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Israeli occupation forces continue to commit acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 461st consecutive day, by launching 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.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that the number of casualties from the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has risen to 46,006 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and 109,378 injuries, since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023.
Israel kills 70 Palestinians and injures 104 in 24 hours.
The Ministry stated in its daily statistical report on war casualties that Israeli occupation forces killed 70 Palestinians and injured 104 others, confirmed to have reached hospitals in the past 24 hours on the 461st day of the war on the Gaza Strip, affirming that there are a number of victims under the rubble and in the streets that ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach.
The Ministry urged the families of the victims and the missing to complete their data to fulfill all information needs through the Ministry of Health records.
Two citizens, including a child, were killed and several others were injured due to the bombing of an Israeli aircraft targeting the home of the Abu Khrof family near the agency clinic in the Al-Nusairat camp market in the central Gaza Strip, early Thursday morning, according to our correspondent.
The occupation army resumed its aggression on the Gaza Strip on Friday, December 1, after a seven-day humanitarian truce.
Since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, 45,885 citizens have been martyred, while the number of injured has reached 109,196. Additionally, 72% of the victims are women and children, according to the Ministry of Health.
With the continuation of the brutal aggression, most hospitals and health centers have stopped operating, either due to bombing or fuel depletion.
Meanwhile, Israeli military estimates indicate that more than 1,500 Israelis have been killed since the fighting began, including more than 700 officers and soldiers, in addition to about 10,000 injured.
An Israeli minister calls for "not to be afraid" of his occupation
According to eyewitnesses and medical sources, the airstrikes targeted residential areas and civilian facilities, resulting in entire families being killed and homes being destroyed over their occupants.
In the north of the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupation aircraft bombed a house in Jabalia, resulting in the martyrdom of 8 Palestinians and the injury of others. The attacks extended to the areas of Al-Sudaniya, the intelligence headquarters, and Al-Karama in northwestern Gaza, in addition to artillery shelling that targeted the Al-Saftawi area. The occupying forces continued to demolish residential buildings in Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and the Zeitoun neighborhood.
In the central Gaza Strip, 4 people from the same family were martyred due to an airstrike in Al-Nuseirat, including a father and his three children. In Deir al-Balah, the bombing of a family home resulted in the martyrdom of 5 individuals, among them victims who succumbed to their injuries. Another air raid targeted a tent for displaced people inside a school in Al-Nuseirat, but no injuries were reported. Areas in eastern Khan Younis and Rafah were also shelled.
In the south of the Gaza Strip, Israeli artillery bombarded areas in eastern Khan Younis and Rafah, with heavy gunfire and naval shelling targeting residential areas, exacerbating the suffering of residents amid the ongoing siege and famine.
On the political front, extremist Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vowed to escalate attacks on Gaza, stating that Israel is "preparing hell" for the Strip. The extremist minister called for a radical change in the management of the war, emphasizing the need to fully occupy Gaza and rebuild the settlements there. Smotrich also rejected any negotiations for a prisoner exchange with Hamas, considering the release of Palestinian prisoners to be a "catastrophic surrender."
International Criticism
These statements come at a time when Israel is facing international criticism, as it ignores arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli officials for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Since October 7, 2023, the war has resulted in the martyrdom and injury of more than 155,000 Palestinians, most of them children and women, amid widespread destruction and devastating famine, which is considered one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world. Israeli massacres in Gaza continue with American support, while calls grow louder to put an end to this escalation that threatens regional stability and deepens the humanitarian tragedy in the Strip.
Kuwait is striving to achieve sustainable development in the field of artificial intelligence through a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing innovation and economic growth using modern AI technologies. This strategy represents an important step towards realizing Kuwait's Vision 2035, as it seeks to build an advanced digital infrastructure and enhance competitiveness through these advanced technologies.
1. Promoting Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Kuwait
The Strategy:
The Kuwaiti government considers artificial intelligence a significant responsibility that requires an organized approach to ensure the development of this technology in a safe and responsible manner. One of the government's goals is to implement regulatory and security frameworks to ensure that AI technology is used safely and effectively across all sectors.
The measures taken include enhancing human oversight of intelligent systems, integrating security and resilience measures to ensure no negative impact on critical infrastructure.
Future Directions:
Kuwait aims to ensure that artificial intelligence remains a tool for promoting sustainable growth, while ensuring ongoing collaboration between the government, industry, and civil society to achieve the best outcomes.
2. Enhancing Data Management and Technological Infrastructure to Support AI
Improving Data Management:
Data is the primary engine of artificial intelligence technology; therefore, Kuwait is focusing on improving methods for data collection, organization, and security. This includes enhancing centralized data storage systems while ensuring quality and security, as well as developing secure platforms for data sharing between government entities and companies.
Enhancing Digital Infrastructure:
Kuwait aims to improve communication networks and increase storage capacity to support artificial intelligence technology, while developing cybersecurity systems to ensure the secure integration of modern technologies.
3. Coordinating Stakeholders for AI Governance
Coordination of Collaboration:
To ensure the effective implementation of the national AI strategy, the Kuwaiti government has launched a steering committee comprising representatives from various government entities, the private sector, and the academic community. This committee aims to ensure coordination between different parties and identify the best ways to use artificial intelligence across vital sectors.
4. Empowering the Workforce in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
Skill Development:
Kuwait will offer specialized training programs to meet the growing workforce needs in the field of artificial intelligence. This includes updating academic curricula and providing training courses to empower youth and professionals to acquire the necessary skills to work in this evolving field.
Awareness:
Public awareness campaigns will also be organized to educate citizens about the benefits of artificial intelligence and how to leverage it in their daily lives.
5. Building a Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem
Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship:
Kuwait aims to promote innovation by establishing incubators and centers for developing startups in the field of artificial intelligence. These initiatives aim to attract local and international investments and provide financial and technical support to emerging companies.
International Collaboration:
Kuwait will work to build partnerships with other countries and international organizations to exchange knowledge and enhance innovation in this field.
6. Kuwait’s Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence
Short-term Opportunities:
Medium-term Opportunities:
Long-term Opportunities:
7. Monitoring the Implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Continuous Evaluation:
The progress of implementing the artificial intelligence strategy is monitored by identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly collecting data to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken. Regular reports on the progress made will be presented, and efforts will be independently evaluated to ensure adaptation to future challenges.
Kuwait’s strategy in the field of artificial intelligence is a key step toward achieving Kuwait Vision 2035, which seeks to build an advanced digital economy. By enhancing infrastructure, developing the workforce, and integrating artificial intelligence across various sectors, Kuwait will strive to become one of the leading countries in this field.
