Latest news with #RanaAtef
See - Sada Elbalad
8 hours ago
- Health
- See - Sada Elbalad
France to Ban Smoking in Parks, Beaches, and School Starting from July
Rana Atef The French Minister of Health and Family, Catherine Fautrier, announced that public places such as beaches, parks, and gardens, in addition to areas near schools, bus stations, and sports facilities, will become smoke-free starting July 1st. In statements reported by Politico Europe, the minister said: "Wherever children are present, tobacco should be absent." She added that "freedom to smoke ends where the right of children to breathe clean air begins". The fine for smoking in these areas will reach 135 euros. Smoking will still be permitted on café terraces, and electronic cigarettes will be exempt from the new ban. Some municipalities had previously implemented local laws prohibiting smoking in public places, but the new regulations will be enforced nationwide starting July. A decision has not yet been made regarding the ban on selling cigarettes to individuals under the age of 18, but Fautrier stated that "nothing is excluded for the future". When asked about the possibility of increasing tobacco taxes, Fautrier confirmed that no new tax increases are planned at the moment. The minister also pointed out that nicotine levels and the number of flavors available in electronic cigarettes are expected to be reduced by the end of the first half of 2026, adding that scientific and technical opinions are needed to determine the details. This move is part of France's national anti-tobacco program for the 2023-2027 period, which is also aligned with the European Commission's cancer prevention plan. The plan aims to achieve a "tobacco-free generation" by 2040, meaning that less than 5% of the population will use tobacco. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
See - Sada Elbalad
8 hours ago
- Sport
- See - Sada Elbalad
2025 UEFA Champions League Final: PSG to Face Inter Milan Tonight
Rana Atef Tonight, the Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany, will host an eagerly awaited showdown between Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) and Inter Milan for the 2025 UEFA Champions League title. The match is scheduled to kick off at 10:00 PM Cairo time, a clash eagerly anticipated by the fans of both teams, as they vie for the coveted Champions League trophy this season, following their impressive victories over Europe's top clubs. Paris Saint-Germain secured their spot in the final after defeating Arsenal 2-1 in the second leg of the semifinals, advancing with a 3-1 aggregate score after winning the first leg 1-0 in London. Inter Milan made it to the final by edging out Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate. Their first-leg semifinal at the Montjuïc Stadium ended in a 3-3 draw, and they won 4-3 in Italy. Paris Saint-Germain, under the leadership of Spanish manager Luis Enrique, are aiming for a historic victory, seeking to claim their first-ever Champions League title. Despite a strong performance in recent years, the French club has never lifted the trophy. This marks PSG's second appearance in a Champions League final, having previously reached the 2019-2020 final, where they lost to Bayern Munich. On the other hand, Inter Milan, led by Italian coach Simone Inzaghi, is aiming to win the European title to compensate for their domestic failure after losing the Serie A title to Napoli. They also seek to bring Inter Milan's fourth Champions League title to the club. Inter has won the prestigious tournament three times before: in 1964 and 1965, and most recently in 2010 under the management of José Mourinho. read more Japan Stun Spain 2-1 to Qualify for World Cup Last 16 World Cup 2022: Get to Know Confirmed Line-ups of Japan and Spain Group E Decider Saudi Arabia Bid Farewell to World Cup after 2-1 Loss to Mexico Tunisia Achieve Historic Win over France but Fail to Qualify Tunisia to Clash against France in World Cup Sports Get to Know Squad of Group D Teams in World Cup Sports Al Ahly Gift EGP 70,000 to Players After Claiming Egyptian Super Cup Title Sports Bencharki Hits First 2 Goals with Al Jazira Since Leaving Zamalek Sports Arsenal Possible Line-up for Nottingham Forest News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
See - Sada Elbalad
9 hours ago
- General
- See - Sada Elbalad
All You Need to Know about St. Catherine Monastery: History, Court Ruling, Official Response
Rana Atef In recent hours, Saint Catherine's Monastery has drawn global attention following a court ruling concerning the ownership of its surrounding lands. There is no doubt that the monastery holds a special place in the hearts of Egyptians, not only for its profound historical and religious significance but also as a symbol of national heritage. Located in Sinai, the monastery continues to be a major destination for both religious and cultural tourism. History Saint Catherine's Monastery, whose official name is the 'Sacred Monastery of the God-Trodden Mount Sinai," was built by the order of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in 548–565 AD in order to house the monks that had been living in the Sinai Peninsula since the 4th century AD. The name of the monastery came after the Saint Catherine of Alexandria was martyred in the early 4th century AD. The monastery carries her name because its monks discovered her body on nearby Mount Saint Catherine in the 9th century AD, where it had been deposited by angels after her martyrdom. The monastery encompasses multiple structures, the most important of which is the Church of the Transfiguration of Christ the Savior, which itself contains nine smaller churches. One of these is the Church of the Burning Bush, from which God had spoken to the prophet Moses. Saint Catherine's Monastery also includes ten other churches, the monks' accommodations, a refectory, an olive press, ossuaries, a Fatimid