One person was dead and two others were injured after a man attacked tourists near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday night (Dec 2). Addressing a press conference, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the police quickly arrested the attacker, a 26-year-old French national, using a Taser stun gun.

The attack happened at around 19.00 GMT when the man attacked a tourist couple with a knife on the Quai de Grenelle, mortally wounding a German national.

The man was then chased by the police and attacked two other people with a hammer before he was arrested.&nbsp;

The suspect had shouted out "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) and told police he was upset because "so many Muslims are dying in Afghanistan and Palestine" and was also upset about the Gaza situation, Interior Minister Darmanin said.

He added that the 26-year-old had been sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning another attack was on the French security services' watch list, and was also known for having psychiatric disorders.

The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office said it was in charge of the investigation. French President Emmanuel Macron condoled the death of the German national, and thanked security forces&nbsp;for their quick arrest of the attacker and said that justice should be served in the name of the citizens.

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Ich bin bestürzt über die terroristische Attacke in Paris, bei der ein Deutscher getötet und mehrere Menschen verletzt wurden. Unsere Gedanken sind bei den Verletzten, Familien und Freunden der Opfer. Wieder wird klar, warum wir uns Hass und Terror entschlossen entgegen stellen.
— Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bundeskanzler/status/1731294115357147139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2023</a></blockquote>
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This incident in France came less than eight months before Paris was set to host the Olympics and could raise questions about security at the event.&nbsp;

The country has suffered several attacks by extremists, including the November 2015 suicide and gun attacks in&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;claimed by the Islamic State group in which 130 people were killed.&nbsp;

There has been a relative lull in recent years, but tensions again rose following&nbsp;Hamas's attack on Israel on Oct&nbsp;7 and Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip.

(With inputs from agencies)

One person was dead and two others were injured after a man attacked tourists near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday night (Dec 2). Addressing a press conference, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the police quickly arrested the attacker, a 26-year-old French national, using a Taser stun gun.

One person was dead and two others were injured after a man attacked tourists near the Eiffel Tower on Saturday night (Dec 2). Addressing a press conference, French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said the police quickly arrested the attacker, a 26-year-old French national, using a Taser stun gun. The attack happened at around 19.00 GMT when the man attacked a tourist couple with a knife on the Quai de Grenelle, mortally wounding a German national. The man was then chased by the police and attacked two other people with a hammer before he was arrested. The suspect had shouted out "Allahu Akbar" (God is greatest) and told police he was upset because "so many Muslims are dying in Afghanistan and Palestine" and was also upset about the Gaza situation, Interior Minister Darmanin said. He added that the 26-year-old had been sentenced to four years in prison in 2016 for planning another attack was on the French security services' watch list, and was also known for having psychiatric disorders. The anti-terrorism prosecutor's office said it was in charge of the investigation. French President Emmanuel Macron condoled the death of the German national, and thanked security forces for their quick arrest of the attacker and said that justice should be served in the name of the citizens. Ich bin bestürzt über die terroristische Attacke in Paris, bei der ein Deutscher getötet und mehrere Menschen verletzt wurden. Unsere Gedanken sind bei den Verletzten, Familien und Freunden der Opfer. Wieder wird klar, warum wir uns Hass und Terror entschlossen entgegen stellen. — Bundeskanzler Olaf Scholz (@Bundeskanzler) December 3, 2023 × This incident in France came less than eight months before Paris was set to host the Olympics and could raise questions about security at the event. The country has suffered several attacks by extremists, including the November 2015 suicide and gun attacks in Paris claimed by the Islamic State group in which 130 people were killed. There has been a relative lull in recent years, but tensions again rose following Hamas's attack on Israel on Oct 7 and Israel's bombardment of the Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies)

One dead, two injured after man upset over Gaza war attacks tourists near Eiffel Tower with hammer, knife

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&nbsp;on Saturday (Dec 3) said that his country had no desire to harm the Gaza Strip's population, as Israel continues&nbsp;to work with the United States and international organisations to define safe areas for Gazan civilians. "We determine safe areas (in Gaza) in coordination with international agencies and with our American friends, we determine safe areas to where the population knows it can evacuate," Prime Minister Netanyahu told reporters.

