Latest news with #Egyptian
Qatar Tribune
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Qatar Tribune
Qatar's U-16 basketball team heads to Cairo for camp
Tribune News Network Doha Qatar's U-16 basketball team will depart for Cairo, Egypt, on Friday to participate in an intensive training camp from August 1 to 8. This camp is a key part of their preparations for the 22nd Arab U-16 Basketball Championship, hosted by Egypt from August 10 to 17, 2025. The delegation is led by Abdullah Sultan Al Jaber, a member of the Qatar Basketball Federation's board, and accompanied by Khalid Al Mughni, director of youth national teams. The federation is fully committed to providing technical and administrative support to ensure the team is well-prepared to represent Qatar with distinction at the regional tournament. The training camp aims to enhance the players' technical and physical readiness while fostering team cohesion and tactical discipline under the guidance of the coaching staff. The Qatar Basketball Federation has high expectations for the team to deliver strong performances and uphold the country's growing reputation in Gulf and Arab basketball. The Arab Basketball Federation conducted the tournament draw via video conference from the Cairo International Stadium's meeting hall, with representatives from the eight participating teams. The draw resulted in two balanced groups. Qatar was placed in Group B alongside Lebanon, Tunisia, and Kuwait, while Group A includes hosts Egypt, Algeria, Bahrain, and Jordan. Qatar's U16 team will begin their campaign with a challenging match against Tunisia on Monday, August 11, followed by a clash with Kuwait on Tuesday, August 12. They will conclude the group stage against Lebanon on Wednesday, August 13. All teams will have a rest day on Thursday, August 14, before the quarterfinals commence on Friday, August 15, following a crossover format: the top team from Group A faces the fourth-placed team from Group B, the second from Group A meets the third from Group B, and vice versa. The semifinals are scheduled for Saturday, August 16, with the third-place playoff and the final set for Sunday, August 17. All matches will take place at the 6th of October Indoor Arena in Cairo, drawing significant interest from Egyptian and Arab basketball fans, with teams vying for the prestigious Arab title. The Qatar Basketball Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to providing comprehensive support to the team, expressing confidence in the coaching staff and players to deliver a performance that reflects the strength and ambition of Qatari basketball.
Yemen Online
3 hours ago
- Health
- Yemen Online
Egypt, UAE Coordinate to Supply 2 Million Gallons of Water Daily to Gaza Residents
The United Arab Emirates and Egypt are intensifying their humanitarian coordination to deliver 2 million gallons of potable water daily to residents of the Gaza Strip, as part of a broader joint relief effort, UAE Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs for International Organizations Sultan Al Shamsi announced on Wednesday. Speaking during a live phone interview with Egypt's Sada El-Balad TV, Al Shamsi highlighted the ongoing water desalination efforts aimed at serving over one million Gazans. Plans are underway to expand the water supply line deeper into central Gaza. Al Shamsi revealed that 5,000 tons of Emirati aid are currently staged in El Arish, Egypt, awaiting entry into Gaza. Additionally, 143 trucks loaded with food supplies, medical equipment, and water are part of the relief convoy. 'Providing safe drinking water is our top priority in Gaza right now,' said Al Shamsi, underlining that access to clean water remains one of the most critical challenges in the besieged enclave. He also confirmed the presence of a floating Emirati hospital stationed in El Arish, as well as a field hospital inside Gaza, which have together supported the treatment of over 2,600 patients and companions from Gaza in the UAE. Al Shamsi addressed circulating reports about the closure of the Rafah border crossing, categorically denying them: 'I have seen with my own eyes that the crossing is open on the Egyptian side,' he stated. He also dismissed what he described as "rumors" intended to undermine relief operations, affirming that no misinformation campaign would halt the humanitarian support being provided by both Egypt and the UAE. 'Whatever is being said, we will continue our mission. Egypt and the UAE are committed to helping the Palestinian people,' he said. The Gaza Strip has been grappling with acute shortages in water, electricity, fuel, and medical supplies due to ongoing conflict and restricted access points. The UAE and Egypt's joint efforts are seen as a vital humanitarian lifeline, offering both immediate relief and infrastructure-based solutions.
