International

Türkiye’s Erdogan steps forward as potential mediator amid Israel-Palestine hostilities

Türkiye extends a mediating olive branch amidst Israel-Hamas hostilities, hinting at a cautious optimism for diplomatic de-escalation.

8 October 2023

A file photo is shown of Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas (L) with Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (R). — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

EU divisions surface as Von der Leyen and MEP Clare Daly spar over Israel-Hamas conflict

Amid the escalating Israel-Hamas conflict, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's pro-Israel stance sparks a heated online exchange with MEP Clare Daly.

8 October 2023

A file photo is shown of European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen (L) and MEP Clare Daly (R). — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Over 2,000 left dead in twin Afghan earthquakes at Herat

The twin quakes, both registering a magnitude of 6.3, occurred within a span of 31 minutes, catalysing a state of emergency across the affected areas in Afghanistan's Herat Province.

8 October 2023

On October 7, 2023, residents of Sarbuland village in the Zendeh Jan district of Herat province, Afghanistan, are seen removing debris from a house impacted by the recent earthquake. — FILE/AFP

Saudi Arabia blames Israel for provoking deadly airstrikes from Gaza

In light of recent violent escalations, Saudi Arabia condemns provocations by Israel and calls for an immediate ceasefire, reiterating its support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

8 October 2023

A file photo is shown of Saudi crown prince Mohammad bin Salman (L) and Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu (R). — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Palestine appeals for peace in new statement amid ongoing Gaza airstrikes

Palestine makes a plea for peace in a new statement amid ongoing airstrikes on Gaza.

7 October 2023

A combined file photo is shown of Palestinian president Mahmoud Abbas (L) and a statement dated October 7, 2023 from Palestine's MOFA (R). — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Israel launches airstrikes on Gaza, killing almost 200 Palestinians

Amid escalating regional tensions, Israel's military orchestrates a series of airstrikes on Gaza.

7 October 2023

In this file photo, smoke rises from an explosion caused by an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. — FILE/AP

As rockets fly over Jerusalem, Qatar lays blame of escalation on Israel

Amid a surging tide of rockets crisscrossing the skies between Israel and Palestine, Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs vocalises a stern denouncement of the escalating hostilities.

7 October 2023

A combined file photo is shown of Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (L) and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu (R). — FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

Instagram launches new Threads app to rival Twitter

Meta Platforms prepares to challenge Twitter with the launch of its microblogging app Threads, offering seamless integration with Instagram and the retention of followers and usernames.

4 July 2023

Screenshots from Meta's new Threads app. — META/FILE/THE THURSDAY TIMES

France continues to riot against police killing of Muslim teenager

France experiences a fifth night of unrest as young rioters clash with police and target a mayor's home with a burning car, highlighting deep-seated discontent and posing a challenge to President Macron's leadership.

2 July 2023

Protesters clashes with riot police in Paris. — Etienne De Malglaive/Getty

European Union condemns Quran burning in Sweden amidst riots

The EU has condemned the burning of a Quran in Sweden, expressing concern and calling for calm and restraint in response to the incident.

2 July 2023