Mounting civilian toll in West Bank prompts UN warning on worsening crisis

The United Nations on Friday issued a stark warning over the
deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, citing an
escalation of violence that has resulted in growing civilian
casualties, forced displacement and deepening insecurity among
Palest…

The United Nations on Friday issued a stark warning over the
deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, citing an
escalation of violence that has resulted in growing civilian
casualties, forced displacement and deepening insecurity among
Palestinians.

U.N. spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters that
humanitarian agencies were alarmed by the persistent rise in
violence, noting “casualties, property destruction, displacement,
loss of livelihoods and a profound sense of insecurity for
Palestinian civilians.”

According to the U.N., the number of Palestinian children killed
in 2025 reached 50 this week.
“In total, more than 200 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli
forces since the beginning of the year,” Dujarric added.

Israeli military operations in the West Bank have intensified
since the outbreak of the Gaza war in October 2023. Since then,
over 1,076 Palestinians have been killed and more than 10,700
injured in attacks by Israeli forces and armed settlers in the
occupied territory. Arrests have also surged, with more than 20,500
Palestinians detained during this period.

In a significant legal development last July, the International
Court of Justice ruled that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank
and East Jerusalem is unlawful and called for the removal of all
Israeli settlements from these areas.

Blue Eagles stay afloat, oust Falcons

Ralph Edwin Villanueva – Philstar.comNovember 23, 2025 | 4:02pm

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo kept its Final Four hopes alive after kicking Adamson…

Ralph Edwin Villanueva – Philstar.com

November 23, 2025 | 4:02pm

MANILA, Philippines — Ateneo kept its Final Four hopes alive after kicking Adamson out of semifinal contention, 72-61, in their UAAP Season 88 men’s basketball clash Sunday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

Dom Escobar led the four Blue Eagles in double figures with 14 points, five rebounds and two assists. Waki Espina and Kymani Ladi chipped in 13 markers apiece, while Shawn Tuano had 11.

The Blue Eagles thus rose to 6-7 in the standings, putting themselves in prime position for a playoff for the fourth and final semis spot. Adamson, on the other hand, exited with a 6-8 card.

Ateneo broke the game open in the middle quarters, outscoring their opponents 50-32 in the second and third frames as their lead ballooned to as much as 26 points, 65-39, after an Escobar jumper.

But Adamson went down swinging, slicing the deficit to half, 56-69, with a massive 17-4 run capped by a pair of free throws by AJ Fransman.

However, a booming triple by Espina with 2:46 left kept the Falcons at bay, 72-56.

Adamson’s Matty Erolon answered back with a trey of his own in the next possession, but both teams could not buy a bucket until a late deuce by Austin Ronzone.

By then, it was already too late.

Erolon stood tall for Adamson with 24 points, five rebounds and two assists. Ray Allen Torres chipped in 16 markers.

The Final Four picture will now boil down to the final game day on Wednesday, November 26.

That day, the 7-5 University of Santo Tomas will take on top-seeded National University. Ateneo will then face rival La Salle, which is currently the fourth seed with a 7-6 record.

COP30 ends in turmoil as fossil fuel phase-out falls off table

The UN climate conference COP30 wrapped up in Brazil on Saturday
without securing a firm commitment to phase out fossil fuels, a
failure that immediately sparked public protest from dozens of
countries, who warned that the summit’s final draft undermin…

The UN climate conference COP30 wrapped up in Brazil on Saturday
without securing a firm commitment to phase out fossil fuels, a
failure that immediately sparked public protest from dozens of
countries, who warned that the summit’s final draft undermines
global efforts to keep warming to 1.5°C (2.7°F).

The draft outcome, put forward by Brazil as conference
president, avoided any explicit reference to phasing out oil, gas
or coal, following strong pushback from major fossil-fuel producers
and several emerging economies, according to Anadolu Agency.
Instead, it calls only for countries to step up climate action on a
“voluntary” basis.

The omission triggered a dispute on the floor during the final
plenary. COP30 President Andre Correa do Lago briefly halted the
session after delegates from the EU, Colombia, Panama and
Switzerland protested openly and raised their flags to signal their
objection to the text.

