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<p>Former Israeli defence minister Moshe Yaalon accused the Benjamin Netanyahu government of ethnic cleansing in the northern Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported late Sunday (Dec. 1), citing local media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yaalon had served as the defence minister under Prime Minister Netanyahu from 2013 to 2016. He was also the former chief of army staff.</p>

<p>Speaking to Israeli broadcaster Kan, Yaalon said on Sunday that hardliners in Netanyahu's cabinet were looking to chase Palestinians from northern Gaza and wanted to re-establish Jewish settlements there.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'...war crimes are being committed'</strong></h2>

<p>Yaalon told Ken, "I am compelled to warn about what is happening there and is being concealed from us."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At the end of the day, war crimes are being committed," the former defence minister added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-white-house-not-there-yet-on-ceasefire-hostage-deal-says-us-nsa-780691">Israel-Hamas war: White House not there yet on ceasefire, hostage deal, says US NSA</a></strong></p>

<p>In a separate interview with Democrat TV, Yaalon warned on Saturday (November 30)&nbsp;that Israel was at a crossroads with&nbsp;the government looking "to conquer, to annexe, to carry out ethnic cleansing."</p>

<p>"What is going on there? There is no Beit Lahiya, no Beit Hanoun, they are operating now in Jabaliya and basically cleaning the area of Arabs," he said, referring to the Palestinian neighbourhoods north of Gaza City.</p>

<p>He added that hardliners wanted to establish Jewish settlement there, 19 years after Israel withdrew from the territory—a disengagement Yaalon had opposed at the time.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli govt criticises&nbsp;Yaalon's remarks</strong></h2>

<p>Yaalon's remarks were criticised by the Netanyahu government.</p>

<p>Addressing a press conference, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, "Everything Israel does is in accordance with international law and it is a pity that former minister Yaalon does not realise the damage that he has done and retract his remarks."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gulf leaders demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Netanyahu's Likud party accused Yaalon of spreading "slanderous lies."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Former Israeli defence minister Moshe Yaalon accused the Benjamin Netanyahu government of ethnic cleansing in the northern Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported late Sunday (Dec.

Former Israeli defence minister Moshe Yaalon accused the Benjamin Netanyahu government of ethnic cleansing in the northern Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported late Sunday (Dec. 1), citing local media. Yaalon had served as the defence minister under Prime Minister Netanyahu from 2013 to 2016. He was also the former chief of army staff. Speaking to Israeli broadcaster Kan, Yaalon said on Sunday that hardliners in Netanyahu's cabinet were looking to chase Palestinians from northern Gaza and wanted to re-establish Jewish settlements there. '...war crimes are being committed' Yaalon told Ken, "I am compelled to warn about what is happening there and is being concealed from us." "At the end of the day, war crimes are being committed," the former defence minister added. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: White House not there yet on ceasefire, hostage deal, says US NSA In a separate interview with Democrat TV, Yaalon warned on Saturday (November 30) that Israel was at a crossroads with the government looking "to conquer, to annexe, to carry out ethnic cleansing." "What is going on there? There is no Beit Lahiya, no Beit Hanoun, they are operating now in Jabaliya and basically cleaning the area of Arabs," he said, referring to the Palestinian neighbourhoods north of Gaza City. He added that hardliners wanted to establish Jewish settlement there, 19 years after Israel withdrew from the territory—a disengagement Yaalon had opposed at the time. Israeli govt criticises Yaalon's remarks Yaalon's remarks were criticised by the Netanyahu government. Addressing a press conference, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, "Everything Israel does is in accordance with international law and it is a pity that former minister Yaalon does not realise the damage that he has done and retract his remarks." Also watch | Gulf leaders demand immediate ceasefire in Gaza × Meanwhile, Netanyahu's Likud party accused Yaalon of spreading "slanderous lies." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Ex-minister accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza Strip

BREAKING NEWS: UAE offers to host India vs Pakistan match. Watch to know more details!

UAE Offers To Host India Vs Pakistan Match

<p>An Indian-American man, who works as a wedding photographer, shared disturbing footage in which he and his family were seen being attacked by racist remarks by a United Airlines passenger after the flight landed in Los Angeles.</p>

<p>The man, identified as Pervez Taufiq, had boarded a plane last week with his wife and their three sons to fly from Cancun to Los Angeles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After landing in Los Angeles, their short journey on a transfer bus turned horrific when a fellow passenger attacked them and hurled vile remarks at them.</p>

<p>Taufiq said that his son was "harassed" by the foul-mouthed woman. Racist epithets were yelled at them during the bus ride, which the family recorded on a camera on November 24.</p>

<p>In the video, the woman was heard shouting, “Your family is from India, you have no respect, you have no rules, you think you can push everyone, push, push, push. You guys are f**king crazy."</p>

<p>Then, Taufiq asked the attacker to advise him to have “more curry, right?” Responding to it, the woman said she would "record your f**king tandoori a**" on her phone.</p>

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<p>In the footage, the man was accused by the woman of being “racist” toward her after Taufiq said to someone that the woman was "rude and racist" and should be kicked off.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pick-cotton-at-nearest-plantation-racist-texts-sent-to-people-across-us-states-fbi-opens-probe-774713"><strong>&nbsp;</strong>‘Pick cotton at nearest plantation’: Racist texts sent to Black people across US,&nbsp;FBI&nbsp;opens&nbsp;probe</a></p>

<p>After it was found that the woman wasn't American, Taufiq clapped back at her and said that he was born in the United States. At the start of the video, the woman even showed her middle finger to the man.</p>

<h2><strong>United Airlines employees deboard the woman, Taufiq says she was 'drunk'</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking to the New York Post, Taufiq said that he had gone to see his 11-year-old son when he first spoke to the woman.</p>

<p>The woman appeared irritated and tried to move past the man and asked him if she could get to her seat. “I was like 'oh, yeah, sorry,' and then I moved to the side and she got to her seat and that was it,” said Taufiq.</p>

<p>He said that after the plane landed, he found that the woman had questioned his son and asked him if he was Indian.</p>

<p>The verbal altercation began when the woman snapped at the kids and asked them to keep quiet, he said.</p>

<p>In the recorded video, the employees of United Airlines were seen approaching the woman whom Taufiq had asked her to “Get off the bus, racist.”</p>

<p>The woman was deboarded from the bus because it was reported that she was causing difficulty, said Taufiq and added that the woman was “clearly” drunk.</p>

<p>Taking to Instagram, Taufiq said, “Blown away these types of people still exist. As photographers we have seen a lot of, but this is one we could have done without."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Indian-American man, who works as a wedding photographer, shared disturbing footage in which he and his family were seen being attacked by racist remarks by a United Airlines passenger after the flight landed in Los Angeles.

