World
US Defense Secretary Tells China America Will 'Stoutly Defend Its Interests' During Kuala Lumpur Meeting
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth met with Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Friday in Kuala Lumpur, telling his counterpart that the United States will "stoutly defend its interests" amid regional tensions. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an ASEAN defense ministers gathering and was described by Hegseth as "good and constructive." During discussions, Hegseth raised U.S. concerns about China's activities in the disputed South China Sea and around Taiwan, while emphasizing that the United States does not seek conflict. This encounter represents gradually improving communications between the two military powers, following a September teleconference call between Hegseth and Dong Jun. The Pentagon has been pushing for enhanced dialogue with China regarding military modernization, regional posture, nuclear weapons transparency, and theater-level discussions with military commanders. Hegseth stated that the U.S. will "continue discussions with the People's Liberation Army on matters of mutual importance" while maintaining capabilities in the region. The meeting occurred against a backdrop of increased military deployments and roiling regional tensions, marking continued efforts to manage strategic competition between the world's two largest economies through enhanced military-to-military communication channels.
Sudan Siege Survivors Describe Beatings, Murders by RSF Fighters During Escape from el-Fasher
Survivors who fled the recent seizure of el-Fasher city in Sudan's Darfur region have given harrowing testimonies to the BBC about violence they experienced at the hands of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Ezzeldin Hassan Musa, now in Tawila after a four-day journey, described being beaten with sticks and witnessing systematic torture and murder of men trying to escape. "We saw people murdered in front of us," he said, explaining how fighters divided groups for beatings during the journey. Ahmed Ismail Ibrahim, who was shot three times, told how four of the six men he fled with were killed in front of him by RSF fighters who demanded to see their phones. Yusra Ibrahim Mohamed fled after her soldier husband was killed, describing dead bodies in the streets and the risk of execution or robbery for those who resisted. Around 5,000 people have reached Tawila since el-Fasher fell to RSF forces on Sunday, joining hundreds of thousands who had previously fled to the area. The MSF clinic there reports 500 people in need of urgent medical treatment, many malnourished, dehydrated, or with amputations. UN officials say RSF leader Gen Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo has admitted to "violations" and promised investigations. However, aid workers worry that only about 5,000 have escaped from what may be 250,000 people still in the city, with many potentially stuck between el-Fasher and Tawila due to physical condition or continued militia attacks on escape routes.
Prince Andrew Stripped of Royal Titles Following Virginia Giuffre's Memoir
Prince Andrew will be stripped of his royal titles, including Prince, and will move out of his home, Royal Lodge, to a private residence. This decision comes after the publication of Virginia Giuffre's posthumous memoir, "Nobody's Girl", which includes an account of her time as a "sex slave" working for Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Giuffre died by suicide in April at the age of 41. The memoir alleges that Giuffre was trafficked to powerful men, including Prince Andrew, and describes the abuse she suffered at the hands of Epstein and Maxwell. King Charles has initiated a formal process to remove Andrew's royal titles, and Sarah Ferguson will also move out of Royal Lodge. The memoir has sparked widespread attention and criticism, with many calling for accountability for those involved in Epstein's abuse ring. Giuffre's family has stated that she has brought down a British prince with her truth and courage. The decision to strip Prince Andrew of his titles is seen as a significant consequence of Giuffre's bravery in sharing her story. The memoir is a devastating exposé of the fetishization and abuse of girls, and society's failure to protect the most vulnerable. It is also a damning indictment of everyone who knew and looked away, including powerful men like Prince Andrew and Donald Trump. Giuffre's story is a testament to the importance of believing and supporting survivors of abuse, and the need for accountability and justice for those responsible.
