At least 68 dead in high-speed train collision in Spain
At least 68 people have been killed after two high-speed trains collided in Spain on Wednesday, in the second deadly rail disaster in less tha...
United Nations Report Warns Gaza’s Reconstruction Could Take Centuries Amid Unprecedented Economic Decline
A United Nations report has revealed that Gaza’s reconstruction after the recent military conflict involving Hamas could take centuries, even under the most optimistic scenarios. The report released by the U.N. Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) suggests that Gaza’s recovery to its pre-October 7, 2023, economic state might take up to 350 years.
The study indicates that even if hostilities were to end immediately and the territory reverted to its fragile pre-conflict condition, significant hurdles remain. The region has seen severe economic decline, and according to Rami Alazzeh, the report's author, the slow growth trend from 2007 to 2022 is a critical factor. During that period, Gaza's growth rate averaged just 0.4% annually. At this rate, Alazzeh states, it could take 350 years for Gaza to reach its previous GDP levels.
“The message is that Gaza's recovery depends on the conditions in which it occurs,” Alazzeh said. “We’re not suggesting it will take 350 years because that would mean Gaza never recovers, but the path ahead is highly uncertain.”
Even under favorable conditions, such as an end to military operations, unrestricted movement of goods and people, and substantial investment, the report estimates that Gaza’s GDP per capita might only return to 2022 levels by 2050, given a 10% annual growth rate. The region also faces a 2.8% population growth rate, complicating efforts to improve living standards.
Despite losing his bloc's majority in Israel's 120-seat Knesset in a hotly contested election, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has managed to remain in the lead after 70 per cent of votes were tallied on Wednesday. Figures are subject to change as counting continues.
Russia and Ukraine have begun a regional ceasefire to allow the start of a humanitarian effort in the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky, both sides said on Tuesday, but they continue strikes elsewhere, including the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv.
The Pentagon is prepared to launch potentially major military operations against Iran within 96 hours of receiving an order from U.S. President Donald Trump, with sufficient forces already deployed in the Middle East, according to a CNN report.
Jordan said its air force killed more than 20 Islamic State militants in strikes on southern Syria on Monday night.
Russia's President Vladimir Putin is hosting the Eighth Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) summit in Moscow. The Kremlin has said leaders will discuss the role of gas in global energy security and adopt a final declaration.
Georgia is laying the groundwork for a digital version of its national currency, with parliament approving a legal framework and the central bank preparing pilot projects. But a nationwide launch remains years away.
Kyrgyzstan has unveiled plans to significantly expand its protected natural areas, bringing more high-altitude glaciers, mountain landscapes and state-owned forests under environmental protection as part of a draft strategy for 2026–2035.
Uzbekistan has launched Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing customers at several local banks to make contactless payments using their smartphones and other compatible devices.
Iran says a “new and positive atmosphere” has emerged following rare security talks in Tehran with senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as regional tensions continue to escalate.
The first day of the seventh World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue wrapped up in Baku on Tuesday (27 October), with President Ilham Aliyev highlighting Azerbaijan’s role in promoting peace and multiculturalism as global leaders explored the impact of AI and cultural cooperation.
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