Latest news with #Amal
Nahar Net
6 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
MPs discuss Hezbollah arms, Israeli violations, and US intervention in plenary session
by Naharnet Newsdesk 16 July 2025, 14:04 Lawmakers convened Wednesday for the second day in Parliament to debate the government's policies. During the session, MPs mainly discussed Hezbollah's arms and Israeli violations and renewed confidence in the Lebanese government. The no-confidence vote was proposed by Free Patriotic chief Jebran Bassil. Sixty-nine MPs gave a vote of confidence to the government, nine FPM MPs voted against it, and four MPs abstained. Many MPs on Tuesday and Wednesday called for Hezbollah's disarmament while Hezbollah MP Ibrahim al-Moussawi said "We all know that the army is not allowed to have defensive weapons to protect the country against the enemy." - Amal MP says gov. not doing enough to protect Lebanese - Amal MP Ali Hassan Khalil and Hezbollah MP Hussein Hajj Hassan criticized the government for not doing enough to prevent the Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement reached in late November. "We haven't felt that the government is working responsibly and seriously to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire agreement," Khalil said, adding that "the open discussion about arms must continue, but responsibly" and that the government must also discuss the reconstruction of war-hit regions. Khalil said in Hezbollah's defense that "the resistance was never an independent project but rather a reaction that emerged when the national defense system failed to protect sovereignty, especially in the south." - Hezbollah disarmament - Lebanese Forces MP George Adwan criticized Tuesday the government's lack of progress in restoring the state's authority and disarming Hezbollah, while Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Jebran Bassil said he supports Hezbollah's disarmament but not by force. MP Fouad Makhzoumi called for Hezbollah's disarmament and proposed to discuss it in a cabinet session and independent MP Neemat Frem said Hezbollah's arms must not be destroyed or given to Israel, but handed over to the Lebanese army. - US intervention - Hajj Hassan for his part accused the U.S. of intervening in Lebanese affairs. He said that some Lebanese parties are serving the American and Israeli narratives and failing to see the Israeli threats. MP Oussama Saad also said the American mediators are biased to Israel and pressuring Lebanon. "We will not argue about the handover of weapons to the state," but "the Israeli occupation cannot be ignored." On Tuesday, MP Jamil al-Sayyed criticized U.S. envoys Amos Hochstein, Morgan Ortagus, and Tom Barrack, who he said "threatened Lebanon with civil war". "It's as if we've become an experimental field for these envoys." - No foreign dictations - Prime Minister Nawaf Salam denied any foreign dictations and vowed to continue working on extending the state's authority north and south of the Litani river and to pressure Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories and stop its aggressions.
Nahar Net
7 days ago
- Politics
- Nahar Net
MPs discuss Hezbollah arms, Israeli violations, and US intervention in plenary session
by Naharnet Newsdesk 6 hours Lawmakers convened Wednesday for the second day in Parliament to debate the government's policies. During the session, MPs mainly discussed Hezbollah's arms and Israeli violations and renewed confidence in the Lebanese government. The no-confidence vote was proposed by Free Patriotic chief Jebran Bassil. Sixty-nine MPs gave a vote of confidence to the government, nine FPM MPs voted against it, and four MPs abstained. Many MPs on Tuesday and Wednesday called for Hezbollah's disarmament while Hezbollah MP Ibrahim al-Moussawi said "We all know that the army is not allowed to have defensive weapons to protect the country against the enemy." - Amal MP says gov. not doing enough to protect Lebanese - Amal MP Ali Hassan Khalil and Hezbollah MP Hussein Hajj Hassan criticized the government for not doing enough to prevent the Israeli violations of the ceasefire agreement reached in late November. "We haven't felt that the government is working responsibly and seriously to prevent the collapse of the ceasefire agreement," Khalil said, adding that "the open discussion about arms must continue, but responsibly" and that the government must also discuss the reconstruction of war-hit regions. Khalil said in Hezbollah's defense that "the resistance was never an independent project but rather a reaction that emerged when the national defense system failed to protect sovereignty, especially in the south." - Hezbollah disarmament - Lebanese Forces MP George Adwan criticized Tuesday the government's lack of progress in restoring the state's authority and disarming Hezbollah, while Free Patriotic Movement leader MP Jebran Bassil said he supports Hezbollah's disarmament but not by force. MP Fouad Makhzoumi called for Hezbollah's disarmament and proposed to discuss it in a cabinet session and independent MP Neemat Frem said Hezbollah's arms must not be destroyed or given to Israel, but handed over to the Lebanese army. - US intervention - Hajj Hassan for his part accused the U.S. of intervening in Lebanese affairs. He said that some Lebanese parties are serving the American and Israeli narratives and failing to see the Israeli threats. MP Oussama Saad also said the American mediators are biased to Israel and pressuring Lebanon. "We will not argue about the handover of weapons to the state," but "the Israeli occupation cannot be ignored." On Tuesday, MP Jamil al-Sayyed criticized U.S. envoys Amos Hochstein, Morgan Ortagus, and Tom Barrack, who he said "threatened Lebanon with civil war". "It's as if we've become an experimental field for these envoys." - No foreign dictations - Prime Minister Nawaf Salam denied any foreign dictations and vowed to continue working on extending the state's authority north and south of the Litani river and to pressure Israel to withdraw from Lebanese territories and stop its aggressions.
