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Maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Gaza have tripled since the war began.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Since October 7, 2023, when Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel, triggering a full-scale Israeli offensive against the enclave, more than 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported on Thursday.

According to OHCHR, 94 percent of hospitals in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leaving thousands of pregnant women and newborns without essential medical care.

"The Israeli blockade also prevented the entry of items vital to the survival of civilians, including medicines and nutrients to support pregnancies and ensure safe deliveries," the Office said in a statement.

By the end of 2024, compared to pre-war levels, women in Gaza were three times more likely to die in childbirth and three times more likely to lose a child. The neonatal mortality rate also increased, according to the OHCHR.

Destroyed hospitals, killed doctors

Israeli strikes destroyed many maternity wards and neonatal intensive care units. A December 2023 attack on a major fertility clinic resulted in the loss of over 4,000 embryos and 1,000 reproductive samples.

Medical staff have also been targeted, the OHCHR said, citing Palestinian Ministry of Health data showing that 1,722 medical workers had been killed by September 2025.

Gynecologist Ambereen Slimi, who volunteered in Gaza, told OHCHR: “While we were going through the wards, shells were exploding all around us… Sometimes drones would fly in and try to shoot at nurses or literally chase them through the hospital corridors.”

According to her, pregnant women were admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds, including to the abdomen: "Many women were too seriously wounded to survive. If their wounds didn't cause death, sepsis often took their lives, as there was a shortage of medications and antibiotics."

The hunger factor

The Israeli blockade has caused severe shortages of food and infant formula. As of October 2025, 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, have died of malnutrition, according to the enclave's Ministry of Health.

Jonathan Kricks of the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), who is in Gaza, told the UN News Service that children and their families are currently surviving the winter in makeshift tents: "Everything is completely damp, the mattresses are soaked, the children's clothes are soaked. It's extremely difficult to live in these conditions."

He warned of a rise in cases of acute watery diarrhoea and fears of further outbreaks: "With poor sanitation and a dilapidated sewage system, we are extremely concerned about the spread of waterborne diseases."

New barriers in the West Bank

The OHCHR also expressed concern about Israel's construction of a new barrier and road in the Jordan Valley.

The head of the Authority's office in the occupied Palestinian territory, Ajit Sungai, said it would "divide Palestinian communities and cut off Palestinian farmers from the land they own on the other side of the planned barrier."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Top Stories of the Day | Thursday: DRC, Myanmar, Venezuela, Vaccines, and Autism

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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 11, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: escalating violence in eastern DR Congo, a deadly attack on a hospital in Myanmar, a report from the Commission on Venezuela, and the WHO confirming the absence of a link between vaccinations and autism.

Violence in the DR Congo

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres extremely concerned about escalation in South Kivu province, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). More than 200,000 people have fled their homes since December 2 as a result of violence. The UN chief called for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in accordance with Security Council resolution 2773 (2025) and compliance with the obligations under the Washington Accords signed on December 4. The UN stands ready to work with partners to deliver humanitarian aid and support diplomatic efforts to restore peace in eastern DRC and the region.

Attacks in Myanmar

The UN condemned airstrikes in Rakhine State, Myanmar, which reportedly hit a district hospital the day before. More than 30 civilians were reportedly killed and over 70 injured, including patients and medical staff. The World Health Organization has confirmed 67 attacks on health facilities in Myanmar this year. The UN calls on all parties to comply with their obligations under international law. Meanwhile, the 2026 humanitarian plan for Myanmar, presented on Wednesday, includes $890 million in funding to assist 16.2 million people.

Violations in Venezuela

The Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela stated that members of the country's National Guard have been committing serious human rights violations and crimes against humanity for more than a decade. new mission reportThe document contains a detailed analysis of the internal structure and chain of command of the National Guard. The report notes that members of this unit are involved in arbitrary killings, unlawful detentions, sexual and gender-based violence, torture, and other cruel treatment.

Vaccines and autism

The World Health Organization's expert committee reiterated the lack of a causal link. between vaccine use and autism spectrum disordersA new review of global scientific evidence analyzed the results of studies from several countries, both on vaccinations in general and specifically on the preservative thimerosal. According to the committee, the review "conclusively confirms the positive safety profile of vaccines used for children and pregnant women" and "confirms the absence of a causal link to autism spectrum disorders."

