Bangsamoro LGUs to go digital

October 18, 2023 | 8:38 pm

COTABATO CITY — Nine more Bangsamoro local government units (LGUs) will give their constituents electronic access to basic services through the digitalization project of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Bangsamoro local government ministry.

The Localizing eGovernance for Accelerated Provision of Services (LeAPS) — bankrolled by the UNDP and first implemented in the municipalities of Butig and Piagapo in Lanao del Sur in 2020 — will soon be launched in Maluso, Basilan; Maimbung and Omar in Sulu; Upi in Maguindanao del Norte; Paglat in Maguindanao del Sur; Wao in Lanao del Sur; Marawi City; and Cotabato City.

Maluso Mayor Hanie A. Bud confirmed on Wednesday having signed the memorandum of agreement for the LeAPS project for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) LGUs.

Upi Mayor Rona P. Flores said the digitalization of LGU operations would improve the delivery of health, social welfare and other basic services to the Muslim, Christian and non-Moro ethnic Teduray communities in the municipality.

Upi has thrice been awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance in the last five years for its efficiency in handling public funds and its extensive peace and security and environmental-protection programs.

BARMM Minister of the Interior and Local Government Naguib G. Sinarimbo and the beneficiary-LGUs shall together set up the electronic digitalization of the public service and administration functionaries of the nine municipalities with the support of the UNDP.
Kalma Jikiri-Isnain, director of the Integrated Resource Development for Tri-people, said they are certain that the effort of the MILG-BARMM and UNDP can also boost their anti-child labor programs in the autonomous region that are being implemented along with the International Labour Organization and the office of Bangsamoro Labor Minister Muslimin Sema. — John Felix M. Unson

Cobra sightings in Benguet raise alarm

October 18, 2023 | 8:38 pm

BAGUIO CITY — As more incidents of cobra sightings are being reported in the Cordillera Region, the private-run wildlife protection advocacy group Northern Exotics and Wildlife (NEWT) has advised the public to learn about how to react and avoid being attacked.
In the past weeks, photos and videos of snakes believed to be of the Philippine Cobra and even King Cobra species in some barangays and towns of Benguet, near Baguio City, surged on social media sites, alarming residents.

NEWT advisor Sean Frederick T. Serrano, a veterinarian, explained that Philippine Cobra is normally around six feet in length while the King Cobra is around 20 feet in length. Both poisonous, he warned that they are quite common in the Cordillera highlands.

Mr. Serrano said these cobras are increasing in number in the region because of a possible breeding season.

He reminded that grabbing or holding these cobras will prompt them to attack, especially if their head or hood is in a “standing position.”

The more appropriate action to take upon spotting a cobra, according to Mr. Serrano, is to stamp one’s feet on the ground, sing or talk noisily to drive them away.

In case of snake bites, the victim should immediately seek medical attention at the hospital.

Mr. Serrano also reminded the public to report any snake sighting to the authorities and avoid killing them, citing that Republic Act 9147 (Wildlife Resources Conservation and Protection Act) which prohibits the killing of wildlife animals. — Artemio A. Dumlao

Early campaigning rampant in Mindanao — LENTE

October 18, 2023 | 8:38 pm

ELECTION watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE) on Wednesday said sitting village officials in the Southern Philippines have been illegally seeking support for the upcoming elections through social welfare programs despite a ban on these ahead of the polls.

In a statement, LENTE said village officials seeking reelection in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) and in South Cotabato have been giving scholarship grants, and spearheading immunization programs to garner political support.

“Collectively, these programs also fall under the rubric of premature campaigning in the context of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (youth council) Elections. These, too, are presumed unlawful unless a prior exemption has been granted by the Commission on Elections (Comelec),” the group said.

“Such practices restrict access to opportunities for public service and reinforce the deeply entrenched dynastic form of politics,” it added.

The Comelec has set the campaign period for village and youth council candidates on Oct. 19, 10 days before the Oct. 30 elections.

LENTE noted that officials from these regions also supposedly donated educational materials and built temporary shelters for residents.

Under the Omnibus Election Code, local officials found guilty of misusing public funds during the spending ban may face up to six years of jail time, a lifetime ban from holding public office.

