Latest news with #YotamOttolenghi


News18
24-07-2025
- Politics
- News18
Major media say Gaza staff face starvation, while US envoy holds ceasefire talks
Agency: Last Updated: July 24, 2025, 21:45 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Gaza City, Jul 24 (AP) Four leading news organisations said Thursday that their journalists in Gaza are facing the threat of starvation as the Israel-Hamas war grinds on, while top US envoy Steve Witkoff was to meet with key negotiators from the Middle East for talks on the latest ceasefire proposal and the release of hostages. The media outlets' joint statement called on Israel to allow journalists in and out of Gaza and allow adequate food supplies into the territory. 'For many months, these independent journalists have been the world's eyes and ears on the ground in Gaza. They are now facing the same dire circumstances as those they are covering," said the joint statement by The Associated Press, Agence France-Presse, Reuters and the BBC. Also Thursday, Hamas confirmed it had sent its latest ceasefire proposal to Israel, with an Israeli official calling it 'workable," although no details were provided. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak on the record. Israel's war in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas' Oct 7, 2023, attack, has killed more than 59,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Its count doesn't distinguish between militants and civilians, but the ministry says that more than half of the dead are women and children. Here's the latest: Israeli celebrity chef condemns famine in Gaza Yotam Ottolenghi, the Jerusalem-born British chef and bestselling author, said the level of hunger in Gaza is 'shocking beyond belief". In a post on social media, he said he's adding his voice to global calls for Israel to halt its attacks on Gaza and let aid flow without restriction. 'The sequence of events leading to this moment – with victims on both sides – cannot justify withholding food from a whole population," he said. 'This goes against any value I was raised on." Ottolenghi wrote a book with Palestinian Sami Tamimi called 'Jerusalem," covering Arab and Jewish cooking in the holy city. Growing optimism that Israel and Hamas are closing in on a deal, official says An official with knowledge of the Gaza ceasefire talks said Hamas had submitted a 'positive response" through Qatari mediators. 'The Hamas response has now been passed to the Israeli side, and there is growing optimism that the gaps are narrowing and a deal can be reached," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss the behind-the-scenes talks. The official said senior officials from the US and Qatar were set to meet in Italy later Thursday to discuss the progress. There were no further details. More than 40 Palestinians died from malnutrition in July, Gaza's Health Ministry says Gaza's Health Ministry said 48 Palestinians have died of malnutrition this past month, adding that 59 Palestinians died of malnutrition so far in 2025, up from 50 in 2024, and four in 2023 when Israel started its war against the Hamas militant group in Gaza after its rampage in southern Israel on Oct 7. In the most recent cases, a man and a woman died of malnutrition Wednesday, the Shifa Hospital told The Associated Press. Of the 113 that died of malnutrition in Gaza since 2023, 81 were children, Gaza's Health Ministry said. Since Israel's aid blockade in March, Gaza's humanitarian situation has become dire, alarming international organizations. The United Nations World Food Programme has said 100,000 women and children are facing famine levels of starvation. The International Rescue Community said their teams in Gaza have reported a surge in cases of children being rushed to the hospital due to malnutrition. 'Their small bodies are shutting down — they can't breathe, their immune systems are collapsing, and they are highly vulnerable to infection," IRC's acting director in the occupied Palestinian Territories, Scott Lea, said in a statement Wednesday. 'Their lives are hanging by a thread." Rocket landed near Gaza aid site, Israel says Israel's military said militants had fired a rocket that landed close to an aid distribution site in southern Gaza. In a statement Thursday, the military said militants in the city of Khan Younis had fired a rocket that landed 250 metres from an aid site in Rafah. The military did not say if the rocket strike injured anyone. The aid site is run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, an Israeli-backed American organization distributing aid in Gaza which launched operations in May. The US and Israel seek to replace the traditional UN-led aid distribution system in Gaza, asserting that Hamas militants siphon off supplies. The UN denies the allegation. Indonesia condemns Israeli motion to annex the occupied West Bank Indonesia has strongly condemned the Israeli Parliament's symbolic motion to annex the occupied West Bank. In a statement Thursday by Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry, the world's most populous Muslim-majority country reiterated that Israel has no legitimate sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory and that such actions do not alter the legal status of the territory. 