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Syrian Girl, 8, Walks Overnight to Escape Shelling, Save the Children Protects Childhoods Amid War as Aid Becomes a Race Against Time
Photos: HONG KONG, July 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With shells drawing near and only minutes to escape, what would you save? "I was forced to leave everything behind – my toys, my clothes, all the things I loved," said 8-year-old Syrian girl Amal. In the harsh winter of 2024, she and her family walked for two days to flee the conflict, carrying nothing but the thin clothes on their backs. Food, water, shelter, and even a sense of security were all unwillingly left behind. A Tent for a Home: A Childhood Rewritten by War In 2018, war first forced Amal from her home, relocating her to a camp in Northeast Syria. In December 2024, as the conflict escalated once more, she and her family were forced to flee overnight. "The road was filled with the sounds of explosions and roaring planes. I saw some children freeze to death in the wilderness... We could only desperately push forward," recalled Amal's father, Hasan. Describing the two-day trek in the bitter cold, he said, "The children suffered immensely. They kept crying, begging to go home, but there was nothing we could do. We abandoned all our possessions just to save our lives. "Still shaken, Hasan remembered, "We adults were terrified too, but for the sake of our children, we had to stay strong." Since December 2024, the escalating conflict in Syria has displaced over 15,000 families. This is the third time Amal has been displaced in her short eight years; her "home" has shrunk to a tent that could vanish at any moment. What Amal left behind was more than just a house—it was her childhood. She misses the home with apple and orange trees, and the friends she played hide-and-seek with every day. Now, all of that is out of reach. Despite this, Amal holds on to a dream, "One day, I want to become a doctor and help children when they are sick." The war has stolen what should have been a carefree childhood—no school, no peaceful nights, not even a predictable tomorrow. What Would You Save?— Save the Children Supports Children's Survival Needs When Amal's family arrived at the new camp, exhausted, the Save the Children team immediately provided them with Ready-to-Eat kits, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses to fend off the cold winter nights, addressing their most urgent needs as an initial response. However, life in the tent remains a struggle. "When it rains, the tent leaks, and we can't sleep. When it's windy, we're cold, scared, and shivering." Amal shared. Since 2012, Save the Children has provided aid to 8.3 million people in Syria, including 4.8 million children like Amal, offering food, clean water, emotional and psychosocial support, shelter, healthcare, and education services. Kalina Tsang, CEO of Save the Children Hong Kong, stated, "Whenever a conflict or disaster strikes, children are always the first to bear the brunt. They lose not just their belongings, but also their health, safety, education, a secure environment to grow up in, and a precious, fulfilling childhood. The Children's Emergency Fund was established to ensure that children in crisis receive the support they need to survive—from basic food and warmth to medical care, from a safe place to live to physical and psychological support. We appeal to the public to extend a helping hand and support children in distress." In 2024, Save the Children's humanitarian work has helped over 20 million people worldwide, including 12.8 million children. The organisation has also provided support in humanitarian crises such as the conflict in Ukraine, the escalation of conflict in Lebanon, and the earthquake in Myanmar. Please support Save the Children's emergency relief work: About Save the Children Hong Kong Save the Children believes every child deserves a future. In Hong Kong and around the world, we do whatever it takes – every day and in times of crisis – so children can fulfil their rights to a healthy start in life, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm. With over 100 years of expertise, we are the world's first and leading independent children's organisation – transforming lives and the future we share. Established in 2009, Save the Children Hong Kong is part of the global movement which operates in around 100 countries. We work with children, families, schools, communities and our supporters to deliver lasting change for children in Hong Kong and around the world. Visit our website, or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Save the Children Hong Kong
Vogue Singapore
14-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Vogue Singapore
7 books to read for hope in the midst of chaos
As we arrive at the midpoint of the year, 2025 has already proved itself to be a momentous one. From the tail end of a global pandemic to natural disasters and humanitarian crises, we've certainly had our fair share of unexpected events as of late. In times of chaos, we all search for ways to escape, be it booking an impulsive getaway or cuing up some trashy but hypnotic reality TV. Personally, I turn to books in search of a refuge, whether it's an engrossing work of fiction or an inspiring and informative memoir. There is no doubt the world is changing rapidly, and with the consistent information overload, it can be overwhelming trying to find one's footing. So how do we maintain a sense of hope in volatile times? Truthfully, there isn't a singular solution. As much as we'd love a quick fix, the reality is there simply isn't. But one thing to take comfort in knowing is that we are not alone. Humanity alike has grappled with sentiments of loss, despair, and radical hope since the beginning of humanity—and artists have worked relentlessly to find the answers. Insightful reflections and heartfelt narratives course through these deeply personal stories, from a woman grappling with seismic personal loss to a trailblazer fearlessly standing up to systemic oppression. Whether you're aspiring for change, seeking to understand or simply need a little dose of comfort as the days seem to dim, look no further as we round up a list of empowering and hopeful titles to help guide you through turbulent times below. Courtesy of Alfred A. Knopf 1 / 7 'The Year of Magical Thinking' by Joan Didion A touching memoir by renowned author and journalist Joan Didion, The Year of Magical Thinking chronicles a year of her life following the sudden death of her husband. The fatal loss came mere days after her daughter Quintana was hospitalised for pneumonia, which she swiftly fell unconscious from. An intensely personal examination of grief and mourning, the book explores a universal sentiment more pertinent than ever: trying to make sense of life when life seems to make no sense at all. Courtesy of Bloomsbury Publishing 2 / 7 'Mornings in Jenin' by Susan Abulhawa Born in a refugee camp in Jenin, Amal's life began with loss—of her home, country, and heritage. In 1948, her Palestinian family was driven out of their ancestral village, with Amal's older brother kidnapped by an Israeli soldier. From Jenin to Jerusalem, Lebanon and the foreign land of America, the novel follows one family over four generations, each grappling with their own struggles. A haunting modern classic, Mornings in Jenin is a story of faith, forgiveness, and hope. Courtesy of One World 3 / 7 'What If We Get It Right?' by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson Marine biologist and conservation activist Ayana Elizabeth Johnson's latest book charts an inspiring outlook of possible climate futures. Combining thoughtful discussions and interviews with evocative poetry and art, the book integrates a hopeful perspective with concrete action. In a day and age where the fear of getting things wrong often paralyses action, Johnson instead asks: what if we get it right? Courtesy of Pan Macmillan 4 / 7 'Everyone Who Is Gone Is Here' by Jonathan Blitzer An epic, heartbreaking, and deeply honest recounting of lives that ebb and flow across the US-Mexico border, this book is told through the perspectives of real migrants who in spite of the risks, persist in their search for safety and a brighter future. An unprecedented reporting by Jonathan Blitzer of The New Yorker, the book paints a layered picture of the humanitarian crisis at the forefront of cultural conversation now. Courtesy of Random House Publishing 5 / 7 'Reading Lolita in Tehran' by Azar Nafisi Every Thursday morning for two years in the Islamic Republic of Iran, Azar Nafisi secretly gathered seven female students in her living room to study forbidden classics of Western literature. This bold and inspiring memoir charts Nafisi's experiences during the Iranian revolution in 1980s, from refusing to wear a veil and her subsequent expulsion from the University of Tehran to the formation of her renegade book club. Her stories come in dialogue with the ones they review as Reading Lolita in Tehran underlines resilience in the face of political oppression and celebrates the liberating power of literature. Courtesy of Nation Books 6 / 7 'Hope in the Dark' by Rebecca Solnit Hope is a gift you need not surrender. The idea of hope lies at the crux of Solnit's stirring opus, first published in 2003 against the despair of the Bush administration and the war in Iraq. While the specific geopolitical context has since passed, the propensity for defeatism and cynicism persists, as we face a world more turbulent than ever. Drawing on decades of activism, the best-selling author of Men Explain Things to Me makes a radical case for hope, as hope is more than a belief—it's a power. Courtesy of Crown Publishing 7 / 7 'The Light We Carry' by Michelle Obama In this spirited memoir, the former First Lady shares practical wisdom and personal beliefs on how to stay hopeful and equilibrated during uncertain times. Written during the COVID-19 pandemic and dipping into her past as an African American undergraduate at Princeton in the 1980s, the book implores readers to look inward when feeling afraid or helpless, to find strength within themselves and their community.
