Sri Lankan authorities have issued new landslide warnings with rains lashing areas already devastated by a powerful cyclone, as the death toll rose to 618, while other parts of Asia continue to grapple with the scale of the destruction and mounting casualties that have exceeded 1,800.
The Disaster Management Centre (DMC) warned on Sunday that monsoon storms were adding more rain and making hillsides unstable, including the central mountainous region and the northwestern midlands.
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More than two million people – nearly 10 percent of the population – have been affected by last week’s climate crisis-spurred floods and landslides triggered by Cyclone Ditwah, the worst on the island this century.
On Sunday, helicopters and planes were being used to supply communities cut off by landslides in the centre of the country.
The Sri Lanka Air Force said it had received a planeload of relief supplies from Myanmar on Sunday, the latest batch of foreign aid.
The government has confirmed 618 dead – 464 from the lush tea-growing central region – while 209 people remain unaccounted for.
The number of people in state-run refugee camps had dropped to 100,000 from a peak of 225,000 as floodwaters receded across the island by Sunday, the DMC said.
More than 75,000 homes were damaged, including close to 5,000 that were destroyed, it added.
An aerial view of submerged houses in a flooded area caused by heavy rainfall following Cyclone Ditwah in Niyamgamdora in Sri Lanka [Akila Jayawardena/Reuters]
A senior official had said recovery and reconstruction might cost up to $7bn.
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said on Friday it was considering Sri Lanka’s request for an additional $200m to help with rebuilding.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake told parliament on Friday that Sri Lanka’s economy had made a significant recovery, but was not strong enough to withstand the latest shock alone.
Elsewhere in Asia, the death toll from floods and landslides that hit Indonesia’s Sumatra island has reached more than 900, according to authorities.
Survivors in the Aceh Tamiang region, on the northeast coast of Sumatra, said they were forced to walk for an hour on Saturday, scrambling over scattered logs and passing overturned cars, in order to find aid from the government.
A clothing trader in the village of Kampung Dalam, Joko Sofyan, said residents had no choice but to drink the same water that destroyed their homes as they waited for aid, causing children to fall ill.
Many residents are still haunted by the 2004 tsunami that devastated Aceh and killed about 230,000 people globally, with 160,000 in Aceh alone.
Thailand has also reported at least 276 deaths and Malaysia two, while at least two people were killed in Vietnam after heavy rains triggered a series of landslides.
The Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur reported heavy flooding in recent days, while the country’s weather agency MetMalaysia issued on Saturday a thunderstorm warning for four states and the Federal Territory of Labuan.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is visiting Israel for the first time since taking office in May.
His visit comes just days after Germany decided to lift a three-month suspension on arms exports to Israel that it said could be used in the Gaza Strip.
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Merz, who has said he does not consider Israel’s actions in Gaza to be genocide, is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday to discuss bilateral relations, the ceasefire in Gaza, and other matters.
Germany is Israel’s second-largest arms supplier after the United States and its fifth-largest export partner, long standing as one of Israel’s staunchest supporters.
Germany’s weapons sales to Israel
According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2019 and 2023, the US was the largest supplier of arms to Israel, providing 69 percent of military equipment, while Germany was the second-largest, supplying about 30 percent. Together, these two countries account for 99 percent of Israel’s arms imports.
In 2023, the German government authorised 308 military export licences to Israel, worth 326.5 million euros ($380m), a tenfold increase from 32.3 million euros ($38m) in 2022.
Since 2003, Germany has sold 3.3 billion euros’ ($3.8bn) worth of arms to Israel, primarily exporting naval equipment, including the Sa’ar 6 corvettes, which were used to attack Gaza and enforce a naval blockade.
(Al Jazeera)
Israel also operates German-built Dolphin-class submarines, which are the mainstay of the Israeli Navy’s submarine fleet.
Additionally, Germany has sold a wide range of smaller munitions; the German-built “Matador” shoulder-fired rocket launcher has been used by the Israeli army since 2009, as well as missiles and engines for tanks and other armoured vehicles.
