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The surplus included KD 1.5 billion achieved in April, marking a 21.9% increase of KD 270 million compared to a surplus of KD 1.23 billion in April 2023.
The latest data from the Central Statistical Administration revealed that Kuwait recorded a trade surplus of KD 4.7 billion in the first four months of this year, a slight decrease of 3.4% (KD 167.4 million) compared to a surplus of KD 4.87 billion during the same period in 2023. According to Al Anba newspaper, the surplus included KD 1.5 billion achieved in April, marking a 21.9% increase (KD 270 million) compared to a surplus of KD 1.23 billion in April 2023.
According to the Central Statistical Administration data, the volume of trade exchange in Kuwait from January to the end of April amounted to approximately KD 12.13 billion, reflecting a 4% decrease of KD 504.9 million compared to KD 12.63 billion during the same period in 2023. In April 2024, the trade exchange volume reached about KD 3.22 billion, marking a 5.2% increase of KD 159 million compared to KD 3.06 billion in April 2023.
Kuwait imported goods worth KD 3.7 billion in the first four months of this year
Kuwait imported goods worth about KD 3.7 billion during the first four months of this year, a 4.3% decrease of KD 168.75 million compared to KD 3.88 billion for the same period in 2023. In April alone, imports totaled approximately KD 860.87 million, a 6.1% decrease of KD 55.52 million compared to KD 916.4 million in April 2023.
In April 2024, the value of imported cars was around KD 125.06 million, down from KD 174.96 million in April 2023. Imports of pearls, precious stones, and metals amounted to about KD 60.15 million in April 2024, up from KD 41.8 million in the same month of 2023.
Kuwait imported medicines worth approximately KD 52.23 million in April 2024, compared to KD 49.85 million in April 2023.
In April 2024, Kuwait imported perfumes, cosmetics, and beauty products worth around KD 14.7 million, compared to KD 23.53 million in April 2023.
The top five countries from which Kuwait imported goods in April 2024 are as follows:
Value of Kuwait’s exports
The value of Kuwait’s exports during the first four months of 2024 amounted to approximately KD 8.4 billion, a decrease of 3.8%, or KD 336.22 million, compared to KD 8.75 billion in the same period of 2023. However, Kuwait’s exports increased by 10% in April 2024, reaching KD 2.36 billion, up from KD 2.15 billion in April 2023.
Kuwait’s oil exports and its derivatives during the first four months of 2024 totaled about KD 7.75 billion, compared to KD 8.15 billion in the same period of 2023.
In April 2024, Kuwait exported mineral fuels, mineral oils, and their distillation products worth approximately KD 2.19 billion, up from KD 2.02 billion in April 2023. Chemical products exported in April 2024 were valued at KD 40 million, compared to KD 30.6 million in April 2023. Exports of pearls, precious stones, and precious metals were valued at KD 11.34 million in April 2024, slightly down from KD 11.6 million in April 2023.
Endowments Affairs Council reviews and approves reports
The General Secretariat of Endowments announced on Wednesday that the Endowments Affairs Council held its 103rd meeting, chaired by Minister of Justice and Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Dr Mohammad Al-Wasmi, at the Secretariat’s headquarters in Dasma.
The Secretary of the Endowments Affairs Council and Director of the Planning and Follow-up Department at the General Secretariat, Jassim Bugaith, said in a press statement that the Council discussed many topics, reviewed, and approved several reports, namely the report on the achievements of the work units of the General Secretariat of Endowments for the year 2023, the annual achievement report of the Sharia Committee for the year 2023, the annual endowment projects committee for the year 2023, in addition to the annual audit committee report for the year 2023.
Bugaith added that the report on what was accomplished in the preparatory year 2022 was reviewed and approved in the document of the strategic plan of the General Secretariat of Endowments for the years 2023–2028, in implementation of Endowments Affairs Council Resolution No. 99. Bugaith explained that the Council meets at least four times a year or when needed, and it is the Supreme Authority supervising endowment affairs that makes the necessary decisions and achieves the purposes for which the Secretariat was established.
He explained that the Council is concerned with drawing up the general policy for managing and investing endowment funds, setting systems and regulations that ensure the development of endowment revenues and their regular collection, and maintaining and preserving endowment assets, in addition to approving the internal organization of the Secretariat.
