100 Martyrs and Wounded in a day…Occupation Army Ground Forces Commander Resigns.

  Operation "Al-Aqsa Flood" entered its 333rd day, while the Zionist occupation forces continue to commit a war of genocide in the Gaza Strip, through launching dozens of airstrikes, artillery shelling, and bloody massacres against civilians.

26 martyrs in Gaza since dawn today

26 people were martyred as a result of the occupation raids on various areas in the Gaza Strip since dawn today, Tuesday, according to what Al Jazeera reported from medical sources.

100 martyrs and wounded in a day

The "Israeli" occupation forces committed 3 new massacres against Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health said in the statistical report today, Tuesday: The hospitals in the Strip dealt with 100 martyrs and wounded during the past 24 hours, explaining that 33 citizens were martyred and 67 others were wounded.

The Ministry of Health reported that the death toll from the aggression on the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,819 martyrs, in addition to 94,291 wounded with varying injuries, since October 7, 2023.

30 martyrs in the ongoing occupation aggression on the West Bank

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that the ongoing "Israeli" aggression on the West Bank since last Wednesday has resulted in the martyrdom of 30 Palestinians, including 6 children, in addition to the injury of 130 people by the occupation's fire.

Occupation continues its aggression on Jenin for the seventh day

The occupation army continues its aggression on the city of Jenin and its camp today, Tuesday, for the seventh consecutive day.

The aggression on Jenin and its camp, since last Wednesday, has resulted in the martyrdom of 18 citizens, the injury and arrest of dozens, in addition to the widespread destruction of citizens' property, public and private facilities, and infrastructure, including water and electricity networks.

Resignation of the Commander of the Ground Forces  

Hebrew media reported on Tuesday that the Commander of the Ground Forces of the Occupation Army, Major General Tamir Yadai, resigned from his position.

The Times of Israel newspaper said, according to what was reported by the Al Jazeera Net website: that Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Galant agreed to Yadai's request.

The occupation army stated that Yadai will be on temporary leave at the present time, and will later submit his candidacy for important positions in the army.

Yadi has held the position of Commander of the Ground Forces for the past three years, and it is expected that Yadai will leave his position in the coming weeks once a replacement officer is found, and it was not immediately clear who will replace him.

Hebrew newspaper: "Israel" began to classify the West Bank as a second front  

The newspaper "Israel Today" said on Tuesday: "Israel" has begun to classify the West Bank as a combat zone and the second most important front directly after the Gaza Strip.

The newspaper reported that recent events have led to a major political shift in Israel's approach to the West Bank, after it had been classified since the beginning of the war as a secondary arena, but the recent attacks have convinced senior officials that this position is no longer sustainable.

It continued: The Israeli army forces are now operating according to a new approach, as they view the West Bank as the second most important front, right after Gaza.

Smotrich: $68 billion is the cost of the war in 2025

Al Jazeera's correspondent reported that Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich presented his plan for the 2025 budget, in which the cost of the war is estimated at more than $68 billion.

Smotrich said that the war increased the deficit, adding that the decisions he made were correct and kept the economy going, according to his expression.

Britain suspends arms exports to "Israel" and Netanyahu attacks

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced that London will suspend 30 arms export licenses to "Israel" out of 350, including equipment used in the current war on the Gaza Strip, while "Israeli" officials expressed their opposition to this decision, according to the "Al Jazeera Net" website.

The "Anadolu" agency quoted Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi calling on the countries of the world to impose a complete ban on arms exports to the occupying state, describing the United Kingdom's decision to suspend some of its licenses in this regard as "correct".

For his part, the Prime Minister of the Zionist occupation, Benjamin Netanyahu, attacked the British government's decision, and wrote via his account on the English-language "X" platform, today, Tuesday, according to the "Quds Press" agency: "Israel" will win this war with or without British weapons.

Netanyahu described the British decision as "shameful", indicating that instead of standing with "Israel", the misleading decision taken by Britain will only encourage Hamas, he claimed.

Gamal Khattab

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Islamophobia

The irrational dread or antagonism towards Islam and its followers is what is known as Islamophobia’ and it continues to be a growing problem globally. It is important to recognize that significant impacts of Islamophobia are based on ill-founded beliefs of history, political language, and media images. To effectively tackle such an issue, promote unity, and create acceptance among different communities, one must understand where Islamophobia originates from. In this paper we examine the history that shaped it, why it happens, its effects on individuals and society at large; as well as countermeasures through education awareness programs and community participation aiming at overcoming it.

 Historical Origins

Islamophobia has its roots in the initial interaction of Islamic and Christian civilizations. The expansion of the Islamic empire into Europe and the subsequent Crusades in the medieval period fueled animosity and distrust. Many Christian writers and theologians labeled it as a religion based on heresy or violence, which would remain valid for several centuries later (1).

The expulsion of Muslims and Jews from the Iberian Peninsula in 1492 marked the culmination of the Reconquista in Spain and further entrenched anti-Muslim sentiments. The statutes of "Limpieza de sangre" or purity of blood used during the Spanish Inquisition were still discriminatory against every person with even an iota of Muslim or Jewish ancestry, even after they became Christians (1).

Colonialism and Orientalism

The age of European colonialism gave new dimensions to Islamophobia. Each European power in the world, in its pursuit of dominance, portrayed Muslim societies as backward and uncivilized and thus justified their colonial rule and exploitation. Said has criticized this portrayal by Orientalist scholars and writers as serving to reinforce Western superiority and control over the "Orient" (1).

Colonial administrators and missionaries often represented Islam as an impediment to development and progress. Such a representation carried well into the 20th century and informed Western views about states that had a Muslim majority.

The Modern Era: Cold War and Beyond

New forms of Islamophobia appeared most particularly in the geopolitical rivalry framework during the Cold War era. It was particularly after the Iranian Revolution in 1979 and the hostage crisis at the American Embassy in Tehran. Ayatollah Khomeini and the Islamic Republic of Iran became symbols in the Western imagination of a global Islamic threat (2).

The Soviet-Afghan War further complicated Western perceptions of Islam, as the US and its allies supported Afghan mujahideen fighters against the Soviet Union, thus fueling fears of Islamic militancy. Eventually, the rise of the Taliban and the presence of foreign fighters in Afghanistan contributed to the perception of Islam as violent and extremist by nature (2).

Post-9/11 and the War on Terror

The events on September 11, 2001, marked a turning point in the history of Islamophobia. Anti-Muslim attitudes started to appear in droves both in the United States and worldwide, consequent to the attack by al-Qaeda. The succeeding "War on Terror" perpetuated these views even further, with Muslims often stereotyped as possible terrorists or people who sincerely sympathize with terrorists (3).

The USA PATRIOT Act and the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security initiated increased surveillance and profiling of Muslim communities. The invasion of Iraq in 2003 and the prolonged war in Afghanistan further established any connection of Islam with violence and terror. c) Islamophobia within the Media

Media has majorly played a role in shaping the public perception of Islam and Muslims. It is sensationalist upon coverage after terrorist attacks and extremist groups, mostly snuffing out positive stories that relate to Muslim communities. This leads to disproportionate representation, contributing to stereotype perpetuation and prejudices.

It is not contained to the fringes, as it has seeped into the mainstream of political discourse. Anti-Muslim sentiment has been used by many politicians and public figures as one way to advance their causes and garner their support. The normalization of Islamophobia comes with serious ramifications for both individual Muslims and collective Muslim communities.

Islamophobia in Europe

In recent times, Islamophobia has risen very strongly in Europe. The influx of refugees from Muslim-majority countries, and terrorist attacks, coupled with facing economic challenges, all combined to fuel anti-Muslim sentiment. Far-right political parties and movements took advantage of prevalent fears to advance restrictive immigration policies and cultural assimilation.

Laws in some European countries have targeted aspects of Muslim life like the use of headscarves and minarets. This is being done under the guise of preserving secularism and national identity but in actuality is far from such a noble end as is shown by the perception of many of these actions as being discriminatory.

Islamophobia and Racism

Islamophobia is inextricably linked with racism. It frequently manifests itself through attacks on people according to their perceived ethnicity, appearance, or cultural behavior. This crossing between religious and racial discrimination has brought the understanding to some scholars that Islamophobia needs to be contextualized as a form of cultural racism.

Islamophobia has a deep impact on Muslims, relating to educational or work opportunities and even to social services. It creates an environment of fear and exclusion that may result in severe mental health problems or social isolation. 4

Combating Islamophobia

The struggle against Islamophobia must reach its roots and manifestations. Education and awareness raise the level of stereotype challenge and further understanding. Interfaith dialogues, and community engagement initiatives, may serve to foster positive relations between Muslims and non-Muslims.

Policy measures also play a very important role herein. Anti-discrimination laws should be enacted and applied by governments to protect religious minorities. Media organizations have to make an effort for balanced, accurate reporting about Muslim communities. Political leaders should condemn Islamophobia and create inclusive policies.

Addressing the impacts of Islamophobia at both the personal and societal levels mean understanding its roots. We will continue to study its genesis, both historically and in the modern day, and analyze areas where it converges with issues of racism for the furtherance of much-needed strategies to combat this prejudice in our world. Only collective action can help create a more inclusive, just world for all.

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Sources

  (1) Islamophobia | Meaning, History, & Portrayal of Muslims. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Islamophobia.

(2) The Roots of American Islamophobia | American Experience | PBS. https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/taken-hostage-roots-american-islamophobia/.

(3) American Islamophobia: Understanding the Roots and Rise of Fear. https://www.zinnedproject.org/materials/american-islamophobia.

(4) Islamophobia | Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Religion. https://oxfordre.com/religion/religion/view/10.1093/acrefore/9780199340378.001.0001/acrefore-9780199340378-e-685.

The "Israeli" occupation continues for the 332nd consecutive day the "genocide" war on the Gaza Strip, committing the most heinous massacres and slaughters against our people, leaving behind tens of thousands of martyrs, wounded and missing.

Massacres and slaughters

The Ministry of Health announced that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 40,786 martyrs and 94,224 wounded since October 7.

 The occupation continued its bombing and destruction of several scattered areas in the Strip.

In Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip, 4 martyrs were killed and others were wounded in a Zionist raid that targeted a house in the Al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Saqallah family

The occupation aircraft bombed the house of the Saqallah family next to the Al-Istijaba Mosque in the Al-Sabra neighborhood in the south of Gaza City, coinciding with the bombing of residential buildings around Street 8.

Two martyrs were killed and others were wounded when the occupation bombed a residential apartment for the "Al-Araj" family at the Abdul Aal intersection on Al-Jalaa Street.

Two martyrs were killed and others were injured when the occupation forces bombed the Hamada family home on Al-Jalaa Street in Gaza City.

A raid on the Nuseirat camp

In the central governorate, the occupation forces' aircraft launched a raid on the Nuseirat camp, and a number of citizens were injured when the occupation forces targeted an apartment in "Tower 8" of the Ain Jalut towers.

Quadcopter Bombs Tents

A citizen was killed and others were injured when a "Quadcopter" warplane fired on the tents of the displaced west of Nuseirat. Press sources reported that the sound of violent explosions was heard this morning east of Nuseirat camp.

Bombing Abasan al-Kabira

In Khan Yunis, the occupation forces' aircraft bombed an area in the town of Abasan al-Kabira east of Khan Yunis city, and the Zionist vehicles opened fire towards the east of the town of Khuza'a. In Rafah, the occupation forces blew up residential buildings northwest of Rafah city, in conjunction with continuous artillery shelling of several scattered areas.

The Israeli war of extermination on the Gaza Strip entered its 331st day on Sunday. The Israeli occupation army expanded its ground and air attacks on various areas in the Strip. Israeli warplanes launched a series of raids on various areas, including the vicinity of the university college south of Gaza City, Salah al-Din Street, and al-Maghazi camp. The raids were concentrated on the city of Rafah and Safad School, which houses displaced people in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood south of Gaza City, while tanks continued to blow up homes to force their residents to flee.

Five massacres

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the Israeli occupation army committed five massacres against Palestinian families in the Gaza Strip within 48 hours, resulting in the martyrdom of 47 Palestinians and the injury of 94 others in intensive raids targeting the north and south of the Gaza Strip.

40,738 martyrs and 94,154 wounded

The Ministry of Health confirmed that the death toll from the Israeli war of extermination on the Gaza Strip has risen to 40,738 martyrs and 94,154 wounded since October 7.

The Ministry of Health explained in its statistical report that a number of victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them.

The artillery shelling targeted the al-Shakoush area in Mawasi Rafah, and the al-Zawaida area in the center of the Strip, while gunboats bombed areas in the west of Gaza City, which led to the deaths of dozens of Palestinians and the injury of others.

27 Palestinians Martyrs

Medical sources in the Gaza Strip said that 27 Palestinians were martyred as a result of Israeli raids on various areas in the Gaza Strip since Sunday morning.

In the afternoon hours, the occupation army raided for the second time the Safed School, which houses displaced people in the middle of the Zeitoun neighborhood in Gaza City.

This comes as 6 Palestinians were also killed and 6 others were injured, most of them seriously, as a result of an "Israeli" bombing that targeted a gathering of Palestinians at the Education Roundabout north of Gaza City.

Bombing Houses

Before that, three Palestinians were killed and others were injured as a result of the "Israeli" occupation bombing of a house in the Toba area in the Jabalia camp north of Gaza City.

East of Gaza City, the occupation warplanes bombed a house in the Tuffah neighborhood, which led to the martyrdom and injury of a number of Palestinians. The occupation raids also targeted a residential area around the Al-Durrah Hospital in the Tuffah neighborhood, coinciding with violent raids targeting Gaza City.

While 4 Palestinians, including a girl, were killed and others were injured, as the occupation bombed several areas in Gaza City and its center in the Bureij camp.

Local sources reported that the occupation warplanes bombed two houses belonging to the Miftah and Bulbul families in the vicinity of the municipal park west of Gaza City, which led to the death of a girl and another person and the injury of 6 others. In targeting a group of Palestinians in the Shuja'iyya neighborhood east of Gaza, which led to the death of one person and the injury of others.

The Israeli occupation forces continued today, Saturday, August 31, on the 330th day of the war of extermination against the people of the Gaza Strip, and 41 Palestinians were martyred since dawn today in a series of raids targeting various areas of the Strip, as part of the 330th day of the ongoing war.

Medical sources reported the martyrdom of 4 Palestinians and the injury of others in two raids targeting two houses south of Gaza City, and in the town of Jabalia north of the Strip.

Bombing Zeitoun Neighborhood

The Israeli army artillery also bombed the Zeitoun neighborhood with a barrage of shells, while helicopters fired machine guns intensively at the neighborhood since dawn today.

Israeli drones targeted a residential building in the Zeitoun neighborhood southeast of Gaza, which led to its complete destruction.

Bloody night

As for the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip, residents lived a bloody night that began after midnight on Friday and dawn today, Saturday, where 17 Palestinians were martyred in raids targeting several houses.

Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat reported the arrival of 9 martyrs and 10 injuries, including serious cases, as a result of targeting the Abu Yousef family home west of the camp.

The hospital also added that 4 martyrs and a number of injuries arrived as a result of targeting another home for the Hamad family in Camp 1 in Nuseirat.

West of Nuseirat

Civil defense teams announced that they were able to extinguish a fire and retrieve four martyrs as a result of artillery shelling by the occupation that targeted a villa on Al-Bahr Street 1 west of Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip this morning.

Targeting Civilians

In another raid on a home for the Zaqout family in the Al-Hasayna area west of Nuseirat camp, 4 Palestinians were martyred, according to what medical sources reported.

In the city of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, the Palestinian Civil Defense confirmed the martyrdom of 4 Palestinians and the injury of others as a result of targeting the home of the Al-Assar family south of the city.

5 Martyrs from one Family

 Civil defense teams also retrieved 5 martyrs from the Abu Bakr family and 15 injuries as a result of targeting a home in the Jort Al-Lut area in Khan Yunis.

This comes within the framework of the war of extermination that has entered its 11th month, and has resulted in the martyrdom and injury of more than 134 thousand Palestinians, most of whom are children and women, in addition to more than 10 thousand missing persons, and the destruction of about 70% of the urban and infrastructure of the Strip.

Since dawn on Friday, August 30, 16 Palestinians, including a child, have been killed in a series of airstrikes launched by the Israeli occupation forces on various areas in the Gaza Strip since the early hours of the morning. These airstrikes coincided with a partial withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Khan Yunis area after a 22-day military operation, causing widespread destruction to the infrastructure and residential buildings.

Intensive airstrikes

The residents of the Gaza Strip woke up to the sound of intensive airstrikes targeting various areas of the Strip. In eastern Khan Yunis, the occupation aircraft targeted the home of the Abu Daqqa family in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, which led to the martyrdom of three Palestinians and the serious injury of others, who were transferred by ambulance crews to Nasser Hospital.

Targeting Citizens Houses

In the town of al-Fakhari, east of Khan Yunis, an Israeli warplane targeted another house, resulting in seven injuries, who were transferred to Nasser Hospital for treatment. Khan Yunis witnessed a partial withdrawal of the "Israeli" forces, after a military operation that lasted 22 days, which left widespread destruction. Palestinian sources reported that ambulance crews recovered the bodies of 9 martyrs from the neighborhoods and streets from which the forces withdrew east of the city, especially from the Al-Mahta neighborhood and Street 5.

Destroying hundreds of houses

According to local sources and eyewitnesses, the withdrawal of the "Israeli" army revealed the extent of the destruction left by the military operations, as hundreds of residential buildings were destroyed, and significant damage was inflicted on the city's infrastructure.

Mawasi area

The occupation also withdrew from areas east of Deir al-Balah, leaving widespread destruction to the infrastructure and residential buildings, after a military operation that lasted for days, in which thousands of Palestinians were displaced to the Mawasi area, which is crowded with displaced people.

Killing Children

In the northern Gaza Strip, specifically in the Jabalia camp, two Palestinians, one of whom was a child, were martyred as a result of a violent shelling that targeted a residential apartment near the Al-Hawja intersection.

Shelling Al-Zeitoun Neighborhood

Red Crescent paramedics transferred several injuries, some of them critical, to Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip, after an "Israeli" bombardment targeted a house belonging to the Al-Qassas family northeast of the camp. The "Israeli" artillery also shelled the eastern and southern areas of the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood southeast of Gaza City, and the western areas of the city such as Al-Rimal, Tal Al-Hawa and the outskirts of the Al-Shati camp, in addition to the Al-Sabra neighborhood and the western areas of the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

The Israeli occupation forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 328th consecutive day, by launching dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians, amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation resulting from the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.

Aircraft and Artillery Raids

Correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their raids and violent shelling - today, Thursday - on various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced persons' gatherings and streets, causing dozens of martyrs and wounded.

The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of large neighborhoods in Rafah, since May 7, and several axes from Khan Yunis, Gaza and Deir al-Balah, amidst air and artillery shelling and committing horrific massacres.

Martyrs in Abasan al-Kabira

Five citizens were martyred and others were injured this afternoon, as a result of the occupation shelling a tent for displaced persons in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis.

This afternoon, the occupation forces bombed a gathering of displaced persons northwest of Khan Younis near Asdaa prison, which led to the martyrdom of some people and the injury of others. Red Crescent crews are dealing with the incident.

A Palestinian died of his wounds after the occupation bombed the prayer hall of the Tabeen School about two weeks ago in the Daraj neighborhood east of Gaza City.

Seven citizens were martyred when the occupation bombed a tuk-tuk near the Amer Project east of Rafah and were transferred to the European Gaza Hospital.

Targeting Civilians

Media sources reported that the occupation forces targeted four young men from the Abu Hadayed family in the Amer Project, and their relatives went to rescue them. While they were leaving with them on a tuk-tuk, the occupation forces targeted them with a new missile near the European Junction, which raised the number of martyrs to seven.

Bombing Bani Suhaila  

The Ministry of Health announced that the Israeli occupation committed four massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, with 68 martyrs and 77 injuries arriving at hospitals during the past 24 hours.

The ministry confirmed in its daily statement that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 40,602 martyrs and 93,855 injuries since October 7.

Under the Rubble

It said: A number of victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them.

Eight martyrs, including a girl, were killed and four others were injured after the occupation aircraft bombed a house west of Gaza City at dawn today, causing a fire in the house.

Medical Services

Medical services said: Our crews were able to retrieve two martyrs and four injuries from targeting a house near the Amal Hotel, and the crews are still at the scene and the civil defense is trying to control the fire that broke out in the house of the Jarada and Abdo families.

Ambulance and civil defense crews retrieved two girls at dawn today, Thursday, after the occupation forces targeted a house in Nuseirat, while they retrieved the body of a woman after the occupation bombed a house in Deir al-Balah.

Air Raids

Occupation aircraft bombed a house in the al-Sawarah area west of Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.

The Israeli occupation artillery shelled northwest of Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip.

Heavy Fire towards Street 5

Local sources reported that the occupation forces opened heavy fire towards Street 5 in the center of Khan Yunis towards the western areas. Civil defense crews in Gaza recovered 4 martyrs following an Israeli bombardment that targeted the Aribi area north of Rafah city.

The surplus included KD 1.5 billion achieved in April, marking a 21.9% increase of KD 270 million compared to a surplus of KD 1.23 billion in April 2023.

• From January to April, Kuwait’s trade exchange totaled KD 12.13 billion. In April 2024, it reached KD 3.22 billion, a 5.2% increase from KD 3.06 billion in April 2023.
• Kuwait’s exports reached KD 8.4 billion in the first four months of 2024, with a 10% increase in April, totaling KD 2.36 billion.

The latest data from the Central Statistical Administration revealed that Kuwait recorded a trade surplus of KD 4.7 billion in the first four months of this year, a slight decrease of 3.4% (KD 167.4 million) compared to a surplus of KD 4.87 billion during the same period in 2023. According to Al Anba newspaper, the surplus included KD 1.5 billion achieved in April, marking a 21.9% increase (KD 270 million) compared to a surplus of KD 1.23 billion in April 2023.

According to the Central Statistical Administration data, the volume of trade exchange in Kuwait from January to the end of April amounted to approximately KD 12.13 billion, reflecting a 4% decrease of KD 504.9 million compared to KD 12.63 billion during the same period in 2023. In April 2024, the trade exchange volume reached about KD 3.22 billion, marking a 5.2% increase of KD 159 million compared to KD 3.06 billion in April 2023.

Kuwait imported goods worth KD 3.7 billion in the first four months of this year

Kuwait imported goods worth about KD 3.7 billion during the first four months of this year, a 4.3% decrease of KD 168.75 million compared to KD 3.88 billion for the same period in 2023. In April alone, imports totaled approximately KD 860.87 million, a 6.1% decrease of KD 55.52 million compared to KD 916.4 million in April 2023.

In April 2024, the value of imported cars was around KD 125.06 million, down from KD 174.96 million in April 2023. Imports of pearls, precious stones, and metals amounted to about KD 60.15 million in April 2024, up from KD 41.8 million in the same month of 2023.

Kuwait imported medicines worth approximately KD 52.23 million in April 2024, compared to KD 49.85 million in April 2023.

In April 2024, Kuwait imported perfumes, cosmetics, and beauty products worth around KD 14.7 million, compared to KD 23.53 million in April 2023.

The top five countries from which Kuwait imported goods in April 2024 are as follows:

• People’s Republic of China: Kuwait imported approximately KD 155.7 million goods, accounting for 18.1% of total commodity imports.
• United Arab Emirates: Kuwait imported goods worth about KD 116.9 million, representing 13.6% of total commodity imports.
• United States: Kuwait imported goods worth KD 79.17 million, making up 9.2% of total imports.
• India: Kuwait’s commodity imports from India amounted to approximately KD 51.34 million, representing 6% of total imports.
• Saudi Arabia: Kuwait imported goods worth about KD 46.11 million, accounting for 5.4% of total imports.

Value of Kuwait’s exports

The value of Kuwait’s exports during the first four months of 2024 amounted to approximately KD 8.4 billion, a decrease of 3.8%, or KD 336.22 million, compared to KD 8.75 billion in the same period of 2023. However, Kuwait’s exports increased by 10% in April 2024, reaching KD 2.36 billion, up from KD 2.15 billion in April 2023.

Kuwait’s oil exports and its derivatives during the first four months of 2024 totaled about KD 7.75 billion, compared to KD 8.15 billion in the same period of 2023.

In April 2024, Kuwait exported mineral fuels, mineral oils, and their distillation products worth approximately KD 2.19 billion, up from KD 2.02 billion in April 2023. Chemical products exported in April 2024 were valued at KD 40 million, compared to KD 30.6 million in April 2023. Exports of pearls, precious stones, and precious metals were valued at KD 11.34 million in April 2024, slightly down from KD 11.6 million in April 2023.

Endowments Affairs Council reviews and approves reports

The General Secretariat of Endowments announced on Wednesday that the Endowments Affairs Council held its 103rd meeting, chaired by Minister of Justice and Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Dr Mohammad Al-Wasmi, at the Secretariat’s headquarters in Dasma.

The Secretary of the Endowments Affairs Council and Director of the Planning and Follow-up Department at the General Secretariat, Jassim Bugaith, said in a press statement that the Council discussed many topics, reviewed, and approved several reports, namely the report on the achievements of the work units of the General Secretariat of Endowments for the year 2023, the annual achievement report of the Sharia Committee for the year 2023, the annual endowment projects committee for the year 2023, in addition to the annual audit committee report for the year 2023.

Bugaith added that the report on what was accomplished in the preparatory year 2022 was reviewed and approved in the document of the strategic plan of the General Secretariat of Endowments for the years 2023–2028, in implementation of Endowments Affairs Council Resolution No. 99. Bugaith explained that the Council meets at least four times a year or when needed, and it is the Supreme Authority supervising endowment affairs that makes the necessary decisions and achieves the purposes for which the Secretariat was established.

He explained that the Council is concerned with drawing up the general policy for managing and investing endowment funds, setting systems and regulations that ensure the development of endowment revenues and their regular collection, and maintaining and preserving endowment assets, in addition to approving the internal organization of the Secretariat.

The Council’s responsibilities also include approving the annual revenues and expenditures of endowment funds and their final accounts, selecting the Secretariat’s audit office, reviewing the periodic reports submitted by the Secretary-General on the progress of work in the Secretariat, and reviewing all matters related to the Secretariat’s activity that the Chairman of the Council deems necessary to present.

It is noteworthy that the Endowment Affairs Council, headed by the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, includes in its membership the Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Endowments, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the Director-General of the Social Insurance Institution, the Director-General of the Zakat House, a representative of the Ministry of Finance, and a representative of the Public Investment Authority, in addition to three members with experience and expertise. — KUNA

Life Charity: More than 279 thousand beneficiaries of “water supply” in Gaza

As part of its ongoing efforts to support the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Projects and Programs Advisor at Life Charity Association, Dr. Muhammad Al-Barrak, announced that the association has distributed 161 water tankers in various areas of Gaza, benefiting more than 279 thousand beneficiaries, since the beginning of the crisis.

Al-Barrak added: "The Life Charity Society, along with its sister Kuwaiti societies, continues to support the difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza through various humanitarian projects, including the "Water Supply" project. The Life Charity Society works in cooperation with charitable organizations inside Gaza licensed by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs to alleviate the suffering of the displaced in obtaining drinking water in light of the severe crisis and continuous bombing. For example, during last July, the society distributed water to displaced families in the Deir al-Balah area and northern Gaza Strip through water tankers, and they are continuing to distribute to other areas. Al-Barrak pointed out the importance of the "Water Supply" project, as it is one of the most important areas of charity and goodness, due to the solidarity and compassion in providing clean water to those in need, given that people need it and cannot do without it. Without water, the earth and those on it would perish. Water is the origin and artery of life. Therefore, the Life Charity Society attaches great importance to water supply projects, which include drilling surface and artesian wells, water tanks and coolers, providing water tankers and distributing cold water, and other projects inside and outside Kuwait, explaining that this summer, the Life Charity Society contributed to the "Bard Aleihim" project to distribute cold water, juice and ice to workers inside Kuwait in cooperation with the Ghaith Volunteer Team and the Response and Rescue Team.

Al-Barrak indicated that the Life Charity Society implemented, thanks to God and with the support of charitable people, 16 humanitarian projects to support Gaza, benefiting nearly 902 thousand people since the beginning of the crisis, and the society continues its efforts to contribute to alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza. May God relieve their distress and grant them victory over their enemy.

He called on the charitable people in Kuwait to continue donating to charitable and humanitarian projects and projects to support Gaza through the Life Charity Society website alhyat.org, or by calling the hotline 1844455.- Al-Mujtama

Namaa Charity: 657 students benefited from the "University Student"

Namaa Charity of the Social Reform Society confirmed that the number of beneficiaries of the University Student Project for the second semester of the academic year 2023-2024 AD, in implementation of the conditions of the donors stipulated in the endowment documents to support students and students inside and outside Kuwait for this year from Kuwaitis and residents, amounted to 657 male and female students.

In this regard, the Head of the Communications and Information Technology Sector, Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, said: The University Student Care Service is one of the most prominent services provided by Namaa Charity, in an effort to provide financial assistance to students who are unable to bear the costs of university tuition fees.

Al-Kandari explained that the University Student Care Project represents a model of effective partnership between charitable and governmental institutions in Kuwait, and the project aims to provide support and care to needy students, whether they are Kuwaitis or residents in Kuwait, to continue their university studies, in partnership between the Awqaf Secretariat and Namaa Charity.

Abdulaziz Al-Kandari added that the University Student Sponsorship Project reflects Kuwait's commitment to empowering youth and providing them with educational opportunities through this valuable partnership between Nama Charity and the General Secretariat of Endowments. The project continues to provide support and care to needy students, and contributes to building a more united and prosperous society in Kuwait.

Al-Kandari explained that the "Student Sponsorship" project supports students who are unable to afford tuition fees, to help them obtain tuition fees to obtain a university degree according to specific controls set by the General Secretariat of Endowments.

Al-Kandari continued: Our goal from the "Student Sponsorship" project is to provide appropriate support to all Kuwaiti students and residents in Kuwait who need financial support to pursue their university studies. Through this project, we seek to enable needy students and their families to cover all or part of the costs of education, and we also seek to support and embrace the distinguished among them.

Al-Kandari concluded his statement by saying: By implementing this project, we confirm our commitment to our developmental and humanitarian mission, and we strive to provide a supportive and stimulating environment for Kuwaiti and resident students in their academic career. - Al-Mujtama

"Kuwait Charity" treated 20 children in northern Syria from malnutrition diseases

As part of its humanitarian efforts to support the displaced in northern Syria, the Kuwaiti Charity Society (Hafez) treated 20 children and provided food baskets to the families of the children as part of the malnutrition patients' aid project in northern Syria.

The Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Society, Eng. Ahmed Al-Marshed, said: The malnutrition patients' aid project aims to provide all forms of support and assistance to displaced families in northern Syria whose children suffer from malnutrition diseases, as the project includes providing medical treatment for critical cases and distributing food baskets to improve the nutrition of children and adults who suffer from emaciation or weakness due to lack of access to sufficient food.

Al-Marshed indicated that the Kuwaiti Charity Society treated 20 cases of children as part of the project, and thanks to God and then with the support of charitable people, their malnutrition index improved by measuring the arm circumference from the red mark to the green mark. We ask God for safety and recovery for all.

He added: Our true religion has taken care of the issue of fighting hunger, as food is one of the most important human needs to survive, and hunger and malnutrition pose a threat to human life, especially children. That is why feeding people is encouraged in the verses of the Holy Quran and the hadiths of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, including the words of God Almighty: (And they give food, in spite of their love for it, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive {8} [saying], “We feed you only for the countenance of God. We desire from you no reward, nor thanks.”] (Al-Insan).

The Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The best among you are those who feed people.” Indeed, the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, made feeding people one of the reasons for entering Paradise, saying: “O people, spread peace, feed people, and pray at night while people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.”

The United Nations has made the elimination of hunger the second goal of the Sustainable Development Goals to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, by ensuring that all people - especially children - have access to sufficient and nutritious food throughout the year.

The guide called on those with white hands to continue their generous support for the malnutrition aid project and all charitable and humanitarian projects of the association by donating from its website hofath.org. – Al-Mujtama

Kuwait, Turkey charities ink $2.105m agreement

  Kuwait Relief Society (KRS) on Wednesday signed an executive contract worth $2.105 million with the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) to operate a relief ship to support and provide relief to those affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts in Sudan. Director General of KRS Abdulaziz Al-Obaid told KUNA that the association’s operation of the “Sudan Ship” confirms the depth of Kuwaiti feelings towards the Sudanese people and demonstrates Kuwait’s continued presence, through its official and charitable institutions, in leading the humanitarian work there.

Al-Obaid explained that the relief ship is scheduled to depart from Turkish ports towards Port Sudan in northeastern Sudan at the end of September and will arrive in Sudanese ports by September 15, where it will be unloaded with KRS and then handed over to the Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC).

The Director General of the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) and its representative, Durmus Aydin, said in a similar statement to KUNA that the terms of the contract stipulated that the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation would undertake the purchase, supply, preparation, and packaging of goods and humanitarian aid according to the quantities specified in the terms of the contract, provided that they are valid for at least one year, then load them onto the ship at Turkish ports and deliver them to the Sudanese port of Port Sudan.

Aydin added that the Turkish Foundation (IHH) is also committed, according to the terms of the contract, to bear the cost and trouble of carrying out all procedures and obtaining the necessary permits for the entire shipment. He explained that the Foundation is committed to facilitating the tasks of monitoring the company and facilitating the work of media professionals and providing KRS with detailed interim and final media reports for all stages of preparation, loading, and dispatch, as well as its moral commitment to quickly complete the relief shipment.

For his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Kuwait, Awad Al-Karim Al-Rayeh Balla, noted after the signing the solidarity of the official bodies, Kuwaiti charitable societies and organizations, and the Kuwaiti people to assist those affected by the recent events in Sudan and to work diligently to overcome the humanitarian crisis there. Ambassador Al-Rayeh Balla added that the Kuwaiti aid has been providing relief aid like food, medicine, tents, and others.

He expressed his thanks for the humanitarian efforts of the Kuwaiti government and people and the charitable societies and organizations for their efforts that highlight the pioneering humanitarian role of Kuwait. Ambassador of Turkey to Kuwait Tuba Sonmez confirmed that the agreements unify the responsibility and feelings that unite Turkey and Kuwait towards those affected by natural disasters and conflicts in Sudan.

Sonmez added that the coming days will witness more cooperation between the two countries in broader humanitarian horizons, for the good and relief of those affected by disasters and crises everywhere. In turn, the representative of the Kuwait Relief Society, Eng Jamal Al-Nouri, said that the contract comes within the framework of the Kuwaiti government’s support for the current humanitarian conditions in Sudan, given the suffering of displaced families from natural disasters and conflicts that have caused the spread of poverty and homelessness, in addition to diseases and epidemics.

Al-Nouri explained that the society will bear half the cost of preparing the cargo of the Sudan Ship, which includes about 150 containers with a total weight of 2,500 tons of various relief materials, especially food, cleaning materials, and various shelter supplies. He indicated that the society will bear the cost of preparing 75 of these containers, while the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) will bear the cost of preparing the remaining 75 containers.

He pointed out that about 83 containers were allocated for food supplies and parcels, including rice, wheat, lentils, flour, sugar, oil, tomato paste, and other food essentials, while 27 containers were allocated for mattresses, sponges, blankets, shelter supplies, tents, and waterproof plastic bags. The Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) is one of the world’s leading relief organizations that reaches war zones, conflicts, and natural disasters around the world to provide relief materials to victims and oppressed people and provide assistance to the needy and displaced.

It is one of the institutions that Kuwait Relief sought to contract with to operate a number of relief ships to the Gaza Strip and Sudan during the current year. The Kuwait Relief Society was established on April 30, 2008, and was registered by the Ministry of Social Affairs in 2012. It is a charitable relief organization based in Kuwait that works to provide relief to areas affected by conflicts or natural disasters in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and many countries around the world. — KUNA

KRCS supports reconstruction of Dialysis Center in northern Gaza

Five out of seven dialysis centers destroyed by Israel

 Noura Al-Kaabi Dialysis Center in northern Gaza commenced Wednesday a reconstruction project with the support of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS). The Center completely stopped operation after it was destroyed by Zionist occupation, Center Director Dr Marwan Al-Sultan stated, adding that re-operation is imperative to save the lives of thousands of kidney failure patients in the Gaza Strip.

More than 180 patients in the strip suffer from kidney failure and are in need of dialysis three times a week, not to mention more than 1,000 patients with kidney failure in the entirety of the strip, he explained. According to Palestinian health authorities, patients with kidney failure in the Gaza Strip are suffering from dire circumstances due to the destruction of five out of seven dialysis centers.

Noura Al-Kaabi Kidney Dialysis Center management announced Sunday that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) is supporting the project to rehabilitate, maintain, and equip the Center. The center, which has been rehabilitated, is located on an area of about 700 square meters and consists of three floors. It operates with a capacity of about 42 dialysis machines, including about 36 chairs and a dialysis machine.

Dr Al-Sultan stressed the need to re-operate the center, which stopped working completely after being subjected to aggression and storming by the occupation forces, indicating the importance of its role in saving the lives of thousands of kidney patients in the Gaza Strip. He expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Kuwait, HH the Amir, the government, and its people for supporting Gazans and alleviating their suffering, praising the role of the Kuwait Red Crescent in providing humanitarian aid.

Since the beginning of the aggression on the Gaza Strip last October, Kuwait has taken the initiative to send thousands of tons of relief, humanitarian, and medical aid to the Strip, while the Kuwaiti Relief Air Bridge is still ongoing. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society has also taken the initiative to implement qualitative relief projects in the Strip, including sending dozens of ambulances and establishing a field hospital to treat the wounded. — KUNA

Education Ministry integrates modern technology

 The Ministry of Education affirmed on Wednesday its keenness to integrate modern technology in line with the rapid digital developments and investment in the future of education, opening new doors to enhance students’ digital skills. The Ministry stated on its official account on the social networking platform (X) that as part of its preparations for the new academic year 2024-2025, 5,125 interactive screens have been introduced in various educational stages to provide a more attractive and interactive educational environment that enhances innovation and creativity among teachers and learners.

It explained that 294 screens have been introduced in computer labs for the elementary stage, 472 in computer labs for the intermediate stage, and 4,359 in computer labs and classrooms for the secondary stage. It indicated that the introduction of interactive screens aims to stimulate interaction and activity in the classroom, in addition to improving the clarity of educational materials and encouraging teamwork and cooperation, in addition to providing diverse educational resources, enhancing technology skills, sharing educational materials, and supporting distance education. — KUNA

Kuwait’s 8th aid-loaded plane departs to Sudan

 Kuwait’s eighth relief aid plane departed for Sudan on Wednesday carrying on board 33 tons of food, medicine, and tents, organized by the Kuwaiti Relief Society and Sheikh Abdullah Nouri Charity, to help those affected by war and floods. In remarks to KUNA, the General Director of Kuwait Relief Society, Abdulaziz Al-Obaid, said that this aid plane is part of the Kuwaiti air bridge to help Sudan in cooperation with member associations of Kuwait Relief Society’s Board of Directors, including the Kuwait Charity, Revival of Islamic Heritage, Nama Charity, Al-Najat Charity, Abdullah Al-Nouri, Direct Aid, and others.

This flight includes 33 tons of urgent and critical needs for those affected, as it consists of 30 tons of food supplies, 3 tons of medical supplies to meet the basic health needs of the displaced, as well as 99 tents for sheltering the displaced, Al-Obaid added. He emphasized the dismal situation in Sudan due to the ongoing internal conflicts, widespread displacement, and lack of security and stability, which led to an increased demand for humanitarian needs such as food, medicine, and tents due to the floods and torrents that struck northern Sudan.

The General Director of the Al-Nouri Charity, Waleed Al-Saif, told KUNA that the continued flights through Kuwaiti Air Bridge alongside the maritime ships for aiding Sudanese would help increase the chances of survival for the affected ones. Al-Saif expressed his gratitude for dispatching relief aid via Kuwaiti Air Bridge, as he praised the efforts of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Social Affairs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their role in this humanitarian work. — KUNA

KRCS distributes 2,200 school bags to children

KUWAIT: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) on Wednesday started distributing school bags with complete school materials to children of needy families who registered with the society to start their educational journey. KRSC’s Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Anwar Al-Hasawi, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the school bag project aims to distribute approximately 2,200 school bags, expressing his deep thanks to the banks and companies that supported the project.

The school bags, stationery, pens, and tools will help the students in their academic activities. He stated that the success of the educational process undoubtedly depends on providing the basic needs required by the students. He stressed the association’s keenness on this initiative at the beginning of each academic year, believing that education is one of the most important rights that must be provided to children of needy families. – KUNA

KRS and ASPN to rehabilitate Gaza’s agricultural sector

 The Kuwait Relief Society (KRS) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Jordanian Arab Society for the Protection of Nature (ASPN) to implement projects aimed at rehabilitating the agricultural sector in the Gaza Strip, with support from the Kuwaiti Direct Aid Society (DAS). Director General of the Kuwait Relief Society Abdulaziz Al-Obaid told KUNA that the MoU comes within the framework of the Gaza Strip farms revival project launched by the Jordanian Society for the Protection of Nature (SPSN) in March.

Al-Obaid added that the project aims to provide support to Palestinian farmers after the Zionist occupation systematically targeted agricultural facilities and destroyed vegetable farms, depriving the residents from benefiting from the agricultural products. For his part, Director General of the Direct Aid Society Dr Abdullah Al-Sumait told KUNA that the goal of this one-year project is to contribute to supplying agricultural products, fodder seeds, various vegetable seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and extending irrigation networks, greenhouse covers, and agricultural ponds in the Gaza Strip.

The Arab Society for the Protection of Nature in Jordan is an independent, non-profit civil society organization based in the Jordanian capital, Amman. It is concerned with protecting natural resources in light of the increasing challenges and dangers they face, especially those to which they are exposed as a result of conflicts, wars, and occupation. The Society for the Protection of Nature aims to rehabilitate and sustain environmental, agricultural, and food systems in Arab regions that are affected by wars and conflicts in coordination with all Arab and international bodies and organizations. — KUNA