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Fighting in eastern DR Congo has claimed dozens of lives and caused mass displacement.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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December 11, 2025 Peace and security

Escalating clashes in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have killed more than 70 civilians, forced over 200,000 people to flee their homes, and deprived thousands of people of food aid. Against this backdrop, the UN is warning of a rapidly growing humanitarian crisis that is already spreading beyond the country's borders.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that the situation in South Kivu province has deteriorated sharply since December 2 due to heavy fighting in several areas.

Fighters from the armed group M23 entered the key town of Uvira on Wednesday, according to media reports, and local residents say an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty reigns.

"The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the escalation of violence in South Kivu and its humanitarian consequences, including the displacement of more than 200,000 people since 2 December," said a statement issued by the UN chief's spokesman.

Antonio Guterres He strongly condemned the M23 offensive in the province. He called for an immediate and unconditional cessation of hostilities in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2773.

According to Radio Okapi, the radio station of the UN peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, since the beginning of December, clashes between Congolese forces and armed groups have killed more than 74 civilians and injured at least 83. Thousands have fled across the border into Burundi and Rwanda.

Most displaced people in South Kivu itself are sheltering in overcrowded shelters with poor sanitation. Women and girls in these centers are at risk of violence.

Suspension of food aid

Humanitarian programmes, including food aid and medical support, cannot be implemented due to instability.

The UN World Food Programme (WFP) has suspended operations across South Kivu, leaving 25,000 people without food aid, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

"Host families, who are already experiencing extreme food insecurity themselves, are sharing their last remaining food supplies with the displaced families," Hak told reporters in New York.

At least 32 WFP-supported schools in Uvira closed classes to provide shelter to displaced families. More than 12,000 children were left without hot school meals, which for many are their only nutritious meal.

Humanitarian organizations warn that food supplies in the region could run out within weeks unless access and funding are restored.

The crisis could become regional

"The humanitarian consequences of the crisis are already extending beyond the country's borders," Hack said, noting that nearly 25,000 people crossed the border into Burundi between December 5 and 8. People are also fleeing to Rwanda.

In both countries, humanitarian organizations and authorities are expanding emergency relief operations, including providing hot food, clean water and medical services.

The escalation is occurring despite diplomatic efforts to reduce regional tensions. Last week, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda signed a peace agreement backed by the United States, which the UN called a "critical step" toward restoring trust.

The crisis deepens due to lack of funding

A lack of funding is exacerbating the humanitarian emergency. The humanitarian response plan in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is only 22 percent funded, leaving a $2 billion shortfall. In Burundi, less than $33 million has been mobilized, while nearly $77 million is needed.

“We call on all parties to the conflict to immediately cease hostilities, respect international humanitarian law, protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, and ensure safe, rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations,” Haq said.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress held a meeting with a delegation of the Social Democratic Party of Portugal.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

BEIJING, Dec. 12 (Xinhua) — Li Hongzhong, vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress (NPC), met with a delegation of the Portuguese Social Democratic Party led by its secretary general and parliamentary leader Hugo Soares in Beijing on Friday.

Li Hongzhong, also a member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee, noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the China-Portugal comprehensive strategic partnership has been continuously deepened.

According to the vice chairman of the NPC Standing Committee, China hopes to establish closer exchanges between the political parties and legislative bodies of the two countries, advance cooperation within the framework of the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, and promote the healthy and stable development of relations between China and Portugal, China and the European Union.

Li Hongzhong also briefed the delegation on relevant information about the 4th Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee.

U. Soares, for his part, stated that Portugal firmly adheres to the one-China principle and intends to develop exchanges and cooperation in various fields between the two countries through inter-party channels. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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We invite RUDN students and staff to subscribe to the "Historical Truth" channel.

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Source: Peoples'Friendship University of Russia

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A new IT lab using Russian technologies has opened at RUDN University.

An IT laboratory has opened at the RUDN University Graduate School of Management. It is fully equipped with domestic software from the university's partners—the leader in the domestic infrastructure software market, Astra Group, and the computer equipment manufacturer, ICL Techno.

Triage, bleeding, and car accidents: RUDN University medical students win prizes at the All-Russian Medical Quest Olympiad

The All-Russian Medical Student Olympiad, "Medical Quest," was held at the Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology at Kazan Federal University. Teams from more than 10 universities participated. Students from the RUDN University Institute of Medicine took second place in "Instrumental Diagnostics" and third place in "Endoscopy" and "Plastic Surgery."

