Middle East news — October 20, 2026 - Page 5

130 publications

1. WorldMiddle East

   Oct 20, 2026, 05:57 UTC

   Hong Kong Wins Bronze in Women's A-Foil at Asian Para Games

   Yiu Ching Yee secured a bronze medal for Hong Kong in the wheelchair fencing women's A-level foil individual final at the Asian Paralympic Games. She lost to national team fencer Chau Oi Fung 9-15 in the semi-finals, but as there was no bronze medal match, she was awarded the bronze medal.

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2. WorldBillProtestMiddle East

   Oct 20, 2026, 05:56 UTC

   

   Trump Warns Europe on Immigration Amid Riots

   Donald Trump has criticized the ongoing riots in France and other parts of Europe, stating that the only solution is for Europe to close its borders and deport criminals. He believes that this is the key to preventing further unrest and saving Europe from its current 'critical situation'.

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3. WorldEuropeMiddle EastEarth

   Oct 20, 2026, 05:56 UTC

   

   Macedonia Weather Update: Sunny and Warm, Rain Expected Later This Week

   Macedonia is experiencing sunny weather with light to moderate local cloudiness and temperatures ranging from 14 to 23 degrees Celsius. A light to moderate northerly wind is blowing. The weather is expected to remain stable until mid-next week, with sunny periods prevailing. However, a change is expected on Wednesday, with increased cloudiness and occasional rain showers anticipated for Thursday and Friday.

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4. WorldMiddle East

   Oct 20, 2026, 05:27 UTC

   

   Rainy and Cold Weather Expected in Kyiv

   Kyiv residents can expect rainy weather throughout the weekend and into the next week, with temperatures ranging from +12 to +17°C. The city has been placed under a yellow alert due to fog, which is expected to persist until 11:00. Drivers and pedestrians are advised to exercise caution on the roads.

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5. PoliticsAppointmentsMiddle East

   Oct 20, 2026, 05:27 UTC

   

   Hubertus Heil Considers SPD Chairmanship Bid

   Former Federal Minister of Labour Hubertus Heil has not ruled out running for the SPD chairmanship in January, following the resignation of Bärbel Bas. Heil stated that the party's direction would be decisive in his decision. The SPD will elect a new leadership team at a special party conference in January.

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6. PoliticsRegulatorsThink TanksMiddle East

   Oct 20, 2026, 05:27 UTC

   

   Iran Moves Weapon Production to Mountains and Secure Sites

   Iran's defense minister Mehrdad Akhlaghi has announced that the country is relocating its weapons production facilities to mountainous areas and secure structures, away from their previous locations.

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7. WorldMiddle EastWeather

   Oct 20, 2026, 04:59 UTC

   Geranium Strikes Hit Multiple Ukrainian Regions

   Geranium strikes have targeted various locations across Ukraine, including Ivano-Frankivsk, Kyiv, Izmail (Odessa region), Lviv, and multiple western regions. The attacks have affected energy facilities among other targets.

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8. WorldMiddle East

   Oct 20, 2026, 04:58 UTC

   Tun Dr. Mahathir Expresses Gratitude for Support After Wife's Passing

   Former Malaysian Prime Minister Tun Dr. Mahathir Mohamad has expressed his gratitude to the public for their support and prayers following the passing of his wife, Tun Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohamad Ali. In several statements, Dr. Mahathir thanked everyone who helped with the funeral arrangements and those who continue to pray for his late wife. He also acknowledged that he is still not fully recovered and has been trying to return to work gradually.

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9. WorldBillRegulatorsMiddle East

   Oct 20, 2026, 04:30 UTC

   

   Violence in West Bank and Gaza, Israeli Politics, and Election Updates

   Israeli settlers' violence against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has increased, with seven people killed and many injured in Gaza. Israeli politicians are focusing on security issues, particularly Iran and the West Bank, ahead of the upcoming elections. Benny Gantz has retired from politics, while Gideon Saar has emerged as a main opposition candidate. Netanyahu is facing challenges regarding his ties with Qatar and the military's response to 'Jewish terrorism'. The Israeli army has been put on high alert, and security measures have been increased.

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10. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Oct 20, 2026, 04:30 UTC

    Pico and Placa Vehicular Restrictions in Colombian Cities

    Vehicular restrictions known as 'Pico and Placa' are in effect in several Colombian cities, including Cartagena, Cali, Villavicencio, and Bogotá. These restrictions aim to reduce traffic congestion, road accidents, and air pollution by limiting vehicle circulation based on the last digit of the license plate, the type of vehicle, and the day of the week. The restrictions vary by city and type of vehicle, with exemptions for certain types of vehicles such as electric, hybrid, official, and emergency vehicles. Violations result in fines and vehicle immobilization.

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11. WorldMiddle EastChinaSci Policy

    Oct 20, 2026, 04:03 UTC

    Russia, North Korea Boost Educational Cooperation

    Russia and North Korea have agreed to intensify cooperation in the field of education, with a focus on the study of the Russian language and exchange of experience in artificial intelligence. The Ministers of Education from both countries met in Pyongyang to discuss these areas and signed agreements, including the opening of a Russian language center.

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12. WorldLocal GovMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 04:02 UTC

    

    France's Unrest Benefits Marine Le Pen

    A wave of violence by young troublemakers in France has led to an increase in public anger, with far-right presidential candidate Marine Le Pen set to gain politically. Le Pen condemned the violence and exploitation of public anger by political forces and thugs.

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13. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 04:02 UTC

    

    Shakira's Historic Concert in Kyrgyzstan

    Colombian singer Shakira arrived in Bishkek for her first concert in Central Asia as part of her 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour'. She was welcomed by high-ranking officials and performed to a packed 'Bishkek Arena', drawing fans from 33 countries. Shakira expressed her love for Kyrgyzstan and its people after the concert.

