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Israel allows Hamas to enter army-controlled areas in Gaza to search for captive remains: Report

By
IFP Media Wire
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Hamas

Israeli Channel 12, citing security officers, said Hamas has been working in cooperation with the Red Cross and Egyptian teams for the past 24 hours to locate the remains of hostages in areas still occupied by the Israeli army beyond the “yellow line.”

The “yellow line” is an imaginary line separating areas currently occupied by the Israeli army in Gaza from those where it had pulled out.

The outlet added Israel and Hamas exchanged information on the estimated locations of the bodies through mediators over the weekend to accelerate the process.

Israel confirmed on Sunday that it had allowed Red Cross and Egyptian teams beyond the “yellow line” in Gaza to help in the search for hostage remains.

Under the first phase of a ceasefire deal that took effect on Oct. 10, Hamas has released 20 living Israeli hostages and the bodies of 16 others. The remains of 12 hostages are still in the enclave.

The ceasefire plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

Israel’s genocidal war in Gaza has killed over 68,500 people and injured more than 170,300 others since October 2023, according to Palestinian authorities.

UK military chiefs support nuclear-sharing pact with Germany amid Russia threats: Telegraph

By
IFP Media Wire
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Senior leaders, including a former chief of defense staff and a former NATO secretary-general, have reportedly urged London to begin talks with Berlin, citing the alleged “critical” threat posed by Russia and “growing concerns” that the US could scale back its role in Europe.

Germany, which is prohibited from developing nuclear weapons, is already in “strategic discussions” with Paris on joining France’s nuclear umbrella. Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who Russia has accused of “escalating anti-Russian rhetoric literally every day,” has indicated he would be open to exploring a similar arrangement with UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, according to the paper.

Although The Telegraph’s sources insist that formal talks between London and Berlin have not yet taken place, several defense officials spoke in favor of the arrangement.

“It’s right and proper and should have happened a long time ago,” Lord Robertson, a former NATO secretary-general, said, as quoted by the outlet.

“If Russia continues to deploy nuclear rhetoric, it’s going to force some decisions to be made inside Europe as a whole,” he added.

Britain’s nuclear deterrent, declared to NATO since 1962, remains under London’s sole control, with one of its Trident-armed submarines always on patrol. Earlier this year, Starmer announced plans to purchase 12 F-35A stealth jets capable of carrying nuclear weapons, which will be based in Britain.

Retired General Sir Richard Barrons warned that a shared system would be “unworkable,” since collective launch decisions could not be made under time pressure. Field Marshal Lord Houghton, a former chief of defense staff, said Europe should weigh a broader nuclear option as the US pivots toward China, but questioned whether it would be “a good thing or madness.”

Defense sources told The Telegraph that while coordination between London and Berlin may expand, any weapons-sharing plan remains “a long way” off.

Moscow has rejected claims that it plans to attack NATO or use nuclear weapons, saying its nuclear doctrine is purely defensive and aimed at protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Istanbul mayor hit with new ‘political espionage’ arrest order

By
IFP Media Wire
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It is not unusual for Turkish courts to issue formal arrest orders for people already in custody when a new investigation is launched. Critics say the courts are politicised, an allegation rejected by the government which says they are independent.

Some analysts say the move against Imamoglu, Erdogan’s main political rival, could lead to the state seizing control of the municipality of Istanbul, which is Europe’s largest city.

The espionage probe marks an escalation of a year-long legal crackdown on the main opposition Republican People’s Party (CHP), which the government’s critics see as damaging Turkey’s democratic credentials.

Imamoglu and his party are already facing an array of allegations that they deny. Imamoglu has been in jail since March pending trial on separate corruption charges, and also received a fresh jail sentence in July for insulting and threatening the chief Istanbul prosecutor.

The latest court ruling accuses Imamoglu of engaging in graft to raise funds for his presidential candidacy and of “espionage” to secure international support, the state-owned Anadolu news agency reported.

Imamoglu rejected the new accusations in a statement from prison on Friday and again in court on Sunday.
“Such slander, lies and conspiracy wouldn’t even cross the devil’s mind!” he said on X, adding, “We are facing shameful immorality that can’t be described with words.”
An indictment from the court could pave the way for Istanbul’s state-appointed governor to take control of the city. GlobalSource Partners analyst Atilla Yesilada said the interior ministry has the authority to sack Imamoglu and replace him with a trustee.
Anadolu reported an Istanbul court had issued the arrest order overnight for Imamoglu and two others, including Merdan Yanardag, editor-in-chief of television news channel Tele1.
The channel, which is critical of the government, was seized by the state on Friday as part of the espionage accusations.The opposition won some respite from the pressure on Friday, after another court dismissed a bid to oust the CHP’s leader and annul its 2023 congress.

