Podcasts about Wafa

UK calls Israel's blockade of aid delivery into Gaza 'horrendous' The British Foreign Secretary is once again raising alarms about Israel's ongoing blockade of aid into Gaza, describing the humanitarian crisis as devastating. David Lammy, speaking during a session of the International Relations and Defence Committee, called the blockade ""horrendous"" and emphasised just how dire the situation has become — from the sheer level of suffering to the massive need on the ground and the staggering loss of life. Lammy said he had spoken directly with Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar a few weeks ago, making it clear that Israel has responsibilities when it comes to humanitarian access. Israeli bombardment kills several Palestinians, wounds others in Gaza Israeli air strikes on northern Gaza have killed several Palestinians and left many others injured, according to local medical sources cited by WAFA news agency. The attacks targeted the town of Beit Hanoon. This latest escalation follows Israel's decision back on March 18 to unilaterally end the ceasefire in Gaza. Since then, the renewed bombardment has killed hundreds, including over 100 children. Health officials in Gaza report at least 2,308 people have died and nearly 6,000 more have been wounded in the weeks since the assault resumed. Rubio tells India to 'work with' Pakistan to de-escalate Kashmir tensions After a deadly attack in Indian-administered Kashmir pushed tensions to the brink, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is urging India and Pakistan to take a step back and ease hostilities. Rubio spoke with Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar and Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, expressing support for India's fight against extremism. But he also called on both sides to work together to investigate the attack that left more than two dozen people dead. In his call with Jaishankar, Rubio conveyed US solidarity but also urged caution. India has blamed Pakistan for backing the attack in Pahalgam, though it hasn't presented evidence so far. Pakistan, for its part, denies the allegations and is pushing for an international investigation. US, Ukraine sign 'historic' minerals deal The United States and Ukraine have signed what both are calling a ""historic"" economic partnership, giving Washington access to Ukraine's rare mineral resources after weeks of tough negotiations. Kiev says it has secured control over its own resources as part of the deal. The agreement comes amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, who's been calling on Ukraine to ""pay back"" the support Washington has provided in helping repel Russian aggression. India's next census will include caste status, marking a 'historic' shift India has announced it will include caste identification in its next official census — the first time since independence that the government will formally record such data. It's a landmark move in a country where caste remains deeply tied to social and economic status. While higher castes continue to benefit from cultural privilege, lower castes often face systemic discrimination. This change could reshape India's political and social landscape. Estimates suggest that more than two-thirds of India's 1.4 billion people fall into historically disadvantaged castes, making this new census a potentially transformative moment in the country's long struggle with inequality.

Laura Kyrke-Smith MP wants more care and support for new mothers struggling with their mental health. Her own friend died by suicide just 10 weeks after giving birth and she recently led a debate in parliament on the subject. She joins Nuala McGovern to talk about the changes she wants to see, along with perinatal psychologist Dr Alain Gregoire from the Maternal Mental Health Alliance. What does the word 'ambition' mean to you? A study from the University of California has shown women may be put off applying for jobs when words such as 'ambition' or 'drive' appear in the ad, as they can feel intimidated. Nuala talks to Tiffanie Darke, the former CEO of female unemployment charity Smart Works, about women's relationship to ambition and what they're really looking for in a job. Wafa al Mustafa has been searching for her father for 13 years, ever since he was arrested at their home in Damascus in 2013. She has become the face of the campaign by hundreds of Syrian families to find their loved ones who have disappeared. She tells us how her search is going, and the difference the fall of Assad's regime has made. Performance poet Caitlin O'Ryan's poem about women walking home has struck a chord with thousands of people online. She joins us to perform At What Point and share what made her want to get up on stage at a poetry open mic night for the first time a couple of years ago. What happens when your child with special educational needs or disabilities, otherwise known as SEND, gets older? We hear from Laura Kerr from People First Dorset, a charity which aims to tackle loneliness amongst young people with learning disabilities, and Jo White, whose 17-year-old son Leon is autistic and non-verbal and has just left education. Presenter: Nuala McGovern Producer: Sarah Jane Griffiths

Air Date 1/31/2025 The genocide and subsequent ceasefire in Gaza is only the latest horrifying consequence of botched military misadventures in the Middle East and if the history of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars and Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay prisons can teach us anything it's that atrocities have long shadows. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes | Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS KP 1: Gaza Ceasefire Explained Reading Between The Lines - The Socialist Program - Air Date 1-16-25 KP 2: The Ceasefire in Gaza w Mohammad Alsaafin - American Prestige - Air Date 1-19-25 KP 3: Trump's Middle East Plans w Mouin Rabbani - Behind the News - Air Date 1-23-25 KP 4: On the Situation in Syria and its Implications for the Region - Revolutionary Left Radio - Air Date 1-6-25 KP 5: Katherine Gallagher on Abu Ghraib Verdict - CounterSpin - Air Date 11-29-24 KP 6: Trump's Middle East Plans w Mouin Rabbani Part 2 - Behind the News - Air Date 1-23-25 KP 7: Egypt, Jordan Reject Trump Plan to Clean Out Gaza; Palestinians Return to N. Gaza in Historic Day - Democracy Now! - Air Date 1-27-25 KP 8: Gaza Ceasefire Explained Reading Between The Lines Part 2 - The Socialist Program - Air Date 1-16-25 (51:16) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the echos of atrocities DEEPER DIVES (1:02:15) SECTION A: THE DEAL (1:24:41) SECTION B: CEASEFIRE POLITICS (1:46:00) SECTION C: THE EMPIRE (2:28:35) SECTION D: NOW WHAT? SHOW IMAGE Description: Photo of Palestinians walking through a street of rubble and debris with collapsed buildings on either side. Credit: “Damage in Gaza Strip during the October 2023 - 27” by WAFA, Wikimedia Commons  | License: CC-SA 3.0 | Changes: Cropped   Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastadon | Threads | X

Israel continues its attacks on Palestine and beyond Tel Aviv continues its attacks in the region despite a ceasefire with Hamas in the Palestinian territory of Gaza. Israeli troops raided villages near the occupied West Bank town of Ramallah, setting up checkpoints and firing concussion grenades, according to the WAFA news agency. Separately in Lebanon, Israeli strikes wounded 24 people, including 20 in Nabatiyeh al-Fawqa. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet US President Donald Trump at the White House on February 4. Netanyahu will be the first foreign leader invited during Trump's second term. Fury in DRC: Protesters target embassies over Goma crisis Anger erupted in Democratic Republic of the Congo's capital Kinshasa as protesters stormed embassies, accusing Rwanda and Uganda of backing M23 rebels in Goma. Following a brutal three-day battle that left over 100 dead and nearly 1,000 wounded, demonstrators damaged diplomatic missions and looted businesses. Chanting "Enough is enough," they denounced the international community's inaction. As tensions rise, African nations condemn the embassy attacks, while Congolese authorities urge calm amid the escalating crisis. Deaths as stampede breaks out at India Hindu festival A deadly stampede has claimed over seven lives and left around 10 injured in Uttar Pradesh as around a million Hindus gathered for the Maha Kumbh Mela religious festival. Chaos erupted in the early hours, with panicked devotees scrambling for safety. Disturbing visuals show bodies on stretchers and abandoned belongings scattered in the aftermath. Authorities deployed crisis forces, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged swift action. The festival attracts more than 400 million visitors over six weeks, both Indians and tourists. Trump plans to withdraw hundreds of US troops from Syria — report US President Donald Trump is planning to withdraw hundreds of US troops from Syria, according to Israeli media. Nation's public broadcaster KAN says White House officials have informed Tel Aviv. The US has some 2,000 troops deployed in Syria in support of YPG/PKK terrorist organisation, creating tensions with its NATO ally Türkiye. EV sales to exceed '20 million' units in 2025 The electric vehicle market is expected to break records. Sales are set to hit a record 20 million units in 2025—an 18 percent jump from 2024, says Rho Motion. China is leading the charge, backed by aggressive global expansion and strong domestic demand. Meanwhile, the EU tightens emissions rules, and Trump's presidency signals policy shifts in the US. Experts call 2025 “the year of legislation” as the EV revolution accelerates worldwide.

Israeli army detains dozens in occupied West Bank raids Israeli forces have detained around 70 Palestinians in a series of raids targeting homes in the occupied West Bank. Eyewitnesses said Israeli soldiers stormed several homes in the town of Deir Istiya in Salfit governorate. The official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that Israeli troops have repeatedly raided Deir Istiya in recent days, blocking the town's entrances and exits with barriers. Israel carries out air strikes on eastern Lebanon "The Israeli military has conducted air strikes in eastern Lebanon. Lebanon's official National News Agency highlighted that Israeli forces continued to violate a ceasefire agreement that went into effect on November 27 last year. Reports indicated that Israeli warplanes bombed areas near the town of Jinta, east of Baalbek." 14 million Syrians will return home within 2 years: Ahmed al Sharaa "The leader of Syria's new administration, Ahmed al Sharaa, expressed optimism that 14 million displaced Syrians would return to their country within two years following the fall of the Assad regime. Speaking to Dubai-based documentary filmmaker and YouTube content creator Joe HaTTab in a video that aired Sunday, Al Sharaa emphasised that Syrians who were forced to flee their homeland are already returning. He highlighted that the revolution has been completed with the regime's collapse and it is time to transition from a revolutionary mindset to a state-oriented one. " Sudanese army regains control of another town in Al Jazirah state "The Sudanese army has announced that it had regained control of the town of Tambul, marking the second area of eastern Al Jazirah state to be reclaimed in the last 48 hours. The army said in a statement late Sunday that with the support of allied forces and popular resistance, it has taken full control of the town of Tambul. Referring to the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, the army said it has ""cleansed the town of the rebel militia after inflicting heavy losses in personnel and equipment""." Turkish UAVs fly high in African markets "Turkish unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) have made inroads into Africa, with solutions developed in Türkiye from UAV technologies undertaking new missions abroad. Turkish drone company Zyrone Dynamics, renowned for its expertise in rotary-wing and variable-volume UAVs, has added a significant milestone to its export achievements. The company recently exported its ZD100 and ZD200 rotary-wing UAVs to an African country, where they will play a critical role in missions such as disaster search and rescue operations and the delivery of cargo to vital locations."

