Latest news with #Taher
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
IDF probe: 12 foreign workers rescued in Mefalsim battle, IAF stopped larger invasion on Oct. 7
An IDF probe found that 12 foreign workers were rescued in the battle near Mefalsim, where the air force played a significant role; 16 people were killed. The IDF on Tuesday issued its October 7 probe for Kibbutz Mefalsim and the nearby Black Arrow monument area, noting that 13 members of security forces were killed, while other reports have shown that three members of the kibbutz were killed elsewhere. 13 persons were also kidnapped from the area, including some security forces. Among the 13 security forces killed by over 200 Hamas invaders were six from the IDF, six from the elite police Yamam (Counterterrorism) Unit, and one Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) fighter, Yossi Taher. Mefalsim had a population of around 1,050 before the war, and besides the battle there, 77 civilians were killed in a separate battle around Junction 232, on which the IDF will issue a separate probe at a later date. However, compared to other locations in terms of civilians, Mefalsim fared better due to help from security forces and its five local volunteer security teams early on. Most deaths also occurred in exchanges of fire between Israeli security forces and Hamas in the nearby environs. The main battle sites were the Sha'ar Hanegev junction, the kibbutz itself, and the junction near the kibbutz along with the Black Arrow monument area. The fighting at Sha'ar Hanegev junction lasted mainly from 6:30 a.m. until 8:45 a.m., with some continuing until around 11:00 a.m. Hamas invaders came into the area in three waves, first with 30 terrorists, then 50, and then 80. Taher and all six Yamam fighters fell during these battles. IDF soldier Ziv Dado was kidnapped and killed during one of the exchanges of fire, and his body was returned to Israel in a special operation in December 2023. Regarding Mefalsim itself, 30 terrorists penetrated inside around 8 a.m. and initially took 12 foreign workers hostage, but then Yamam and Shin Bet fighters managed to free them before they were taken to Gaza. By around 10:20 a.m., Israeli forces had operational control of the kibbutz. However, around 8:30 p.m., a Shayetet 13 soldier mistakenly opened fire on Israeli civilians in an approaching vehicle, wounding but not killing the civilians. Like in most IDF probes, the investigation did not indicate any disciplinary measure against the soldier for mistakenly shooting civilians. In the third area of battle, the Mefalsim junction, around Route 232, and the Black Arrow monument area, there was significant fighting from 6:30 a.m. until around 4 p.m. Security forces included a large mix of groups, among which were Maglan special forces and Battalion 931, who took losses and arrived early as reinforcements along with Yahalom fighters. Around 11:20 a.m., dozens of additional Gazan invaders tried to approach the area in around 10 vehicles. However, air force assets struck the area repeatedly, blocking their advance. This was one of the few examples where the Air Force was directly impactful on a specific battle near the Gaza border, as opposed to being helpful with the general situation. Generally, the air force didn't help in specific battles before 10:30 a.m. – four hours into the invasion – since either their forces were not in the area or their pilots were afraid to hit Israeli civilians. Only at 10:30 a.m. did Air Force Commander Maj.-Gen. Tomer Bar give blanket permission to pummel anyone moving across the Gaza border, which helped break further waves of invaders. Besides that, there were a few specific battles in which helicopters helped defend Israeli towns, but the efforts were short, poorly coordinated, and also plagued by concerns of hitting civilians. After most of the fighting was over, Gazan invaders also attempted three ambushes between October 8-10, with two wounding or leading to the deaths of multiple security forces and one on October 10 failing. Besides that, there were a few specific battles where helicopters helped defend Israeli towns, but the efforts were short, poorly coordinated, and also plagued by concerns of hitting civilians. After most of the fighting was over, Gaza invaders also attempted three ambushes between October 8-10, with two succeeding and leading to the deaths or wounding of multiple security forces, and one on October 10 failing.
