Palestinian Official Condemns Attacks on Christian Communities Amid Gaza Conflict

During a press briefing held in Makati City on Thursday, Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Shahin expressed deep concern over the attacks on Christian villages in Gaza amid Israel’s military operations targeting Hamas militants. Shahin underscored the alarming decrease in the Christian population in Palestine, which she described as the “cradle of Christianity.” She noted that the Christian demographic has fallen dramatically from 12% in the previous century to less than 1% today in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. "The Christian population has been dwindling from, let’s say, 12% in the last century to 10%, to 8%, to 5%. Today, we are less than 1% in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. That’s a very, very low number, but the contribution is still very high because we are in every sphere that you can think of," she said. Emphasizing the importance of preserving Christian heritage, Shahin highlighted key sites such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, believed to be the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion and burial, and the Church of the Nativity, historically recognized as the birthplace of Jesus. "We want Christians to be preserved, to remain in the cradle of Christianity, and to bear witness for future generations. Imagine what it means to have the cradle of Christianity without its Christian population," she added. Shahin affirmed that Christians form an integral part of Palestinian society and emphasized the respect Christianity commands within the Palestinian community. During her visit to the Philippines, she met with Cardinal Pablo Virgilio David and Cardinal Jose Advincula to discuss the challenges faced by Christians in Gaza. Both Cardinals have shown support for Palestine amid the ongoing conflict. Cardinal Advincula has advocated for prayers and peace intentions for war-torn areas, including Palestine, commencing July 2024. Meanwhile, Cardinal David previously asserted that peace cannot be achieved as long as Bethlehem remains encircled by Israeli barriers. "Hindi tayo magkakaroon ng kapayapaan sa mundo hangga’t hindi natin natutunan na wasakin ang mga pader ng hidwaan at alitan sa isa’t-isa batay sa kulay, o sa relihiyon, o sa lahi, o sa kasarian, o sa estado ng pamumuhay," David stated, which translates to, "We will not have peace in the world until we learn to tear down the barriers of conflict and disagreement between each other based on color, religion, race, gender, or social status." The late Pope Francis also criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza, condemning the humanitarian consequences of the conflict. Shahin further lamented recent damage inflicted upon religious sites, citing the destruction of the Greek Orthodox St. Porphyrius Church in Gaza by Israeli airstrikes. The church was sheltering Gazan refugees at the time, many of whom perished in the attack. "Churches were bombed. The mosques, like Al-Omari Mosque, were bombed. All of it is gone," she said. "The heritage is under a lot of threat, and the world needs to stand up and say, ‘enough is enough.’ Israel cannot continue with whatever it has been doing for a long time." Responding to these allegations, Israel’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Dana Kursh, denied intentional targeting of churches, mosques, or other heritage sites during military operations in Gaza. In an interview, Kursh explained that Israeli forces strive to minimize damage to Palestinian civilians and religious landmarks, blaming Hamas for using civilian areas and religious sites as shields. "What the Hamas terrorist organization is choosing is to place themselves in those spaces, especially in order that we will, God forbid, harm them. And we are doing the maximum to prevent that from happening," Kursh stated. She also emphasized that Israel respects the freedom of religion for all communities, including Christians in Gaza and the West Bank, and asserted that the decline of the Christian population is a result of Hamas’s restrictive policies rather than Israeli actions. "How are Christians treated in the Gaza Strip by the Hamas terrorist organization and other jihadists? Israel is the homeland. It’s the birthplace of the three monotheistic religions: Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. We are doing the utmost not to jeopardize any religion and the freedom of religion," Kursh said. "The finger should not be pointed at us, but at the Hamas terrorist organization and other jihadis." The ongoing conflict continues to exacerbate the fragile status of religious communities and heritage in one of the world’s most contested regions, prompting calls from multiple stakeholders for urgent international attention and intervention.