Iran’s Alireza Faghani nominated for World’s Best Football Referee Award

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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The federation announced the list of 25 nominees as it prepares to name the year’s top performers in various football categories.

Faghani, who currently officiates in Australia, was earlier named Asia’s Best Referee for 2025.

His inclusion on the global shortlist places him among elite referees from Europe, South America, and other regions, including Michael Oliver (England), Clément Turpin (France), Szymon Marciniak (Poland), and César Ramos (Mexico).

Known for his calm authority and consistent performances on the pitch, Faghani has officiated in several major international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup and AFC Asian Cup.

His continued recognition by IFFHS underscores his reputation as one of the most respected referees in world football.

The winner of the World’s Best Referee award will be announced by IFFHS at the end of 2025.

South Korean presidential aide: US president and North Korea’s leader unlikely to happen soon

By
IFP Media Wire
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Oh Hyun-joo, a deputy director of national security for the South Korean presidential office, told reporters that she did not have concrete information, despite speculation in the media, about a meeting between the two leaders as Trump visits Asia.
Trump has said he is open to meeting with Kim.
During his visit to South Korea this week, Trump is set to hold a summit with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation events.
Washington and Seoul are seeking to finalise a preliminary trade deal reached with Trump in July, after their first summit meeting in August ended without an agreement.
After three rounds of trade negotiations this month, South Korean negotiators suggested in recent days that the two countries have yet to reach an agreement on the details of a $350 billion investment package, which is included in the pact, despite some progress in narrowing differences of opinion.
Oh, the presidential adviser, added she found it unlikely to see any final trade deal being reached during the Lee-Trump meeting this week.

Advisor to Iran Leader highlights strategic role of Iran, China, Russia in emerging global order

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Ali Akbar Velayati

His remarks came during a meeting in Tehran with Zhong Peiwu, the Chinese ambassador to Iran, where both sides emphasized strengthening strategic ties and expanding cooperation.

Velayati praised the “deep-rooted and strategic” nature of Iran-China relations, built on mutual interests, respect, and political independence.

He commended China’s “constructive support” in international forums, particularly regarding the West’s so-called “trigger” sanctions mechanism against Iran, saying such positions reflect the depth of friendship and mutual trust between the two nations.

The two officials discussed bilateral relations, regional and international developments, and US expansionism and interference in global affairs, including Washington’s support for Israel’s aggression in Gaza.

Ambassador Zhong expressed appreciation for Velayati’s long-standing efforts to enhance ties, describing Iran-China relations as “historic and valuable.”

He reiterated China’s readiness to further deepen cooperation with Iran across various sectors, underscoring the importance Beijing places on its partnership with Tehran.

Former reformist president Khatami criticizes Iran’s development policies, citing tourism gap with Turkey

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Seyed Mohammad Khatami

Speaking during a visit to central Iranian city of Yazd, Khatami compared Iran’s economic progress with that of Turkey, noting that “Turkey earns more from tourism than Iran does from its entire oil industry,” despite Iran’s greater tourism potential.

He said Iran’s reliance on oil has hindered sustainable growth. “We had oil and they didn’t, yet they advanced with tourism and industry. We went after illusions, neither achieving them nor achieving real development,” he remarked.

Khatami also warned of Iran’s worsening water crisis, describing it as part of a global challenge that could escalate into future conflicts.

“At one time, water scarcity was only a concern for Yazd, but now it’s clear that all of Iran lies in a semi-arid region,” he said, adding that urban expansion, declining rainfall, and the depletion of underground reserves have created “a catastrophic situation.”

Highlighting Yazd’s ancient role in sustaining life in desert areas through innovations like qanats, Khatami praised the city as a cornerstone of Iranian-Islamic civilization and cultural heritage.

Iran approves national plan to confront climate change

By
IFP Editorial Staff
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Iran Water Crisis

The initiative, approved by the cabinet, focuses on three main pillars, including promoting a green economy, developing low-carbon industries, and strengthening climate adaptation and resilience.