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Source: Central Agency for Information Technology
Amir hails Gulf Cup success
Sheikh Meshal thanks Kuwaiti people and officials, congratulates winners Bahrain
HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah extended his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Kuwaiti people for their hospitality and good deeds towards Gulf Cup fans that contributed to the success of Khaleeji Zain 26. This came in a speech by HH the Amir during his reception of the supreme organizing committee of the Gulf Cup Tuesday in the presence of HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah and First Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah.
In the speech, HH the Amir thanked Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Gulf Cup Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, President of Kuwait Football Association and Vice Chairman of the Supreme Committee Sheikh Ahmad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and the committee members for their efforts. HH the Amir also extended appreciation to HH the Prime Minister and all the concerned ministers, officials and volunteers for their tireless efforts, which culminated in the success of this sporting event that reflected the readiness of Kuwait to organize such tournaments.
HH the Amir congratulated Bahrain on winning the cup, extending appreciation to all participating teams, wishing them success in upcoming events. Furthermore, HH the Amir affirmed full support for the continuation of the development renaissance witnessed by Kuwait in various fields, especially sports, and the ambition of hosting the Asian Football Cup in the near future.
Minister of Information Al-Mutairi, and on behalf of the supreme committee members, thanked HH the Amir for this reception and the kind sentiments. “Your generous sponsorship of this sporting event was not just a support for sports, but rather a noble message that reflects your constant keenness to consolidate the values of brotherhood and fraternity among the peoples of the Arabian Gulf and to embody Kuwait’s pioneering role as a center of love and peace in the region,” said Al-Mutairi. The meeting was attended by senior state officials. — KUNA
Namaa provides winter relief aid to Gaza and Yemen
Kuwait’s Namaa Charity Society continues its extensive humanitarian campaigns, bringing aid to vulnerable populations in Gaza and Yemen. In the northern Gaza Strip, Namaa Charity launched a winter relief campaign to support forcibly displaced. The initiative included the distribution of leather and nylon tarps, winter clothing, tents and food supplies to those in need.
“This campaign is part of our ongoing humanitarian response to alleviate the suffering of our people in the Gaza Strip, who endure difficult conditions, especially during the winter season,” said Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Namaa Charity’s Executive Vice President. Al-Kandari highlighted that this aid is part of a series of relief projects designed to improve the living conditions of families facing severe hardships. He also expressed deep gratitude to the people of Kuwait for their unwavering generosity, describing their support as a source of hope for refugees.
Marwan Muhaisen, President of the Wafa Association for Development and Capacity Building, praised Kuwait’s leadership, government and people for their vital contributions to Gaza. “The distribution of leather and nylon tarps addresses the urgent need to protect refugee families from harsh winter conditions, where rain and floods pose a direct threat to their lives,” he said. Muhaisen emphasized that Kuwaiti aid significantly alleviates the suffering of refugees living in camps with inadequate infrastructure
Simultaneously, Namaa Charity has extended its winter relief efforts to Yemen, where harsh winter conditions also threaten vulnerable communities. In Yemen’s Marib and Ibb governorates, the organization distributed blankets and winter clothing to more than 1,000 individuals, including children and the elderly.
Jamal Al-Faqih, Director of the Heteen Foundation, which executed the project, expressed his gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, government and people, as well as to Namaa Charity, for their ongoing support. “This campaign aims to alleviate the winter hardships faced by Yemeni families by providing essential supplies to ensure warmth and protection,” he said.
Al-Faqih commended Kuwait’s longstanding commitment to supporting Yemen, noting that the country has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership in global humanitarian and relief efforts. Namaa Charity’s campaign in Yemen has been running for 10 years. Last week, the organization distributed winter essentials to around 5,000 individuals across various Yemeni governorates. — KUNA
Namaa Charity and the General Secretariat of Awqaf Announce Beneficiaries of the "University Student Support" Project
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Namaa Charity, affiliated with the Social Reform Society, announced during a press conference attended by Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Deputy CEO of Namaa Charity, and Nasser Al-Khadr, representative of the General Secretariat of Awqaf, the beneficiaries of the "University Student Support" project for the first semester of the current academic year. The number of beneficiaries during the first semester of this academic year reached approximately 816 male and female students, while around 3972 students have benefited from the project since its inception. This pioneering project is considered a model of strategic partnership between charitable and governmental institutions, aiming to support university students who are financially unable to continue their education.
Abdulaziz Al-Kandari began by stating that the "University Student Support" project is a practical embodiment of Namaa Charity's vision to invest in people, noting that it is impossible to build an advanced society without education. He emphasized that Namaa Charity not only provides financial support to students but also offers them the opportunity to realize their academic dreams and contribute to the development of their community. Education is the foundation for building nations, and this project aims to bridge the educational gap that prevents young people from achieving their ambitions.
He added that since the project began in the academic year 2020-2021 until now, a total of 3972 students have benefited from it, with a total amount exceeding 1,998,053 Kuwaiti Dinars. Just in the first semester of this year, 816 students were supported. He indicated that these figures reflect the impact of the project on the lives of beneficiaries and their families.
When asked about support for students in general education stages, Al-Kandari stated that Namaa Charity has not overlooked school students, as it implements the "Teach Me, and You Will Be Rewarded" project, which supports underprivileged students and orphans at various educational levels. Since 2017, 8,538 students have benefited from the project, including 1,000 beneficiaries in the first semester of this year. He explained that the project aims to combat educational dropouts and provide equitable educational opportunities, focusing on outstanding students to ensure the continuity of their education.
Al-Kandari clarified that the "University Student Support" project and the "Teach Me, and You Will Be Rewarded" project embody the commitment to the motto of Namaa Charity, "We Care for People." Education is the key to building a bright future, and we are continuing to fulfill our mission to ensure sustainable education that opens doors of opportunity for everyone in need.
"Furthermore, Al-Kandari concluded his statement by saying: We extend our gratitude to the General Secretariat of Awqaf for their continuous support of these humanitarian projects, which enhance Kuwait's position as a beacon of charitable and humanitarian work. Through our strategic partnerships, we continue to empower youth to achieve their academic dreams so that they can be part of a bright future that contributes to the development of the nation and society.