"We did it in the north and we will do it elsewhere and this is important because we have no desire to harm the population. We have a desire to avoid harming the population. We have a very strong desire to hurt Hamas," he added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-officials-knew-about-hamas-attack-over-a-year-ago-says-report-665019">Israeli officials knew about Hamas' attack plan over a year ago, says report</a>

"In order to complete the sacred mission of returning all our hostages, to eliminate Hamas and to ensure that Gaza does not return to pose a threat to Israel, that it does not contain an entity that educates its children for terrorism, that supports terrorism, that finances terrorism, that calls for the destruction of Israel, we continue to fight with all our might. This is what our fighters were preparing for during the truce, for a complete victory over Hamas," the prime minister further said.

Netanyahu's remarks came after US Vice President Kamala Harris said that too many innocent Palestinians had been killed in Gaza as the Israeli military bombarded the war-torn region on Saturday after Israel's week-long truce with Hamas expired.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hamas-israel-war-as-war-rages-a-middle-east-peace-fantasy-returns-664535">As war rages, a Middle East peace fantasy returns</a>

Bombardment continued on Sunday too with Hamas saying 240 people in Gaza had been killed since Friday. Since the beginning of the conflict on Oct 7, 15,200 people have been killed in the besieged Palestinian territory, while Hamas has killed over 1,200 people.

The truce which was brokered by Qatar and started on Nov 24, led to the release of 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. On Saturday, Prime Minister Netanyahu's office said that Israeli negotiators were being withdrawn from Qatar "following the impasse in the negotiations."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Dec 3) said that his country had no desire to harm the Gaza Strip's population, as Israel continues to work with the United States and international organisations to define safe areas for Gazan civilians.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Dec 3) said that his country had no desire to harm the Gaza Strip's population, as Israel continues to work with the United States and international organisations to define safe areas for Gazan civilians. "We determine safe areas (in Gaza) in coordination with international agencies and with our American friends, we determine safe areas to where the population knows it can evacuate," Prime Minister Netanyahu told reporters. "We did it in the north and we will do it elsewhere and this is important because we have no desire to harm the population. We have a desire to avoid harming the population. We have a very strong desire to hurt Hamas," he added. Also read: Israeli officials knew about Hamas' attack plan over a year ago, says report "In order to complete the sacred mission of returning all our hostages, to eliminate Hamas and to ensure that Gaza does not return to pose a threat to Israel, that it does not contain an entity that educates its children for terrorism, that supports terrorism, that finances terrorism, that calls for the destruction of Israel, we continue to fight with all our might. This is what our fighters were preparing for during the truce, for a complete victory over Hamas," the prime minister further said. Netanyahu's remarks came after US Vice President Kamala Harris said that too many innocent Palestinians had been killed in Gaza as the Israeli military bombarded the war-torn region on Saturday after Israel's week-long truce with Hamas expired. Also read: As war rages, a Middle East peace fantasy returns Bombardment continued on Sunday too with Hamas saying 240 people in Gaza had been killed since Friday. Since the beginning of the conflict on Oct 7, 15,200 people have been killed in the besieged Palestinian territory, while Hamas has killed over 1,200 people. The truce which was brokered by Qatar and started on Nov 24, led to the release of 80 Israeli hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. On Saturday, Prime Minister Netanyahu's office said that Israeli negotiators were being withdrawn from Qatar "following the impasse in the negotiations."

Israel-Hamas war: We have no desire to harm Gaza's population, says Israeli PM Netanyahu

The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday (Dec 3) that it monitored the illegal presence of more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels at a reef in the South China Sea. In a statement posted on X, Coast Guard officer Jay Tarriela said that on Nov 13, the PCG monitored 111 Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) swarming the area of Julian Felipe Reef, and this number increased to 125 based on the last monitoring of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.&nbsp;

Tarriela said that in response to this alarming development, authorities directed the PCG to carry out a maritime patrol to challenge and document the illegal presence of the CMM in Julian Felipe Reef.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/philippines-accuses-china-of-dangerous-actions-in-south-china-sea-657154">Philippines accuses China of 'dangerous' actions in South China Sea</a>

"Yesterday, the PCG Commandant, Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, deployed PCG vessels, BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra, to conduct patrols in the immediate vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef. No response was made to the radio challenges issued by the PCG to the CMM vessels which is now estimated to have grown to more than 135 vessels dispersed and scattered within Julian Felipe Reef," he added.

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The Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan. It is considered a low-tide elevation within the territorial sea of relevant high-tide features in the Kalayaan Island Group, including Chigua Reef, over which the Philippines has sovereignty.