“LENTE calls upon the public to maintain vigilance regarding the potential politicization of programs and social welfare services, along with instances of the abuse of state resources especially during the campaign period up to the forthcoming election,” LENTE said. — John Victor A. Ordoñez

Philippines starts Para Games in wheelchair hoops vs host China

October 18, 2023 | 7:18 pm

THE SECOND BATCH OF ATHletes of the National Para Team to the 4th Hangzhou Asian Para Games pose with national team chef de mission Ral Rosario (in dark shirt) after their arrival last Tuesday afternoon at the airport.

HANGZHOU — With the exception of one judoka who was left at home due to illness, all 72 national para athletes who will see action in the 4^th Hangzhou Asian Para Games are present accounted for, according to Philippine chef de mission Ral Rosario.

“We had one judoka who got sick and was unable to make it here, but other than that all of the other 72 athletes are here,” said Mr. Rosario as he met the second batch of the Philippine contingent last Tuesday afternoon at the Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport here.

Composed of 57 athletes and officials, among who arrived were those from archery, judo, powerlifting and table tennis, with national para swimmer Ernie Gawilan, a triple gold medalist in the 2018 3^rd Jakarta Para Games. and veteran power lifter Adeline Dumapong among them.

Also arriving late Monday night from Jakarta, Indonesia was chess player Jasper Rom, who won a gold each as the PHL chessers swept the men’s team standard and rapid events five years ago in the Indonesian capital.

A former national swimming standout, Mr. Rosario said that except for the cool weather in the evening as autumn sets in “all our athletes are adjusting quite well and settling in as they gear for their respective events” in the trip supported by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

He also praised the Hangzhou Asian Para Games organizers “for being very helpful and accommodating in meeting our needs and requests,” adding that Philippine Paralympic Committee (PPC) President Mike Barredo was scheduled to arrive Thursday from Manila.

Scheduled on Friday is the welcome ceremony at the Hangzhou Asian Para Games Village for all of the participants in the continental competition in this bustling and progressive port city, according to Mr. Rosario.

With 57 athletes competing in 10 sports, the Philippines brought home 10 gold, eight silver and 11 bronze medals while winding up 11^th in the overall standings in the previous edition of the continental showcase five years ago.

Mr. Barredo said equaling if not surpassing that haul was the goal here, on top of the extra motivation of excelling since some sports such as athletics, swimming, power lifting and archery in the competition also serve as ranking or qualifying meets for the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games.

WHEELCHAIR BASKETBALL
The national men’s wheelchair basketball team breaks the ice for Team Philippines against host China no less at the start of the 4^th Hangzhou Asian Para Games basketball tournament at the Hangzhou Olympic Sports Center Gymnasium Thursday.

The Filipino cagers, who will make their debut in the continental meet, take to the floor against the Chinese at 4:15 p.m., with coach Vernon Perea bent on stifling the reputed lethal outside shooting of their hosts in opening Group A action.

“If we can defend well against the outside shooting of the Chinese, we may have a chance against them. But admittedly it will be a hard and tough match for us ,” said the bespectacled mentor of the challenges they face.

The Pilipinas Warriors, as the PHL men’s wheelchair squad is known, earned their trip here after finishing third in the International Wheelchair Basketball Federation Asia-Oceania Championships last May in Suphanburi, Thailand behind Kuwait and Thailand.

This success was followed by the PHL wheelchair quintet securing a pair of silvers in the men’s 3×3 and 5×5 competitions of the Cambodia ASEAN Para Games a month later.

In the build-up to the Hangzhou Asian Para Games, Mr. Perea’s charges captured the bronze medal in the Yutaka Nakamura Asian Dream Cup International Wheelchair Basketball Tournament in Japan last July.

Mr. Perea bared that they wound up in a tough group that also includes Iran, Thailand, Afghanistan in the outing backed by the Philippine Sports Commission.

He bared on the eve of the opening match that the team’s morale was high after they won a tune-up match with the Taiwanese 42-36 Wednesday morning before the meet takes a two-day break

Without revealing their total game plan, Mr. Perea said that “we can connect with our inside passes because I believe that our players can battle the Chinese on even terms in and around the basket.”

The Pilipinas Warriors play the Afghans on Friday before the tournament takes a two-day respite for the opening on Sunday.