Collaboration between science, education, and industry: RUDN University and Rosatom held a Summer School on Additive Technologies in the Nuclear Industry.

The RUDN University Institute of Innovative Engineering Technologies held a partnership program for continuing professional education, the Summer School, entitled "Additive Technologies in the Nuclear Industry," in collaboration with the Rosatom State Corporation. The course was designed for engineering specialists, students at technical universities, and anyone interested in 3D printing.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Freight traffic on the Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye railway bridge is planned to increase to 22.5 million tons by 2031, according to a representative of the Russian bridge operator.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Birobidzhan, December 12 (Xinhua) — Freight traffic on the Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye railway bridge, connecting China and Russia across the Heilongjiang (Amur) River, is planned to increase to 22.5 million tons per year by 2031, and the capacity of the railway checkpoint on the Russian side to 17 pairs of trains per day. Anton Ivanchenko, First Deputy General Director of IFR-1, the operator of the railway bridge on the Russian side, told Xinhua in an interview.

“Currently, we handle up to six pairs of trains per day, and we plan to increase this to eight. By 2031, we plan to handle 22.5 million tons of freight per year, or up to 17 pairs of trains per day,” he said.

A. Ivanchenko noted that the company is currently modernizing the checkpoint at Mikhailo-Semenovskaya Station (Leninsk-2, Jewish Autonomous Region of Russia) to increase its capacity and support growth in export and import traffic. "Two areas need to be improved: the railway checkpoint and the section from Birobidzhan to Leninsk," he explained, adding that three additional stations are planned for this section, as well as reconstruction of the checkpoint infrastructure. Specifically, this involves the construction of new overpasses in the receiving and dispatching yard, allowing for the receipt and dispatch of 71-car trains.

According to a Xinhua source, the company also plans to build three modern terminal complexes: a universal transshipment facility, a petrochemical facility, and an agro-logistics facility. This will allow it to handle various types of railcars and expand its cargo range. "The main cargo currently shipped to China is coal (70 percent) and iron ore (30 percent). Container shipments are also underway, including plywood, cardboard, and forest products. Consumer goods are shipped from China in containers," A. Ivanchenko said. He added that an experiment was recently conducted with shipping copper concentrate to China, and plans are also underway to ship the first batch of Russian peat.

Speaking about the uniqueness of the Tongjiang-Nizhneleninskoye Bridge, A. Ivanchenko emphasized that it is an important link between China and Russia. "It connects the Trans-Siberian Railway, Russia's main railway, and China. In other words, we are the direct link that brings Chinese goods to the Trans-Siberian Railway, from where they are delivered throughout Russia," he said, noting that IFR-1 is actively working with its Chinese partners to increase freight turnover between Russia and China.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Breaking: At least 8 people were injured after a four-story church collapsed in Durban, South Africa – media reports

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

JOHANNESBURG, December 12 (Xinhua) — A four-story church collapsed in Durban, South Africa, on Friday, trapping several people under the rubble, local media reported.

The exact number of victims remains unknown, but rescue services said they have treated at least eight people and are continuing to search for others.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The process of discussing US proposals for a Ukrainian settlement will be lengthy, according to a Russian presidential aide.

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Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Ashgabat, December 12 (Xinhua) — The process of discussing US proposals for a settlement in Ukraine will be lengthy, Russian presidential aide Yuri Ushakov told reporters on Friday.

"After all these working negotiations [with the US] with Ukraine, they should show us the documents. Active brainstorming is underway. We haven't seen any revised versions of the American projects," TASS quoted him as saying.

Yury Ushakov suggested that many of the changes introduced may not please Russia. He stated that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's goal is to introduce proposals into the documents that are unacceptable to Russia. "It's unlikely that these comments will be positive," the Russian leader's aide emphasized.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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The health of the Chinese population continues to improve steadily, according to the Chinese Consul General in Khabarovsk.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Vladivostok, December 12 (Xinhua) — Thanks to tireless efforts, the health of China's population continues to steadily improve, with life expectancy reaching 79 years in 2024. This was stated recently by Chinese Consul General in Khabarovsk Jiang Xiaoyang in a written interview published in the Khabarovsk newspaper "Medical Newspaper."

As the Consul General noted, since the 18th CPC National Congress, the Party Central Committee, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core, has consistently prioritized the people's health, comprehensively strengthened the Party's leadership in healthcare, made a number of important strategic decisions, and contributed to a historic leap in the development of China's healthcare system, achieving comprehensive and innovative successes.