An Indian-American man, who works as a wedding photographer, shared disturbing footage in which he and his family were seen being attacked by racist remarks by a United Airlines passenger after the flight landed in Los Angeles. The man, identified as Pervez Taufiq, had boarded a plane last week with his wife and their three sons to fly from Cancun to Los Angeles. After landing in Los Angeles, their short journey on a transfer bus turned horrific when a fellow passenger attacked them and hurled vile remarks at them. Taufiq said that his son was "harassed" by the foul-mouthed woman. Racist epithets were yelled at them during the bus ride, which the family recorded on a camera on November 24. In the video, the woman was heard shouting, “Your family is from India, you have no respect, you have no rules, you think you can push everyone, push, push, push. You guys are f**king crazy." Then, Taufiq asked the attacker to advise him to have “more curry, right?” Responding to it, the woman said she would "record your f**king tandoori a**" on her phone. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Pervez Taufiq (@ptaufiqphotography) × In the footage, the man was accused by the woman of being “racist” toward her after Taufiq said to someone that the woman was "rude and racist" and should be kicked off. Also Read: ‘Pick cotton at nearest plantation’: Racist texts sent to Black people across US, FBI opens probe After it was found that the woman wasn't American, Taufiq clapped back at her and said that he was born in the United States. At the start of the video, the woman even showed her middle finger to the man. United Airlines employees deboard the woman, Taufiq says she was 'drunk' Speaking to the New York Post, Taufiq said that he had gone to see his 11-year-old son when he first spoke to the woman. The woman appeared irritated and tried to move past the man and asked him if she could get to her seat. “I was like 'oh, yeah, sorry,' and then I moved to the side and she got to her seat and that was it,” said Taufiq. He said that after the plane landed, he found that the woman had questioned his son and asked him if he was Indian. The verbal altercation began when the woman snapped at the kids and asked them to keep quiet, he said. In the recorded video, the employees of United Airlines were seen approaching the woman whom Taufiq had asked her to “Get off the bus, racist.” The woman was deboarded from the bus because it was reported that she was causing difficulty, said Taufiq and added that the woman was “clearly” drunk. Taking to Instagram, Taufiq said, “Blown away these types of people still exist. As photographers we have seen a lot of, but this is one we could have done without." (With inputs from agencies)

Watch: Indian-American family faces racist attack, woman passenger calls them 'f**king crazy'

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<p>Georgia's president said Monday that pro-EU protests involving tens of thousands of people showed no sign of stopping after police fired water cannons and tear gas on a fourth night of demonstrations.</p>

<p>The Black Sea nation has been rocked by turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party claimed victory on October 26 in parliamentary elections that the pro-European opposition said were fraudulent.</p>

<p>More rallies were planned on Monday and strikes and other protests also started. Ukraine joined countries that have condemned the government crackdown on rallies that have left injuries and arrests.</p>

<p>"Another powerful night of Georgians standing firm to defend their constitution and their European choice," President Salome Zurabishvili posted on X.</p>

<p>"The determination in the streets shows no signs of stopping!" the pro-EU leader wrote.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/demonstrators-launch-fireworks-at-police-in-georgia-as-protests-enter-fourth-day-780804"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Demonstrators launch fireworks at police in Georgia as protests enter fourth day</strong></a></p>

<p>Troubles deepened after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced Thursday that Georgia was shelving accession talks with the European Union until 2028. There has been a wave of protests in the capital, Tbilisi, and other cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kobakhidze further angered protesters Sunday by ruling out new elections, saying "the formation of the new government based on the October 26 parliamentary elections has been completed".</p>

<p>The opposition is boycotting the new parliament, and Zurabishvili has asked the constitutional court to annul the election result, declaring the new parliament and government "illegitimate".</p>

<p>Critics accuse Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, of having steered the country away from the European Union and moving closer to Russia, an accusation it denies.</p>

<p>Russia on Monday defended the crackdown on protesters, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying authorities are taking "measures to stabilise" the situation, accusing protesters of trying to "stir up" unrest.</p>

<p>Russia sees "the most direct parallel" with Ukraine's "Maidan" protest that ousted a Kremlin-backed leader in 2014 after he suspended talks on closer EU ties, Peskov said.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands rallied outside parliament in Tbilisi on Sunday waving European and Georgian flags.</p>

<p>Some demonstrators threw fireworks and stones at riot police, while others built barricades from dustbins and set them ablaze.</p>

<p>During the night, riot police moved in using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowds.</p>

<p>Dozens have been injured since Thursday, including demonstrators, police and journalists, according to officials and activists, though the exact numbers were unclear.</p>

<h2><strong>'Systematic beatings'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Zurabishvili said Monday that those detained by police "have been subjected to systematic beatings" after arrest.</p>

<p>The "majority of the arrested protesters have injuries to their heads and faces, broken face bones, eye sockets, open wounds," she said.</p>

<p>The leader of the opposition United National Movement party, Levan Khabeishvili, told journalists he was attacked by around 15 masked police attempting to detain him but managed to escape with the help of protesters.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Georgia Protests: Violent Protests Erupt In Georgia Again</strong></p>

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<p>The interior ministry said Monday that 21 police personnel were injured.</p>

<p>Some police suffered "dangerous injuries", health minister Mikheil Sarjveladze said, accusing protesters of throwing "heavy metal objects".</p>

<p>The interior ministry said 224 people have been detained during the rallies.</p>

<p>More protest rallies are planned Monday in Tbilisi and other cities, the interior ministry said.</p>

<p>Monday also saw strikes break out in protest at companies and educational institutions, national media reported.</p>

