Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei condemned Israel for its “psychological warfare” after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. He warned that any retreat, whether military, political, or economic, would provoke “divine wrath” as per the Quran. This statement follows the killing of Haniyeh after attending Iran’s new president’s inauguration.
UN to send fact-finding team to Bangladesh, first since 1971.
A UN fact-finding team will visit Bangladesh next week to investigate killings of protesters before and after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. This marks the first UN mission to Bangladesh since its 1971 independence, following violent protests that led to Hasina’s flight to India and Muhammad Yunus becoming Chief Adviser of the interim government.
Mahmoud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas announced at a Turkish parliament session that he will travel to Gaza, even at the risk of his life, saying, “Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child.” This comes as Gaza’s death toll from Israeli assaults exceeds 40,000. Abbas, based in Ramallah, plans to visit despite Hamas’ control over Gaza and restricted access.
North Korea to partially reopen for tourism after five years.
North Korea will reopen its borders to foreign tourists this winter after nearly five years of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The border shutdown, which began in early 2020, had led to food shortages exacerbated by international sanctions. Restrictions have been easing since mid-2023, and tourists will soon be allowed in the northern city of Samjiyon.
Report: Zelensky approved plans to sabotage Nord Stream pipelines.
According to the Wall Street Journal, Ukraine President Zelensky initially approved plans to sabotage the Nord Stream pipelines, discussed by Ukrainian officials in May 2022. The plan, involving a yacht and divers, was intended to look like a harmless cruise. However, after the CIA learned of it, Zelensky canceled the operation following the agency’s intervention.
