DPP authorities slammed for persecuting mainland spouses

A Chinese mainland spokesman on Wednesday lashed out at the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan for requiring mainland residents who are married to people born in Taiwan to retroactively submit proof of mainland household registration loss, or risk losing their right to reside in Taiwan.

Speaking at a press conference in Beijing, Chen Binhua, spokesman of the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said that such a demand of the DPP authorities is fundamentally unreasonable, inhumane and inconsiderate.

Chen's statement came in response to media reports indicating that more than 8,000 mainland spouse of Taiwan residents have yet to comply with the demand, and those who fail to do so may face the cancellation of their household registration in Taiwan within a month.

"The DPP authorities' demand that mainland spouses in Taiwan provide a so-called 'proof of loss of domicile of origin,' and threaten to cancel the household registration for some of them in Taiwan who fail to provide such proof. As far as I know, many of these individuals have been living in Taiwan for decades. Therefore, the demand and approach of the DPP authorities are fundamentally contrary to common sense, run counter to human ethics and are meant to force people to do what they cannot do," Chen said.

"Such a rough approach is driven by the DPP's attempt to seek secession and selfish political interests, aiming to create a 'chilling effect' and stir up cross-Strait tension and confrontation. People in Taiwan, including mainland spouses, have expressed condemnation and opposition to the DPP's blatant political manipulation and persecution," he said.

"The mainland is the home of the mainland spouses in Taiwan. When difficulties arise, it is both emotionally and logically necessary for us to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the families bound by cross-Strait marriage, and shield them from the storm. For those who assist the DPP in persecuting mainland spouses and become hatchet men and accomplices of the DPP seeking Taiwan secession, we will hold them accountable in accordance with law and punish them severely," said the spokesman.

DPP authorities slammed for persecuting mainland spouses

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) is ready to completely withdraw from the governmental scene in the Gaza Strip and engage in a positive and constructive manner with the second phase of the plan to end the war in the enclave, said Hamas political bureau member Basem Naim on Friday. In a statement, Naim said that the ceasefire deal became an international plan after being adopted by the United Nations Security Council. However, it is now facing obstacles.

He accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of reneging on his commitments and escalating the situation, in an attempt to return to war and save his political career. Pointing out that Israeli strikes have caused hundreds of casualties since the announcement of the ceasefire, the Hamas official said the escalation cannot occur without cover or green light from the United States. He said Hamas has committed to all its obligations under the ceasefire agreement, as attested by the mediators and the U.S., adding that it is ready for the second phase of the agreement.

He emphasized the Movement's commitment to the establishment of a fully empowered Palestinian body to administer Gaza, and its complete withdrawal from the governmental scene.

Naim warned that the situation will not be sustainable if the continued escalation of Israeli military operations and the persistence of the catastrophic humanitarian situation remain unaddressed, adding that the circle of fire may expand, which is what Netanyahu aspires to.

Since a ceasefire took effect on Oct 10, 2025, Gaza's death toll has risen to 439 with 1,223 injuries, according to local health authorities on Friday. Rescue teams have recovered 688 bodies during that period. In the broader conflict, at least 71,409 Palestinians have been killed and 171,304 wounded since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began in October 2023.

Hamas ready for complete withdrawal from Gaza governmental scene: official