Israeli Withdrawal from Jenin, Pope Francis's Indonesian Visit, and Global Events Highlight a Turbulent Week
Israeli forces withdraw from Jenin after 10 days of intense conflict, leaving 21 casualties and significant destruction. Pope Francis concludes Indonesia visit promoting interfaith peace, heads to Papua New Guinea.
Israeli forces have withdrawn from Jenin following 10 days of intense aggression, leaving behind 21 casualties and significant destruction, as reported by WAFA, the Palestine news agency. This action has drawn condemnation from the Palestinian foreign ministry, which likened the damage in Jenin and Tulkarm to that in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis wrapped up his visit to Indonesia with a Mass attended by over 100,000 people and is now en route to Papua New Guinea. During his time in Indonesia, he promoted interfaith peace with Jakarta's grand imam and addressed the Catholic minority; his focus will shift to social justice issues, including local environmental and tribal problems, in Papua New Guinea.
In other humanitarian efforts, Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief agency has launched volunteer medical programs in Turkiye and Yemen, as per SPA. The initiatives have made significant progress, treating hundreds of patients and performing critical surgeries, with Turkiye’s program concentrated on orthopedic surgery and Yemen’s on heart surgeries and catheterizations.
Turning to international relations, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited South Korea to strengthen ties with President Yoon Suk Yeol ahead of upcoming leadership changes. This visit, part of a broader effort to mend historical disputes encouraged by US President Joe Biden, included discussions on emergency evacuations and border checks, as Kishida aims to ensure a stable partnership.
On a more somber note, a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia has led to charges against a 14-year-old boy, Colt Gray, and his father, Colin Gray. Colt, charged with four counts of murder, will make his first court appearance from a youth detention facility, while his father faces multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, reigniting the gun control debate.
Lastly, oil prices saw a slight increase in Asian trading on Friday, amid anticipation of US employment data and OPEC+ production decisions. Despite a minor rise, with Brent crude futures at $72.82 and US West Texas Intermediate at $69.27, both faced weekly declines due to mixed economic signals and potential labor market risks.
Meanwhile, Pope Francis wrapped up his visit to Indonesia with a Mass attended by over 100,000 people and is now en route to Papua New Guinea. During his time in Indonesia, he promoted interfaith peace with Jakarta's grand imam and addressed the Catholic minority; his focus will shift to social justice issues, including local environmental and tribal problems, in Papua New Guinea.
In other humanitarian efforts, Saudi Arabia’s KSrelief agency has launched volunteer medical programs in Turkiye and Yemen, as per SPA. The initiatives have made significant progress, treating hundreds of patients and performing critical surgeries, with Turkiye’s program concentrated on orthopedic surgery and Yemen’s on heart surgeries and catheterizations.
Turning to international relations, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited South Korea to strengthen ties with President Yoon Suk Yeol ahead of upcoming leadership changes. This visit, part of a broader effort to mend historical disputes encouraged by US President Joe Biden, included discussions on emergency evacuations and border checks, as Kishida aims to ensure a stable partnership.
On a more somber note, a tragic shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia has led to charges against a 14-year-old boy, Colt Gray, and his father, Colin Gray. Colt, charged with four counts of murder, will make his first court appearance from a youth detention facility, while his father faces multiple charges, including involuntary manslaughter, reigniting the gun control debate.
Lastly, oil prices saw a slight increase in Asian trading on Friday, amid anticipation of US employment data and OPEC+ production decisions. Despite a minor rise, with Brent crude futures at $72.82 and US West Texas Intermediate at $69.27, both faced weekly declines due to mixed economic signals and potential labor market risks.