When proceedings resumed, he confirmed that the outcome
documents had been approved despite the protests and concerns that
delegations had not been given the chance to voice their positions
publicly.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t see the flags,” do Lago said.

More than 80 countries — including Colombia, France and Spain —
had spent the past two weeks pushing for a clear and explicit
roadmap to end fossil-fuel use.

Colombia was among the strongest critics. Environment Minister
Irene Vélez said the summit had failed its central purpose.

“Colombia will not endorse a text that denies science, blocks
the 1.5°C goal, and turns its back on people and life,” she
said.

President Gustavo Petro echoed that sentiment, writing on social
media that he rejected the final document.

“I cannot accept that the COP30 declaration does not clearly
state — as science does — that fossil fuels used by capital are the
cause of the climate crisis,” he said.

European Commissioner for Climate Action Wopke Hoekstra also
voiced disappointment, saying the EU had hoped for more ambition
but would nevertheless “support” the agreed text.

Despite the backlash, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da
Silva declared the conference a success, insisting “science
prevailed, multilateralism won.” Brazil said it would continue
working within the voluntary framework until COP31, when Türkiye
assumes the presidency.

The summit was also marked by the absence of the world’s largest
oil producer, the United States, which did not attend the gathering
in Belém.

Jobberman boosts over 1000 Edo youths’ employability with career clinic

Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully boosted the career prospects of over 1,000 young people across Edo S…

Jobberman Nigeria, in partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, has successfully boosted the career prospects of over 1,000 young people across Edo State with a career clinic programme.

The event held in Benin City was attended by job seekers, entrepreneurs, and career professionals for one-day intensive learning, networking, and opportunity creation.

The participants, which described the clinic as life-changing, noted that it has equipped them with the new skills, clarity and renewed confidence to take charge of their careers and businesses.

The theme of the programme was, ‘Your Career Compass: Gain Clarity in Work and Business.’

In his opening remarks, Innih Ikhide, head of Youth Engagement and Learning at Jobberman Nigeria, said the Career Clinic as an opportunity to gain clarity, purpose, and practical strategies for their business.

Ikhide, who noted that nothing “will change if you don’t take action,” added that the world of work was changing fast while clarity is no longer a luxury but a necessity.

He expressed the optimism that the next wave of transformative stories would come from among the participants.

While sharing an inspiring story, he opined that “Life is 10 percent of what happens to you and 90 percent on how you respond to it.”

Ikhide, who appreciated the attendees for coming, said that the future of an in dividual depended on how he or she positioned him/herself.

In her keynote address, Isimeme Whyte, founder of Genius Hub, challenged the participants to embrace technology, think entrepreneurially, and position themselves as solutions to the problems around them.

According to her, “The calibre of young people I met in Benin City genuinely inspired me. They are not waiting for handouts; they’re hungry for knowledge, for connections, for a fair chance.

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“This generation has everything it takes to redefine Nigeria’s future, and I am honoured to have played a small part in encouraging them along that path,” she said.

In his good will message, Kerimu Shehu Kelly, Managing Director of the Edo State Skills Development Agency (EdoJobs), while commending the initiative, noted that the state government has seen the tremendous efforts of Jobberman.

Kelly assured that the Edo State government would collaborate with the Jobberman to make the event more robust, especially for the marginalised in the future.

He opined that when the government and the organisation work together, more young people who are in need of jobs and businesses opportunities can be reached.

Osayuwamen Aladesulu, Jobina Arinze, Kevwe Modupe and Chika Ike-Ojumwu, some of the experts at the programme provided practical guidance that resonated deeply with the attendees.

On his part, Kingsley Eromesele, chairman of the Edo State Deaf People Association, thanked Jobberman for the event.

“I was happy the organisers took persons with disabilities into account. The sessions were accessible and valuable. I hope Jobberman will organise more events like this and include us even more.”

Also, Rejoice Aghoghore, a graduate of the University of Benin (UNIBEN) who owns an accessories business, said the panel session gave her some clarity on what to do to address her worries and promote the business.

“I was wondering how to move on now that I have finished school, and the panel session gave me some clarity on what to do to put myself out there and promote my business. I feel more confident about the path ahead”, she added.