Zawya
02-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
CCS technologies gaining ground, but policy and cost barriers remain
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies are gaining attention as governments and industries seek to reduce emissions in sectors where electrification remains limited, according to Faysal Taher, Partner and Associate Director at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). Taher noted that several CCS technologies are currently being deployed, including post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture suited for gasification, and emerging approaches like Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS). 'Post-combustion capture uses amine-based solvents to strip CO2 from flue gases - ideal for retrofitting existing facilities,' explained Taher. 'Pre-combustion capture technology is also promising, converting fuel into hydrogen and CO2 before combustion, making it particularly effective in gasification plants. DAC, which captures CO2 directly from the atmosphere, presents significant opportunities for negative emissions, while BECCS) combines biomass energy production with CO2 capture, offering a dual benefit of clean energy generation and carbon sequestration. 'These technologies are not just theoretical but are already laying the groundwork for a lower-carbon future,' Taher said. According to the BCG executive, several large-scale CCS projects demonstrate the feasibility and impact of carbon capture technologies on a global scale. The Sleipner project in Norway, which has been operational since 1996, is a pioneer, storing approximately 1 million tonnes of CO2 annually beneath the North Sea. In Australia, the Gorgon Project stands out for its ambitious target of capturing 4 million tonnes of CO2 per year, showcasing how CCS can be integrated into natural gas processing. In the Middle East, the first commercial CCS initiative in the UAE captures 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually from steel production. 'These projects provide a blueprint for future deployments, demonstrating how strong policy support, industry expertise, and innovative technologies can come together to achieve significant emissions reductions,' he said. He acknowledged that while carbon capture methods are advancing, high costs, infrastructure gaps, and policy uncertainty continue to hinder large-scale deployment. Excerpts from the interview: Why has CCS been slow to scale despite the increasing need for emissions reductions? Despite the need for emissions reductions, CCS technologies face implementation hurdles such as high costs, infrastructure limitations, and policy uncertainties. High CAPEX and OPEX costs, along with efficiency losses, pose financial challenges, making CCS a less immediately viable approach when compared to other decarbonisation options. Infrastructure gaps in CO2 transport and storage further limit scalability, while policy uncertainties and inadequate pricing mechanisms challenge project viability, highlighting the need for stronger and more consistent measures to support CCS investment. Do you believe government incentives and policies are sufficient to drive CCS adoption at scale? What role do you see for private investment in CCS? Current incentives are not yet sufficient to support the large-scale adoption of CCS. While there is growing political and regulatory commitment to decarbonisation, carbon pricing and tax credits are strengthening to create a stable and attractive market for CCS projects. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) play a key role in bridging this gap, enabling governments to de-risk investments while the private sector drives innovation. Emerging revenue models, such as CO2 utilisation in fuels, chemicals, and building materials, offer new opportunities for business case improvement. Some studies suggest that CCS technologies may not effectively reduce CO2 emissions and could even increase energy consumption. How do you respond to these concerns? Concerns about the energy penalty associated with CCS technologies are justified, but ongoing technological advancements are steadily improving efficiency and reducing energy demands. While CCS processes do require additional energy, continuous improvements in capture technologies are bridging this gap. As a result, high capture rates are already achievable. Both post-combustion and pre-combustion methods can remove over 90 percent of CO2, demonstrating the effectiveness of CCS in real-world applications. This is particularly important in hard-to-abate sectors such as cement & steel, where electrification is difficult or not viable. Rather than viewing CCS as a perfect solution, it should be seen as a critical component of a broader decarbonisation strategy, complementing renewable energy and other low-carbon technologies to achieve net-zero goals, particularly in industries where carbon emissions are otherwise challenging to mitigate. With MENA holding 10 percent of global operational CCS facilities, how should it capitalise on its early-mover advantage? The MENA region has a unique opportunity to build on its early-mover advantage by expanding CO2 infrastructure through the development of regional transport and storage hubs. Utilising the region's deep oil and gas expertise to repurpose depleted reservoirs for CO2 storage can reduce costs and increase storage capacity. To strengthen its leadership in CCS, the region should also focus on boosting policy support by introducing more substantial carbon pricing and incentives that encourage investment and innovation. Integrating CCS with low-carbon hydrogen production could help the region set a global benchmark, blending economic growth with climate action. What is the one misconception about CCS that you believe needs to be corrected? There are several. A persistent misconception is that "CCS is a distraction from renewables." In reality, CCS complements clean energy by targeting hard-to-abate sectors where electrification is not feasible. Another misconception is that "CO2 storage is unsafe." However, decades of geological storage projects have demonstrated the safety and stability of this approach. Additionally, the belief that "CCS is too expensive" is inaccurate. Costs are declining as the technology scales, making CCS a more viable option for industries striving to achieve net-zero emissions. (Reporting by Anoop Menon; Editing by SA Kader)
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Las Vegas sees ‘some level of decreased visitation' amid Trump tariffs