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14. WorldMiddle EastNorth America

    Oct 20, 2026, 03:37 UTC

    

    US Envoy Whitcoff Meets Putin in St. Petersburg to Discuss Ukraine

    US President's special envoy Steve Whitcoff traveled to St. Petersburg to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The meeting, held on October 21, focused on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Whitcoff presented new proposals from Ukraine and its European partners to Putin. The US aims to facilitate direct tripartite talks between Moscow, Washington, and Kyiv. Whitcoff also pushed for the release of US citizen Steven Hubbard, detained in Russia.

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15. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 03:36 UTC

    

    Egyptian Firms Survey Sites for 'Green Rafah' Housing Project in Gaza

    Egyptian construction firms have surveyed sites in the ruins of southern Gaza Strip for a housing project called 'Green Rafah', according to Egyptian sources. The project aims to initially house around 20,000 Palestinians and will be supervised by a multinational force. The survey was conducted under the supervision of the Israeli army and air force.

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16. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 03:08 UTC

    Ukraine Reports Multiple Incoming Reactive UAVs

    Ukraine's air defense forces have reported multiple incoming reactive unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) across various regions. Incidents include UAVs over reservoirs near Kyiv, towards Kharkiv, Rivne, Lutsk, Kropyvnytskyi, Derazhnia, and Khmelnytskyi. The UAVs were detected heading in different directions, suggesting widespread activity.

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17. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 02:42 UTC

    

    Venezuela Commemorates First Anniversary of José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles' Canonization

    Venezuelans commemorated the first anniversary of the canonization of José Gregorio Hernández and Carmen Rendiles, the country's first saints. Thousands participated in religious walks, pilgrimages, and masses across Caracas and other cities. The event also included tributes from political figures such as Mayor Carmen Meléndez and President Delcy Rodríguez. The commemoration was marked by prayers for earthquake victims and the recovery of Pope Leo XIV.

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18. PoliticsMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 02:15 UTC

    

    Ballistic Missile Launches Reported in Iran

    Multiple sources report ballistic missile launches from various locations in Iran, including Mahshad, Yazd, and West Isfahan. The launches are suspected to be part of ongoing missile readiness drills conducted by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Some reports suggest these launches could be in response to recent US attacks, while others indicate they are part of military maneuvers and preparations for new military operations.

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19. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 02:15 UTC

    

    Kim Jong-un Reportedly in Coma After Brain Hemorrhage

    Rumors have been circulating about North Korean leader Kim Jong-un's health. According to unconfirmed reports, he suffered a brain hemorrhage, fell into a coma, and was taken to China for treatment. Kim has not been seen in public since October 11. Neither North Korean nor Chinese authorities have officially confirmed these claims.

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20. SocietyMiddle EastPublic HealthEarthquake

    Oct 20, 2026, 02:15 UTC

    

    Priest Dies After Cross Falls During Mass

    Father Patricio Alfredo Sánchez Molinari, a priest in Guayaquil, Ecuador, died tragically when a heavy wooden cross fell on him during a live-streamed mass. The incident was recorded and shared widely on social media. The Archdiocese of Guayaquil confirmed his death and expressed condolences.

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21. PoliticsRegulatorsPeaceMiddle EastNorth America

    Oct 20, 2026, 02:15 UTC

    

    Trump's Pro-Russia Stance Sparks Outrage

    US President Donald Trump has sparked outrage with his recent pro-Russia stance, defending his cozying up to the Kremlin and making moves that resemble a wishlist for Russia. Experts attribute this to desperation ahead of the US midterm elections, as Trump seeks a scapegoat for rising living costs and withdraws from 'endless wars'. Trump's actions, including lifting sanctions, coordinating with Russia on Ukraine, and exonerating Russia for aiding Iran, have led some to argue that the US is now Russia's ally.

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22. SocietyArrestMiddle EastFraud

    Oct 20, 2026, 01:50 UTC

    Father of Agostina Páez Arrested for Alleged Theft of $1.5 Million

    Mariano Páez, the father of Agostina Páez, was arrested along with his partner, María Emilia Soledad Batule, for allegedly stealing $1.5 million from a store in Termas de Río Hondo, Santiago del Estero. The incident occurred on October 10, and the couple was caught on security cameras. They will be questioned on October 20.

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23. WorldMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 01:49 UTC

    

    Cuba Opens Oil Industry to Private Investment Amid Energy Crisis

    Cuba has opened its oil industry to private investment, including both domestic and foreign entities, as a means to address its deepening energy crisis. The new measures, outlined in Decree-Law 135/2026 and Decree 184/2026, allow authorized private businesses and foreign investors to participate in various aspects of the petroleum supply chain, such as refineries, fuel storage, and commercialization. While the government retains control over the sector, these changes represent a significant shift in Cuba's traditionally state-dominated energy industry. The move comes as Cuba faces severe fuel shortages, electricity blackouts, and economic instability, highlighting the urgent need for investment to modernize its energy infrastructure and improve fuel supplies.

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24. PoliticsRegulatorsWarMiddle East

    Oct 20, 2026, 01:22 UTC

    NATO Warns of Russia's Evolving Military Capabilities

    NATO commanders have expressed concern over the Russian army's increased innovation and adaptability, noting significant changes in their military operations since 2022. Admiral Pierre Vandier, Supreme Allied Commander for Transformation, highlighted Russia's advances in unmanned aerial vehicles and its ability to learn and adapt from combat experiences, making it a more dangerous opponent.

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