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The Star
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Star
Congo army and rebels trade blame over clashes, troop buildup
FILE PHOTO: Members of the M23 rebel group ride on a pickup truck as they leave their position for patrols amid conflict between them and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer//File Photo KINSHASA (Reuters) -Congo's army on Tuesday accused Rwanda-backed rebels of carrying out multiple attacks in eastern Congo which it said violated agreements signed in Washington and Doha, and warned it reserved the right to respond to provocations. The army statement came a day after the rebel group, known as M23, accused Congolese forces of mobilising more troops and violating the terms of a declaration of principles signed on July 19 in Doha voicing support for a permanent ceasefire. The conflicting statements came as peace talks scheduled to resume in Doha last week have been delayed. In the declaration of principles, Congo and M23 pledged to begin talks by August 8 and aim for a final deal by August 18. Neither side currently has delegations in Doha. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa said last week that the rebels had not received an invitation to the talks. Another rebel leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the group would not go to Doha "until Kinshasa begins to respect the declaration of principles, which provides for the release of our detained members". The statement on Tuesday from Congo's army said M23 was perpetrating almost daily attacks on its positions. The earlier M23 statement said Congo's army had carried out significant troop movements and military equipment deployments in six different locations. The Qatar-hosted talks were intended to run parallel to a mediation effort by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration involving Congo and Rwanda. Washington hopes the diplomatic push will produce a sustainable peace and attract billions of dollars of Western investment to a region rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium. M23 rebels seized eastern Congo's largest city Goma in January as part of a rapid advance that has given them control of more territory than ever before. Rwanda, which has long denied helping M23, says its forces act in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. (Reporting Congo newsroom; Writing by by Ayen Deng Bior; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Ed Osmond)
Straits Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Congo army and rebels trade blame over clashes, troop buildup
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: Members of the M23 rebel group ride on a pickup truck as they leave their position for patrols amid conflict between them and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), in Goma, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, January 29, 2025. REUTERS/Stringer//File Photo KINSHASA - Congo's army on Tuesday accused Rwanda-backed rebels of carrying out multiple attacks in eastern Congo which it said violated agreements signed in Washington and Doha, and warned it reserved the right to respond to provocations. The army statement came a day after the rebel group, known as M23, accused Congolese forces of mobilising more troops and violating the terms of a declaration of principles signed on July 19 in Doha voicing support for a permanent ceasefire. The conflicting statements came as peace talks scheduled to resume in Doha last week have been delayed. In the declaration of principles, Congo and M23 pledged to begin talks by August 8 and aim for a final deal by August 18. Neither side currently has delegations in Doha. M23 leader Bertrand Bisimwa said last week that the rebels had not received an invitation to the talks. Another rebel leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Reuters the group would not go to Doha "until Kinshasa begins to respect the declaration of principles, which provides for the release of our detained members". The statement on Tuesday from Congo's army said M23 was perpetrating almost daily attacks on its positions. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Singapore Luxury items seized in $3b money laundering case handed over to Deloitte for liquidation Singapore MyRepublic customers air concerns over broadband speed after sale to StarHub Singapore Power switchboard failure led to disruption in NEL, Sengkang-Punggol LRT services: SBS Transit Singapore NEL and Sengkang-Punggol LRT resume service after hours-long power fault Business Ninja Van cuts 12% of Singapore workforce after 2 rounds of layoffs in 2024 Singapore Hyflux investigator 'took advantage' of Olivia Lum's inability to recall events: Davinder Singh Singapore Man who stabbed son-in-law to death in Boon Tat Street in 2017 dies of heart attack, says daughter Singapore Man who stalked woman blasted by judge on appeal for asking scandalous questions in court The earlier M23 statement said Congo's army had carried out significant troop movements and military equipment deployments in six different locations. The Qatar-hosted talks were intended to run parallel to a mediation effort by U.S. President Donald Trump's administration involving Congo and Rwanda. Washington hopes the diplomatic push will produce a sustainable peace and attract billions of dollars of Western investment to a region rich in tantalum, gold, cobalt, copper and lithium. M23 rebels seized eastern Congo's largest city Goma in January as part of a rapid advance that has given them control of more territory than ever before. Rwanda, which has long denied helping M23, says its forces act in self-defence against Congo's army and ethnic Hutu militiamen linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide. REUTERS
Al-Ahram Weekly
13-07-2025
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
‘Fire belt' strikes: Israel pounds Beit Hanoun in one of war's heaviest attacks - War on Gaza
Israeli occupation forces launched dozens of simultaneous airstrikes on the northern Gaza city of Beit Hanoun on Sunday, in what WAFA news agency described as one of the most intense 'fire belt' assaults since the war on Gaza began on 7 October 2023. The coordinated strikes lit up the night sky over Beit Hanoun, reducing large parts of the already-devastated city to flames and rubble, as explosions echoed across the northern Gaza Strip. Beit Hanoun—already forcibly evacuated months ago under heavy bombardment—appeared to burn in isolation. Explosions were reportedly heard as far away as Gaza City and in central and southern areas of the Strip. "The Israeli occupation has already reduced Beit Hanoun to rubble over the past few months. Tonight, they set that ruin ablaze with a wave of strikes we've never seen before," said Ahmed Riyad, a member of the Popular Committee in Beit Lahia, just north of Beit Hanoun, speaking to Anadolu Agency. "Flames are rising from every corner of the town. We can see the fires—not just the smoke—from several kilometres away, even from northern Gaza City," he added. 'Everything in the shattered city is flashing. Black smoke almost completely blankets the sky overhead,' Riyad continued. He described the bombardment as so intense that the ground shook in nearby areas. 'Beit Hanoun has effectively been wiped off the map,' he said. 'What remains are piles of debris from destroyed homes and infrastructure.' On Friday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant posted an aerial image of Beit Hanoun, claiming the town had been 'flattened.' The image showed expanses of rubble and the skeletal remains of buildings. It was released amid growing international condemnation of Israel's conduct in Gaza, with increasing allegations of genocide and scorched-earth tactics against civilians and vital infrastructure—acts widely seen as violations of international humanitarian law. Before the war, Beit Hanoun was home to around 60,000 Palestinians, according to municipal figures. The town spans approximately 17,000 dunams (roughly 17 square kilometres). Ceasefire talks falter as offensive threatens to expand Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas remained deadlocked over the weekend, with both sides accusing the other of blocking efforts to halt the 21-month war on Gaza. A Palestinian source familiar with the Qatar-hosted indirect talks told AFP that Israel's insistence on keeping troops in the Strip was holding up a potential 60-day pause in fighting. But a senior Israeli official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, accused Hamas of inflexibility and of deliberately undermining a possible agreement. On Sunday, Israeli political sources said the government could order a renewed ground offensive in central Gaza if talks in Doha collapse. According to Israel's Walla news site, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly leaning toward intensifying military pressure on Hamas by shifting operations southwards—from northern Gaza to the centre of the Strip. The move would reportedly include efforts to push civilians further south and encircle key refugee camps, including Deir al-Balah. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
Leaders
14-05-2025
- Politics
- Leaders
Massacre in Gaza: Israeli Strike on Hospital Targets Hamas Leader
The Israeli military struck Gaza's European Hospital on Tuesday evening, targeting Hamas leader Mohammed Sinwar. A senior Israeli official and two sources confirmed the operation to CNN. Six Palestinians died, and 40 sustained injuries, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. Dr. Saleh Al Hams, the hospital's nursing director, reported multiple airstrikes hit the facility's courtyard, burying victims under rubble. Medical teams scrambled to relocate patients as smoke engulfed the area. Video footage showed massive plumes rising from the site. Hamas Denies Israeli Claims Hamas dismissed Israeli assertions about Sinwar's targeting, stating only its official channels could verify such claims. Meanwhile, Palestinian Islamic Jihad's military wing claimed responsibility for rocket fire toward Israeli towns hours later. The Israeli military intercepted two rockets, while a third struck open land. Mohammed Sinwar ascended as Hamas' de facto leader after his brother Yahya died in an Israeli raid last October. Israeli officials label him a key architect of the October 7 attacks and a military strategist. The Israeli army previously located his Khan Younis office and released footage of him in Gaza tunnels. Cease-Fire Negotiations in Jeopardy The strike occurred days before Qatar-hosted talks involving U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff. Analysts suggest targeting Sinwar complicates hostage negotiations, as Hamas views him as vital to any deal. Former U.S. Ambassador Dan Shapiro noted his removal might accelerate hostage releases but warned confirmation could take weeks. Yahya Sinwar, freed in the 2011 Gilad Shalit exchange, led Hamas until his death. Mohammed, his brother, allegedly orchestrated Shalit's kidnapping. Both evaded capture for months, with Yahya ultimately killed in a Rafah firefight. Short link : Post Views: 26
Irish Independent
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Independent
David Beckham at 50 – despite the scandals, nothing can tarnish his reputation
That famous biker? Not some twentysomething Gen Z star, but former England footballer David Beckham, who celebrated his 50th birthday yesterday. It's testament to Beckham's extraordinary career longevity and unusual international reach, not to mention the fact that his brand is seemingly Teflon. Despite some major reputational blows, from the 1998 World Cup sending off and Rebecca Loos's 2004 claims of an extramarital affair to controversy over the Qatar-hosted 2022 World Cup, Beckham is entering his golden years more professionally successful and adored than ever. A video posted by his wife Victoria on Thursday night showed the pair dancing together apparently without a care in the world − and it's easy to see why. Last year Beckham's holding company, DRJB Holdings, approved $124million (€109m) of dividend payouts, with Beckham entitled to $35m (€30m). He's also the co-owner of Inter Miami football club and his business empire includes production company Studio 99, which made the 2023 Netflix documentary Beckham. Not bad for a man who was once ridiculed as the quintessential dumb footballer. Former teammate and close friend Gary Neville thinks that media circus around the Beckhams obscured their work ethic and ambition. 'When you've got a Spice Girl and the England captain getting together, the paparazzi and tabloid element made them look unserious. Actually, they're both incredibly driven,' he said. Looking back, Beckham's zeal for building a career beyond English football was always evident, Neville said, even if many questioned his decisions at the time. 'I was disappointed on a personal level when he left Manchester United, but he would never have the global appeal he has today without playing for Real Madrid and LA Galaxy,' he added. Yet the Beckham journey might have come to a crashing halt in 1998. After being fouled by Argentina player Diego Simeone in a crucial World Cup match, Beckham petulantly kicked Simeone while he was lying on the ground, and received a red card; England then lost on penalties. The response was London pub even hanged an effigy. Speaking in the Netflix documentary, Beckham, who was just 23 at the time of the incicent, recalled: 'The whole country hated me.' Beckham had not actually seen the effigy before revisiting this nightmare in the documentary, explains Nicola Howson, co-founder with Beckham of Studio 99. 'He'd heard about it of course, but this was all before social media. I was in the room when [director] Fisher Stevens showed him that footage for the first time and I watched how it affected him,' she said. Neville added: 'I always felt the scrutiny around David was disproportionate. He was public enemy number one − booed at every ground. But I look back on that moment as something that informed his character and built his resilience. David has incredibly thick skin. You can't be at that level and not expect criticism. You never hear him whingeing about it.' Beckham was able to put that particular crisis behind him simply by continuing to play, and play brilliantly, even if suspicions lingered that his activities off the pitch were a distraction. But perhaps that was an old-fashioned attitude. Now, we mostly accept that leading athletes all cash in with numerous side hustles. Howson explained that 'the big American sports stars were [Beckham's] heroes growing up, particularly Michael Jordan. American athletes were ahead of the game the way they built their commercial brands and businesses and he always found that inspiring.' A key part of Beckham's success was making it big in the States. Paddy Harverson, who was Manchester United's director of communications from 2000 to 2004, said: 'When I first met him as a young footballer he clearly had a very strong idea of his own persona and how he projected himself. 'He cracked America because he's self-evidently committed to his football. Going to LA Galaxy, he didn't just treat it as a pre-retirement gig. Now he's playing a huge part in the growth of the league in the States.' Yet despite his wealth and status, the public still seems to have great affection for the boy-next-door version of Beckham. Richardson put that down to him and Victoria 'mastering the high-low balance. You see him partying with Tom Cruise, then eating at the local pie and mash shop.' Richardson said that Beckham's marriage to Victoria is a fairy tale 'that we all want to believe in. It's the classic sort of captain of the football team and head cheerleader match-up. They could be the hot couple in a romance novel. Weirdly they're both aspirational and underdogs, because they've had a lot of stick. But either they're really good at acting or they've proven that it's a true love match'. However, this apparently solid union, and Beckham's image as a devoted family man, was called into question in 2004 when his former personal assistant Rebecca Loos claimed that they had had a four-month affair. Beckham denied the allegations, calling them 'ludicrous', but that didn't stop the tabloid feeding frenzy. Yet Loos's version of events didn't hurt Beckham's status − she told Kay Burley on Sky One that he was an 'amazing lover' − and once again he and Victoria survived a scandal by simply outlasting it. The couple have now been married almost 26 years, and have effectively balanced their separate and joint brands. 'I can't think of any other couple in the public eye who have achieved things in their own right and yet have also maintained this very strong double act,' Harverson said. That close-knit relationship was well showcased in the Beckham documentary, Richardson said. 'They've harnessed all these different tools over the years, from pioneering the magazine wedding deal with OK! to recognising the power of a Netflix doc and becoming massive on Instagram. 'They understand the dynamic of social media − they give us just enough access, and they take the piss out of each other. 2They saw how that funny exchange in the doc, where Victoria says she's working class and David goes 'Be honest', was going viral and they leaned into it. Victoria had a T-shirt made [reading 'My dad had a Rolls-Royce'], and they re-created the moment for an Uber Eats Super Bowl commercial. They're disciplined with their brand, but they can be in on the joke.' However, being a major cultural figure, rather than just a sporting one, can be tricky to navigate. Arguably, Beckham's biggest misstep was not anticipating the backlash that would come from him becoming brand ambassador for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar − a nation with a grim record on LGBTQ+ rights. That was in stark contrast to him posing for the cover of Attitude magazine back in 2002 and saying he was honoured to be called a gay icon. Comedian Joe Lycett released a video offering £10,000 to charity if Beckham pulled out of the deal, otherwise he would shred the money in protest. Richardson said Beckham's Qatar endorsement was 'incredibly tone-deaf'. However, Neville pointed out that Beckham had been playing 'at Paris Saint-Germain for a while and he knew and respected the owners [Qatar Sports Investments], and I'd been going to the Middle East for 25 years and had never had to apologise for it before then. Because it was the World Cup, it became this huge magnet for criticism.' Ultimately, it became another example of Beckham riding out the storm. The next generation of Beckhams − sons Brooklyn (26), Romeo (22) and Cruz (20), and daughter Harper (13) − have yet to make their mark. In 2017 Brooklyn's inane photography book was soundly mocked, and he hasn't fared much better as a so-called chef. Perhaps Beckham hasn't been overtaken by younger stars because he embraces his celebrity. 'I find celebrities who moan about the attention really annoying. David is prepared to play the game,' Richardson said. Going from hero to villain and back again, at 50 Beckham isn't just playing the game − he's the champion.
