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Middle East conflict

Gazan GDP plummeted 85% over year — ILO

"In the West Bank, the unemployment rate averaged 34.9 per cent between early October 2023 and the end of September 2024, while in Gaza it averaged a staggering 79.7 per cent," the International Labor Organization said

GENEVA, October 17. /TASS/. The GDP of the Gaza Strip fell by 84.7% since the time of conflict aggravation and the unemployment rate reached 79.7%, the International Labor Organization, a specialized UN agency, said in its report.

According to ILO estimates, the GDP fell by 84.7% in the Gaza Strip and by 21.7% in the West Bank. Overall, GDP contraction in the "Occupied Palestinian Territory" (OPT) stood at 32.2% and became the unprecedented drop in the latest history, ILO said.

"In the West Bank, the unemployment rate averaged 34.9 per cent between early October 2023 and the end of September 2024, while in Gaza it averaged a staggering 79.7 per cent," the Organization added.

Trump presidency would be 'good for Europe' — Hungarian PM

Under Republican Donald Trump, the international landscape was much calmer than under the current Democratic administration, led by Joe Biden and Kamala Harris, Viktor Orban said

Russian women's futsal team 'didn't have to wear hijabs, but chose to' — coach

According to the team's coach, the Russian players were really interested in experiencing what it felt like to wear the hijab and play in it all the time

Press review: Zelensky's Victory Plan jumbled mess and SCO helps usher in new world order

Top stories from the Russian press on Thursday, October 17th

Harris close on Trump’s heels, latest poll shows

The poll was conducted online and by phone on October 10 and from October 13 to October 15

EU, West losing Ukraine conflict — Hungarian PM Orban

"This indicates that we have adopted an unsuccessful strategy in this conflict," Viktor Orban went on to say

NATO defense ministers to discuss military budgets, aid to Kiev

Simultaneously, Brussles will also host a summit of the European Union, also discussing military support to Ukraine

Hezbollah fighters destroy two Israeli tanks in southern Lebanon

On September 23, Israel launched Operation Northern Arrows against Hezbollah units in Lebanon, during which it is carrying out massive airstrikes against the movement’s military facilities

Russian embassy alarmed by anti-Russian sentiments in Germany

The embassy said that "the artificial hysteria in addition to stories about the growing 'hybrid threat' Russia poses result in calls for rapid mobilization in Germany and pumping even more arms and equipment into Ukraine"

Biden to depart on his postponed visit to Germany

According to White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden will hold bilateral meetings with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier

Nine counterattacks repulsed: situation in Kursk Region

The Ukrainian military lost more than 350 personnel, twenty-one armored vehicles, including two tanks, three infantry fighting vehicles and 16 armored combat vehicles, as well as five mortars and seven automobiles

G7 working out details of $50 bln Russian-asset backed loan for Kiev — US official

The official said that "leaders will probably cover this in terms of the political will to make this happen by the end of the year"

Russia promotes true ideals in sports, such as honor and respect for opponents — Putin

"Building on the vast experience of holding large-scale sports festivals, including the Winter Games in Sochi and the FIFA World Cup, Russia promotes new formats of cooperation," the Russian leader said

Scholz says ready to discuss Ukrainian settlement with Putin

At the same time, the German cabinet has nothing to say at the moment about the possible telephone conversation between Putin and Scholz

Russian Lancet munition destroys Polish-made Krab howitzer in Kharkov Region — top brass

It is reported that data recorders showed the destruction of a Polish-supplied 155mm Krab self-propelled artillery system of the Ukrainian army by a Lancet loitering munition

Russian troops close to encircling Kurakhovo after liberation of Maksimilyanovka in DPR

"Maksimilyanovka brings closer the encirclement of Kurakhovo from the southeast," the defense circles said

Russian warplanes destroy training base of terrorists in Idlib zone — military

The strikes were delivered with the goal of preventing radical groups from attacking territories controlled by the Syrian government, said Oleg Igansyuk, the deputy chief of the Russian Center for Reconciliation of the Opposing Parties in Syria