'This move constitutes an act of annexation, violating the fundamental principle of non-acquisition of territory by force," the statement said. 'We reaffirm our support for the establishment and sovereign State of Palestine within the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, in accordance with the Two-State Solution." The declarative motion, passed Wednesday by the Israeli Parliament, or Knesset, has no direct legal implications, although it could place the issue of annexation on the agenda of future debates. The Southeast Asian nation urged the United Nations Security Council and the international community to take concrete measures to halt what it termed Israel's illegal actions, saying it aims to make its illegal occupation of Palestinian territory permanent. Israeli military says 8 soldiers wounded in ramming attack Eight Israeli soldiers were wounded Thursday when a car rammed into a bus stop near the central coastal city of Netanya, the military said. The driver fled the scene, prompting a police manhunt. Two soldiers were moderately wounded and another six were lightly wounded in the attack. The military did not identify the attacker or provide further details. Palestinian militants have carried out scores of shooting, stabbing and car-ramming attacks since the outbreak of the war in the Gaza Strip. Israel has launched major military operations in the occupied West Bank, and there has been a spike in settler violence against Palestinians there. 5 Palestinians killed in central Gaza At least five Palestinians were killed in central Gaza late Wednesday, according to the Aqsa Hospital morgue that received the bodies Thursday in the city of Deir al-Balah. Two people, a man and a woman, were killed east of the city in Israeli tank shelling. Another person was killed by Israeli troops in a shooting in the Bureij refugee camp, and two others were among a group of people hit by an Israeli strike in Zawaida. The Israeli military, which has expanded operations in the area in the last few days, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The deal on the table Top US Envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to head to Italy on Thursday to meet top Israeli negotiator Ron Dermer and discuss the ceasefire deal on the table, according to Israeli and US officials. For Israel, sending Dermer — a close Netanyahu confidant — to the meeting marks a show of seriousness in reaching a deal. Swipe Left For Next Video View all The deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting truce. Hamas earlier Thursday submitted a response to the latest ceasefire proposal which an Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to brief the media, billed as 'workable". (AP) SCY SCY (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments News agency-feeds Major media say Gaza staff face starvation, while US envoy holds ceasefire talks Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.


Daily Mail
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Flavours from across the globe: How to SAVE £10 on entry to the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival 2025 - exclusively for MailOnline readers!
For a limited time, save £10 on entry (using code 'MAIL40') to London's hottest food festival, taking place on the weekend of 19-20 July at the Business Design Centre in London. With live demos from top chefs — including Yotam Ottolenghi, Andi Oliver and Asma Khan — plus free samples, tasting sessions, book signings and street food from across the globe, it's a weekend food-lovers won't want to miss. You can claim your discount by using the code 'MAIL40' at checkout. Savour global street food, chef demos and tastings at London's must-visit festival, 19–20 July What to expect... Street food from around the globe — freshly prepared by culinary experts Free masterclasses with every ticket — learn how to make dishes from Ecuador, Greece, Louisiana, Barbados and beyond Add-on tasting sessions from just £6 — sip summery Caribbean cocktails, try France's finest cheeses, dive into a chocolate workshop, and