Arab Press

بالشعب و للشعب
Thursday, Jan 01, 2026

Global Headlines: Tragedy in Tubas, UK Political Reform, Shifts in US Politics, Protests in India, Interfaith Climate Call, and Malaysian Oil Exploration

Israeli Airstrikes Kill Five in West Bank, Marking Conflict Escalation
Five people were tragically killed in Israeli airstrikes in Tubas, West Bank, on September 5, marking a grim escalation in the conflict. With over 30 Palestinian deaths since late August and one Israeli soldier casualty, the northern West Bank has seen intensified military operations following clashes with Hamas in Gaza.

Shifting to political reform in the UK, Prime Minister Keir Starmer's administration plans to abolish the 92 hereditary peers in the House of Lords, keeping a promise from Labour’s recent landslide victory. This major constitutional change aims to modernize the upper chamber, and the bill is anticipated to pass smoothly in the House of Commons as part of broader reforms.

In a surprising political move stateside, former GOP figures Liz Cheney and Jimmy McCain have endorsed Kamala Harris for president, signaling a shift among Republicans uneasy with Donald Trump. Cheney, a vocal critic of Trump, and McCain, who has switched parties, emphasize country over party, adding momentum to Democrat efforts in battlegrounds like Arizona.

Turning to India, massive protests have erupted in Kolkata over the rape and murder of a 31-year-old doctor, with public outcry demanding better security for healthcare workers. As the tragic incident sparks national outrage, India's Supreme Court has responded by mandating the creation of a national task force to address the security issues.

Meanwhile, in Indonesia, Pope Francis and Grand Imam Nasaruddin Umar have united in a historic call for peace and climate action during an interfaith event. Signing "The Istiqlal Declaration," they stressed that religion should foster peace and urged for strong measures against climate change, kicking off the Pope's significant 11-day tour of Asia and Oceania.

Lastly, in economic news, Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim has asserted that Malaysia will continue oil exploration in the South China Sea despite Chinese objections, maintaining it's within their territorial rights. He emphasized the importance of economic benefits and international law, ensuring open discussions with China while not intending to provoke tensions.
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