Category Archives: international

Murdochs could take part in TikTok deal, Trump says

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US President Donald Trump has announced that media mogul Lachlan Murdoch and business leaders Larry Ellison and Michael Dell will be involved as US investors in a proposed deal to keep TikTok operating in the United States.

Trump stated that the US and China have made progress on an agreement requiring TikTok’s US assets to be transferred to local owners from China’s ByteDance. With 170 million users in the United States, TikTok plays a significant role in shaping public discourse on politics and culture.

In an interview with Fox News, Trump praised the group, calling them prominent figures and “American patriots.” He said, “I think they’re going to do a really good job,” crediting TikTok with helping build his support among young voters in the 2024 presidential election.

Lachlan Murdoch, CEO of Fox Corp, recently solidified long-term control of his family’s media empire—including Fox News and the Wall Street Journal—after settling a years-long legal battle with his siblings. Trump also suggested that the family patriarch, 94-year-old Rupert Murdoch, may be involved in the deal.

Rupert and Lachlan Murdoch’s news outlets generally attract conservative-leaning audiences but have occasionally drawn Trump’s ire. Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch over a July report alleging Trump signed a 2003 birthday greeting for the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein that included a sexually suggestive drawing and a reference to shared secrets. The newspaper has defended its reporting and vowed to fight the lawsuit.

Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle and a major Republican donor, has long been linked to a potential TikTok deal. Michael Dell, CEO of Dell Technologies, is also expected to participate.

On Saturday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Oracle would be responsible for TikTok’s data and security. She added that US citizens will control six of the seven seats on a planned oversight board.

The Trump administration has declined to enforce a US law enacted during the previous administration that requires TikTok’s divestiture, citing concerns that US user data could be accessed by the Chinese government. Instead, negotiations over TikTok have been included as part of broader economic talks with China.

The Trump administration has also made several unusual interventions in US business, such as taking a 10 percent stake in Intel Corp and permitting AI chip giant Nvidia to sell its H20 chips to China in exchange for receiving 15 percent of those sales. Trump defended these moves as benefiting US interests.

However, critics—including some business leaders and Republican lawmakers—have called these interventions a stark departure from the norms of capitalism and warned that they risk undermining the competitiveness of the US economy.

(With reporting by AP)
https://www.perthnow.com.au/news/technology/murdochs-could-take-part-in-tiktok-deal-trump-says-c-20098852

Hamas releases ‘farewell picture’ of Israeli captives amid Gaza offensive

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**Hamas Releases ‘Farewell Picture’ of Israeli Captives Amid Gaza Offensive**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 21, 2025, 10:19 AM*

Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, has released a poignant “farewell picture” of 48 Israeli captives on social media. The image includes both living and deceased individuals, all collectively identified as “Ron Arad,” a reference to an Israeli air force officer who disappeared in Lebanon in 1986.

This release comes as Israeli forces intensify their offensive on Gaza City, focusing on underground tunnels and booby-trapped buildings in a bid to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure.

**Hamas Sends Message to Israeli Leadership**

Alongside the image, Hamas issued a direct message to Israeli leaders. The group criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for what it called “intransigence,” and Army Chief Eyal Zamir for “submission.” The statement read:
“Because of Netanyahu’s intransigence and Zamir’s submission: A farewell picture at the start of the operation in Gaza City.”

These remarks arrive amid fierce fighting in Gaza City, with recent Israeli strikes reportedly killing at least 60 Palestinians.

**Hostage Situation Remains Dire**

Hamas claims the captives are dispersed across various neighborhoods in Gaza City and are at significant risk due to ongoing Israeli bombings. Previously, Hamas released videos showing the hostages in poor health, including one disturbing clip of a captive apparently digging his own grave.

These videos have drawn condemnation from hostage families and international allies, including the United States, who describe such releases as psychological warfare.

**Public Outcry and Protests in Israel**

The publication of the “farewell” picture has sparked outrage, with mass protests expected to unfold in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Demonstrators are demanding that the government take immediate action to secure the release of captives and work toward ending the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its operation against Gaza City, targeting underground shafts and booby-trapped sites.

**Intensified Demolition Campaign in Gaza**

Israel has also ramped up its demolition campaign against high-rise buildings in Gaza City. Military efforts are concentrated on the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa neighborhoods. Recent estimates suggest that up to 20 tower blocks have been destroyed in the last two weeks.

Israeli media report that more than 500,000 residents have fled Gaza since early September, although Hamas disputes these figures.

—

*Social media continues to circulate the controversial “farewell picture,” fueling heightened tensions as the conflict escalates.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/hamas-shares-farewell-photo-of-48-israeli-captives/story

Hamas releases ‘farewell picture’ of Israeli captives amid Gaza offensive

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**Hamas Releases ‘Farewell Picture’ of Israeli Captives Amid Gaza Offensive**

*By Snehil Singh | September 21, 2025, 10:19 AM*

Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, has released a “farewell picture” showing 48 Israeli captives on social media. The photo includes both living and deceased individuals, all identified under the name “Ron Arad”—a reference to an Israeli air force officer who disappeared in Lebanon in 1986.

### Context of the Release

The image comes as Israeli forces intensify their offensive in Gaza City, targeting underground tunnels and booby-trapped buildings. The military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas’s operational capabilities amid escalating conflict.

### Message to Israeli Leadership

Alongside the image, Hamas issued a pointed message directed at Israeli authorities. The group accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “intransigence” and Army Chief Eyal Zamir of “submission,” stating:

*”Because of Netanyahu’s intransigence and Zamir’s submission: A farewell picture at the start of the operation in Gaza City.”*

This statement underscores Hamas’s criticism of Israel’s handling of the ongoing conflict.

### Hostage Situation and Concerns

Hamas claims the Israeli captives are dispersed across neighborhoods in Gaza City and are at risk due to ongoing Israeli airstrikes. In earlier communications, Hamas released videos showing hostages in poor health conditions, including one disturbing clip of a captive digging what appeared to be his own grave.

These videos have been widely condemned by hostage families and the international community—including the United States—who regard them as attempts at psychological warfare.

### Public Reaction in Israel

The release of the “farewell picture” has further fueled tensions within Israel, with mass protests expected in Tel Aviv and other cities. Demonstrators are calling on the government to secure a deal for the safe release of captives and to end the ongoing violence.

Meanwhile, Israel’s military continues its extensive offensive in Gaza City, focusing particularly on underground shafts and booby-trapped locations.

### Intensified Demolition Campaign in Gaza

Israel’s demolition campaign targeting high-rise buildings in Gaza City has escalated this week. The military is concentrating efforts on the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa neighborhoods as part of its broader assault strategy.

According to military estimates, up to 20 tower blocks have been destroyed in the past two weeks. Israeli media also report that over 500,000 residents have fled the area since early September—a figure disputed by Hamas.

—

*Stay updated with the latest developments on the Gaza conflict and international responses.*

[Social media users have widely reshared the “farewell picture” as tensions continue to rise.]
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/hamas-shares-farewell-photo-of-48-israeli-captives/story

Hamas releases ‘farewell picture’ of Israeli captives amid Gaza offensive

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**Hamas Releases ‘Farewell Picture’ of Israeli Captives Amid Gaza Offensive**

*By Snehil Singh | Sep 21, 2025, 10:19 AM*

Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, has released a “farewell picture” of 48 Israeli captives on social media. The image, which includes both living and deceased individuals, identifies all as “Ron Arad,” referring to the Israeli air force officer who disappeared in Lebanon in 1986.

This release coincides with an intensified Israeli military offensive in Gaza City, where forces are targeting underground tunnels and booby-trapped buildings.

**Hamas Sends Message to Israeli Leadership**

Alongside the image, Hamas directed a critical message toward Israeli leaders. The group accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “intransigence” and Army Chief Eyal Zamir of “submission,” stating:
“Because of Netanyahu’s intransigence and Zamir’s submission: A farewell picture at the start of the operation in Gaza City.”

The statement comes amid heavy fighting in Gaza City, where recent strikes have reportedly killed at least 60 Palestinians.

**Concerns Over Hostages’ Safety**

Hamas claims the captives are scattered across various neighborhoods in Gaza City and remain at grave risk due to ongoing Israeli bombardments. The group has previously released videos showing hostages in poor health. One video notably depicts a captive digging what appeared to be his own grave.

These videos have drawn strong condemnation from hostage families as well as international allies, including the United States, which denounces them as acts of psychological warfare.

**Public Outcry and Protests in Israel**

The release of the “farewell” picture is expected to fuel mass protests in Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities. Demonstrators are demanding that the Israeli government secure a deal to release the captives and call for an end to the conflict.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military continues its offensive with a focus on underground shafts and booby-trapped sites in Gaza City.

**Intensified Demolition Campaign in Gaza**

Israel has escalated its demolition campaign against high-rise buildings in Gaza City this week. Troops are concentrating efforts on the Sheikh Radwan and Tel Al-Hawa neighborhoods as part of the broader assault.

Military estimates suggest that up to 20 tower blocks have been destroyed in the last two weeks. Reports from Israeli media indicate that over 500,000 residents have fled Gaza City since early September, though Hamas disputes this figure.

—

*Stay updated on this developing story and follow reactions on social media as tensions escalate.*
https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/hamas-shares-farewell-photo-of-48-israeli-captives/story

How far has Israel fallen? Netanyahu dragged Israel into complete isolation – opinion

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How Far Has Israel Fallen? Netanyahu Dragged Israel Into Complete Isolation

It has long been a Netanyahu mantra that Israel must stand against a hostile world, alone if necessary. However, through his own government’s missteps, he has brought Israel to the brink of true isolation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the opening of the Knesset Museum, Jerusalem, August 11, 2025; illustrative.
(Photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90)

By MARK LAVIE / THE MEDIA LINE

https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-868172

How far has Israel fallen? Netanyahu dragged Israel into complete isolation – opinion

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How Far Has Israel Fallen? Netanyahu Dragged Israel into Complete Isolation

It has long been a Netanyahu mantra that Israel must stand against a hostile world, alone if necessary. However, through his own government’s missteps, he has brought Israel to the brink of true isolation.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the opening of the Knesset Museum, Jerusalem, August 11, 2025; illustrative.
Photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH90

By MARK LAVIE / THE MEDIA LINE

https://www.jpost.com/opinion/article-868172

International treaty protecting world’s oceans to take effect

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**Multinational Treaty to Protect Vast Expanses of the World’s Oceans Set to Become Law in January 2026**

*United Nations* — A groundbreaking multinational treaty aimed at protecting vast expanses of the world’s oceans is finally set to become law in January 2026. Environmentalists hailed the announcement made this Friday as a crucial step toward safeguarding fragile marine ecosystems.

The move by Morocco and Sierra Leone to join the UN treaty on the high seas pushed the number of ratifications past the required threshold of 60, enabling the treaty to be enacted as international law.

### Protecting Valuable, Fragile Marine Areas

The treaty seeks to protect biodiverse areas in international waters—those beyond countries’ exclusive economic zones. These high seas, covering more than two-thirds of the ocean, are teeming with plant and animal life vital to the planet’s health.

Conservationists emphasize the oceans’ critical role in creating half of the globe’s oxygen supply and combating climate change by absorbing a significant portion of carbon dioxide emissions produced by human activities.

Despite their importance, these waters face multiple threats, including pollution, overfishing, and the emerging challenges posed by deep-sea mining. This new industry is exploring previously untouched seabeds for valuable minerals such as nickel, cobalt, and copper.

### Binding Rules to Conserve Marine Biodiversity

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres stated, “Covering more than two-thirds of the ocean, the agreement sets binding rules to conserve and sustainably use marine biodiversity.”

Currently, only about one percent of high seas waters have legal protections. The new treaty aims to change that by establishing comprehensive safeguards for roughly 60 percent of the world’s oceans that lie outside any national jurisdiction.

The treaty is expected to take effect in 120 days. However, Lisa Speer, director of the International Oceans Program at the US-based Natural Resources Defense Council, noted that it may take until late 2028 or 2029 before the first marine protected areas are officially established.

### Coordinated Global Efforts and Ongoing Challenges

Once the treaty is in force, a dedicated decision-making body will collaborate with existing regional and global organizations that oversee various ocean activities. These include regional fisheries bodies and the International Seabed Authority—a key forum where nations are negotiating rules for the deep-sea mining industry.

While no commercial mining licenses have yet been issued for high seas waters, some countries have begun or are preparing to explore mineral resources within their own exclusive economic zones.

The treaty also introduces principles for sharing the benefits derived from marine genetic resources collected in international waters. This issue had been a major sticking point during years of complex negotiations.

Developing countries, which often lack funding for research expeditions, advocated strongly for fair benefit-sharing to avoid being sidelined in what is considered a lucrative future market, particularly for pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

### Toward Global Ratification

As of mid-September, 143 countries had joined the treaty. Ocean conservationists are now urging more nations to ratify it to ensure the treaty’s effectiveness.

Rebecca Hubbard, head of the High Seas Alliance coalition, stressed, “It’s really important that we move towards global or universal ratification for the treaty to be as effective as possible.” She encouraged small island states, developing countries, and even landlocked nations to participate.

### Potential Obstacles

Ratification efforts may face resistance from major maritime and industrial powers. For instance, Russia has neither signed nor ratified the treaty, citing objections to certain provisions. Meanwhile, the United States signed the treaty under President Joe Biden, but it remains unlikely that the administration under former President Donald Trump would seek to ratify it.

### Conclusion

The enactment of this treaty marks a significant leap toward the sustainable and equitable management of the world’s oceans. Protecting the high seas is essential not only for marine biodiversity but also for the health and well-being of the global community.

—

*Follow us on social media for more updates on environmental news and ocean conservation.*
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/international-treaty-protecting-worlds-oceans-to-take-effect/articleshow/124009294.cms

Brigitte Macron to provide ‘scientific’ gender evidence in US lawsuit

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Photos of Brigitte Macron, wife of the French president, could be presented in court as part of the defamation case brought by the Macrons against US right-wing influencer Candace Owens.

The couple has filed a 22-count lawsuit in the US state of Delaware, accusing Owens of knowingly spreading false claims, including the assertion that Brigitte Macron was born a man.

“We’re going to have the two testimonies of the two plaintiffs. There will be expert testimony that will come out that will be scientific in nature and will also demonstrate the falsity of the statements,” Macrons’ lawyer Tom Clare told the BBC on Thursday.

The lawsuit describes the Macrons as victims of a global humiliation campaign that is invasive, dehumanising, and deeply unjust.

However, Owens has stood by her remarks even after the lawsuit was filed.
https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3326055/french-first-lady-brigitte-macron-provide-scientific-gender-evidence-us-lawsuit?utm_source=rss_feed