<p>"After universities, it is the turn of schools to express their solidarity with the protests, all over Georgia," Zurabishvili said.</p>

<p>Lasha Matishvili, a 35-year-old sociology professor, told AFP he would go on strike Monday in a "symbolic act of resistance".</p>

<p>Ukraine's foreign ministry said it "strongly condemns" the Georgian government's use of force that would lead to "consequences".</p>

<p>Brussels has not recognised the outcome of the October elections, and demanded an investigation into "serious electoral irregularities".</p>

<p>The European Parliament has called for a re-run and for sanctions against top Georgian officials, including Kobakhidze.</p>

<p>Constitutional law experts have questioned the legitimacy of the new parliament.</p>

<p>Earlier last week, Georgian Dream nominated a far-right former football international, Mikheil Kavelashvili, to replace Zurabishvili in the largely ceremonial post of president.</p>

<p>But Zurabishvili told AFP in an interview on Saturday that she would not step down until new parliamentary elections are held.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Georgia's president said Monday that pro-EU protests involving tens of thousands of people showed no sign of stopping after police fired water cannons and tear gas on a fourth night of demonstrations.

Georgia's president said Monday that pro-EU protests involving tens of thousands of people showed no sign of stopping after police fired water cannons and tear gas on a fourth night of demonstrations. The Black Sea nation has been rocked by turmoil since the governing Georgian Dream party claimed victory on October 26 in parliamentary elections that the pro-European opposition said were fraudulent. More rallies were planned on Monday and strikes and other protests also started. Ukraine joined countries that have condemned the government crackdown on rallies that have left injuries and arrests. "Another powerful night of Georgians standing firm to defend their constitution and their European choice," President Salome Zurabishvili posted on X. "The determination in the streets shows no signs of stopping!" the pro-EU leader wrote. Also read: Demonstrators launch fireworks at police in Georgia as protests enter fourth day Troubles deepened after Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced Thursday that Georgia was shelving accession talks with the European Union until 2028. There has been a wave of protests in the capital, Tbilisi, and other cities. Kobakhidze further angered protesters Sunday by ruling out new elections, saying "the formation of the new government based on the October 26 parliamentary elections has been completed". The opposition is boycotting the new parliament, and Zurabishvili has asked the constitutional court to annul the election result, declaring the new parliament and government "illegitimate". Critics accuse Georgian Dream, in power for more than a decade, of having steered the country away from the European Union and moving closer to Russia, an accusation it denies. Russia on Monday defended the crackdown on protesters, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov saying authorities are taking "measures to stabilise" the situation, accusing protesters of trying to "stir up" unrest. Russia sees "the most direct parallel" with Ukraine's "Maidan" protest that ousted a Kremlin-backed leader in 2014 after he suspended talks on closer EU ties, Peskov said. Tens of thousands rallied outside parliament in Tbilisi on Sunday waving European and Georgian flags. Some demonstrators threw fireworks and stones at riot police, while others built barricades from dustbins and set them ablaze. During the night, riot police moved in using tear gas and water cannon to disperse the crowds. Dozens have been injured since Thursday, including demonstrators, police and journalists, according to officials and activists, though the exact numbers were unclear. 'Systematic beatings' Zurabishvili said Monday that those detained by police "have been subjected to systematic beatings" after arrest. The "majority of the arrested protesters have injuries to their heads and faces, broken face bones, eye sockets, open wounds," she said. The leader of the opposition United National Movement party, Levan Khabeishvili, told journalists he was attacked by around 15 masked police attempting to detain him but managed to escape with the help of protesters. Watch | Georgia Protests: Violent Protests Erupt In Georgia Again × The interior ministry said Monday that 21 police personnel were injured. Some police suffered "dangerous injuries", health minister Mikheil Sarjveladze said, accusing protesters of throwing "heavy metal objects". The interior ministry said 224 people have been detained during the rallies. More protest rallies are planned Monday in Tbilisi and other cities, the interior ministry said. Monday also saw strikes break out in protest at companies and educational institutions, national media reported. "After universities, it is the turn of schools to express their solidarity with the protests, all over Georgia," Zurabishvili said. Lasha Matishvili, a 35-year-old sociology professor, told AFP he would go on strike Monday in a "symbolic act of resistance". Ukraine's foreign ministry said it "strongly condemns" the Georgian government's use of force that would lead to "consequences". Brussels has not recognised the outcome of the October elections, and demanded an investigation into "serious electoral irregularities". The European Parliament has called for a re-run and for sanctions against top Georgian officials, including Kobakhidze. Constitutional law experts have questioned the legitimacy of the new parliament. Earlier last week, Georgian Dream nominated a far-right former football international, Mikheil Kavelashvili, to replace Zurabishvili in the largely ceremonial post of president. But Zurabishvili told AFP in an interview on Saturday that she would not step down until new parliamentary elections are held. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tens of thousands head back to streets in Georgia over pro-EU protests, prez says protesters 'standing firm'

Syria's second largest city Aleppo has been seized by rebels for the first time since the country's conflict began more than a decade ago. The surprise advance by rebels has put the Assad government on the back foot. Iran and its proxies have accused the US and Israel for the fall of the second largest Syrian city of Aleppo. Watch in for more details!

Rebels Seize Control Of Syria's Second-Largest City: What Led To The Fall Of Aleppo?

