Lebanon's former central bank chief arrested over financial crimes

SEOUL, Sept. 4 (AJP) - Lebanon's former central bank governor, Riad Salameh, has been detained following a hearing at the country's judicial palace, according to state media. It is reported that public prosecutor Judge Jamal al-Hajjar ordered the arrest of the 73-year-old Salameh after questioning him on Tuesday. This is the first time Salameh has appeared before Lebanon's judiciary since stepping down as governor of the central bank, Banque du Liban, in July last year.

September 4, 2024

Nationwide protests erupt in Israel over Gaza captives' deaths

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (AJP) - Tens of thousands of Israelis have taken to the streets demanding a ceasefire and Israel's largest labor union has called for a strike after six more captives were found dead in Gaza. Clashes occurred between protesters and security forces on Sunday night during one of the largest anti-government demonstrations since the Gaza conflict began nearly 11 months ago. Protesters urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas to secure

September 2, 2024

Bahrain introduces new tax on multinational corporations

SEOUL, Sept. 2 (AJP) - Starting in January, Bahrain will introduce a new tax on multinational corporations operating in the country as part of its alignment with global tax reforms. Under the domestic minimum top-up tax (DMTT), multinational companies will be required to pay a minimum 15-percent tax on profits generated in Bahrain, according to the Bahrain News Agency (BNA). This tax will specifically target large multinational corporations with global revenues exceeding €750 m

September 2, 2024

Macklemore cancels Dubai show to protest UAE's alleged role in Sudan conflict

SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - American rapper Macklemore has decided to cancel his October concert in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), due to the country's alleged involvement in the conflict in Sudan. He explained that for months, people had been urging him to cancel the show as a gesture of solidarity with the Sudanese people and to boycott the UAE for its alleged role in the ongoing genocide and humanitarian crisis in the region. Macklemore specifically pointed to reports of the

August 30, 2024

Israel agrees to humanitarian pauses in Gaza for polio vaccinations

SEOUL, August 30 (AJP) - Israel has agreed to implement "humanitarian pauses" in Gaza to allow for the vaccination of children against polio, as announced by the World Health Organization (WHO). This initiative will target around 640,000 children across the Gaza Strip and will begin on Sunday, according to senior WHO official Rik Peeperkorn. The vaccination campaign will be carried out in three phases, covering the central, southern, and northern parts of Gaza. During each

August 30, 2024

Torrential rains in Yemen trigger floods and cholera outbreak fears

SEOUL, August 29 (AJP) - At least 24 people are missing in Yemen after heavy rains caused severe flooding, which has also worsened the spread of waterborne diseases, according to local authorities. The floods struck the al-Mahwit province, west of the capital Sanaa, which is under the control of the Houthi group aligned with Iran. Landslides in the Milhan district destroyed seven homes, as reported by police on Wednesday. The rising floodwaters swept away vehicles, blocked roads, an

August 29, 2024

Violence intensifies in West Bank as Israeli forces strike

SEOUL, August 29 (AJP) - At least 10 Palestinians were killed during a significant operation by Israeli forces in the northern part of the occupied West Bank, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Israeli security forces announced they had launched a "counterterrorism operation" in Jenin and Tulkarm overnight, killing "five armed terrorists" from both air and ground strikes. Additionally, another four people were reportedly killed in an airstrike during a

August 29, 2024

UN aid operations continue in Gaza after forced evacuations

SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - The United Nations continues its aid operations in the Gaza Strip, despite recent complications caused by new Israeli evacuation orders. These orders led to the shutdown of the main UN operations center, temporarily halting humanitarian efforts. However, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric indicated on Tuesday that aid delivery has not completely stopped, even though a senior UN official had earlier suggested otherwise. The UN has been forced to evacuate it

August 28, 2024

Houthi attacks on Greek oil tanker in red sea raise fears of massive oil spill

Reuters-Yonhap SEOUL, August 28 (AJP) - A Greek-owned oil tanker attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels in the Red Sea last week remains ablaze and could be leaking oil, according to the U.S. Pentagon. Efforts to salvage the MV Sounion have been hindered by the Houthis, who have also issued further threats of attacks. The vessel, which flies the Greek flag, is carrying over 150,000 tonnes (equivalent to one million barrels) of crude oil, and a significant spill could be one of the largest

August 28, 2024

Western airlines suspend routes as tensions grow

SEOUL, August 27 (AJU PRESS) - Earlier this month, British Airways announced it will suspend its London-to-Beijing route starting in October, with the suspension expected to last until at least November 2025. This decision is part of a broader trend among Western airlines reducing routes between the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Asia, largely due to the high costs associated with avoiding Russian airspace. Since the war in Ukraine began, Western airlines have rerouted flights south thro

August 27, 2024