Kuwait’s 12th air bridge flight departs to Sudan

 Kuwait’s 12th relief aid plane departed for Sudan on Wednesday, carrying on board 36 tons of food, medicine, and two ambulances, organized by the Kuwait Society for Relief (KSR) to help those affected by the war and floods. Before takeoff, the General Manager of the Society, Abdulaziz Al-Obaid, told KUNA that this aid plane is part of Kuwait’s air bridge to help Sudan with the support of Zakat House in cooperation with Ministries of Defense, Social Affairs, and Foreign Affairs, as well as other eight charities. The shipment consists of two ambulances, 10 tons of shelter tents, and 20 tons of necessary food.

In Sudan, the heavy rains and the flood that left hundreds of Sudanese deceased and injured, as well as thousands displaced, were the key motive for Kuwaiti charities to continue this relief mission and to ease the pain and suffering of the Sudanese people. On his part, the Director General of Kuwait Zakat House, Dr Majed Al-Azmi, affirmed that the Kuwaiti Air Bridge is to help and support the people of Sudan in this humanitarian crisis. Dr Al-Azmi praised the Kuwaiti political leadership for the rapid response to the people of Sudan, with all charities and ministries having provided them with tremendous assistance in the past 16 months. — KUNA

KRCS expands efforts with developmental projects in Yemen

  The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) affirmed that its projects in Yemen reflected a bright image of Kuwaiti humanitarian efforts. Director General of KRCS, Abdulrahman Al-Oun, said this to KUNA following the conclusion of the field team’s inspection visit to the association’s projects in Yemen. Al-Oun added that the association continues Kuwait’s humanitarian legacy in Yemen by expanding its developmental projects in medical, educational sectors and by responding urgently to the country’s needs.

He pointed out that during their visit to Yemen, the association inspected developmental projects funded by KRCS in several Yemeni governorates and distributed relief aid, which contributed to improving the quality of life for a broad segment of citizens and meeting their basic needs. These visits allow KRCS to closely examine the levels of healthcare, educational, social services, and water projects, assess them, and identify necessary needs in these areas.

Al-Oun mentioned that the KRCS delegation launched a project for distributing food items, clothing, and school supplies to students in the governorates of Taizz, Hadhramaut, Seiyun, and Al-Mahrah. He added that during the visit, the delegation met with local authorities and governors who expressed their deep gratitude to Kuwait for its efforts in aiding the Yemeni people, and they also informed the delegation of the most critical needs of healthcare facilities, schools, medical equipment, medicines, and water projects.

Al-Oun expressed profound gratitude to the donors from Kuwait and noted that the KRCS would continue to inaugurate developmental, medical, educational, and water projects as part of Kuwait’s ongoing support for Yemen. He also praised the cooperation and coordination with the Estijabah Foundation for Humanitarian Aid and Relief, which implements KRCS projects in Yemeni governorates. — KUNA

Hofath concludes the summer session with 5212 students participating

The Kuwaiti Charitable Society for the Service of the Holy Quran and its Sciences (Hofath) announced the conclusion of the activities of its eighth summer session for the year 2024 for Quranic circles and centers, in which 5212 male and female students participated.

The Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Society, Eng. Ahmed Al-Murshed, said: By the grace of God and His favor, the Hofath Society concluded the eighth summer session successfully, as it lasted for three months starting from June to the end of August by conducting tests for the participating students, and their number reached 5212 male and female students who attended 579 Quranic circles. At the end of the session, a test was launched to measure the students’ achievement in memorizing the Holy Quran in addition to the level of progress in the session program.

Al-Murshed added: This session was distinguished by many events and activities that gained students Quranic and educational benefit, as it included a distinguished educational and recreational program directed at male and female students. The appropriate educational materials for the program were prepared and specialized educational lecturers were assigned to present them to occupy the time of our students with useful and beneficial things during the summer vacation.

He pointed out that the program of the session included several recreational activities, including various competitions, talent discovery segments, and physical and mental games.

The guide concluded by praying to God Almighty to write the reward for the generous benefactors who contributed to the projects and programs of the Quranic Preservation Charitable and Humanitarian Society, pointing out that the society continues to receive alms and zakat from charitable people through the society's website hofath.org

On World Day of Charity

 Rahma International: Kuwaiti charities embody human solidarity with needy people

 Director General of the International Mercy Association, Dr. Issa Nasser Al-Dhafiri, said in a press statement that what Kuwait, represented by its charitable institutions, provides in supporting afflicted peoples and needy groups represents the most wonderful meanings of human solidarity.