Trump concludes Asia trade tour with wins in South Korea, Southeast Asia but limited China breakthrough
President Trump completed a five-day Asia trade tour that produced significant agreements with South Korea and Southeast Asian nations while securing only a temporary reprieve from trade tensions with China. The trip concluded Thursday with Trump finalizing a thorny trade deal with South Korea that reduced American tariffs on Korean goods and automobiles from 25% to 15% in exchange for a $350 billion investment in U.S. projects, including $200 billion in cash and $150 billion in shipbuilding. In Southeast Asia, the U.S. secured minerals deals with Cambodia, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam, providing alternatives to Chinese rare earth supplies. Japanese companies outlined $550 billion in U.S. investments under an existing agreement. The highlight was Trump's high-stakes summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Busan, which produced a one-year extension of Chinese rare earth exports and commitments for China to purchase 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans this season and 25 million tons annually for three years. However, China demanded payment through lower tariffs and shipping fees, and experts noted this represented a return to the starting position. Critics including Senate Minority Leader Charles Schumer called the Asia trip a "total dud," while Trump defended it as a "spectacular success." The Trump administration argued the temporary détente allows time for longer-term negotiations on deeper structural issues in U.S.-China trade relations.
Hurricane Melissa Leaves Destruction Across Northern Caribbean
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across the northern Caribbean, with communities in Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba struggling to recover. The storm made landfall in Jamaica as a Category 5 hurricane, tying records for Atlantic hurricanes in terms of wind speed and barometric pressure. In Jamaica, at least 14 people have died, and over 13,000 remain in shelters, with 72% of the island without power. Residents are facing significant challenges, including lack of access to basic supplies, with many forming long lines at gas stations and supermarkets. In Cuba, the storm caused widespread damage, particularly in the eastern province of Santiago de Cuba, where the town of El Cobre was heavily affected. The Basilica of Our Lady of Charity, a significant cultural and religious site, suffered extensive damage. The US State Department has offered humanitarian assistance to the Cuban people, despite the two countries' longstanding conflict. In Haiti, the storm unleashed catastrophic flooding, resulting in at least 30 deaths and 20 missing persons, mostly in the southern region. Over 15,000 people remain in shelters, and the government is mobilizing resources to provide emergency relief. The hurricane is now moving northeast, with top sustained winds near 105 mph, and is forecast to pass near or to the west of Bermuda late Thursday. The region is facing a long and challenging recovery process, with many communities still without electricity, internet, and telephone service. The international community is beginning to respond, with emergency relief flights landing in Jamaica and aid efforts underway in Cuba and Haiti.
Russia Launches Massive Attack on Ukraine with 705 Missiles and Drones
Russia has launched a large-scale attack on Ukraine, firing 705 missiles and drones into the country overnight. According to Ukraine's air force, the attack included 653 drones and 52 missiles of various types. Of these, 592 drones and 31 missiles were shot down or suppressed, while 16 missiles and 63 drones impacted across 20 locations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported strikes on civilian targets and energy infrastructure across the country, including the capital Kyiv and at least nine other regions. The attack resulted in the deaths of at least four people, with many more injured. Zelenskyy described the attack as "complex" and called for increased pressure on Russia, including sanctions on its oil and gas industry and financial system. Russia's Defense Ministry claimed to have shot down at least 173 Ukrainian drones overnight, including nine over the Moscow region. The overnight barrage was the second-largest of the war to date, with only the bombardment of September 6-7 being larger. Zelenskyy urged the international community, including the US, Europe, and G7 countries, to take action against Russia's "terrorist war" and to increase pressure on the country. The attack has caused significant damage to energy facilities and civilian life, with efforts underway to restore power and water supply as quickly as possible.
Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean as Historic Storm Kills Dozens
Hurricane Melissa tore through the Caribbean as one of the most powerful Atlantic storms in more than 150 years, leaving at least 30 people dead across the region. The catastrophic storm brought torrential rains and destructive winds to Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas, with emergency officials now working to clear roads and reach isolated communities in need of relief. Jamaica suffered the heaviest impact when Melissa made landfall as a Category 5 hurricane with sustained winds of 185 mph, tying it as the second-strongest storm recorded in the Atlantic since 1851. The storm rapidly intensified from a 70 mph tropical storm to a 140 mph Category 4 hurricane in just one day. Prime Minister Andrew Holness declared the country a disaster area as Melissa left approximately 140,000 people cut off and around 77% without electricity. In Cuba, more than 735,000 people were evacuated as Melissa approached, while the Bahamas evacuated 1,485 residents before suspending all flights. The storm caused at least 12 deaths in Jamaica, with authorities recovering bodies in the badly hit St. Elizabeth Parish. Haiti suffered 23 deaths, including 10 children when a flooded river burst its banks in Petit-Goâve. As Melissa weakened to a Category 1 hurricane while reaching the Bahamas on Wednesday, its broad wind field continued to drive torrential flooding. International recovery efforts have been launched, with the UK deploying £2.5 million in emergency humanitarian funding and the United States deploying a regional Disaster Assistance Response Team to provide search and rescue support.
Carney’s Singapore stop seeks deeper investment ties amid Indo‑Pacific uncertainty
Prime Minister Mark Carney arrived in Singapore on Tuesday, the second leg of his Asia tour, using the stop‑over to pitch Canada as a reliable trading and investment partner for Southeast Asia. He met senior executives from sovereign wealth funds—including the head of the Government of Singapore Investment Corp. and the current and former CEOs of Temasek—and toured the facilities of PSA International, which operates terminals in British Columbia and Halifax. Carney said Canada needs roughly half a trillion dollars of investment in sectors such as artificial intelligence, clean technology, critical minerals and nation‑building projects, echoing remarks he made in Malaysia where Singapore was noted as the region’s largest source of foreign direct investment in Canada in 2024 at $9 billion. Following the Singapore meetings, Carney is scheduled to attend the Asia‑Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in South Korea, where he is expected to sit down with Japan’s new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Earlier, the prime minister visited Malaysia for the ASEAN leaders summit, where Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced his cabinet’s backing for a deeper partnership with Canada covering trade, research, education and investment. Canada’s Indo‑Pacific strategy, released three years ago, acknowledges the need for sustained engagement, and experts such as Queen’s University professor Stéphanie Martel argue that Ottawa must prove its added value beyond trade by addressing security, climate and broader stability concerns. Canada’s trade talks with ASEAN have been pushed back to next year, while a separate bilateral agreement with Indonesia was signed this year and talks with the Philippines are being accelerated. The visit comes amid political turbulence in Japan and growing economic pressure from U.S. tariffs, prompting Carney’s focus on securing investment and reinforcing Canada’s relevance in the region.
Over 130 Killed in Rio Police Raid Targeting Red Command
On Tuesday a massive police operation in northern Rio de Janeiro left more than 130 people dead, making it the city’s deadliest raid. Photographer Bruno Itan, who documented the aftermath, said bodies “kept coming: 25, 30, 35, 40, 45…” as residents retrieved the dead from the hillside between Penha and the Alemão neighbourhood. He reported seeing decapitated and disfigured corpses, many with stab wounds, and described the anguish of families who laid the bodies out in Penha’s square. The operation involved roughly 2,500 security personnel and was launched against the criminal gang Comando Vermelho (Red Command). Initially authorities claimed “60 suspects and four police officers” were killed; a revised “preliminary” count raised the number of suspected gang members to 117, while Rio’s public defender’s office reported a total of 132 deaths. Red Command, which operates like a franchise, is responsible for drug trafficking, arms smuggling, and other illicit activities, and is considered one of Brazil’s two largest gangs. Governor Cláudio Castro defended the police, saying the intention was to arrest suspects alive but they were forced to retaliate after being attacked by explosive‑laden drones. He accused locals of “manipulating” the bodies, alleging that camouflage clothing was stripped off corpses to blame the police. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed horror at the death toll, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes summoned the governor to a hearing on Monday to explain the operation in detail.
