International

Where does the tension between Israel and Iran that has the world in stires?

The close ties that once existed between Israel and Iran have been left behind for decades. In fact, the latter was the second country – after the United States – to recognize the Jewish State, in 1960. Today, on the other hand, there are moments of tension between the two countries that have resulted in the drone attack launched by Tehran on the night of Saturday, April 13, into Israeli territory.

From Jerusalem they have been pointing out for several years the danger posed by Iran due to the enrichment of uranium through its nuclear program and, in addition, they have criticized the support provided from Tehran to Islamic organizations such as the Lebanese group Hizbulah or the Palestinian Hamas movement.

The recent escalation comes in response, according to Iran, to Israel’s April 1, 2024 attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, the capital of Syria, where seven members of the Revolutionary Guard died, including the leader of its branch Quds Forces for Syria and Lebanon, Brigadier General Mohamed Reza Zahedi. Days before, Iran had destroyed an alleged Israeli espionage center in Iraqi Kurdistan.

After the arrival of the new regime of the Ayatollhs in 1979 with the triumph of the Islamic revolution, Iran bet on a breakdown of relations and turned the Israeli embassy in Tehran into the diplomatic headquarters of the Palestinian National Authority (ANP).

International

Gustavo Petro increases Colombia’s minimum wage by 9.54%

Colombian President Gustavo Petro signed a decree on Tuesday to increase the minimum wage in the country by 9.54% (following a lack of consensus with business sectors and labor unions), meaning that starting January 1, it will be 1,423,500 Colombian pesos (about US$322).

“This is an improvement in the standard of living for all people who tie their income to the minimum wage,” Petro celebrated as he signed the decree in Zipaquirá, during an event where he participated in the last Novena de Aguinaldo and reconnected with several friends and colleagues in the Bolívar 83 neighborhood, which holds personal significance for the president.

Currently, the minimum wage in Colombia is 1,300,000 pesos (about US$294).

Petro also responded to criticisms from the business sector regarding the minimum wage increase, after the president of the National Association of Entrepreneurs of Colombia (Andi), Bruce Mac Master, warned that it would lead to “a great number of consequences.”

International

Silent Christmas in Bethlehem as Gaza conflict overshadows celebrations

Hundreds of faithful gathered on Tuesday around the Church of the Nativity in the Palestinian town of Bethlehem, which is preparing for another quiet Christmas, with no major celebrations due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

Local authorities decided to suspend large public celebrations for the second consecutive year, and in Manger Square, there are neither decorations nor the traditional giant Christmas tree, reflecting the somber mood of its residents since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in Gaza. At the Vatican, Pope Francis will inaugurate the Holy Year 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to draw over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome.

Afterwards, he will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, an occasion in which the pontiff often highlights global conflicts.

Over the weekend, Francis’ remarks calling Israeli airstrikes in Gaza “cruel” sparked criticism from the Israeli government.

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International

Pope Francis to open jubilee year in Vatican, calls for global peace amid conflict

Pope Francis will open the Catholic Church’s “Holy Year” 2025 on Tuesday, a major international pilgrimage expected to bring over 30 million faithful from around the world to Rome, under the sign of the Jubilee.

On this Christmas Eve, at 7:00 PM (6:00 PM GMT), in the presence of around 30,000 people and with worldwide broadcast, the Argentine Jesuit will open the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican, symbolizing the start of this “ordinary” Jubilee. Throughout the year, pilgrims will be able to pass through this heavy and imposing bronze door, closed during ordinary times, to receive the “plenary indulgence,” the forgiveness of sins according to tradition.

The 88-year-old pope, who faces frequent health issues, will preside over the Christmas Eve Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica, before delivering his traditional “Urbi et Orbi” blessing (to the city and the world) on Wednesday at noon. It is expected that he will address global conflicts and renew his calls for a ceasefire in the Middle East, three days after condemning the “cruelty” of the attacks in Gaza, comments which provoked protests from Israeli diplomats.

Security around the Vatican has been reinforced following the deadly attack on a Christmas market in Germany. About 700 additional officers have been deployed to Rome, as announced by the Ministry of the Interior.