Amir, Trump Reaffirm Strong Ties

  HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah congratulated US President-elect Donald Trump on his victory in the US presidential elections during a phone call on Tuesday. The leaders discussed the strong and strategic relations between Kuwait and the US, particularly in economic, security and military fields, and expressed a shared commitment to further enhancing these ties. They also reviewed regional and international issues of mutual concern. HH the Amir extended an official invitation for Trump to visit Kuwait, while Trump expressed gratitude for HH the Amir’s congratulations and reaffirmed US support for Kuwait’s security and stability. He also invited HH the Amir to visit the US at a later date. — KUNA

 WHO designates Sabah Al-Salem University campus as Healthy City

Achievement a ‘historic’ milestone for Kuwait University: Officials

 In a historic achievement for Kuwait University, the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially designated the Sabah Al-Salem University City as a “Healthy City,” making it the first university in Kuwait to receive this recognition. This milestone was celebrated during a special ceremony in which certificates of accreditation were also presented to Dasmah and Al-Oyoun designating them as healthy cities.

The event, held at the Dana Hall on the Sabah Al-Salem university campus, was attended by Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research Nader Al-Jallal, Minister of Health Dr Ahmad Al-Awadhi, WHO Regional Director Assad Hafeez, and Acting President of Kuwait University Osama Al-Saeed.

In his remarks, Minister Al-Awadhi expressed his pride that Kuwait University had become the first university in the country to earn the “Healthy City” designation locally. He also highlighted that, with the addition of Dasmah and Al-Oyoun, Kuwait now has seven officially recognized healthy cities, out of 18 registered in the WHO’s Regional Healthy Cities Network.

“We aim to expand the number of healthy cities in Kuwait to ten by the end of this year, with Qortuba, Al-Daiya, and Al-Shaab expected to pass WHO’s initial evaluation,” he said. Awadhi praised the collaborative efforts of the university, the Ministry of Health, and other stakeholders, emphasizing how this achievement reflects dedication to enhancing public health and community engagement.

Minister Al-Awadhi explained that the “Healthy Cities” initiative, launched by the WHO in 1986, aims to improve community health through partnerships between governments and civil society. The program focuses on fostering collaborations that lead to better health outcomes and quality of life.

WHO Regional Director Assad Hafeez also congratulated the university on its accreditation, noting that the Sabah Al-Salem campus’ commitment to creating a healthy and thriving community serves as an exemplary model. “Your dedication to health and well-being is a clear testament to your belief in enhancing the health and prosperity of your community,” he said. Hafeez further emphasized that during the WHO’s evaluation of the university campus, it was evident that health was integrated into the university’s daily operations. This integration not only enhances the success of the institution but also improves the health of students, staff, and workers, while promoting environmental, social, and economic sustainability.

The WHO official explained that the “Healthy University” concept is based on a comprehensive approach to health, with a focus on creating an educational environment and organizational culture that promotes health, well-being, and sustainability. He said the Healthy Cities Department at the Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean, introduced the concept of healthy universities for the first time at Sabah Al-Salem University City. Since then, several other initiatives have been implemented in the region and launched based on the standards of the Healthy Cities Program.

Acting President of Kuwait University, Al-Saeed, explained that the university has worked to strengthen the concept of community partnerships, which has resulted in the global accreditation of the Sabah Al-Salem University campus as an integrated educational and health system. He noted that the campus serves approximately 50,000 students and university staff daily from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, and experiences smooth traffic with around 50,000 cars.

He added that the university campus earned 110 points in the WHO’s assessment, meeting all necessary criteria for the “Healthy City” designation. Minister Al-Jallal described the WHO’s accreditation as a “historic achievement” for Kuwait University. He commended the collaborative efforts of various sectors in the country, noting that this recognition highlights Kuwait University’s role in integrating health into its academic and organizational structures. — KUNA 

Namaa Charity enriches the book fair with publications promoting giving and humanity values.

Namaa Charity, in collaboration with the Social Reform Society, Islah, participates in the book fair, offering a distinguished collection of publications that focus on spreading the culture of giving and humanitarian work, targeting different age groups.

Waleed Al-Kandari, the public relations manager at Namaa Charity, stated: "Our participation in the book fair is in line with our vision to spread the values of giving and enhance social responsibility." He also mentioned that Namaa Charity is presenting other important publications, such as "10 Years since Kuwait was named a Global Humanitarian Center," which documents Kuwait's achievements as a beacon of humanitarian work and provides transparent answers to donors' questions, such as the role of charitable organizations in managing donations and the importance of balancing between local and international projects.