Al-Ahram Weekly
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt Foreign Ministry debunks 10 false claims on Rafah crossing, aid delivery into Gaza - Foreign Affairs
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked 10 circulated allegations targeting Egypt regarding the Rafah crossing and the access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. An infographic posted by the foreign ministry on its Facebook page on Thursday listed 10 false and true statements. Claim 1: Egypt has failed to provide aid to the Gaza Strip. Fact: This is a deliberate misrepresentation. Egypt has provided 70 percent of the total humanitarian aid that has entered Gaza since the beginning of the war. Egypt organized an international ministerial conference on the humanitarian response in Gaza in December 2024, with the participation of more than 100 delegations, to support the humanitarian needs of the Palestinian people. Egypt received hundreds of injured and sick Palestinians in Egyptian hospitals. Egypt prepared a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Gaza. It has successfully mobilized support from the vast majority of countries and intends to organize an international conference to mobilize the necessary funding for its implementation. The complete Israeli blockade on Gaza has prevented aid from reaching the strip at a level commensurate with the scale of the humanitarian disaster. Claim 2: Rafah Crossing is a one-sided crossing controlled by Egypt. Fact: It is a false claim. The crossing consists of a gate on the Egyptian side and another gate on the Palestinian side, separated by a road. Crossing the gate on the Egyptian side does not constitute crossing the border between the two sides and does not provide access to the Gaza Strip. Access to the strip requires crossing the distance between the two gates and entering through the Palestinian gate for trucks and individuals. This has been impossible since the Israeli army occupied the Palestinian side of the crossing and completely prevented the passage of individuals and trucks, in addition to targeting the Palestinian side of the crossing militarily more than once. Claim 3: Egypt has closed the Rafah Crossing. Fact: This is a false claim. The crossing has not been closed on the Egyptian side since the beginning of the brutal war in Gaza. The Rafah Crossing gate on the Egyptian side is open, but the closure of the Palestinian gate prevents the entry of aid (there is no possibility of entering Gaza except through the Palestinian gate). Although the Rafah crossing is designated for the passage of individuals only, not trucks, Egypt has been able to allow thousands of trucks through it since the start of the war to expedite the delivery of aid. Claim 4: Egypt is participating in the blockade of Gaza. Fact: This is a deliberate lie. The Israeli occupation army completely besieges the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air and controls all entry points into the Strip. Claim 5: The Rafah crossing is the only exit point for the Gaza Strip. Fact: This is incorrect. There are several other crossings in Gaza, such as the Karm Abu Salem crossing, the Erez crossing, the Sufa crossing, the Nahal Oz crossing, the Karni crossing, and the Kissufim crossing, all of which are fully controlled by Israel. Israel, the occupying power, obstructs the entry of any humanitarian aid through all the crossings it controls, including the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. Those who claim that Egypt is responsible for what is happening in the Gaza Strip should demand pressure on Israel to open all the crossings it controls. Claim 6: Egypt prevents public solidarity with Gaza. Fact: This is a false claim. Egypt has organized and facilitated visits to the Rafah and Arish crossings for numerous citizens and officials from humanitarian organizations, as well as for senior international officials. This included the UN Secretary-General and French President Macron, whose visit contributed to France's decision to recognize the Palestinian state. Egypt has also organized visits for foreign ministers, senior officials, and civil society representatives. Additionally, there are rules and regulations for conducting solidarity visits to these border areas based on the facts on the ground, given their proximity to a war zone and the need to take special measures to secure and protect participants in any marches or visits there. Claim 7: Egypt failed to support the Palestinian cause. Fact: This is a deliberate slander and lie. No country in the world has made as much effort or sacrifice for the Palestinian cause as Egypt. Egypt has played a key role as a mediator in the difficult and complex ceasefire negotiations, and its efforts succeeded in achieving this on 19 January 2025. However, Israel failed