Nepal PM Oli To Embark On Four-day China Visit, Likely To Discuss Revival Of Stalled BRI Projects

<p>Russia’s upper legislative house speaker, Valentina Matviyenko said on Monday (Dec. 2) that she is expecting Russia-Ukraine peace talks to resume next year, after US President-elect Donald Trump will take over the US administration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I will express my purely personal opinion. I believe that the probability that there will be a real attempt to start such negotiations and meetings in 2025 is significantly higher than the probability that such attempts will not be made," Matviyenko &nbsp;said in an interview with pro-Kremlin newspaper Argumenty i Fakty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We must not and will not make the subject of negotiations any one-day half-measures, agreements of an unclear status, short-term freezes, and so on,” she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Russia and Ukraine have not negotiated peace since the first months Russian troops invaded Ukraine in early 2022.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-envoy-for-ukraine-russia-has-hinted-at-plan-to-end-war-its-carrots-and-sticks-for-both-780210"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump's envoy for Ukraine-Russia has hinted at plan to end war. It's carrots and sticks for both</strong></a></p>

<p>Matviyenko, who is also third in line for the Russian presidency, further accused US President Biden's administration, which gave Ukraine approval to strike long-range ATACMS missiles into Russia for the first time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The leaders of the negotiation process on the other side will have to show certain strong qualities. How ready they’ll be, I don’t know,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President Biden reiterated the US's support for Ukraine after it dealt with a recent "horrific" Russian attack, by launching nearly 200 missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moreover, Trump has pledged to end the war swiftly, which has raised concerns that he would try to force Ukraine to accept a deal on Russia's terms.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: NATO, Ukraine To Convene Emergency Talks Afer Russia's Hypersonic Missile Strike</strong></p>

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<p>However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted that Ukraine needs security guarantees from NATO and more weapons to defend itself before beginning any negotiations with Moscow.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Russia’s upper legislative house speaker, Valentina Matviyenko said on Monday (Dec. 2) that she is expecting Russia-Ukraine peace talks to resume next year, after US President-elect Donald Trump will take over the US administration.

Russia’s upper legislative house speaker, Valentina Matviyenko said on Monday (Dec. 2) that she is expecting Russia-Ukraine peace talks to resume next year, after US President-elect Donald Trump will take over the US administration. "I will express my purely personal opinion. I believe that the probability that there will be a real attempt to start such negotiations and meetings in 2025 is significantly higher than the probability that such attempts will not be made," Matviyenko said in an interview with pro-Kremlin newspaper Argumenty i Fakty. “We must not and will not make the subject of negotiations any one-day half-measures, agreements of an unclear status, short-term freezes, and so on,” she added. Russia and Ukraine have not negotiated peace since the first months Russian troops invaded Ukraine in early 2022. Also read: Trump's envoy for Ukraine-Russia has hinted at plan to end war. It's carrots and sticks for both Matviyenko, who is also third in line for the Russian presidency, further accused US President Biden's administration, which gave Ukraine approval to strike long-range ATACMS missiles into Russia for the first time. “The leaders of the negotiation process on the other side will have to show certain strong qualities. How ready they’ll be, I don’t know,” she said. US President Biden reiterated the US's support for Ukraine after it dealt with a recent "horrific" Russian attack, by launching nearly 200 missiles and drones against Ukrainian cities and energy infrastructure. Moreover, Trump has pledged to end the war swiftly, which has raised concerns that he would try to force Ukraine to accept a deal on Russia's terms. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: NATO, Ukraine To Convene Emergency Talks Afer Russia's Hypersonic Missile Strike × However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky insisted that Ukraine needs security guarantees from NATO and more weapons to defend itself before beginning any negotiations with Moscow. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos (With inputs from agencies)

Russian senate speaker expecting Ukraine peace talks next year: Report

Thousands are protesting in Tbilisi for a third night after the government put EU accession talks on hold. Watch to know more.

Georgia Protests: Violent Protests Erupt In Georgia Again

<p>UN talks aimed at halting the degradation and desertification of vast swathes of land start in Saudi Arabia on Monday after scientists fired a stark warning over unsustainable farming and deforestation.</p>

<p>UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called it a "moonshot moment": a 12-day meeting for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), looking to protect and restore land and respond to drought amid the onslaught of climate change.</p>

<p>The last such meeting, or "Conference of the Parties" (COP) to the convention, held in Ivory Coast in 2022, produced a commitment to "accelerating the restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030".</p>

<p>But the UNCCD, which brings together 196 countries and the European Union, now says 1.5 billion hectares (3.7 billion acres) must be restored by decade's end to combat crises including escalating droughts.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/global-plastic-pollution-treaty-talks-fail-to-meet-deadline-amid-deep-divisions-780727">Global plastic pollution treaty talks fail to meet deadline amid deep divisions</a></strong></p>

<p>A day before the talks in Saudi Arabia, home to one of the world's biggest deserts, a new UN report warned that forest loss and degraded soils were reducing resilience to climate change and biodiversity loss.</p>

<p>"If we fail to acknowledge the pivotal role of land and take appropriate action, the consequences will ripple through every aspect of life and extend well into the future, intensifying difficulties for future generations," UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said in the report.</p>

<p>Land degradation disrupts ecosystems and makes land less productive for agriculture, leading to food shortages and spurring migration.</p>

<p>Land is considered degraded when its productivity has been harmed by human activities like pollution or deforestation. Desertification is an extreme form of degradation.</p>

<h2><strong>'We are a desert country'</strong></h2>

<p>Activists accused Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, of trying to water down calls to phase out fossil fuels at last month's COP29 UN climate talks in Azerbaijan.</p>

<p>However, desertification is a perennial issue for the arid kingdom.</p>

<p>"We are a desert country. We are exposed to the harshest mode of land degradation, which is desertification," deputy environment minister Osama Faqeeha told AFP.</p>

<p>"Our land is arid. Our rainfall is very little. And this is the reality. And we have been dealing with this for centuries."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-officially-pardons-son-hunter-says-i-hope-americans-will-understand-breaking-news-780722">Joe Biden officially pardons son Hunter, says 'I hope Americans will understand'</a></strong></p>

<p>Saudi Arabia is aiming to restore 40 million hectares of degraded land, Faqeeha told AFP, without specifying a timeline. He said Riyadh anticipated restoring "several million hectares of land" by 2030.</p>

<p>So far 240,000 hectares have been recovered using measures including a ban on illegal logging and expanding the number of national parks from 19 in 2016 to more than 500, Faqeeha said.</p>

<p>Other ways to restore land include planting trees, crop rotation, managing grazing and restoring wetlands.</p>

<p>UNCCD executive secretary Thiaw told AFP he hoped the talks would result in an agreement to accelerate land restoration and develop a "proactive" approach to droughts.</p>

<p>"We have already lost 40 per cent of our land and our soils," Thiaw said.</p>

<p>"Global security is really at stake, and you see it all over the world. Not only in Africa, not only in the Middle East."</p>