Nisperos, Sharma-led Akari Chargers face veteran-laden PLDT in PVL All-Filipino tourney

October 18, 2023 | 7:17 pm

Akari Power Chargers — AKARI POWER CHARGERS

Games Thursday
(Filoil EcoOil Arena)
3 p.m. — Chery Tiggo vs Galeries Tower
5 p.m. — PLDT vs Akari
7 p.m. — Choco Mucho vs Farm Fresh

AKARI’S shock five-set victory over Premier Volleyball League (PVL) powerhouse F2 Logistics Tuesday was a grim reminder to the rest of the league of what forces of nature were inevitably coming.

They are named Faith Nisperos and Fifi Sharma.

Just a couple of days after displaying what everyone knew they’re capable of, rivals-turned-teammates Mmess. Nisperos and Sharma will try to help power the Chargers to their second win in a row against a veteran-laden PLDT squad today in the PVL All-Filipino Conference (AFC) at the Filoil EcoOil Arena.

It was the young and talented duo of Mmess. Nisperos and Sharma who starred in Akari’s stunning 21-25, 25-20, 27-25, 19-25, 15-8 win over F2, the third placer of the first AFC early this year.

And they hope to ride on the momentum of their brilliance when they battle the High Speed Hitters at 5 p.m.

“We like to carry on our performance in our next game,” said Ms. Nisperos, a former Ateneo star who dropped 18 points.

“My mindset is to give it our all. We made our mark, we made a statement and we showed,” said Ms. Sharma, a De La Salle University standout who came through with 13 hits including two crucial points late in the fifth and final set.

While Akari is oozing with confidence, PLDT will try to regain it after falling to sister squad Cignal, 25-16, 20-25, 25-21, 25-20, in Sunday’s opener at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

Likewise eyeing to remain at the helm is Chery Tiggo, which battles Galeries Tower at 3 p.m.

The Crossovers, paced by siblings Eya and EJ Laure, edged the Farm Fresh Foxies, 25-21, 25-23, 25-22, and would remain at the helm if they could hurdle the High Risers, who fell to the Petro Gazz Angels, 25-11, 26-24, 25-22, Tuesday, in their 3 p.m. clash.

Also lined up in the heavy three-game bill is the 7 p.m. showdown pitting Choco Mucho (0-1) and Farm Fresh (0-1). — Joey Villar

Azkals clash with Vietnam in World, Asian Cups Qualifiers

October 18, 2023 | 7:16 pm

Philippine Azkals — PHILIPPINE AZKALS — THE AZKALS/PFL

THE PHILIPPINE Football Federation (PFF) aims to gather at least a 10,000-strong roaring home crowd to rally the Azkals on when they play at the Rizal Memorial Stadium (RMS) in the coming FIFA World Cup-AFC Asian Cup Qualifiers.

Less than a month before the Azkals hit the RMS pitch for the second round of the Qualifiers on Nov. 16 against Vietnam, the PFF launched its “Stand Your Ground: 10K Strong!” battlecry in a bid to entice Pinoy fans back.

“The fans have always played a vital role behind the success of the Men’s National Team,” said PFF President Mariano Araneta.

“As the Azkals embark on another historic World Cup qualifiers campaign, our objective is to make them feel the support of the fans. Let us rally behind our team and show that we can pack Rizal Memorial Stadium. Let us stand our ground for our team and for our country.”

Mr. Araneta envisions a rocking house at the 12,873-seater venue just like in the old days when a crowd-back Azkals scored the country’s breakthrough 1-0 win over Sri Lanka and Stephan Schrock scored his historic goal against Kuwait back in 2011.

Now on the rebuilding stage, the Azkals are set for duels with Vietnam, Iraq and playoffs winner Indonesia in the second round of the home-and-away Qualifiers.

Coached by Michael Weiss, the Philippine XI is wrapping up its 10-day training camp in Bahrain.

The squad lost to the Bahrainis, 1-0, on Ibrahim Al Khattal’s 16^th-minute header, in Tuesday’s friendly at the Al Muharraq Stadium. Mr. Weiss’ 132^nd-ranked charges previously upset No. 96 Kyrgyzstan on Audi Menzi’s goal, 1-0, in an unofficial tuneup at the same venue Saturday.

PFF General Secretary Mikhail Torre views the campaign as an opportunity to ignite the support for the Azkals and Philippine football on the heels of the Filipinas’ celebrated stint in the FIFA Women’s World Cup in New Zealand.

“We want to finish the year strong,” said Mr. Torre. “Our Filipinas did an amazing job in New Zealand and now it’s the Azkals’ turn to play at home.”