On December 3, Bloomberg reported that Israel will hand over the Arrow 3 long-range anti-ballistic missile defence system to Germany. This transfer grants Germany independent access to this advanced military asset and represents the country’s first major procurement contract following the reassessment of defence capabilities prompted by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
The agreement, which was signed just more than two years ago and constitutes Israel’s largest-ever defence export deal, is valued at more than 3.6 billion euros ($4.2bn), and includes launch systems, munitions and radar.
(Al Jazeera)
Why did Germany resume arms exports?
Merz’s August 8 decision to suspend the issuance of weapons export licences to Israel was seen as a significant shift in Germany’s defence policy. At the time, Merz emphasised that Germany could no longer ignore the worsening toll on Gaza civilians while continuing to support what he described as Israel’s “right to defend itself” and the need for the release of captives held by Hamas.
In response, Netanyahu said Germany was rewarding Hamas and failing to adequately support Israel’s “just war”.
On November 24, Germany ended the weapons export restrictions, saying Gaza had now “stabilised” following the ceasefire, but added that the decision was subject to the observance of the ceasefire and the large-scale provision of humanitarian aid.
But Israel’s genocide has not stopped since the ceasefire took effect in October. Israeli attacks have killed at least 360 Palestinians and injured 922, with the Government Media Office in Gaza documenting 591 distinct violations of the ceasefire by Israeli forces. Israel continues to restrict aid, allowing only 20 percent of the mandated trucks into Gaza.
Speaking at the Doha Forum on Saturday, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani warned that the Gaza ceasefire is at a “critical moment” and could unravel without rapid movement towards a permanent peace deal.
Sheikh Mohammed said what exists on the ground amounts to merely a “pause” in hostilities rather than a genuine ceasefire.
(Al Jazeera)
What do Israel and Germany trade most?
Germany is Israel’s fifth-largest export partner and its largest trading partner in Europe, with significant trade exchanges in technology, machinery, and pharmaceuticals. In 2023, Israel sold $2.64bn worth of goods to Germany, primarily in advanced technologies and electronics.
That same year, Germany sold $5.5bn worth of goods to Israel, primarily in machinery and electronics, followed by cars and pharmaceutical products.
Germany actively invests in Israeli technology through venture capital, research and development collaborations, and corporate partnerships with major firms such as Siemens and Bayer.
(Al Jazeera)
Germany protests for Israel and Palestine
In the days following the October 7, 2023 attacks, Olaf Scholz, Germany’s former chancellor, became the first leader of a G7 nation to visit Israel, where he emphasised its “right to defend itself”. But UN experts say that Israel, as an occupying power, cannot invoke the “right to defend itself” against Palestinians.
German authorities have cracked down on displays of support for Gaza during the past two years of Israel’s genocidal war. Alongside its political and military backing of Israel, Germany has targeted critics at home, regularly detaining protesters and banning events that support Palestinian rights.
Furthermore, Germany has stated it does not plan to recognise a Palestinian state, unlike 10 European and Western nations that have done so this year.
Since October 2023, there have been 801 Israel-Palestine-related protests in Germany, with 670 supporting Palestine and 131 supporting Israel, according to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED).
The map below shows the locations of these protests.
(Al Jazeera)
Germany’s votes on Gaza at the UN
Germany’s support of Israel has often been described as a special relationship. This support stems from its historical context, particularly following World War II and the atrocities of the Holocaust perpetrated by the Nazis.
After the war, the newly formed Federal Republic of Germany sought to confront its past by signing a reparations agreement with the Jewish community in 1952.
At the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), Germany tends to adopt a cautious voting strategy. It frequently abstains from votes to prevent isolating Israel entirely, while aligning with the international community by voting “yes” on issues that support its commitment to the two-state solution and international law.
There have been at least seven UNGA resolutions concerning Gaza and the broader situation in Palestine since October 2023.
Germany has abstained from three of these resolutions and voted in favour of four.
The Duchess of Sussex made a brief remark about her past Christmases in the UK in her new Netflix special, with Prince Harry showing his unwavering support for his wife’s new career after leaving their royal lives
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Prince Harry and Meghan Markle (Image: Getty)
Meghan Markle let show her true feelings about one major aspect of her royal life in her new Christmas-themed Netflix special, with many royal watchers pointing out her candid admission.
