The fragile ceasefire between Israel and Gaza is under threat following renewed hostilities, as Israel launched air strikes and suspended humanitarian aid, accusing Hamas of breaching the U.S.-mediated truce. The ceasefire, which had brought a temporary halt to over two years of conflict, now hangs in the balance. Israeli military officials reported that Hamas fighters in Rafah attacked Israeli forces with rocket-propelled grenades and sniper fire, prompting retaliatory strikes in southern Gaza. Additional violations, including fire directed at Israeli troops beyond the designated withdrawal boundary, were also cited. At least eight people were killed in the Israeli strikes across Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered an immediate halt to aid deliveries, stating they would remain suspended until further notice. Hamas denied the accusations, with its military wing, the Al Qassam Brigades, claiming no knowledge of the attacks and reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire. Netanyahu convened high-level security consultations with Defense Minister Israel Katz and military chiefs, vowing to respond forcefully to Hamas. Katz warned that Hamas would face severe consequences for any truce violations. The escalation coincides with calls from far-right members of Netanyahu’s coalition to resume full-scale war. Meanwhile, Hamas announced it had recovered the body of an Israeli hostage and would return it if conditions permit.
分类： world
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Tropical storm likely to form in Caribbean within seven days
Meteorologists are closely monitoring a weather system in the Caribbean that is expected to develop into a tropical storm in the coming days. The United States’ National Hurricane Center has raised the probability of this system evolving into either a tropical depression or a tropical storm from 70% to 80%, indicating a significant increase in the likelihood of its formation. Currently situated in the central Caribbean Sea, the system is projected to move northwestward, potentially gaining strength and becoming Tropical Storm Melissa within the next week. Authorities in Jamaica are advising residents to stay alert, keep abreast of official weather forecasts, and revisit their hurricane preparedness strategies to ensure safety.
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Brazil greenlights oil drilling in sensitive Amazon region
Brazil’s state-owned oil company, Petrobras, announced on Monday that it has secured approval to commence drilling for oil near the mouth of the Amazon River. This decision has sparked widespread criticism from environmentalists, who argue that it undermines Brazil’s commitment to combating climate change, especially as the country prepares to host the COP30 climate talks in the Amazon city of Belem next month. The drilling in the Foz de Amazonas region, set to begin immediately and last for five months, follows a five-year battle for exploration rights. Petrobras claims it has met all environmental requirements set by Brazil’s environmental watchdog, Ibama, and is optimistic about discovering oil in what it calls a ‘new global energy frontier.’ However, the move has drawn sharp rebuke from conservationists, who warn of potential ‘massive biodiversity loss’ in the ecologically sensitive area. The Climate Observatory, a Brazilian NGO, has vowed to challenge the decision in court, citing ‘illegalities and technical flaws’ in the licensing process. Despite these concerns, President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has defended the project, asserting that oil revenues will fund Brazil’s climate transition. The decision has also reignited debates over Brazil’s role as a global climate leader, with critics accusing the government of prioritizing economic gains over environmental preservation.
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Police have ‘no additional information’ on US threat
Acting Police Commissioner Junior Benjamin has reassured the public that there is no immediate threat to Trinidad and Tobago (TT) following a security alert issued by the US Embassy. The embassy advised US nationals to avoid visiting US government facilities in TT during the Divali holiday weekend, citing a heightened state of alert. However, Benjamin emphasized that local intelligence does not indicate any specific danger to citizens or critical infrastructure. He stated that while the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS) lacks additional information beyond what is publicly available, they have implemented proactive security measures to ensure safety. These measures include increased vigilance at police stations and regular checks on essential services such as the TT Electricity Commission (TTEC) and the Water and Sewerage Authority (WASA). Benjamin urged the public to remain calm, noting that there is no evidence of unusual activity within TT. Meanwhile, Finance Minister Dave Tancoo criticized the spread of misinformation on social media, particularly a false claim about a security alert at the Central Bank of TT. He dismissed the message as fake news and accused certain ‘news sources’ of inciting panic. Tancoo emphasized that any US actions toward Venezuela would be highly confidential and unlikely to be disclosed to local media. He encouraged the public to rely on credible sources for accurate information.
