International

A day after Palestinian group Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel with a barrage of rockets and a large-scale ground assault, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told Palestinians in Gaza to “leave now” as the death toll on both sides neared 1,000. The conflict’s worst escalation in decades has claimed more than 600 lives, including that of a key commander, on …

QUETTA: Pakistan has suggested the interim Afghanistan government establish a sub-consulate in Chaman, as efforts are underway to devise a mechanism for the issuance of an on-arrival visa to Afghan citizens at the border town on the basis of their identification documents. The authorities concerned would also approach the federal government seeking the installation of a passport reader in the …

UNITED NATIONS: Russia, which was ousted from the UN Human Rights Council after its forces invaded Ukraine, will attempt a return to the body on Tuesday — an uncertain move that will provide a gauge of its international support. The UN General Assembly will vote that day to elect 15 new members to the Geneva-based UN body, for terms running …

HONG KONG: Hong Kong issued its second-highest storm warning signal on Sunday, prompting the closure of some transport services and schools, as Typhoon Koinu skirted the financial hub, bringing rains and powerful gusts. Koinu comes just a month after Hong Kong was lashed by Typhoon Saola, which triggered its highest “T10” storm alert. A week after that, the city experienced its …

RIYADH: Opec heavyweights said on Sunday oil and gas should not be stigmatised in the climate debate and that the industry had a role to play in an orderly energy transition. Energy ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Iraq, the three largest members of the Opec, have gathered in the Saudi capital Riyadh for the UN MENA …

Israel is escalating measures against the Gaza Strip to a “total blockade” including a ban on admitting food and fuel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Monday, after Hamas stunned Israel with surprise offensive. Gaza’s health ministry said there were dozens of Palestinians killed and wounded in Israeli air strikes on the Jabalia refugee camp. Israel has launched hundreds of strikes …

Ali Haider Returns with a Bang: Mesmerizes Fans with “Dholan Yaar BTS” Performance By: Raja Zahid Khanzada Dallas: After nearly a decade-long hiatus from the music scene, Pakistan’s renowned singer Ali Haider made a spectacular comeback in Dallas. His latest song, “Dholan Yaar,” was presented in a glamorous red carpet premiere at Dallas Fun Asia Theater, leaving the audience spellbound. …

PARIS: Rights campaigner Narges Mohammadi “celebrated” her Nobel Peace Prize with fellow detainees in their Tehran prison cell, her family said on Saturday. “Narges learned that she had been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize yesterday afternoon from messages sent from the men’s unit, where they have easier access to telephones on Fridays,” her family said. That same evening, “state television broadcast the …

SEOUL: Train traffic between North Korea and Russia has spiked dramatically following a recent summit between Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin, indicating a “likely” transfer of arms, according to a new report by Washington-based analysts Beyond Parallel. High-resolution satellite imagery reveals at least 70 freight cars at North Korea’s border Tumangang Rail Facility, the group said, a number described as “unprecedented” …

KOLKATA: At least 56 people are confirmed dead in floods that hit India’s northeast as of Saturday, with the army warning munitions washed away by the deluge posed a public safety risk. Violent torrents struck Sikkim state on Wednesday after the sudden bursting of a high-altitude glacial lake. Climate scientists warn that similar disasters will become an increasing danger across the Himalayas …