EU Announces €900 Million Gaza Aid Package; Reconstruction Bill Estimated At $71.4 Billion

<p><em>Edited by: Jenipher Camino Gonzalez</em></p> <p>The Gaza Strip will receive some &euro;900 million ($1 billion) in donations from Europe, after an EU-backed conference raised the funds for the reconstruction of the embattled enclave.</p> <p>With about a half of its two million residents living in tents due to Israel's war with Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, considered a terrorist organization by the US, the EU and other countries, the funding will first go to providing the Palestinian territory with basic water and sanitation facilities, as well as restoring the Gaza Strip's health and food systems hit hard by the war with Israel.</p> <p>The Team Gaza Initiative will coordinate the efforts to rebuild the enclave.</p> <p>The EU's foreign policy head Kaja Kallas said reforms in the Palestinian Authority are needed for the bloc to continue supporting it.</p> <p>Palestinianrepresentatives, as well as representation of the Board of Peace, established by US President Donald Trump, were among the invitees to the conference.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-61" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-61" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-61" data-testid="conversation-turn-124" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="6a660821-7a3f-4a9d-a128-093bf47f3a20" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="streaming-animation markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="37">How Much Money Is Needed To Rebuild Gaza</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>According to a UN report from May 2026, the recovery and construction works needed in the Gaza Strip are estimated at $71.4 billion (&euro;62.6 billion)</p> <p>The report also says 371,888 homes have been directly affected by the war, which makes three quarters of the enclave's housing stock. 85% of the affected homes have been completely destroyed.</p> <p>Some 1.9 million Palestinians &mdash; more than 90% of the Strip's population &mdash; were displaced by the war between Israel and Hamas, some of them multiple times.</p> <p>The war broke after the Hamas-led terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023, that claimed the lives of some 1,200 Israelis, with 251 people being taken hostage.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-62" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-62" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-62" data-testid="conversation-turn-126" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="16c81574-5c52-4c70-8e22-2425e24d2142" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 data-start="0" data-end="42">What's The Situation Like In Gaza Now?</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>More than 71,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, many of them women and children. Some 450 of them were killed between the ceasefire's announcement and mid-January 2026, the UN report said.</p> <p>Nearly 70% of the Gaza Strip is still in control of the Israeli army, with the rest still being managed by Hamas, which have so far refused to lay down their arms as agreed in the October 2025 ceasefire deal mediated by the US, Egypt and Qatar.</p> <p>The Board of Peace, a technocratic body led by Bulgarian diplomat Nickolay Mladenov, was established to manage the Gaza Strip's civil matters.</p> <div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-63" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-63" data-turn-id-container="request-WEB:6aa9a96c-9151-4853-99f1-ce75649e8ecb-63" data-testid="conversation-turn-128" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="1f3364c9-42e3-4fb6-bd5c-b0ead2930726" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <h2 class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="0" data-end="40">Is The Gaza War Considered Genocide?</h2> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div> <p>In September 2025, the UN Commission of Inquiry, the organization's investigative body, blamed Israel for committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Several high-profile human rights organizations in Israel and around the world also consider the Israeli army's operations in Gaza as genocide.</p> <p>The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently considering a genocide case brought by South Africa in 2023.</p> <p>Israel has repeatedly denied the claim.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on <strong>Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by <strong>ABP Live.</strong></em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/eu-announces-900-million-gaza-aid-package-reconstruction-bill-estimated-at-71-4-billion-1856258