<h2><strong>'COP charade'</strong></h2>

<p>Thousands of delegates have registered to attend the December 2-13 COP16 talks in Riyadh, including "close to 100" government ministers, Thiaw said.</p>

<p>The event starts just days after the separate COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan came to a contentious end, as a pledge of $300 billion to help poorer countries transition to cleaner energy was slammed as too low by developing nations.</p>

<p>Matthew Archer, assistant professor in the Department of Society Studies at Maastricht University and author of "Unsustainable: Measurement, Reporting and the Limits of Corporate Sustainability", was dismissive of the desertification talks.</p>

<p>They are part of the "COP charade (that) is totally incapable of facilitating the kind of political action that might sufficiently address the socioecological crises we are facing," he told AFP.</p>

<p>"I wouldn't hold my breath for COP16 to yield a tenable solution to desertification," added Archer.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


UN talks aimed at halting the degradation and desertification of vast swathes of land start in Saudi Arabia on Monday after scientists fired a stark warning over unsustainable farming and deforestation.

UN talks aimed at halting the degradation and desertification of vast swathes of land start in Saudi Arabia on Monday after scientists fired a stark warning over unsustainable farming and deforestation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called it a "moonshot moment": a 12-day meeting for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), looking to protect and restore land and respond to drought amid the onslaught of climate change. The last such meeting, or "Conference of the Parties" (COP) to the convention, held in Ivory Coast in 2022, produced a commitment to "accelerating the restoration of one billion hectares of degraded land by 2030". But the UNCCD, which brings together 196 countries and the European Union, now says 1.5 billion hectares (3.7 billion acres) must be restored by decade's end to combat crises including escalating droughts. Also read | Global plastic pollution treaty talks fail to meet deadline amid deep divisions A day before the talks in Saudi Arabia, home to one of the world's biggest deserts, a new UN report warned that forest loss and degraded soils were reducing resilience to climate change and biodiversity loss. "If we fail to acknowledge the pivotal role of land and take appropriate action, the consequences will ripple through every aspect of life and extend well into the future, intensifying difficulties for future generations," UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw said in the report. Land degradation disrupts ecosystems and makes land less productive for agriculture, leading to food shortages and spurring migration. Land is considered degraded when its productivity has been harmed by human activities like pollution or deforestation. Desertification is an extreme form of degradation. 'We are a desert country' Activists accused Saudi Arabia, the world's biggest oil exporter, of trying to water down calls to phase out fossil fuels at last month's COP29 UN climate talks in Azerbaijan. However, desertification is a perennial issue for the arid kingdom. "We are a desert country. We are exposed to the harshest mode of land degradation, which is desertification," deputy environment minister Osama Faqeeha told AFP. "Our land is arid. Our rainfall is very little. And this is the reality. And we have been dealing with this for centuries." Also read | Joe Biden officially pardons son Hunter, says 'I hope Americans will understand' Saudi Arabia is aiming to restore 40 million hectares of degraded land, Faqeeha told AFP, without specifying a timeline. He said Riyadh anticipated restoring "several million hectares of land" by 2030. So far 240,000 hectares have been recovered using measures including a ban on illegal logging and expanding the number of national parks from 19 in 2016 to more than 500, Faqeeha said. Other ways to restore land include planting trees, crop rotation, managing grazing and restoring wetlands. UNCCD executive secretary Thiaw told AFP he hoped the talks would result in an agreement to accelerate land restoration and develop a "proactive" approach to droughts. "We have already lost 40 per cent of our land and our soils," Thiaw said. "Global security is really at stake, and you see it all over the world. Not only in Africa, not only in the Middle East." 'COP charade' Thousands of delegates have registered to attend the December 2-13 COP16 talks in Riyadh, including "close to 100" government ministers, Thiaw said. The event starts just days after the separate COP29 climate talks in Azerbaijan came to a contentious end, as a pledge of $300 billion to help poorer countries transition to cleaner energy was slammed as too low by developing nations. Matthew Archer, assistant professor in the Department of Society Studies at Maastricht University and author of "Unsustainable: Measurement, Reporting and the Limits of Corporate Sustainability", was dismissive of the desertification talks. They are part of the "COP charade (that) is totally incapable of facilitating the kind of political action that might sufficiently address the socioecological crises we are facing," he told AFP. "I wouldn't hold my breath for COP16 to yield a tenable solution to desertification," added Archer. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UN desertification talks begin in Saudi Arabia amid climate change warnings

Headlines: - Biden Pardons Hunter - Russia's Defence Spending - Erdogan On Foreign Interference

Biden Pardons Hunter | Russia's Defence Spending | Erdogan On Foreign Interference | WION Headlines

Bashar al-Assad is seeking to shore up support from his allies after a shock rebel offensive saw his forces lose control of Aleppo. Syrian and Russian air strikes pummeled areas of northern Syria as Iran's top diplomat visited Damascus in a show of support for the regime. Watch in for more details!

West Asia: Syrian And Russian Airstrikes Hit Areas In Northern Syria

Gulf leaders have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, urging an end to the violence and advocating for a resolution to the conflict. The demand reflects growing regional concern over the humanitarian crisis and escalating tensions.

Israel-Hamas War: Gulf Leaders Demand Immediate Ceasefire In Gaza

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday (December 1, 2024) said Lebanese American businessman Massad Boulos would serve as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs.

Trump Picks Massad Boulos To Serve As Adviser On Arab, Middle Eastern Affairs

U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on Sunday (December 1, 2024) said Lebanese American businessman Massad Boulos would serve as senior adviser on Arab and Middle Eastern affairs. Watch in for more details!