For his part, Nasser Al-Khudher, Director of the Endowment Projects Department at the General Secretariat of Awqaf, stated that the General Secretariat of Awqaf plays a pivotal role in managing the endowment funds dedicated to supporting education, in accordance with the conditions stipulated by the endowers in the endowment deeds. This partnership is not just cooperation; it is a model of integrated work that serves the vision of Kuwait 2035 and the sustainable development goals. Thanks to this partnership, we contribute to empowering youth, enhancing social solidarity values, and building a conscious and educated generation capable of uplifting their community.
Al-Khudher confirmed that this partnership has resulted in the acceptance of 816 students who met the required criteria. He noted that the project reflects our commitment to implementing the endowment deeds and the allocations specified therein, especially those designated to support scientific development. He explained that the project ensures support for students studying at universities accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait, whether inside or outside the country, praying to Allah the Almighty that these students will aid in the development and construction of the nation.
Al-Khudher added that the General Secretariat of Awqaf works to fulfill the endowers’ conditions and direct endowment funds to support eligible students. We hope that this project contributes to building a conscious generation capable of contributing to the sustainable development of our beloved country.
In turn, Walid Al-Bassam, Head of the Projects and Development Sector at Nama Charity, expressed his pride in this partnership aimed at enhancing human development, pointing out that Nama Charity operates under the slogan “We Care for Humanity,” inspired by the saying of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: “Whoever walks a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”
Al-Bassam confirmed that this is the eighth season of the project, during which 3,972 students have been supported over the past four years through 8 academic semesters, with a full commitment to the endowers' conditions and directing aid to cover tuition fees. Al-Bassam concluded with a prayer, saying: We ask Allah to grant success to the students and guide their steps so that they become effective members in serving their nation and community."/Al-Mujtama
Kuwait unveils digital platform to improve local charity work
Central database to prevent duplicated aid, ensure timely assistance
The Ministry of Social Affairs has launched a central digital platform designed to improve coordination among charitable organizations and ensure the fair and efficient distribution of aid. This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to modernize charitable work and digitize related processes.
In a statement published by KUNA on Sunday, the ministry said a new “central aid program” aims to establish a central database that consolidates all applicants for various types of assistance. This will simplify the process of identifying deserving cases while minimizing the risk of duplicate aid distributions.
Efforts to organize sector
The ministry has recently launched efforts to better organize the charitable sector. Last November, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah issued several ministerial decisions to dissolve 15 charities following inspection visits to assess the adherence of charities to the regulations governing charitable work and to determine their effectiveness in delivering community services. The investigations revealed that some of the foundations had not been actively engaged in any real activities for years. Additionally, their bank accounts had been closed for an extended period, and they had failed to submit required budgets or financial reports.
In September, the ministry temporarily suspended the financial accounts of five organizations due to their failure to submit the necessary reports. It stressed that any charity that fails to submit reports on time will face a temporary suspension of its financial accounts until the required documentation is provided. This measure is aimed at ensuring transparency, in line with ministerial resolutions.
How the platform will work
The platform’s main advantage, said the ministry, is that it will streamline coordination between charitable organizations and foundations, enhancing transparency in the aid request process and preventing duplicate distributions.
The program is integrated with the Mobile ID application, which includes the digital version of people’s civil ID. Charities will be able to access preliminary information about beneficiaries, such as the type of assistance requested and the number of household members that need assistance. Although the platform will carry sensitive information about a beneficiary, such as their civil ID number and address, the ministry assures that personal data will be protected until it’s needed by a charity after it begins processing a request.
The platform will alert both charity associations and the ministry if requests remain open for more than two weeks without a response. This will facilitate the redirection of requests to other associations to ensure timely assistance for beneficiaries. The platform will generate daily or monthly analytical reports on the types, values, and number of beneficiaries receiving assistance, thus empowering the ministry and the charities to make data-driven decisions and maximize community benefits.
The Foreign Ministry database
As a UN humanitarian center, Kuwait takes pride in its relief efforts, which have been a lifeline for communities in distress both locally and globally. While the Ministry of Social Affairs’ initiative to digitize charitable work in Kuwait is the first of its kind, other government agencies have implemented similar systems. For instance, the foreign ministry maintains a database to track the country’s charitable activities abroad, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of funds in activities such as terrorism and money laundering. This database also requires foreign charitable organizations to register with Kuwaiti missions abroad before being authorized to collect donations in the country.
The big picture
The ministry said the program represents an important step towards enhancing transparency and improving charitable work mechanisms, in line with Kuwait’s developmental vision (New Kuwait 2035). It explained that the system is a chance for cooperation between charitable organizations and government institutions, offering a unified platform under one umbrella to enable charitable organizations to carry out their operations more efficiently. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to further developing the charitable work environment, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals, and enhancing social solidarity within Kuwaiti society. — Agencies
Hofath: Registration Open for the Second Semester in 57 Quranic Centers
The Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Service of the Holy Quran and Its Sciences (Hofath) announced the opening of registration for Quranic circles of all types for the second semester through 57 Quranic centers in the governorates of Kuwait.
The treasurer of the association and member of the board, Adel Al-Draiban, stated that registration in the “Hofath” circles for the second semester is available for all ages from 4 years old and above; for boys, girls, men, and women, to study in the “Hofath” centers, which number more than 57 Quranic centers across various regions of Kuwait, featuring 789 circles with over 7,000 students. These centers are supported by a distinguished educational and supervisory team and specialized members of the association in teaching memorization and Quranic sciences and readings.
He added that the Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Service of the Holy Quran and Its Sciences (Hofath) invites parents to enroll their children in the Quranic centers, where regular sessions will be held in mosques, taking place twice a week in the evening. In addition to memorizing the Holy Quran, these sessions will include teaching Islamic values and etiquette, as well as various cultural and recreational activities.
Al-Draiban explained that the association has launched the educational framework “Our Enjoyable Arabic Language Series,” which is a specialized educational curriculum designed to facilitate the teaching of Arabic letters and reading from the Quran for students in the Quranic circles. This curriculum aims to teach reading and writing in Arabic for students in the foundational stages aged 4-6 years, in addition to specialized memorization circles for memorizing and perfecting the entire Holy Quran. It targets all students from various segments of society. To register in "Hofath" centers and circles, you can contact the hotline at 65621281./ Al-Mujtama
IICO: Over 6.4 million Beneficiaries from Our Projects at a Cost Exceeding $73.5 Million in 2024
The International Islamic Charity Organization revealed significant humanitarian and developmental achievements during the year 2024, having implemented 9,214 diverse projects in social, educational, developmental, and cultural fields in 56 countries, with a total cost of $73,554,590, benefiting 6,449,423 individuals.