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Al-Wafa (Membalas Jasa) adalah kajian Islam ilmiah yang disampaikan oleh Ustadz Dr. Ariful Bahri, M.A. Hafidzahullah pada Ahad, 21 Jumadil Akhir 1446 H / 23 Desember 2024 M. Kajian Tentang Al-Wafa Akhlak al-wafa adalah salah satu nilai mulia yang kini mulai hilang dari kaum muslimin. Nabi Muhammad Shallallahu ‘Alaihi wa Sallam memberikan contoh dan gambaran […] Tulisan Al-Wafa (Membalas Jasa) ditampilkan di Radio Rodja 756 AM.

*) Israel bombs Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza The Israeli army launched a heavy bombardment on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya, northern Gaza, causing extensive damage, WAFA news agency reported. Medical sources said that the hospital faced intense shelling, including bombs, artillery, and sniper fire, targeting the facility indiscriminately. The assault severely damaged critical infrastructure, including power generators and various hospital departments, further straining Gaza's already overwhelmed healthcare system. *) Pope Francis slams Israel's 'cruelty' after Gaza air strike Pope Francis has renewed his condemnation of Israeli air strikes on Gaza, calling the violence "cruelty" and saying, "This is not war; it touches the heart." The comments follow Israeli air strikes on Friday that killed at least 25 Palestinians and come a day after an Israeli minister criticised the pontiff for suggesting a global inquiry into whether the violence constitutes genocide. Francis addressed the issue during his annual Christmas meeting with Vatican cardinals, highlighting the plight of children in Gaza as a pressing humanitarian concern. *) Trump threatens to demand control of Panama Canal US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to demand the return of control over the Panama Canal to Washington, criticising "unfair fees" imposed on American ships using the vital waterway. Trump also warned of China's increasing influence near the canal, citing its strategic importance for US trade between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. "Our Navy and Commerce have been treated unfairly. The fees are ridiculous," Trump wrote on Truth Social, vowing to end what he called a "rip-off" of the US. *) Pakistan rejects US claims on ballistic missile programme as 'baseless' Pakistan has dismissed claims by a senior US official about its ballistic missile programme, calling them baseless and harmful to bilateral relations. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mumtaz Zahra Baloch described the allegations as "unfounded, devoid of rationality and sense of history." The remarks came in response to US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer's statement that Pakistan was developing a long-range missile capable of striking targets beyond South Asia, posing an "emerging threat" to the United States. *) Syrian interim government appoints new foreign minister The Syrian Interim Government has appointed Asaad Hassan al Shaibani as its new foreign minister, the ruling General Command announced. Al Shaibani previously led Political Affairs for Idlib's civilian administration, where he managed diplomatic relations with foreign governments and institutions. He also oversaw coordination efforts with UN agencies and international aid organisations during his tenure.

*) Erdogan, Blinken discuss Syrian political transition, Gaza genocide Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and visiting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken held talks focusing on regional cooperation and shared goals, including the preservation of Syria's territorial integrity, unity, unitary structure The discussions in Ankara also addressed the "urgent need" for a ceasefire in Gaza and a prisoner swap deal to enable increased humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Erdogan reaffirmed Türkiye's commitment to Syria's territorial integrity and pledged to take measures against terrorist groups like PKK/PYD/YPG and Daesh, ensuring no let-up in counter-terrorism efforts. *) Israel kills at least 30 Palestinians in Gaza's Nuseirat camp Israel has killed at least 30 Palestinians and wounded 40 in an air strike on a home in the Nuseirat camp in besieged Gaza. Israeli fighter jets targeted several homes and buildings in the camp, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. Reports say most of the victims were women and children. *) Israel blocks UN aid convoy to Gaza hospital amid escalating crisis Israel continues to block aid as the Israeli army denied entry to a UN convoy carrying fuel and medical supplies for Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, the hospital's director said. The World Health Organization informed the hospital that the convoy was forced to return to southern Gaza after being blocked. The hospital faces severe shortages of medical supplies, operating at minimal capacity amid rising injuries. *) Over 6,000 Syria's Assad officers documented for war crimes: rights group The Syrian Network for Human Rights has identified over 6,000 regime officers involved in war crimes under Bashar al Assad's regime, director Fadl Abdulghani said. In an interview, Abdulghani urged Syria's new government to establish a national court to prosecute those responsible and warned that a lack of justice could provoke revenge from victims' families. He emphasised the need for international support, including expertise and financial aid, to create an independent judiciary in Syria. *) Türkiye appoints charge d'affaires to Damascus after prolonged absence Türkiye has appointed a temporary charge d'affaires to its embassy in Damascus, marking a significant step in diplomatic engagement with Syria after years of closure due to the civil war. Ambassador Burhan Koroglu, Türkiye's current envoy to Mauritania, has been assigned the role. Koroglu, who began his duties in Nouakchott in December 2023, will now oversee Türkiye's diplomatic affairs in Syria in his new capacity.

Wafa Taymour, CEO of Al Jawaher Reception & Convention Centre, gets us excited about the return of the E88 Market here in Sharjah. Wafa explains the endless free activities that visitors can take advantage of and the wide selection of exciting food vendors that will be on offer. Listen to #Pulse95Radio in the UAE by tuning in on your radio (95.00 FM) or online on our website: www.pulse95radio.com ************************ Follow us on Social. www.facebook.com/pulse95radio www.twitter.com/pulse95radio www.instagram.com/pulse95radio

*) At least 90 Palestinians killed in latest Israeli strikes on north Gaza At least two Palestinians were killed and several others injured when Israeli warplanes bombed a house south of Gaza City, raising the death toll in the besieged territory since Thursday morning to 90, according to medical sources. The Israeli bombing targeted the Al-Dayah family home in the Al-Sabra neighbourhood, south of Gaza City, a Palestinian newspaper WAFA reported, adding that ambulance and rescue crews were still searching for missing people under the rubble. A number of medical staff were also injured inside the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza as a result of Israeli drones dropping bombs at the hospital yard. *) World hails ICC's Netanyahu, Galant decisions The International Criminal Court's arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and ex-defence minister Yoav Gallant spark global reactions. Palestine hails it as justice for "Israeli war criminals," while Israel brands it a "dark moment" for the ICC. Global leaders, from Türkiye to South Africa, praise the move, urging accountability. The US opposes the court's actions, calling them "a dangerous joke." *) Russia's Putin threatens strikes on countries arming Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin issued a stark warning to the West, asserting Moscow's right to target nations supplying weapons to Ukraine. Calling the conflict "global," Putin vowed readiness for "any scenario." Earlier, Ukraine accused Russia of firing an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) on Dnipro. The strike reportedly hit critical infrastructure, with local officials assessing widespread damage. *) Trump taps Pam Bondi as attorney general after Matt Gaetz bows out President-elect Donald Trump has nominated former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi to lead the Justice Department, after his first choice, Matt Gaetz, withdrew his name from consideration amid scrutiny over sex trafficking allegations. Bondi, who leads the legal arm of the America First Policy Institute think tank, is known as a staunch Trump ally and served on the president-elect's legal team during his first impeachment. *) COP29 talks stall over climate finance Talks at COP29 in Baku remain gridlocked as rich and poor nations clash over climate finance. A fresh draft text recognises the $1 trillion annual need for developing countries but lacks a clear funding figure. With just a day left, negotiators scramble for consensus, while activists decry the absence of concrete commitments.

O Central Cine Brasil desta semana trata de RETRATO DE UM CERTO ORIENTE, novo filme de Marcelo Gomes, que estreou em Roterdã e passou por eventos como o Festival do Rio e a Mostra de São Paulo. A estreia nos cinemas é nesta quinta-feira, 21 de novembro, do longa que é baseado na obra de Milton Hatoum – ali chamada Relato de um Certo Oriente –, vencedora do prêmio jabuti de 1990.O lançamento marca os 20 anos da produtora Matizar Filmes e tem um trio protagonista formado por um elenco libanês: Wafa'a Celine Halawi, Charbel Kamel e Zakaria Kaakour. A sinopse é a seguinte: Líbano, 1949. O país enfrenta uma guerra iminente. Dois irmãos católicos, Emilie e Emir, embarcam em uma viagem rumo ao Brasil em busca de dias melhores. Durante a jornada, Emilie se apaixona por um comerciante muçulmano, Omar. Emir, consumido por ciúmes, usa suas diferenças religiosas para tentar separá-los. Antes de chegar ao destino final, durante uma briga, Emir é gravemente ferido em um acidente com arma de fogo. Desesperada, Emilie desce em uma aldeia indígena no meio da selva para buscar ajuda. Após a recuperação de Emir, a chegada a Manaus leva a uma decisão que terá consequências trágicas. Retrato de um Certo Oriente é um filme sobre memória, paixão e preconceito, revelando a saga dos imigrantes libaneses na Floresta Amazônica.Marcelo já esteve no Central Cine para tratar de ESTOU ME GUARDANDO PARA QUANDO O CARNAVAL CHEGAR. Ele também é diretor de CINEMA, ASPIRINAS E URUBUS; VIAJO PORQUE PRECISO, VOLTO PORQUE TE AMO; ERA UMA VEZ EU, VERONICA; O HOMEM DAS MULTIDÕES; JOAQUIM; e PALOMA.