First, Jiang Xiaoyang pointed out, China has created the world's largest healthcare system. As of the end of 2024, the country had 1.09 million healthcare facilities and 15.78 million healthcare workers, making healthcare accessible to residents within 15 minutes.

Secondly, the public health and epidemiological protection network has become more robust. The country is implementing the national "Healthy China" strategy, and the state provides preventive vaccinations for 15 diseases. Premature mortality from major chronic diseases has decreased by 10.6 percent, and the incidence of tuberculosis, hepatitis B, AIDS, and other infectious diseases continues to decline or remains low. Furthermore, the country has withstood the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the diplomat added, unlike anything seen in a century.

Third, the reform of the medical, pharmaceutical, and healthcare systems continues to deepen. Regional reforms, based on local conditions, are underway in areas such as personnel training, service prices, wages, budget subsidies, and comprehensive oversight. Jiang Xiaoyang noted that 70 cities are receiving government funding to promote high-quality development and pilot reforms of public hospitals.

Fourth, he continued, positive progress has been made in the revival and development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). "We adhere to the principle of equal attention to TCM and Western medicine, are implementing a major project to revive and develop TCM, and are advancing the construction of a TCM service system, which plays a unique role in disease prevention and treatment," the Consul General noted.

Fifth, measures to stimulate the birth rate are being consistently implemented, including extending maternity leave, strengthening pregnancy support services, applying special tax deductions, and gradually introducing free preschool education.

Jiang Xiaoyang recalled that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee reviewed and adopted the CPC Central Committee's proposals for drafting the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development. Based on the goal of achieving comprehensive human development and taking confident steps toward the common enrichment of the people, the proposals set forth clear requirements and adopted important measures to accelerate the construction of a "Healthy China" and "promote high-quality human development."

According to him, accelerating the construction of a “Healthy China” focuses on three main aspects:

Firstly, it is necessary to implement the strategy of priority development of health, which involves improving the system of policies and institutions in the field of health promotion, increasing the effectiveness of the “patriotic campaign for hygiene and sanitation”, continuously increasing life expectancy and improving the health level of the people.

Secondly, it is necessary to combine development and security to provide strong guarantees and support for socioeconomic development. In this regard, it is necessary to strengthen public health capacity, combat major infectious diseases, organize comprehensive preventive and therapeutic care for chronic diseases, comprehensively improve the effectiveness of emergency medical care, and strengthen mental health services, the Consul General added.

Third, he continued, it is necessary to provide the population with fair, accessible, systematic, sustainable, high-quality, and effective healthcare services. It is essential to promote coordinated development and management in the fields of medicine, health insurance, and pharmaceuticals to make healthcare more convenient and effective for the population.

The diplomat noted that during the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China's population aging will continue to deepen, leading to a growing need for medical care for individuals with loss of independence and cognitive impairment, as well as hospice care for patients with terminal illnesses. In this regard, China plans to strengthen scientific and technological innovation in addressing major healthcare challenges, comprehensively expand the provision of services such as rehabilitation, nursing, and hospice care in urban and rural areas, launch a campaign to improve the health of the elderly, enhance the comprehensive diagnosis and treatment of age-related diseases, and implement a long-term care insurance system. Authorities will also expand the provision of outpatient medical services and home care services for people with disabilities and the elderly, and develop family physician services to provide better care for the elderly and people with disabilities, reflecting the warmth of public services and the progress of social civilization, Jiang Xiaoyang added.

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Russia is unaware of the changes the US and Ukraine have made to the peace plan, according to the Russian presidential press secretary.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: People's Republic of China in Russian – People's Republic of China in Russian –

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Source: People's Republic of China – State Council News

Ashgabat, December 12 (Xinhua) — The Russian side is unaware of any changes to the American peace plan. During contacts between the US and Ukraine, some changes to the peace plan are being made, but the Kremlin has not received any notifications from Washington about them, according to Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov.

"There haven't been any updates. They're currently talking to the Ukrainians. Something is changing, some changes are being made, but we don't know what they are," D. Peskov told reporters, answering a question about whether any updates had been received from the United States regarding the Ukrainian settlement.

According to D. Peskov, the Kremlin has no information about whether a meeting between US President Donald Trump and representatives of Ukraine and the European Union will take place on December 13 in Paris. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.