This development comes two days after the Philippines built a new coast guard station on the Thitu Island in the South China Sea. The country's outpost of the island is its biggest and most strategically important in the South China Sea.

Thitu lies about 480 kilometres west of the Philippine province of Palawan. The island is home to about 200 people and is used by Manila to maintain its territorial claim.

The three-storey Coast Guard station, inaugurated on Friday, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as radar, automatic identification, satellite communication, and coastal cameras, the PCG said in a statement.

During a visit to Thitu, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said, "The behaviour of the Chinese Coast Guard, People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Chinese militias are sometimes unpredictable."

"They do not adhere to the international order, to the rule of law," he added.&nbsp;

The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday (Dec 3) that it monitored the illegal presence of more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels at a reef in the South China Sea.

The Philippines Coast Guard (PCG) said on Sunday (Dec 3) that it monitored the illegal presence of more than 135 Chinese maritime militia vessels at a reef in the South China Sea. In a statement posted on X, Coast Guard officer Jay Tarriela said that on Nov 13, the PCG monitored 111 Chinese Maritime Militia (CMM) swarming the area of Julian Felipe Reef, and this number increased to 125 based on the last monitoring of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Tarriela said that in response to this alarming development, authorities directed the PCG to carry out a maritime patrol to challenge and document the illegal presence of the CMM in Julian Felipe Reef. Also read: Philippines accuses China of 'dangerous' actions in South China Sea "Yesterday, the PCG Commandant, Coast Guard Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan, deployed PCG vessels, BRP Sindangan and BRP Cabra, to conduct patrols in the immediate vicinity of Julian Felipe Reef. No response was made to the radio challenges issued by the PCG to the CMM vessels which is now estimated to have grown to more than 135 vessels dispersed and scattered within Julian Felipe Reef," he added. Here are the the photos: pic.twitter.com/I8rEH8ADDJ — Jay Tarriela (@jaytaryela) December 3, 2023 × The Julian Felipe Reef is located 175 nautical miles west of Bataraza, Palawan. It is considered a low-tide elevation within the territorial sea of relevant high-tide features in the Kalayaan Island Group, including Chigua Reef, over which the Philippines has sovereignty. This development comes two days after the Philippines built a new coast guard station on the Thitu Island in the South China Sea. The country's outpost of the island is its biggest and most strategically important in the South China Sea. Thitu lies about 480 kilometres west of the Philippine province of Palawan. The island is home to about 200 people and is used by Manila to maintain its territorial claim. The three-storey Coast Guard station, inaugurated on Friday, is equipped with state-of-the-art technology such as radar, automatic identification, satellite communication, and coastal cameras, the PCG said in a statement. During a visit to Thitu, Philippine National Security Adviser Eduardo Ano said, "The behaviour of the Chinese Coast Guard, People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy and Chinese militias are sometimes unpredictable." "They do not adhere to the international order, to the rule of law," he added.

Philippines says it monitored illegal presence of over 135 Chinese vessels in South China Sea

The British defence ministry said on Saturday (Dec 2) that it would conduct surveillance flights over Israel and Gaza to search for locations used by Hamas for hostages.

The British defence ministry said on Saturday (Dec 2) that it would conduct surveillance flights over Israel and Gaza to search for locations used by Hamas for hostages. In a statement, the defence ministry said, "In support of the ongoing hostage rescue activity, the UK Ministry of Defence will conduct surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean, including operating in air space over Israel and Gaza." The ministry said that the surveillance aircraft would be unarmed, adding they would not have a combat role, and would be tasked solely to locate hostages. "Only information relating to hostage rescue will be passed on to the relevant authorities responsible for hostage rescue," the statement added. Also read: Israeli officials knew about Hamas' attack plan over a year ago, says report The ministry also said that it had been working with partners across the region to secure the release of hostages, including British nationals, who were kidnapped. "The safety of British nationals is our utmost priority," it said. Govt: 12 British nationals killed since Oct 7 war Twelve British nationals have been killed since the war between Israel and Hamas started on Oct 7, Downing Street said, adding five were still missing. According to a report by The Guardian, some of the missing British nationals were believed to have been kidnapped, but the government did not confirm how many. A week after the conflict started, the government announced that military units would be deployed to the eastern Mediterranean “to support Israel, reinforce regional stability and prevent escalation”. On Friday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak met Jordan’s King Abdullah II and said that Britain continued to press Israel on the need to adhere to International Humanitarian Law and contain settler violence in the West Bank. Also read: What after Gaza war ends? Israel plans to hunt down Hamas leaders globally, says report "The Prime Minister reiterated the UK’s commitment to working towards a lasting resolution to the conflict which delivers dignity, peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians," Sunak's office said in a statement. Sunak's remarks came as fighting renewed between Israel and Hamas following the expiration of a week-long truce that started on Nov 24. Since the truce ended, the Israeli military said that it conducted more than 400 strikes, with Hamas saying at least 240 people had been killed, the news agency AFP reported. Israeli bombardment on the Gaza Strip continued on Sunday. Hamas said that at least seven people were killed in an Israeli bombing early Sunday near Gaza's southern border with Egypt. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: UK to conduct air surveillance to locate Hamas hostage sites

Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow on Friday (Dec 1). Citing local media, a report by the news agency Associated Press early Sunday said that police searched venues across Moscow, including a nightclub, a male sauna, and a bar that hosted LGBTQ+ parties, under the pretext of a drug raid.

Russian security forces raided gay clubs and bars across Moscow on Friday (Dec 1). Citing local media, a report by the news agency Associated Press early Sunday said that police searched venues across Moscow, including a nightclub, a male sauna, and a bar that hosted LGBTQ+ parties, under the pretext of a drug raid. According to witnesses, security services checked documents and photographs of the clubgoers. The witnesses said that the managers (of the clubs) were able to warn patrons before police arrived. Photos and videos on social media showed purportedly showing a police van and officers outside one of the clubs. The raid comes less than two days after the Russian Supreme Court banned the global LGBTQ+ movement and called its activists 'extremists'. The Supreme Court's ruling The apex court's ruling is part of a pattern of increasing restrictions in Russia on expressions of sexual orientation and gender identity, including laws outlawing the promotion of "non-traditional" sexual relations and banning legal or medical changes of gender. It is the latest step in a decade-long crackdown on LGBTQ+ rights under Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has emphasised “traditional family values” during his 24 years in power. Also read: Amid economic crisis in Lebanon, politicians unite to go after LGBTQ+ community The Associated Press report said that several LGBTQ+ venues already closed following the ruling, including St. Petersburg’s gay club Central Station which said in a social media post on Friday that the owner would no longer allow the bar to operate with the law in effect. Before the ruling, leading Russian human rights groups filed a document with the court that called the justice ministry lawsuit discriminatory and a violation of the country's constitution. Some LGBTQ+ activists tried to become a party in the case but were rebuffed by the court, the report added. Speaking to the news agency, Max Olenichev, a human rights lawyer who works with the community, LGBTQ+ said, "In practice, it could happen that the Russian authorities, with this court ruling in hand, will enforce (the ruling) against LGBTQ+ initiatives that work in Russia, considering them a part of this civic movement." (With inputs from agencies)

Russia: Security forces raid gay clubs and bars across Moscow

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is facing new charges by Russian prosecutors. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Dec 2), Navalny told his associates that he had been charged under article 214 of Russia’s penal code, which covers crimes of vandalism. “I don’t even know whether to describe my latest news as sad, funny or absurd,” Navalny wrote on social media via his team, adding he had no idea what article 214 was.

Navalny said the charges were part of the Kremlin's desire to initiate a new criminal case against him every three months. Never before has a convict in solitary confinement for more than a year had such a rich social and political life, he added.

Alexei Navalny, 47, is one of the most ardent opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for campaigning against official corruption and organizing major anti-Kremlin protests.

Navalny was arrested in 2021 after he returned to Russia from Germany. Since then, he has been handed three prison terms. The 47-year-old is currently serving over 30 years in prison after being found guilty of charges including extremism and fraud.

In August, the Kremlin critic was given an extra 19 years in prison in addition to a sentence of&nbsp;11.5 years he had been already serving.&nbsp;His political movement has been outlawed and declared "extremist."

Citing unconfirmed Russian media reports, Reuters reported Navalny would be aged 74&nbsp;by the time he got out of prison in 2050.

Several of Navalny's associates have also faced extremism-related charges after his Foundation for Fighting Corruption and a network of regional offices were outlawed as extremist groups in 2021.

Most recently, a court in Siberia jailed Ksenia Fadeyeva, who used to run Navalny's office in Tomsk, before her trial on extremism charges.&nbsp;

She was initially placed under house arrest in October before later being remanded in pre-trial detention. If found guilty, she would face up to 12 years in prison.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is facing new charges by Russian prosecutors. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Dec 2), Navalny told his associates that he had been charged under article 214 of Russia’s penal code, which covers crimes of vandalism.