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Tropical Weather Outlook: Sunday, 19 October 2025 (8 am)
The Tropical North Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, and Gulf of Mexico are under close surveillance as two tropical waves pose significant weather threats to the region. Tropical Wave 1, currently positioned near 64°W south of 17°N, is advancing westward at 15 to 20 knots. Scattered moderate convection has been observed south of 14°N between 62°W and 65°W. Meanwhile, Tropical Wave 2, identified as Invest AL98, is located near 57°W, approximately 270 nautical miles east of Grenada, stretching from 04°N to 18°N. This system is moving westward at 20 knots, generating widespread showers and thunderstorms. Heavy rainfall and gusty winds are anticipated across the Windward and Leeward Islands, persisting through Monday morning. The wave is expected to accelerate into the eastern Caribbean Sea at 20 to 25 mph. While further development is limited in the next 48 hours due to its rapid movement, conditions may become more favorable for intensification as it slows over the central Caribbean Sea later this week. A tropical depression could form by mid to late week, with a 10% chance of development within 48 hours and a 60% chance over seven days. Grenada remains under a flash flood and landslide advisory as the axis of the wave is projected to traverse the island this afternoon. Updates will be provided at 2 pm by the Meteorological Services of the Grenada Airports Authority (GAA).
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Afghan Taliban and Pakistan agree to short truce after deadly clashes
Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban government have reached a temporary 48-hour ceasefire following intense border clashes and reported Pakistani air strikes on Kabul and Kandahar. The ceasefire, effective from 13:00 GMT on Wednesday, was announced amidst conflicting claims from both sides regarding its initiation. Earlier, a Taliban spokesperson reported that 12 civilians had been killed and over 100 injured due to Pakistani firing, though these figures remain unverified. Both parties also claimed significant casualties on the opposing side. The recent violence erupted after explosions in Afghanistan last week, which Kabul attributed to Islamabad. The Taliban has denied allegations of harboring militants targeting Pakistan. On Wednesday, Pakistan’s military stated it had killed 15-20 Afghan Taliban fighters and injured several others in the Spin Boldak border district. In response, the Taliban government claimed numerous Pakistani soldiers had been killed. Later in the day, explosions in Kabul and Kandahar further escalated tensions, prompting Pakistan to announce the ceasefire. Pakistan’s Foreign Office emphasized that both sides would engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the conflict. The Taliban government instructed its forces to respect the ceasefire unless provoked. Pakistani state media reported air strikes in Kandahar and Kabul, though the military has not publicly acknowledged these actions. Taliban sources confirmed to the BBC that Kabul had been hit by two air strikes, with black smoke visible over the capital and streets sealed off. Kabul’s emergency surgical center reported receiving 40 casualties, including five fatalities, following the explosions.
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Work remains to reduce human trafficking in Saint Lucia
The United States Department of State has placed Saint Lucia on the Tier 2 Watch List in its 2025 Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Report, citing insufficient enforcement, inadequate victim protection, and a lack of measurable progress in combating human trafficking compared to previous years. This downgrade underscores the US government’s concerns about the island nation’s efforts to address this critical issue. While Saint Lucia has implemented initiatives such as public awareness campaigns and drafted a national action plan for 2023–2026, the US State Department concluded that the country failed to meet the minimum standards for eliminating trafficking or demonstrate significant improvements. Local officials, including Dr. Mashama Sealy of the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force (RSLPF), acknowledged the challenges but emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen anti-trafficking measures. These include specialized training for officers, repatriation programs, and enhanced border patrols. However, the report highlighted weak enforcement, limited prosecutions, and gaps in victim services as key areas needing improvement. The downgrade has sparked concern among tourism and service sector workers, who fear it could tarnish Saint Lucia’s reputation. Industry representatives called for increased government resources and updated action plans to address trafficking effectively. Meanwhile, regional comparisons revealed mixed results for Caribbean nations, with The Bahamas, Guyana, and Suriname achieving Tier 1 status, while Barbados joined Saint Lucia on the Tier 2 Watch List. Countries like Haiti and Cuba were placed in Tier 3 or designated as special cases. Moving forward, Saint Lucia aims to enhance cross-border intelligence sharing, update operational strategies, and improve prosecutorial outcomes to regain credibility and address trafficking more effectively.