Ibrahim Khalid Al-Badr, the Deputy Director-General for Institutional Communication, confirmed in a press statement that these achievements were made possible thanks to the efforts of the organization's working teams, which consist of 33 volunteer teams and initiatives with 711 volunteers, alongside operations through 15 branches within Kuwait and 11 offices abroad, in cooperation with many local and global partner organizations.
Al-Badr highlighted that the charity works according to a strategic vision extending to the year 2026, focusing on building and empowering individuals across various educational, cultural, social, and economic fields to improve the living conditions of the most needy communities.
He explained that the organization managed to achieve outstanding results in social projects, having implemented 276 projects at a cost of $26,523,836, benefiting over 5,648,769 individuals in 34 countries, which included projects for breaking the fast during Ramadan, animal sacrifices, winter clothing, shelter, home renovations, Zakat al-Fitr, support for needy families, patients and individuals with disabilities, orphan sponsorship, relief projects, building and equipping health centers, providing medical care, and performing surgical operations.
Regarding educational projects, Al-Badr indicated that they received special attention, as the authority implemented 102 projects in 21 countries at a cost of $27,778,880. These projects benefited 46,929 individuals, including students, teachers, and administrators. The initiatives included the construction and equipping of schools, payment of tuition fees, sponsorship of students and teachers, and provision of school buses.
In the realm of cultural projects, Al-Badr explained that the authority accomplished 177 projects valued at $11,810,686. These projects included building mosques and Islamic centers, scientific conferences, sponsorship of preachers, supporting Quran projects, and Shafi'i projects, benefiting 58,102 people in 43 countries.
On the topic of sustainable development projects, which represent a pioneering model in empowering communities and achieving economic development, Al-Badr emphasized that the charitable authority places significant importance on development and economic empowerment projects due to their role in transitioning vulnerable groups from reliance on aid to a space of work and productivity. The authority implemented 8,659 projects at a cost of $7,441,187 in 29 countries, benefiting 695,623 individuals, with initiatives ranging from water, energy, and agriculture projects to programs aimed at rehabilitating underprivileged groups, and small and micro enterprises.
Al-Badr pointed out a unique project, celebrated for completing its phases in December 2024, which addresses learning difficulties among Syrian refugee and displaced students in Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon. This project aims to tackle educational deficits resulting from displacement conditions through compensatory programs, educational materials, and specialized curricula. The initiative seeks to provide sustainable solutions to the learning difficulties faced by about 15,000 students, benefiting over 2,000 teachers, in addition to supporting numerous educational and academic institutions. He emphasized the uniqueness of this project, which is the first of its kind, as it establishes a detailed methodology for diagnosing and treating learning difficulties, developed by 22 academic, technical, and administrative teams, involving 164 experts from 12 Arab universities.
Al-Badr added that the authority launched the "Sanda" initiative to enhance humanitarian interventions and early recovery in the Gaza Strip in coordination with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The initiative was part of the ninth Effective Partnership Conference under the slogan "Humanitarian Partnership," with the participation of 147 organizations from 48 countries. The value of the announced programs to support shelter, health, education, and economic empowerment within the initiative approached two billion dollars.
Al-Badr concluded his statement by affirming that the accomplishments achieved by the charitable authority came through God's grace, followed by the support of political leadership for charitable work, the generosity of donors, and the dedication of the authority's workers and volunteers. He praised the role of local and international partners in translating the authority's goals into reality and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to supporting its humanitarian and developmental projects./ Al-Mujtama
The war in "Israel" and the crime of genocide being carried out by the occupying forces against Palestinian families, civilians, and displaced people in the Gaza Strip entered its 460th consecutive day today, Wednesday, coinciding with ongoing bombings and targeting of inhabited homes, and the commission of new massacres.
The toll from the continuous Israeli military aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 45,885 martyrs, in addition to 109,196 injured with varying degrees of wounds, some of which are critical.
For the 96th day, the occupation army continues its military operation in northern Gaza through airstrikes, artillery shelling, destroying homes, and enforcing a policy of starvation and blockade.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health warned of a real disaster besetting hospitals, oxygen stations, medicine refrigerators, and incubators in all remaining health facilities operating in the sector due to fuel shortages.
Medical sources reported the martyrdom of 49 Palestinians from yesterday morning until midnight tonight (Tuesday/Wednesday) in various areas of the Strip.
Latest Developments
Early Wednesday, three citizens were martyred due to the bombing of the al-Banna family's house in Deir al-Balah city, including Ahmad Nabil al-Banna, 17 years old, Hudaifa Nabil al-Banna, 22 years old, and Wahba Muhammad Salman al-Banna (al-Hajj), 48 years old.
Five martyrs and several injuries arrived early today at the Baptist Hospital after targeting the "Barghout" family's house near Bilal Mosque in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza City.
Israeli war boats opened fire west of al-Nuseirat in the middle of the Gaza Strip.
The occupation aircraft also launched an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in Deir al-Balah city early today.
The occupation army demolished residential buildings in the al-Nazla area of Jabalia in northern Gaza.
Several citizens were martyred and injured in an Israeli air raid targeting a house in al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip.
Seventeen citizens were martyred last night, Tuesday, due to the Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis city in southern Gaza, including 8 children and 5 women.
Among the martyrs identified after the occupation's bombing of the Muhaireb family home in Khan Younis camp were Rahaf Muhammad Zakaria Muhaireb, Wissam Nadi Zakaria Muhaireb, and Wissam Iyad Abdul Halim Al-Qazzaz.
The occupation forces have continued their aggression against the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air since October 7, 2023, resulting in the martyrdom of 45,854 citizens, the majority of whom are women and children, and the injury of 109,139 others, while thousands of victims remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes.
The Israeli occupation forces continue their aggression on the Gaza Strip on the 459th day of the genocide, causing more casualties, most of whom are children and women.
The Palestinian news agency reported the martyrdom of citizens and the injury of others due to the bombing of the occupation’s aircraft on the home of the Al-Obaid family near the Ain Jalout towers, south of Al-Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip. It was added that four citizens were martyred after the occupation’s aircraft targeted the home of the Sawahil family on Hamid Street in the Al-Shati refugee camp in the west of Gaza Province.
Journalistic sources reported injuries to a number of citizens due to the bombing of the occupation’s aircraft on a tent for displaced persons belonging to the Ismail family near the entrance to Al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.