USA News: Trump Names Daughter's Father-In-Law Massad Boulos As Senior Adviser On Middle East | WION

<p>Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine on Monday to reaffirm German support for Kyiv after becoming the first major ally of the war-torn country to speak to Vladimir Putin in years to urge negotiations.</p>

<p>His surprise visit comes as Ukrainian forces are buckling across the eastern front amid fears about future US support once Donald Trump returns to the White House in January.</p>

<p>Russia launched another aerial barrage of hundreds of drones hours before Scholz arrived, leaving one dead and three wounded in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil.</p>

<p>Scholz said he would meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and announce another package of military support worth 650 million euros ($680 million) to be delivered by the end of the year.</p>

<p>"I would like to make it clear here on the ground that&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe," said Scholz, who faces new elections in February after his coalition collapsed last month.</p>

<p>"Ukraine can rely on&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;-- we say what we do. And we do what we say," he added in a post on social media.</p>

<p>Scholz in mid-November spurred controversy and concern in Ukraine by becoming the first Western leader in years to speak by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin.</p>

<h2><strong>Low Kremlin expectations for visit</strong></h2>

<p>Zelensky at the time slammed the call, saying it had opened a "Pandora's Box" by weakening Putin's international isolation.</p>

<p>In the call, Scholz condemned the war and "urged Russia to show willingness to negotiate with Ukraine with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace", the chancellor's office said.</p>

<p>The Kremlin said Monday that it had no expectations from Scholz's visit.</p>

<p>"I would not say we have expectations from this visit.&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;is continuing its line of unconditional support to Ukraine," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Putin had not passed on a message to Zelensky through Scholz.</p>

<p>Ukraine faces a tough winter, with Russia unleashing drone and missile attacks against its power grid.</p>

<p>The air force said Russia had attacked overnight with 110 drones, including the Iranian-designed Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle from four regions of Russia.</p>

<p>The bombardment killed a 45-year-old man in Ternopil, a town of around 224,000 people, where strikes last month left thousands without electricity, authorities said.</p>

<p>"Unpunished evil never stops. And it will not limit itself by our borders," Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak wrote on social media in response to the attack.</p>

<p>Scholz's visit comes ahead of the January 20 inauguration of Trump, who has pledged to speedily end the war, raising fears he will try to force Ukraine to accept a deal on Moscow's terms.</p>

<h2><strong>'Russian roulette'</strong></h2>

<p>Separately, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday warned her Chinese counterpart that Beijing's support for Moscow would impact ties and instead urged China to help end the Ukraine conflict.</p>

<p>Zelensky said Sunday that his country needed security guarantees from NATO and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia.</p>

<p>He made the comments after meeting the EU's new head of diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, and EU Council chief Antonio Costa, who were visiting Kyiv as a show of support on their first day in office.</p>

<p>Under Scholz,&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;has become the second-biggest arms supplier to Ukraine after the United States, but has refused to send Kyiv long-range missiles that could strike deep inside Russia.</p>

<p>Berlin has stuck to that approach even after US President Joe Biden gave the green light for Ukraine to fire long-range ATACMS missiles into Russia for the first time.</p>

<p>In a campaign speech in Berlin on Saturday, Scholz criticised political rivals pushing for&nbsp;Germany's Taurus long-range missile system to be delivered to Ukraine.</p>

<p>Speaking to his Social Democratic Party, Scholz said that confronting Moscow, a nuclear power, with such a threat would amount to playing "Russian roulette" with&nbsp;Germany's security.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine on Monday to reaffirm German support for Kyiv after becoming the first major ally of the war-torn country to speak to Vladimir Putin in years to urge negotiations.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz visited Ukraine on Monday to reaffirm German support for Kyiv after becoming the first major ally of the war-torn country to speak to Vladimir Putin in years to urge negotiations. His surprise visit comes as Ukrainian forces are buckling across the eastern front amid fears about future US support once Donald Trump returns to the White House in January. Russia launched another aerial barrage of hundreds of drones hours before Scholz arrived, leaving one dead and three wounded in the western Ukrainian city of Ternopil. Scholz said he would meet with President Volodymyr Zelensky and announce another package of military support worth 650 million euros ($680 million) to be delivered by the end of the year. "I would like to make it clear here on the ground that Germany will remain Ukraine's strongest supporter in Europe," said Scholz, who faces new elections in February after his coalition collapsed last month. "Ukraine can rely on Germany -- we say what we do. And we do what we say," he added in a post on social media. Scholz in mid-November spurred controversy and concern in Ukraine by becoming the first Western leader in years to speak by phone with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Low Kremlin expectations for visit Zelensky at the time slammed the call, saying it had opened a "Pandora's Box" by weakening Putin's international isolation. In the call, Scholz condemned the war and "urged Russia to show willingness to negotiate with Ukraine with the aim of achieving a just and lasting peace", the chancellor's office said. The Kremlin said Monday that it had no expectations from Scholz's visit. "I would not say we have expectations from this visit. Germany is continuing its line of unconditional support to Ukraine," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said, adding that Putin had not passed on a message to Zelensky through Scholz. Ukraine faces a tough winter, with Russia unleashing drone and missile attacks against its power grid. The air force said Russia had attacked overnight with 110 drones, including the Iranian-designed Shahed unmanned aerial vehicle from four regions of Russia. The bombardment killed a 45-year-old man in Ternopil, a town of around 224,000 people, where strikes last month left thousands without electricity, authorities said. "Unpunished evil never stops. And it will not limit itself by our borders," Zelensky's chief of staff Andriy Yermak wrote on social media in response to the attack. Scholz's visit comes ahead of the January 20 inauguration of Trump, who has pledged to speedily end the war, raising fears he will try to force Ukraine to accept a deal on Moscow's terms. 'Russian roulette' Separately, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock on Monday warned her Chinese counterpart that Beijing's support for Moscow would impact ties and instead urged China to help end the Ukraine conflict. Zelensky said Sunday that his country needed security guarantees from NATO and more weapons to defend itself before any talks with Russia. He made the comments after meeting the EU's new head of diplomacy, Kaja Kallas, and EU Council chief Antonio Costa, who were visiting Kyiv as a show of support on their first day in office. Under Scholz, Germany has become the second-biggest arms supplier to Ukraine after the United States, but has refused to send Kyiv long-range missiles that could strike deep inside Russia. Berlin has stuck to that approach even after US President Joe Biden gave the green light for Ukraine to fire long-range ATACMS missiles into Russia for the first time. In a campaign speech in Berlin on Saturday, Scholz criticised political rivals pushing for Germany's Taurus long-range missile system to be delivered to Ukraine. Speaking to his Social Democratic Party, Scholz said that confronting Moscow, a nuclear power, with such a threat would amount to playing "Russian roulette" with Germany's security. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

German chancellor Scholz makes surprise visit to war-torn Ukraine, pledges aid

President Joe Biden has granted a full pardon to his son, Hunter Biden, in a move that has stirred political discussions. The decision comes amid ongoing scrutiny and legal challenges involving Hunter.