The Council’s responsibilities also include approving the annual revenues and expenditures of endowment funds and their final accounts, selecting the Secretariat’s audit office, reviewing the periodic reports submitted by the Secretary-General on the progress of work in the Secretariat, and reviewing all matters related to the Secretariat’s activity that the Chairman of the Council deems necessary to present.
It is noteworthy that the Endowment Affairs Council, headed by the Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, includes in its membership the Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Endowments, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, the Director-General of the Social Insurance Institution, the Director-General of the Zakat House, a representative of the Ministry of Finance, and a representative of the Public Investment Authority, in addition to three members with experience and expertise. — KUNA
Life Charity: More than 279 thousand beneficiaries of “water supply” in Gaza
As part of its ongoing efforts to support the humanitarian situation in Gaza, the Projects and Programs Advisor at Life Charity Association, Dr. Muhammad Al-Barrak, announced that the association has distributed 161 water tankers in various areas of Gaza, benefiting more than 279 thousand beneficiaries, since the beginning of the crisis.
Al-Barrak added: "The Life Charity Society, along with its sister Kuwaiti societies, continues to support the difficult humanitarian situation in Gaza through various humanitarian projects, including the "Water Supply" project. The Life Charity Society works in cooperation with charitable organizations inside Gaza licensed by the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs and under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Affairs to alleviate the suffering of the displaced in obtaining drinking water in light of the severe crisis and continuous bombing. For example, during last July, the society distributed water to displaced families in the Deir al-Balah area and northern Gaza Strip through water tankers, and they are continuing to distribute to other areas. Al-Barrak pointed out the importance of the "Water Supply" project, as it is one of the most important areas of charity and goodness, due to the solidarity and compassion in providing clean water to those in need, given that people need it and cannot do without it. Without water, the earth and those on it would perish. Water is the origin and artery of life. Therefore, the Life Charity Society attaches great importance to water supply projects, which include drilling surface and artesian wells, water tanks and coolers, providing water tankers and distributing cold water, and other projects inside and outside Kuwait, explaining that this summer, the Life Charity Society contributed to the "Bard Aleihim" project to distribute cold water, juice and ice to workers inside Kuwait in cooperation with the Ghaith Volunteer Team and the Response and Rescue Team.
Al-Barrak indicated that the Life Charity Society implemented, thanks to God and with the support of charitable people, 16 humanitarian projects to support Gaza, benefiting nearly 902 thousand people since the beginning of the crisis, and the society continues its efforts to contribute to alleviating the suffering of the people of Gaza. May God relieve their distress and grant them victory over their enemy.
He called on the charitable people in Kuwait to continue donating to charitable and humanitarian projects and projects to support Gaza through the Life Charity Society website alhyat.org, or by calling the hotline 1844455.- Al-Mujtama
Namaa Charity: 657 students benefited from the "University Student"
Namaa Charity of the Social Reform Society confirmed that the number of beneficiaries of the University Student Project for the second semester of the academic year 2023-2024 AD, in implementation of the conditions of the donors stipulated in the endowment documents to support students and students inside and outside Kuwait for this year from Kuwaitis and residents, amounted to 657 male and female students.
In this regard, the Head of the Communications and Information Technology Sector, Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, said: The University Student Care Service is one of the most prominent services provided by Namaa Charity, in an effort to provide financial assistance to students who are unable to bear the costs of university tuition fees.
Al-Kandari explained that the University Student Care Project represents a model of effective partnership between charitable and governmental institutions in Kuwait, and the project aims to provide support and care to needy students, whether they are Kuwaitis or residents in Kuwait, to continue their university studies, in partnership between the Awqaf Secretariat and Namaa Charity.
Abdulaziz Al-Kandari added that the University Student Sponsorship Project reflects Kuwait's commitment to empowering youth and providing them with educational opportunities through this valuable partnership between Nama Charity and the General Secretariat of Endowments. The project continues to provide support and care to needy students, and contributes to building a more united and prosperous society in Kuwait.
Al-Kandari explained that the "Student Sponsorship" project supports students who are unable to afford tuition fees, to help them obtain tuition fees to obtain a university degree according to specific controls set by the General Secretariat of Endowments.
Al-Kandari continued: Our goal from the "Student Sponsorship" project is to provide appropriate support to all Kuwaiti students and residents in Kuwait who need financial support to pursue their university studies. Through this project, we seek to enable needy students and their families to cover all or part of the costs of education, and we also seek to support and embrace the distinguished among them.
