Sombre Christmas in Bethlehem an ‘escape’ from war for Palestinians

Shye Klein-Weinstein, a survivor of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack at the Nova music festival in southern Israel, reflects on the trauma of that day while visiting a memorial for nearly 400 victims. A study from Haifa University suggests that the ecstasy (MDMA) taken by some festival-goers may have provided psychological benefits, including reduced PTSD symptoms, though overall distress levels remain high. Experts emphasize the importance of this research for developing treatment responses to...

The Iran-backed Houthi group reported that the US conducted 10 air strikes across Yemen's Al-Hudaydah, Bayda, and Saada provinces. US President Donald Trump previously indicated a strategy of "decisive and powerful military action" against the Houthis, who have recently escalated attacks on maritime targets in support of Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in significant casualties. The Houthis' military actions reflect their solidarity with the Palestinian cause, following threats to target...

A Dutch woman residing near Egypt's Giza Pyramids has gained widespread acclaim after a viral video showed her confronting a man, Bilal Mahmoud, who was allegedly beating a donkey. In the footage filmed in Nazlet El-Semman, Jock Vanderbost intervenes to physically block the blows while engaging in a heated exchange with Mahmoud. This incident has sparked outrage online, leading to a police investigation and renewed calls for enhanced animal welfare protections in the region. Full...

Palestine condemned an Israeli air strike on the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, labeling it “one of the ugliest forms of genocide.” The strike, which occurred early Sunday and damaged the hospital serving over a million Palestinians, was described by the Palestinian Foreign Ministry as a violation of international law and humanitarian principles, noting that Israel has destroyed 34 hospitals in Gaza since the conflict began. The ministry also criticized the international community for...

The Israeli army confirmed it conducted an airstrike on the al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City, alleging that Hamas was using the facility as a “command and control center.” The strike occurred early Sunday, destroying a building and igniting extensive fires across the medical complex, rendering it inoperable. An Anadolu reporter on-site verified that two missiles hit the hospital’s main reception, leading to the complete destruction of the building and damage to various departments. Full...

The Trump administration is reviving discussions with Saudi officials about a nuclear technology deal, which Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated could allow Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium and develop a commercial nuclear power industry. Although negotiations stalled previously due to Saudi resistance to nonproliferation conditions, momentum has increased as Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman linked nuclear cooperation to potential diplomatic normalization with Israel. However, challenges remain, including U.S. nonproliferation standards and congressional approval, while concerns...