Israel Confirms Identities of Two Deceased Hostages Returned by Hamas
Israel has confirmed the identities of two deceased hostages whose bodies were returned by Hamas via the Red Cross in Gaza. The Israeli prime minister's office identified them as Amiram Cooper and Sahar Baruch on Thursday, stating "The Government of Israel shares in the deep sorrow of the Cooper and Sahar families and all the families of the fallen hostages." This confirmation comes after Israel accused Hamas of violating the Gaza ceasefire deal on Tuesday when the group handed over a coffin containing remains that forensic tests showed belonged to Ofir Tzarfati, a hostage whose body had already been recovered by Israeli forces in late 2023. Israeli military drone footage revealed Hamas members removing a body bag from a building in Gaza City, reburying it, and then staging its discovery in front of Red Cross staff. The Red Cross described the staged recovery as "unacceptable," noting staff were unaware the body bag had been moved beforehand. Hamas rejected what it called "baseless allegations" and accused Israel of seeking to fabricate false pretexts for further military action. The situation escalated when Israel accused Hamas of killing an Israeli soldier in an attack in southern Gaza, leading to Israeli air strikes that killed 104 Palestinians, including 46 children and 20 women, marking the deadliest day since the ceasefire took effect on 10 October. Despite tensions, US President Donald Trump maintained the ceasefire agreement would not be jeopardized but stated Israel should "hit back" when its soldiers are targeted. The ongoing hostage exchange deal, brokered by the US, Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey, involves Hamas returning 20 living and 28 dead hostages within 72 hours, with Israel exchanging Palestinian prisoners and detainees in return.
Satellite images reveal catastrophic damage from Hurricane Melissa in Jamaica
Satellite imagery has begun to show the full extent of the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa, a Category‑5 storm that struck Jamaica with winds of up to 185 mph. BBC Verify compared images taken before and after the hurricane and found severe destruction across several key locations. In the southwestern coastal port of Black River, the changes are stark. A satellite photo from 9 February shows a distinctive white‑roofed market building; by 29 October the roof has been replaced by a gaping hole. A nearby café has been completely wiped out, and the red roof of a warehouse at the northern edge of the image has vanished. The fire station next to the market still outlines its shape, but its top appears torn away. Prime Minister Andrew Holness described Black River as “ground zero” after sharing footage of the destruction. The fishing village of White House on the west coast also suffered heavily. Nearly every structure has been damaged or destroyed, with buildings directly on the beach razed to the ground, including the restaurants Marva’s and Pelican Lookout. A large circular structure has lost its top, and a cluster of shops along the main road was hit hard. Fishing boats that were visible in the bay on 7 October have disappeared. Further north, parts of Montego Bay—one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations—now resemble a brown swamp. Floodwater has stained the beach, inundating the port, container terminal, oil storage facility, water‑treatment plant and a nearby sports complex. Mayor Richard Vernon called the area “devastated,” noting that residents are helping each other as communications remain limited and power is down across the island.
Prince Andrew to lose 'Prince' title and vacate Royal Lodge under formal palace process
Buckingham Palace announced that King Charles III has begun a formal process to remove Prince Andrew’s royal style and titles. The palace said Prince Andrew will now be known as “Andrew Mountbatten Windsor” and will surrender the lease on Royal Lodge, the Windsor mansion he has lived in. Formal notice has been served to end the lease, and Andrew will move to alternative private accommodation—understood to be a property on the private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, privately funded by the King. The decision is part of “censures” deemed necessary despite Andrew’s continued denial of the allegations against him. Earlier this month Andrew relinquished his other titles, including the Duke of York, after renewed scrutiny over his private life. The move follows the resurfacing of Virginia Giuffre’s posthumous memoir, in which she repeated claims that she had sex with Andrew as a teenager, and the re‑emergence of 2011 emails showing his contact with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein after he said their friendship had ended. The palace statement emphasized that the King and Queen’s thoughts and sympathies remain with all victims and survivors of abuse. Princess Eugenie and Princess Beatrice will retain their titles, as they are the daughters of a sovereign’s son, in line with King George V’s 1917 Letters Patent.