Al-Dhafiri pointed out in his statement on the occasion of the world's celebration of the "International Day of Charity", which falls on September 5 of each year, that Kuwait attaches great importance to charitable works as a human value that elevates the concepts of giving and generosity.

He added that Kuwait supports afflicted peoples under the directives of the political leadership represented by His Highness the Amir of the country, Sheikh Mishaal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and his loyal Crown Prince, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, may God protect him, and with direct follow-up from the Council of Ministers, and full supervision from the Ministries of Affairs and Foreign Affairs, to provide relief to the afflicted and affected and alleviate the severity of crises and disasters for the needy, the weak, orphans, widows and the elderly around the world.

Al-Dhafiri pointed out that Kuwaiti charitable institutions are working effectively on the continuous development and improvement of charitable works and activities in an effort to achieve distinguished performance, develop and advance charitable work mechanisms, and enhance Kuwait's pioneering role in charitable and humanitarian work.

He stressed that charitable work has become one of the prides of the State of Kuwait, its Emir, government, people, associations, institutions and individuals.

He continued: Rahma International Smarch, as one of the Kuwaiti charitable institutions, was marked by many achievements in support of the poor, needy and affected people in many countries of the world. The achievements of RIC in 2023 were the best witness to the continuation of the charitable giving of the institution and its generous donors. RIS, with the support of charitable people, completed 3,579 social projects, 1,003 relief projects, 131 educational projects, 114 health projects, 66 cultural projects, and 91 seasonal projects. In the field of small development projects, the association implemented 132 projects. Before all of that, RIS sponsored 7,673 sponsored people around the world, stressing that these projects were accomplished in constructive cooperation with our partners in charitable work, headed by the regulatory authorities in the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Social Affairs, and in the presence of many Kuwaiti ambassadors abroad. He concluded his statement by saying, “Kuwait will remain the pioneering country and the owner of humanitarian giving initiatives based on an integrated and sustainable work system whose ultimate goal is to improve the quality of Life and building a bright future for societies. Wherever the need arises, Kuwait is always present to extend a helping hand to everyone, thus embodying its humanitarian approach.”

Kuwait Cultural Week kicks off in UK

London exhibition showcases Kuwaiti-British relation in travel literature, documents

 Kuwait Cultural Week kicked off on Tuesday in the United Kingdom under the patronage of His Highness the Crown Prince of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah. The cultural week comes as part of a series of activities between the two countries within the framework of “the Year of Kuwaiti-British Partnership.” In a statement to KUNA, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah said that the events would include a number of cultural and craft exhibitions, hosted by the Kuwaiti Embassy in London.

A musical concert will be held in one of the theaters in the British capital. Ambassador Jarrah Al-Sabah pointed out that this event came as part of celebration marking the 125th anniversary of the signing of the Anglo-Kuwaiti Agreement in 1899. He praised the efforts to organize this event in London, stressing at the same time the importance of these activities in strengthening cultural and social relations between the two countries.

Kuwaiti-British relation

Honoring 125 years of Kuwaiti-British relations, the Kuwait Heritage Society organized an exhibition in cooperation with the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Letters (NCCAL). In remarks to KUNA, President of Kuwait Heritage Society Fahad Al-Abduljalil affirmed Kuwaiti-British bilateral relations. Travelers’ books, historical documents, and photographs were displayed at the exhibition.

“The relation between Kuwait and the United Kingdom is deeply rooted since the late Sheikh Mubarak Al-Sabah signed the Anglo-Kuwaiti agreement in 1899,” Al-Abduljalil added. The exceptional relationship between the two countries increased Kuwait’s trade, especially with India. In 1904, Captain SG Knox arrived in Kuwait, serving as London’s first political representative, and after 20 other successful British agents, the late Sheikh Abdullah Al-Salem Al-Sabah announced the cancellation of the treaty by signing Kuwait’s declaration of independence in 1961.

Kuwaiti heritage researcher Hani Al-Asousi and Associate Professor of Archaeology and Anthropology Hasan Ashkanani were key members in the exhibition as they explained these documents. The exhibition — which lasts until September 6 — was attended by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Sheikh Jarrah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, the Dean of the Arab Diplomatic Corps and Bahraini Ambassador to the United Kingdom Shaikh Fawaz bin Mohammed Al-Khalifa, British Ambassador to Kuwait Belinda Lewis, and other officials. — KUNA

Islah Society Projects Provide quality education for all to empower future generations.