Global Climate Deal Agreed at COP30, Boosting Aid for Developing Nations While Sidestepping Fossil Fuel Debate

At the COP30 climate summit held in Belem, Brazil, world governments reached a consensus on a compromise agreement aimed at enhancing financial aid for developing countries battling the adverse effects of global warming. However, the deal notably avoids addressing the role of fossil fuels, a central and contentious issue in climate negotiations. Despite the absence of the United States’ official delegation—the world’s largest historic carbon emitter—nations sought to present a united front on climate action. Wopke Hoekstra, the European Union’s climate commissioner, expressed cautious optimism, stating, \"We should support it because at least it is going in the right direction.\" The agreement inaugurates a voluntary initiative designed to accelerate climate efforts and help countries fulfill their existing emission reduction commitments. Crucially, it urges wealthy nations to triple financial contributions by 2035 to assist developing countries in adapting to the mounting effects of climate change. While scientific assessments indicate that current national pledges have significantly decreased projected warming, experts agree these measures fall short of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels — a threshold beyond which catastrophic climate impacts become increasingly likely. Developing nations have persistently highlighted their immediate need for funding to cope with already manifest problems such as sea-level rise, intensified heat waves, droughts, floods, and storms. The new accord addresses this by launching a process to align international trade policies with climate objectives, acknowledging concerns that increasing trade barriers could impede the dissemination of clean technologies. Avinash Persaud, Special Advisor to the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, emphasized the significance of financing within the agreement, noting, \"The accord’s focus on finance is crucial as climate impacts grow. But I fear the world still fell short on more rapid-release grants for developing countries responding to loss and damage. That goal is as urgent as it is hard.\" A major sticking point during negotiations was the inclusion of explicit language calling for a transition away from fossil fuels. The European Union advocated for such wording, but strong opposition from the Arab Group, including Saudi Arabia, led to an omission in the main agreement. Instead, this matter was addressed in a supplementary text introduced by the host nation, Brazil, following marathon all-night talks. The COP30 consensus reflects a delicate balance between advancing climate finance and maintaining geopolitical cooperation, underscoring the complexities nations face in confronting global warming collectively.

Philippines Advocates Enhanced Maritime Collaboration at EU–Indo-Pacific Forum Amid South China Sea Tensions

Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Theresa Lazaro has called for intensified maritime cooperation during the Fourth EU–Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum held in Brussels, addressing ongoing challenges posed by Beijing’s assertive claims and activities in the South China Sea. In a social media statement dated November 22, Lazaro recounted engaging discussions with foreign ministers from Lithuania, Brunei, Slovenia, France, Ireland, and Malta, during which she highlighted the Philippines’ priorities as ASEAN Chair in 2026 and efforts to deepen bilateral relations. She stated, \"Meaningful exchanges with ministers and colleagues from Lithuania, Brunei, Slovenia, France, Ireland, and Malta at the 4th EU Indo-Pacific Ministerial Forum in Brussels; I shared the Philippines’ ASEAN 2026 Chairship priorities and initiatives to build our respective bilateral ties.\" Lazaro also convened with Latvia’s Foreign Minister Baiba Braže, focusing on enhancing maritime domain awareness and safeguarding critical maritime infrastructure. Additionally, she expressed gratitude to Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna for co-chairing the Philippine-led Foreign Ministerial Meeting on Maritime Domain during the 80th United Nations General Assembly. Tsahkna highlighted their joint talks on cybersecurity, digital collaboration, and maritime security. Furthermore, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar engaged with Lazaro to review the full scope of bilateral relations and identify new avenues for cooperation. The forum, chaired by the European Union’s High Representative Kaja Kallas on November 20-21, aimed to promote a resilient, prosperous, and secure future grounded in a rules-based international order, free trade, and adherence to the principles of the United Nations Charter.

Philippines Prepares for Heavy Rainfall and Potential Flooding as Tropical Disturbance Develops

The Philippines is bracing for significant rainfall as a low-pressure area (LPA) inside the Philippine Area of Responsibility shows a high probability of developing into a tropical depression within 24 hours. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that the LPA was last located approximately 445 kilometers east of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur as of 8 p.m. on Sunday, November 23. Should the LPA intensify into a tropical depression, it will be locally named Verbena. PAGASA Weather Specialist Grace Castañeda indicated that the potential tropical cyclone is forecast to move west-northwest, impacting northeastern Mindanao, the Visayas, and northern Palawan. Regions expected to experience the strongest rains initially include Caraga and Eastern Visayas, along with portions of the Bicol region and the provinces of Bohol and Misamis Oriental. PAGASA provided a detailed rainfall outlook as follows: - **Sunday evening, November 23 to Monday evening, November 24:** Heavy to intense rainfall (100-200 mm) is anticipated in Eastern Samar, Surigao del Norte, and Dinagat Islands. Moderate to heavy rainfall (50-100 mm) is forecast for Albay, Sorsogon, Northern Samar, Samar, Leyte, Biliran, Southern Leyte, Bohol, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Sur, and Misamis Oriental. - **Monday evening, November 24 to Tuesday evening, November 25:** Heavy to intense rain is expected in Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate, Romblon, Oriental Mindoro, Southern Leyte, Leyte, Biliran, Cebu, Bohol, Negros Occidental, Capiz, Iloilo, and Dinagat Islands. Moderate to heavy rain covers a broader range, including Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Palawan, Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Northern Samar, Samar, Eastern Samar, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, Antique, Aklan, Guimaras, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Misamis Oriental, Camiguin, and Bukidnon. - **Tuesday evening, November 25 to Wednesday evening, November 26:** Heavy to intense rain will affect Aklan, Antique, Palawan, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro. Moderate to heavy rain is expected in Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Cavite, Batangas, Laguna, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Albay, Marinduque, Romblon, Capiz, Iloilo, Guimaras, and Negros Occidental. Aside from the LPA, an additional source of rainfall is the shear line influenced by the northeast monsoon (amihan) and easterly winds from the Pacific Ocean. This shear line will continue to bring rain to eastern Luzon provinces and, within 48 hours, heavier rains will extend to more areas including Metro Manila. Rainfall from the shear line between Sunday evening, November 23 and Monday evening, November 24 includes moderate to heavy rain (50-100 mm) over Cagayan, Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon. From Monday evening, November 24 to Tuesday evening, November 25, similar rainfall amounts are expected in Cagayan, Isabela, Apayao, Kalinga, Aurora, and Quezon. Heavy to intense rainfall (100-200 mm) from Tuesday evening, November 25 to Wednesday evening, November 26 will impact Isabela, Aurora, and Quezon, with moderate to heavy rain forecast in Metro Manila and nearby provinces including Rizal, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cagayan, Apayao, Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Ifugao. PAGASA has warned that these weather disturbances increase the risk of floods and landslides in vulnerable areas. Authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and closely monitor official weather updates to take necessary precautions.

Severe Tropical Storm Verbena Strengthens, Approaching Exit from Philippine Area

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reported that tropical storm "Verbena" escalated into a severe tropical storm as of yesterday morning. According to the 5 p.m. bulletin, only the Kalayaan Islands remain under Wind Signal No. 1. Verbena, identified as the 22nd tropical cyclone of the year affecting the country, first formed as a tropical depression on Monday morning. It subsequently made landfall in Surigao del Sur that afternoon and intensified into a tropical storm by Tuesday. By 4 p.m. yesterday, Verbena was located approximately 230 kilometers northwest of Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan. The system was moving westward at 15 kilometers per hour, with maximum sustained winds reaching 95 kilometers per hour near its center and gusts up to 115 kilometers per hour. PAGASA forecasts that Verbena will exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Wednesday night or Thursday morning. The storm is expected to continue strengthening over the next 48 hours due to conducive environmental conditions. However, the agency noted that the approaching northeast monsoon surge will likely initiate a slight weakening trend throughout the remainder of the forecast period. "Afterwards, the surge of the northeast monsoon will result in a slight weakening trend for the rest of the forecast period," PAGASA stated. While Verbena continues to pose a threat, authorities are closely monitoring its progress as the storm moves away from Philippine territory.