Israel Receives Remains of Two Deceased Gaza Hostages via Red Cross
Israel has received the remains of two deceased hostages from Gaza, transferred by Hamas through the Red Cross on Thursday. The bodies were transported from Deir Al-Balah and will undergo identification at Israel's national forensics laboratory. If confirmed, this leaves 11 deceased hostages' bodies remaining in Gaza. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office emphasized their continued efforts to return all hostages, stating the effort "will not cease until the return of the last hostage." This transfer follows two days of Israeli retaliatory strikes in Gaza after Hamas killed an Israeli soldier in Rafah, resulting in over 100 Palestinian deaths, including 46 children—the deadliest day since the ceasefire began nearly three weeks ago. Despite the violence, both Hamas and Israel reaffirmed their commitment to the US-brokered ceasefire agreement, with US President Donald Trump warning that "nothing’s going to jeopardize" the deal and threatening to "take out Hamas very easily." The transfer proceeded smoothly, unlike recent attempts where Hamas canceled a planned handover under bombardment or staged a fake recovery of Ofir Tzarfati's remains, which the Red Cross condemned, stating it was "unacceptable" given the impact on families awaiting news of loved ones.
Trump and Xi Strike Trade Deal at G20 Summit, Reducing Tariffs and Securing Soybean Purchases
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping concluded their first face-to-face meeting since Trump's second term began with a significant trade agreement that temporarily eases tensions between the world's two largest economies. Trump announced he would reduce tariffs on Chinese imports from 57% to 47%, marking a 10 percentage point decrease from pre-summit levels. In exchange, Xi agreed to resume purchasing American soybeans and delay China's rare earth mineral export restrictions for one year. The two leaders met for nearly two hours on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit in Gyeongju, South Korea, with Trump later calling the meeting "a 12" on a scale of 1-10. According to the Chinese readout, Xi emphasized that trade serves as a "ballast and propeller" of U.S.-China relations and stressed the importance of cooperation rather than "a vicious cycle of mutual retaliation." The agreement includes specific commitments from China to purchase 12 million metric tons of soybeans "this season" and at least 25 million metric tons annually for the next three years. Trump also reduced tariffs tied to fentanyl concerns from 20% to 10%, with Xi promising to work "very hard to stop the flow" of precursor chemicals. Both leaders announced reciprocal visits, with Trump planning to visit China in April and Xi slated to visit Washington or Trump's Mar-a-Lago Club in Florida. However, several key issues remain unresolved, including semiconductor sales to China and TikTok's future ownership. Trump emphasized the deal requires annual renewal, stating "every year, we'll renegotiate the deal."
Hurricane Melissa Devastates Caribbean, Dozens Dead as Storm Targets Bermuda
Hurricane Melissa has left a trail of destruction across the Caribbean, killing dozens of people including at least five in Jamaica and twenty in Haiti. The category five storm, one of the most powerful hurricanes ever recorded in the Atlantic, has caused "total devastation" according to Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. In Jamaica, where the storm made direct impact, 72% of customers remain without power and entire communities have been marooned. Local government minister Desmond McKenzie confirmed that at least five people have died, with more casualties expected as rescue operations continue. The country has opened 521 shelters housing approximately 13,000 people, though some residents like Kabien Watson in St Elizabeth parish refuse to use them, citing safety concerns. Eight major hospitals have had power restored, and Kingston's airport has reopened. Haiti suffered at least 20 deaths, including ten children, despite being on the periphery of the storm. The devastation there was primarily due to flooding after days of relentless rain. In Cuba, Santiago de Cuba was badly hit with President Miguel Díaz-Canel reporting "considerable damage." The Bahamas evacuated 1,500 people from vulnerable areas before lifting hurricane warnings. The UK government has chartered flights to evacuate British nationals from Jamaica, where up to 8,000 are believed to be located, prioritizing the vulnerable including children and those with medical needs. Emergency humanitarian aid of £2.5 million has been allocated to the region. Now downgraded to a category one storm but maintaining 105mph winds, Melissa continues its trajectory toward Bermuda, where hurricane warnings remain in effect with conditions expected tonight.