to fulfill its commitments. Egypt hosted the Cairo Peace Summit in October 2023 and the emergency Arab Summit in March 2025. It prepared a comprehensive plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which contributed to halting displacement plans. It also played a leading role in coordinating Arab, Islamic, and international action on the Palestinian issue. Claim 8: Demonstrations in front of Egyptian embassies support the Palestinian cause. Fact: On the contrary, demonstrations in front of Egyptian embassies undermine Egypt's historical role in supporting the Palestinian cause and the sacrifices Egypt has made since the Nakba. They serve the Israeli occupation entirely, offering it a free gift. This contributes to distracting international and Arab public opinion from the real culprit behind the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip and easing the recent mounting international pressure to halt the blatant Israeli violations committed against the Palestinian people. It also diverts attention from the crimes the Palestinian people are suffering and targets Egypt, as the steadfast, fundamental pillar defending the rights of the Palestinian people. This severely harms the Palestinian struggle for independence and creates division among the Arab peoples, to the benefit of Israel. Claim 9: Egypt is not keen on stopping the famine in Gaza. Fact: This is an illogical claim. The entry of humanitarian aid is not only a moral, humanitarian, and legal duty but also serves the national interest by strengthening the Palestinian people, ensuring their steadfastness on their land, preventing their displacement, and preventing the implementation of 'alternative homeland' scenarios by starving the population to empty the land. Bringing in the largest possible amount of aid is a top priority for Egypt, primarily for moral and humanitarian reasons, and also to ensure an end to Israeli displacement plans and attempts to liquidate the Palestinian cause by forcing the Palestinian people to leave their land. Claim 10: Criticizing the Egyptian role aims to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. Fact: There are deliberate attempts to systematically distort and cast doubt on the Egyptian role, and to deliberately falsify facts with the aim of undermining Egypt's role, frustrating the Arab peoples, creating divisions among them, and weakening Palestinian resilience. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Time Business News
5 hours ago
- General
- Time Business News
Companions, Behaviors, and Benefits
Cats have captivated human hearts for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptian temples to modern homes around the world, cats have secured their place not just as pets, but as beloved family members. With their graceful movements, sharp instincts, and complex personalities, cats are much more than cute companions. This 1500-word article will explore the keyword 'cats' from multiple perspectives, including their history, behavior, health benefits, and role in human society. Cats were first domesticated around 9,000 years ago in the Near East, likely evolving from wildcats that lived near human agricultural settlements. These early cats helped farmers by keeping rodent populations under control, which made them valuable allies. In ancient Egypt, cats were worshipped and considered sacred. The Egyptian goddess Bastet, often depicted as a lioness or a woman with a cat's head, symbolized protection, fertility, and motherhood. Killing a cat, even by accident, was considered a grave crime. Cats later spread across Europe and Asia via trade routes. They were often kept on ships to protect cargo from rats. By the Middle Ages, however, superstitions and associations with witchcraft led to mass killings of cats in Europe—an action that ironically may have contributed to the spread of the plague due to unchecked rodent populations. Cats come in all shapes, sizes, and coat types. There are over 70 recognized cat breeds globally, each with unique traits. Some of the most popular include: Persian Cats: Known for their long fur and calm personalities. Known for their long fur and calm personalities. Siamese Cats: Social, vocal, and sleek with distinct color points. Social, vocal, and sleek with distinct color points. Maine Coons: One of the largest domestic breeds, known for their intelligence and fluffy tails. One of the largest domestic breeds, known for their intelligence and fluffy tails. Bengal Cats: Exotic spotted coats that resemble leopards. Exotic spotted coats that resemble leopards. Sphynx Cats: Hairless, with wrinkled skin and large ears, known for being affectionate and curious. Each breed has different grooming needs, activity levels, and health concerns. However, all cats share common features like retractable