*) Israeli strikes hit Gaza hospitals, many Palestinians killed Heavy bombardment from Israeli forces early Monday hit Gaza hard, killing many Palestinians and leaving countless others injured. The scene was devastating, with widespread destruction across several neighbourhoods. According to Wafa news agency, Israeli artillery strikes took a heavy toll — lives lost, people hurt, and some still trapped under rubble. Rescue teams are scrambling to find survivors, but no official numbers have been released yet. Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia also came under fire — the nursery was damaged, and a child was injured. And at the Indonesian Hospital, a drone strike sent patients and staff into a panic, creating a chaotic and terrifying scene. *) Swiss intelligence exposes PKK's secret operations Switzerland's intelligence service has dropped a bombshell — the PKK, a group labelled as a terrorist organisation by Türkiye, the US and the EU, has been running secret operations right under their noses. According to a fresh report from Switzerland's Federal Intelligence Service, or FIS, the PKK has been using Swiss soil to raise money, spread its propaganda and even run terrorist training camps. The PKK has been in a violent campaign against Türkiye for 40 years, leading to over 40,000 deaths, including civilians. The FIS report makes it clear: the PKK is active within Switzerland, recruiting young Kurdish refugees and preparing them for actions against the Turkish military. *) UN warns of ‘dangerous escalation' over potential N Korean troops in Russia UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is raising the alarm over reports that North Korean troops may have joined Russia, possibly heading toward the battlefields in Ukraine. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, conveyed his concern on Sunday, saying Guterres is “very concerned” about reports of North Korean forces potentially being deployed to Ukraine's conflict zone. According to US intelligence, North Korean troops have shown up around Russia's Kursk border region. Interestingly, neither North Korea nor Russia has denied these reports. *) Maia Sandu declares victory in Moldova's presidential runoff election Moldova's pro-EU President Maia Sandu declared a win on Sunday in the country's tense presidential runoff, with almost all votes counted. She held a strong lead with 54 percent, defeating her pro-Russian rival, Alexandr Stoianoglo. Sandu, a former World Bank economist, declared in her victory speech that “Moldovans have given a lesson in democracy, worthy of history books”. Sandu's win is being seen as a huge boost for Moldova's pro-Western government and her vision of closer ties with Europe, steering Moldova one step closer to the EU. *) Chinese crew returns after 6-month mission on Tiangong space station After six months aboard China's Tiangong space station, the Shenzhou 18 crew has made a safe return. The spacecraft's return capsule touched down in northern China on Sunday, wrapping up an intense mission in space. The China Manned Space Agency confirmed that its astronauts landed at the Dongfeng site in Inner Mongolia. Since their launch on April 25, they have been working and living aboard the Tiangong.

*) UN warns of dire Middle East situation as Israel escalates its war on Gaza The United Nations' Middle East peace process coordinator, Tor Wennesland, warned the international community about a severe escalation in the Middle East, describing the situation as being at the "most dangerous juncture in decades." Speaking to the UN Security Council, Wennesland highlighted that ongoing Israeli violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and shows no signs of stopping. Wennesland specifically addressed a deadly Israeli air strike in Beit Lahiya on Monday that killed or left missing at least 90 Palestinians, including 25 children. *) Healthcare system in northern Gaza collapses as Israeli invasion continues The healthcare system in northern Gaza has collapsed amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes, according to Hussam Abu Safiya, Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital. In an urgent statement, Abu Safiya warned that all injured individuals brought to the hospital are succumbing to their wounds due to a severe lack of medical resources. He pleaded for international assistance to allow ambulances into the blockaded area to evacuate victims of the attacks, noting that currently, not a single ambulance is operational in northern Gaza. *) Palestine weighs bringing Israel's UNRWA ban before UNSC The Palestinian presidency has announced plans for diplomatic measures following the Israeli Knesset's approval of laws prohibiting the UN Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) from operating in occupied territories. According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, the presidency will urgently engage with countries hosting Palestinian refugees, exploring options to present the issue before the UN Security Council and General Assembly. The presidency emphasised that UNRWA's presence is crucial for addressing the Palestinian issue in line with international law and legitimacy. *) Sudan conflict: UN report accuses RSF of sexual violence, forced captivity A UN fact-finding mission has reported that Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and allied militias have committed widespread sexual violence against civilians, including abduction of women as sex slaves, throughout Sudan's ongoing 18-month conflict. Victims, ranging in age from eight to 75, have been targeted in what the report describes as a strategy to terrorise and punish communities with perceived links to opposition forces. Mission chair Mohamed Chande Othman called the scale of sexual violence "staggering" in an 80-page report based on interviews with victims, families, and witnesses. *) EU slaps extra tariffs on Chinese-built EVs, risking Beijing retaliation The European Union announced it will impose additional tariffs on Chinese-built electric vehicles, reaching up to 45.3 percent, following a year-long anti-subsidy investigation that has intensified trade tensions with Beijing. The new tariffs will vary by manufacturer, with Tesla facing an additional 7.8 percent and China's SAIC 35.3 percent, on top of the EU's standard 10 percent car import duty. The decision, formally approved by the European Commission on Tuesday, will be published in the EU's Official Journal by Wednesday and will take effect the next day.

*) Israel attacks UN peacekeepers in Lebanon Global leaders have expressed outrage and called for accountability after Israel attacked the UN peacekeeper's headquarters in south Lebanon. The mission said at least two peacekeepers were wounded when an Israeli military's Merkava tank directly hit an observation tower at its headquarters in Naqura.  The UN peacekeepers have accused Israel of "repeatedly" hitting their positions deliberately.  *) Israeli launches deadly strikes in occupied West Bank Meanwhile, Israeli drones have fired missiles that killed two Palestinians in the northern occupied West Bank. According to the official Palestinian news agency WAFA, two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in the Jabal al Salihin area, east of Tulkarem.  Israeli forces immediately stormed the area after the strike, retrieved the bodies of the men, and withdrew from the location.
 *) UN accuses Israel of destroying Gaza health care system A UN inquiry has found that Israel carried out a concerted policy of destroying Gaza's health care system in its war on Gaza. This amounts to both war crimes and crimes against humanity.  A statement by the ex-UN High Commissioner for Human Rights accused Israel of "relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities" in its war on Gaza.  According to the report that will be presented to the UN General Assembly on October 30, children in particular have borne the brunt of these attacks.
 *) Mpox continues to be major health issue: African health body Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (ADC) has said mpox is still a major public health issue in Africa, A total of 3,186 new cases were reported in the past week, with 489 confirmed and 53 deaths.  According to ADC, there is a need to accelerate several interventions, including vaccination, to stop the spread, amid surging cases.  *) Unilever finally exits Russia, sells subsidiary British consumer goods giant Unilever has completed the sale of Unilever Russia, finally joining many other multinationals in exiting the country following the Ukraine war.  Unilever said in a statement that it had offloaded the subsidiary to Arnest Group, a Russian manufacturer, for an undisclosed amount.
 Unilever said its business in Russia's close ally Belarus was included in the sale.

'Wafa' or 'vafaa' is an Urdu word which translates to faithfulness, loyalty and fidelity. In this episode of Urdunama, Fabeha Syed delves into the depth of wafa, covering all aspects of it's meaning. As Fabeha navigates life in a new city, she brings a fresh episode from the oven about being committed to something or someone. Listen till the end! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday, September 30th, an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah killed Wafa al-Udaini, her husband and two of her children. Wafa was a founder of the October 16 group, a mentor to young journalists and media professionals in Gaza and especially worked to highlight the voices of women impacted by the Israeli occupation. Wafa was the 174th journalist to be killed by Israel in Gaza since Israel began its bombardment of Gaza just under a year ago.Romana Rubeo wrote at the Palestine Chronicle, “Wafa's writing captured the essence of why we do what we do on a daily basis for years: amplifying Palestinian voices, and not any voices, but those that reflect the spirit of the Palestinian people, their defiance of injustice, their quest for freedom, and their courage in word and action.”Long-time listeners of this show may remember that we had Wafa on twice. First, in April 2023, she joined us to explain how the mass protests happening in Israel against Benjamin Netanyahu were about internal Israeli matters, and not concerned with the liberation of Palestinians. “So for us as Palestinians, we see that the occupation has one face, they are all the same, even if it is a far right government or a left-right government or any, it is occupation at the end.” she told us.She then came on the show a few months later for our October 11th 2023 episode, immediately after the resistance movement launched Al Aqsa Flood, to give an on-the-ground report on the Israeli bombardment, its use of white phosphorus and how people viewed the resistance.For today's episode, we'll be revisiting our past conversations with Wafa as we discuss the current and rapidly-escalating situation. We dedicate this episode to Wafa al-Udaini and her family.Support the show

*) Israeli attacks on West Bank devastate Jenin infrastructure The Israeli army has destroyed about 70 percent of the streets and infrastructure in Jenin city in the northern occupied West Bank during its ongoing military offensive for the fourth day. The Palestine news agency Wafa reported that “water has been cut off from 80 percent of the city and the entire camp due to the destruction of networks”. Israeli offensives in Jenin and Tulkarem have claimed 22 Palestinian lives, adding to the more than 40,600 deaths in Gaza since October 7 last year. *) Türkiye to carry out ‘Steel Dome' air defence project to bolster security Türkiye will carry out its “Steel Dome” air defence system project, the country's president has said. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said if Israel has the Iron Dome, then Türkiye will also have the “Steel Dome”. Erdogan said the “Steel Dome” will ensure that Ankara's layered air defence systems and all of its sensors and weapons work in integration with each other. *) Ukraine pushes for US approval to target Russian territories Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has increased pressure on the United States to let Kiev strike deeper into Russian territory. This comes after his representatives met senior US officials in Washington. Zelenskyy said, “Clearing the Ukrainian sky of Russian guided aerial bombs is a strong step to force Russia to seek an end to the war and a just peace.” Washington has provided Ukraine with more than $50 billion worth of military aid since 2022 but has limited the use of its weapons to Ukrainian soil and defensive cross-border operations. *) UN urges more aid to Sudan amid crisis The UN's deputy secretary-general has welcomed food aid reaching Sudan but said it is insufficient as she visited a border post in Chad to witness the passage of a humanitarian convoy. Amina Mohammed, during her visit to the Adre border crossing, also called for a resolution to the fighting in Sudan. During recent negotiations in Geneva, the warring parties made little progress to end the fighting but did pledge to allow humanitarian aid to pass through two key border points. *) Paralympic organisers postpone triathlon in Seine over water quality Paralympic organisers have postponed the triathlon by a day over worries about the River Seine's water quality. The organisers said their latest analysis shows a deterioration in the water quality following heavy rainfall over the last two days. Despite a $1.5 billion upgrade to improve the Paris sewerage and water treatment system, the Seine has been dogged by pollution concerns, notably for its levels of enterococci and E.coli bacteria.