Iran tells US it wouldn’t respond to 'limited' Israeli strike — report

According to the media, the "behind-the-scenes" message from Iran to the US differs from the Iranian public statements, which threaten a painful response to a possible Israeli strike

Biden to depart to Berlin to meet with Steinmeier, Scholz on Thursday

According to White House Spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre, Biden will discuss a number of bilateral issues and international agenda with the German leaders, including the Ukrainian crisis

EU’s rejection of dialogue on Ukraine with Russia major mistake — Hungarian PM

Viktor Orban has repeatedly stated that Hungary believes the Ukrainian conflict cannot be resolved on the battlefield, that there can be no winners, and that it should be settled at the negotiating table

Ukrainians in Poland show no interest in fighting for Ukraine — Polish defense minister

On July 8, following his talks with Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk in Warsaw, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced the establishment of a Ukrainian volunteer military unit he dubbed the "Ukrainian legion" in Poland

Number of deserters in Ukraine quadruples in 9 months

Ukraine’s law enforcement agencies are not capable of investigating such a large number of cases

Kazakh leader explains Russia's invincibility by military potential, population's support

Peace, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev noted, is the only option, not destroying each other

US claims of China’s help to Russia in Ukrainian conflict hypocritical — Chinese embassy

"China always handles the export of military products in a prudent and responsible way, and strictly controls the export of dual-use articles, including drones for civilian use," the spokesperson for Chinese embassy in the US, Liu Pengyu, said

US attacks five underground Houthi weapons depots in Yemen — Pentagon chief

Lloyd Austin emphasized that the US strikes would "further degrade the Houthis' capability to continue their destabilizing behavior," as well as allegedly help ensure the safety of US and partner forces

Eyewitnesses say not only Ukrainians fighting for Kiev in Kursk Region

It is also reported that the Ukrainian armed forces fired "everything they could" - assault rifles, machine guns, artillery

Zelensky unveils his plan without getting West's approval — media

It is reported that Ukrainian officials were expecting a response during a meeting of the contact group on military assistance to Ukraine at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany

Pier upgrade at Pacific Fleet base allowed 7 subs to enter service, Russian ministry says

Commander of the Pacific Fleet Submarine Forces Vice Admiral Vladimir Dmitriyev made the statement in a report to Russian Defense Minister Andrey Belousov as the minister was visiting the Kamchatka Region

Bundestag lawmaker calls Zelensky’s initiative a 'world war plan'

According to Sevim Dagdelen, the German government must deny such an initiative

Kiev realizes liberation of Kupyansk inevitable — official

According to Vitaly Ganchev, this is not the first time that the Ukrainian authorities have carried out a mandatory evacuation

EU fails to persuade Gulf states to support anti-Russian sanctions

The document’s section, devoted to Ukraine, says that the sides "reaffirm our respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity of States, and commitment to fundamental principles of the UN Charter"

Russia makes another real peace proposal to Kiev — Putin

Vladimir Putin emphasized that Russia's plan would mean ending the conflict once and for all, not freezing it

Ukraine’s military created network of underpasses near Ugledar — Russia’s top brass

As Russian servicemen say, the enemy is poorly trained and only few fighters, largely foreign mercenaries, put up fierce resistance while the others try to retreat or surrender

West's endgame to make Moldova part of Romania — Foreign Ministry

"This is a historical battle that has been going on for decades and centuries, and now it has simply reached a new level," Maria Zakharova stated

Scholz says nothing changes in Germany’s position, decisions on Ukraine

"Otherwise, there are strategic issues that need to be discussed. You know what decisions I have made, and nothing will change in them," the German chancellor assured

Command of Ukraine's 59th brigade executes Russian POWs — Ukrainian captive

Konstantin Kolesnikov urged his fellow soldiers to surrender and stressed that in the current conditions this is the only way for the Ukrainian soldiers to survive

Switzerland expands sanctions against Russia — Federal Council

The Federal Council decided to adopt most of the measures in the EU’s 14th package of sanctions against Russia