The Edo Career Clinic reinforced Jobberman’s commitment to ensuring young Nigerians have access to the skills, connections, and opportunities they need to build dignified and fulfilling careers.

The programme included three intensive breakout sessions led by Esohe Esther Idehen on Interview Etiquette and Personal Branding, John lyoha on Entrepreneurship Development, and Ibrahim Odion on Digital Customer Engagement strategies.

Vietnam flood deaths reach 90 as damage sweeps central region

PUBLISHED : 23 Nov 2025 at 14:45

  …

FILE PHOTO: A man carries a dog as he wades through a flooded street amid heavy downpours from Typhoon Matmo, which stranded vehicles, closed schools, moved classes online, and delayed flights to and from Noi Bai International Airport, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct 7, 2025. (Reuters)
FILE PHOTO: A man carries a dog as he wades through a flooded street amid heavy downpours from Typhoon Matmo, which stranded vehicles, closed schools, moved classes online, and delayed flights to and from Noi Bai International Airport, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct 7, 2025. (Reuters)

Severe and prolonged flooding across Central Vietnam has killed 90 people and left 12 others missing, the government said.

More than 1,154 homes were damaged and about 186,000 houses inundated at the peak of the floods, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said on Sunday. At least 80,000 hectares of rice and crops were damaged, according to the ministry. 

Deep flooding persists in parts of Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces, where road and bridge collapses have left hundreds of households isolated, though water has receded in some other areas. Authorities are attempting to restore access with repair work as they clean up the damage. 

Heavy rain is expected to gradually decrease starting from Nov 25, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecast.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, attending the Group of 20 talks in Johannesburg, convened an urgent virtual meeting with ministries and local authorities nationwide to review the flooding situation and coordinate ongoing response and recovery efforts in the central provinces, according to a posting on the government website.

Preliminary estimates place total economic damage around at least 9 trillion dong ($340 million), according to the government. Vietnam has been hit by 14 storms this year.

Vietnam flood deaths reach 90 as damage sweeps central region

PUBLISHED : 23 Nov 2025 at 14:45

  …

FILE PHOTO: A man carries a dog as he wades through a flooded street amid heavy downpours from Typhoon Matmo, which stranded vehicles, closed schools, moved classes online, and delayed flights to and from Noi Bai International Airport, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct 7, 2025. (Reuters)
FILE PHOTO: A man carries a dog as he wades through a flooded street amid heavy downpours from Typhoon Matmo, which stranded vehicles, closed schools, moved classes online, and delayed flights to and from Noi Bai International Airport, in Hanoi, Vietnam, Oct 7, 2025. (Reuters)

Severe and prolonged flooding across Central Vietnam has killed 90 people and left 12 others missing, the government said.

More than 1,154 homes were damaged and about 186,000 houses inundated at the peak of the floods, the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment said on Sunday. At least 80,000 hectares of rice and crops were damaged, according to the ministry. 

Deep flooding persists in parts of Dak Lak and Khanh Hoa provinces, where road and bridge collapses have left hundreds of households isolated, though water has receded in some other areas. Authorities are attempting to restore access with repair work as they clean up the damage. 

Heavy rain is expected to gradually decrease starting from Nov 25, according to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecast.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, attending the Group of 20 talks in Johannesburg, convened an urgent virtual meeting with ministries and local authorities nationwide to review the flooding situation and coordinate ongoing response and recovery efforts in the central provinces, according to a posting on the government website.

Preliminary estimates place total economic damage around at least 9 trillion dong ($340 million), according to the government. Vietnam has been hit by 14 storms this year.

ROK-ASEAN Connectivity Forum held in Taguig

Philstar.comNovember 23, 2025 | 3:28pm

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines’ Asian Center and the Embassy of the Republic of Kor…

Philstar.com

November 23, 2025 | 3:28pm

MANILA, Philippines — The University of the Philippines’ Asian Center and the Embassy of the Republic of Korea (ROK) to the Philippines recently organized the ROK-ASEAN Connectivity Forum held at Ascott BGC in Taguig City. 

The forum, attended by distinguished members from academic, business and diplomatic corps, highlighted the numerous areas of connectivity that the Republic of Korea and ASEAN member states can explore and strengthen. These areas include manufacturing and industry, education and people-to-people exchange, and cooperation in promoting non-traditional security. Areas such as green infrastructure, sustainable economic cooperation, and digital government were also among those highlighted.