According to Mr. Torre, the campaign is divided into three parts — enjoyable fan experience at the venue, a far-reaching promotional campaign, and consistency of this initiative.

“It is important for the federation to work hand in hand with the fans in order to make this campaign a success,” he said. “We hope this can reignite the fire that once gave people hope that we can perform at the highest level.” — Olmin Leyba

Ateneo vs UP concludes first round of UAAP men’s basketball

October 18, 2023 | 7:16 pm

Games Saturday
(UST Quadricentennial Pavilion)
12 noon — NU vs AdU (men)
4 p.m. — DLSU vs UE (men)

(AdU Gym)
9 a.m. — FEU vs UST (women)
11 a.m. — DLSU vs UE (women)
1 p.m. — NU vs AdU (women)
3 p.m. — Ateneo vs UP (women)

REIGNING champion Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) primed up for its rematch with fierce rival University of the Philippines (UP) this weekend with a 97-77 trashing of winless University of Santo Tomas (UST) in the UAAP Season 86 men’s basketball tournament yesterday at the Mall of Asia Arena.

The Blue Eagles erupted for 57 points in the second half to run away from a close first-half duel and stabilize their campaign at 3-3 ahead of an anticipated showdown with the league-leading Figthing Maroons on Sunday to end the first round of action.

Chris Koon banged in 21 points on three triples spiced by six rebounds and five assists while Kai Ballungay also drained three treys for 17 points and seven rebounds as Ateneo handed Santo Tomas its sixth loss this season 19^th straight since Season 85.

Providing support were Joseph Obasa, with 17 points, eight rebounds and two blocks, and Mason Amos with 15 points for the wards of coach Tab Baldwin.

“I think we need this kind of performance, especially going into the UP game and we’re happy. It’s gonna be a very, very happy dugout,” said Mr. Baldwin, who split the last two UAAP crowns with UP’s Goldwin Monteverde.

The Blue Eagles last weekend bowed to erstwhile winless Far Eastern University (FEU), 66-61 in overtime, for only the first time in five years and against another listless squad in Santo Tomas, they were dragged into another tightrope duel — at least in the first half.

Holding a slim 40-33 lead at the turn that further trimmed by Santo Tomas to 58-62 late in the third, Ateneo launched a 10-3 closeout followed by a 7-0 spurt to start the fourth to break away at 79-61 with still eight minutes to play.

Ateneo never looked back for a 20-point win.

“I know their (Growling Tigers) record doesn’t flatter them but all the teams that played against them know how tough they are. We held them to 40 percent (from the field),” added Mr. Baldwin, whose wards had a 52-percent clip opposite the hungry (Growling) Tigers.

Nic Cabañero had 21 points, seven rebounds and four assists while Christian Manaytay and Migs Pangilinan added 17 and 11 points, respectively, for the Adama Faye-less Santo Tomas in an elusive search for maiden win under returning coach Pido Jarencio. — John Bryan Ulanday

The Scores:

Ateneo 97 – Koon 21, Ballungay 17, Obasa 17, Amos 15, Espinosa 6, Chiu 6, Gomez 5, Brown 3, Celis 3, Lazaro 2, Credo 2, Quitevis 0, Bongo 0, Tuano 0, Nieto 0, Gamber 0.

UST 77– Cabañero 21, Manaytay 17, Pangilinan 11, Crisostomo 8, Duremdes 7, Laure 5, Manalang 5, Calum 3, Moore 0, Lazarte 0, Llemit 0, Gesalem 0.

Quarterscores: 17-10, 40-33, 72-61, 97-77.

Magnolia Hotshots see PBA new Season 48 Commisssioner’s Cup as favorable time to strike

October 18, 2023 | 7:15 pm

MINUS the off-court drama and injury woes besetting heavyweights like Ginebra and TNT, an intact Magnolia views the coming PBA Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup as an opportune time to strike.

The Hotshots go into the import-spiced tournament with a lot of confidence after their sealing an 11-game sweep of the PBA On Tour during the league’s extended break.

The Hotshots have welcomed back Ian Sangalang after his bout with thyroid sickness, acquired Abu Tratter in a trade, elevated Joseph Eriobu from the 3×3 team and tapped former NBA player and defensive specialist Tyler Bey to join stalwarts Paul Lee, Calvin Abueva, Jio Jalalon and Marc Barroca.

