Middle East Tensions Escalate: China and Iran Oppose Big Powers’ Battleground, WHO Says Gaza Hospital Out of Service

GazaIsraelIranWHOMiddle EastChina

Share:

China and Iran have urged the international community to respect the sovereignty and security of Middle East countries, stating that the region should not be a battleground for big powers. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the last major health facility in north Gaza, the Kamal Adwan Hospital, is out of service following a raid by Israeli forces. This comes after Israel claimed to have intercepted a missile fired from Yemen, and the WHO warned that the systematic dismantling of the health system in Gaza is a death sentence for tens of thousands of Palestinians in need of healthcare. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the allegations of detaining hospital staff.

Gaza
Israel
Iran
WHO
Middle East
China

Related articles:

Italian Journalist Cecilia Sala Freed from Iran Prison!

IranItalyJournalismPrisonDiplomacy

Italian journalist Cecilia Sala has been freed from Evin prison in Tehran after being detained in December. Sala was arrested on a journalist visa and held in solitary confinement, sparking concerns about Iran's practice of arbitrarily detaining foreign nationals to gain leverage over other governments. Her release comes after what the Italian government called 'intense' diplomatic work. Sala is expected to return to Rome, and her partner, Daniele Ranieri, said she was 'excited and very happy' following her release. Meanwhile, Iranian businessman Mohammad Abedini, who is suspected of supplying drone parts used in an attack in Jordan, remains in a Milan prison.

Biden's $8 Billion Arms Sale to Israel: What You Need to Know

GazaIsraelUS PoliticsBiden AdministrationArms Sale

President Biden's administration has announced an $8 billion arms sale to Israel as fighting continues in Gaza. The sale includes medium-range air-to-air missiles and 155 mm artillery shells for long-range targeting, among other weapons. This move comes as the US urges Hamas to agree to a ceasefire, and despite calls for an arms embargo against Israel. With more than 45,700 deaths in Gaza since October 2023, the war has caused widespread destruction and displacement, with hundreds of thousands of people now sheltering in tents near the sea. The informal notice to Congress isn't the final notification before a sale, and the leaders of the House Foreign Affairs Committee or the Senate Foreign Relations Committee can review the package.

Israel-Gaza Conflict Intensifies, Killing Over 100 in First Three Days of 2025

HamasGazaIsraelConflictWar

The war between Israel and Hamas has been raging on in 2025, with over 100 people killed in the Gaza Strip in the first three days of the year. Israel has threatened to intensify its strikes in Gaza if Hamas continues its rocket fire. Palestinian rescuers have reported dozens of deaths from Israeli strikes, with at least 18 killed on Thursday alone. Israel's offensive has killed over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health officials. Meanwhile, Israel has claimed responsibility for a raid in Syria last September, in which it destroyed a top-secret Iranian-led missile factory.

Tensions Rising in Israel and Palestine: Summary of Key Developments

PoliticsIsraelConflictMiddle EastPalestine

What's happening in Israel and Palestine? Tensions are escalating with the Palestinian Authority suspending Al Jazeera, former Defense Minister Gallant resigning from parliament, and Israeli airstrikes leaving 11 dead in Gaza. Read on for a concise summary of these developments and their potential implications.

Netanyahu's Surgery and Israel's Middle East Conflicts

IsraelIranMiddle EastBenjamin NetanyahuHouthi

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, 75, is undergoing prostate removal surgery on Sunday after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection. The surgery comes as Netanyahu leads Israel in multiple conflicts across the Middle East against Iran and its proxy terrorist groups. This week, the IDF launched a series of airstrikes against the Houthi rebels in Yemen, targeting Sana’a International Airport, among other locations. Netanyahu is also testifying in a corruption case against him within Israel. The corruption trial kicked off in 2020, with prosecutors accusing Netanyahu of exchanging regulatory favors for positive press coverage in under-the-table dealings with media moguls.