Five Additional Suspects Arrested in Connection with Louvre Heist
Five more suspects have been arrested in connection with the Oct. 19 jewel heist at the Louvre Museum in Paris, bringing the total number detained to seven. The arrests, made on Wednesday in the Seine-Saint-Denis region near Paris, were announced by Paris Prosecutor Laure Beccuau. Authorities confirmed that DNA evidence collected from a helmet left at the crime scene was matched to one of the suspects arrested Wednesday, who was already under surveillance. This suspect is considered a major person of interest. The stolen jewelry, eight royal pieces from the Apollo Gallery, remains unrecovered. Earlier arrests included two men in their 30s from Seine-Saint-Denis arrested last weekend. One was apprehended at Charles de Gaulle Airport while attempting to board a flight to Algeria. Police initially believed the second suspect was about to travel to Mali, but Beccuau clarified on Wednesday he had no intention of leaving the country. Both men have dual citizenship (France-Mali and France-Algeria) and known criminal records. Investigators are analyzing CCTV footage and physical evidence, including the DNA match, to build their case. The theft, captured on security video, involved thieves exiting the museum via a truck-mounted cherry picker. French Culture Minister Rachida Dati noted the perpetrators seemed highly organized, suggesting possible inside knowledge. Police continue to investigate potential Louvre connections.
Grand Egyptian Museum Set to Open After 3 Decades and $1 Billion Investment
The Grand Egyptian Museum, a $1 billion project, is set to open after three decades of construction, plagued by delays and a ballooning budget. The museum, one of the largest in the world, is dedicated to ancient Egypt and spans 7,000 years of history. It features a triangular-themed structure, with a 53-foot-high Hanging Obelisk at its entrance, and a Grand Staircase with 108 steps leading to the main galleries. The museum has 12 primary exhibition halls, covering 194,000 square feet, and will display around 100,000 artifacts, including the complete collection of King Tutankhamun. The museum's design aligns with the three main pyramids of Giza, and its interior offers stunning panoramic views of the pyramids. The project was funded through Egyptian resources and international cooperation, and its opening ceremony will be attended by dozens of foreign leaders and dignitaries. Egyptian officials hope the museum will boost the country's tourism industry and attract 5 million visitors per year. The museum's collection includes the 3,200-year-old statue of King Ramses II, which was moved to the site in 2006, and the King Khufu's Boats Museum, showcasing 4,500-year-old boats designed for the journey to the afterlife. The idea for the museum dates back to 1992, and the project has undergone several delays, including financial crises, political uprisings, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The museum's opening is expected to be a significant event, with 40 heads of state and senior officials from around the world in attendance.