Israeli warplanes targeted a house belonging to the Abdul Hadi family in the Al-Bureij camp in the central sector last night, resulting in the martyrdom of four citizens, including children, and the injury of 13 others with varying degrees of wounds, according to the Al-Awda Hospital in Al-Nuseirat.
Earlier today, a citizen was martyred by the fire of an Israeli drone, a "quad copter," which targeted him in the Al-Maqousi area in the northwest of Gaza City.
Two children were also martyred this morning in the bombing of occupation warplanes in the town of Al-Shawka east of Rafah.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced an increase in child deaths in the Gaza Strip due to cold and lack of shelter to seven, amid the continued Israeli genocide against the sector.
UNRWA added in a statement issued tonight that “the cold weather and lack of shelter are causing the deaths of newborns in Gaza, while 7,700 newborns lack life-saving care.”
As of now, reports indicate “the deaths of at least seven children due to the cold in the sector.”
The statement pointed out that “the World Health Organization condemned the assaults by the Israeli army, which has rendered the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza out of service.”
The UN agency reported that “it has been confirmed that Israel has carried out 50 attacks on Kamal Adwan Hospital and the surrounding areas since October 2024.”
The WHO also called for the release of the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Hussam Abu Safiya.
Displaced persons are living in tents made of cloth and nylon under harsh humanitarian conditions due to the shortage of essential life supplies such as water and food, as well as a severe lack of clothing, blankets, and heating supplies during the winter.
The occupation army admitted the killing of military personnel, one of whom is an officer with the rank of captain, and the injury of two others seriously in their battles with the Palestinian resistance in the northern Gaza Strip.
Al-Qassam Brigades fired a barrage of rockets from the town of Beit Hanoun toward "Sderot"; they also announced targeting “two Zionist 'Merkava' tanks with explosive devices east of the Safatawi junction, west of the Jabalia camp in the northern sector.”
The occupation forces continue their aggression by land, sea, and air against the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, resulting in the martyrdom of 45,854 citizens, the majority of whom are women and children, and the injury of 109,139 others, while thousands of victims remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes.
As the 458th day of "The Flood of Al-Aqsa" operation begins, the occupation forces continue to escalate their aggression against the Gaza Strip, leaving behind massacres against civilians, amidst ongoing clashes between the Palestinian resistance and occupation forces on several fronts.
Three Settlers Killed and 10 Injured in Shooting Incident East of Qalqilya
Three settlers were killed and 10 others were injured this morning, Monday, in a shooting operation that targeted a vehicle and a bus carrying settlers near the village of Al-Funduq, east of Qalqilya in the occupied West Bank.
According to the Israeli emergency services (Magen David Adom), the toll from the operation stands at 3 dead and 6 injuries, one of which is reported to be critical, while other Hebrew sources reported an increase in the number of injured to 10.
The police of the occupation revealed the identity of one of the deceased, who is Sergeant Elad Yaakov Finkelstein, an investigator at the Ariel Settlement Police Station.
Hamas": Resistance Continues Despite Heightened Security Measures**
The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) congratulated the heroic operation, describing it as a legitimate response to the ongoing crimes of the occupation in the Gaza Strip and the policies of forced displacement in the West Bank, in addition to the assaults by settlers and Temple Mount groups on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The movement affirmed in a press statement today that this operation reflects the will of the resistance in the West Bank despite the strict security measures imposed by the occupation.
It stated that this operation sends a strong message to the extremist occupation government that the Palestinian people, in Gaza, the West Bank, and all of Palestine, will continue their resistance until the complete liberation of the land.
"Hamas" called for escalating resistance actions in all forms in the West Bank and within the occupied territories, with the aim of thwarting the occupation's plans and continuing to pressure it on all fronts.
Abu Ubaida: The Occupation Will Pay for Its Aggression
Abu Ubaida, spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, confirmed in a post on his Telegram channel that the heroes of the West Bank are proving that they are an integral part of the "Flood of Al-Aqsa" battle, stressing that the occupation's attempts to break the will of resistance or isolate the West Bank from supporting Gaza will fail.
Abu Ubaida said: Once again, the brave fighters of the West Bank prove that they are at the heart of the "Flood of Al-Aqsa" battle, and all bets on breaking them or deterring them from supporting Gaza by the occupation and its agents are doomed to fail from the outset.
He added: The enemy must know that as long as it continues its massacres and aggression against Gaza and the West Bank, it will pay a heavy price in the blood of its soldiers and settlers, and it will not enjoy security until our people enjoy it.
Smotrich calls for genocide in Nablus and Jenin
In a serious escalation, the extremist Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Monday for carrying out acts of genocide and ethnic cleansing against the Palestinians in the cities of Nablus and Jenin in the northern occupied West Bank. These calls come in the context of ongoing incitement against the Palestinian people and the escalation of aggression.
Smotrich's statements came in response to a shooting operation in which three settlers were killed and seven others were wounded near the Kedumim settlement, located east of Qalqilya, where the minister himself lives. In his statement, Smotrich said: "The town of Bido, Nablus, and Jenin must be like Jabalia, so that Kfar Saba does not become like Kfar Gaza."
Rockets from Gaza target Sderot
On another front, Hebrew media reported that a rocket hit a building in the city of Sderot, within the Gaza envelope, causing material damage. Reports indicated that Israeli air defenses intercepted one rocket, while two others fell in the city.
The "Al Jazeera Net" site reported from "Channel 12" that the rockets were launched at Sderot from just hundreds of meters away from an Nahal Brigade site in Beit Hanoun in northern Gaza.
Escalating international legal pursuits against occupation soldiers
Recently, there has been a noticeable increase in attempts to pursue occupation soldiers legally abroad, with the "Israeli Broadcasting Authority" noting that around 50 complaints have been filed against reserve soldiers, and investigations have been opened in 10 countries, according to the Anadolu Agency.
Although there have been no recorded direct arrests, the cases are being dealt with individually, especially for dual nationals. Sources explained that some cases have seen urgent legal interventions, as happened with an Israeli soldier wanted in Brazil who managed to leave before being arrested on charges of war crimes in Gaza.
As the 457th day of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation begins, the occupying forces continue to escalate their aggression against the Gaza Strip, leaving behind massacres against civilians, amid ongoing clashes between the Palestinian resistance and the occupation forces on several fronts.
88 martyrs and 208 injuries in one day
The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the occupying forces committed five new massacres in the past 24 hours, resulting in the deaths of 88 martyrs, while 208 others sustained varying injuries. The ministry confirmed that the total death toll from the Zionist aggression since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, has risen to 45,805 martyrs, including thousands of women and children, in addition to 109,064 injuries. The figures indicate a systematic targeting of residential neighborhoods and families, reflecting the continued policy of collective punishment against unarmed civilians.
The occupation has destroyed nearly 1000 mosques in Gaza
The Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs revealed in a special report the extent of the destruction inflicted on places of worship in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank as a result of the Zionist aggression. The report stated that the occupation has completely destroyed approximately 1000 mosques and caused partial damage to 151 other mosques. Additionally, 19 cemeteries were completely destroyed, including desecration and excavation of graves at several sites. In the West Bank, settlers invaded Al-Aqsa Mosque more than 250 times during the past year, amid the complicity of occupation forces. In Hebron, the occupation prevented the call to prayer in the Ibrahimi Mosque 670 times, as part of its attempts to Judaize holy sites and empty them of Islamic life.
The Palestinian resistance engages with 10 soldiers in Beit Lahia
Al-Qassam Brigades and Al-Quds Brigades announced the execution of a joint operation in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, where resistance fighters clashed with a walking Zionist force consisting of 10 soldiers, resulting in the death and injury of members of the force. In a military statement, Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed that the resistance fighters used light weapons and hand grenades, pursuing one of the fleeing soldiers and neutralizing him from point-blank range. This operation comes as part of new tactics implemented by the resistance to inflict heavy losses on the occupation in terms of lives and equipment, despite the Zionist military superiority.
A march in Michigan... calls to stop targeting hospitals in Gaza
In the American city of Detroit, dozens of health sector workers organized a protest march urging the U.S. Congress to take immediate action to stop the targeting of hospitals and health centers in Gaza, according to the Palestinian news agency. The march carried the slogan "Not another child, not another hospital," referring to the aggression that has claimed the lives of hundreds of patients and medical personnel and destroyed dozens of hospitals. Hundreds of health workers participated in signing a petition addressed to the American Academy of Pediatrics, demanding an end to the targeting of Palestinian doctors and nurses and condemning the assaults that turn hospitals into war zones, which violates all international treaties.
Zionist military flees Brazil after investigation order
A Brazilian court ordered an investigation into a visiting Zionist military personnel, following accusations of committing war crimes in Gaza, after a complaint was filed by an international organization based in Brussels. According to Hebrew media reports, the Zionist military managed to leave Brazil back to the Zionist entity before being investigated, reflecting the occupation's attempts to protect perpetrators of crimes and ensure their impunity from international punishment."
As the year ended, there arises a need to review the most significant events that Africa witnessed in 2024, which ranged from political transformations, cultural achievements, and sports successes to natural disasters. While some news from Africa brought joy, others carried sadness; however, the overall events did not differ much from those experienced in other parts of the world.
Summarizing the events of the year for a continent as vast as Africa poses a significant challenge, as the events included notable moments, such as the miraculous victory of the Ivory Coast national football team in the Africa Cup of Nations 2024, presidential elections that witnessed democratic changes, as well as an increase in natural disasters and the loss of prominent figures.
The Triumph of the "Elephants" in the Africa Cup of Nations 2024
One of the most significant sports events in Africa this year was the Africa Cup of Nations, held in Ivory Coast with the participation of 24 teams. The 34th edition of the tournament kicked off on January 13 and continued until February 11, 2024, when the Ivorian team was crowned champion after defeating Nigeria in an exciting final match.
This victory was described as miraculous, especially following the tough start for the Ivorian team, which barely qualified for the Round of 16, finishing third in its group and needing help from the Moroccan team to overcome Zambia in the final moments. With only three points from three matches, and after a crushing defeat by Equatorial Guinea (0-4), the Ivorian team unexpectedly returned to the competition.
Following this achievement, the Ivorian team decided to change its coaching staff, replacing French coach Jean-Louis Gasset with local interim coach Emeris Foe, who led the team to the title. The team overcame major challenges during the tournament, including defeating the reigning champion Senegal in the Round of 16, overcoming Mali in the quarterfinals, and beating the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-finals, culminating in a significant victory over Nigeria in the final match.
This achievement reflects the willpower and spirit of challenge of the Ivorian team, marking it as one of the most important sports milestones on the continent this year.
Africa's Struggles Between Droughts and Floods
Despite being one of the least contributing continents to greenhouse gas emissions, Africa remains the most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change. The year 2024 witnessed an unprecedented series of natural disasters, where hurricanes, floods, and droughts mixed with heavy rains and torrents to deeply affect the daily lives of many countries on the continent. The extreme El Niño phenomenon served as a multiplier for these devastating events.
The continent faced a series of major hurricanes, including Cyclone Bilal in Mauritius, and Cyclone Jaman in Madagascar, as well as Cyclone Hidayah which swept through Kenya and Tanzania. Flooding affected numerous countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Niger, Mali, Sudan, Chad, Nigeria, and Cameroon. Meanwhile, Southern African countries, such as Zambia and Malawi, suffered from some of the worst droughts.
These disasters have caused severe human and material damage. According to the International Organization for Migration, the floods resulted in the deaths of more than 1,500 people in West and Central Africa. In Chad alone, one million people were affected by the floods, resulting in the deaths of 145 individuals, the destruction of 70,000 homes, and the loss of 30,000 head of livestock, in addition to damage to more than 250,000 hectares of agricultural land and crops.
Wide-ranging presidential elections and a changing democratic landscape
In 2024, Africa witnessed the organization of presidential elections in 14 countries, whether through direct or indirect voting, encompassing nations that represent about 25% of the continent's population. Although most presidents seeking re-election succeeded in doing so through questionable means, as happened in Algeria where it was announced that President Abdelmadjid Tebboune won with 84.30% of the votes after the electoral body had attributed 94.65% to him.
However, some countries were marked by unique democratic measures. In Botswana and Mauritius, the outgoing presidents were defeated by their opponents. Meanwhile, in Senegal and Ghana, where the constitution barred sitting presidents from running for a third term, their challengers won fair elections. Senegal and Ghana stand out as models of stable democracy in a region of West Africa experiencing a general decline in this area.
Among the 14 presidential elections held on the continent, four were characterized by democratic power transfer, which were in Senegal, Botswana, Mauritius, and Ghana. In Senegal, the elected president, Ousmane Sonko, emerged from prison to become the youngest president in the country’s history at the age of 44, winning 54.28% in the first round. He pledged to achieve radical change through policies based on transparency and integrity.