Gaza Babies Dying From Cold; Palestinian Woman Shot Dead by Security Forces

HamasGazaIsraelMiddle EastPalestine

Gaza Babies Dying From Cold:** Four infants have died from hypothermia in the Gaza Strip as temperatures drop and displaced families struggle to stay warm in tents. Palestinian Woman Shot Dead: Shatha al-Sabbagh, a 22-year-old journalism student, was killed in her home in Jenin by a sniper with the Palestinian security forces. The security forces claim she was killed by militants, but her family and Hamas accuse them of the shooting.

BREAKING: Netanyahu to Undergo Prostate Surgery After Health Scare

GazaIsraelNetanyahuHealthSurgery

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu** is set to undergo prostate removal surgery after being diagnosed with a urinary tract infection resulting from a benign prostate enlargement. The 75-year-old had surgery for a hernia earlier this year and had a pacemaker fitted last year. The announcement comes after the Israeli military raided a hospital in Gaza, arresting its director. The country's war against Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip continues to rage.

What's happening with Netanyahu's health?

New Obstacles to Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Amid Freezing Cold and Hostage Crisis

GazaIsrael-Hamas ConflictCeasefire NegotiationsHumanitarian Crisis

Freezing temperatures in Gaza have resulted in the death of a baby girl, worsening the already dire humanitarian situation. Meanwhile, Israel and Hamas continue to blame each other for delays in securing a ceasefire and hostage deal. Sporadic talks to reach a deal have taken place for a year, but recent weeks have seen a renewed push. However, sticking points remain, including the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Israel's negotiating team returned from Qatar for internal consultations after a week of 'significant negotiations'.

Israel Confirms Killing of Hamas Chief Haniyeh in Tehran

HamasIsraelTehranDefence MinisterHuthi rebels

Israel has admitted to killing former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran earlier this year, marking Israel's first public admission of responsibility for the operation. This comes as Defence Minister Israel Katz warned of striking hard at the Huthi rebels' leadership in Yemen. Haniyeh, who was seen as leading Hamas's negotiation efforts for a ceasefire in Gaza, was killed in a guesthouse in Tehran on July 31, reportedly by an explosive device placed by Israeli operatives weeks before. Iran and Hamas had previously blamed Israel for Haniyeh's death.

Russian General Killed in Moscow Blast; Israel Plans to Double Golan Heights Population

IsraelUkraineRussiaSyriaGolan Heights

In recent news, the head of the Russian army’s chemical weapons division, Lt Gen Igor Kirillov, was killed in a blast outside an apartment building in Moscow. The Ukrainian SBU security service has claimed responsibility for the attack. Meanwhile, Israel has announced plans to double its settlement in the occupied Golan Heights, sparking condemnation from Turkey. The move comes as Russia has gained momentum in the war in Ukraine, making gains in eastern Ukraine as the Kremlin seeks to secure as much territory as possible before Donald Trump returns to the White House. In other news, the UN envoy to Syria has urged a 'credible and inclusive' transition, while Syria's rebel factions are set to be disbanded.

Israeli-Hamas Ceasefire Deal in Sight as Negotiations Progress

HamasGazaIsraelCeasefireHostages

There's renewed optimism for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza by the end of the year. Both sides have expressed optimism, with around 60 living hostages and 35 bodies believed to be still in captivity. The incoming US president, Donald Trump, has urged for the release of the hostages, and Israeli and Hamas negotiators are reportedly 'the closest they've been to a hostage deal since the last deal'.

ISIS Prison Crisis in Syria: What You Need to Know

Middle EastTerrorismPrisonSyriaISIS

Thousands of ISIS Prisoners in Limbo as Assad Regime Falls
A Syrian prison filled with ISIS supporters faces uncertainty after the fall of Bashar al-Assad's regime.
American-backed Syrian forces guard the jail, which holds thousands of extremists.
U.S. forces are on the ground in Syria, working to prevent ISIS from taking advantage of the power vacuum.

Key Information:

  • ISIS prisoners in a Syrian jail are unaware of the Assad regime's collapse.
  • U.S. forces are present in Syria to prevent ISIS reemergence.

Why It Matters:
With the fall of the Assad regime and a potential power vacuum, the risk of an ISIS comeback in Syria remains high. U.S. forces are actively working to prevent this from happening.