Al-Kandari added that they also participate with the booklet "The Story of a Nation," which highlights Kuwait's historical journey from its foundation to the present, focusing on its unique humanitarian role. The second and third editions of this book have been developed to provide expanded scientific material and historical images reflecting Kuwait's humanitarian and developmental path.

Al-Kandari continued by saying: "We are keen on providing distinguished content, such as children's stories that teach the younger generations the virtues of giving and collaboration, including 'Zubaida,' 'Aroa,' and 'Hamoud Dreams.'" These stories carry educational messages that instill in children the love of goodness and helping others.

Al-Kandari concluded his statement by saying: "Through our participation, we aim to interact with the public, enhance their awareness of the importance of giving and charitable work, reflecting the values of Namaa Charity and its humanitarian message. We believe that books are a powerful tool for spreading goodness and positive influence in society."

This participation is part of Namaa Charity's efforts to highlight its role in spreading the culture of giving, with a focus on providing meaningful and educational content that inspires generations and enhances Kuwait's role as a leading country in humanitarian work.

Namaa Charity responds to the call of those affected by floods in Bangladesh

In response to the devastating floods that struck Bangladesh, Namaa Charity, in collaboration with the Social Reform Society, provided urgent humanitarian aid to support affected families, including Rohingya refugees and the most vulnerable groups in affected areas.

Khaled Mubarak Al-Shammari, the relief management director at Namaa Charity, stated: "The aid included food and shelter materials, benefiting more than 7770 beneficiaries. The food baskets and shelter materials were distributed in coordination with local authorities approved by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs to ensure immediate and effective delivery to those in need.".

Al-Shamari confirmed that Namaa Charity directed that priority be given to families with children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities, in an attempt to alleviate their suffering after losing their homes and sources of livelihood due to the disaster. Al-Shamari explained that the aid included basic food items and shelter supplies that helped meet the urgent needs of the affected individuals who faced one of the worst floods in Bangladesh in decades. He emphasized Namaa Charity's continued commitment to providing urgent humanitarian assistance to disaster-affected individuals around the world, in line with Kuwait's humanitarian vision and its leading role in supporting the needy and promoting global solidarity.

Recently, tragic floods and seasonal rains in Bangladesh have affected more than 5 million people, resulting in the displacement of over 300,000 individuals and widespread destruction of homes and infrastructure. The affected individuals expressed their gratitude for Namaa Charity's efforts, with one beneficiary saying: "We lost everything due to the floods, and the aid provided helped meet our basic needs." 

Medical camp for eye operations in Niger and Somalia

Al-Bassam: a pioneering initiative by Namaa Charity to combat blindness and support vulnerable groups...

As part of its humanitarian and health mission, and with generous support from the people of goodwill in Kuwait, Namaa Charity, in collaboration with the Social Reform Society, organized a distinguished medical camp in Niger and Somalia to perform cataract surgeries and provide comprehensive medical care for eye patients. Walid Al-Bassam, head of the development and projects sector at Namaa Charity, said: "We at Namaa Charity are proud to have organized this medical camp that has helped change the lives of 300 beneficiaries from the most vulnerable groups, including the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, and children." He added: "The medical camp was not limited to successful cataract surgeries, but also included providing free medication, examinations, distributing medical glasses, and raising awareness about the importance of eye health prevention." Al-Bassam further stated that such charitable campaigns represent a model of qualitative work that focuses on providing sustainable solutions, emphasizing that raising awareness about personal hygiene and following preventive measures is an important part of the medical camp. Patients were educated about the importance of protecting their eyes from injuries and wearing appropriate glasses.

Al-Basam concluded his statement by saying: "We express our sincere thanks to the good people in Kuwait for their continuous support, which enables us to implement such initiatives." He explained that the prayers and gratitude of the patients reflect the positive impact that we aspire to achieve, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to provide healthcare to the most vulnerable groups in different countries.

It is worth mentioning that the medical camp included performing 300 successful surgeries to remove cataracts, providing necessary medications and treatments, as well as distributing medical glasses. The camp also focused on raising awareness about cleanliness and eye health, with the aim of protecting patients from blindness and enabling them to live a dignified and healthy life.

IICO Launches Second Edition of "Steps Towards Excellence"

The International Islamic Charitable Organization (IICO) launches the second edition of "Steps towards Excellence" to train the leadership and administrative staff in partner humanitarian organizations...

The International Islamic Charitable Organization launched the second edition of the training program "Steps towards Excellence" in the Jordanian capital, Amman, with the participation of 45 trainees representing 20 non-profit charitable organizations from 6 countries, including Palestine, Iraq, Lebanon, Sudan, Uganda, and Jordan.