US: Biden Grants ‘Full And Unconditional’ Pardon To Son Hunter Biden

Israel-Hamas War: UN Warns Of Worsening Hunger Crisis In Gaza

The global economic stage is heating up as president-elect Donald Trump issues a stark warning to BRICS nations. Trump has threatened to impose a 100 percent tariff on these nations if they develop a common BRICS currency or back any alternative to the U.S. Dollar. Watch in for more details!

BRICS Currency Debate Faces Tariff Threat Under Trump’s Return

<p>Beijing warned Monday it could take "countermeasures" against Lithuania after the expulsion of three Chinese embassy staff, as relations fray over Vilnius's Taiwan ties and the suspected involvement of a Chinese ship in sea cables damage.</p>

<p>"China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this wanton and provocative action," a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement.</p>

<p>"China calls on Lithuania to immediately stop undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop creating difficulty for bilateral relations," they added.</p>

<p>Two Baltic Sea telecommunications cables were severed last month in Swedish territorial waters, including one running from the Swedish island of Gotland to Lithuania.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lithuania-kicks-out-three-chinese-embassy-staff-amidst-tensions-over-taiwan-780353"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Lithuania kicks out three Chinese embassy staff amidst tensions over Taiwan</strong></a></p>

<p>Suspicions have been directed at a Chinese ship -- the Yi Peng 3 -- which tracking sites said had sailed over the cables around the time they were cut.</p>

<p>On Friday, Lithuania's foreign ministry said three Chinese staff members "have been declared undesirable in the country".</p>

<p>The ministry did not give the precise reasons for the expulsion, citing only "activities which violate the Vienna Convention and the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania".</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Lithuania said it was setting up a joint team with Sweden and Finland to investigate the damaged cables, with the support of Eurojust, the European Union's agency for criminal justice cooperation.</p>

<p>China has denied any responsibility in the matter and said Friday it was "willing to work" with a probe.</p>

<p>Ties between Vilnius and Beijing had already been tense after Lithuania in 2021 allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under the island's name.</p>

<p>Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, on Monday accused Vilnius of "acting in serious violation of the one-China principle".</p>

<p>"This has caused severe difficulty for bilateral ties," the spokesperson said.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Beijing warned Monday it could take "countermeasures" against Lithuania after the expulsion of three Chinese embassy staff, as relations fray over Vilnius's Taiwan ties and the suspected involvement of a Chinese ship in sea cables damage.

Beijing warned Monday it could take "countermeasures" against Lithuania after the expulsion of three Chinese embassy staff, as relations fray over Vilnius's Taiwan ties and the suspected involvement of a Chinese ship in sea cables damage. "China strongly condemns and firmly rejects this wanton and provocative action," a foreign ministry spokesperson said in a statement. "China calls on Lithuania to immediately stop undermining China's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and stop creating difficulty for bilateral relations," they added. Two Baltic Sea telecommunications cables were severed last month in Swedish territorial waters, including one running from the Swedish island of Gotland to Lithuania. Also read: Lithuania kicks out three Chinese embassy staff amidst tensions over Taiwan Suspicions have been directed at a Chinese ship -- the Yi Peng 3 -- which tracking sites said had sailed over the cables around the time they were cut. On Friday, Lithuania's foreign ministry said three Chinese staff members "have been declared undesirable in the country". The ministry did not give the precise reasons for the expulsion, citing only "activities which violate the Vienna Convention and the legislation of the Republic of Lithuania". On Wednesday, Lithuania said it was setting up a joint team with Sweden and Finland to investigate the damaged cables, with the support of Eurojust, the European Union's agency for criminal justice cooperation. China has denied any responsibility in the matter and said Friday it was "willing to work" with a probe. Ties between Vilnius and Beijing had already been tense after Lithuania in 2021 allowed Taiwan to open a de facto embassy under the island's name. Beijing, which claims Taiwan as part of its territory, on Monday accused Vilnius of "acting in serious violation of the one-China principle". "This has caused severe difficulty for bilateral ties," the spokesperson said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

China warns retaliation after Lithuania expels three embassy staffers, says could take 'countermeasures'

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<p>Congressional Republicans on Monday (Dec. 2) fumed over outgoing United States (US) President Joe Biden officially pardoning his son Hunter. The pardon meant sparing Hunter a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry.<br />
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If that’s the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about?</p>
— Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jim_Jordan/status/1863393745279836297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hunter had been a central figure in the investigations of the GOP. A report by Axios said that at issue for many Republicans is President Biden's previous statement that he would not pardon his son or grant him a commutation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Congressional Republicans say?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the Axios report, Congressional Republicans have severely criticised Biden's pardon of Hunter.</p>

<p>House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said that Biden has "lied&nbsp;from start to finish about his family's corrupt influence peddling activities."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slams-joe-biden-for-pardoning-son-hunter-calls-it-abuse-and-miscarriage-of-justice-780821">Trump slams Joe Biden for pardoning son Hunter, calls it 'abuse and miscarriage of Justice'</a></strong></p>

<p>"It's unfortunate that rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability," Comer added.</p>

<p>In a post on X, California Congressman Kevin Kiley said, "Biden just cemented his legacy as one of our very worst presidents."</p>

<p>Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan argued that Biden's pardon validated the GOP probe.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Joe Biden says his son Hunter was prosecuted selectively</strong></p>

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<p>"Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry. If that’s the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about?," Jordan said in a post on X.</p>

<h2><strong>'Have watched my son being selectively, unfairly prosecuted'</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement issued on Sunday, President Biden said, "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2024/12/01/statement-from-president-joe-biden-11/"><strong>Click on this link to read Joe Biden's full statement</strong></a></p>

<p>"The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election," Biden said.</p>

<p>"Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unravelled in the courtroom – with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process.&nbsp;Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter’s cases," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Congressional Republicans on Monday (Dec. 2) fumed over outgoing United States (US) President Joe Biden officially pardoning his son Hunter. The pardon meant sparing Hunter a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions.