Amnesty Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza: A Summary

human rightsGazaIsraelAmnesty Internationalgenocide

Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, but Israel's foreign ministry calls the claim 'entirely false and based on lies.' The rights group says that Israel's military offensive in Gaza, which has lasted for 14 months, has killed at least 44,580 Palestinians and displaced most of its residents. Amnesty's report says that Israel's actions, including launching deadly attacks, demolishing infrastructure, and preventing food, medicine, and aid deliveries, meet the legal threshold for genocide. Israel's government spokesman, David Mencer, called the report 'fake news' and accused Amnesty of failing to address Hamas's genocidal rhetoric. The fighting in Gaza has devastated the region and pushed thousands to the brink of starvation.

Israel and Hezbollah Clash Despite Ceasefire

IsraelHezbollahCeasefireMiddle EastWar

There's tension in the Middle East as Israel and Hezbollah exchange fire, testing the limits of their fragile ceasefire. It all started when Hezbollah fired two mortar shells at an Israeli military outpost, prompting Israel to retaliate with its largest series of air strikes since the truce came into effect. The international committee meant to monitor the truce is getting organized, but the question remains: will the war resume?

Iran's Revolutionary Rapper: Toomaj Salehi Freed from Prison After Death Sentence Overturned

IranprotestsrapToomaj SalehiMahsa Amini

Toomaj Salehi,** an Iranian rapper sentenced to death for speaking out against the Iranian regime, has been released from custody after completing a one-year sentence. Salehi, who has 2.6 million followers on Instagram, had posted videos talking about 'revolution' and resistance after the death of Mahsa Amini in police custody. His death sentence was overturned by Iran's Supreme Court in June. Across the world, demonstrations took place in support of Salehi, including in Spain, France, Germany, the US, Australia, and London.

Taiwan's President Lai Visits Hawaii Amid China's Criticism

ChinaDisaster PreparednessTaiwanHawaiiArms Sale

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te visited Hawaii as part of a Pacific island tour that has already triggered criticism from China. Lai met with the state's governor and congressional representatives, and discussed disaster preparedness and health care experiences. The U.S. approved a $385 million arms sale to Taiwan, which China claims as its own territory. The Chinese Foreign Ministry denounced the sale and vowed to take resolute and forceful measures to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Israeli Airstrike Kills Five, Including Aid Workers

HamasGazaIsraelWorld Central KitchenAirstrike

An Israeli airstrike in Gaza has killed five people, including three aid workers from the charity World Central Kitchen (WCK). The strike targeted a vehicle carrying a militant involved in a Hamas attack. The IDF has called for an investigation into WCK's hiring practices. The strike occurred amidst a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid agencies are struggling to deliver aid safely. WCK has temporarily suspended its operations in Gaza.

Homecoming After Israel-Hezbollah Truce

IsraelHezbollahConflictCeasefireMiddle EastLebanon

Homecoming After Israel-Hezbollah Truce
People are beginning to return to their homes in southern Lebanon after the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah took effect and appeared to hold in its initial hours.*

The fighting between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah forced over a million people to leave their homes.*

CBS News foreign correspondent Debora Patta reports.*

Three US Citizens Freed After Years of Detention in China

US NewsChinaInternational RelationsDiplomacy

It's a Thanksgiving miracle for three American families! After years of detention in China, Mark Swidan, Kai Li, and John Leung are finally coming home. The release comes after sensitive negotiations between the US and China, in exchange for unidentified Chinese citizens in US custody. For Senator Chuck Schumer, who worked closely with Li's son to advocate for his release, this Thanksgiving is extra special. Welcome home, gentlemen!

Israel-Hezbollah Ceasefire: What You Need to Know

conflictIsraelHezbollahMiddle Eastceasefire

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to a temporary ceasefire** which will pause the fighting in the north of Israel from Wednesday morning local time. Israel is still carrying out strikes on Lebanon before the ceasefire takes effect. The ceasefire appears to be holding in Lebanon, with people returning to their homes. Let's take a closer look at the agreement and its implementation.