The Duchess of Sussex’s holiday programme premiered on the streaming site earlier this week, showing Meghan being joined by a host of celebrity guests as they indulged in festive-themed crafts and cooking to celebrate the Christmas season. When taking part in crafting Christmas crackers from scratch, Meghan made a candid reference to her brief time living in the UK when she was a working royal alongside her husband Prince Harry.
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While Meghan’s days as a royal are far behind her, she admitted in the show that each year she draws inspiration from one major experience from celebrating the festive season in the UK.
She spent two Christmases at Sandringham in 2017 and 2018 – and as she welcomes restaurateur Will Guidara, she tells him they are going to make their own personalised Christmas crackers.
Will, who is more unfamiliar with crackers, asks Meghan about their significance. And she reflects: “Living in the UK, it’s a big part of the culture for sure. Typically, people cross their arms and do it. So they sit around the table and they all pull at the same time. The way that I started to know them was, they’d always have some sort of fortune cookie-size joke or riddle. And something sweet.”
While Meghan has often referenced parts of her royal life that she found to be challenging, former BBC royal correspondent Jennie Bond told the Mirror that the Duchess’ admission goes to show that she experienced some fond memories while she was a working royal.
Jennie said: “It’s nice to hear her reminisce quite fondly about at least part of her time in the UK. I don’t think she’s sending out any particular message by talking about Christmas crackers at the dinner table, but it’s good to know that there were at least moments in her life as part of the royal family that she enjoyed.”
Prince Harry also made a special cameo in the Christmas-themed episode – his longest appearance in any of Meghan’s Netflix programmes – joining in to make playful jokes about his wife’s cooking.
Near the end of the episode, Harry appears as Meghan prepares festive-themed dishes with Top Chef judge Tom. He tells the Duchess how it has become a tradition in his family on Christmas Eve to make a special salad containing beetroot, black olives and fennel.
Meghan chuckles as she reveals they are all flavours she loves but rarely eats, as all of those foods are a turn-off for Harry. And just as they put the finishing touches to the dish, which also contains anchovies and pickled vegetables, Harry turns up in the kitchen, greeting her with a kiss.
Meghan also cooks up gumbo, which she reveals has become a tradition for her mum Doria, to cook for the family on Christmas Eve. After being served and trying the dish, Harry proclaimed: “It is delicious, I’m not so sure it’s as good as your mum’s, but it’s certainly close.” To which, Meghan shouts: “What!” as Harry giggles. Meghan says: “My mom will love you for that. What a good thing to say about your mother-in-law.”
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And according to Jennie Bond, Harry’s brief but candid appearance in the programme shows his unwavering support and pride for the career Meghan has carved for herself since the couple left the Royal Family in 2020.
Jennie said: “I think it would be rather odd if Harry hadn’t made an appearance in a show that’s all about family and fun at Christmas. He only shows up briefly, but I think it’s an indication that he’s fully supportive of Meghan‘s new career and proud of what she’s achieved. I don’t imagine she had to work too hard to persuade him to take a cameo role, as they still strike me as a very happily married couple who want to support one another.”
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Stephan Shemilt
Chief Cricket Reporter at the Gabba
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England finally demonstrated they can alter their approach by batting through the first session on day four of the second Ashes Test, ensuring Australia will require their second innings.
After a dismal showing on the third evening, England began the fourth day on 134-6, 43 adrift of the home side in Brisbane.
But captain Ben Stokes set an example to his team-mates, alongside number eight Will Jacks in a watchful unbroken partnership of 65.
Stokes, who began the day on four from 24 deliveries, had 36 from 112 balls at the break. Jacks moved from four off nine to 25 off 66.
England battled to 193-6, a lead of 16 runs. Though the Stokes-Jacks ability to adapt to the situation was welcome, it made the England top-order capitulation on Saturday evening all the more frustrating.
In batting together for 26.3 overs, Stokes and Jacks have compiled England’s longest partnership of the series so far.