According to Shina Ansari, Vice President and the head of the Department of Environment, the plan was prepared under Iran’s Seventh Development Plan with cooperation from ministries of energy, oil, and agriculture.

The program seeks to reduce vulnerability in critical sectors, cut greenhouse gas emissions, and enhance international environmental cooperation.

Ahmad Taheri, head of the National Center for Air and Climate Change, said the plan defines strategies for the next five years, requiring government agencies to submit detailed operational programs, budgets, and timelines.

Iran, a predominantly arid country, has seen average temperatures rise by about two degrees Celsius since the 1960s, with rainfall decreasing by 20 percent over the past two decades.

Officials warn that without rapid action, the nation will face intensified droughts, water shortages, and social disruptions linked to climate migration.

ICE arrests British journalist after criticism of Israel on US tour

By
IFP Media Wire
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A statement from Cair said it was “a blatant affront to free speech” to detain Hamdi for criticizing Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Gaza while he engaged on a speaking tour in the US.

A Donald Trump administration official added in a separate statement that Hamdi is facing deportation.

“Our attorneys and partners are working to address this injustice,” Cair’s statement read.

The statement also called on US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) “to immediately account for and release Mr Hamdi”, noting his only “‘crime’ is criticizing a foreign government” that Cair accused of having “committed genocide”.

The press secretary for the Department of Homeland Security, Tricia McLaughlin, wrote of Hamdi in a social media post: “This individual’s visa was revoked, and he is in ICE custody pending removal”.

McLaughlin’s post also added: “Those who support terrorism and undermine American national security will not be allowed to work or visit this country.”

During his tour, Hamdi spoke on Saturday at the annual gala for Cair’s chapter in Sacramento. He was expected to speak on Sunday at the gala for the Florida chapter of Cair.

McLaughlin’s post about Hamdi’s detention was shared by Trump administration ally Laura Loomer, who took credit for his being taken into custody.

Loomer, who has called herself a “white advocate” and a “proud Islamophobe”, has often peddled conspiracy theories such as endorsing claims that the September 11 terrorist attacks in 2001 were an “inside job”.

In 2018, she infamously chained herself to Twitter’s headquarters in New York City in protest of her account being banned. Billionaire businessman Elon Musk reinstated her account after he bought the social media platform in 2022.

“As a direct result of … my relentless pressure on the [state department] and Department of Homeland Security, US officials have now moved to take action against Hamdi’s visa status, and his continued presence in this country,” Loomer posted on social media.

Hamdi is the latest of numerous immigrants who have been arrested and deported by ICE over pro-Palestinian views. Earlier in October, journalist Mario Guevara was deported to El Salvador after having been detailed while live streaming the massive, anti-Trump No Kings protest in June.

On 30 September, a federal judge appointed during Ronald Reagan’s presidency ruled the administration’s policy to detain and deport foreign scholars over pro-Palestinian views violates the US constitution and was designed to “intentionally” chill free speech rights.

The ruling is bound to be appealed, possibly all the way to the US supreme court, which is dominated by a conservative supermajority made possible by three Trump appointments. The state department, meanwhile, has said it will continue revoking visas under the policy.

Israel continues to bar journalists from Gaza

By
IFP Media Wire
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Journalist Gaza

In a response sent to Israel’s Supreme Court, the government said it would reexamine its policy regarding the entry of journalists into Gaza within a month and submit an update on the matter by Nov. 23, Haaretz reported.

The move follows petitions filed with the court against a government ban on the entry of journalists into the Palestinian territory.

The government’s response to the court shows that journalists would continue to be banned from entering Gaza except inside the so-called “yellow line” until the policy is updated

The “yellow line” is an imaginary line separating areas currently occupied by the Israeli army in Gaza from those where it had pulled out.

Last Thursday, the Foreign Press Association in Israel expressed disappointment over a Supreme Court ruling that allowed the government to continue preventing journalists from entering Gaza.

At least 238 Palestinian journalists have been killed and dozens injured in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 2023.

Palestinian and international human rights and media organizations warn that the Israeli ban on the entry of journalists and attacks on reporters aim to hide atrocities taking place inside Gaza.

Israel has killed more than 68,000 people and injured over 170,000 others in two years of attacks in Gaza since October 2023.

The first phase of a ceasefire agreement took effect in Gaza on Oct. 10 under US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan.

Phase one includes the release of Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The plan also envisages the rebuilding of Gaza and the establishment of a new governing mechanism without Hamas.

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