Iran to respond 'painfully' if Israel attacks its facilities — commander-in-chief

Recalling Operation True Promise-2 (a massive missile strike on Israel on October 1 in response to the assassination of key leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah and the IRGC), Salami emphasized that it was only a warning for Israel to "learn a lesson"

Russian diplomat dubs Zelensky’s plan as 'collection of incoherent slogans'

Maria Zakharova stressed that the Ukrainian president is using his plan to push NATO toward a direct conflict with Russia

Iraqi radical group claims capable of hitting Israeli nuclear facility near Dimona

The spokesperson stated that if the readiness of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq militias is raised to level five, the highest level, they "will engage in open combat with no restrictions"

Slovak prime minister predicts imminent end of Ukrainian conflict

Robert Fico also noted that "there are talks again about the possibility of Ukraine joining NATO"

Ukrainian losses: situation in Kursk Region

The Russian military must encircle and eliminate the Ukrainian servicemen operating in the Kursk Region, Major General Apty Alaudinov stressed

Georgian opposition plots constitutional coup after elections — parliament speaker

Among the indicators that Shalva Papuashvili named are "local observers who in reality pursue political goals, and their concocted false statements about the election process that have been prepared in advance"

US, Europe recognize insufficiency of Zelensky's plan — media

Meanwhile, "there’s a fracturing consensus among Western governments about how much of Zelensky’s 'wish list' should be granted," Ishaan Tharoor noted

Zelensky plan a scheme to pull West into direct standoff with Russia — senior lawmaker

"With this set of brazen and provocative demands, the Ukrainian ‘fuhrer’ is trying to shirk responsibility for exterminating the Ukrainian people and blatantly shifts it to the West," Chairman of the Russian State Duma Committee on International Affairs Leonid Slutsky said

Ukrainian troops preparing to retreat from Russia’s borderline Kursk Region — blogger

Russian forces continue operations to destroy Ukrainian army units in the borderline Kursk Region

Murder of military officer in Moscow Region pre-planned

According to the source, the serviceman's car was waiting for him, possibly following his movements

Russia not threat to Hungary, rest of EU — Hungarian minister

"Hungary is a member of NATO, and NATO is rather powerful," Viktor Orban said

Zelensky passes off fighting to last Ukrainian as new 'peace plan' — Kremlin

Dmitry Peskov emphasized that there are still possibilities for a peaceful resolution under specific conditions

NATO disintegration is just a matter of time, says Politico

It is reported that the only real question the election will resolve for Europe’s security is the timing of NATO’s collapse

Russia’s UN envoy lashes at Israeli bill to ban UNRWA

"UN officials are sounding the alarm: 2024 has a chance to ‘break a new deadly record’ in this regard," Vasily Nebenzya said

Ukrainian troops try to leave Selidovo in small groups — security forces

It is noted that the operational situation for the Ukrainian armed forces around the city is deteriorating

NATO cannot confirm reports about DPRK troops’ involvement in special op — Rutte

"We have no confirming reports, but we believe that the DPRK is already supporting Russia's military efforts in technical terms," NATO Secretary General said, answering questions from South Korean reporters

North Korea fully severs transport communication with South

A spokesman for North Korea’s Defense Ministry said Pyongyang would take more measures "to permanently fortify the closed southern border"

Ukrainian troops sent to areas seized by Russia to become 'cannon fodder,' POW says

According to the soldier, retreating from the settlement of Karlovka was especially hard for him and his fellow servicemen

Russian, Chinese ships arrive at Qingdao port after joint patrols in Asia-Pacific region

The press service recalled that from the Russian detachment was represented by the Pacific Fleet’s Admiral Panteleyev and Admiral Tributs large anti-submarine ships

Polish national security official calls for producing, stockpiling cluster munitions

"We have production facilities that are capable of producing them," Jacek Siewiera said

Prisoner of war says Ukraine has no missiles for anti-tank systems

Yevgeny Khotenko noted that he did not want to cross into the Kursk Region

Era of European 'divide and rule' principle in Middle East over — Iranian MFA

Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmail Baghaei also expressed regret over the Arab countries joining "misleading claims against the neighboring country"

