Berliner Abendpost - Berliner Abendpost: News from Berlin, Brandenburg, Germany and the world

More than 200 celebrities, including actors Benedict Cumberbatch and Josh O’Connor, called on Israel on Wednesday to release imprisoned Palestinian politician Marwan Barghouti, who is seen by supporters as a key unifying figure.

Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks in decades on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said, under a year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism in the war with Hezbollah.

Star players such as Mohamed Salah, Bryan Mbeumo and Achraf Hakimi will be able to play for their clubs for an extra week until December 15 before joining their national teams at the Africa Cup of Nations, FIFA said on Wednesday.

Wall Street's main stock indices dipped on Wednesday after data showed US businesses unexpectedly shed jobs last month.

European Union lawmakers and member states reached a deal Wednesday to ban all imports of Russian gas before the end of 2027, as the bloc seeks to choke off key funds feeding Moscow's war chest.

Former King Juan Carlos's memoirs went on sale in Spain on Wednesday, with the publication's warm words for the late dictator Franco stirring debate over the former monarch's legacy.

The death toll from Hong Kong's worst fire in decades rose to 159 after all affected housing blocks were searched, police said Wednesday, cautioning that the figure may not be final.

A Libyan prison boss accused of overseeing murder, rape, and torture at a notorious detention centre appeared at the International Criminal Court Wednesday to face charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The couples walked hand in hand, the brides in traditional embroidered Palestinian white and red dresses adorned with red ribbons, the grooms walked beside them in black suits and ties.

Australia's Vulcan Energy said Wednesday it will soon start building a German lithium production project that will provide enough of the metal for half a million electric car batteries a year.

Russia and Ukraine said Wednesday they were ready for more talks with the United States to end almost four years of war, after US envoy Steve Witkoff and Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner left the Kremlin with no breakthrough on a peace deal.

Virat Kohli struck his second successive century and along with Ruturaj Gaikwad helped power India to 358-5 against South Africa in the second one-day international on Wednesday.

Indonesian farmer Merliana Siregar is all out of hope, seeing what is left of her flood-ravaged home as she returned on Wednesday.

Lebanese and Israeli civilian representatives held their first direct talks Wednesday in decades, part of a year-old ceasefire monitoring mechanism in the war with militant group Hezbollah, a source close to the talks told AFP.

European and Asian stock markets mostly rose Wednesday following a resumption of Wall Street's rally, but gains were muted as investors await the last tranche of US data before next week's Federal Reserve meeting.

New Delhi recorded more than 200,000 cases of acute respiratory illnesses at six state-run hospitals between 2022 and 2024, government numbers showed, highlighting the adverse effects of toxic air on health.

South Korean prosecutors demanded Wednesday a 15-year prison term for former first lady Kim Keon Hee for alleged stock fraud and corruption crimes.

Hong Kong coach Logan Asplin called it "a dream come true" after the 2027 Rugby World Cup draw pitted the Asian debutants with New Zealand and hosts Australia on Wednesday.

Thailand on Wednesday relaxed decades-old alcohol sales restrictions, allowing consumers to buy wine, beer and spirits during previously prohibited afternoon hours in a six-month trial.

Norway on Wednesday postponed the first licences to permit deep-sea mining in its Arctic waters for four years, a delay environmentalists hope signals the "nail in the coffin" of the plans.

Survivors of Cyclone Ditwah that has ravaged Sri Lanka in recent days began returning to their devastated homes on Wednesday, faced with a massive clean-up as they start rebuilding their lives.

Zara owner Inditex, the world's largest fashion retailer, posted Wednesday higher profits for the first nine months of its fiscal year despite stiffer competition from low-cost clothing outlets like Shein and Primark.

Hosts Australia face a blockbuster group clash with New Zealand at the 2027 Rugby World Cup as holders South Africa were pitted with Italy in the draw in Sydney on Wednesday.

YouTube on Wednesday attacked Australia's looming social media ban for under-16s as rushed, but the government called the policy a shield to protect children from "predatory" algorithms.

French President Emmanuel Macron touched down on Wednesday in China, where he is expected to put pressure on his counterpart Xi Jinping to help secure a ceasefire in Ukraine and discuss trade relations.

Indonesia's government is resisting growing pressure to declare a national disaster over devastating floods that killed hundreds of people and laid waste to parts of Sumatra island.

South Korea's ousted former leader Yoon Suk Yeol issued a call from prison on Wednesday urging his supporters to rally for "freedom" and defending his decision to declare martial law a year ago.

KFC in Japan is gearing up for the Christmas tradition of millions of families thronging the US fast-food chain for special festive buckets of deep-fried chicken and other treats.

England captain Ben Stokes has backed "incredibly talented" Will Jacks to shine following his surprise selection for the day-night second Ashes Test starting at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday.

Aircraft maker Airbus said Wednesday it had lowered its 2025 target for deliveries because of fuselage panel quality issues at its flagship model, the A320.

England cricket captain Ben Stokes said Wednesday the sudden death of former batsman Robin Smith at the age of 62 "hits you hard".

European Union lawmakers and member states reached a deal Wednesday to ban all imports of Russian gas by autumn 2027, as the bloc seeks to choke off key funds feeding Moscow's war chest.