Euronews
13-07-2025
- Business
- Euronews
A weekend discovering the ancient traditions of Marrakech
Wafa, dressed in a clinical white coat and framed by myriad bottles and jars, is explaining the painstaking method of squeezing out argan oil. The technique is time-honoured in Morocco, and in this cooperative in the heart of Marrakech, it's all done by women. She shows me the nut from the argan tree that must be peeled by hand to retrieve the kernel, while another woman sits on a patterned bench and demonstrates the hand-worked press to extract the oil. The argan oil cooperative, housed in a blue and white tiled ex-riad, is one of several organisations in the city set up to support women in need, particularly those widowed, disabled or suffering economic hardship. Other cooperatives are dedicated to carpet weaving and catering. Marrakech's enduring, age-old traditions are the soul of the city, inspiring generations of international creatives from fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent to interior designer Bill Willis. Here's how to seek them out on your next trip to the Red City. Discover Marrakech's women's craft cooperatives Wafa is a born comedian. She advises her female visitors that if they want glowing skin, they should leave their husbands - or else use cactus oil. For snoring partners, she gestures significantly to a cushion, before offering the less drastic remedy of nigella seeds and menthol herbs. These, along with orange blossom oil, rose oil, black exfoliating soap and a range of spices, are all produced by the women the cooperative supports. Argan oil is their most renowned product, however. This liquid gold was once extracted by Berber women in the deserts for medicinal and culinary use. Now, the cooperative incorporates it into hair oils, face creams and soaps. They're not cheap to buy, but it's easy to see why when you learn about the time-consuming, skilled labour behind every drop. Nearby is the carpet cooperative Palais Saardien. The giant artworks of weaving can likewise take months to produce. There are vivid Arabic-style carpets with complex patterns, or the rougher Berber style incorporating three techniques - weaving, knotting and embroidery - giving them a pleasant, varied feel underfoot. If the shopping makes you peckish, head to women's cooperative Amal for a taste of soulful home cooking like fish tagine or the special Friday couscous. Here, women are trained for cooking in a professional setting, and are also offered French classes. Fire dancing, spice workshops and Moroccan feasts At Casa Memoria, a newly opened rental villa just outside the city, I'm watching a fire dancer in a bejewelled headdress masterfully manage the blustery wind as she performs. Elegant and sensual, she moves rhythmically to a keyboard and percussion playing reinvented traditional Moroccan beats. Fire dancing - or rather performing dances around a fire - was a practice of tribes in areas like the nearby Atlas Mountains. Although what I am watching is clearly much evolved for the benefit of tourism, in its essence it recalls those female dancers who kept tempo to the beat of the tribesmen's drums. The team at Casa Memoria can also arrange market visits and spice workshops for guests of the six-room villa. Events are held outside on the vast lawns studded by olive trees and beneath the ochre portico. At sister property Sirayane, just down the road, guests can make use of the spa. It offers the traditional hammam treatment, where you are scrubbed with black soap made from crushed olives for ultra-soft skin. Back at Casa Memoria, guests can indulge in dinner feasts of Moroccan dishes like zaalouk salad with aubergine and tomato, sweet almond and chicken pastilla pie and Moroccan crepes with candied fruits. They are held in the pistachio-hued dining room which, like the rest of the Bill Willis- and Moroccan architect Charles Boccara-designed property, is a tour de force of extravagant, whimsical Moroccan-inspired interior design. Like the city itself, at Casa Memoria tradition (or memory) - from souk-sourced furniture to a hamman-style bathroom - reverberates throughout.