As we celebrate Emirati Womens Day 2024, Wafa Taymour, CEO of the Jawaher Reception and Convention Centre (JRCC), joins the Morning Majlis team to discuss her impressive career journey and how Sharjah fully supports and provides for the upcoming female youth to excel in their field. Wafa also gives precious advice to the listener as to how to become a successful leader. Listen to #Pulse95Radio in the UAE by tuning in on your radio (95.00 FM) or online on our website: www.pulse95radio.com ************************ Follow us on Social. www.facebook.com/pulse95radio www.twitter.com/pulse95radio www.instagram.com/pulse95radio

*) Israel kills Gaza civilians as US touts progress in truce talks Israel has killed at least nine Palestinian civilians, including children, in a strike that targeted a gathering of civilians in the al Shati camp west of Gaza City, Palestine's official news agency WAFA reported. WAFA said that "the occupation's warplanes also targeted a residential tower West of Khan Younis in southern Gaza." *) Protesters flood DNC site in Chicago, voicing outrage over Gaza war Thousands of protesters have marched toward the site of the Democratic National Convention on its opening day to voice their opposition to Israel's genocidal war in Gaza, as Chicago officials said they were committed to keeping the demonstrations peaceful. Despite President Biden leaving the race and Vice President Kamala Harris set to accept the Democratic nomination this week, protesters say their plans remain unchanged. A spokesperson for the Coalition to March on the DNC, Hatem Abudayyeh, said, "We have to play our part in the belly of the beast to stop the genocide, to end US aid to Israel and stand with Palestine." *) Putin offers to mediate between Azerbaijan and Armenia for peace deal Russian President Vladimir Putin said on a visit to Baku that Moscow was still committed to its historic role of mediating peace negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Putin said, "If we can do something to sign a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia... we will be very happy to." The Russian leader said that after his Baku visit, he will contact Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to "tell him about the results of the negotiations". *) Civilians scramble to escape Ukraine's Pokrovsk as Russian forces close in Civilians have fled from Ukraine's eastern city of Pokrovsk, where the Russian army is bearing down fast despite a lightning Ukrainian incursion into the Kursk region. Local authorities said that Russian forces were advancing so quickly that families were under orders to leave the city and other nearby towns and villages starting on Tuesday. Officials said that around 53,000 people still live in Pokrovsk, and some of them decided to get out immediately. *) Yemen floods leave 60 dead, nearly 268,000 affected: UN Torrential rainfall in war-stricken Yemen has caused severe flooding, leading to at least 60 deaths since July, with 13 others still missing and a total of 268,000 people affected, according to the United Nations. Since July, flash floods in Yemen have resulted in 36 deaths in Hodeida, nine in Ibb, eight in Marib, and seven in Taiz, according to a UN humanitarian agency (OCHA) report released on Monday.

Order Jason's new book, The Great Campaign Against the Great Reset on Amazon https://a.co/d/6yiOk5sFollow Jason on Locals: https://jasonjones.locals.com/and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/osu4491Visit Movie to Movement @ www.MovieToMovement.comAnd the Vulnerable People Project: www.TheGreatCampaign.org  

*) Israel bombs school in Gaza, killing 100+ Palestinians Israel has killed over 100 Palestinians and injured dozens in a strike on a school in Gaza City, according to WAFA news agency. The report states that the school was sheltering displaced Palestinians when it was hit by the Israeli military. *) Brazilian airliner crashes, all 62 on board killed A regional turboprop plane carrying 62 people crashed near Sao Paulo in Brazil, killing all on board. Airline Voepass reported that the plane travelling from Parana to São Paulo's main airport crashed in Vinhedo. A video shared on social media showed the ATR-made plane spinning out of control before crashing behind a cluster of trees near houses, followed by a large plume of black smoke. *) Maduro-Machado talks unlikely as opposition avoids Venezuela court call Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro ruled out negotiating with opposition leader Maria Corina Machado after he appeared before the Supreme Court, requesting the ratification of his reelection. The National Electoral Council has yet to release detailed results, while the opposition claims that copies of 84 percent of the ballots show an easy win for their candidate, Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia. The government says those results are forged. *) Muslim healthcare workers in UK face ‘racist abuse' amid far-right riots The British Islamic Medical Association, which represents around 7,000 Muslim healthcare staff, has recorded a significant rise in “racist abuse” against Muslim National Health Service workers following the onset of far-right riots across the UK. The president of the group, Dr Salman Waqar told the Guardian, that they have seen alarming messages, particularly from Belfast and Greater Manchester, where healthcare workers were forced to close their practices early or refrain from home visits due to safety concerns. Another group of 11,000 healthcare professionals, the British Egyptian Medical Association, also echoed similar concerns, noting a “troubling” rise in “racist abuse and discrimination.” *) Algeria's Imane Khelif wins gold in women's boxing at Paris Olympics amid gender debate Algerian Imane Khelif has won gold in women's boxing at the Paris Olympics amid gender controversy. Khelif was crowned champion after beating Yang Liu from China 5-0 in the 66kg final at Roland-Garros Stadium. The Algerian national had been disqualified from the 2023 World Championships after failing a gender eligibility test. It is Algeria's first gold in women's boxing.

Matangazo ya saa nzima kuhusu habari za kutwa, ikiwa ni pamoja ripoti kutoka kwa waandishi wetu sehemu mbali mbali duniani na kote Afrika Mashariki na Kati, na vile vile vipindi na makala maalum kuhusu afya, wanawake, jamii na maendeleo.

*) Israel intensifies its deadly raids on West Bank's refugee camp The Israeli army stormed the Balata refugee camp in eastern Nablus in the northern part of the occupied West Bank for the fourth time in 24 hours. The Palestinian news agency, Wafa, reported that military forces stormed the camp amid heavy gunfire, the deployment of snipers and the arrival of reinforcements, accompanied by a bulldozer. Activists on social media shared videos allegedly showing military reinforcements heading toward the camp, and videos that had the sounds of gunfire, which they claimed were from clashes between Palestinian groups and the Israeli army. *) Applause for Netanyahu ‘major eclipse of reason': Erdogan Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed shame “in the name of humanity” over the incident in the US Congress, which not only hosted but applauded Israeli premier Benjamin Netanyahu, the main architect of the massacres in Palestine's Gaza. Erdogan said, “This is a major eclipse of reason for America to spread out the red carpet for someone like Netanyahu and then applaud his lies till their palms swell.” The president voiced concern that “the killer of 40,000 innocent people” received applause from an institution such as the US Congress. *) North Korea vows ‘total destruction' of enemies if Kim Jong-un orders war North Korea vowed to “totally destroy” its enemies in case of war when leader Kim Jong-un gives an order, state media reported. Senior military officials made the comments “out of surging hatred” towards the US and South Korea at a meeting attended by Kim to celebrate the 71st Korean War armistice anniversary. North Korea and the United States do not have diplomatic ties and talks over reducing tensions and denuclearizing North Korea have been stalled since 2019. *) UK government declares country ‘broke and broken' Britain's government declared the country was “broke and broken” ahead of an assessment of the public finances. Elected to run the world's sixth-largest economy in a victory on July 4, Labour has spent much of its first three weeks in power telling the public that things are worse than expected in almost every area of public policy. Finance minister Rachel Reeves will set out the findings of a fiscal review in a statement to parliament that will accuse the Conservative Party of making unfunded spending commitments to try to win public support. And finally… *) ‘Explosion' threat evacuates Paris media centre during Games French police temporarily closed the area around the media centre that is serving journalists covering the Paris Olympic Games because of an “explosion risk”. Journalists and citizens were evacuated and the cause of the risk was not disclosed. Police later reopened the area to pedestrian traffic and access to and from the media centre returned to normal.

*) Joe Biden withdraws from US presidential race US President Joe Biden has ended his reelection campaign after fellow Democrats lost faith in his mental acuity and ability to beat Donald Trump. His decision to quit leaves the presidential race in uncharted territory. Biden, in a post on X, said he will remain in his role as president and commander-in-chief until his term ends in January 2025 and will address the nation this week. *) Israel demolishes Palestinian shops, excavate land amid Gaza war The Israeli army has demolished two commercial establishments and excavated land belonging to Palestinians in Beit Hanina in occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli army raided the town of Beit Hanina, demolishing a commercial shop and a car showroom, and excavating land, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa. The agency did not mention the reason for the Israeli army taking this measure, but it usually uses “construction without a permit” as an excuse for demolishing Palestinians' homes in occupied Palestinian territories. *) Protestors ready for massive rally in US heartland during Netanyahu's visit Activists opposing Israel's war on Gaza and Washington's continuous support for its Middle Eastern ally plan protests at the US Capitol on Wednesday to coincide with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's US visit this week. Police expect a “large number of demonstrators” and were making additional security arrangements but said there were no known threats. Netanyahu will be in Washington this week for a July 24 address to a joint session of the US Congress. He is also expected to meet US President Joe Biden. *) Bangladesh's top court scales back job quotas Bangladesh's Supreme Court has scrapped most of the quotas on government jobs that have sparked student-led protests in the South Asian country. The court's Appellate Division dismissed a lower court order that had reinstated the quotas, directing that 93% of government jobs will be open to candidates on merit, without quotas. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's government had scrapped the quota system in 2018, but the lower court reinstated it last month, sparking protests and an ensuing government crackdown. *) Indian Muslim group condemns ‘discriminatory' eateries order An Indian Muslim group has raised concern about the Uttar Pradesh state's government “discriminatory” order for eateries to identify their owners. The UP state government earlier asked eateries — including roadside carts — to display the names of their owners to “avoid confusion” during a Hindu holy pilgrimage when thousands of worshippers will make the journey on foot. Jamiat Ulama-i-Hind, India's largest socio-religious Muslim organisation, expressed concern about the order, calling it “completely discriminatory” and a “communal decision.” The group said there is “fear of serious damage to communal harmony.”

