Paphael News

Nollywood actress and acclaimed filmmaker Funke Akindele has expressed her gratitude to fans and supporters following the remarkable success of her latest film, Everybody Loves Jenifa (ELJ). The movie, which builds upon her beloved Jenifa franchise, has achieved a significant milestone, cementing its place as a blockbuster hit. In a heartfelt statement shared with her audience, Akindele acknowledged the unwavering support from fans who have stood by her creative journey over the years. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who has watched, shared, and supported Everybody Loves Jenifa. This milestone would not have been possible without you,” she said. The actress and producer emphasized that the movie’s success reflects the love and dedication of her audience, as well as the collaborative efforts of her production team. Everybody Loves Jenifa is the latest installment in the widely celebrated Jenifa series, which chronicles the life and adventures of Jenifa, a quirky and relata...

Yarmuk, once a vibrant and bustling Palestinian refugee camp on the outskirts of Damascus, has become a stark reminder of the immense toll the Syrian civil war has taken on its civilian population.  Prior to the war, Yarmuk was home to over 150,000 people, serving as a hub of life and culture. However, during the early years of the conflict, the camp was completely destroyed, leaving behind only ruins and shattered lives. Established in 1957 as a sanctuary for Palestinian refugees, Yarmuk evolved into a thriving neighborhood, integrating Palestinians and Syrians in a community of shared experiences and aspirations. This harmony was violently disrupted when the camp became a battleground during the Syrian civil war. Intense fighting between government forces, opposition groups, and extremist factions turned Yarmuk into a war zone. By 2015, the United Nations declared it "a place where humanity has been erased," as starvation, sieges, and relentless bombardments dev...

The European Union has strongly criticized recent verdicts handed down by military courts in Pakistan, sentencing 25 supporters of the country's former Prime Minister, Imran Khan, to prison terms. In a statement issued Sunday, the EU emphasized that these rulings violate Pakistan’s international obligations to ensure fair and transparent trials for civilians. According to an announcement by the Pakistani military, the individuals were convicted for their involvement in attacks on military installations during nationwide protests in May 2023. The sentences range from two to ten years of "rigorous imprisonment" and were imposed under military court jurisdiction, a practice that has sparked widespread concern among human rights organizations and legal experts. The protests erupted following the arrest of Imran Khan, the leader of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party and a key political figure in the country. The demonstrations saw thousands take to the street...

A tragic plane crash in the southern Brazilian city of Gramado claimed the lives of nine people on Sunday morning. The small aircraft, en route to an undisclosed destination, went down in a commercial area of the popular tourist city, leaving no survivors, authorities confirmed. Cleber dos Santos Lima, Director of the Interior Police Department for the state civil police, confirmed the fatalities to reporters. "There are nine deaths confirmed by the civil defense, and there are no survivors of the plane," he stated, emphasizing the gravity of the incident. The crash occurred during clear weather conditions, drawing immediate attention from local authorities and emergency responders. The aircraft reportedly slammed into a bustling part of the city, but no injuries on the ground have been reported as of yet. Witnesses described the harrowing scene, with some recounting the sound of the impact and subsequent plumes of smoke. "It was a terrifying mome...

The St. George Melkite Catholic Church, a significant religious and cultural landmark in the southern Lebanese town of Dardghaya, has been left in ruins following an Israeli airstrike. The church, which held historical and spiritual importance for the local Christian community, now stands as a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict in the region. Witnesses described the destruction as devastating, with fragments of religious icons and other sacred artifacts scattered among the rubble. The airstrike, part of an escalating military confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah forces operating in southern Lebanon, has drawn widespread condemnation from local leaders and religious authorities. “This is not just an attack on a building but on the spiritual identity of a community,” said a local church official. “St. George Melkite Catholic Church has served as a place of worship, hope, and unity for generations. Its destruction is a profound loss.” The Melkite Greek Ca...

In a significant development after a four-and-a-half-year military standoff, India and China have taken steps toward de-escalating tensions along their disputed Himalayan border.  Both nations withdrew troops from two contentious flashpoints in 2024, signaling a tentative thaw in relations. However, experts caution that mutual mistrust continues to be a significant obstacle to fully restoring friendly ties between the Asian giants. According to VOA, India’s Foreign Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, addressed the nation’s parliament earlier this month, expressing cautious optimism about the progress. “The pullback has set New Delhi-Beijing ties in the direction of some improvement,” he noted. However, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of stability in the border regions, asserting, “We are clear that the maintenance of peace and tranquility in border areas is a pre-requisite for the development of our ties.” Despite these positive developments, the situation on the gr...