The Hotshots are featured in the lone game on opening night against the Tropang Giga, who are missing RR Pogoy (heart ailment) and Poy Erram (knee) and are locked in a contract impasse with ace guard Mikey Williams.

Like Magnolia, the rest of the field is just as ready to pound after acquiring blue-chip rookies in the pre-season.

“All the teams have bolstered their lineups. All are competitive, all have chances to be in the playoffs,” said Raymond Zorrilla of Phoenix.

Ginebra may be defending its crown without Justin Brownlee, if he eventually gets suspended after testing positive for prohibited substance carboxy-THC in the Asian Games.

Governor Alfrancis Chua said the Gin Kings haven’t practiced as a complete group yet with coach Tim Cone, Mr. Brownlee, Japeth Aguilar and Scottie Thompson given a 10-day break after the draining journey to the Asiad gold.

“We’ll start whole (team) practice around Oct. 24 or 25. But you know Ginebra, we’re always there fighting,” said Mr. Chua, who has already started preliminary search for a potential replacement import just in case.

Reigning Governors’ Cup champion TNT is pressed with manpower problems.

TNT didn’t include Mickey Williams in its official 16-man lineup (plus injured/reserve Erram) for the season opening conference.

San Miguel Beer, which reclaimed the Philippine Cup title last season, doesn’t have all hands on deck, too, with June Mar Fajardo and three other Hangzhou gold medalists taking a breather and four more sidelined by injuries. — Olmin Leyba

San Miguel Beer signs Jeron Teng to two-year deal

October 18, 2023 | 7:15 pm

ALMOST three decades after Alvin Teng’s fruitful stint with San Miguel Beer (SMB), his son Jeron Teng is set to bring his talent to the PBA’s winningest franchise.

The younger Mr. Teng, who became a free agent after his contract with Converge ended last month, signed a two-year deal with SMB yesterday ahead of the Season 48 Commissioner’s Cup.

The 6-foot-2 small forward/shooting guard joins the team where his father made a name for himself as one of the league’s toughest defenders and role players.

Nicknamed “Robocop,” Alvin played with the San Miguel franchise from 1986 through 1994 and won nine championships, including a grand slam in 1989, and earned accolades like Defensive Player of the Year in 1993 and Most Improved Player in 1988.

Jeron, 29, hopes to be as successful in his time with high-powered SMB, the reigning Philippine Cup titlists.

The second-generation player, who averaged 12.9 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.6 assists with the FiberXers last season, will have to earn his minutes in the Beermen’s stacked 2 and 3 positions against the likes of CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter and Jericho Cruz.

Mr. Teng found a new home in the PBA a couple of days after he tied with former UAAP courtside reporter Jeanine Tsoi. — Olmin Leyba

England clinch Euro 2024 spot with win over Italy but Hungary must wait

October 18, 2023 | 7:15 pm

PARIS — Classy England beat Italy 3-1 at Wembley to became the latest country to book a berth at next year’s European Championship after Tuesday’s round of qualifiers but Hungary’s hopes were held up by a draw away to Lithuania.

England and Hungary were the only teams with the opportunity on Tuesday to secure their places at the finals in Germany next June with Gareth Southgate’s side coming from behind to beat the European champions and make sure of top spot in Group C.

Defeat for Italy, who led through Gianluca Scamacca before England overtook them with two goals from their all-time record scorer Harry Kane — the first a penalty — and one from Marcus Rashford, leaves the visitors in a precarious third place.

Ukraine moved into second spot as they beat Malta 3-1 away after Paul Mbong had put the hosts ahead in the 12^th minute. An own goal and then a penalty had Ukraine ahead by halftime and they added a third near the end from Mykhailo Mudryk.

Ukraine conclude their qualifying campaign next month with a home game against Italy that will have to be played at a neutral venue because of the conflict with Russia.

Hungary would have qualified had they won in Lithuania, who they had beaten five times in six previous meetings, but went two goals down in Kaunas before fighting back to draw 2-2.

Lithuania, who had won only one game in Group G, led at the break with goals from Fedor Cernych and Pijus Sirvys but Hungary fought back through captain Dominik Szoboszlai’s 67^th minute penalty and a Barnabas Varga header eight minutes from time.