*) Israeli strike kills several Palestinians in Gaza's Nuseirat https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/live-blog-israeli-strike-kills-several-palestinians-in-gazas-nuseirat-18174272 An Israeli air strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza has killed several Palestinians, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA. Both local media sources and witnesses say the Israeli military carried out a series of air strikes on various parts of Gaza during the Muslim festival Eid al Adha. Israel's war on Gaza, now in its 256th day, has killed at least 37,347 Palestinians and wounded 85,372. *) Israelis flood streets in rally, calling change of Netanyahu administration https://www.trtworld.com/middle-east/israelis-flood-streets-in-rally-calling-change-of-netanyahu-regime-18174261 Protesters in Israel have converged in occupied West Jerusalem, calling for new elections in an effort to replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Following the departures of former members of Netanyahu's war cabinet, opposition groups declared a week of street protests that included blocking highways and mass demonstrations. On Monday, thousands of Israelis gathered outside the Israeli parliament and planned to march to Netanyahu's private home in the city. *) Record number of NATO nations meet defence spending target — Stoltenberg https://www.trtworld.com/europe/record-number-of-nato-nations-meet-defence-spending-target-stoltenberg-18174271 NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg has said that a record 23 of NATO's 32 member nations are hitting defence spending targets this year. Stoltenberg said “Europeans are doing more for their collective security than just a few years ago" in a speech at the Wilson Center research group. The estimated figure is a nearly fourfold increase from 2021, when only six nations were meeting the goal. *) US braces for massive heatwave, over 75 million remain under alert https://www.trtworld.com/climate/us-braces-for-massive-heat-wave-over-75-million-remain-under-alert-18174277 Weather experts have warned the US is bracing for a massive week-long heat wave. The Northeast and Midwest are preparing for sweltering temperatures as a "heat dome" settles over a large part of the country. The National Weather Service said that over 75 million people were under some level of heat alert as of Monday morning. And finally… *) Pilgrims triumph over heat as Hajj 2024 nears conclusion https://trtworld.com/middle-east/pilgrims-triumph-over-heat-as-hajj-2024-nears-conclusion-18174280 Muslim pilgrims will perform the third day of the symbolic stoning of the devil before the Farewell Tawaf, which means circling the Holy Kaaba in Mecca. The stoning of the pillars represents the devil and takes place in Mina, just outside the city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia. The final days of the Hajj coincide with faithful around the world celebrating the Eid al Adha holiday.

Word Is Bond - al-Wafa | 2 Dhul Qadah 1445 by The Majlis

Kvällens Klartext handlar om protester i USA, skräp och stök på valborgsfiranden i Sverige, Max som berättar om sin adhd och Wafa som bakar kakor till hundar och katter. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play.

Kvällens Klartext handlar om protester i USA, skräp och stök på valborgsfiranden i Sverige, Max som berättar om sin adhd och Wafa som bakar kakor till hundar och katter. Lyssna på alla avsnitt i Sveriges Radio Play.

Episode 320 features Wafa Ghnaim, a Senior Research Fellow at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Curator for the Museum of the Palestinian People and Founder of The Tatreez Institute, alongside Dr. Tanveer Ahmed, a Senior Lecturer in Fashion and Race at Central Saint Martins and also Course Development Lead for MA Fashion and Anthropology at London College of Fashion. “Inherently, just by being Palestinian and by teaching about Palestinian life and history, and including oral history in my work as a foundational aspect of my research, I am threatening these kinds of structures, in and of itself. And so, simply my existence is resisting that colonialism and the normalization of destruction and death of Palestinian bodies.” -Wafa “Translating lots of decolonial thought around the canon and Eurocentrism and what shapes our ideas of art and design is really crucial to understand how we then deconstruct the canon. It's not just a question about changing reading lists or to me, about representation and bringing in more Black and Brown academics into our institutions, although that is part of the equation. I think what we need to do and what I think is the most important role for me is to undue the harms that coloniality has done to our disciplines and within our institutions.” -Tanveer  APRIL THEME — COMING TOGETHER TO BUILD A BETTER FASHION FUTURE Decolonizing fashion, intersectionality, identifying the knowledge holders, cultural inheritance and systems change were some of the key themes we explored in this week's episode. We take a look at some of the areas that fashion educators are dismantling when it comes to heteronormative and Eurocentric views on fashion education and design. And how this knowledge can translate from the classroom or across cultural communities into practical ways. Building off of our last episode, we question – what are the biggest challenges we still face and how can we work toward more transformation?  We learn from one of our guests that this focus and lens on decolonising fashion where marginalization and othering is built into the foundation, is very different to the offerings of cultural preservation, which holistically exists to share lived experience, pass over craft practice, history, culture and honor the hands and bodies of the people at the center of this. As our guest shares, what else is there if we cannot honor the people preserving culture. Fashion as it exists, still has a ways to go in embracing this at its roots, but our guests give us hope as they move through the world, sharing their wisdom and truth, and teaching us the meaning of how to be good custodians and stewards, so we can uphold this legacy with care and intention and continue to center Indigenous craft, culture and practice.  Links from the conversation: Tatreez & Tea Website Tanveer's Work Profile Follow Wafa (@tatreezandtea) on Instagram

In this episode, Uzair talks to Taimur Malik about his political campaign in NA-148, where he competed as a PTI candidate against PPP's former prime minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. The margin of victory for the PPP's candidate was razor thin and Taimur is currently in the process of appealing the results. We talked about the vote count, what was it like to campaign in Multan given the constraints on the PTI, and what comes next for the party, both in the courts and in assemblies. You can follow Taimur on X @taimur_malik. Chapters: 0:00 Introduction 2:50 Status of NA-148 election 12:30 PPP's response to the results 19:00 Campaigning in Multan for the PTI 28:00 Overall appeals of the PTI 37:50 PTI's alliance with the SIC 44:40 PTI's strategy moving forward 49:38 Reading recommendations Reading Recommendations - The Constitution of Pakistan - Nuskha ha-e Wafa bu Faiz Ahmed Faiz - The Lean Startup by Eric Ries

*) US Vice President Harris calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza The United States Vice President Kamala Harris has called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and has described the situation there as “devastating.” She noted the necessity of an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, saying that it is "currently on the table." During her visit to Alabama, Harris said that the ceasefire would facilitate the release of hostages and the delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza. 150 days into Israel's war on Gaza, the human cost is staggering. At least 30,410 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, while another 71,700 were injured. *) Six children among 14 killed in Israeli bombing of Rafah At least 14 Palestinians, including six children, were killed in an Israeli bombing that targeted a house in Rafah in southern Gaza on Sunday. The official Palestinian news agency Wafa reported that an Israeli air strike targeted a three-story house "resulting in the killing of dozens of civilians, including six children". According to the agency, many civilians remain trapped under the rubble. The attack inflicted extensive damage on the surrounding area. *) Gaza truce talks set to resume in Cairo as heavy fighting rages Egypt is set to host the latest talks for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, amidst Israel's ongoing bombardment on Gaza that has spanned nearly five months. According to a senior Hamas official, the Palestinian group's delegation will engage with mediators to discuss a proposed six-week truce. It comes after a US official suggested that Israel had "more or less accepted" the terms of the ceasefire. Envoys from the United States, Qatar, and Hamas have arrived in Cairo, as all sides have been scrambling to lock in a truce before Ramadan, the Muslim fasting month that will begin on March 10 or 11. *) Gang attack triggers massive prison break in Haiti Gang members in Haiti's capital launched a violent assault on the main prison, resulting in the deaths of at least a dozen people. Following the gang assault on Saturday night, only approximately 100 of the National Penitentiary's estimated 3,800 inmates remained inside the facility. The government declared a state of emergency and a nighttime curfew that would be effective from Sunday, March 3, to Wednesday, March 6. *) Officials call for UN reform, global peace at Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024 The Antalya Diplomacy Forum 2024 has convened, drawing together prominent diplomats and officials to tackle pressing global issues. The Forum concluded with a consensus on the urgent need for reform within the United Nations to address the evolving challenges to global peace. Participants emphasised the significance of embracing innovative diplomatic approaches and redoubling efforts towards nuclear disarmament to foster a more peaceful world.

Equity bourses/futures under modest pressure with newsflow light after a weekend of heavy geopols & Berkshire numbers/commentaryDXY under modest pressure but above Friday's base, EUR benefitting from the softer USD; antipodeans lag, USD/JPY firmerContained start with specifics light into ECB's Lagarde for EGBs while USTs await US supply, Gilts modestly outperformCrude subdued despite significant geopolitical rhetoric, though no major escalation thus far. LNG digests QatarEnergy & Wafa updates/reports while metals divergeLooking ahead, highlights include US Dallas Fed Manufacturing Business Index, Japanese CPI, Comments from ECB's Lagarde, Supply from the US.Click here for the Newsquawk Week Ahead.Read the full report covering Equities, Forex, Fixed Income, Commodites and more on Newsquawk

*) Israel attacks Nasser Hospital in Gaza At least one person was killed, and many others were wounded in an attack by Israeli forces on the Nasser Hospital in besieged Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis. The attack was carried out in the hospital's orthopaedics section, according to a WAFA report. The Palestinian news agency said the hospital has been under a blockade by Israeli forces for the last 25 days. *) UN seeks immediate action to end ‘dangerous escalatory cycle' in Yemen The UN's special envoy for Yemen has called for immediate action to end the “dangerous escalatory cycle” in the war-stricken country. Hans Grundberg, the UN envoy, said he was engaging the Yemeni parties and relevant regional actors to support de-escalation in the Red Sea “to protect the mediation space in Yemen.” The UN envoy called for all regional parties to refrain from “military opportunism” and for progress towards a mediated agreement to be protected. *) Putin says he regrets not starting ‘operation' in Ukraine sooner Russian President Vladimir Putin said the only thing he regrets is that the “special military operation” in Ukraine did not start earlier. Commenting on Western reactions to his interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson in a televised show, Putin said it was good that Western politicians watched the interview, but it was unfortunate that his words were being twisted. *) MIT suspends students over protests against Israel's attacks on Gaza The president of Massachusetts Institute of Technology has suspended a student group that held demonstrations against the Israeli military's possible ground invasion of Gaza's Rafah. In a video statement, Sally Kornbluth said the group, Coalition Against Apartheid or CAA, held a demonstration without going through the university's permission process required of all groups. *) Storms batter eastern Australia, knock out power to 174,000 homes Storms packing powerful winds have toppled trees, killed one person and knocked out power from 174,000 homes and businesses in eastern Australia. The wild weather hit large swathes of Victoria on Tuesday, dumping torrents of rain and unleashing gusts of more than 150 kilometres per hour, according to the state government and emergency services. The Australian Energy Market Operator said in an update that, at its peak, 530,000 homes and businesses lost power, and about 174,000 were still cut off on Wednesday afternoon.