Pope's envoy for Ukraine meets with Russian presidential aide in Moscow

As the report specified, the talks focused on humanitarian issues to facilitate the rapprochement of positions in the conflict between Ukraine and Russia

Israeli defense minister suggests Hamas leader definitely killed

The Israel Defense Forces said previously that three Palestinian radicals had been killed in Gaza fighting and one of them could be Yahya Sinwar

One Direction’s former member Liam Payne falls to death in Buenos Aires

He was 31 years old

Ukrainian Defense Ministry reshuffle aims to keep intel chief away from finances — expert

According to Mikhail Pavliv, Budanov has set his sights on becoming the commander of Ukraine’s armed forces

Australia to send military aid worth $164 million to Ukraine — deputy premier

This latest package "will add to the Armed Forces of Ukraine’s firepower and mobility, and complement partners’ support for Ukraine’s armoured brigades," Richard Marles said

Idea of Russia’s ‘strategic defeat’ absolutely illusory — Russian embassy

"Russia is not interested in disrupting ties between the two major world powers and permanent members of the UN Security Council," the embassy said

Swedish police request statement from Mbappe amid rape allegations — French TV

Kylian Mbappe's lawyer Marie-Alix Canu-Bernard stated on Tuesday that her client is planning to sue for libel

Zelensky claims nukes only option for Ukraine if NATO denies it entry

The Ukrainian president said that he raised this issue during his meeting with US ex-President Donald Trump in September

All African states to take part in Russia-Africa meeting of foreign ministers in Sirius

The ministerial conference of the Russia-Africa partnership forum will be held on the federal territory of Sirius on November 9-10, 2024

FACTBOX: Russian zookeeper dies after being mauled by lions

Leokadia Perevalova, who worked in the Crimean Taigan Park, was killed by lions while she was cleaning their enclosure

Ukraine’s losses, captives, strikes on reserves: situation in Kursk Region

According to the report, Russian tactical aviation and missile forces hit the enemy reserves in the Sumy Region

Yearly plan for staffing of armed forces with contract servicemen 78% complete — Medvedev

The Russian Security Council deputy chairman noted that "this rate is rather good"

Russian Airborne Force snipers daily destroy Ukrainian manpower in borderline Kursk area

Sniper pairs pay special attention to camouflaging their positions

Zelensky’s so-called victory plan has two secret annexes that won’t be made public

The public part of the third provision spoke about the deployment of a kind of "comprehensive non-nuclear strategic deterrence package" on the territory of the country

State Duma passes draft law on fines for childfree propaganda in first reading

The biggest fine is 5 million rubles ($51,000), which would be imposed on legal entities who promote childfree to minors using the Internet or mass media

EU leaders to discuss conflicts in Ukraine, Middle East

European Council President Charles Michel said the European Council is also expected to send a signal to the Georgian government, threatening it to freeze the country’s European integration process if Tbilisi fails to change its political course

Hungarian minister warns world war could break out if Ukraine joins NATO

Peter Szijjarto reiterated that Hungary opposes sending European military trainers to Ukraine

Press review: Kim Jong Un dynamites Seoul links and NATO, US lay plans to deter Russia

Top stories from the Russian press on Wednesday, October 16th

Growing autonomy of Russian strike drones prompts US to boost its defenses — portal

According to Defense One, the United States plans to employ the Leonidas high-powered microwave system, which is designed to overload an incoming drone’s circuits with energy and knock it out

BRICS expansion signals Asia’s disappointment with US order — Chinese expert

Sun Peisong notes that the United States’ desire to form its own "economic camp" in the world runs counter to the interests of Asian countries, for which stimulating growth remains a priority issue

Oslo's new requirements paralyze Russian diplomatic missions in Norway — MFA

Maria Zakharova noted that Russia would take this latest unfriendly move into account when shaping its future approach toward Norway

US announces $425 mln military assistance package for Ukraine

"The package includes additional air defense capability, air-to-ground munitions, armored vehicles, and critical munitions to meet Ukraine’s urgent needs," the statement says

