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Arab News
4 minutes ago
- Arab News
UN says at least 1,760 killed seeking aid in Gaza
JERUSALEM: The UN human rights office said Friday that at least 1,760 Palestinians had been killed while seeking aid in Gaza since late May, a jump of several hundred since its last published figure at the beginning of August. 'Since 27 May, and as of 13 August, we have recorded that at least 1,760 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid; 994 in the vicinity of GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) sites and 766 along the routes of supply convoys. Most of these killings were committed by the Israeli military,' the agency's office for the Palestinian territories said in a statement. That compares with a figure of 1,373 killed the office reported on August 1. The update came as Gaza's civil defense agency said at least 31 people were killed by Israeli fire on Friday, including 12 who were waiting for humanitarian aid. The Israeli military said its troops were working to 'dismantle Hamas military capabilities,' adding its forces were taking precautions 'to mitigate civilian harm.' Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties accessing swathes of the territory mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defense agency and the Israeli military. On Wednesday, the chief of staff of the Israeli military said plans had been approved for a new offensive in Gaza, aimed at defeating Hamas and freeing all the remaining hostages. The military intends to take control of Gaza City and nearby refugee camps, some of the most densely populated parts of the territory, which has been devastated by more than 22 months of war. In recent days, Gaza City residents have told AFP of more frequent air strikes targeting residential areas, while earlier this week Hamas denounced 'aggressive' Israeli ground incursions in the area. The Israeli government's plans to expand the war have sparked an international outcry as well as domestic opposition. UN-backed experts have warned of widespread famine unfolding in the territory, where Israel has drastically curtailed the amount of humanitarian aid it allows in. Hamas's October 2023 attack which triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's offensive has killed at least 61,827 Palestinians, according to figures from the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza which the United Nations considers reliable.
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Indian missions in Riyadh, Jeddah celebrate Independence Day with patriotic fervor
RIYADH: The Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah celebrated India's 79th Independence Day on Friday with great enthusiasm and active participation from the Indian community, local dignitaries, and friends of India. Independence Day was celebrated by the embassy in Riyadh with the enthusiastic participation of about 1,000 people, including members of the Indian community, embassy officials, and journalists. The celebrations began with the hoisting of the tricolour by Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, the ambassador, followed by the national anthem. The ambassador lay floral tributes at the bust of father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi, then read out President Droupadi Murmu's message to the nation and Indians around the world. In his keynote address, the ambassador highlighted the close bilateral partnership between India and Saudi Arabia and the significant role played by the Indian diaspora in making this relationship vibrant and robust. It was followed by cultural performances by Indian community members, displaying the rich diversity of India. The cultural program was an eclectic mix of patriotic songs and classical dance performances. In the run-up to Independence Day, embassy officials, their families and Indian community members took part in the 'Har Ghar Tiranga' initiative, displaying their patriotic spirit and pride in the national flag. At the Indian Consulate in Jeddah the ceremony began with the hoisting of the national flag by Consul General Fahad Ahmed Khan Suri followed by the national anthem, with the consul general reading the president's address to the nation, which highlighted India's accomplishments over the past 78 years and outlined the country's vision. The consul general highlighted the growing partnership with Saudi Arabia and commended the Indian diaspora in the Western Province for their pivotal role in fostering stronger ties and contributing positively to both countries. He also provided updates on the consulate's key initiatives and urged the diaspora to continue their active engagement in advancing these efforts. The celebration featured a cultural program including patriotic songs performed by students from Indian schools in Jeddah that evoked pride, unity, and respect for the county's history and cultural heritage. A highlight of the event was the Tiranga Exhibition, organized as part of the government of India's 'Har Ghar Tiranga' campaign. The exhibition included historical images, creative displays, and information about the Indian national flag — promoting awareness, respect, and national pride among attendees. The event concluded with a display of regional Indian cuisines, giving guests a flavourful glimpse into India's rich and diverse food heritage. Each dish, representing different states, highlighted the country's remarkable cultural diversity and unity.
Asharq Al-Awsat
3 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Far-Right Israeli Minister Confronts Long-Imprisoned Palestinian Leader Face to Face
A video widely circulated on Friday shows Israel's far-right national security minister berating a Palestinian leader face-to-face inside a prison, saying anyone who acts against the country will be 'wiped out.' Marwan Barghouti is serving five life sentences after being convicted of involvement in attacks at the height of the Palestinian uprising, or intifada, in the early 2000s. Polls consistently show he is the most popular Palestinian leader. He has rarely been seen since his arrest more than two decades ago. It was unclear when the video was taken, but it shows National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for staging provocative encounters with Palestinians, telling Barghouti that he will 'not win." "Anyone who murders children, who murders women, we will wipe them out," Ben-Gvir said. Ben-Gvir's spokesman confirmed the visit and the video's authenticity, but denied that the minister was threatening Barghouti. Barghouti, now in his mid-60s, was a senior leader in President Mahmoud Abbas' secular Fatah movement during the intifada. Many Palestinians see him as a natural successor to the aging and unpopular leader of the Palestinian Authority, which administers parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Israel considers him a terrorist and has shown no sign it would release him. Hamas has demanded his release in exchange for hostages taken in the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the war in the Gaza Strip. In a Facebook post, Barghouti's wife said she couldn't recognize her husband, who appeared frail in the video. Still, she said after watching the video, he remained connected to the Palestinian people. 'Perhaps a part of me does not want to acknowledge everything that your face and body shows, and what you and the prisoners have been through,' wrote Fadwa Al Barghouthi, who spells their last name differently in English. Israeli officials say they have reduced the conditions under which Palestinians are held to the bare minimum allowed under Israeli and international law. Many detainees released as part of a ceasefire in Gaza earlier this year appeared gaunt and ill, and some were taken for immediate medical treatment.