With the theme, “Advancing Regional Cooperation under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairmanship”, the forum kickstarted with the session on the three key priorities of the Philippines as it spearheads the association next year — peace and security anchors, prosperity corridors, and people empowerment.

In his opening remarks, Republic of Korea Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa said that these key areas are well-aligned with ROK’s experience. 

“Connectivity has long driven our own development, linking people, ideas and economies,” Ambassador Lee said. 

DFA Deputy Assistant Secretary Leah Victoria Carada echoed the sentiments, saying that “Connectivity is a driver of economic growth and a key to improving the quality of life of our peoples.”

In tackling peace and security anchors, the Philippines and ROK will play a vital role in balancing attention toward traditional (e.g. maritime security) and non-traditional (human) security issues (e.g. food security) in the region. 

Also central to ROK-ASEAN collaboration is maritime connectivity, tackling both environmental and geopolitical tensions. As a maritime region, the ASEAN, through its relations with the ROK, must take this opportune moment to address issues in spatial, economic, and geopolitical tensions in the region. In response to the growing climate crisis, marine ecosystems must be conserved and communities must be developed through sustainable and inclusive innovations. On the other hand, opportunities such as expanding trade incentives to East Asian neighbors and the development of the South China Sea Code of Conduct may be leveraged by the ASEAN to achieve geopolitical stability, securing maritime connectivity in the region.

The finalization of the “binding” Code of Conduct on the South China Sea might be the greatest achievement of the Philippines as the chair but this must be pursued through ASEAN’s collective action. ROK affirmed its trust and confidence in the Philippines’ capacity to set norms of peace and conflict resolution, principled democracy and human rights, for instance, arbitrating cross-border conflicts and human trafficking in the region. 

The maintenance of rules-based order in Southeast Asia preconditions development. As ROK shares goals of sustainable development, equitable growth, and inclusivity in and with ASEAN, it commits itself to boosting the region’s capabilities and resources through increasing investments in specific sectors, namely advanced technology and innovation, integrated supply chains, smart farming, precision manufacturing and digital infrastructure. The drive for innovation and competitiveness can be harnessed if ASEAN states optimize intra-regional trade and rules-based partnership.    

The forum also highlighted the immediacy of addressing the challenges and impacts brought about by climate change. The Philippines, for being the most vulnerable nation for being prone to catastrophic cyclones and earthquakes, has to leverage on its shared aspiration with the ASEAN and ROK to pursue climate resilience and improve risk reduction and disaster management. One proposal was to build on the ROK’s strong commitment to green growth and its strengths in green technology and innovations. These can potentially be tapped to further create climate-resilient cities and communities in the ASEAN region. 

The sustainability of economic cooperation between the ROK and ASEAN was also identified. The possibility of Korean companies leaving the region due to rising workers’ wages was cited. To avoid this, one suggestion was to increase the productivity of the locals in the manufacturing industry. Doing so would be advantageous in further enhancing the competitiveness of the companies themselves.

Another provocative — and feasible and important — suggested initiative was the organization of the first-ever ROK-ASEAN dialogue on artificial intelligence governance during the Philippines’ chairmanship of ASEAN in 2026. If that happens, it could be a milestone achievement for the Philippines and ASEAN as a whole, given the wide-ranging application and implications of AI in today’s world. 

Against the backdrop of many ASEAN states’ still-nascent digital infrastructure and the ROK’s relatively advanced AI technology business and industrial environment, such an AI governance summit will be timely and relevant. 

Ambassador Lee added that the forum is a meaningful milestone in ROK-Philippines and ROK-ASEAN relations.

“Since elevating ROK-Philippine ties through a strategic partnership last year, our cooperation has continued to gain momentum,” he said. “Moving forward, ROK will continue extending financial, technical, and policy assistance for ASEAN connectivity through investments in physical and digital infrastructure, MSME empowerment, and human capital development. After all, connectivity is not only about infrastructure; it is about trust, opportunity, and shared destiny. The ASEAN–ROK partnership must remain centered on people: students, innovators, workers and entrepreneurs who will shape our region’s future.”

