munich. 

Utility company Bayernwerk said that downed trees (due to snowfall) left thousands of people without power across Bavaria. 


A Bundesliga (German football) match between Bayern Munich and Union Berlin was also postponed due to the heavy snowfall. 


Author

Zee News Rajasthan

Editor

Harshit Sabarwal

Home

Live Tv

Latest

World

India

Business

Entertainment

Sports

Opinions

Videos

Photos

Gravitas

Lifestyle

Science

Tech

Rajasthan News in Hindi: In-depth coverage of Rajasthan Crime, Political News, Education, Rajasthan Weather Update and Latest Rajasthan News on Zee News Rajasthan.