Omkring 100 personer dödades i Israels attacker mot staden Rafah under natten till måndag, enligt den palestinska nyhetsbyrån Wafa. Israel meddelade samtidigt att de har fritagit två män som varit gisslan hos terrorgruppen Hamas. Många är nu oroliga efter att Israels premiärminister Netanyahu sagt att landet förbereder en markoffensiv mot Rafah, dit majoriteten av Gazas invånare har flytt. Hur ser situationen ut i Rafah och vad kommer att hända härnäst? Gäst: Nivette Dawod, Aftonbladets utrikesreporter. Programledare och producent: Ellen Lundström. Klipp i avsnittet från BBC och CNN. Kontakt: podcast@aftonbladet.se

*) Israel kills 20 Palestinians in new Gaza massacre Israel has struck a family home in the Sabra neighbourhood of besieged Gaza, killing over a dozen Palestinians and wounding others, state-run WAFA news agency reported. WAFA said Israeli warplanes launched a strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Citing sources, WAFA added that the Israeli artillery also targeted the vicinity of a residential building in Khan Younis, in the south. *) UN chief to meet donor nations after refugee agency accusations United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres will meet with key donors to the UN agency for Palestinian refugees. Guterres' meeting comes in the wake of Israel accusing 12 members of the UN agency's staff for their involvement in the October 7 surprise Hamas blitz. The UN secretary general's spokesperson said Guterres' message to donors — especially those who have suspended their contributions — will be to at least guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations. *) Blinken warns Ukraine gains in doubt if no US aid US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has warned that Ukraine's gains over two years of fighting were all in doubt without new US funding. Tens of billions of dollars in US aid has been sent to Ukraine since the conflict began in February 2022, but Republican lawmakers have grown reluctant to keep supporting Kiev. Blinken offered an increasingly dire picture of Ukraine's prospects without US approval of the so-called supplemental funding. *) Canada drops arms export controls for Türkiye Canada has dropped export controls to Türkiye for certain types of weapons, including drone optical technology, according to a notice posted online. The notice said that from now on Canada would review all exports on a case-by-case basis. Monday's announcement from Ottawa came after Canada had earlier suspended drone technology sales to Türkiye — a fellow member of NATO — in 2020. *) Neuralink implants brain chip in first human: Elon Musk Elon Musk, the founder of Neuralink, has said in a post on social media platform X that the first human received an implant from the brain-chip startup and is recovering well. Musk said initial results showed promising neuron spike detection. The US Food and Drug Administration had given the company clearance last year to conduct its first trial to test its implant on humans.

*) Israeli bombardment targets children in Gaza refugee camp The Israeli army has carried out an airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza which killed four children. The children's bodies were found in the debris of houses, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. It added that the Israeli military continued its attacks from the air and ground on the Khan Younis region in southern Gaza. *) Israel shells two hospitals in Gaza's Khan Younis The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has accused the Israeli army of shelling two medical facilities of Nasser and al Amal hospitals in Khan Younis. A ministry spokesman said Israeli forces blocked roads to the two facilities and prevented ambulance dispatches there, leaving facilities “at severe risk." *) Zelenskyy says Russia 'playing' with lives of Ukraine POWs Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that Russia was "playing with the lives of Ukrainian prisoners". This comes after Moscow accused Kiev of downing a military plane carrying dozens of its own captured soldiers. Ukraine did not deny the targeting of the plane. Moscow said 74 people — 65 of them Ukrainian prisoners of war — were killed when a military transport plane was shot down in the western Belgorod region. *) Mali gold mine collapse kills scores of workers More than 70 people have been killed after a tunnel collapsed at a Malian gold mining site, local sources say. Mali's Ministry of Mines in a statement on Tuesday had announced the death of several miners but did not give precise figures. Gold mining sites are regularly the scene of deadly landslides and authorities struggle to control artisanal mining of the precious metal. And finally… *) Largest NATO military exercise since Cold War kicks off The US Navy dock landing ship Gunston Hall has left the port to mark the first movement for the largest NATO exercise since the Cold War, American officials say. Some 90,000 troops from the United States and fellow NATO allied nations are due to join. More than 50 ships from aircraft carriers to destroyers, more than 80 fighter jets, helicopters and drones and at least 1,100 combat vehicles will take part. The Steadfast Defender 2024 drills will run through May.

“Nitrogen mitigation scenarios to reduce coastal eutrophication” with Wafa and Patrick. Eutrophication is a state of overgrowth of aquatic plants, such as algae and seaweeds, in water bodies due to the excessive pouring of nutrients from different sources like agriculture, industry, and human settlements, causing disturbances to the ecosystems. Coastal eutrophication is a major issue worldwide due to the increasing discharge of nutrient emissions from agricultural activities into coastal ecosystems. Several efforts have been made to reduce eutrophication, achieving up to 35–40% reduction, but these measures are not sufficient to eliminate the problem. For more sustainable and effective solutions, the root causes of the nutrient emissions, especially nitrogen, need to be addressed in current agricultural practices. In this episode, Drs. Wafa Malik and Patrick Durand share their research on the reduction of coastal eutrophication in Brittany, France, focusing on changing cropping systems and reducing the sources through modeling the effectiveness of different approaches and taking into consideration the interests of farmers and the local community. Tune in to learn more about ·         How eutrophication happens ·         What are the causes and consequences of coastal eutrophication ·         What are the agricultural impacts of eutrophication ·         How we can change cropping systems to reduce eutrophication ·         What mitigation challenges exist in reducing coastal eutrophication If you would like more information about this topic, this episode's paper is available here:   https://doi.org/10.1002/agg2.20319 This paper is always freely available. Contact us at podcast@sciencesocieties.org or on Twitter @FieldLabEarth if you have comments, questions, or suggestions for show topics, and if you want more content like this don't forget to subscribe. If you'd like to see old episodes or sign up for our newsletter, you can do so here: https://fieldlabearth.libsyn.com/. If you would like to reach out to Wafa Malik, you can find her here: wafa.malik@inrae.frLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wafa-malik-research/ ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Malik-Wafa If you would like to reach out to Patrick, you can find him here: patrick.durand@inrae.fr https://eng-umrsas.rennes.hub.inrae.fr/directory/DURAND-Patrick Resources CEU Quiz: https://web.sciencesocieties.org/Learning-Center/Courses/Course-Detail?productid=%7b1C0B77B1-B4B0-EE11-A569-6045BD08CB18%7d  Transcripts: Coming soon National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment (INRAE), France https://eng-umrsas.rennes.hub.inrae.fr/   Thank you to our volunteer, Om Prakash Ghimire, for his assistance on show notes and other materials. Field, Lab, Earth is Copyrighted by the American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America.

*) Israel kills 25 civilians in new Gaza carnage — Palestine Israel has killed 25 Palestinians and wounded dozens of others during new bombardment of different areas in besieged Gaza, Palestinian news agency WAFA has reported. One such Israeli bombardment targeted a house north of Rafah, killing 11 people, most of whom were children and women, and injuring many others. In addition, Israel also killed eight people and wounded dozens during a bombing of a site near the Civil Defence headquarters in Khan Younis City. This new carnage brings the total of Palestinians killed by Israeli strikes to some 24,100, while 60,834 others are wounded, according to Palestinian authorities. *) Russia declares state of emergency in Ukraine attacked region Meanwhile in the war in Ukraine, now in its 692nd day, the mayor of southern Russian city Voronezh has declared a state of emergency. Russian officials say a Ukraine-launched drone attack damaged several buildings and wounded a child. The Russian Defence Ministry said it had destroyed five drones and intercepted three others overnight over the region, which borders Ukraine. *) North Korea abolishes agencies seeking unification with South North Korea has formally abolished a handful of government agencies charged with promoting cooperation and unification with the South, according to state media. This comes just weeks after the nation's leader Kim Jong-un said that continuing to seek reconciliation with South Korea was a "mistake". He called for a constitutional amendment to change the status of South Korea to a separate state and said unification with the South is no longer possible. *) Iran says it bombed 'Mossad' and 'terrorist' sites in Iraq and Syria Iran's Revolutionary Guard has launched missile attacks as Tehran described them as the espionage headquarters of Israel's Mossad and terrorist groups in Iraq and neighbouring Syria, state media has reported. The headquarters have been the centre for developing espionage operations and planning terrorist actions in the region, according Iranian media. At least four civilians were killed and six wounded in the strikes on Erbil, the Kurdish Regional Government in northern Iraq said in a statement, describing the attack as a "crime." And finally… *) Trump wins Republican race in frigid Iowa Donald Trump romped to a lightning-quick victory in Iowa's caucuses as the presumptive Republican standard-bearer to challenge President Joe Biden in November's election. Biden acknowledged that Donald Trump was the "clear frontrunner" to be the Republican candidate in the US election. Meanwhile, Vivek Ramaswamy, a multi-millionaire former biotech executive, ended his White House bid and endorsed Trump.