Deputy Director of Corporate Communications at the organization, Ibrahim Al-Badr, confirmed that this program is an extension of the organization's efforts to support and empower its strategic partners by providing quality training programs that contribute to the development of their institutional capacities, ensuring the sustainability of their charitable projects and achieving a tangible positive impact in the targeted communities.

Al-Badr stated that launching the second edition of this program in Jordan, after the success of the first edition held in Istanbul, reflects the organization's commitment to enhancing the efficiency of partner organizations and empowering them to address the increasing humanitarian challenges.

He pointed out that the program, initiated by the Noor Training Chair, under the supervision of Dr. Jassem Al-Mutawa, aims to develop advanced leadership and management skills among workers in non-profit organizations, through an intensive training content that spans over 14 days and relies on the latest global practices and trends in humanitarian institution management.

Al-Badr explained that the program brings together a select group of experienced specialized trainers in humanitarian work to ensure the achievement of desired goals with the highest quality standards, enhance the capacities of our strategic partners, and support the sustainability of their projects, reflecting positively on the lives of the most vulnerable communities benefiting from these humanitarian efforts.

37,700 people apply for hajj: Awqaf ministry

 Registration for the coming hajj season has closed, and the Awqaf and Islamic Affairs was set to contact those who were selected to perform the pilgrimage on Sunday. Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Al-Wasmi confirmed on Sunday the success of the hajj registration process for the 1446 Hijri season, highlighting its transparency in terms of numbers, categories, and sects. In a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Minister Al-Wasmi emphasized that the registration process for hajj pilgrims had been conducted with great care to avoid any errors and ensure smooth operation. He assured that all obstacles hindering the registration process had been overcome, and that comprehensive services were being provided for pilgrims to choose from various hajj campaigns.

He noted that the total number of registered individuals had reached 37,700, from which 8,000 pilgrims were selected. He also expressed hopes for further collaboration with the relevant authorities in Saudi Arabia to potentially increase the number of pilgrims. Minister Al-Wasmi explained that specific regulations and criteria had been established to ensure the efficiency of the hajj campaigns, and expressed pride in the high standard of Kuwaiti hajj campaigns, which have earned recognition both within Kuwait and abroad.

Sattam Al-Muzain, Director of the Hajj and Umrah Department told KUNA that the selection process was carried out according to the categories defined by the Supreme Hajj and Umrah Committee.

Muzain confirmed that each category had been assigned a percentage, with priority given to older individuals and their companions, ensuring a transparent process overseen by the representatives of hajj campaigns. He added that text messages would be sent Sunday to those selected, notifying them through the “Sahel” application. Those who fail to complete their registration within five days would be disqualified, allowing for the next eligible individuals to be selected. — KUNA

Fourth relief plane arrives in Lebanon with 40 tons of aid

  The fourth relief plane of Kuwait’s air bridge to Lebanon arrived in Beirut Monday, carrying 40 tons of food, blankets, and other supplies as part of the “Kuwait is by Your Side” campaign.

“The fourth Kuwaiti airlift plane was dispatched as part of Kuwait’s humanitarian air bridge to Lebanon in order to continue addressing the displacement crisis and mitigate its consequences following the ongoing Zionist aggression against Lebanon,” Charge d’Affaires at Kuwait’s Embassy in Lebanon Minister Plenipotentiary Abdullah Al-Shaheen told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA).

The plane is carrying an estimated 40 tons of supplies provided by the Kuwait Red Crescent Society to the Lebanese Red Cross. Previous relief planes have delivered supplies to the the Lebanese Ministry of Health and the High Relief Commission (HRC), he said.

Lebanese Red Cross Relief Coordinator Yousef Boutros praised Kuwait for its continuous solidarity with Lebanon. “Kuwait has always been present alongside Lebanon in these difficult circumstances, which have caused the displacement of hundreds of thousands of people,” he said. He expressed gratitude to the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for its proactive role in providing humanitarian aid and its continuous efforts in Lebanon. “We at the Lebanese Red Cross are witnesses to this through our coordination and close relationship with them.”

The Kuwaiti relief plane was received at the airport by Minister Al-Shaheen and members of the Kuwaiti embassy, along with a delegation from the Lebanese Red Cross. Kuwait Red Crescent Society has been providing humanitarian aid during the current Zionist aggression on Lebanon, helping thousands of Lebanese families in southern villages and towns near the border, in addition to launching urgent relief campaigns for displaced families whose homes were damaged by Zionist airstrikes.

KRCS Chairman Khaled Al-Maghames said the the aid was shipped upon the directives of His Highness the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, as a demonstration of the solidarity of the Kuwaiti people with their Lebanese brothers and sisters, particularly in response to their urgent need for food and medicine. He added that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society is committed to continuing its humanitarian assistance to Lebanon, with the fourth relief plane containing much-needed supplies requested by Lebanese charities.

He expressed his appreciation and gratitude to the Ministry of Defense, as well as the efforts and supervision of the Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Defense Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah for facilitating the airlift operation from the Abdullah Mubarak Air Base. He also acknowledged the contributions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Affairs, the donors, and the employees and volunteers of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society for their pivotal role in ensuring the success of this humanitarian mission. — KUNA

On the 411th day of the war on Gaza, more than 20 Palestinians have been killed since this morning, while the Israeli army announced 800 deaths among its ranks since October 7th. Hamas continues to resist the aggression and intensify its efforts to confront the gangs that are stealing humanitarian aid.

Today, 12 Palestinians were killed by the occupation forces shelling a house in the old Gaza Street in Jabalia town north of Gaza Strip, with several people still missing under the rubble of the house. Additionally, three citizens were killed and others injured in an airstrike on a residential apartment in the Sabra neighborhood south of Gaza City.

Civil defense also reported that one of its members was killed and three others were injured by the occupation forces while trying to evacuate the wounded in a residential apartment in the Sabra neighborhood in Gaza.

Three citizens were killed in an Israeli bombardment of a house in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, while another citizen was killed and others were injured when the occupation targeted a group of residents near the Pump School east of Rafah city in southern Gaza.

Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes early today on the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood southwest of Gaza City and the Beit Lahia town in the north of the Strip, with eyewitnesses reporting intense airstrikes and fire belts on Beit Lahia.

The fire belt tactic is being widely used by the Israeli army in its war on Gaza, using swarms of 30 to 100 fighter jets to attack a specific area, causing massive destruction and dozens of casualties among civilians.

Resistance Achievements:

Al-Qassam Brigades announced targeting Israeli occupation forces in the Netzarim axis with short-range 107 rockets, and broadcasted images of targeting a Merkava tank with a "Shawath" device on Dawas Street in the Fakhoura area west of Jabalia camp in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, Al-Quds Brigades stated that its fighters engaged in fierce clashes at point-blank range with the invading Israeli soldiers near the al-Jenzir roundabout near the "Sulaim Abu Muslim" mosque in the center of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

The enemy continues to suffer losses:

Israeli sources reported the death of an Israeli soldier in the Gaza battles, with Channel 12 stating that the Israeli army warned the political leadership that the military operation in Jabalia has been exhausted, and that moving to any other area would endanger the lives of the "captives".

Therefore, the Israeli army announced 800 deaths among its ranks since October 7, 2023. The military radio had reported that "the military operation in Jabalia has so far resulted in the deaths of 27 soldiers from the Israeli army", as Israel continues to commit daily massacres in Gaza, especially in the northern besieged area.

The text translates to:

"And it was mentioned that 'the army is working on cleansing the Jabalia area and northern Gaza to implement a plan to bring in humanitarian aid through a private American company.'

The plan to stay in Gaza

The Israeli army radio reported that the goal of the military operation in Jabalia and northern Gaza has become clearer, adding that the goal is 'to clean and purify an area in favor of the plan to bring in humanitarian aid through a private American company that will operate in the area under Israeli sponsorship.'

It indicated that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yisrael Katz held a session in Gaza Brigade to discuss the plan to distribute aid in the north through an American company and the cabinet will discuss it tomorrow.

It said, 'The plan requires the army to stay in Jabalia for at least 3 months and the American company will need between 60 to 90 days to start its work.'

Hamas launches a campaign to kill gangs that steal aid trucks

 Gaza is experiencing widespread disorder, the most severe and aggressive during the ongoing Israeli genocide war for more than a year, with street gangs emerging at the start of the conflict, hijacking trucks and attacking residents to steal their possessions; causing a severe food shortage and a climate of fear and apprehension among the population, prompting Hamas to re-establish security units to tackle this alarming situation.

Near the Israeli commercial Kerem Shalom crossing with Gaza, there are a large number of road gangs between the bushes and destroyed residential buildings, waiting for trucks loaded with flour and food supplies to arrive, and then they rob, steal, and sell them at high prices, and these actions have caused a shortage in the services provided by relief organizations working in Gaza, whose warehouses are now empty due to aid theft.