claws, sharp night vision, and an acute sense of hearing and smell. Understanding cat behavior is key to building a strong bond with your feline friend. Unlike dogs, cats are often misunderstood as aloof or independent. While they may not always seek out constant attention, cats are deeply attached to their environment and human caregivers. Common behaviors include: Purring: Usually a sign of contentment, though cats may also purr when in pain or anxious as a self-soothing mechanism. Usually a sign of contentment, though cats may also purr when in pain or anxious as a self-soothing mechanism. Kneading: When cats push their paws in and out against a soft surface—this is a comforting behavior from kittenhood. When cats push their paws in and out against a soft surface—this is a comforting behavior from kittenhood. Tail Movements: A cat's tail can indicate its mood. A raised tail suggests confidence, while a twitching or puffed tail may mean agitation or fear. A cat's tail can indicate its mood. A raised tail suggests confidence, while a twitching or puffed tail may mean agitation or fear. Meowing: Unlike other felines, domestic cats have developed vocalization specifically to communicate with humans. Cats also engage in territorial marking and may scratch furniture or objects to mark their domain. Providing scratching posts can redirect this instinctive behavior constructively. Living with cats doesn't just provide companionship—it also offers real health benefits. Several scientific studies have shown that cat owners may enjoy: Reduced stress and anxiety: The act of petting a cat has been linked to lower blood pressure and stress hormones. The act of petting a cat has been linked to lower blood pressure and stress hormones. Better heart health: Some research suggests cat owners are at a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Some research suggests cat owners are at a lower risk of heart attacks and strokes. Improved mental well-being: Cats offer emotional support and can ease feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety. Cats offer emotional support and can ease feelings of loneliness, depression, or anxiety. Companionship for the elderly: Cats are low-maintenance pets ideal for older adults. They provide comfort without the need for frequent walks. Their purring may also promote healing. Frequencies between 25 and 150 Hz—similar to a cat's purr—are used in physical therapy to help bones and tissues heal. Feeding your cat a balanced diet is essential to maintaining its health. Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they need animal-based proteins to thrive. A good cat diet includes: High-quality proteins (like chicken, fish, or beef) Essential amino acids such as taurine Fatty acids for a shiny coat Proper hydration, either from wet food or clean water Cats are prone to specific health issues like urinary tract infections, dental disease, obesity, and kidney problems. Regular veterinary visits, vaccinations, and parasite control are crucial for keeping your cat healthy. Spaying and neutering are also recommended for population control and to prevent certain types of cancers and behavioral problems. The debate over keeping cats indoors or allowing them to roam outdoors is ongoing. Each option has pros and cons: Indoor Cats: Safer from traffic, predators, and diseases Less likely to get lost or injured Typically live longer lives Outdoor Cats: More mental stimulation and physical activity Can express natural hunting behavior However, outdoor cats may face hazards and contribute to wildlife population decline. Many experts recommend supervised outdoor time using leashes or enclosed 'catios' (cat patios). Cats need mental and physical stimulation. Bored cats can become destructive, depressed, or overweight. Play mimics their natural hunting behaviors and strengthens their bond with you. Toys cats love: Feather wands Laser pointers (used safely) Puzzle feeders Toy mice and balls Cardboard boxes and paper bags Scratching posts, climbing trees, and window perches are excellent additions to a cat-friendly home. Rotate toys regularly to keep your cat engaged. Cats have long held a place in culture, literature, and digital media. From the mysterious Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland to internet sensations like Grumpy Cat and Nyan Cat, cats have inspired humans for generations. They symbolize independence, mystery, and elegance. In some cultures, cats are believed to bring good fortune, such as the Japanese 'Maneki-neko' or 'beckoning cat' figurine. In movies and cartoons, iconic characters like Garfield, Tom (from Tom and Jerry), and Puss in Boots have become household names, showing the enduring popularity of cats in entertainment. Many myths surround cats, some harmless and others harmful: 'Cats always land on their feet': While they have a righting reflex, they can still be injured in high falls. While they have a righting reflex, they can still be injured in high falls. 