*) Israel kills almost 24,000 Palestinians as war hits 100-day mark Israeli attacks on Gaza have continued for over a 100 days since October 7th. During which, a total of 23,968 Palestinians have been killed and 60,582 injured by Israeli strikes, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said. And the Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor estimates at least 100,000 Palestinians have been killed, wounded or reported missing in the past 100 days. *) More Palestinians killed by Israeli army fire in occupied West Bank Meanwhile in the occupied West Bank, four more Palestinians have been killed by Israeli army fire, including a 14-year-old boy. A statement by the Palestinian Health Ministry said the boy lost his life after Israeli forces opened fire in a refugee camp northwest of Jericho city. According to the state news agency Wafa, the boy was shot in the chest by Israeli forces. He was then transferred to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The ministry said another two Palestinians were killed near a town east of Al Halil, without providing any details. *) US downs missile fired from Yemen at American warship: military A US fighter aircraft has shot down an anti-ship cruise missile fired at a US Navy destroyer from a Houthi-controlled area of Yemen. United States Central Command says there were no injuries or damage reported in the incident that took place in the southern Red Sea. Houthi media reported US and British strikes hit the port city of Hudaida, but a US defence official refuted the allegation. It marks the third consecutive day of reported strikes against the group over its attacks on Red Sea shipping. *) 83 countries hold Ukraine peace talks in Davos Meanwhile in the war in Ukraine, national security advisers from 83 countries have held talks seeking common ground on Ukraine's peace formula. The fourth round of discussions was based on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's 10-point proposals for peace in Ukraine, nearly two years on from Russia's full-scale offensive. Brazil, India and South Africa participated in the talks – countries that sit alongside Russia in the BRICS group. And finally… *) IMF: Artificial intelligence to impact 60 percent of advanced economy jobs Artificial intelligence will impact 60 percent of jobs in advanced economies, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva has said. A new International Monetary Fund report notes that half of the jobs impacted by AI will be negatively affected, while the rest may actually benefit from enhanced productivity gains. But this number decreases to 40 percent for emerging markets and 26 percent for low-income countries, the IMF report says.

*) Israel targets northern and southern Gaza At least 27 Palestinians have been killed early Thursday morning in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza, according to the Palestinian news agency Wafa. The Israeli army carried out airstrikes on wide areas in northern and southern Gaza, particularly targeting the cities of Khan Younis and Rafah, the agency cited local sources as saying. The war, now in its third month, began after the October 7 attacks on Israel by Palestinian group Hamas that Israeli officials say killed 1,200 people. US President Joe Biden, whose government has provided Israel with billions of dollars of military aid, on Wednesday gave his sharpest rebuke of the war yet, saying Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza was weakening international support. *) Sudan suffering 'one of world's worst humanitarian crisis': UN Nearly 18 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger because of the ongoing war, an official from the UN food agency says. World Food Program spokeswoman in Sudan, Leni Kinzl said close to 5 million are in emergency levels of food insecurity. Sudan has been mired by fighting between the army, led by General Abdel Fattah al Burhan, head of the ruling Sovereign Council, and the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group. At least 12,260 victims have been killed and more than 33,000 injured in the conflict, according to UN figures. *) At least 1 killed, 11 injured in Russian airstrikes on Ukraine At least one person has been killed and 11 others injured in overnight Russian airstrikes on Ukraine's southwestern Odessa and southern Kherson regions. Ukrainian Interior Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Telegram that a rocket attack on the Kherson region killed one person and drone attacks on Odessa injured 11 people and damaged residential buildings. In a separate statement, the Ukrainian Air Force claimed that Russia conducted airstrikes “from the temporarily occupied Kherson region in the direction of My-ko-laiv as well as Kherson regions. It further claimed that 41 of the 42 drones launched by Russia were downed by air defence systems, most of which were shot down over the Odessa region. *) Chad votes on new constitution ahead of promised end of military rule Chadians will vote on Sunday on a new constitution, in a key step towards elections promised by the ruling junta and seen as a test of legitimacy for the Deby dynasty's more than 30-year rule. Transitional President General Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno, whose junta has governed since 2021, had promised to hand power to civilians and hold elections this year before postponing them to 2024. The "yes" vote is expected to win the constitutional referendum after a well-financed campaign by the ruling junta against a divided opposition, which has faced arrest, intimidation and threats for more than a year. *) EU reaches deal to reform electricity market The European Union has reached an agreement to reform the bloc's electricity market in a bid to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and stabilise consumer prices. The EU's plans are aimed at making the market less vulnerable to volatility and were seen as a response to Russia's military offensive against Ukraine, which sent energy prices spiralling for consumers and businesses last year. The deal will have to be endorsed and adopted by both the Council and the Parliament.

*) Israeli army carries out overnight airstrikes across Gaza, causing dozens of casualties The Israeli army has carried out a series of overnight bombings across Gaza, causing dozens of casualties among the Palestinian people. The Palestinian official news agency Wafa reported an Israeli airstrike on a residential building of the Al-Yazigi family in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood of Gaza City, which left an unspecified number of casualties, including women and children. Another Israeli airstrike on a home in the Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza caused several deaths and injuries. Israel resumed its attacks on Gaza on Friday after the end of a week-long humanitarian pause with the Palestinian resistance group Hamas. At least 15,899 Palestinians have been killed and more than 42,000 others injured in relentless air and ground attacks on the enclave since Hamas' October 7 surprise attack that killed 1,200 Israelis. *) Zelenskyy to address US senators by video as White House pushes Congress to support aid for Ukraine The Biden administration will urge Congress to approve a request of $106 billion of funding for the wars in Ukraine, Israel and other security needs during a classified briefing. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the administration invited Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address the senators so they "could hear directly from him precisely what's at stake." In a letter to House and Senate leaders, Office of Management and Budget Director Shalanda Young warned the US will run out of funding to send weapons and assistance to Ukraine by the end of the year. *) Niger ends EU defence, security partnerships Niger's military administration announced that it has ended two security and defence partnerships with the European Union as the country looks more towards Russia for defence cooperation. A statement issued by the Foreign Ministry said the state is withdrawing from the European Union Military Partnership Mission that was launched in February of this year, as well as from the 2012 EU civilian capacity-building mission established to strengthen the country's internal security forces. The development came on the same day a Russian delegation met with Niger's military leaders in the capital Niamey, with the two countries sealing a deal to strengthen defence cooperation. *) At least 6 people have died as heavy rains from Tropical Cyclone Michaung hit India's coasts Torrential rains and strong winds lashing India's southern and eastern coasts have killed at least six people, as states brace for a powerful storm expected to make landfall later in the day. The southern states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh, as well as Odisha in the east, experienced heavy downpours Monday as authorities issued warnings for Tropical Cyclone Michaung, according to the Indian Meteorological Department. India's weather department said parts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh could see over 200 millimetres of rain as the storm approaches. *) Activists at COP28 summit ramp up pressure on cutting fossil fuels as talks turn to clean energy Activists have a series of events and actions lined up at the United Nations climate summit, seeking to amp up pressure on conference participants to agree to phase out coal, oil and gas. Negotiations are well underway on the so-called global stocktake — a framework for new national plans set for countries to adhere to capping warming to levels set in the Paris Agreement in 2015. A draft released Tuesday will be analysed by negotiators looking at how to stick to the goal. Over 100 countries have pledged to triple their renewable capacity and double energy efficiency by the end of the decade.

Your daily news in under three minutes.

*) Israel carries out air strikes near Gaza hospitals Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza, which houses thousands of patients and refugees, has been targeted by Israeli missiles. This is according to Palestinian news agency WAFA. The simultaneous use of illumination flares during the attacks resulted in shrapnel damage to the hospital's surroundings. Another air strike near Al Nasr Children's Hospital in the western part of the city killed three Palestinians and left dozens more wounded. Meanwhile, Israeli artillery fired rounds towards the eastern part of the city of Rafah. *) Israel's systematic bombing of housing in Gaza a 'war crime': UN expert An independent United Nations expert has said the widespread and systematic bombardment of housing and civilian infrastructure in Gaza amounts to a war crime and a crime against humanity. The UN special rapporteur on the right to adequate housing said these moves by Israel are strictly prohibited under international law. A month of Israeli attacks on targets within Gaza have destroyed or damaged 45 percent of all housing units in the Palestinian territory. *) G7 foreign ministers call for 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza Meanwhile, the G7 foreign ministers have issued a statement, supporting Israel's right to defend itself, while calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting. After meeting in Tokyo, the diplomats repeated their support for Israel's self-defence and its goal of removing Hamas. But they also insisted there must be pauses in fighting to allow critical humanitarian aid into Gaza. The US and UK oppose the long-term Israeli occupation of Gaza. But US State Secretary Antony Blinken suggests a transition period may follow the end of the war. *) Russia strikes civilian ship in Ukraine's Odessa harbour In other news, Ukrainian officials have said Russia fired a missile at a civilian ship entering a port in the Black Sea region of Odessa. One harbour worker was killed and several crew members injured. Previously, civilian ships were guaranteed safe passage under the Türkiye-brokered grain deal but it collapsed in July. Since then, Ukraine and Russia have been increasing their military activities in the Black Sea. *) China says climate talks with US a success China has said that climate talks with the United States were a success. The talks between top officials aimed at strengthening cooperation between the world's two largest greenhouse gas emitters. This comes ahead of a meeting between US President Joe Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping next week, as the two powers seek to improve ties after years of frosty relations.

1) Israeli overnight strikes kill at least 110 Palestinians in Gaza At least 110 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks overnight across Gaza, marking the 18th day of Israel's war on the besieged enclave. Deaths and injuries were reported in Israeli airstrikes on residential buildings in Rafah and Khan Younis in southern Gaza. Israeli strikes also targeted houses next to Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital and apartments west of the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. The Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza was also targeted, according to Al Aqsa satellite channel. Palestinian group Hamas claims that 140 people were killed overnight. 2) Health Ministry in Gaza warns all electric generators at hospitals will soon stop working The Health Ministry in Gaza has warned that electric generators in hospitals will cease functioning within the next 48 hours due to a fuel shortage. Ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qudra said the mechanism followed to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza is "slow and cannot change the reality," stressing that "the healthcare system has reached the worst stage in its history." Earlier on Monday, the ministry said that 32 health centres are out of service due to targeting by Israeli warplanes and the fuel shortage. 3) Six UN refugee agency workers killed in Gaza in 24 hours Six workers with the United Nation's Palestinian refugee agency have been killed in just 24 hours in Israel-besieged Gaza, the global body has said, bringing to 35 the total of its staff killed since October 7. Humanitarian and aid workers have not been spared in more than two weeks of relentless Israeli bombardment on Gaza. In an update sent Tuesday on the situation up to Monday evening, the UN's humanitarian agency said at least 16 health workers have been killed while on duty, along with 35 UNRWA staff since the start of hostilities. *) US weapons, staff rush to Israel as ground invasion of Gaza looms The Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel and is speeding multiple sophisticated air defence systems ahead of an anticipated ground invasion of Palestine's Gaza. One of the officers leading the assistance is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who previously led special operations forces against Daesh and served in Iraq, according to a US official. *) Israeli army launches arrest campaign at dawn on Tuesday in Ramallah, West Bank The Israeli army has launched an arrest campaign at dawn in Ramallah city of the occupied West Bank, according to Palestinian news agency WAFA. Israeli forces have cracked down on the occupied West Bank after beginning air strikes on Gaza in retaliation for the October 7 attacks launched by Hamas into Israel. Over the past two weeks, according to officials and rights groups, Israel has arrested some 4,000 labourers from Gaza who were working in Israel. Separately, it has also arrested 1,070 other Palestinians in overnight army raids in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. As of Tuesday, October 24, Israeli forces have killed at least 95 Palestinians across the occupied West Bank.

*) Israel kills 400 Palestinians in one day At least 400 Palestinians have been killed in intensified Israeli attacks on besieged Gaza. Palestinian news agency WAFA reported that according to medical sources, 70 percent of the death toll was women, children and elderly. Death toll of women in Israeli airstrikes has reached over 1,000 and forced displacement stands at about half a million others, according to the media office of Gaza administration. Over 4,600 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since Israel began its bombardment on October 7.  *) 120 incubated newborns' lives are at risk as fuel runs out in Gaza's hospitals The UN children's agency has warned that the lives of at least 120 newborn babies on incubators in Gaza's hospitals are at risk as fuel runs out. Health care workers have warned that a dire lack of medicine, fuel and water is about to turn Gaza into a mass graveyard after Israel sealed the territory off. Palestinian Health Ministry reported Israeli strikes have already killed more than 1,750 children in retaliation for the October 7 Hamas attacks. *) Israel's 'unusual weapons' against Palestinians cause severe burns Gaza's Health Ministry has said Israel has been using “unusual weapons” that cause severe burns to the bodies of victims. Ministry spokesman Ashraf al Qudra stated that “medical staff monitored the usage of unusual weapons that caused severe burns to the bodies of the martyrs and wounded.”  Al Qudra also warned 1,000 patients could die due to kidney failure if fuel supplies are not made available to hospitals and the healthcare sector. *) Cairo's 'Summit for Peace' ends without any breakthrough on Gaza ceasefire Muslim, Arab and Western countries came together in Egypt's capital Cairo to find a solution for the ongoing conflict in Palestine's Gaza. Dubbed "Summit for Peace", the meeting was meant to be a diplomatic solution for a ceasefire but ended with no breakthrough. "The disagreement was over condemning Israel, which Western states refused to do," an Arab official said. Instead, they sought a statement that placed "responsibility for the escalation on Hamas", which Arab states refused, according to an Arab diplomat. *) Turkish presidential plane arrives in Cairo with medical aid for Gaza A Turkish presidential plane carrying vital medical equipment for Palestine's Gaza has touched down in Egypt's capital Cairo. According to Türkiye's Health Ministry, a group of 20 healthcare experts and doctors were also on board.

This is TRT World's Daily News Brief for Friday, October 20th. *) Israel targets Gaza church At least two women have been killed and many other civilians wounded in an Israeli attack on Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church in besieged Gaza, the Palestinian news agency WAFA said. Palestinian Interior Ministry reported multiple casualties, calling it a "new massacre". The ministry said several displaced people had taken shelter at the church compound when Israeli warplanes targeted it. The strike left a "large number of martyrs and injured" at the compound, the ministry said. *) Israeli defence minister tells troops to prepare for ground assault in Gaza Israel's defence minister has told ground troops to be ready to enter Gaza, though he did not say when the invasion will start. In a meeting with Israeli infantry soldiers on the Gaza border on Thursday, Yoav Gallant urged the forces to "get organised, be ready" for an order to move in. Whoever sees Gaza from afar now will see it from the inside," he said. "I promise you." Shortly after Gallant's statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video of himself with troops near the border promising victory. *) US Muslim group faces death threats over event to highlight Gaza crisis A major US Muslim civil rights group planning to highlight rampant human rights violations of Palestinians by Israel is moving its annual event out of a Virginia hotel after anonymous threats to bomb the venue. “We strongly condemn the extreme and disgusting threats against our organisation, the Marriott hotel and its staff," CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad, who is Palestinian American, said in a statement. *) Turkish league matches to start with minute's silence in solidarity with Palestine The Turkish Football Federation (TFF) has announced that a moment of silence for Palestine will be held before this week's league matches. The federation also said the players will appear on the field wearing black armbands. The war in Gaza, which has been under Israeli bombardment and a blockade since 2007, began on October 7 when the Palestinian group Hamas initiated Operation Al Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltration into Israel by land, sea and air. The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in Gaza. And finally… *) Biden tries to rally Americans on Israel, Ukraine support US President Joe Biden has delivered a rare Oval Office speech urging Americans to back military aid for Israel and Ukraine at what he called a perilous moment for democracy around the globe, as Israel readied troops for a ground invasion of besieged Gaza. Fresh from a trip to Israel after the October 7 surprise Hamas operation on Israeli settlements, the Democratic president's primetime address on Thursday to the nation, pitched the case for a global US role to war-weary voters and isolationist Republicans. Biden sought to link the Hamas resistance group in Gaza to Russian President Vladimir Putin, whose forces invaded Ukraine. "Hamas and Putin represent different threats, but they share this in common: They both want to annihilate a neighbouring democracy," he said. And that's your daily news brief from TRT World. For more, head to trtworld.com

*) Seven children among civilians killed in fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza At least seven children were among several civilians killed in an Israeli air strike on a house close to a school sheltering displaced people in southern Gaza. The official WAFA news agency reported that Israeli warplanes struck a home in the Khan Younis refugee camp besides other sites in the besieged enclave. “This is a massacre,” hospital director Dr. Yousef Al Akkad said, his voice choking with emotion. “Let the world see, these are just children.” *) US says Egypt to allow limited aid into Gaza Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el Sisi has agreed to open the Rafah crossing into besieged Gaza to allow a first batch of humanitarian aid trucks through, US President Joe Biden said. "He agreed to ... let up to 20 trucks through to begin with," Biden told reporters after calling Sisi from Air Force One while returning from a visit to Israel. Both leaders agreed to work closely on encouraging an "urgent and robust" response to a humanitarian appeal by the United Nations, the White House said. *) UN demands investigation into hospital attack in Gaza The UN has demanded an investigation into an Israeli attack on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza that claimed hundreds of lives. When asked by Anadolu news agency whether the UN will be involved in the investigation to clarify details of the attack that killed hundreds of civilians, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said it is "early days" and the UN will "have to see what is done by way of investigation." "It is essential that there could be some form of investigation into this," he added. *) Türkiye declares three days of national mourning for Gaza Türkiye has declared a three-day national mourning period in solidarity with Palestine following an Israeli air strike on the Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza that killed at least 500 people. "As Türkiye, we feel the great suffering of our Palestinian brothers and sisters in our hearts," President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. The Turkish legislature earlier condemned in a joint statement Israeli attacks on hospital, and emphasised that bombing medical facilities is against the laws of war. And finally… *) Anti-Zionist Jews in US urge end to Israel's war in Gaza At least a hundred protesters have occupied a building of the US Congress urging lawmakers and Joe Biden administration to push for an end to Israel's war in besieged Gaza. Dressed in black T-shirts emblazoned with the words "Jews say cease fire now" and "Not in our name," the activists on Wednesday sat clapping and singing on the floor in the rotunda of the Cannon House Office building and held up large banners that read "Ceasefire" and "Let Gaza Live". Capitol police said protests are not allowed inside the building and many demonstrators were arrested.

The first-born child of immigrants, Zohaib 'Zo' Qadri is the first South Asian American and Muslim elected to serve on the Austin City Council. He was elected to represent District 9 in 2022 and serves the residents of some of Austin's oldest neighborhoods, including Travis Heights, Hyde Park, and Downtown. He is committed to tackling Austin's housing crisis, fighting for an expanded and equitable transit system, and protecting and uplifting Austin most marginalized residents. He currently lives in Downtown Austin with his wife, Wafa, a physician assistant at Baylor Scott & White, and their cat, Daisy Mae.Topics Covered: • Spending down time w/ wife and friends• Growing up in Victoria and A Town Called Victoria Documentary by Li Lu• Pivoting from medicine/healthcare into public service and being inspired by his family's giving back.• Zo's political career journey from graduate school, working with the City of Kyle, City of Houston and pivoting towards electoral work, getting involved in campaigns (Beto's Senate Race), working at the capitol and worked at Senator Warren's Presidential Campaign, before running for Council. • Difference between Texas State and Rice University and what drew Zo back to Austin• Family expeirences with politics and reaction to Zo's pivot. • Zo's perspective on the changes and growth Austin has experienced and representing District 9.• Not taking for granted being the first South Asian city council member and the importance of representation. • Helping to pass increased safety measures on Sixth Street and Rainey Street after the Lady Bird Lake incidents. • How Zo wants to be remembered for during his time on City CouncilReferenced Materials: District 9 | Austin, TexasA Town Called Victoria DocumentaryKiin Di Thai Truck

Follow Jason on Locals: https://jasonjones.locals.com/and on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/osu4491Visit Movie to Movement @ www.MovieToMovement.comAnd the Vulnerable People Project: www.TheGreatCampaign.orgFree Our Bishops- https://act.ubpages.com/vpp-cardinal-zen-1/