In another historic event, Namibia elected a woman as president for the first time, with Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, the deputy leader of the ruling party, winning with 57.31% of the votes in the first round, reflecting an important step towards equality and the empowerment of women in political leadership.
World Cup 2030 in Morocco with Spain and Portugal
The Kingdom of Morocco, considered a leader in organizing African football, announced its participation in hosting the 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, in celebration of the centenary of the tournament's inception. This decision came after the unanimous approval of the FIFA Congress at a meeting on Wednesday, December 11, 2024. All 211 member associations of FIFA endorsed the joint bid by acclamation.
With this decision, Morocco will become the second African country to host the tournament after South Africa in 2010. For the first time in World Cup history, matches will be held across three continents: Africa (Morocco), Europe (Spain and Portugal), in addition to the three opening matches that will take place in South America, honoring the first edition held in Uruguay in 1930 with the participation of Argentina, Chile, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Morocco's victory came after previous attempts to host the tournament in 1994, 1998, 2006, 2010, and 2026. For the 2030 edition, which will feature 48 teams, Morocco has already chosen six cities to host the matches: Casablanca, Rabat, Marrakech, Fes, Agadir, and Tangier.
Prominent African figures who passed away in 2024:
- Amadou Makhtar Mbow (Senegal): He died between the night of September 23 and 24 in Dakar at the age of 103. The Senegalese thinker served as the Secretary-General of UNESCO for 13 years (1974-1987). He was a teacher and a minister during the presidency of Léopold Sédar Senghor, and he was known for his advocacy of cultural plurality.
- Issa Hayatou (Cameroon): He passed away on August 8, 2024. He is associated with African football, having chaired the African Football Confederation (CAF) from 1988 to 2017. He also served as the interim president of FIFA between 2015-2016 during the corruption crisis that led to the suspension of Sepp Blatter.
- Toumani Diabaté (Mali): He died on July 19, 2024, at the age of 58. Known as the "King of the Kora," he was one of the foremost players of the traditional 21-string kora instrument, belonging to a family of griots who preserve the musical heritage and traditions of West Africa.
- Hage Geingob (Namibia): He passed away on February 4, 2024, at the age of 82. He was one of the most prominent political figures in Namibia's history, leading the country's struggle against apartheid and for independence, eventually serving as Prime Minister before becoming the country's President.
- Among other notable figures who passed away: Hama Amado Fo (Nigeria), the veteran politician nicknamed "the Phoenix," who died at the age of 74; Breyten Breytenbach (South Africa), the writer and anti-apartheid activist, who died at the age of 74; John Okafor (Nigeria), the Nollywood star known as "Mr. Ibu," who died on March 2, 2024; and the Congolese basketball legend Dikembe Mutombo, a member of the NBA Hall of Fame, who died on September 30 at the age of 58.
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Source: Analyses from the African Center for Research and Study of Policies (Afropolicy)
African Center for Research and Study of Policies
On the 456th day of aggression against Gaza, Israeli airstrikes on various areas of the Strip resulted in the deaths of 54 people since dawn on Saturday, 37 of whom were in the northern part of the Strip. Meanwhile, occupation forces targeted again elements tasked with securing aid in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, leading to the martyrdom of several of them.
Escalation of the aggression
Amid the escalation of the aggression, Israeli Knesset members called for the complete displacement of the residents of northern Gaza and the killing of those who do not carry a white flag.
A missile from the Strip
At the same time, the resistance launched a missile from the Strip towards the settlements surrounding Gaza. Israeli Channel 12 reported that the missile landed in an open area, while the Israeli army radio mentioned that Hamas had launched about 20 rockets from Gaza over the past nine days, including 14 rockets from northern Gaza.
A video of an Israeli female soldier
In a related context, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades released a video of an Israeli female soldier who has been a prisoner in Gaza for more than 450 days, in which the prisoner attacked the Israeli government and army, asserting that they have abandoned the prisoners held by the resistance.
Targeting Palestinian displaced persons
The Israeli occupation army continued to target Palestinian displaced persons in their locations, resulting in more martyrs and injuries. As the 456th day of the ongoing genocide war commenced, the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the perpetration of four new massacres against Palestinian families within 24 hours, resulting in the deaths of 59 martyrs and injuries to 273 others.
45,717 martyrs
The toll of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since the onset of the genocide war in October 2023 has risen to 45,717 martyrs, while the number of injured and wounded has escalated to 108,856. The Ministry of Health reported that a number of victims remain under the rubble, and rescue and civil defense teams cannot reach them on the roads.
Israeli airstrikes
Israeli airstrikes continued on various regions in the Gaza Strip, leading to the martyrdom of 28 individuals since dawn on Saturday, January 4, with 16 of them from the besieged northern Gaza.
In Gaza City, the civil defense reported the recovery of three martyrs, a man, his wife, and their son, from a home bombed by the Israeli occupation on Sahaba Street in the west of the city. The civil defense also confirmed the recovery of two injuries due to an Israeli bombing of a house on al-Nazzaz Street in al-Shuja'iyya, east of Gaza City, while 11 people remain trapped under the rubble.
Escalation in southern Gaza
In a related context, several individuals were injured due to the Israeli occupation bombing a school housing displaced persons in the al-Sabra neighborhood, south of Gaza City. This comes as the occupation escalated its targeting of areas in southern Gaza, as reported by the civil defense. The civil defense documented the martyrdom of 13 individuals following the targeting of elements securing aid in an airstrike that hit their vehicle on Salah al-Din Street, while two more martyrs fell in an Israeli airstrike in the north of Rafah city in southern Gaza.
While Civil Defense crews in Khan Yunis recovered the bodies of 6 martyrs after a civilian car was targeted in the eastern district. In the central Gaza Strip, the occupying army renewed shelling on the Deir al-Balah governorate, while 3 people were injured due to "Israeli" shelling of agricultural land in the governorate, and "Israeli" naval boats shelled the beach of the central governorate.
Al-Awda Hospital
In this context, Al-Awda Hospital announced the martyrdom of two women, including photographer Areej Shaheen and her mother, while 8 injuries occurred due to the occupation's shelling of a house in the Al-Da'wah neighborhood northeast of the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.
The Palestinian Journalists' Protection Center (PJPC)
The Palestinian Journalists' Protection Center (PJPC) condemned the murder of young photographer Areej Shaheen, noting that the occupation is starting the new year by killing a journalist every 24 hours in Gaza.