'Cats are cold and unaffectionate': Cats show love differently than dogs. Slow blinking, rubbing against you, or following you are all signs of affection. Cats show love differently than dogs. Slow blinking, rubbing against you, or following you are all signs of affection. 'Milk is good for cats': Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause digestive issues. Most adult cats are lactose intolerant. Milk can cause digestive issues. 'Cats steal babies' breath': An old wives' tale—cats may cuddle with infants for warmth, but they don't steal breath. Dispelling such myths is important for better cat care and understanding. Adopting a cat is a long-term commitment. Cats can live up to 15–20 years. When adopting: Consider adopting from shelters or rescues to save a life. Choose a cat that suits your lifestyle—some breeds are more active or vocal than others. Prepare your home with essentials: litter box, food, bowls, bedding, and toys. Cats may take time to adjust to new environments. Be patient, gentle, and respectful of their boundaries. The trust you earn from a cat is deeply rewarding. Conclusion: Cats are remarkable creatures—elegant, intelligent, and deeply connected to humans in ways that stretch back millennia. Whether curled up on your lap or perched on a windowsill observing the world, cats enrich our lives in countless ways. Understanding their behavior, needs, and history allows us to be better caretakers and companions. By adopting and caring for cats responsibly, we not only improve their lives but our own. As the saying goes, 'Time spent with cats is never wasted.' For cat lovers around the globe, this couldn't be truer. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Al-Ahram Weekly
6 hours ago
- Business
- Al-Ahram Weekly
‘The Africa we want is not just a dream' - Egypt - Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty last week toured six African countries, namely Chad, Nigeria, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Senegal, on a trip that saw important discussions with the local authorities on the part of the Egyptian business delegation that accompanied him. According to Ramadan Kurani, an expert in African affairs, this was a strategic trip for three main reasons. First, it defied allegations that Egypt's foreign policy is focused on certain regions in Africa, namely the Nile Basin, East Africa, and Southern Africa. Abdelatty's tour to West Africa, together with the visits of senior officials from Egypt and these countries during the past year, proved Egypt's willingness to boost its relations with all five regions of the continent, North Africa, West Africa, Central Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa, he said. A second reason is the fact that West Africa is intertwined with the Sahel and Sahara, an area facing security challenges, given that both the Islamic State (IS) group and Al-Qaeda are actively present there. 'The stability of this area is directly linked to Egypt's national security,' Kurani said. Thirdly, the choice of countries included Nigeria, one of the most important economic and political powers in West Africa, Senegal, which has deep cultural and economic ties with the other West African countries, and the three Sahel states of Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, which are facing growing challenges in the fight against terrorism. Chad, along with Egypt, is working on establishing a road network that will link the two countries together with Libya. The two countries are cooperating on the economic and security levels to combat terrorism in the Sahel and Sahara. Egypt and Chad host the largest number of Sudanese refugees from the conflict in Sudan. Abdelatty delivered a written message from President Abdel-Fattah Al-Sisi to the heads of state he visited, reaffirming Egypt's close relations with each and with the continent as a whole. On the economic level, 30 business leaders and representatives of Egyptian companies accompanied Abdelatty on his tour. Kurani noted that this was new in Egypt's diplomacy with the African countries. He explained that while historical and cultural relations between Egypt and the African states are rich, this has not always been reflected in economic cooperation. 'The African states can benefit from cooperation with Egypt in infrastructure, energy, medicine, and education. This is win-win cooperation as the Egyptian economy would also benefit,' Kurani said. The African states, he added, have taken positive steps to attract foreign investors. The economic delegation that accompanied Abdelatty's tour had explored opportunities for Egyptian investors to enter the markets of these states, he said. He said that one of the factors that will make Egyptian investment welcome in these countries is the fact that Egypt does not have a history of occupation of any African state. 