Trump-Xi Trade Deal Insufficient to Resolve Deep Economic Challenges in US and China
President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping announced initial terms for a trade agreement during a historic summit in Seoul on Thursday. The deal proposes the US reducing tariffs on Chinese goods by 10%, lowering the effective rate to 47%, while China would delay imposing export controls on rare earth minerals and increase purchases of American soybeans. However, both leaders warned these concessions are insufficient to address deeper economic issues. In the US, soybean farmers have already suffered months of losses due to China's effective embargo since May, with peak harvest potentially forcing sales at lower prices. The labor market has also deteriorated significantly, showing slower hiring and increased layoffs for the first time in years, surpassing available jobs. Uncertainty from aggressive tariffs and the impact of AI-driven layoffs, such as Amazon's recent cuts, are key factors. Federal Reserve Governor Christopher Waller noted that structural shifts in labor demand caused by AI cannot be addressed through monetary policy. Concerns also exist that rate cuts could reignite inflation. China faces persistent domestic economic woes despite resilient exports under tariff pressure. Key challenges include a prolonged property downturn, 36 months of deflationary pressures, declining consumer confidence, and high youth unemployment. Recent data shows retail sales slowed to a 3% year-over-year increase in September, and new home prices fell at the fastest pace in 11 months. Oxford Economics' Louise Loo stated the deal's impact on China's structural challenges would be "marginal," potentially adding just 0.2% to growth next year. The agreement remains a preliminary draft pending further negotiations, with the threat of additional 100% tariffs on Chinese exports avoided for now. Both nations' economies remain burdened by unresolved structural issues that the trade deal does not adequately address.
Tens of thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews protest military draft in Jerusalem
On Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, tens of thousands of ultra‑Orthodox (haredi) men filled the streets of Jerusalem, forming a sea of black as they protested plans to force them into Israel’s military. The rally featured prayer, chanting, and signs declaring they would rather go to jail than serve. Israel shut down the main highway into the city and deployed more than 2,000 officers, while road closures and halted public transportation crippled urban movement. The demonstration turned tragic when a teenager died after falling from a building under construction near the protest site, police said. The protest was sparked by the decision to advance enlistment legislation in a Knesset committee next week, a move that could codify a permanent draft exemption that ultra‑Orthodox parties have demanded for decades. Haredi leaders view military service as a threat to their tradition of full‑time religious study; roughly 1.3 million haredim—about 13 % of Israel’s population—currently receive state stipends for seminary study. The exemption dates back to Israel’s founding but was ruled illegal by the Supreme Court in 2017, prompting repeated extensions. The issue has become the most serious threat to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, as the ultra‑Orthodox parties left the government in the summer but still vote with it. Netanyahu now risks early elections if he cannot pass a permanent exemption, a demand that could topple his fragile government. While some haredi voices suggest a modest compromise—allowing non‑full‑time scholars to serve—the protest aimed to show a unified front against any compromise.
Rob Jetten: D66 Leader Poised to Become Netherlands' First Out Gay Prime Minister After Election Victory Over Far-Right
Rob Jetten, the 38-year-old leader of the liberal-progressive D66 party, appears certain to become the Netherlands' next prime minister following a general election where his party made significant gains. After addressing an ecstatic crowd of supporters, Jetten declared "we have turned the page on [Geert Wilders," celebrating what he described as the end of the far-right's influence over Dutch politics. The election results showed D66 securing 26 parliamentary seats, matching the number achieved by Wilders' far-right PVV party, which saw its support decline from 37 to 26 seats. With all major political parties having ruled out cooperation with Wilders, Jetten's position as the likely next prime minister appears secure despite the complex nature of Dutch coalition politics that may delay final confirmation for weeks or months. The former junior athlete and ex-railway manager would make history as the Netherlands' first openly gay prime minister, running on an optimistic "yes we can" ("het kan wél") platform that emphasized pro-European and pro-climate values. Known for his positive messaging and down-to-earth pragmatism, Jetten successfully countered Wilders' populist rhetoric through a campaign that focused on hope rather than negativity, appealing to voters seeking an alternative to the previous Wilders-led government's collapse after just 11 months. The Democrats 66 party, founded in 1966 by activists concerned about democracy's devaluation, leveraged lessons from populists while maintaining its intellectual foundation, with Jetten's television appearances and debate performances helping introduce him to millions of Dutch voters. Speaking with responsibility and collaboration, Jetten acknowledged that while D66 may emerge as the largest party, millions voted for other parties, emphasizing his commitment to serving all Dutch citizens and seeking cooperation across the political center to address growing societal divisions.