Hungary pressed for a winner but must now wait until next month to claim a place at Euro 2024. They lead by one point after second-placed Serbia beat neighbors Montenegro 3-1 in Belgrade on the back of a double from Aleksandar Mitrovic.

Denmark and Slovenia were both away winners in Group H to move to the cusp of qualification.

SAN MARINO SCARE DENMARK
The Danes had a scare in San Marino where the tiny republic scored their first goal of the campaign but the visitors still won 2-1, while Slovenia were 1-0 victors over Northern Ireland in Belfast, where Adam Cerin netted after five minutes.

The results left Kazakhstan with slim hopes of automatic qualification despite upsetting Finland 2-1 away in Tuesday’s early match as Bakhtiyar Zaynutdinov scored twice, the first from the spot in the 77^th and then an 89^th minute winner.

France secured a convincing 4-1 victory over Scotland in a friendly in Lille, where the kickoff was delayed by 10 minutes to allow fans time to get safely into the ground, given the enhanced security measures in place.

Both teams had already secured their places in the Euro 2024 finals and Scotland led briefly with a goal by Billy Gilmour after 11 minutes, but Benjamin Pavard equalized five minutes later and scored a brace before halftime.

Kylian Mbappe converted a penalty for France just before the break, after Liam Cooper was penalized for a shirt tug on Olivier Giroud and Kingsley Coman completed the scoring when he netted a rebound in the 70^th minute.

Already booked for the finals are Germany (hosts), Austria, Belgium, France, Portugal, Scotland, Spain, England and Turkey.

The final round of group qualifiers are next month and the tournament will be held from June 14-July 14. — Reuters

Gaza hospital strike kills hundreds

October 18, 2023 | 4:30 pm

Israeli-Palestine-protest — PEOPLE pray as they protest after hundreds of Palestinians were killed in a blast at Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza that Israeli and Palestinian officials blamed on each other, in Beirut, Lebanon, Oct. 17, 2023. — REUTERS

GAZA — A strike on a Gaza hospital killed hundreds of Palestinians, deepening tensions in the Middle East and raising the stakes for US President Joseph R. Biden as he flies to Israel on Wednesday to signal support for its war against Hamas.

Palestinian officials said an Israeli air strike hit the hospital, with the Palestinian Authority’s health minister accusing Israel of causing a “massacre.” Israel blamed the blast at Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital on a failed rocket launch by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group, which denied responsibility.

Reuters could not independently verify the claims around the catastrophe, which has inflamed a region already in crisis since Hamas carried out an Oct. 7 cross-border rampage against communities in southern Israel in which at least 1,300 people died.

Palestinian ministry spokesperson Ashraf Al-Qudra said rescuers were still pulling bodies from the rubble.

Al Jazeera carried footage showing a frantic scene as rescue workers scoured blood-stained debris for survivors. Rescuers and civilians were shown carrying away at least four victims in body bags. A Gaza civil defense chief gave a death toll of 300, while health ministry sources put it at 500.

Mr. Biden’s complex diplomatic mission to the Middle East was supposed to calm the region and shore up humanitarian efforts for Gaza, but after the strike, Jordan canceled a planned summit with the US president, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Mr. Abbas also canceled plans to meet Mr. Biden, as Palestinian security forces fired tear gas and stun grenades to disperse anti-government protesters in the occupied West Bank city of Ramallah as popular anger boiled.

Protests also took place at Israel’s embassies in Turkey and Jordan and near the US embassy in Lebanon, where security forces fired tear gas toward demonstrators.

Before the hospital strike, health authorities in Gaza said at least 3,000 people had died in Israel’s 11-day bombardment that began after the Hamas assault, which caught Israel by surprise and led to nearly 200 people being taken to Gaza as hostages.

HUMANITARIAN AID
The Israeli military urged Gaza City residents to relocate southward on Wednesday, saying there was a “humanitarian zone” with aid available in Al-Mawasi, 28 km (17 miles) down the coast of the Palestinian enclave.

“The IDF calls on #GazaCity residents to evacuate south for their protection,” said a social-media post by the military.

Speaking to reporters as Mr. Biden flew to Tel Aviv, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby said Mr. Biden would put “tough questions” to Israeli leaders but did not give details.

Mr. Biden will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war cabinet seeking to get a sense of Israel’s plans and aims, Mr. Kirby said. He also aims to get humanitarian aid into Gaza, where millions of Palestinians are surviving with scant food, fuel and water due to Israel’s siege.

