'It's the same obstacle every time... Bibi!' - Tel Aviv protesters demand end to Gaza war, return of all Hamas-held captives

'It's the same obstacle every time... Bibi!' - Tel Aviv protesters demand end to Gaza war, return of all Hamas-held captives

"Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv's Hostage Square on Saturday to continue urging the government to end the war in Gaza and pursue a ceasefire agreement that would secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Footage shows brief skirmishes erupting as pro-government supporters confronted protesters rallying with portraits of the captives. The crowd can be seen chanting, drumming, waving Israeli flags and holding signs including, 'stop the war.' "Whether it's this deal or the last deal, we've had the chance on the table. The IDF is on the same page as the Hostage Family Forum that the best way to get hostages back is to end this war. Bibi is using them, tokenising them, saying that we can't end the war until we get all the hostages back," one protester said. "It's been the same obstacle every time, it's been Bibi. It's not about the hostages' lives to him, it's not about our lives to him, it's not about our security to him. It's about corruption. It's about his power - and I think the last few days are just emblematic of that," he continued. The protest, organised by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, is the latest in a wave of mass anti-government demonstrations that have swept across Israel in recent weeks. It comes after the Israeli Defence Forces announced on Friday that they have recovered the bodies of two hostages during an operation in Gaza. The Israel-Hamas war erupted on October 7, 2023, when the Palestinian group launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing 1,139 people and kidnapping more than 200 others, according to Israeli officials. Israel's subsequent military operations in Gaza have killed more than 63,300 people and injured over 159,800 others at the time of publication, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health."

Capital in chaos - Explosives and flames rock Jakarta for second night following deadly crackdown

Capital in chaos - Explosives and flames rock Jakarta for second night following deadly crackdown

"Protests flared again in Jakarta on Saturday after the death of a 21-year-old delivery rider, who was fatally run over by an armoured police vehicle near parliament earlier this week. Footage shows demonstrators gathering and setting fires beneath banners reading, 'Police are murderers. F*ck you, Parliament' and 'Focus on guarding Jakarta'. Later at night, protesters wave Indonesian flags, fire off fireworks, and hurl explosives as riot police watch over the crowds with shields. The fatal incident, widely circulated online, has become a symbol of anger against police brutality and economic inequality. The man, reportedly completing a food delivery at the time, was struck as a police vehicle accelerated into demonstrators. President Prabowo Subianto called the police response 'excessive' and demanded a transparent investigation. The national police chief issued a public apology and confirmed seven officers had been detained. Despite these pledges, protests escalated nationwide, reaching Bandung and Surabaya on Java as well as Gorontalo and Makassar on Sulawesi. The wave of unrest was initially sparked by public outrage over lawmakers' perceived extravagance, including a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (3,000 USD, 2,600 EUR), nearly 20 times the minimum wage in some regions of Indonesia. The upheaval marks one of the most serious challenges for the new government, as public anger continues to mount over both state violence and political privilege."

Capital in chaos - Explosives and flames rock Jakarta for second night following deadly crackdown

Capital in chaos - Explosives and flames rock Jakarta for second night following deadly crackdown

"Protests flared again in Jakarta on Saturday after the death of a 21-year-old delivery rider, who was fatally run over by an armoured police vehicle near parliament earlier this week. Footage shows demonstrators gathering and setting fires beneath banners reading, 'Police are murderers. F*ck you, Parliament' and 'Focus on guarding Jakarta'. Later at night, protesters wave Indonesian flags, fire off fireworks, and hurl explosives as riot police watch over the crowds with shields. The fatal incident, widely circulated online, has become a symbol of anger against police brutality and economic inequality. The man, reportedly completing a food delivery at the time, was struck as a police vehicle accelerated into demonstrators. President Prabowo Subianto called the police response 'excessive' and demanded a transparent investigation. The national police chief issued a public apology and confirmed seven officers had been detained. Despite these pledges, protests escalated nationwide, reaching Bandung and Surabaya on Java as well as Gorontalo and Makassar on Sulawesi. The wave of unrest was initially sparked by public outrage over lawmakers' perceived extravagance, including a monthly housing allowance of 50 million rupiah (3,000 USD, 2,600 EUR), nearly 20 times the minimum wage in some regions of Indonesia. The upheaval marks one of the most serious challenges for the new government, as public anger continues to mount over both state violence and political privilege."

Russia's President Putin touches down in Tianjin ahead of landmark SCO summit

Russia's President Putin touches down in Tianjin ahead of landmark SCO summit

"Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in the Chinese city of Tianjin on Sunday to take part in the landmark Shanghai Co-operation Organisation (SCO) Summit. Footage shows the leader descending the aircraft ramp and shaking hands with members of the welcome delegation. The Kremlin reported that Putin would hold a series of meetings with foreign leaders and take part in a trilateral dialogue between Russia, China and Mongolia. The president is also expected to participate in high-level talks with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. On September 3, the Russian president will attend celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat in the Second World War, which will include a military parade in Beijing. The 25th meeting of the Council of Heads of State of the SCO, chaired by Chinese President Xi Jinping, is scheduled to take place in Tianjin from August 31- September 1. The upcoming summit promises to be the largest in its history. Leaders from 10 member states, 14 dialogue partners, two observer countries, as well as representatives of international organisations have confirmed their participation. Discussions are expected to include economic co-operation on technology, innovation and artificial intelligence, as well as issues of regional security and sustainable development. "

Путин прилетел в Тяньцзинь для участия в заседании глав государств - членов ШОС

Путин прилетел в Тяньцзинь для участия в заседании глав государств - членов ШОС

"Президент России Владимир Путин в воскресенье прибыл в китайский Тяньцзинь для участия в заседании Совета глав государств - членов Шанхайской организации сотрудничества (ШОС). На кадрах лидер спускается по трапу и обменивается рукопожатиями с членами встречающей делегации. В пресс-службе Кремля сообщили, что Путин проведет ряд встреч с иностранными лидерами и примет участие в трехстороннем диалоге России, Китая и Монголии. Также у главы государства запланированы переговоры на высшем уровне с руководителем КНР Си Цзиньпином. Кроме того, 3 сентября Путин посетит торжественные мероприятия, приуроченные к 80-й годовщине победы над милитаристской Японией и окончания Второй мировой войны, включая военный парад в Пекине. 25-е заседание Совета глав государств - членов ШОС под руководством председателя КНР Си Цзиньпина пройдет с 31 августа по 1 сентября в Тяньцзине. Присутствие на предстоящем саммите подтвердили лидеры более чем 20 стран и представители международных организаций. Ожидается, что участники обсудят экономическое сотрудничество в сфере высоких технологий, инноваций и искусственного интеллекта, а также вопросы региональной безопасности и устойчивого развития. Сегодня ШОС объединяет 10 государств-членов, 14 партнеров по диалогу и 2 страны-наблюдателя. "