Israeli strike on aid point kills 26 in Rafah, Hamas-affiliated media say
CAIRO, June 1 (Reuters) - An Israeli strike on an aid distribution point run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation killed at least 26 in Rafah, Palestinian and Hamas-affiliated media said on Sunday.
There was no immediate comment from Israel on the reported strike.
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Neal Ascherson: Gazans paying the price for Israel's military failure
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Muslims from around the world are in the Saudi city of Mecca for the Hajj, one of the Five Pillars of Islam. In the coming days, people will immerse themselves in religious rituals and acts of worship that originated more than 1,400 years ago. They also have to contend with excess heat and other earthly factors, like a ban on children under the age of 12 and a crackdown on unauthorized entry. Here's what to know about this year's Hajj: Beating the heat in the Saudi desert Last year's pilgrims struggled through burning sun and suffocating hot weather, with the mercury hitting 47 degrees Celsius (117 degrees Fahrenheit). More than 1,300 people died. This year, Saudi authorities are advising caution in direct sunlight, telling pilgrims to avoid going out during the day and uncovering their heads, except for rituals, unless necessary. An official safety kit emphasizes the importance of light-colored clothing and umbrellas. 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Children are exempt from doing the Hajj and are not required to fulfill other Islamic obligations, like prayer and fasting, until they reach puberty. But that doesn't stop some parents from wanting to take their children to experience the Hajj and see the holiest site in Islam, the Kaaba, the black, cube-shaped structure that is the focal point for daily prayers. Father of five Talha Ayub, from the Pakistani city of Lahore, said his kids were staying with their grandparents while he and his wife performed the Hajj in a 'more relaxed way.' 'Even if children were allowed, we probably wouldn't have taken them because the weather is extremely harsh this year,' said Ayub, whose children are aged 1 to 13. 'I have mixed feelings about leaving them behind. I'll miss them.' There's no official age breakdown for pilgrims, but most are between 35 and 64. 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Reuters
an hour ago
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UAE non-oil business growth slows in May, PMI shows
ABU DHABI, June 4 (Reuters) - Growth in the UAE's non-oil private sector slowed to its weakest pace in nearly four years in May, a survey showed on Wednesday, as demand remained strong but eased from recent highs. The seasonally adjusted S&P Global UAE Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) fell to 53.3 in May from 54.0 in April, marking its lowest reading since September 2021, but remained above the 50.0 threshold that indicates growth. The rate of expansion in output was the slowest in 44 months in May, reflecting softening momentum in the non-oil sector even though demand conditions remained supportive. The sub index for output fell to 57.3 in May from 59.4 in April, and was the lowest reading since September 2021. The pace of new order growth remained robust but the sub index dropped to 56.2 in May from April's 56.9 reading, and was the softest in seven months. "Although businesses continued to welcome strong demand from their clients, there were some reports that competitive pressures and weaker trade amid US tariffs had weighed on growth," David Owen, senior economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said. The survey highlighted a record decline in inventories as firms streamlined holdings amid slowing growth. The accumulation of backlogs eased to a 16-month low, indicating a softer pace of demand. Business expectations for future output were subdued, with optimism falling to its lowest level since January. Dubai's non-oil private sector growth remained steady, with the headline PMI at 52.9 in May, the same as April, although demand momentum strengthened with the pace of new order growth quickening to a four-month high.