mosque from the 12th century AD, and a library that boasts rare books and 6,000 manuscripts. The monastery's library, established between 527 and 565, is recognized by the Guinness World Records as the oldest continuously operating library in the world. It holds the second-largest collection of early manuscripts and texts in the world, surpassed only by the Vatican Library. Lagal Dispute The legal dispute began in 2015. Two days ago, the Ismailia Court of Appeals issued its ruling regarding the disputed lands in South Sinai, affirming the right of those affiliated with Saint Catherine's Monastery to utilize the monastery and its religious heritage sites, while maintaining state ownership of these locations as public property. The court ruled that the contracts between the local authority and the monastery regarding certain utilized lands must be respected, denying any encroachment. It also confirmed that the remaining disputed lands are natural reserves and public property of the state, which cannot be sold or acquired through prescription, and no contracts have been signed concerning them. What Does the Ruling Mean? Abdel Rahim Rihan, a member of the "History and Antiquities Committee" at the Supreme Council of Culture, told Asharq Al-Awsat that "there is absolutely no crisis regarding the court ruling; on the contrary, it is a victory for the value of antiquities and their preservation, and a triumph for us as Egyptian archaeologists. The ruling confirmed that the monastery and its associated lands fall under the Antiquities Law and are overseen by the Supreme Council of Antiquities. The monastery's residents have the right to use the land, but ownership remains with the state, as these are religious archaeological sites administratively affiliated with the Greek Church yet registered as part of Egypt's world heritage, owned by the Egyptian state". Rihan added that 'this refutes any claims that authorities will evacuate the monastery for development projects. Such actions are not possible with a registered heritage site.' He further explained that 'the ruling also clarified that there are remote lands far from the monastery for which the monks possess no ownership or usufruct contracts. The court ruled these lands fall under the jurisdiction of the nature reserves in South Sinai. Therefore, if authorities wish to do anything with them, they must obtain approval from the Nature Reserves Authority and the Ministry of Environment. In any case, these areas are completely distant from the archaeological zones and the monastery itself.' He stressed that 'However, both history and the court ruling confirm that this land is owned by the Egyptian state, with its protection guaranteed as a registered heritage site.' In addition, Egyptian Member of Parliament Ehab Ramzy, who was among the lawyers who represented the monastery earlier, told CNN Arabic that the recent court ruling regarding the conflict between the monastery and South Sinai Governorate has effectively ended a years-long legal battle. The court affirmed the monastery's right to use the land. He added to CNN Arabic that the court confirmed the monastery's lands are archaeological sites registered on UNESCO's World Heritage List, meaning they cannot be privately owned, but can be lawfully used, a position that aligns with both Egyptian and international law. He continued that the ruling has reinforced the legal and religious status of the monastery and has permanently closed the door on the dispute. Official Response On Thursday, the Egyptian Presidency reaffirmed its full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery, stressing that this status will not be compromised in any way, as it is an integral part of both Egypt's and the world's religious and spiritual heritage. Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that the recent court ruling represents a legal reinforcement of the monastery's distinguished status. He added that the ruling aligns with what President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized during his official visit to Athens on May 7, where he underlined the importance of safeguarding shared religious and historical heritage. The presidency also highlighted the deep-rooted, fraternal relations between Egypt and Greece, emphasizing the need to maintain and strengthen these ties in the interest of both nations, while reiterating that these historic bonds must remain untouched. After a few hours, in response to a query from the Middle East News Agency regarding the court ruling issued on May 28 concerning the lands surrounding Saint Catherine's Monastery, and the rumors circulating about the confiscation of the monastery and its affiliated lands, the official spokesperson for Egypt's Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that such claims are entirely unfounded. A full review of the court ruling reveals the following key points: 1. No Threat to the Monastery or Its Sacred Status The spokesperson emphasized that there is absolutely no infringement on Saint Catherine's Monastery, its affiliated archaeological sites, its spiritual value, or its religious cemeteries. In fact, this court decision marks the first legal codification of the monastery's status and a reaffirmation of the preservation of its sacred position. 2. Continued Usufruct Rights for the Monks While some additional sites fall within natural reserves and have contracts signed with local authorities, the court recognized the monastery's spiritual and religious importance, and therefore upheld the right of the monks to continue using the religious and archaeological areas. 