Al-Kandari concluded his statement by saying: By implementing this project, we confirm our commitment to our developmental and humanitarian mission, and we strive to provide a supportive and stimulating environment for Kuwaiti and resident students in their academic career. - Al-Mujtama
"Kuwait Charity" treated 20 children in northern Syria from malnutrition diseases
As part of its humanitarian efforts to support the displaced in northern Syria, the Kuwaiti Charity Society (Hafez) treated 20 children and provided food baskets to the families of the children as part of the malnutrition patients' aid project in northern Syria.
The Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Society, Eng. Ahmed Al-Marshed, said: The malnutrition patients' aid project aims to provide all forms of support and assistance to displaced families in northern Syria whose children suffer from malnutrition diseases, as the project includes providing medical treatment for critical cases and distributing food baskets to improve the nutrition of children and adults who suffer from emaciation or weakness due to lack of access to sufficient food.
Al-Marshed indicated that the Kuwaiti Charity Society treated 20 cases of children as part of the project, and thanks to God and then with the support of charitable people, their malnutrition index improved by measuring the arm circumference from the red mark to the green mark. We ask God for safety and recovery for all.
He added: Our true religion has taken care of the issue of fighting hunger, as food is one of the most important human needs to survive, and hunger and malnutrition pose a threat to human life, especially children. That is why feeding people is encouraged in the verses of the Holy Quran and the hadiths of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, including the words of God Almighty: (And they give food, in spite of their love for it, to the poor, the orphan, and the captive {8} [saying], “We feed you only for the countenance of God. We desire from you no reward, nor thanks.”] (Al-Insan).
The Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “The best among you are those who feed people.” Indeed, the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him, made feeding people one of the reasons for entering Paradise, saying: “O people, spread peace, feed people, and pray at night while people are asleep, and you will enter Paradise in peace.”
The United Nations has made the elimination of hunger the second goal of the Sustainable Development Goals to end all forms of hunger and malnutrition by 2030, by ensuring that all people - especially children - have access to sufficient and nutritious food throughout the year.
The guide called on those with white hands to continue their generous support for the malnutrition aid project and all charitable and humanitarian projects of the association by donating from its website hofath.org. – Al-Mujtama
Kuwait, Turkey charities ink $2.105m agreement
Kuwait Relief Society (KRS) on Wednesday signed an executive contract worth $2.105 million with the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) to operate a relief ship to support and provide relief to those affected by natural disasters and armed conflicts in Sudan. Director General of KRS Abdulaziz Al-Obaid told KUNA that the association’s operation of the “Sudan Ship” confirms the depth of Kuwaiti feelings towards the Sudanese people and demonstrates Kuwait’s continued presence, through its official and charitable institutions, in leading the humanitarian work there.
Al-Obaid explained that the relief ship is scheduled to depart from Turkish ports towards Port Sudan in northeastern Sudan at the end of September and will arrive in Sudanese ports by September 15, where it will be unloaded with KRS and then handed over to the Sudanese Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC).
The Director General of the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) and its representative, Durmus Aydin, said in a similar statement to KUNA that the terms of the contract stipulated that the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation would undertake the purchase, supply, preparation, and packaging of goods and humanitarian aid according to the quantities specified in the terms of the contract, provided that they are valid for at least one year, then load them onto the ship at Turkish ports and deliver them to the Sudanese port of Port Sudan.
Aydin added that the Turkish Foundation (IHH) is also committed, according to the terms of the contract, to bear the cost and trouble of carrying out all procedures and obtaining the necessary permits for the entire shipment. He explained that the Foundation is committed to facilitating the tasks of monitoring the company and facilitating the work of media professionals and providing KRS with detailed interim and final media reports for all stages of preparation, loading, and dispatch, as well as its moral commitment to quickly complete the relief shipment.
For his part, the Ambassador of the Republic of Sudan to Kuwait, Awad Al-Karim Al-Rayeh Balla, noted after the signing the solidarity of the official bodies, Kuwaiti charitable societies and organizations, and the Kuwaiti people to assist those affected by the recent events in Sudan and to work diligently to overcome the humanitarian crisis there. Ambassador Al-Rayeh Balla added that the Kuwaiti aid has been providing relief aid like food, medicine, tents, and others.