NATO chief admits Ukraine won’t be next country to join organization

Mark Rutte opined that the best security guarantees are arms supplies and bilateral security agreements between Ukraine and NATO countries

Portugal’s Ronaldo world’s highest-paid footballer in 2024 — Forbes

Second on the Forbes list was Argentina’s Lionel Messi

Israel may strike Iran soon — media

Iran had launched a massive missile attack on Israel on October 1, in retaliation for the assassinations of key figures from Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps

IN BRIEF: Enemy losses and surrendering troops: situation in Russia’s Kursk Region

Israel begins to view UN flag in Gaza as target indicator — Russia’s UN envoy

"It appears that the UN flag is not only failing to protect civilians, humanitarian workers and civilian social infrastructure, but also tends to become a direct target for the IDF," Vasily Nebenzya said

Russia warns Israel not to attack Iran's nuclear facilities — senior diplomat

"This would be a catastrophic development and a complete rejection of the existing postulates in the sphere of nuclear security," Sergey Ryabkov stressed

Russia’s Su-25 attack aircraft disrupt rotation of Ukrainian forces in Kursk region

After the use of aviation weapons, the crews performed an anti-missile maneuver, releasing decoy flares, and returned to their airfield of departure

'Nuclear Five' countries meet in New York on October 10, Russian MFA says

Maria Zakharova said that the meeting was held at the level of experts

Russian diplomat says US 'can’t wait to see' things flare up in Korean peninsula

Maria Zakharova was commenting on the US State Department's appeal to North Korea to stop actions that increase the risk of conflict on the Korean peninsula

Ukraine won't get 20 F-16 fighter jets, 40 trained pilots until summer 2025 — newspaper

The report pointed out that during the training, experienced pilots had problems with their English language skills, as well as with mastering "American training methods"

Russian forces liberate two communities in Donbass region over past day

Battlegroup Center units liberated the settlement of Krasny Yar in DPR and battlegroup West units liberated the settlement of Nevskoye in LPR as a result of active offensive operations

Kiev ready for ceasefire along current front line, without recognizing new border — media

A significant number of Ukrainian troops "find themselves trapped" on Russian territory (near Kursk) and are unable to come to aid in Donbass where they are outnumbered in men, the report added

Russia to give military help to North Korea if it comes under attack — senior diplomat

Andrey Rudenko said clauses to that effect are contained in the treaty on comprehensive strategic partnership between Russia and North Korea that was submitted to the State Duma for ratification the day before

Zelensky has no chance of implementing his settlement plan — news outlet

On October 16, Zelensky presented his plan for ending the conflict, in which he ruled out territorial concessions

US has no idea what to do about Zelensky — Seymour Hersh

According to the journalist, the decision to conduct the operation was made by US President Joe Biden personally, following nine months of discussions with White House national security advisers

Russia’s ruling party leader says US political traditions should be treated with respect

Some of US political traditions may seem hilarious to an outsider, Dmitry Medvedev added

US plotting false-flag operation so it can go to war with Iran — expert

According to Alexey Leonkov, if after the possible election of Trump as president of the United States "it is possible to carry out a provocation against a symbolic target, things may turn around for the United States"

'Deterrence package' in Zelensky's plan means deploying Western missiles in Ukraine

The Ukrainian president also reiterated his call to immediately invite Ukraine to join NATO, but quickly backtracked saying that "membership would follow later"

Ukraine loses key road previously used for supplies for forces — security agencies

This will make the situation for the Ukrainian armed forces in this area worse, as well as make it easier for the Russian troops to advance in strategically important areas, the source clarified

Russian forces liberate Maksimilyanovka community in Donbass region over past day

Russia’s Battlegroup West inflicted more than 460 casualties on Ukrainian troops and destroyed six enemy ammunition depots over the past day, the Defense Ministry reported

NATO provided Ukraine with weapons worth $20.9 bln in first half of 2024

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said that work is well on track on the pledge of 40 billion euros in military aid for Ukraine next year