much more Star chefs on stage — including Yotam Ottolenghi, Andi Oliver, José Pizarro and Asma Khan Food photography workshops — led by industry professionals, designed to help you sharpen your skills VIP upgrade available — enjoy lounge access, two glasses of fizz and/or wine, priority entry and a goodie bag specially curated by our editors This exclusive MailOnline discount is valid until 23:59 on 18 July 2025 and applies to all general admission tickets. Here's just a taste of what your ticket includes — and what you can add on to make your day even more delicious. The world's best chefs take to the Main Stage On Saturday, don't miss your chance to see celebrity chef Yotam Ottolenghi cook up a mouth-watering chicken shawarma. He'll be followed by Asma Khan — founder of Soho's acclaimed Darjeeling Express and a leading equality advocate — who'll demonstrate recipes from her most recent book, Monsoon. On Sunday, the festival welcomes José Pizarro and Andi Oliver, who'll bring the bold flavours of Spain and Antigua to life respectively. Your Sunday ticket also includes sessions with Jeremy Pang and Hoppers restaurant co-founder Karan Gokani. Catch cookbook authors in conversation at Speakers' Corner, where they'll be sharing the stories behind their culinary journeys. With your exclusive MailOnline discount, you can see all these industry legends for just £15 a day (tickets usually retail at £25). Check out the Main Stage and Speakers' Corner programmes here. Spice up your cooking with free masterclasses If that wasn't enough, your ticket gives you access to a packed programme of Masterclasses — giving you the chance to dive deeper into the flavours and techniques behind some of the world's most iconic national dishes. Watch on as talented chefs bring their country's cuisine to life and let you sample the results of their skill and passion. With culinary influences ranging from Georgia to Barbados, Indonesia to Ecuador, there's guaranteed to be something for everyone. Be sure to arrive early, as these spots are bound to fill up fast! If you're hungry for a second helping, make sure to head to the food stalls for a bite to eat... Try something new in our tasting sessions From just £6 per session, you can take your taste buds for a round-the-world trip. Learn more about British and French cheeses, discover why Georgia is the 'birthplace of wine', and get the lowdown on Japan's national drink, sake. Learn how to snap the perfect pic Want to elevate your food photography skills? Join our expert-led workshops, where experienced photographers will teach techniques for styling, lighting and composition. Learn how to capture stunning dishes on the go, set up a portable 'studio in a backpack' and shoot market scenes or restaurant plates with editorial flair. Check out the full list of Masterclasses, tasting sessions and workshops here. Elevate your experience with a VIP package To make the most of your weekend, upgrade to VIP, which includes lounge access, two glasses of fizz and/or wine, priority entry and a goodie bag specially curated by our editorial team. How do I get involved? Book quickly — tickets are selling fast! Your exclusive discount is available until 23:59 on 18 July 2025. To redeem, head to the website, enter 'MAIL40' in the Promo Code box, select your chosen day(s) and complete your booking. You'll receive a confirmation with your ticket via email. Then, all that's left to do is get excited for a weekend filled with amazing food! How do I get there? The festival will take place at the Business Design Centre, in Islington, London. Doors will open at 9am on both days and close at 6pm and 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Angel Tube station is just a five-minute walk away and the venue is easily accessible by bus. There are also cycle racks outside the venue. The event is wheelchair-accessible and accompanying carers can obtain a free ticket upon request and presentation of valid documentation. National Geographic Traveller (UK) asks that all children under the age of 18 are accompanied by an adult, and that any guest intending on bringing a child under the age of two informs the event organisers one day before attending. MailOnline may earn commission on sales generated from this article, but this never influences our editorial independence. Prices and availability are correct at time of publication. Flash-sale discount applies to adult general-admission tickets purchased between 08:00 BST on 15 July 2025 and 23:59 BST on 18 July 2025. Tickets are sold subject to the festival's terms and conditions. For full FAQs, visit the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival website.


RTÉ News
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
10 refreshing desserts to cool down with this weekend
With temperatures set to rise this weekend, there's no better time to whip up some cooling and refreshing sweet treats for yourself and your loved ones. From a simple fruit sorbet and silky crème caramels, to an indulgent fridge cake and zingy key lime pie, we've rounded up our favourite summer desserts to make this weekend. Donal Skehan's key lime pie Yotam Ottolenghi's chocolate ripple fridge cake Nico's no-bake mango & white chocolate cheesecake Crème caramel Jeeny's caramelised grilled pineapple & coconut ice cream Donal Skehan's butterscotch pudding Mango and coconut sticky rice dessert Kevin's butterscotch "Angel Delight"


Daily Mail
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
An unforgettable day out for less: Save 40% on tickets to the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival 2025
Foodies, rejoice! One of London's most mouthwatering weekends is back, and there's a delicious deal you won't want to miss. The National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival returns to London's Business Design Centre on 19–20 July, promising a feast of flavours, global tasting experiences and celebrity chef encounters. And for a limited time only, readers can save 40% on General Admission tickets in an exclusive flash sale. Simply use the code 'MAIL40' when booking online before 11.59pm Sunday 13 July to claim your discount. But be quick - tickets are going faster than a tray of warm canapés. The festival at a glance Flash Sale: Save 40% on General Admission tickets with code MAIL40'.* 20 free masterclasses from chefs and experts representing destinations from Ecuador to Indonesia. Wine & Spirits Theatre experiences - guided tastings with top sommeliers and distillers. Tasting sessions on everything from chocolate to cheese — from just £6. Photography workshops led by National Geographic Traveller (UK) contributors — from just £6. Limited-edition VIP tickets for priority entry, lounge access, fizz on arrival and a luxury goodie bag. Where & when: Business Design Centre, Islington, London | Sat 10am-6pm, Sun 10am-4.30pm. *Valid from 8am, 11 July to 11.59pm, 13 July). Big names, bold ideas This year's line-up includes some of the most exciting voices in food right now. Expect inspiring conversations and cooking demos from Yotam Ottolenghi, Andi Oliver, Asma Khan, Karan Gokani, José Pizarro and more — each bringing their own take on ingredients, storytelling and the way food connects us. It's a rare chance to see these trailblazers live, and it's all included in your ticket. Live masterclasses from around the world Step into the Saffron and Cinnamon Theatres to watch global culinary talent in action. With live demos and storytelling from chefs representing Barbados, Greece, Georgia and more, you'll get insider tips, culture-rich context and maybe even a taste. Masterclasses are free with your ticket — just arrive early to grab a seat. Sip and swirl through the Wine & Spirits Theatre Go on a global drinking tour — no passport required. The Wine & Spirits Theatre offers 45-minute sessions exploring bold reds, crisp whites and craft spirits from destinations like Portugal, Ecuador and Japan. Each tasting is led by industry pros and costs £10 — perfect for levelling up your palate. Bookable tasting sessions: Taste your way around the world Whether it's artisan cheese, heritage chocolate or innovative cocktails, tasting sessions bring together big flavour and expert insight in a relaxed, small-group format. With tickets for just £6, it's the best-value edible escape you'll find this summer. Master food photography with the pros Want to take food shots like a National Geographic Traveller (UK) contributor? Sign up for a photography workshop, where professional photographers will guide you through styling, lighting and mobile or DSLR techniques. It's the perfect way to capture your culinary adventures — or elevate your socials. Go VIP: Lounge access, bubbles & a luxury gift Treat yourself to the ultimate food-lover weekend with a VIP pass. Enjoy fast-track entry, priority session booking, a glass of fizz (and wine!) and access to an exclusive lounge. You'll also receive a handpicked goodie bag packed with premium products. VIP tickets are limited and selling fast. Here's how to book 1. Save 40% on General Admission tickets during the Weekend Flash Sale with code MAIL40. Offer valid from 8am, Friday 11 July to 11.59pm, Sunday 13 July. 2. Choose your add-ons — tasting sessions, photography workshops and Wine & Spirits Theatre experiences (from £6-£10). 3. Plan your visit and get ready to experience the tastes, aromas and stories of the world in one weekend. Explore diverse dishes, drinks and the people behind them. MailOnline may earn commission on sales generated from this article, but this never influences our editorial independence. Prices and availability are correct at time of publication. Flash-sale discount applies to adult general-admission tickets purchased between 08:00 BST on 11 July 2025 and 23:59 BST on 13 July 2025. Tickets are sold subject to the festival's terms and conditions. For full FAQs, visit the National Geographic Traveller (UK) Food Festival website.


Irish Examiner
11-07-2025
- Business
- Irish Examiner
Top 8: These shop-bought hummus meals are a taste of the Middle East
Hummus, a high-protein and fibre food, is the subject of our Top 8 today. With a history going back at least five centuries, Egypt, Syria, and Palestine all make claims to its origin. National claims aside, no one disputes that hummus is a Middle Eastern dish. It gained popularity in Ireland and Britain, thanks to the efforts of Palestinian chef Sami Tamimi and Israeli-born chef Yotam Ottolenghi. Together, they wrote the superb Jerusalem cookbook, a 2012 classic. In the Middle East, a hummusia is a simple eatery specialising in mainly hummus of many varieties. Our tasting for today revealed some variety, although not all of it was positive, with the term 'classic' being used somewhat loosely. One had a form of broad bean protein added to make the classic 'high protein' - it didn't make the cut. While olive oil is used in the best of them, in Middle Eastern homes, it's not always in the mixture but later drizzled over the paste, which is spread onto a plate. An optional traditional ingredient is ground cumin, which adds richness. Rapeseed oil is often used in Irish products. Good as an import substitute, and cheaper too, but not for flavour. All our samples pair well with fish and are delicious served in pitta bread with shredded lettuce, and tomatoes. Izz Café hummus. Food pics: Dan Linehan Izz café 290g €6.90 (€2.37/100g) Palestinians Izzeddeen and Eman Alkarajeh's café and takeaway produce the benchmark hummus for our Top 8. Rich. With a smooth texture, all the flavours of lemon, tahini, garlic, chickpeas and olive oil blend perfectly. Sold with pickled vegetables and a very hot chilli dip, this was one of three favourites of tasters. From the café on George's Quay, Cork. Keep an eye out for owners' events to support their home country. Score: 10 Real Olive Company hummus. Real Olive Company 360g €6.30 (€2/100g) Slightly gritty with beautiful, genuine flavours, good quality olive oil heightens the deep flavour, while fresh lemon lightens it to provide balance. Another favourite. Score: 10 M&S Reduced Fat hummus. M&S reduced fat houmous 230g €2.50 (€1.08/100g) We compared this reduced-fat version (17.7% fat) to the M&S Creamy Houmous (27.2% fat). Both were delicious. The main difference is that the reduced-fat hummus contains 1% olive oil, while the creamy version contains 5%. Good to see no preservatives in either. The creamy one is a little richer, but both have natural flavours with lemon coming through nicely. Score: 10 Quay Co-Op Traditional Hummus. Quay Co-Op Traditional Hummus 170g €3.25 (€1.91/100g) Quite a gritty texture with a welcome oiliness from the olive oil, providing a rich taste. A hint of cumin, combined with a little pepper, works well. The preservative is potassium sorbate, which delivers a shelf life of six days from the time of purchase. Score: 9 Classic hummus. Classic houmous 170g €1.05 (62c/100g) A mild, creamy hummus, with little taste of lemon. Fresh lemon juice would make it so much better. Chickpeas (46%), rapeseed oil, 13% sesame paste (providing the typical nutty flavour), concentrated lemon juice 3%, garlic purée, salt 0.6%, with potassium sorbate as the added preservative. Olive oil, which is more expensive, would make a huge difference. We bought it in SuperValu. Score: 7.5 The Happy Pear hummus. The Happy Pear Hummus 150g €2.99 (€1.99/100g) Chickpeas (49%), rapeseed oil, tahini (15%), lemon juice concentrate, garlic (1%), salt (1%), making it quite salty, with heat provided by unconventional cayenne, softened by more traditional cumin. The freshness of fresh lemon isn't there. Expensive for what it is. Score: 7 Aldi's The Deli hummus. Aldi The Deli Houmous 200g 75c (37.5c/100g) Chickpeas (48%) and 13% sesame seed paste (tahini) and garlic purée deliver some traditional flavours. However, rapeseed oil and concentrated lemon juice detract from the freshness and depth of flavour. Salt at 0.65% is not overdone, potassium sorbate is the preservative. We missed the flavour of olive oil, but overall fair value. Score: 7.5 Dunnes Classic hummus. Dunnes Classic Houmous 200g 75c (37.5c/100g) Chickpeas 53%, tahini paste 12%, rapeseed oil, lemon juice concentrate 3.5%, garlic 2.5%, and salt 0.52% make a simple hummus. It would have been improved by olive oil and fresh lemon juice instead of concentrated, but it's fine for the price. Try adding a tablespoon loosened with olive oil to salads as a dressing. Score: 7.5