He expressed his thanks for the humanitarian efforts of the Kuwaiti government and people and the charitable societies and organizations for their efforts that highlight the pioneering humanitarian role of Kuwait. Ambassador of Turkey to Kuwait Tuba Sonmez confirmed that the agreements unify the responsibility and feelings that unite Turkey and Kuwait towards those affected by natural disasters and conflicts in Sudan.
Sonmez added that the coming days will witness more cooperation between the two countries in broader humanitarian horizons, for the good and relief of those affected by disasters and crises everywhere. In turn, the representative of the Kuwait Relief Society, Eng Jamal Al-Nouri, said that the contract comes within the framework of the Kuwaiti government’s support for the current humanitarian conditions in Sudan, given the suffering of displaced families from natural disasters and conflicts that have caused the spread of poverty and homelessness, in addition to diseases and epidemics.
Al-Nouri explained that the society will bear half the cost of preparing the cargo of the Sudan Ship, which includes about 150 containers with a total weight of 2,500 tons of various relief materials, especially food, cleaning materials, and various shelter supplies. He indicated that the society will bear the cost of preparing 75 of these containers, while the Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) will bear the cost of preparing the remaining 75 containers.
He pointed out that about 83 containers were allocated for food supplies and parcels, including rice, wheat, lentils, flour, sugar, oil, tomato paste, and other food essentials, while 27 containers were allocated for mattresses, sponges, blankets, shelter supplies, tents, and waterproof plastic bags. The Turkish Humanitarian Relief Foundation (IHH) is one of the world’s leading relief organizations that reaches war zones, conflicts, and natural disasters around the world to provide relief materials to victims and oppressed people and provide assistance to the needy and displaced.
It is one of the institutions that Kuwait Relief sought to contract with to operate a number of relief ships to the Gaza Strip and Sudan during the current year. The Kuwait Relief Society was established on April 30, 2008, and was registered by the Ministry of Social Affairs in 2012. It is a charitable relief organization based in Kuwait that works to provide relief to areas affected by conflicts or natural disasters in the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and many countries around the world. — KUNA
KRCS supports reconstruction of Dialysis Center in northern Gaza
Five out of seven dialysis centers destroyed by Israel
Noura Al-Kaabi Dialysis Center in northern Gaza commenced Wednesday a reconstruction project with the support of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS). The Center completely stopped operation after it was destroyed by Zionist occupation, Center Director Dr Marwan Al-Sultan stated, adding that re-operation is imperative to save the lives of thousands of kidney failure patients in the Gaza Strip.
More than 180 patients in the strip suffer from kidney failure and are in need of dialysis three times a week, not to mention more than 1,000 patients with kidney failure in the entirety of the strip, he explained. According to Palestinian health authorities, patients with kidney failure in the Gaza Strip are suffering from dire circumstances due to the destruction of five out of seven dialysis centers.
Noura Al-Kaabi Kidney Dialysis Center management announced Sunday that the Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) is supporting the project to rehabilitate, maintain, and equip the Center. The center, which has been rehabilitated, is located on an area of about 700 square meters and consists of three floors. It operates with a capacity of about 42 dialysis machines, including about 36 chairs and a dialysis machine.
Dr Al-Sultan stressed the need to re-operate the center, which stopped working completely after being subjected to aggression and storming by the occupation forces, indicating the importance of its role in saving the lives of thousands of kidney patients in the Gaza Strip. He expressed his sincere thanks and appreciation to Kuwait, HH the Amir, the government, and its people for supporting Gazans and alleviating their suffering, praising the role of the Kuwait Red Crescent in providing humanitarian aid.
Since the beginning of the aggression on the Gaza Strip last October, Kuwait has taken the initiative to send thousands of tons of relief, humanitarian, and medical aid to the Strip, while the Kuwaiti Relief Air Bridge is still ongoing. The Kuwait Red Crescent Society has also taken the initiative to implement qualitative relief projects in the Strip, including sending dozens of ambulances and establishing a field hospital to treat the wounded. — KUNA
Education Ministry integrates modern technology
The Ministry of Education affirmed on Wednesday its keenness to integrate modern technology in line with the rapid digital developments and investment in the future of education, opening new doors to enhance students’ digital skills. The Ministry stated on its official account on the social networking platform (X) that as part of its preparations for the new academic year 2024-2025, 5,125 interactive screens have been introduced in various educational stages to provide a more attractive and interactive educational environment that enhances innovation and creativity among teachers and learners.
It explained that 294 screens have been introduced in computer labs for the elementary stage, 472 in computer labs for the intermediate stage, and 4,359 in computer labs and classrooms for the secondary stage. It indicated that the introduction of interactive screens aims to stimulate interaction and activity in the classroom, in addition to improving the clarity of educational materials and encouraging teamwork and cooperation, in addition to providing diverse educational resources, enhancing technology skills, sharing educational materials, and supporting distance education. — KUNA
Kuwait’s 8th aid-loaded plane departs to Sudan
Kuwait’s eighth relief aid plane departed for Sudan on Wednesday carrying on board 33 tons of food, medicine, and tents, organized by the Kuwaiti Relief Society and Sheikh Abdullah Nouri Charity, to help those affected by war and floods. In remarks to KUNA, the General Director of Kuwait Relief Society, Abdulaziz Al-Obaid, said that this aid plane is part of the Kuwaiti air bridge to help Sudan in cooperation with member associations of Kuwait Relief Society’s Board of Directors, including the Kuwait Charity, Revival of Islamic Heritage, Nama Charity, Al-Najat Charity, Abdullah Al-Nouri, Direct Aid, and others.
This flight includes 33 tons of urgent and critical needs for those affected, as it consists of 30 tons of food supplies, 3 tons of medical supplies to meet the basic health needs of the displaced, as well as 99 tents for sheltering the displaced, Al-Obaid added. He emphasized the dismal situation in Sudan due to the ongoing internal conflicts, widespread displacement, and lack of security and stability, which led to an increased demand for humanitarian needs such as food, medicine, and tents due to the floods and torrents that struck northern Sudan.
The General Director of the Al-Nouri Charity, Waleed Al-Saif, told KUNA that the continued flights through Kuwaiti Air Bridge alongside the maritime ships for aiding Sudanese would help increase the chances of survival for the affected ones. Al-Saif expressed his gratitude for dispatching relief aid via Kuwaiti Air Bridge, as he praised the efforts of the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Social Affairs, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs for their role in this humanitarian work. — KUNA
KRCS distributes 2,200 school bags to children
KUWAIT: The Kuwait Red Crescent Society (KRCS) on Wednesday started distributing school bags with complete school materials to children of needy families who registered with the society to start their educational journey. KRSC’s Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, Anwar Al-Hasawi, told Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the school bag project aims to distribute approximately 2,200 school bags, expressing his deep thanks to the banks and companies that supported the project.
The school bags, stationery, pens, and tools will help the students in their academic activities. He stated that the success of the educational process undoubtedly depends on providing the basic needs required by the students. He stressed the association’s keenness on this initiative at the beginning of each academic year, believing that education is one of the most important rights that must be provided to children of needy families. – KUNA
KRS and ASPN to rehabilitate Gaza’s agricultural sector
The Kuwait Relief Society (KRS) on Tuesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Jordanian Arab Society for the Protection of Nature (ASPN) to implement projects aimed at rehabilitating the agricultural sector in the Gaza Strip, with support from the Kuwaiti Direct Aid Society (DAS). Director General of the Kuwait Relief Society Abdulaziz Al-Obaid told KUNA that the MoU comes within the framework of the Gaza Strip farms revival project launched by the Jordanian Society for the Protection of Nature (SPSN) in March.
Al-Obaid added that the project aims to provide support to Palestinian farmers after the Zionist occupation systematically targeted agricultural facilities and destroyed vegetable farms, depriving the residents from benefiting from the agricultural products. For his part, Director General of the Direct Aid Society Dr Abdullah Al-Sumait told KUNA that the goal of this one-year project is to contribute to supplying agricultural products, fodder seeds, various vegetable seedlings, fertilizers, pesticides, and extending irrigation networks, greenhouse covers, and agricultural ponds in the Gaza Strip.
The Arab Society for the Protection of Nature in Jordan is an independent, non-profit civil society organization based in the Jordanian capital, Amman. It is concerned with protecting natural resources in light of the increasing challenges and dangers they face, especially those to which they are exposed as a result of conflicts, wars, and occupation. The Society for the Protection of Nature aims to rehabilitate and sustain environmental, agricultural, and food systems in Arab regions that are affected by wars and conflicts in coordination with all Arab and international bodies and organizations. — KUNA
The Israeli occupation forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 327th consecutive day, by launching dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians, amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation resulting from the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.
Correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their raids and violent shelling - today, Tuesday - on various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced persons' gatherings and streets, causing dozens of martyrs and wounded.
The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of large neighborhoods in Rafah, since May 7, and several axes from Khan Yunis, Gaza and Deir al-Balah amidst air and artillery shelling and committing horrific massacres.
8 citizens were martyred and others were wounded when the occupation aircraft bombed a group of citizens in front of the Manfalouti School in Deir al-Balah near the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital.
A martyr was killed and two others were wounded in an Israeli bombardment of a house in the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City.
58 martyrs and 131 injuries in 24 hours
The Ministry of Health announced that the Israeli occupation committed 4 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, 58 martyrs and 131 injuries arrived at hospitals during the past 24 hours.
The ministry confirmed in its daily statement that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 40,534 martyrs and 93,778 injuries since October 7.
Under the rubble
The ministry said: A number of victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them.
Three martyrs were killed and two others were injured in an Israeli raid that targeted a civilian car near the entrance to the town of Al-Zawaida in the central Gaza Strip, and they were transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah.
The occupation aircraft launched airstrikes on the Al-Zawaida area in the central Gaza Strip.
Medical sources reported that 17 citizens were killed and others were injured in the ongoing occupation bombing of the Gaza Strip, last night and this morning.
Tens of Martyrs
Media sources reported that 10 martyrs have been killed since this morning in three raids that targeted homes in Khan Yunis. One of the martyrs belongs to the Abdul Rahman family in Batn al-Sameen, the second is from the al-Shaer family in Qizan al-Najjar, and the third is from the al-Amour family in the al-Amour neighborhood in the town of al-Fakhari, east of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip.
The sources confirmed that there are missing persons under the rubble in a house belonging to the al-Shaer family and the house of Abdul Rahman in Batn al-Sameen.
Five other martyrs were killed and a sixth was injured as a result of the occupation targeting a house belonging to the Abdul Rahman family in Batn al-Sameen, south of Khan Yunis.
Three citizens were killed when the occupation bombed a house belonging to the al-Amour family in al-Fakhari, south of Khan Yunis, and they are:
Radwan Hamed Salman al-Amour
Asmaa Hamed Salman al-Amour
Ahmed Muhammad Amira al-Amour
The occupation artillery shelled the east of Deir al-Balah city and Khan Yunis in the central and southern Gaza Strip.
Journalist Muhammad Abd Rabbuh and his sister Samia were killed as a result of an occupation raid that targeted a residential apartment belonging to the “Abu Dalal” family in the market of the al-Nuseirat camp, central Gaza Strip. Thus, the number of martyred journalists has risen to 172 since the beginning of the aggression.
Late Tuesday evening, a large-scale displacement movement of residents began from the Qizan al-Najjar area, south of Khan Yunis, under the occupation’s bombardment, coinciding with the sudden advance of occupation vehicles in the area.
The Muslim World League (MWL) expressed strong condemnation on Tuesday for statements made by an Israeli minister supporting the building of a Jewish synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem.
Sheikh Dr. Mohammed Al-Issa, who is the MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Association of Muslim Scholars, criticized his comments as being a part of Israel's ongoing disrespect towards Muslim holy places.
He warned against the dangerous consequences of Israel consistently ignoring international law and human rights, stating that any actions affecting the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque would anger Muslims globally.
He emphasized the urgent necessity for the global community to take strong measures against these violations and stop the systematic crimes committed by the Israeli government against innocent civilians.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's tough Security Minister, reiterated his demand on Monday for Jews to have the right to pray at the Al-Aqsa compound, sparking backlash for escalating tensions while ceasefire talks continue to try to stop the violence in Gaza.
Praying is permitted at the Temple Mount according to the policy. "Full stop," Ben-Gvir stated during an interview with Army Radio. "When I joined the government, the prime minister assured me there would be no discrimination." Is it permissible for Muslims to pray while Jews are not allowed to pray?
When asked if he would construct a synagogue at the location if given the chance, Ben-Gvir responded affirmatively twice, "Yes, Yes".