Quality and comprehensive education is one of the most important goals that modern societies seek to achieve to ensure sustainable development. This goal requires providing high-quality education opportunities for all, regardless of age, gender, or socio-economic background. By providing equal education opportunities, obstacles to achieving equality in education can be removed, such as discrimination, poverty, and social and cultural factors.

The Importance of Comprehensive and Equal Education 

Comprehensive education does not only mean providing education for all, but it requires covering all stages of life, starting from early education and reaching basic education, secondary education, higher education, and vocational training. Providing these educational opportunities contributes to building sustainable and advanced societies, where individuals can realize their full potential and contribute effectively to comprehensive development. Achieving this goal enhances economic and social development, which contributes to creating a better future for all.

The role of the Social Reform Society in supporting education

In the context of achieving this goal, the Social Reform Society implements a number of targeted educational activities and projects. These projects focus on supporting needy students and providing them with an appropriate educational environment, through programs such as student sponsorship, spending on educational centers, and distributing school supplies such as bags.

The Society's Educational Projects

In recent years, the Social Reform Society has achieved remarkable progress in supporting education. The total number of beneficiaries of educational projects amounted to about 3,061 male and female students in 2021 AD, and the number increased to reach 3,667 male and female students in 2022 AD, then rose to 5,126 male and female students in 2023 AD.

1- “Teach Me and I Will Reward You” Project:

This project aims to provide financial support to needy students who cannot afford tuition fees. About 1,386 male and female students benefited from the project in 2021, and the number increased to 2,366 male and female students in 2022, and reached 299 male and female students in 2023. In addition, the project provides a school bag that combines education and training, from which 3,340 male and female students benefited in 2023.

2- University Student Sponsorship:

This project aims to support university students who are unable to afford tuition fees, which reduces their living burdens. 182 male and female students benefited from this project in 2021, and the number increased to 479 in 2022, then rose to 1,005 in 2023.

3- Human Development:

This project contributes to training and qualifying people with disabilities and integrating them into society, and providing them with job opportunities through state institutions. About 30 male and female students benefited from the project in 2021, and the number increased to 137 in 2022, then reached 87 male and female students in 2023.

4- Education for All Center:

This center specializes in teaching students in public schools, and aims to develop them through qualitative projects aimed at building the human being. 150 male and female students benefited from the project in 2023.

5- Scholars Chair Project:

This project aims to teach and teach Islamic and Arabic sciences in a creative way that combines education and training. In 2023, 245 male and female students benefited from this project.

Through these projects, the Social Reform Society affirms its commitment to achieving the goal of ensuring quality and comprehensive education for all. These efforts not only contribute to improving the lives of individuals, but also to promoting sustainable development at the community level. Quality and comprehensive education is the cornerstone of building a bright future, and the Social Reform Society plays a leading role in achieving this goal.

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Operation "Al-Aqsa Flood" entered its 334th day, while the Zionist occupation forces continue to commit a war of genocide in the Gaza Strip, through launching dozens of airstrikes, artillery shelling, and bloody massacres against civilians.

42 martyrs in the past 24 hours

The Zionist occupation forces committed 3 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip during the past 24 hours, of which 42 martyrs and 107 injuries arrived at hospitals.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza said in a statement: The death toll from the aggression has risen to 40,861 martyrs and 94,398 injuries since October 7.

10,400 arrested from the West Bank since October 7

The prisoners' institutions said: The occupation forces have arrested 10,400 citizens from the West Bank since October 7, including 725 children, 400 women, and 98 journalists.

The prisoners' institutions explained, according to the "Palestinian News Agency", that 400 women were arrested. (This statistic includes women who were arrested from the 1948 territories, and cases of arrest among women from Gaza who were arrested from the West Bank.) This data does not include the number of women who were arrested from Gaza, which is estimated in the dozens.

The prisoners' institutions indicated that the number of cases of arrest among children in the West Bank amounted to no less than (725). While the number of cases of arrest among journalists since the beginning of the war of extermination amounted to (98) male and female journalists. Of them, (52) remain in detention, including (6) female journalists, and (17) journalists from Gaza at least whose identities we were able to verify, and among the journalists (15) are under administrative detention.

Continued aggression on Jenin and Tulkarm

The occupation forces continue their aggression on the city and camp of Tulkarm, for the third day, and on the city of Jenin and its camp, for the eighth day, and left widespread destruction in the infrastructure and property of citizens, according to the "Palestinian Media Center".