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny is facing new charges by Russian prosecutors. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Saturday (Dec 2), Navalny told his associates that he had been charged under article 214 of Russia’s penal code, which covers crimes of vandalism. “I don’t even know whether to describe my latest news as sad, funny or absurd,” Navalny wrote on social media via his team, adding he had no idea what article 214 was. Navalny said the charges were part of the Kremlin's desire to initiate a new criminal case against him every three months. Never before has a convict in solitary confinement for more than a year had such a rich social and political life, he added. Alexei Navalny, 47, is one of the most ardent opponents of Russian President Vladimir Putin, known for campaigning against official corruption and organizing major anti-Kremlin protests. Navalny was arrested in 2021 after he returned to Russia from Germany. Since then, he has been handed three prison terms. The 47-year-old is currently serving over 30 years in prison after being found guilty of charges including extremism and fraud. In August, the Kremlin critic was given an extra 19 years in prison in addition to a sentence of 11.5 years he had been already serving. His political movement has been outlawed and declared "extremist." Citing unconfirmed Russian media reports, Reuters reported Navalny would be aged 74 by the time he got out of prison in 2050. Several of Navalny's associates have also faced extremism-related charges after his Foundation for Fighting Corruption and a network of regional offices were outlawed as extremist groups in 2021. Most recently, a court in Siberia jailed Ksenia Fadeyeva, who used to run Navalny's office in Tomsk, before her trial on extremism charges. She was initially placed under house arrest in October before later being remanded in pre-trial detention. If found guilty, she would face up to 12 years in prison. (With inputs from agencies)

Jailed Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny faces new charges by Russian prosecutors

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged world leaders at the COP28 climate summit to plan for a future without fossil fuels, saying there was no other way to curb global warming.

UN chief, COP28 President clash over future of fossil fuels

The United Arab Emirates, host of COP-28, announced a US$30 billion commitment to an investment fund called ALTÉRRA. The privately managed fund aims to mobilise US$250 billion globally by 2030 and be the largest of its kind, geared towards climate investments and transform emerging markets and developing economies.

UAE launches new $30 billion climate investment fund at COP28

Two people were killed and three others were injured in a shooting incident in Las Vegas on Friday (Dec 1). According to a report by CBS News, police said that the shooting happened a little after 5.30 pm local time at an intersection near US Highway 95 in East Las Vegas. All the five victims were homeless, the police said, adding that the shooter was still at large.&nbsp;

The three wounded people suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening, the police said. The circumstances of the shooting and the identities of the victims were not yet known.

This incident came after the Los Angeles police said on Friday that they were seeking a suspected serial killer in the shooting of three homeless people earlier this week. All three victims were sleeping on the sidewalk when they were killed.&nbsp;

On Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged homeless people to immediately seek shelter.&nbsp;

"Our message to the unhoused community is clear — do not sleep alone tonight. Seek shelter, seek services, stay together, seek support and we need your help to get the word out," Bass said.&nbsp;

<aside>(With inputs from agencies)</aside>

Two people were killed and three others were injured in a shooting incident in Las Vegas on Friday (Dec 1). According to a report by CBS News, police said that the shooting happened a little after 5.

Two people were killed and three others were injured in a shooting incident in Las Vegas on Friday (Dec 1). According to a report by CBS News, police said that the shooting happened a little after 5.30 pm local time at an intersection near US Highway 95 in East Las Vegas. All the five victims were homeless, the police said, adding that the shooter was still at large. The three wounded people suffered injuries not believed to be life-threatening, the police said. The circumstances of the shooting and the identities of the victims were not yet known. This incident came after the Los Angeles police said on Friday that they were seeking a suspected serial killer in the shooting of three homeless people earlier this week. All three victims were sleeping on the sidewalk when they were killed. On Friday, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass urged homeless people to immediately seek shelter. "Our message to the unhoused community is clear — do not sleep alone tonight. Seek shelter, seek services, stay together, seek support and we need your help to get the word out," Bass said. (With inputs from agencies)

US: Two killed, three injured in shooting incident in Las Vegas

The Philippines said on Saturday (Dec 2) that China executed two Filipinos for drug trafficking despite Manila's appeals to commute their death sentences to life in prison. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the Philippines' department of foreign affairs said that it did not announce the Nov 24 executions until the government was formally notified by China.

The department said that it provided all possible help to both Filipinos, including funding for their legal defence from the time they were arrested in 2013 until their 2016 convictions by a lower Chinese court. The department also did not identify them, citing the wishes of their families for privacy.&nbsp;

“The government of the Republic of the Philippines further exhausted all measures available to appeal to the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China to commute their sentences to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds,” the department said on Saturday.

“The Chinese government, citing their internal laws, upheld the conviction and the Philippines must respect China’s criminal laws and legal processes,” it added.

The foreign affairs department also said that while the government would continue to exhaust all possible avenues to assist Filipinos overseas, “ultimately it is the laws and sovereign decisions of foreign countries, and not the Philippines, which will prevail in these cases.”

These executions renewed a reminder for Filipinos travelling abroad to be vigilant against drug syndicates, which recruit travellers to serve as “drug mules” or couriers and to refuse to carry any uninspected package from other people.

The department said that while it was saddened by the executions, their deaths strengthened the government’s resolve to continue relentless efforts to rid the country of drug syndicates that prey on the vulnerable.

Meanwhile, two other penalty cases involving Filipinos were on appeal and under final review in China, as per the department.&nbsp;

One other Filipino, Mary Jabe Veloso, was facing execution in Indonesia after being convicted of drug trafficking. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appealed for a commutation of her death sentence or a pardon but it remained to be seen whether it would be granted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Philippines said on Saturday (Dec 2) that China executed two Filipinos for drug trafficking despite Manila's appeals to commute their death sentences to life in prison.

The Philippines said on Saturday (Dec 2) that China executed two Filipinos for drug trafficking despite Manila's appeals to commute their death sentences to life in prison. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press, the Philippines' department of foreign affairs said that it did not announce the Nov 24 executions until the government was formally notified by China. The department said that it provided all possible help to both Filipinos, including funding for their legal defence from the time they were arrested in 2013 until their 2016 convictions by a lower Chinese court. The department also did not identify them, citing the wishes of their families for privacy. “The government of the Republic of the Philippines further exhausted all measures available to appeal to the relevant authorities of the People’s Republic of China to commute their sentences to life imprisonment on humanitarian grounds,” the department said on Saturday. “The Chinese government, citing their internal laws, upheld the conviction and the Philippines must respect China’s criminal laws and legal processes,” it added. The foreign affairs department also said that while the government would continue to exhaust all possible avenues to assist Filipinos overseas, “ultimately it is the laws and sovereign decisions of foreign countries, and not the Philippines, which will prevail in these cases.” These executions renewed a reminder for Filipinos travelling abroad to be vigilant against drug syndicates, which recruit travellers to serve as “drug mules” or couriers and to refuse to carry any uninspected package from other people. The department said that while it was saddened by the executions, their deaths strengthened the government’s resolve to continue relentless efforts to rid the country of drug syndicates that prey on the vulnerable. Meanwhile, two other penalty cases involving Filipinos were on appeal and under final review in China, as per the department. One other Filipino, Mary Jabe Veloso, was facing execution in Indonesia after being convicted of drug trafficking. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. appealed for a commutation of her death sentence or a pardon but it remained to be seen whether it would be granted. (With inputs from agencies)

China executes two Filipinos convicted of drug trafficking: Manila

Myanmar pro-democracy fighters in a battered pickup truck drive past abandoned and bombed-out houses in the eastern city of&nbsp;Loikaw, on their way to the front lines of the battle to capture their first state capital from the junta.

"Our soldiers are from&nbsp;Loikaw&nbsp;township and it's the main reason we are motivated. We all are doing our best with the hope of going back to our homes,"&nbsp;said Lin Lin, their leader.

He belongs to one of the dozens of "People's Defence Force" groups (PDFs) that sprung up across Myanmar to fight the military's 2021 coup and are now determined to capture&nbsp;Loikaw&nbsp; and deal a blow to the country's rulers.

PDFs and allied ethnic minority groups have been battling the Myanmar army for weeks in and around&nbsp;Loikaw, a city nestled in lush hills and home to around 50,000 people in eastern Kayah state.

Thousands of residents have already fled air attacks, artillery bombardments and urban battles, PDF&nbsp;fighters said.

Earlier this week, the streets were silent apart from the sounds of sporadic artillery fire.

"At the moment the military is on the defensive," said Lin Lin.