3. Remote State Lands Confirmed The court ruling also identified some remote and uninhabited areas within natural reserves, far from the monastery, for which no documents of ownership or usufruct were presented. These lands have thus been confirmed as public property of the Egyptian state. The spokesperson stressed the importance of accuracy in reporting and warned against forming premature judgments without reviewing the complete text of the ruling. He also highlighted the need to preserve the deep, historical, and brotherly relations between Egypt and Greece, which stretch back centuries. On Friday, Dr. Badr Abdel Aaty, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Migration, met with European ambassadors in Cairo, where he provided a detailed briefing on the court ruling issued on May 28 regarding the lands surrounding Saint Catherine's Monastery. Abdel Aaty emphasized that the court ruling explicitly confirmed that there would be no infringement upon Saint Catherine's Monastery, its affiliated archaeological sites, spiritual significance, religious status, or monastic cemeteries. He noted that this is the first time a court ruling formally preserves the legal and sacred status of the monastery. He also referred to a phone call held earlier that day between President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, during which the President reaffirmed Egypt's full commitment to safeguarding the unique and sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery, with no compromise on that position. The Foreign Minister added that the ruling not only protects the monastery's religious and spiritual value but also ensures the continued right of the monks to use the monastery and the surrounding religious and archaeological areas. Abdel Aaty pointed out that efforts will be made to reach an agreement to settle the status of certain lands between local authorities and the monastery. He also stressed the need for accurate reporting and avoiding premature or misleading interpretations, especially in light of false rumors about the confiscation of the monastery and its lands. He reiterated the strategic importance of Egyptian-Greek relations, which are grounded in centuries of deep-rooted historical and fraternal ties. On Friday, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt's full commitment to preserving the unique and sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery and stressed that this status would not be altered in any way. The recent court ruling further solidifies this position, aligning with Egypt's long-standing dedication to safeguarding religious and ecclesiastical sites, as well as affirming the monastery's cultural, spiritual, and religious significance. Presidential Spokesman Ambassador Mohamed El-Shenawy stated that during a phone call with Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, President El-Sisi emphasized the strong momentum in Egypt-Greece relations, underscoring the mutual commitment to further enhancing the strategic partnership between the two countries in various fields, in line with their historical ties and to the benefit of both nations' peoples. The Presidency had earlier reiterated its unwavering commitment to preserving the sacred religious status of Saint Catherine's Monastery, emphasizing that this status will not be compromised in any way, as it is an inseparable part of Egypt's and the world's religious and spiritual heritage. Ambassador El-Shenawy also highlighted that the recent court ruling legally affirms the monastery's distinguished position and aligns with President El-Sisi's remarks during his official visit to Athens on May 7, where the President emphasized the importance of preserving shared religious and historical heritage. The Presidency underscored the importance of the close and brotherly ties between Egypt and Greece, calling for the preservation and enhancement of these historic relations to serve the mutual interests of both nations while reiterating that these long-standing bonds must remain untouched. read more 2 Most Inspirational Green Projects in Egypt AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT to Strive over Viewership Tonight Egypt Marks 70th Anniv. of 2011 Revolution, National Police Day In Depth: WWE NXT Halloween Havoc In Depth: AEW Dynamite, WWE NXT Tuesday Viewership Strive Videos & Features WATCH: Egyptians Break Ramadan Fasts in Matariya Videos & Features GrEEk Campus Hosts Jobzella Fifth Career Fair Videos & Features 3 Iconic Ramadan Songs of All Times Videos & Features Top 4 Destinations to Visit in Upper Egypt News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
See - Sada Elbalad
10 hours ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Fire on Seoul Metro Line 5, Injuring 15 & Halting Services
Rana Atef On Saturday, a fire broke out on a train on Seoul's Metro Line 5 in Seoul, South Korea, around 8:47 am local time. Fifteen passengers were taken to the hospital, according to local media reports. According to police and eyewitnesses, a man believed to be in his 60s or 70s was carrying a torch and a fuel canister and set the fire between Yeouinaru and Mapo stations. Police arrested the suspect, according to Yonhap News Agency. All passengers were evacuated from the train, the fire was extinguished on-site, and Seoul Metro authorities announced the suspension of subway services between Yeouido and Aeogae stations due to the incident. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Cypriot FM Discusses Latest Developments Regarding St. Catherine Monastery with Egypt & Greek Counterparts
Rana Atef On Friday, Cypriot Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos discussed the latest developments concerning Saint Catherine's Monastery with his Egyptian Counterpart Badr Abdel Atti, and Greek Counterpart Giorgos Gerapetritis. The Cypriot minister posted on X:'Spoke with my Egyptian and Greek counterparts concerning Saint Catherine's Monastery on Mount Sinai.' He added: 'There is undebatable acknowledgement by all on the necessity to preserve the status of the Monastery. I will remain in contact with my two counterparts in the coming days.' read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks