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Tropical wave near the Windward Islands is bringing widespread showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds
A tropical wave designated as AL98 is currently impacting the eastern Caribbean, bringing widespread showers, thunderstorms, and strong winds to the region. According to the National Hurricane Center (NHC) in Miami, the system is moving westward at a speed of 20 to 25 mph, entering the eastern Caribbean Sea. The NHC’s latest advisory, issued at 8 a.m. on Sunday, predicts that the unsettled weather will persist through Monday morning, with heavy rainfall and gusty winds affecting the Windward and Leeward Islands. While the system’s rapid movement is expected to limit further development in the next couple of days, meteorologists suggest that conditions may become more favorable for strengthening later this week as it slows over the central Caribbean. The NHC has indicated a 10% chance of formation within the next 48 hours and a 60% chance over the next seven days. If the system develops further, a tropical depression could form by mid to late week. Forecaster Papin has urged residents and stakeholders across the Caribbean to monitor updates closely as the system progresses westward.
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Tropical Wave Brings Heavy Rain and Gusty Winds Across the Islands
A rapidly advancing tropical wave near the Windward Islands has triggered widespread showers and thunderstorms, prompting meteorologists to issue warnings of heavy rainfall and gusty winds across the Windward and Leeward Islands until Monday morning. The system, moving westward across the eastern Caribbean at a speed of 20–25 miles per hour, poses a significant risk of flash flooding in low-lying or poorly drained areas. Although the disturbance has not yet developed into a tropical cyclone, it is capable of producing brief but intense wind gusts and rough seas, particularly around thunderstorms. Regional authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and stay updated with local weather advisories as the tropical wave progresses further into the Caribbean. The public is advised to monitor official updates and prepare for potential disruptions caused by the adverse weather conditions.
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News : Zapping…
In a series of significant developments, Haiti has taken decisive steps to address internal and external challenges. On October 18, 2025, the Presidential Transitional Council (CPT) and the Prime Minister convened with a U.S. delegation led by Chargé d’Affaires Henry T. Wooster. The meeting focused on the strategic planning and operational timeline for the Gang Repression Force (FRG), aimed at curbing gang violence that has plagued the nation.
In a parallel move, the United Nations Security Council unanimously adopted Resolution 2794, extending the sanctions regime targeting entities and individuals threatening Haiti’s peace and security until 2026. These sanctions include an arms embargo, asset freezes, and travel bans, reinforcing international efforts to stabilize the country.
On the diplomatic front, Haiti inaugurated a new consulate in Tijuana, Mexico, to better serve and protect Haitian migrants in the border region with the United States. This initiative underscores Haiti’s commitment to strengthening its presence in Latin America.
In sports, Haiti’s national football team experienced a mixed outcome in the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifiers, securing a 3-0 victory against Nicaragua but suffering a 0-3 defeat to Honduras. Consequently, Haiti dropped one place to 88th in the FIFA rankings. Meanwhile, the Haitian Taekwondo Federation announced the participation of 11 practitioners in the World Championships in Wuxi, China, though security concerns may limit the team’s composition to diaspora members.
In local sports, the Inter-university Peace Competition saw UNASMOH and IWU draw 1-1, keeping both teams in contention for qualification. These events collectively highlight Haiti’s multifaceted efforts to address security, diplomacy, and sports amidst ongoing challenges.