'The activation of economic diplomacy goes hand in hand with political diplomacy, which will benefit Egypt as well as the African states,' Kurani said. On the societal level, Kurani explained, the six countries included in the tour can be described as Western Islamic states or part of the Western Islamic belt of Africa. Egypt's cultural relations with these countries are strong and boosting these and enhancing Egypt's soft power there is important, he said. The community of Egyptian expats, businesses, and Al-Azhar scholars can play an influential role in enhancing ties. 'When the Arab Contractors Company, for instance, initiates a project in an African state, it usually establishes a health centre, a mosque, or an education centre as well. After completing the project, they leave these establishments as a gift to the state,' he said. Egypt's investment in these countries amounts to $2 billion, 'but our soft power also guarantees an effective Egyptian presence in these countries,' Kurani noted. The Egyptian Agency of Partnership for Development (EAPD) is very active in most of these countries. It supports Africa's developmental aspirations through capacity-building assistance, the transfer of knowledge, skills, and expertise, and the promotion of the creative industries. Meanwhile, Kurani said that Egypt will no longer be deceived by statements on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) being built on the Upper Nile by Ethiopia. 'Today, the GERD is complete. The main issue now is not the dam itself, but the technicalities of its future operation,' he said. If Ethiopia wants a genuine solution to differences on the dam, it must have the political will to enter negotiations. There should also be legally binding regulations for all the involved parties. US President Donald Trump's statements last week aimed to affect Egypt's position on other important issues, namely Gaza and the displacement of the Palestinians, a move which Egypt has repeatedly and categorically rejected. His statements aimed at either acknowledging the righteousness of Egypt's stand on the GERD, Kurani said, or were an attempt to convince the world that he deserves a Nobel Prize. He added that Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed had been provocative when he invited both Egypt and Sudan to the inauguration of the GERD in September. 'The inauguration is part of a political propaganda campaign by the Prosperity Party, Ahmed's ruling party, that uses the dam as a political project to distract attention from internal and border problems.' However, Kurani expressed optimism that the restart of the negotiations may bear fruit, noting that the present negotiating environment is different from that of 2019-2020. The internal problems Ethiopia faces today, together with recent developments in Sudan, may pave the way for better outcomes, he said. 'I am not saying that we will easily get concessions from Ethiopia, but the current environment will help maintain Egypt's water security. The positive point is that Ethiopia or any other African state will think twice before causing any harm to Egypt's water security,' he said. Regarding Egypt's role in promoting the Agenda 2063 aimed at achieving an integrated, prosperous, and peaceful Africa driven by its citizens, Kurani noted that Egypt has, since 2014, worked to boost its diplomacy across Africa. Studies show that 30 per cent of President Al-Sisi's external tours have been to African states. During Al-Sisi's address to the African Union's (AU) Seventh Mid-Year Coordination Meeting held in Malabo, Equatorial Guinea, earlier this month, he called on all African countries to work collectively to overcome challenges, stating that 'the Africa we want is not a dream but a near reality.' 'Such a slogan is very important for political, cultural, and strategic détente among the African states,' Kurani said. Agenda 2063 has various targets, mainly the integration and development of the continent. With that in mind, Egypt is working on multiple areas, including improving infrastructure across the African states and establishing a free-trade zone. It is advancing these goals through two important centres: the Cairo International Centre for Conflict Resolution, Peacekeeping, and Peacebuilding and the African Union Sahel and Sahara Counter-Terrorism Centre. These centres, together with the EAPD, play key roles in supporting development according to the Agenda 2063 framework. * A version of this article appears in print in the 6 August, 2025 edition of Al-Ahram Weekly Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