The junta is reeling from an offensive by three ethnic minority groups along the rugged northern border with China that has captured several towns and blocked vital trade routes.

This offensive, dubbed "Operation 1027" after the date it was launched five weeks ago, is the biggest challenge faced by Myanmar's army since it seized power.

Soon after clashes erupted in northern Shan state, other PDF groups opened new fronts in several other states, including Kayah.

Inside&nbsp;Loikaw, footage obtained by AFP shows abandoned houses and shops and streets pockmarked by explosions.

Buildings have been damaged by artillery shells and on some street corners positions fortified with sandbags can be seen.

The military was holed up in the city police station and other buildings, Khun Bedu, the chairman of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), one of the groups fighting in&nbsp;Loikaw, told AFP.

With ground troops pinned down, the military was relying on its air and artillery strikes to support its troops, Khun Bedu said.

The military "called in airstrikes on us in many places in the town last night", he told AFP on Friday. "We will continue to fight."&nbsp;

The KNDF posted footage two weeks ago that it said showed its fighters receiving the surrender of junta troops who had been holed up in the city's university.&nbsp;

The KNDF and allied fighters have also made several attempts to seize&nbsp;Loikaw's main prison, which have been beaten back, according to the KNDF and the military.&nbsp;

<h2>Still 'under control '</h2>

Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said on Wednesday the weeks-long assault on&nbsp;Loikaw&nbsp;had shown "excessive strength".&nbsp;

But he maintained the&nbsp;Loikaw&nbsp;region was "under control".

The United Nations said it evacuated most of its staff from&nbsp;Loikaw&nbsp;last month due to "aerial bombardment of the town and active fighting" in its streets.

In the north, the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have since seized dozens of military outposts.

More than 500,000 people have been displaced across Myanmar since the launch of "Operation 1027", according to the UN.

Around 70 per cent of&nbsp;Loikaw's population is thought to have fled in recent weeks, with PDF groups claiming the military had blocked roads and tried to prevent civilians from fleeing the city.

Pro-democracy fighters say they are battling on, spurred by the prize of seizing a state capital in what would be a major victory in their fight against the junta.

But some are worried about the cost to their fighters, and to the city itself.

"The military have lost many soldiers and they are weak right now," said Lin Lin.&nbsp;

"We are only afraid of their air strikes."

Myanmar pro-democracy fighters in a battered pickup truck drive past abandoned and bombed-out houses in the eastern city of Loikaw, on their way to the front lines of the battle to capture their first state capital from the junta.

Myanmar pro-democracy fighters in a battered pickup truck drive past abandoned and bombed-out houses in the eastern city of Loikaw, on their way to the front lines of the battle to capture their first state capital from the junta. "Our soldiers are from Loikaw township and it's the main reason we are motivated. We all are doing our best with the hope of going back to our homes," said Lin Lin, their leader. He belongs to one of the dozens of "People's Defence Force" groups (PDFs) that sprung up across Myanmar to fight the military's 2021 coup and are now determined to capture Loikaw and deal a blow to the country's rulers. PDFs and allied ethnic minority groups have been battling the Myanmar army for weeks in and around Loikaw, a city nestled in lush hills and home to around 50,000 people in eastern Kayah state. Thousands of residents have already fled air attacks, artillery bombardments and urban battles, PDF fighters said. Earlier this week, the streets were silent apart from the sounds of sporadic artillery fire. "At the moment the military is on the defensive," said Lin Lin. The junta is reeling from an offensive by three ethnic minority groups along the rugged northern border with China that has captured several towns and blocked vital trade routes. This offensive, dubbed "Operation 1027" after the date it was launched five weeks ago, is the biggest challenge faced by Myanmar's army since it seized power. Soon after clashes erupted in northern Shan state, other PDF groups opened new fronts in several other states, including Kayah. Inside Loikaw, footage obtained by AFP shows abandoned houses and shops and streets pockmarked by explosions. Buildings have been damaged by artillery shells and on some street corners positions fortified with sandbags can be seen. The military was holed up in the city police station and other buildings, Khun Bedu, the chairman of the Karenni Nationalities Defence Force (KNDF), one of the groups fighting in Loikaw, told AFP. With ground troops pinned down, the military was relying on its air and artillery strikes to support its troops, Khun Bedu said. The military "called in airstrikes on us in many places in the town last night", he told AFP on Friday. "We will continue to fight." The KNDF posted footage two weeks ago that it said showed its fighters receiving the surrender of junta troops who had been holed up in the city's university. The KNDF and allied fighters have also made several attempts to seize Loikaw's main prison, which have been beaten back, according to the KNDF and the military. Still 'under control ' Junta chief Min Aung Hlaing said on Wednesday the weeks-long assault on Loikaw had shown "excessive strength". But he maintained the Loikaw region was "under control". The United Nations said it evacuated most of its staff from Loikaw last month due to "aerial bombardment of the town and active fighting" in its streets. In the north, the Arakan Army (AA), the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA) and the Ta'ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) have since seized dozens of military outposts. More than 500,000 people have been displaced across Myanmar since the launch of "Operation 1027", according to the UN. Around 70 per cent of Loikaw's population is thought to have fled in recent weeks, with PDF groups claiming the military had blocked roads and tried to prevent civilians from fleeing the city. Pro-democracy fighters say they are battling on, spurred by the prize of seizing a state capital in what would be a major victory in their fight against the junta. But some are worried about the cost to their fighters, and to the city itself. "The military have lost many soldiers and they are weak right now," said Lin Lin. "We are only afraid of their air strikes."