27 Killed As Fire Engulfs Bangkok Pub; Video Captures Huge Blaze, People Fleeing For Their Lives

<p>At least 27 people were killed and dozens injured after a massive fire tore through a popular pub in Thailand's capital, Bangkok, late on Sunday night.</p> <p>The blaze erupted at around 11:57 pm local time at the Rong Beer Na Lat Phrao pub in Bangkok's Chatuchak district, one of the city's popular entertainment areas, Reuters reported.</p> <p>Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who visited the scene, confirmed the death toll and said the cause of the fire was under investigation.</p> <h3>Victims Trapped As Smoke Filled Venue</h3> <p>According to officials, the fire spread rapidly, filling the venue with thick smoke and trapping patrons inside.</p> <p>Based on accounts from survivors, many people fled towards the rear of the pub near the bathrooms in an attempt to escape but were unable to get out as there were no fire exits, the report said.</p> <p>"We have recovered 27 bodies, others are being sent to hospital," Prime Minister Charnvirakul said after visiting the site.</p> <p>Authorities said firefighters brought the blaze under control in about 35 minutes.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/vietnam-boat-tragedy-updates-indians-killed-after-capsize-we-were-screaming-for-help-survivor-shares-chilling-account-1856014">'We Were Screaming For Help': Survivor Shares Chilling Account Of Vietnam Boat Tragedy</a></strong></p> <h3>Dozens Injured, Many Critical</h3> <p>Bangkok Metropolitan Administration's Department of Disaster Prevention and Mitigation said 63 injured people were admitted to hospitals.</p> <p>Of those, 22 remain in critical condition, Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt said.</p> <p>"The number of deaths has stabilised at 27," Suriyachai Rawiwan, director of the city's disaster prevention department, told Reuters.</p> <h3>Firefighters Describe Scene</h3> <p>Firefighter Chakrit Khongkom, who was among the first responders, said thick smoke had engulfed the entire venue by the time emergency crews arrived.</p> <p>"The fire was not that aggressive, but the smoke had engulfed 100% of the venue. The smoke was everywhere. Most of the survivors were choking on smoke," the report quoted him as saying.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/india/us-iran-war-gfs-galaxy-attacked-live-updates-india-condemns-says-10-sailors-resued-and-one-missing-thanks-oman-authorities-1856008">'10 Rescued, One Sailor Missing': India Condemns Attack On Ship Off Oman's Cost</a></strong></p> <p>Body-camera footage from emergency responders showed firefighters wearing oxygen masks searching the charred building for survivors, with several victims found near the pub's toilets.</p> <p>Visuals of the fire incident showed a raging blaze engulfing the pub as people ran outside to save their lives.&nbsp;</p> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560"> <p dir="ltr" lang="en">💔 27 dead and 18 injured as tragedy strikes Bangkok nightlife<br /><br />Late last night, a massive fire engulfed the popular entertainment venue "Rong Beer at Ladprao" near the Ladprao Intersection. Emergency services responded around midnight to a fierce blaze, with thick smoke and&hellip; <a href="https://t.co/vuPsMO7eZn">pic.twitter.com/vuPsMO7eZn</a></p> &mdash; Thai Enquirer (@ThaiEnquirer) <a href="https://ift.tt/Vg6Ivce 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <p> <script src="https://ift.tt/MdLsQFg" async="" charset="utf-8"></script> </p> <p>A member of the band performing at the venue said the lights briefly went out before smoke rapidly spread through the building, followed by a powerful explosion.</p> <p>"After the explosion I didn't see anybody trying to run, most of them were on the floor asking for help. I ran towards the door from the stage, about five metres. It was dark and there was smoke, no oxygen," he told local media.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-one-killed-two-injured-after-projectiles-hit-tehran-s-qeshm-island-1856042">US-Iran War: Telecom Worker Killed, Two Injured In Fresh Washington Strikes On Tehran</a></strong></p> <h3>Investigation Underway</h3> <p>Officials said police and forensic teams have begun investigating the cause of the blaze.</p> <p>Authorities are also examining whether the absence of adequate emergency exits contributed to the high death toll, making it one of Thailand's deadliest pub fires in recent years.&nbsp;</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/bangkok-pub-fire-kills-27-22-critical-people-flee-for-their-lives-as-blaze-spreads-video-1856055

US, Iran Exchange Fresh Strikes After Tehran Targets Gulf Bases, Shuts Hormuz Again

