MADRID: The Spanish defence minister said on Saturday that the conflict in Gaza is a “real genocide”, as relations between Israel and Spain worsen following Madrid’s decision to recognise a Palestinian state. Israel has strongly rejected accusations made against it by South Africa at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) that it is committing a genocide against Palestinians, saying it …

RAFAH: Israeli forces bombed the Gaza Strip, including Rafah, on Saturday, killing at least 30 more Palestinians a day after judges at the top United Nation’s court ordered Israel to “immediately halt” its offensive. Although Israel pressed on with its offensive against Hamas, mediated negotiations between the two sides are due to restart next week, an official with knowledge of …

Four young children were among 27 people killed when a fire in India ripped through a crowded amusement park, police said, as rescuers on Sunday scoured the site the morning after the blaze. Survivors reported having to kick down doors and leap out of windows to escape the inferno that swept through a centre packed full of young people enjoying games …

Six newborn babies have died after a fire tore through a children’s hospital in the Indian capital, with people charging into the blaze to rescue the infants, police said on Sunday. “All the 12 newborn babies were rescued from the hospital with the help of other people,” senior police officer Surendra Choudhary said in a statement, but adding that when …

Taiwan’s new president said on Sunday he was still ready to work with China, despite this week’s military drills around the self-ruled island. The drills began around Taiwan on Thursday, just three days after Lai Ching-te was sworn in, part of an escalating campaign of intimidation by China which views the island as part of its territory. During the two-day drills, China …

GWADAR: Transporters continued their strike in Makran on Saturday, protesting alleged harassment at check posts on the highway, which has stra­n­ded large numbers of pilgrims and other people at the Pakistan-Iran border. Transporters from Gwadar, Turbat and Panjgur districts have been on strike for the past four days, protesting harassment at checkpoints on the Coastal and RCD highways. The pilgrims …

ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf has declared May 25 as the darkest day in the country’s political history, alleging that on the day two years ago, the state unleashed its full fury on peaceful marchers led by PTI founding chairman Imran Khan, subjecting them to tear gas, rubber bullets, and batons for hours. A spokesperson for PTI, in a statement, said Imran Khan …

ISLAMABAD: In a step towards provision of foolproof security to foreigners, including Chinese nationals, the government has decided to replicate Safe City project in Dasu and Chilas. While chairing a meeting to review security matters in Dasu and Chilas on Saturday, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi formed a special committee comprising Islamabad police chief, Hazara regional police officer and a Wapda …

PESHAWAR: Peshawar High Court has declared illegal interviewing of suspected criminals in police’s custody by journalists and social media activists. A bench consisting of Justice Waqar Ahmad and Justice Fazal Subhan accepted a petition filed by a lawyer, Jabir Khan, who sought orders for Pakistan Electronic Media Regulatory Authority (Pemra) to immediately ban telecast of media interviews of crime suspects …

LAHORE: Acting Presi­dent Yousuf Raza Gilani has said that the PPP mi­­ght join PML-N’s Punjab government if offered “a proper share”. The Senate chairman, who’s serving as the acting president in the absence of Asif Ali Zardari, made these remarks on Saturday while talking to reporters at his residence. Mr Gilani, who belongs to PPP, said his party leadership could …