Myanmar pro-democracy fighters battle to take state capital

A pro-Palestinian protester in the United States immolated self on Friday (Dec 1) outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta. Addressing a press conference, Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said that the protester, who was not identified yet, was in critical condition. "A Palestinian flag was reported at the location and was part of the protest," Schierbaum said.

He added that the incident was likely an extreme act of political protest. According to the police, the protester arrived at the office building, which houses the consulate as well as several businesses, and used gasoline.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-178-killed-in-gaza-post-fight-resumption-665264">Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a>

A security guard who tried to intervene was injured. "Both individuals sustained burns," Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith told reporters. The guard was burned on his wrist and leg, Smith said.

This incident came as the US has witnessed an uptick in antisemitic, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic threats and violence since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started on Oct 7.

Earlier this week, a man was charged with attempted murder over the shooting of three men of Palestinian descent in Vermont, and a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy was stabbed to death in Illinois in October.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-conflict-a-war-on-children-unicef-spokesperson-665344">Israel-Hamas conflict 'a war on children': UNICEF spokesperson</a>

Meanwhile, a pro-Palestinian rally was held outside the Israeli embassy on Friday. Protesters wearing keffiyeh, the traditional black-and-white checkered scarf worn in the Middle East, and waving Palestinian flags demanded the "end of the siege on Gaza."

Fighting renewed in Gaza since Friday following the expiration of a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas. On Saturday, Hamas said that 240 people were killed in Gaza while the Israeli military said that more than 400 targets were attacked in the war-torn region.

&nbsp;

A pro-Palestinian protester in the United States immolated self on Friday (Dec 1) outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta. Addressing a press conference, Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said that the protester, who was not identified yet, was in critical condition.

A pro-Palestinian protester in the United States immolated self on Friday (Dec 1) outside the Israeli consulate in Atlanta. Addressing a press conference, Police Chief Darin Schierbaum said that the protester, who was not identified yet, was in critical condition. "A Palestinian flag was reported at the location and was part of the protest," Schierbaum said. He added that the incident was likely an extreme act of political protest. According to the police, the protester arrived at the office building, which houses the consulate as well as several businesses, and used gasoline. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war A security guard who tried to intervene was injured. "Both individuals sustained burns," Atlanta Fire Chief Roderick Smith told reporters. The guard was burned on his wrist and leg, Smith said. This incident came as the US has witnessed an uptick in antisemitic, anti-Arab, and Islamophobic threats and violence since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started on Oct 7. Earlier this week, a man was charged with attempted murder over the shooting of three men of Palestinian descent in Vermont, and a six-year-old Palestinian-American boy was stabbed to death in Illinois in October. Also read | Israel-Hamas conflict 'a war on children': UNICEF spokesperson Meanwhile, a pro-Palestinian rally was held outside the Israeli embassy on Friday. Protesters wearing keffiyeh, the traditional black-and-white checkered scarf worn in the Middle East, and waving Palestinian flags demanded the "end of the siege on Gaza." Fighting renewed in Gaza since Friday following the expiration of a week-long truce between Israel and Hamas. On Saturday, Hamas said that 240 people were killed in Gaza while the Israeli military said that more than 400 targets were attacked in the war-torn region.

Israel-Hamas war: Pro-Palestinian protester immolates self outside Israeli consulate in Atlanta

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