Taiwan Moves to Ban Chinese Social App Rednote Amid Fraud Concerns, Sparking Censorship Accusations

Taiwan’s government has announced a one-year suspension of the Chinese social media platform Rednote, citing significant security threats and associations with over 1,700 fraud cases since early 2024. The interior ministry revealed the decision after the app, which boasts around 3 million Taiwanese users, failed to provide assurances regarding data protection upon government inquiry. Opposition voices swiftly condemned the government’s move as a suppression of internet freedoms. Cheng Li-wun, chairwoman of the Kuomintang party, criticized the ban on her Facebook page, expressing concerns over restricted digital rights. Using a metaphor familiar in China referring to the use of VPNs to bypass internet censorship, Cheng stated that the suspension damages Taiwan’s long-held values of free speech and open internet access. She accused the ruling Democratic Progressive Party of infringing on civil liberties under the justification of national security. Taiwan’s presidential office defended the interior ministry’s actions, with spokesperson Karen Kuo emphasizing the administration’s support and the necessity of protecting users from fraud and security vulnerabilities. Taiwan has historically taken a cautious stance on Chinese applications, warning of risks related to misinformation propagated by Beijing. Unlike China, which blocks numerous Western social media platforms, Taiwan generally promotes digital openness, reflecting its democratic principles. However, concerns over cyber threats and disinformation campaigns targeting Taiwanese users have escalated tensions. In a recent example, China’s Taiwan Affairs Office launched a Facebook page targeting Taiwan, only to be met with swift online backlash ridiculing Chinese censorship. Taiwan continues to reject Beijing’s claims of sovereignty over the island, affirming that its people hold the right to determine their future independently. The move to block Rednote underscores ongoing cybersecurity and political challenges faced by Taiwan amid cross-strait tensions.

WMO Forecasts 55% Chance of Weak La Niña Impacting Global Weather in Early 2026

GENEVA – The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has released updated forecasts signaling a 55 percent chance of weak La Niña conditions influencing global climate patterns over the next three months. This announcement was made public on Thursday. La Niña is characterized by a significant cooling of surface waters in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, which affects tropical atmospheric circulation including alterations in winds, pressure systems, and precipitation trends. Forecast data from the WMO Global Producing Centres for Seasonal Prediction, as of mid-November 2025, indicate oceanic and atmospheric measurements are close to La Niña thresholds. There is a 55 percent likelihood that these conditions will be met between December 2025 and February 2026. Looking ahead to the early months of 2026, the probability of transitioning to El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-neutral conditions increases — from roughly 65 percent in January-March to about 75 percent in February-April. The chance of an El Niño event, which generally produces opposite climatic effects, remains low. WMO Secretary-General Celeste Saulo emphasized the importance of these forecasts, stating, \"Seasonal forecasts for El Niño and La Niña are vital tools for sectors impacted by climate variability such as agriculture, energy, health, and transportation. This climate intelligence helps prevent significant economic losses and saves lives.\" These naturally occurring large-scale climate phenomena unfold within the broader context of human-driven climate change, which is causing a long-term rise in global temperatures, intensifying extreme weather events, and altering seasonal patterns of rainfall and temperature. To offer a broader perspective, the WMO regularly publishes Global Seasonal Climate Updates (GSCU) that incorporate the effects of other major climate oscillations such as the North Atlantic Oscillation, Arctic Oscillation, and Indian Ocean Dipole. These reports monitor global and regional temperature and precipitation anomalies and their expected development in the coming months. The latest GSCU projects above-average temperatures across much of the Northern Hemisphere and large portions of the Southern Hemisphere for the period December 2025 to February 2026. Rainfall forecasts during this timeframe are consistent with patterns typically associated with a weak La Niña phase.