<p>The United States and Iran exchanged fresh missile and drone attacks on Sunday, with Tehran targeting US facilities across the Gulf and announcing a renewed closure of the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the region.</p> <p>The latest round of hostilities has cast fresh uncertainty over an interim US-Iran agreement signed last month, which was intended to reopen the strategic waterway and pave the way for a 60-day negotiation process aimed at ending the conflict.</p> <p><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/yCQ5E-p4SdU?si=Df6PKkoL9GPVKqjt" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <h3>Iran Expands Attacks Across Gulf</h3> <p>Iran launched missile and drone attacks against US-linked facilities in several Gulf states, extending strikes to Qatar, which has been mediating ceasefire efforts, Reuters reported.</p> <p>The United Arab Emirates also reported intercepting Iranian missiles and drones, marking one of the most significant escalations since fighting intensified earlier this year.</p> <p>The attacks reflected Tehran's continued effort to assert control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's busiest energy transit routes.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-one-killed-two-injured-after-projectiles-hit-tehran-s-qeshm-island-1856042">US-Iran War: Telecom Worker Killed, Two Injured In Fresh Washington Strikes On Tehran</a></strong></p> <h3>US Responds With Fresh Airstrikes; Trump Says 'We're Beating Them Up'</h3> <p>The US military launched another round of strikes against Iranian targets on Sunday evening.</p> <p>US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the operation aimed to further degrade Iran's ability to target civilian vessels and commercial shipping transiting the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>CENTCOM spokesperson Tim Hawkins said US aircraft intercepted and destroyed an Iranian cruise missile and a one-way attack drone during the operation.</p> <p>US President Donald Trump briefly commented on the military action during a phone interview with Reuters. "We're beating them up," Trump said.</p> <p>The president has repeatedly maintained that the ceasefire reached last month is effectively over, while continuing to leave the door open for future negotiations with Tehran.</p> <h3>Iran Blames US For Failed Diplomacy</h3> <p>Iranian state media reported explosions and missile strikes around the strategic port cities of Sirik and Bandar Abbas, as well as Qeshm Island, which hosts military installations near the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <p>Iran's Foreign Ministry condemned what it described as "aggressive" US attacks and accused Washington of undermining diplomatic efforts.</p> <p>The ministry said talks held in Muscat on Saturday between Iranian and Omani officials on managing navigation through the Strait of Hormuz failed because of what it described as overt and covert US pressure on Oman.</p> <p>Iran's top negotiator, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, also signalled a tougher negotiating stance. "The era of one-sided deals is OVER. We told you: keep your word or pay the price. Reality is knocking," he said.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/500-tariffs-russia-oil-and-more-when-trump-s-close-aide-lindsey-graham-repeatedly-took-aim-at-india-1856026">500% Tariffs, Russia Oil And More: When Trump's Close Aide Lindsey Graham Repeatedly Took Aim At India</a></strong></p> <h3>Hormuz Closure Raises Global Energy Concerns</h3> <p>Iran said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz after warning that vessels would not be allowed to transit the waterway without its authorisation.</p> <p>Tehran claimed it had fired a warning shot at a vessel travelling on an unauthorised route on Saturday before disabling another vessel on Sunday.</p> <p>The Strait of Hormuz previously handled nearly one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. The renewed disruption has heightened concerns over global energy supplies, pushed oil prices higher and increased fears of further inflation, particularly in fuel markets.</p> <p>The renewed violence comes as the conflict, which began after US and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, continues to destabilise the Gulf region despite ongoing diplomatic efforts.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-exchange-fresh-strikes-tehran-targets-gulf-bases-qatar-shuts-strait-of-hormuz-again-trump-warns-1856052

US-Iran War: Telecom Worker Killed, Two Injured In Fresh Washington Strikes On Tehran