The Israeli army provides cover for the gangs by specifying certain passages for drivers to use after exiting the commercial crossing, and (29) international organizations have announced that Israel is involved in allowing gangs to loot aid, spreading hunger and chaos in Gaza, with the army deliberately killing groups securing aid, while allowing road gangs to steal trucks by forcing drivers to stop at gunpoint, steal the trucks, and empty their contents into agricultural lands.

With American support, Israel has been committing genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in around 148,000 Palestinian martyrs and wounded, most of them children and women, with over 10,000 missing, amid massive destruction and famine that killed dozens of children and elderly, in one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world."

The Israeli occupation forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 410th consecutive day, through dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation due to the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.

Correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their violent airstrikes and shelling on various areas of the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, targeting homes, displaced people's gatherings, and streets, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.

Medical sources announced on Tuesday that the death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 43,972, the majority of whom are children and women, since the beginning of the Israeli occupation aggression on October 7, 2023.

The sources also indicated that the number of injuries has risen to 104,008 since the beginning of the aggression, while thousands of victims remain under the rubble.

They mentioned that the occupation forces committed 3 massacres, resulting in the martyrdom of 50 citizens and the injury of 110 others.

The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of wide areas in Rafah since May 7 last year, as well as several axes in Gaza amidst aerial and artillery bombardment and the commission of horrific massacres, as well as demolition operations of civilians' homes in Jabaliya camp.

For the 46th consecutive day, northern Gaza continues to suffer under Israeli siege and starvation amidst intense aerial and artillery bombardment, and complete isolation of the northern governorate from Gaza.

For the 28th day, the occupation forces continue to forcibly disrupt the work of civil defense in northern Gaza as a result of the continuous Israeli targeting and aggression, leaving thousands of citizens there without humanitarian and medical care.

The occupation artillery shelled various areas in Jabaliya camp and Beit Lahia in northern Gaza.

The young man Mahmoud Saleem Muhaddun was martyred after being shot by an occupation Quadcopter in Beit Lahia, north of Gaza.

The young man Ibrahim Muhammad Al-Shafi'i was martyred in the continuous shelling by the occupation in northern Gaza.

Local sources reported finding the body of the martyr Baraa Ayman Abu Asse in the town of Bani Suhaila east of Khan Younis after he went missing since last January.

The occupation aircraft bombed residential buildings in the center of Rafah city in southern Gaza.

The occupation army demolished residential buildings in the vicinity of Jabaliya camp in northern Gaza.

The Israeli occupation forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip for the 409th consecutive day, through dozens of air strikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians, amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation as a result of the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.

Our correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their intense airstrikes and shelling - on Monday - in various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced people's gatherings, and streets, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.

The occupation forces continued their ground invasion of wide areas in Rafah since May 7, and several axes in Gaza amidst aerial and artillery bombardment and the commission of horrific massacres, and demolition operations of houses in the Jabalia camp.

For the 45th consecutive day, northern Gaza suffers under an Israeli siege and starvation amidst intense aerial and artillery bombardment, and complete isolation of the northern governorate from Gaza.

The occupation forces have been forcibly disabling the civil defense’s work for the 27th consecutive day in the northern areas of the Gaza Strip, due to the continuous Israeli targeting and aggression, leaving thousands of residents there without humanitarian and medical care.

This morning, the occupation forces committed a massacre by targeting a group of citizens while they were evacuating from the Beit Lahia project in the northern part of the Strip, resulting in two martyrs and the injured being taken to Kamal Adwan Hospital with more martyrs and wounded still waiting to be evacuated from the scene.

The bodies of two martyrs were retrieved from the surroundings of the Firdos school in the Almawasi area west of the city of Rafah due to Israeli shelling.

The civil defense announced the retrieval of 4 martyrs, including two children, and injuries after an Israeli targeting early Monday morning of the tents of displaced people in the Attar area in the Khan Younis area south of the Gaza Strip.

Our correspondent reported that the occupation aircraft bombed a tent of displaced people leading to the martyrdom of Walid Abu al-Hasan, his wife, and two children, and the serious injury of another child.

The occupation aircraft carried out an air strike on the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

The young man, Muhammad Abu Raya, was martyred in the continuous occupation shelling on the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza.

In a move with dangerous implications, US President-elect Donald Trump has announced the appointment of former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee as the United States Ambassador to the Zionist entity.

According to BBC Arabic, Huckabee will be the first non-Jewish figure to hold this position since 2011.

Trump said in a post on his platform "Truth Social": Mike loves "Israel" and its people, and they reciprocate this love, Huckabee will make an effort to achieve peace in the Middle East.

Huckabee has previously sparked controversy regarding his positions on the Palestinian issue, as he stated in his 2008 presidential campaign that "there is no Palestinian people," and indicated that the land necessary for a Palestinian state should come from other Arab countries, according to Axios.

In 2016, he refused to describe the West Bank as "occupied," preferring to use the biblical terms "Judea and Samaria," as reported by The New York Times.

Huckabee is known for his supportive stance towards "Israel" and his long-term support for settlements in the West Bank, as well as hosting a weekly program on Fox News for 6 years.

In an interview with CNN in 2017, he reiterated that "there is nothing called occupation," referring to the West Bank by its biblical name.

Huckabee's nomination has received immediate support from senior Zionist officials, while it is expected to face criticism from the Palestinian side due to his previous statements that were considered offensive to the Palestinian cause.

Huckabee criticized President Joe Biden for pressuring the occupation state to ease its aggression in Gaza, and rejected the calls of the Democratic administration to cease fire there.

Huckabee's nomination was welcomed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his allies in the right-wing coalition, especially by ministers who support settlements like Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir.

Smotrich wrote on X platform: Huckabee is a loyal friend and supporter of the settlement project in Judea and Samaria, while Ben Gvir expressed his joy with a symbolic message that included the American and "Israeli" flags.

Similar to many leaders belonging to some American evangelical Christian churches who support Zionism, Huckabee maintains close relationships with Jewish Temple groups that declare their intention to demolish the Al-Aqsa Mosque in order to pave the way for the reconstruction of the alleged Temple, and has a special relationship with Likud deputy and Rabbi Yehuda Glick, who is considered one of the prominent leaders of the Temple groups in the occupation state.

The website Arutz Sheva, which represents the settlers in the West Bank, published photos showing meetings between Huckabee and Glick on the sidelines of events organized in the settlements, according to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

It is worth noting that Huckabee served as Governor of Arkansas between 1996 and 2007, and unsuccessfully attempted to seek the Republican Party's nomination for the presidency in 2008 and 2016. His daughter, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, is the current Governor of Arkansas, and served as White House Press Secretary in the Trump administration from 2017 to 2019.

The occupying state continues its aggressive war on the Gaza Strip for the forty-first day in the second year, leaving more than 180,000 casualties between martyrs and wounded, mostly children and women, and around 10,000 missing amidst massive destruction and famine that has claimed the lives of children and elderly due to the closure of crossings. Despite the International Criminal Court's intention to issue international arrest warrants against its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and its Defense Minister Yoav Galant for their responsibility for "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity".

Rise in casualties

Medical sources announced on Saturday an increase in the number of martyrs as a result of the ongoing aggression of the occupation against our people in the Gaza Strip to 43,799 martyrs since October 7, 2023. The sources added that the number of injured has risen to 103,601 during the same period, with thousands of victims still under the rubble and in the streets, unable for rescue teams to reach them.

Continued massacres

Several citizens were killed on Saturday evening as a result of Israeli occupation airstrikes targeting a house west of the Nusairat refugee camp in central Gaza. Medical sources reported the martyrdom of 4 citizens, including three women and a child, and the injury of several others, after the shelling of a house near the Swarha School in the vicinity of the Nusairat refugee camp.

In the context, the occupation army continued to demolish buildings in the western area of the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza, and the occupation artillery shelled the Bait Lahia project in northern Gaza, and launched intensive airstrikes targeting the northern western areas of the Gaza Strip.

A journalist was killed on Saturday after being shot by a drone belonging to the Israeli occupation in the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza. Local sources reported that the journalist Mohammed Saleh al-Sharif, was shot by the "Quadcopter" drone belonging to the occupation army, leading to his martyrdom.

Preventing civil defense and ambulance teams

It is worth mentioning that the occupation has been preventing civil defense and ambulance teams from moving and working in the northern Gaza Strip for more than 25 days.

According to a report issued by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate on November 2nd, 174 journalists have been martyred since October 7, 2023, in the Gaza Strip.

A number of citizens were martyred and injured on Saturday evening in the Israeli occupation's bombing of the Abu Assi School, affiliated with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) in the Beach refugee camp west of Gaza City.

Local sources reported that medical crews have retrieved 10 martyrs, including children and women, and transported around 20 injured individuals to the hospital, while searching for other missing persons.

The occupation targeted the school, which houses displaced persons, with missiles, as it had been previously bombed several times during the ongoing aggression.

According to the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, since the beginning of the aggression on Gaza on October 7, 2023, 441 government schools and universities, as well as their affiliated buildings, and 65 UNRWA schools have been subjected to bombardment and destruction by the occupation, with 77 of them completely destroyed.

10 citizens were martyred and others injured on Saturday in the Israeli occupation's bombing of two houses in Gaza City and Khan Yunis.

Local sources reported that the occupation warplanes bombed a house belonging to the Al-Arjani family in the Qizan Abu Rushwan area south of Khan Yunis, resulting in the martyrdom of four citizens and the injury of others.

They added that the occupation warplanes targeted a group of citizens in the Tiba Al-Nweiri area west of the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, resulting in the martyrdom of one citizen and the injury of another.

The occupation warplanes also bombed the Sursawi Street in Jabalia Al-Nazla in the northern Gaza Strip.

Local sources said that the occupation warplanes bombed a house belonging to the Ayoub family at the Al-Shabi intersection in the center of Gaza City, resulting in the martyrdom of five citizens and the injury of others, who were transported to Al-Shifa Hospital.

7 citizens were martyred and others injured in several areas in the Gaza Strip on Saturday due to the Israeli occupation's bombardment.

Medical sources reported the martyrdom of 5 citizens and the injury of others due to the occupation's bombing of a march by a group of citizens east of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip.

A child also died from his injuries in the occupation's bombing of a tent housing displaced persons in the Al-Mawasi area west of Khan Yunis, while another citizen was martyred in artillery shelling targeting citizens near the Islamic Complex Mosque in the Sabra neighborhood south of Gaza City.

In Deir Al-Balah in central Gaza, a number of citizens were injured in the occupation's bombing of a group of citizens during a march.

Three citizens were martyred, and others were injured in various bombings, on Saturday in the occupation warplanes’ bombing of a house in the Shujaiya neighborhood east of Gaza City.

Medical sources reported the martyrdom of three citizens and the injury of others due to the shelling of a house belonging to the Samara family in the Shujaiya neighborhood by the occupation's warplanes.

Five citizens were martyred and others were injured in the shelling of the city of Rafah, south of the Gaza Strip, by the occupation's warplanes on Saturday morning.

Medical sources reported the martyrdom of three young men and the injury of others due to the shelling of a group of citizens in the Jeninah area east of Rafah by a drone belonging to the occupation.

The same sources added that two martyrs were killed by the occupation's warplanes targeting them in the area of Khirbat al-Adas to the north.

A number of citizens were martyred in a recent night by the Israeli occupation's air strikes on Beit Lahia in the northern Gaza Strip.

Local sources said that the occupation's aircraft targeted homes of citizens in the vicinity of the Musab ibn Umair Mosque in the town of Beit Lahia in northern Gaza, resulting in the martyrdom of several citizens, including children.

It was explained that the occupation forces continue to demolish houses in the northern areas of the Gaza Strip, especially in Jabaliya camp, while the occupation's artillery continues to bombard those areas with shells and machine guns.

The Lebanese health authorities stated that there are 3452 martyrs and 14664 injured since the start of the aggression.

The occupation army continues its crimes in Lebanon, destroying homes, infrastructure, and displacing residents, amid conflicting reports spread by Israeli media about a possible ceasefire that may save the innocent lives in Lebanon.

Continual massacres...

The Lebanese health authorities reported the martyrdom of a paramedic, the injury of four, and the disappearance of two others in an Israeli raid on the town of Kafr Tibnit in Nabatieh in the south of the country.

The Lebanese health authorities also confirmed the martyrdom of another paramedic during an Israeli raid on the village of Barja Rahhal in Tyre in the south of the country.

The Israeli occupation bombed various areas in Lebanon on Saturday, causing widespread destruction in buildings, facilities, and infrastructure. The Lebanese Ministry of Health announced the martyrdom of 4 paramedics due to the raids on the towns of Barja Rahhal and Kafr Tibnit.

The occupation's bombing renewed since dawn today on the areas of Mar Mikhael, Al-Kafaat, Saifi, Bir Al-Abed, Haret Hreik in the southern suburb of Beirut.

The occupation's aircraft and artillery shelled the cities of Tyre and Nabatieh and the towns of Adchit, Maarakeh, Al-Mansouri, Shabaa, Hlousieh, Tire Harfa, Shihine, Jbaibin, Nabi Sheet, Khiam, Bisariyeh, Jubshit, Ain Qana, Abba, Arnoun, Srar Al-Gharbiyeh, Sujood, Erimti in southern Lebanon and Bekaa.

-------

The Zionist movement, since its inception in the late 19th century, is one of the most prominent colonial projects that have shaped the political history of the Middle East, and it served as the groundwork for the establishment of the occupation state at the expense of the Palestinian people.

This movement, which was based on nationalist and religious ideologies, relied on the concept of the "national homeland" for Jews in Palestine. Over time, this project materialized into a political and military reality, becoming an integral part of the Western colonial structure in the region.

However, this project was not to be completed without strong resistance. The Palestinian people, throughout the generations, have engaged in a continuous struggle against this settlement expansion. Palestinian, Arab, and international figures emerged at the forefront of this fight, dedicating their intellectual, political, and military struggle to protect Palestinian land and identity.

Zionist beginnings... From ideology to politics

The Zionist movement was a response to the social and political conditions that Jews experienced in Europe, where they faced multiple cases of persecution. Theodor Herzl, as part of his attempts to find a solution to the problems of the Jews in Europe, was the first to crystallize the idea of Zionist nationalism in his book, "The Jewish State," published in 1896, which was an announcement of the main goal of "establishing a state for Jews in Palestine." This idea was not just a response to specific geographical or cultural conditions, but rather part of the nationalist wave that swept Europe at that time, reinforcing the idea of Jewish nationalism within this ideology.

With the convening of the first Zionist Congress in Basel in 1897, the Zionist movement entered a new organizational phase. Institutions were established to raise funds and plan for the migration project to Palestine. This was the beginning of a series of stages that would later lead to the establishment of the occupation state, along with the implementation of Zionist strategies on the ground through land purchases and the organization of Jewish migration to Palestine, posing a direct threat to the Palestinian presence in that region.

British colonization... "Balfour" and the realization of the Zionist project

Amid the global changes resulting from World War I, particularly following the issuance of the "Balfour Declaration" in 1917, the Zionist movement received international support from Britain to create a "national homeland" for Jews in Palestine. This promise provided the Zionist movement with international political cover, allowing Jewish immigrants to flow into Palestine under British occupation protection.

This British support was part of the Western colonial powers' attempt to expand their influence in the region, paving the way for military plans that the Zionist movement would use to solidify its presence on Palestinian land.

Zionist establishment... From "Nakba" to statehood

With the beginning of the 1940s, and based on these political and military foundations, the Zionist movement was able to establish its state in 1948. This founding was accompanied by Palestinian Catastrophe wars that directly targeted the Palestinian people, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from their homes.

David Ben-Gurion, who became the first Prime Minister of the Zionist entity, led the occupation state in its early stages and believed that military force was the only way to achieve Zionist goals. In this context, the Zionist strategy emerged, relying on ethnic cleansing to reduce the presence of Palestinians in their original areas.

From Armed Struggle to Intellectual Struggle

Alongside the expansion of settlements, Palestinian resistance emerged as an essential part of the region's history. In the 1930s, Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, one of the prominent symbols of Palestinian resistance, led armed struggle against British and Zionist colonization.

Al-Qassam, who was martyred in 1935, believed that armed resistance was the only way to defend the land against the increasing Jewish migration. Despite the occupation's pursuit of him, his martyrdom marked the beginning of a new phase of struggle against the occupation. This sparked more acts of resistance by Palestinians.

Intellectual confrontation

Palestinian resistance was not limited to weapons, but also had an intellectual dimension, expressing rejection of Zionist occupation in all its aspects. One of the prominent figures in this intellectual resistance was the Palestinian thinker Edward Said, who argued in his book "Orientalism" about how the West, including the Zionist movement, used intellectual tools to legitimize their occupation of Palestine. Said believed that Western and Zionist colonization strongly interfered with cultural and political hegemony projects that sought to erase Palestinian identity and rights.

On the other hand, the struggles of global figures like Mahatma Gandhi, who opposed the Zionist idea from moral and humanitarian grounds, cannot be forgotten. Gandhi, who led a long struggle against British colonialism in India, believed that the rights of the Palestinian people were no different from the rights of any other people to determine their fate. This fair vision was also shared by Nelson Mandela, who considered the Palestinian issue as part of the struggle of peoples against racist regimes, stating that "freedom for Palestine is part of the freedom of the whole world."

The ongoing conflict: occupation and resistance

The dialectic between the Zionist movement and Palestinian resistance is a fundamental driver in understanding the "Israeli Arab" conflict. While the Zionist movement seeks to solidify its presence in Palestine through military and political force, Palestinian resistance works to regain the rights of the Palestinian people and preserve their national identity. This conflict is not confined to Palestinian territories only but extends to the international arena where interests and ideologies clash.

Ultimately, this conflict is part of humanity's struggle against colonization and racism, making the Palestinian issue a living cause that continues to spark global debates, whether through military or intellectual resistance, or through international support provided to the Palestinian people in various fields. Palestinian resistance, from the beginning until today, is the true translation of a people's will to reject surrender to any attempt to change its identity or settle its cause.