White House accuses South Africa of bocking smooth G20 presidency handover

The White House has accused South Africa of declining to ensure
a smooth handover of the G20 presidency to the United States,
Azernews reports via TRT World. The claim comes
after South Africa’s Foreign Ministry said it would…

The White House has accused South Africa of declining to ensure
a smooth handover of the G20 presidency to the United States,
Azernews reports via TRT World. The claim comes
after South Africa’s Foreign Ministry said it would transfer the
presidency to Washington “at an appropriate level”, shortly after
the G20 adopted a climate-crisis declaration opposed by the US.

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said on Saturday that
President Cyril Ramaphosa had pushed for a G20 leaders’ statement
addressing the climate emergency and other global issues “despite
consistent and robust US objections.”

She added that President Donald Trump was looking forward to
“restoring legitimacy to the G20 in the US’ 2026 host year.”

Earlier, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told
reporters at the summit that the US had wanted the handover to be
carried out through the chargé d’affaires at its embassy in
Pretoria.

Lamola stressed that South Africa’s Department of International
Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) sought to make a clear
distinction between the formal handover process and the ongoing
summit discussions attended by world leaders and their duly
appointed representatives.

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2 producers of fishing dynamites killed in accidental blast

John Unson – Philstar.comNovember 23, 2025 | 3:15pm

COTABATO CITY — Two men were instantly killed when a fishing dynamite they were fabricating for…

John Unson – Philstar.com

November 23, 2025 | 3:15pm

COTABATO CITY — Two men were instantly killed when a fishing dynamite they were fabricating for a buyer accidentally exploded inside their shanty in Barangay Tulay, Jolo, Sulu, late Saturday, November 22.

Lt. Col. Annidul Sali, chief of the Jolo Municipal Police Station, told reporters on Sunday, November 23, that Abdul Tiri Basang, 70, and his 40-year-old companion, Indal Tho Pascual, died from fatal injuries sustained in the powerful explosion that flattened their shanty in Barangay Tulay, Jolo, the capital of Sulu province.

Local executives confirmed to reporters that Basang and Pascual were known peddlers of fishing dynamite, which they fabricated using either ammonium nitrate or potassium chlorate as blasting charges.

Sali and barangay officials in Tulay said the explosion left two others, Tulli Mislani, 40, and a 37-year-old woman, Nuraisa Mislani Pascual, injured. 

Local executives said the accidental blast was so strong that it damaged, virtually beyond repair, the small house where Basang ang Pascual produced fishing dynamites that they sold to fishermen in Jolo and in nearby towns in Sulu.

Eldrew Yulo cops floor exercise bronze at gymnastics junior worlds

Ralph Edwin Villanueva – Philstar.comNovember 23, 2025 | 2:56pm

MANILA, Philippines — Hometown hero Eldrew Yulo twisted and turned his way to a bro…

Ralph Edwin Villanueva – Philstar.com

November 23, 2025 | 2:56pm

MANILA, Philippines — Hometown hero Eldrew Yulo twisted and turned his way to a bronze medal in the floor exercise final of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships.

Yulo bagged his first medal in the event with a graceful performance in front of the home crowd at the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

Performing second in the start list, the 17-year-old gymnast tallied a total of 13.733 on 8.433 execution score and 5.300 difficulty.

Later, Yulo was dislodged from the top spot by China’s Yang Lanbin, who took home the gold with a score of 13.833.

Simone Speranza of Italy then pushed Yulo to the third rank with a score of 13.766.

Yulo held on to that podium spot with other gymnasts taking their turn. But Russia’s Arsenii Dukhno, who finished on top of the field in the men’s qualifications ahead of the second-seeded Filipino, performed last.

And while Dukhno, the individual all-around gold medalist, had an impressive showing, he did not have a clean landing on one of his jumps, which led to a penalty of -0.1.

He finished fourth with a score of 13.633.

After Dukhno’s score was announced, an emotional Yulo was seen hugging his coach, Munehiro Kugiyama, as they celebrated.

Yulo, who finished eighth in the all-around event on Friday, will try to bag more medals as he competes in the men’s vault and horizontal bar finals on Monday.