<div class="qMYqUG_convSearchResultHighlightRoot"> <div class="" data-turn-id-container="request-6a4fdb0e-f1c0-83e8-8569-390cc2b81936-65" data-is-intersecting="true"> <section class="text-token-text-primary w-full focus:outline-none has-data-writing-block:pointer-events-none [&amp;:has([data-writing-block])&gt;*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-6a4fdb0e-f1c0-83e8-8569-390cc2b81936-65" data-turn-id-container="request-6a4fdb0e-f1c0-83e8-8569-390cc2b81936-65" data-testid="conversation-turn-200" data-turn="assistant"> <div class="text-base my-auto mx-auto pb-10 [--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-xs,calc(var(--spacing)*4))] @w-sm/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-sm,calc(var(--spacing)*6))] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-margin:var(--thread-content-margin-lg,calc(var(--spacing)*16))] px-(--thread-content-margin)"> <div class="[--thread-content-max-width:40rem] @w-lg/main:[--thread-content-max-width:48rem] mx-auto max-w-(--thread-content-max-width) flex-1 group/turn-messages focus-visible:outline-hidden relative flex w-full min-w-0 flex-col agent-turn" data-conversation-screenshot-content=""> <div class="flex max-w-full flex-col gap-4 grow"> <div class="min-h-8 text-message relative flex w-full flex-col items-end gap-2 text-start break-words whitespace-normal outline-none keyboard-focused:focus-ring [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-1" dir="auto" tabindex="0" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="581d6d4c-874a-4758-9833-0b92d8ecc543" data-message-model-slug="gpt-5-5" data-turn-start-message="true"> <div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 empty:hidden"> <div class="markdown prose dark:prose-invert wrap-break-word w-full light markdown-new-styling"> <p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="100" data-end="357">Hostilities between the United States and Iran intensified on Sunday, with US forces carrying out fresh strikes on Iranian military assets around the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, while Tehran expanded its retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region.</p> <p data-start="359" data-end="616">According to Axios, citing a senior US official, American forces targeted Iranian missile systems, air defence installations and small speedboats operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at multiple locations around the Strait of Hormuz.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1g4lp22" data-start="618" data-end="664">Iran Reports Fresh Strikes On Qeshm Island</h2> <p data-start="666" data-end="804">Iranian state media reported that between 10 and 11 projectiles struck Qeshm Island, located in the Strait of Hormuz, on Sunday afternoon.</p> <p data-start="806" data-end="992">Hossein Amir Teymouri, the governor of Qeshm township, told the state-run IRNA news agency that all the projectiles targeted military facilities and that no casualties had been reported.</p> <p data-start="994" data-end="1108">Explosions were also reported in the port city of Bandar Abbas and the inland city of Hajiabad, according to IRNA.</p> <h2 data-section-id="1ktzkqw" data-start="1110" data-end="1148">Telecom Worker Killed In Hormozgan</h2> <p data-start="1150" data-end="1320">In a separate incident, Iranian state media said an employee of the Mobile Communications Company of Iran was killed during strikes in the southern province of Hormozgan.</p> <p data-start="1322" data-end="1478">According to IRNA, the employee was carrying out official duties in Farur, Bandar Lengeh, when the attack occurred. Two of his colleagues were also injured.</p> <h2 data-section-id="14je4p6" data-start="1480" data-end="1516">Iran Expands Retaliatory Attacks</h2> <p data-start="1518" data-end="1686">Iran widened its military response following Saturday's US strikes, launching attacks towards several Gulf countries, including Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Jordan and Oman.</p> <p data-start="1688" data-end="1950">The escalation comes as Tehran and Washington are nearly halfway through a 60-day interim agreement aimed at negotiating a permanent end to the conflict. However, the latest military exchanges have raised fresh concerns over the future of the diplomatic process.</p> <p data-start="1952" data-end="2189" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global maritime chokepoint through which nearly one-fifth of the world's oil supplies pass, making the renewed fighting a significant concern for international energy markets and regional security.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </div> </section> </div> </div>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-iran-war-live-updates-one-killed-two-injured-after-projectiles-hit-tehran-s-qeshm-island-1856042

US Launches Fresh Strikes On Iran After IRGC Attacks Cyprus-Flagged Ship, Shuts Strait Of Hormuz

<p class="PDq2pG_selectionAnchorContainer" data-start="886" data-end="1149">The United States on Saturday launched a third round of military strikes against Iran, accusing the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of attacking a commercial cargo vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, further escalating tensions in the region.</p> <p data-start="1151" data-end="1333">The strikes followed allegations by the US Central Command (CENTCOM) that the IRGC targeted the M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the strategic waterway.</p> <p data-start="1335" data-end="1528">According to CENTCOM, the attack left one civilian crew member missing, while the vessel suffered significant engine room damage and an onboard fire, rendering it unable to continue its voyage.</p> <p data-start="1530" data-end="1834">"At 7:15 p.m. ET today, US Central Command forces began launching the third round of strikes this week against Iran after Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps forces blatantly attacked M/V GFS Galaxy, a Cyprus-flagged container ship transiting the Strait of Hormuz," CENTCOM said in a statement posted on X.</p> <p data-start="1530" data-end="1834"><iframe title="YouTube video player" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/XLnZXs-1FUs?si=gyq-C70Pxy2LGIjx" width="560" height="315" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe></p> <p data-start="1836" data-end="2043">The US military said Iran had been given an opportunity to comply with the Memorandum of Understanding reached between the two countries after previous attacks on commercial shipping but had failed to do so.</p> <p data-start="2045" data-end="2320">"In response, the United States is imposing a heavy cost by continuing to degrade Iran's ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships freely transiting the strait. The strikes are being carried out at the direction of the Commander in Chief," the statement added.</p> <p data-start="2322" data-end="2434">US War Secretary Pete Hegseth backed the military action, writing on X: "Iran made a poor choice. Now they pay."</p> <p data-start="2322" data-end="2434"><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/indian-tourists-died-injured-boat-capsized-in-vietnam-phu-quoc-island-rescue-underway-live-updates-1855861">15 Indian Tourists Dead After Speedboat Capsizes Near Vietnam's Phu Quoc Island</a></strong></p> <h2 data-start="2436" data-end="2481">Iran Announces Closure Of Strait Of Hormuz</h2> <p data-start="2483" data-end="2691">The latest strikes came hours after the IRGC announced that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed "until further notice," citing what it described as the United States' continued interference in West Asia.</p> <p data-start="2693" data-end="2851">According to an IRGC statement carried by Iran's state-run Press TV, no vessel would be permitted to pass through the strategic waterway until further orders.</p> <p data-start="2853" data-end="2977">The IRGC also warned that any military action against Iran under the pretext of the closure would trigger a strong response.</p> <p data-start="2979" data-end="3221">"Should the aggressor enemy exploit this development... as a pretext for committing another act of aggression against us, it will be met with a forceful response, and additional enemy bases in the region will be targeted," the statement said.</p> <p data-start="3223" data-end="3369">Iran held the United States, Israel and regional countries hosting US military bases responsible for any consequences arising from the escalation.</p> <p data-start="3223" data-end="3369"><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pakistan-demographic-challenges-army-chief-asim-munir-given-new-responsibility-1855890">Pakistan's Demographic Challenge Grows; Asim Munir Given New Responsibility</a></strong></p> <h2 data-start="3371" data-end="3401">Diplomatic Efforts Continue</h2> <p data-start="3403" data-end="3491">Despite the renewed hostilities, diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis continued.</p> <p data-start="3493" data-end="3616">Qatari negotiators travelled to Iran in an attempt to reduce tensions and pave the way for the resumption of US-Iran talks.</p> <p data-start="3618" data-end="3749">Separately, Iranian Foreign Minister Seyyed Abbas Araghchi met his Omani counterpart, Sayyid Badr Albusaidi, in Muscat on Saturday.</p> <p data-start="3751" data-end="4044" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="">According to Iran's Foreign Ministry, the two sides discussed bilateral ties, regional developments and mechanisms to ensure the safe passage of vessels under Article 5 of the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding, while Oman reiterated its support for diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict.</p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/us-launches-fresh-strikes-iran-irgc-attacks-cyprus-ship-m-v-gfs-galaxy-shuts-strait-of-hormuz-1855922