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — President Donald Trump's tariffs are impacting small businesses throughout the Las Vegas valley, though their effects on tourism have yet to fully materialize. Earlier this month, the president announced tariffs – taxes on imports, which essentially end up as taxes on the American consumer – as part of a 'Liberation Day.' The president later pulled back after financial markets crashed, calling for 10% tariffs and a 90-day pause for negotiations. The 10% rate affected all other countries except China, where the president instituted a 145% tariff. 'It means several things,' said Monica Taher of Avanti Green Eco Cleaning. 'No. 1, an increase in price when it comes to our supplies and equipment. No. 2, it might mean less consumer spending.' Taher employs about 50 people and buys supplies and equipment directly from companies in China. 'They alerted us and told us that we were going to get a 10% increase on everything started the second week of April,' Taher said, adding that increase instigated unexpected costs. 'And it also means that, unfortunately, because we are spending more on supplies and equipment, that we need to raise our prices.' The growing trade war has led to a drop in consumer sentiment, an economic factor tracking how confident American consumers feel about spending money, according to the University of Michigan. Facing a possible economic slowdown, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA) projected a 5% drop in revenue for the year. The number does not equate to a 5% drop in tourists, but the amount of money collected through hotel room taxes. 'What we're seeing is early,' LVCVA CEO Steve Hill said. 'We're seeing some level of decreased visitation from Canada and internationally, generally.' That decrease, however, may involve intentional visitors dissatisfied with Trump. In February, then-Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau told his citizens to cancel their U.S. trips amid the trade war. In 2023, 1.4 million Canadians visited Las Vegas, according to the LVCVA. That accounts for about 30% of all international tourism to the valley. The projected decline in Canadian tourism to the U.S. could mean more than $4 billion in losses to the economy, the U.S. Travel Association (USTA) estimated that same month. A 10% reduction in travel could put 140,000 hospitality and retail jobs in jeopardy, according to USTA metrics. One in eight visitors to Las Vegas last year was an international tourist, according to the LVCVA. Economists warn that one of the first things people cut in uncertain economic times is discretionary spending. In 2023 and 2024, amid the first running of the Las Vegas Grand Prix and Super Bowl LVIII, Las Vegas set several records in terms of gaming revenue and airport-passenger volume. 'We're starting to see things like airline bookings and future hotel bookings starting to drop somewhat internationally and domestically,' Hill said, adding it was not clear yet if the tariffs, economic concern or both were responsible. 'Just the fact that we have 50 employees, that means that we have 50 families who are depending on us providing a stable job, a stable salary, and I think what's happening right now with this situation is pretty problematic,' Taher said. Trump said Wednesday that he intended to lower the tariffs on China amid possible trade negotiations. A Reuters/Ipsos poll released Wednesday found 53% of respondents disapproved of the president's handling of the economy. Data from Harry Reid International Airport showed a 3.9% decrease in passengers arriving and departing from Las Vegas from March 2024 to March 2025. WestJet, which serves Canada, showed a 14.5% decrease. The 8 News Now Investigators asked Las Vegas' top five hospitality and gaming companies for a comment on the tariffs. Several representatives declined to comment. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Al-Ahram Weekly
08-04-2025
- Sport
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Ahly beat Al-Hilal to set up CAF Champions League semi-final clash with Sundowns - Egyptian Football
Ahly have booked their place in the semi-finals of the CAF Champions League with a 2-0 aggregate victory over Sudan's Al-Hilal, setting up a highly anticipated clash with South Africa's Mamelodi Sundowns. The Egyptian giants, who held a 1-0 advantage from the first leg in Cairo, secured a second-leg win by the same margin on Tuesday to advance to the last four for the sixth consecutive time. Emam Ashour scored the decisive goal ten minutes from time, slotting home a right-footed shot into the bottom corner after a swift counterattack and a well-timed assist from substitute Taher Mohamed Taher. Right-back Mohamed Hany had netted the only goal in the first leg, giving the record 12-time African champions a slender but vital lead. Ahly coach Marcel Koller made a key tactical change in the 61st minute, introducing winger Taher in place of Palestinian striker Wessam Abou Ali to add pace to the frontline. The move paid off as Taher - who made his return for the first time since 14 December 2024 - played a pivotal role in the late goal that sealed the tie. Al-Hilal came close to snatching a lead in the 75th minute, but Abdel Raouf Yagoub's powerful effort from inside the box was superbly saved by Ahly goalkeeper Mohamed El Shennawy. After Ashour's strike, Koller turned to his bench again, bringing on youngsters Ahmed Reda and Mohamed Abdallah to shore up the midfield, while Karim El Debes replaced Achraf Bencharki in a late tactical reshuffle. Ahly will now meet fierce rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-finals after the South African side edged Tunisia's Esperance 1-0 on aggregate in their quarter-final tie. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.) Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
CBC
08-04-2025
- General
- CBC
Residents complain about Ontario Line construction — but Metrolinx exempt from city noise bylaws
As Toronto weather warms up and patios start to open, there's something else that inevitably comes along with the rising temperatures: construction season. But for many living near Metrolinx's Ontario Line project, construction has already been a big disrupter. Yet what many people might not know is that when it comes to Metrolinx work, the agency is exempt from the city's noise bylaws. Metrolinx says at its north site at Queen and Spadina, the work is happening around the clock, leaving no respite from the noise. "That's a little too much, especially in downtown Toronto," said Leen Taher, who lives near the site and also works from home. "You're at home and there's construction 24/7, that's crazy. You need to have at least Saturdays and Sundays off for people to feel more at peace in their own home." Taher has made multiple complaints to Metrolinx and says residents like her also want better communication about when the work is happening. Government projects exempt from noise bylaw The city's bylaws say construction noise is not permitted "when it is clearly audible from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. or until 9 a.m. on Saturdays, all-day Sunday and stat holidays." However, government projects are exempt from the noise bylaw, because of an amendment that was made in 2019. Metrolinx says it is making every effort to minimize impacts to local residents, including using less disruptive equipment, and that it's monitoring noise levels. In a statement the agency said "We are working with our contractor to explore different methods of construction to help reduce noise as work progresses." Tor Oiamo, a Toronto Metropolitan University associate professor in the department of geography and environmental studies, says it's a complicated issue, but there has to be a balance between finishing critical infrastructure in a timely manner and considering people's health and wellbeing. "But there should nonetheless be a pretty firm application and use of all types of mitigation that exist," Oiamo said. "So if it has to go on beyond the normal hours of construction allowed by the city, there should be extra care taken to make sure that those impacts are as minimal as possible."