2023 Poised to Be Among Hottest Years on Record as Climate Change Impacts Intensify

The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) announced on Tuesday that 2023 is expected to be the second or third hottest year ever recorded worldwide, potentially only surpassed by 2024’s anticipated record-breaking temperatures. This assessment comes shortly after the COP30 climate summit, where international negotiations failed to produce significant new commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Geopolitical tensions, including the United States scaling back its climate initiatives and some countries advocating for weaker carbon reduction policies, have hampered progress. According to C3S, 2023 will also conclude the first three-year period where the global average temperature has consistently exceeded 1.5 degrees Celsius (2.7 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels from 1850 to 1900—the benchmark period before widespread industrial fossil fuel use. Samantha Burgess, strategic lead for climate at C3S, emphasized the significance of these trends: \"These milestones are not abstract – they reflect the accelerating pace of climate change.\" The year has been marked by severe weather events around the globe, including Typhoon Kalmaegi which resulted in over 200 fatalities in the Philippines, and Spain’s most devastating wildfires in 30 years, both exacerbated by conditions linked to climate change. Last year holds the record as the warmest on Earth. While natural variability can cause year-to-year fluctuations, climate scientists have established a definitive upward trajectory in global temperatures driven primarily by greenhouse gas emissions emitted through fossil fuel consumption. The World Meteorological Organization reiterated earlier this year that the past decade comprises the ten warmest years since record keeping began. The international community, under the 2015 Paris Agreement, pledged to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius to avert severe climate impacts. Although this threshold has not yet been crossed on a long-term average basis, the United Nations has declared that meeting the 1.5-degree goal has become unlikely without accelerated CO2 emission reductions. C3S maintains climate records dating to 1940, corroborated with global data extending back to 1850. The growing body of evidence underscores the urgent need for coordinated global action to mitigate climate risks and protect vulnerable communities worldwide.

Two Found Dead at Hollywood Director Rob Reiner's Los Angeles Residence

LOS ANGELES – Authorities found the bodies of two individuals, a 78-year-old man and a 68-year-old woman, inside a residence in West Los Angeles linked to actor and director Rob Reiner. The Los Angeles Fire Department confirmed the discovery but has yet to release additional details regarding the circumstances surrounding the deaths. Rob Reiner, aged 78, is renowned for his starring role in the 1970s CBS television comedy "All in the Family," as well as for directing acclaimed films such as "This is Spinal Tap," "When Harry Met Sally," "Stand by Me," and "The American President." At this time, authorities continue to investigate the situation, and no official statements have been made concerning potential causes. The identities of the deceased beyond their ages have not been publicly disclosed.

ICJ to Hear Myanmar Genocide Case Affecting Future International Rulings

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has scheduled hearings from January 12 to 29 to examine allegations that Myanmar committed genocide against its Rohingya Muslim minority, the United Nations’ principal judicial organ confirmed Friday. This case represents the ICJ’s first genocide trial on the merits in more than ten years and is anticipated to set significant legal precedents that may impact parallel international disputes, including South Africa's case regarding the conflict in Gaza. During the opening week of the hearings, Gambia—a mostly Muslim West African nation that initiated the suit in 2019 with the support of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation—will present its arguments from January 12 to 15. Gambia accuses Myanmar of systematically targeting the Rohingya population. Myanmar denies the allegations and will respond between January 16 and January 20. In a rare procedural decision, the Court has allocated three days to review witness testimonies in closed sessions inaccessible to the public and media. The case is grounded in the 1948 Genocide Convention, established in response to the Holocaust and defining genocide as acts intended to destroy, entirely or partially, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. Both Myanmar and Gambia are signatories, thus accepting the ICJ’s jurisdiction. Earlier investigations by a U.N. fact-finding mission concluded that Myanmar’s 2017 military campaign, which forced over 730,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, included "genocidal acts." Myanmar has dismissed these findings as biased, asserting the military actions targeted armed Rohingya insurgents. Historically, the ICJ has only recognized one confirmed genocide case—the 1995 Srebrenica massacre during the Yugoslav Wars. The outcome of this trial could significantly influence international law, especially since several intervening states, including Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have emphasized that genocidal intent should not be judged solely on death tolls but also other factors like forced displacement, harm to children, and sexual and gender-based violence. The coming hearings are thus expected to shape the interpretation and enforcement of genocide law globally, reinforcing the international community’s response to such grave accusations.