PoK Braces For 'Final Standoff'; 3 Killed, Protesters Block Roads Before July 15

<p>The rebellion in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) has entered its 33rd consecutive day. Echoing yesterday's violence, Pakistani Rangers once again resorted to open firing and tear gas shelling today. The firing took place at around 10:00 am when a convoy of 60 to 70 protesters from Jandala was marching towards Rawalakot to join the massive Muzaffarabad march scheduled for July 15.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/xFsLUoh" width="720" /></p> <h2><strong>Death Toll Rises</strong></h2> <p>The convoy was initially intercepted near Arja Cross, just ahead of Jandala, where Pakistani Rangers opened fire and lobbed tear gas shells. ABP News has accessed several videos of the incident. Three young men lost their lives in today's military action, pushing the total death toll of protesters killed by Pakistani forces to 65.</p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/j6ci1L7" width="720" /></p> <h2><strong>Mosque Allegations</strong></h2> <p>Detailing the alleged atrocities committed by the Pakistani military, Sardar Umar Nazir, one of the prominent organisers of the movement, said the army's brutality had crossed all limits. He recounted that when the forces opened fire on the unarmed protesters today, an individual rushed into a nearby mosque to retrieve the Holy Quran to protect the religious text from damage.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pok-protest-live-updates-pakistan-deploys-17-500-troops-ahead-of-muzaffarabad-march-as-death-toll-rises-to-62-1855766">Pakistan Deploys 17,500 Troops Ahead Of Muzaffarabad March As PoK Death Toll Rises To 62</a></strong></p> <p><br /><img src="https://ift.tt/rdbaZzY" width="720" /></p> <p>However, he alleged that Pakistani Rangers entered the mosque wearing boots, snatched the Holy Quran, vandalised the premises and looted mosque property. Drawing a direct parallel, Sardar Umar Nazir compared the actions of the Pakistani army to those of the Israeli forces, stating that the Pakistani military was doing the exact same things in PoK mosques that Israel allegedly does in Gaza. He raised a pointed question: "What difference is left between the Pakistani army and the Israeli army?"</p> <h2><strong>Roadblocks Intensify</strong></h2> <p>As reported yesterday, the deployment of Pakistani Rangers and the Frontier Corps (FC) in PoK has been scaled up to more than 17,500 personnel to thwart the July 15 long march from Rawalakot to Muzaffarabad and prevent protesters from taking over the capital.</p> <p>Visuals obtained by ABP News today from various parts of PoK show locals placing massive boulders and felling trees to block roads. This tactical resistance aims to prevent additional personnel from the Pakistani Rangers and FC from entering towns such as Rawalakot, Dheer Kot and Bagh.</p> <h2><strong>Anti-Army Slogans</strong></h2> <p>Massive demonstrations involving both men and women continued across PoK for the 33rd consecutive day. Women were seen raising slogans demanding "Azaadi" (Freedom) and chanting, "Yeh jo dahshatgardi hai, iske peeche wardi hai" (The uniform is behind this terrorism).</p> <p>Meanwhile, men raised slogans against the 41 local legislative seats and the 12 refugee seats in PoK, labelling pro-Pakistan elements as "Sahoolatkaar" (facilitators/collaborators) and issuing stern warnings to them.</p> <h2><strong>Police Appeal Falls Flat</strong></h2> <p>In an attempt to break the protesters' unity, PoK Police Chief IG Captain (Retired) Liaquat Ali Malik issued a statement today. He urged those who had joined the Awami Action Committee under external influence to return, promising that the PoK and Pakistani administrations would treat them with respect. At the same time, Captain Malik blamed the Awami Action Committee for the killing of police personnel during the ongoing unrest.</p> <p>However, the appeal by Captain (Retired) Liaquat Ali Malik, who was promoted and transferred from Lahore to PoK last year to enforce the regime's control, failed to make any significant impact on the ground. Defying the administration, locals continue to organise rallies across the region while raising slogans ahead of the July 15 march. Markets have remained completely shut for more than a month, and support among protesters for the Muzaffarabad march and the subsequent sit-in remains unshaken. The entire region is now closely watching how the volatile situation unfolds on July 15.</p> <p><strong>ALSO READ: <a href="https://news.abplive.com/news/world/it-s-not-just-oil-why-iran-s-vast-zinc-and-lead-reserves-matter-to-the-world-1855732">It's Not Just Oil: Why Iran's Vast Zinc And Lead Reserves Matter To The World</a></strong></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/pok-protests-final-standoff-3-killed-protesters-block-roads-before-july-15-1855913