This was the first session across the opening two Tests that a wicket has not fallen.
Stokes’ determination was reminiscent of the beginning of his epic match-winning innings at Headingley in 2019.
With a scoring rate of 2.45 an over, this seventh-wicket partnership was the slowest of England’s 164 stands in excess of 50 since Stokes became captain in 2022.
“Loving this approach from England. Fantastic session of play,” wrote former England captain Michael Vaughan on X.
With their frontline seamers repelled, Australia turned to part-time bowlers Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne to bowl an over each before lunch.
Australia will have a second new pink ball available in the second session, probably arriving just as the floodlights take hold in the day-night Test.
“For the first time the Australia bowlers have had to work hard for their wickets,” said former England captain Sir Alastair Cook on TNT Sports.
Former Australia wicketkeeper Brad Haddin, also speaking on TNT Sports, added: “The one thing Australia will be little nervous of is Ben Stokes is now used to the wicket. We have seen time and time again he loves these big moments. He loves being the hero.
“It will be interesting how Australia approach Ben Stokes now, whether they give him a bit of verbals or short balls. They stayed away from him. They have been very nice to him. You have got to get him out of his bubble.”
Former bowler Steven Finn said the approach will have pleased England coach Brendon McCullum.
“It was stoic. They were dogged and determined,” said Finn. “They had clear gameplan but weren’t sitting ducks. When Australia’s bowlers missed they capitalised.
“Clearly they were much better batting conditions, but their defence was excellent and they didn’t let the score not go anywhere.
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Inter Miami’s 3-1 MLS Cup victory capped an 11-year journey for owner David Beckham, with Lionel Messi playing a key role, but eldest son Brooklyn was missing from family celebrations
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While his family rejoiced on the pitch and in the owner’s box, Brooklyn was nowehere to be seen(Image: ISI Photos via Getty Images)
David Beckham’s decade-long dream for Inter Miami to conquer American football finally came true when the club clinched the MLS Cup on Saturday, marking a milestone that the owner has been striving for since February 2014.
That was the day Major League Soccer revealed Beckham had exercised his option to buy an expansion franchise for $25 million, initiating a project that would metamorphose Miami into one of the league’s most globally recognised brands.
This weekend’s triumph, a 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps, culminated in Beckham making a spot-on remark about Lionel Messi. This marked the end of an 11-year journey since Beckham first exercised his $25 million option to purchase an MLS expansion team and symbolised the pinnacle of Beckham’s career post-retirement from playing.
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With Messi masterminding crucial moments from midfield and assisting multiple goals, Inter Miami completed its lengthy ascent from league newcomer to MLS champion.
The symmetry was perfect: Messi, who altered the course of the club when he joined in 2023, played a pivotal role in the final, while Beckham, the league’s original global icon, now stood as a victorious owner, reports the Mirror US.
Miami’s win followed earlier trophies under Messi, including a Leagues Cup, Supporters’ Shield and Eastern Conference title, but this was the trophy Beckham coveted the most.
The celebratory snaps were just as many had anticipated: Beckham hoisting the trophy high, with Victoria Beckham standing proudly by his side, accompanied by their sons Romeo and Cruz and daughter Harper.
The ex-Spice Girl appeared moved, and the couple posed together, their smiles reflecting the personal significance of this moment after over a decade of investment, negotiation, and public scrutiny.
However, there was an uncomfortable undercurrent. Their eldest son, Brooklyn, was absent once again, as he has been in several recent public Beckham family moments.
While his family rejoiced on the pitch and in the owner’s box, Brooklyn instead shared a cooking video on Instagram, demonstrating how to make French onion soup.
This mirrors previous no-shows, including his absence from his father’s knighthood ceremony and missing Beckham’s recent significant birthday celebration.
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His continued absence is fuelling rumours of familial tension. Reports of a rift involving Brooklyn’s wife, Nicola Peltz, have been swirling for months, and public appearances together have been noticeably scarce.
Even when Cruz recently shared a throwback photo of himself with his brothers and father, Brooklyn still did not publicly join the family on this milestone night.