Congressional Republicans on Monday (Dec. 2) fumed over outgoing United States (US) President Joe Biden officially pardoning his son Hunter. The pardon meant sparing Hunter a possible prison sentence for federal felony gun and tax convictions. Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry. If that’s the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about? — Rep. Jim Jordan (@Jim_Jordan) December 2, 2024 × Hunter had been a central figure in the investigations of the GOP. A report by Axios said that at issue for many Republicans is President Biden's previous statement that he would not pardon his son or grant him a commutation. What did Congressional Republicans say? As per the Axios report, Congressional Republicans have severely criticised Biden's pardon of Hunter. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said that Biden has "lied from start to finish about his family's corrupt influence peddling activities." Also read | Trump slams Joe Biden for pardoning son Hunter, calls it 'abuse and miscarriage of Justice' "It's unfortunate that rather than come clean about their decades of wrongdoing, President Biden and his family continue to do everything they can to avoid accountability," Comer added. In a post on X, California Congressman Kevin Kiley said, "Biden just cemented his legacy as one of our very worst presidents." Judiciary Committee Chair Jim Jordan argued that Biden's pardon validated the GOP probe. Also watch | Joe Biden says his son Hunter was prosecuted selectively × "Democrats said there was nothing to our impeachment inquiry. If that’s the case, why did Joe Biden just issue Hunter Biden a pardon for the very things we were inquiring about?," Jordan said in a post on X. 'Have watched my son being selectively, unfairly prosecuted' In a statement issued on Sunday, President Biden said, "Today, I signed a pardon for my son Hunter. From the day I took office, I said I would not interfere with the Justice Department’s decision-making, and I kept my word even as I have watched my son being selectively, and unfairly, prosecuted." Click on this link to read Joe Biden's full statement "The charges in his cases came about only after several of my political opponents in Congress instigated them to attack me and oppose my election," Biden said. "Then, a carefully negotiated plea deal, agreed to by the Department of Justice, unravelled in the courtroom – with a number of my political opponents in Congress taking credit for bringing political pressure on the process. Had the plea deal held, it would have been a fair, reasonable resolution of Hunter’s cases," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Congressional Republicans fume over US President Joe Biden officially pardoning his son Hunter

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<p>In a tragic incident in the Philippines, three people died, and at least 32 others were hospitalised after consuming stew made from an endangered sea turtle.</p>

<p>The incident took place in a seaside town in Maguindanao del Norte Province last week. The victims, mostly members of the Indigenous Teduray community, began experiencing severe symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal spasms shortly after eating the dish last week.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Toxicity from contaminated sea turtle meat</strong></h2>

<p>Sea turtles are protected by Philippine environmental laws but still, they are consumed as a traditional delicacy in some communities, despite the risks. Experts warn that sea turtles can become toxic if they consume contaminated algae, even if they appear healthy. This toxic meat, when consumed can lead to a rare and potentially life-threatening condition known as chelonitoxism.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brain-rot-emerges-as-oxford-word-of-the-year-are-you-suffering-from-it-780837">'Brain rot' emerges as Oxford word of the year. Are you suffering from it?</a></p>

<h2><strong>Rare and dangerous disease</strong></h2>

<p>Chelonitoxism is caused by toxins in the meat of certain sea turtles that consume toxic algae. While it is a rare condition, the disease can be fatal without proper treatment. People should avoid eating sea turtle meat to reduce the risk of poisoning.</p>

<p>This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by consuming wildlife, particularly endangered species like sea turtles, which are protected by law in the Philippines and many other countries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-chicken-65-ranks-among-worlds-best-fried-chicken-dishes-heres-all-about-this-delicacy-780866">India's Chicken 65 ranks among world's best fried chicken dishes. Here's all about this delicacy</a></p>

<p>Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr, a local councillor, stressed the importance of enforcing wildlife protection laws in the region to prevent future food poisoning incidents as reported by <em>BBC.</em></p>

<p>The victims who were hospitalised have since been discharged, while the deceased were buried by local customs. Although there is no known antidote for chelonitoxism, the disease can be prevented by avoiding the consumption of both raw and cooked sea turtle meat.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In a tragic incident in the Philippines, three people died, and at least 32 others were hospitalised after consuming stew made from an endangered sea turtle. The incident took place in a seaside town in Maguindanao del Norte Province last week.

In a tragic incident in the Philippines, three people died, and at least 32 others were hospitalised after consuming stew made from an endangered sea turtle. The incident took place in a seaside town in Maguindanao del Norte Province last week. The victims, mostly members of the Indigenous Teduray community, began experiencing severe symptoms including diarrhoea, vomiting and abdominal spasms shortly after eating the dish last week. Toxicity from contaminated sea turtle meat Sea turtles are protected by Philippine environmental laws but still, they are consumed as a traditional delicacy in some communities, despite the risks. Experts warn that sea turtles can become toxic if they consume contaminated algae, even if they appear healthy. This toxic meat, when consumed can lead to a rare and potentially life-threatening condition known as chelonitoxism. Also read | 'Brain rot' emerges as Oxford word of the year. Are you suffering from it? Rare and dangerous disease Chelonitoxism is caused by toxins in the meat of certain sea turtles that consume toxic algae. While it is a rare condition, the disease can be fatal without proper treatment. People should avoid eating sea turtle meat to reduce the risk of poisoning. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by consuming wildlife, particularly endangered species like sea turtles, which are protected by law in the Philippines and many other countries. Also read | India's Chicken 65 ranks among world's best fried chicken dishes. Here's all about this delicacy Datu Mohamad Sinsuat Jr, a local councillor, stressed the importance of enforcing wildlife protection laws in the region to prevent future food poisoning incidents as reported by BBC. The victims who were hospitalised have since been discharged, while the deceased were buried by local customs. Although there is no known antidote for chelonitoxism, the disease can be prevented by avoiding the consumption of both raw and cooked sea turtle meat. (With inputs from agencies)

Three dead, dozens hospitalised after eating toxic sea turtle in Philippines

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