In Tulkarm, the occupation forces carried out bombings inside the camp's neighborhoods and burned tarpaulins, which led to a number of citizens' homes catching fire and burning in the Al-Swalmeh neighborhood, and citizens suffocating.

In Jenin and its camp, the occupation forces continued their aggression on the city of Jenin and its camp today, Wednesday, for the eighth consecutive day, the most extensive since 2002 in the northern West Bank.

The decision is yours

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) broadcast a new video clip in which it sends a message to the "Israelis" that the continued presence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatens the lives of prisoners held in the Gaza Strip.

"Hamas" said in a video clip broadcast by Al-Jazeera: "Every day that Netanyahu remains in power may mean a new coffin."

Hamas added that "the prisoners will return alive when the aggression stops, and if it continues, their fate will remain unknown."

"Hamas" concluded the video clip by saying, "The decision is yours."

Al-Qassam publishes a recording of two dead prisoners this evening

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), said that it will publish at 7 pm today, Wednesday, a video recording of two prisoners of the Zionist occupation who were killed in Rafah.

Hamas: The Security Council meeting today at the request of the Zionists raises signs of disapproval

Hamas Movement demanded, today, Wednesday, that the UN Security Council take immediate action to stop the genocide against our Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and to implement its resolution No. 2735, regarding the war on Gaza and obligating the occupation to do so.

 The movement said in a statement that the convening of the UN Security Council today at the request of Zionism, and with American, British and French support, to discuss the file of Zionist prisoners and detainees is reprehensible. While the war of extermination to which our defenseless Palestinian people are being subjected in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank continues, and our prisoners are in the occupation's prisons, at the hands of the extremist Zionist government and its terrorist army. Especially since this is happening in light of the state of obstruction that the Council is facing, with American and Western will, in the face of playing its assigned role in stopping the crimes and violations of the occupation.

Columbia University students demonstrate again 

Students at Columbia University in New York State, USA, demonstrated on the first day of the new academic year, denouncing the continued aggression on the Gaza Strip, and denouncing the university administration’s rejection of their demands to withdraw its investments from Israeli companies and companies that support the occupation state, according to the “Palestinian News Agency”.

Washington files a lawsuit against “Hamas” leaders

The US Department of Justice announced, last Tuesday evening, that it had filed a lawsuit against the head of the political bureau of the “Hamas” movement, Yahya Sinwar, and other leaders of the movement, against the backdrop of the “Al-Aqsa Flood” operation that targeted “Israeli” settlements and military sites adjacent to the Gaza Strip, according to the “Quds Press” agency.

The American “Associated Press” agency reported that “the lawsuit filed before a federal court in New York City includes accusations of conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization; which led to deaths,” according to its claim.

The lawsuit includes the names of 6 people, including Sinwar, in addition to the movement’s former bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated by Israel. The names also include the general commander of the “Qassam Brigades,” Mohammed Deif, the head of the “Hamas” movement abroad, Khaled Meshaal, the leader of the “Qassam” Brigades, Marwan Issa, and the head of the movement’s national relations department abroad, Ali Baraka.

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

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

26 martyrs in Gaza since dawn today

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

100 martyrs and wounded in a day

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

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

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

30 martyrs in the ongoing occupation aggression on the West Bank

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

Occupation continues its aggression on Jenin for the seventh day

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

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

Resignation of the Commander of the Ground Forces  

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Britain suspends arms exports to "Israel" and Netanyahu attacks

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

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

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

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

Gamal Khattab

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Islamophobia

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

 Historical Origins

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

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

Colonialism and Orientalism

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

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

The Modern Era: Cold War and Beyond

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

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

Post-9/11 and the War on Terror

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

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

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

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

Islamophobia in Europe

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

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

Islamophobia and Racism

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

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

Combating Islamophobia

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

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

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

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Sources

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

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

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

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

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

Massacres and slaughters

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

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

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

Saqallah family

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

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

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

A raid on the Nuseirat camp

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

Quadcopter Bombs Tents

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

Bombing Abasan al-Kabira

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

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

Five massacres

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

40,738 martyrs and 94,154 wounded

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

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

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

27 Palestinians Martyrs

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

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

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

Bombing Houses

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

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

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

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

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

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

Bombing Zeitoun Neighborhood

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

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

Bloody night

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

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

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

West of Nuseirat

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

Targeting Civilians

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

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

5 Martyrs from one Family

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

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

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

Intensive airstrikes

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

Targeting Citizens Houses

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

Destroying hundreds of houses

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

Mawasi area

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

Killing Children

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

Shelling Al-Zeitoun Neighborhood

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