“He’ll be asking some tough questions, he’ll be asking them as a friend, as a true friend of Israel, but he’ll be asking some questions of them,” Mr. Kirby said.

It was unclear what Mr. Biden could accomplish during his visit. Mr. Kirby said the US president planned to speak with Mr. Abbas and Mr. Sisi on his way back to Washington.

“This sort of murky but horrific event makes diplomacy harder and increases escalation risks,” said Richard Gowan, U.N. director at International Crisis Group.

Mr. Biden has previously said the United States does not want the conflict to flare up into a wider war.

Iran, which supports Hamas, Islamic Jihad, and Lebanon-based Islamist group Hezbollah have warned Israel of escalation if it failed to end aggressions against Palestinians.

The US State Department told Americans not to travel to Lebanon after exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon’s south.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was “horrified” by hundreds of people killed in Tuesday’s strike on the hospital.

Mr. Guterres appealed to Hamas for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, and to Israel to allow immediate unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for Gaza. — Reuters

Xi Jinping warns against decoupling from China

October 18, 2023 | 4:30 pm

BEIJING — Chinese President Xi Jinping warned against decoupling from China as he opened the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) forum in Beijing on Wednesday, criticizing Western efforts to reduce dependence on the Chinese economy.

Mr. Xi also lauded his grand plan launched 10 years ago of building global infrastructure and energy networks connecting Asia with Africa and Europe through overland and maritime routes, saying that “blueprints turned into real projects.”

Representatives of more than 130 countries, largely from the Global South, attended the forum including several heads of state, of whom the most prominent was Mr. Xi’s “dear friend” Russian President Vladimir Putin.

“We stand against unilateral sanctions, economic coercion, decoupling and supply chain disruption,” Mr. Xi told more than 1,000 delegates gathered in an ornate conference room in the Great Hall of the People west of Tiananmen Square.

Mr. Putin and other foreign leaders sat with key Chinese officials from the 25-member Politburo on the front row, as Mr. Xi delivered his opening remarks.

Mr. Xi pushed against Western efforts to reduce dependence on Chinese economy, saying that, “our lives will not be better and our development will not be faster if we view the development of others as a threat and economic interdependence as a risk.”

Reducing their dependence on supply chains with China has become a top priority among Western economies as Beijing’s threats to Taiwan heighten geopolitical risks in Asia. The trade disruptions of the pandemic years have also added urgency to the desire to limit their dependence on China.

Although BRI at first set out to connect China to Western Europe, senior European Union figures were missing. The sole head of state present from the bloc was Hungary’s populist President Viktor Orban. Other notable attendees included the Afghan Taliban administration’s commerce minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi.

“China has more interest right now in developing Afghanistan at this moment, so we are more engaged with China. The Chinese have more interest in economic affairs, that’s why we’re here,” Mr. Azizi told a gaggle of reporters at the ceremony.

WESTERN SKEPTICISM
Western skepticism of Mr. Xi’s grand plans stems from suspicions over the way it would extend China’s global influence, analysts say. China has at times bristled at criticism of the BRI, saying it carries anti-Chinese prejudice and a wish to contain its rise, while overlooking what it says are genuine good intentions.

In an address that followed Mr. Xi’s, Mr. Putin praised the BRI and invited global investment in the Northern Sea route which he said could deepen trade between east and west. Several European officials left the hall as Mr. Putin took to the stage.

Mr. Xi is making the Belt and Road smaller and greener, moving away from big-ticket projects like dams to high-tech ones such as digital finance and e-commerce platforms.

The aim is to aid a broader push for a world order that is multi-polar and gives the Global South more agency, rather than one dominated by Washington and its allies, analysts say.

The BRI has also become more focused on issues such as climate change and artificial intelligence, as Mr. Xi seeks to use it to export Chinese ideas about governance and build consensus around Chinese norms and its development model, analysts say.

On Wednesday, Mr. Xi reinforced those trends, pledging to “deepen cooperation in green infrastructure, energy and transportation,” and “put forward global initiative for artificial intelligence governance.”

A European business representative, who did not want to be named for sensitivity reasons, said on the sidelines of the ceremony that BRI was, “creating impact for some of the countries involved” and that, “I think there is some truth to some of the speeches about improving livelihood and connectivity.” — Reuters