It mentioned that this crime follows the murder of photojournalist Omar Al-Dairawi in a shelling that targeted his house in the Al-Zahra area, and journalist Hassan Al-Qayshawi, who was martyred on Thursday due to "Israeli" shelling on his house in Gaza City.
It considered that the failure of the international community to protect journalists undermines its credibility and erodes its efforts to promote human rights and the international efforts aimed at supporting these principles.
In northern Gaza, several injuries occurred after a "quadcopter" drone dropped bombs on civilians around the Halima Al-Sadiya school in Jabalia. Meanwhile, the occupying army continues to carry out demolition operations on residential buildings in Shabtawe and west of the Jabalia camp in northern Gaza.
International condemnations
Moreover, worldwide and international condemnations continue in light of the humanitarian disaster faced by residents of besieged northern Gaza amid deprivation of food and medicine and the blocking of humanitarian assistance while the occupation targets displaced people and Palestinian families inside their homes.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, stated that the humanitarian disaster in Gaza continues before the eyes of the world, during which "Israel's" methods of warfare have led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians, along with widespread displacement and destruction.
These remarks were made during his briefing to the UN Security Council in New York on Friday, which held a meeting at the request of Algeria, the current president of the Security Council, to discuss "Israel's" targeting of hospitals and the health sector in Gaza.
For its part, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced that the occupying "Israeli" authorities continue to reject the UN's attempts to coordinate safe movement for humanitarian workers in Gaza.
The occupying authorities confirmed yesterday the rejection of 6 out of 10 coordination attempts, and among the remaining 4 attempts, only 2 were completed fully, while the other 2 faced serious obstacles. It added that among today's rejected attempts was our plan to deliver supplies to besieged areas in the northern Gaza governorate.
As the 455th day of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation begins, occupying forces continue to escalate their aggression against the Gaza Strip, leaving behind massacres against civilians, amid ongoing clashes between the Palestinian resistance and occupation forces on several fronts.
The occupation threatens to bomb Al-Awda Hospital in Jabalia Camp
In a new escalation reflecting the brutality of the occupation, the Israeli army threatened on Friday evening to bomb Al-Awda Hospital, located in the Tal al-Zaatar area within Jabalia Camp in northern Gaza.
The occupation has given those inside the hospital, numbering about 96 individuals including doctors, patients, wounded, and staff, a short time to evacuate, threatening bombardment if they do not comply.
This threat comes amid a suffocating siege imposed by the occupation on the hospital for 90 days, making it the only medical facility for residents of the northern Gaza Strip, who exceed 40,000 people and suffer from catastrophic health and humanitarian conditions.
The occupation army did not stop at threats alone, but also launched bombs from drones targeting the reception and emergency departments in the hospital, resulting in injuries to several medical staff members. Its artillery also targeted the hospital's courtyard and gates, in an attempt to terrorize those inside and force them to leave.
Al-Awda Hospital in the Tal al-Zaatar area of Jabalia Camp is considered the last medical stronghold in northern Gaza, where the occupation has besieged it from the inside for 90 days, amid catastrophic health and humanitarian conditions, according to the Palestinian news agency.
Occupation forces storm Al-Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza
In another incident highlighting the occupation's violation of international humanitarian law, occupying forces stormed Al-Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza on Friday, issuing direct threats to medical staff and patients. The forces demanded that everyone evacuate the hospital immediately, in a blatant challenge to international norms that prohibit targeting medical facilities.
Qualitative operations by “Al-Qassam”: destruction of tanks and targeting a helicopter
Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), announced that it successfully carried out qualitative operations targeting Israeli forces infiltrating northern Gaza.
The brigades stated in a military statement that they managed to destroy four "Merkava" tanks by detonating explosive devices on the advance axis east of Jabalia. This operation is considered a significant blow to the occupation forces, which primarily rely on these tanks in their military operations.
In another development, the Palestinian resistance targeted an Israeli "Apache" helicopter with a surface-to-air missile (SAM) east of Al-Bureij Camp in the central sector. The Al-Qassam Brigades confirmed that the operation was carried out in coordination with the Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades, as part of joint efforts among factions to repel the aggression.
Legal concerns about the fate of Dr. Hosam Abu Safiya
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor has expressed deep concern regarding the fate of Dr. Hosam Abu Safiya, the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, who disappeared after being arrested by the occupying forces.
The monitor confirmed that the occupation denies the arrest of the doctor, despite conclusive evidence proving his detention on December 27, 2024, including photos and videos documented by local entities, as well as testimonies from detainees who were subsequently released.
The monitor described the occupation’s denial of Abu Safiya’s arrest as a serious indicator of the possibility that he is subjected to enforced disappearance, which heightens concerns about his safety and the conditions of his detention.
In a related context, the Palestinian Prisoners’ Club issued a statement noting that Abu Safiya’s case represents one of thousands of cases of detainees in Gaza who are subjected to the crime of enforced disappearance. The club called on the international community and human rights organizations to take urgent action to ensure the revelation of Abu Safiya's fate and to end the policy of enforced disappearance practiced by the occupation.
"Hamas": Calls to save Gaza and enhance national unity
The Islamic Resistance Movement "Hamas" issued a press release confirming that it has received numerous national initiatives aimed at saving the Gaza Strip from the genocide and systematic destruction it is facing at the hands of the occupation.
The movement pointed to its ongoing efforts to organize the Palestinian house, stating: From the beginning, we have earnestly sought to restore the status of the Palestinian political system, and we have shown considerable flexibility to reach national agreements, whether through the Cairo or Algiers agreements, or through international efforts in Russia and China.
The movement confirmed its responsiveness to Egyptian and Arab initiatives to form a community support committee to temporarily manage Gaza’s affairs, noting that it has submitted a list of proposed national and professional figures to the Egyptian mediator.
"Hamas" also emphasized the importance of achieving national unity in the face of the dangers threatening the Palestinian cause, affirming its readiness to implement any national agreement that achieves this goal.
The movement concluded its statement by saying that the dangers facing Palestine as a land and a cause require everyone to unite and work together on the basis of comprehensive resistance to strengthen our people's steadfastness and confront the current challenges.
Hundreds of Israelis protest for a prisoner swap deal
Hebrew media reported that hundreds of protesters demonstrated today, Friday, in front of the residence of the occupying government’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in West Jerusalem, calling for the conclusion of a prisoner swap deal with Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.
This movement comes after Netanyahu’s office announced the resumption of indirect negotiations with Hamas mediated by Qatar and Egypt, amid growing public pressure to find solutions for the prisoners’ crisis, according to the Anadolu Agency.