Typhoon Bavi Makes Landfall in China After Leaving Trail of Destruction Across Asia

<p><em>Edited by: Karl Sexton</em></p> <p>Typhoon Bavi made landfall in China's eastern province of Zhejiang late Saturday night, state media reported.</p> <p>Over 1.7 million people had been evacuated as the country braced for Bavi, which is expected to move northwestward inland after the landfall, with its intensity gradually weakening.</p> <p>Bavi previously battered Japan's southern islands with heavy rain and strong winds, and brought life in Taiwan to a near standstill.</p> <h2>Winds, Heavy Rainfall Batter Taipei</h2> <p>In Taiwan, the typhoon has prompted the "evacuation of more than 10,000 people at risk from landslides and left over 150,000 households without power," DW's Taiwan correspondent Rik Glauert said.</p> <p>Authorities cancelled more than 1,100 domestic and international flights, while schools and offices were closed for two days.</p> <p>Although the storm has been downgraded from a super typhoon as it has moved westwards, "winds exceeding 100 kph and more than a meter of rainfall are battering the capital Taipei, toppling trees and power lines, swelling rivers and causing localized flooding," Glauert reported.</p> <h2>Thousands Without Power In Japan</h2> <p>In Japan's Okinawa prefecture, the storm lashed the Sakishima island chain with sustained winds of 144 kilometers (90 miles) per hour.</p> <p>More than 24,000 households have lost power, while 345 flights have been canceled and ferry services have been suspended.</p> <h2>Bavi Causes Death And Destruction In Philippines</h2> <p>The storm, which began as a "super typhoon" over the US Pacific territories of Guam and the Northern Marianas last week, also triggered floods and landslides in the Philippines, killing at least 17 people, while nine were missing in the southern island of Mindanao.</p> <p>Ten people died in a landslide in the town of Malapatan in the province of Sarangani, while two drowned in Bukidnon province. Five others died in a landslide in Lanao del Sur, the Philippines' meteorological agency said, adding that at least four people were injured in landslides.</p> <p>Over 500,000 have been affected by the storm, with more than 11,000 forced from their homes.</p> <p><em>Disclaimer: This report first appeared on <strong>Deutsche Welle</strong>, and has been republished on <strong>ABP Live</strong> as part of a special arrangement. Apart from the headline, no changes have been made in the report by<strong> ABP Live</strong>.</em></p>

source https://news.abplive.com/news/world/typhoon-bavi-makes-landfall-in-china-after-leaving-trail-of-destruction-across-asia-1855912