The office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu quickly released a statement reaffirming Israel's official stance, which abides by long-standing regulations that limit non-Muslim worship at the mosque complex.
The compound on the hill in Jerusalem's Old City is a highly sensitive area in the Middle East, revered by Muslims and Jews alike, and has been the cause of numerous conflicts.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, who speaks for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stated that attempts to alter the status of Al-Aqsa seemed to be aimed at sparking a religious conflict that would harm everyone in the region.
The Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) firmly denounced Ben-Gvir's statements on Tuesday, describing them as a continuation of Israel's infringement on sacred sites and the right to practice religion.
Jerusalem has been occupied since 1967 and is considered an essential part of the Palestinian territories, with the city serving as the capital of a Palestinian state.
It was further stated that all actions taken by Israel to make Jerusalem more Jewish while under occupation are without legal standing and are considered invalid in accordance with international laws and resolutions.
The OIC blamed the Israeli government for the continuous deliberate violations that provoke Muslim sentiments globally and may lead to religious conflict, extremism, and instability in the region.
It urged the influential international parties to act and stop Israeli violations to protect the historical and legal status of Islamic and Muslim sites in Jerusalem.
The United Arab Emirates criticized the comments made by the Israeli minister, emphasizing the importance of Israel adhering to the historical and legal status in Jerusalem.
Qatar supported the call, cautioning that Ben-Gvir's "provocative remarks could impact current attempts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza."
The Israeli occupation forces continue to commit genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 326th consecutive day, through dozens of airstrikes and shelling, committing massacres against civilians, amidst a disastrous humanitarian situation as a result of the blockade and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.
Shooting Innocent Palestinians
A Palestinian citizen was shot by settlers on Monday night in Wadi Rahhal village, south of Bethlehem, as at least 5 Palestinians were killed by the occupation's shelling of a house in the Nour Shams refugee camp in Tulkarm, northwest of the West Bank.
The Palestinian News and Information Agency (WAFA) quoted the Ministry of Health in a statement last night, saying that the citizen Khalil Salem Khalawi (40 years old) was killed as a result of being shot by settlers in the village, in addition to three others being moderately injured.
Settlers Attack Palestinians' Houses
The head of the Wadi Rahhal village council, Hamdi Ziyada, told WAFA's correspondent that settlers attacked the citizens' houses near the boys' school, amidst live ammunition being fired, resulting in the injury of four citizens.
Ziadah added that the occupation forces raided the village to secure protection for the settlers, and fired sound and tear gas bombs towards the Palestinian citizens, resulting in dozens suffering from suffocation.
1334 Settlers’ Attacks in the West Bank
It is worth mentioning that the occupying settlers carried out 1334 attacks in the West Bank during the first half of this year, leading to the killing of 7 citizens.
With the killing of Khalawi in Bethlehem, the number of martyrs in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, since October 7th, 2023, has risen to 651 martyrs.
Clashes broke out between Palestinian citizens and Israeli occupation forces on Monday evening in al-Khader town, south of Bethlehem.
WAFA reported that the clashes broke out after a force from the occupation army stormed the town and stationed in the gate area and "Dar Mahmoud" neighborhood, amidst the firing of sound bombs and tear gas.
Five Citizens Martyred
Five citizens, including two children, were killed on Monday evening by Israeli shelling on the Nour Shams camp, east of Tulkarm.
The Ministry of Health reported last night that five martyrs arrived at Tulkarm Government Hospital as a result of the occupation's shelling targeting the Nour Shams camp.
WAFA correspondent mentioned that four powerful explosions were heard in Tulkarm city and its suburbs and camps, resulting from an Israeli drone firing several missiles at a house in the al-Manshiyya neighborhood in the camp, where several citizens were inside,
Leading to the martyrdom of: Mohannad Kamal Qarawi (19 years old), Jibril Ghassan Jibril from Qalqilya (20 years old), the child Adnan Issa Jaber (15 years old), Mohammed Ali Mustafa Yousef (49 years old), and the child Mohammed Ahmed Mohamed Alyan (16 years old).
The factions of the national work in Tulkarm governorate mourned the martyrs of the Nour Shams camp, and announced a general strike tomorrow, Tuesday, in the governorate.
Condemning the Crimes and Massacres
They condemned the crimes and massacres of the occupation against the Palestinian people, holding the international community responsible for not stopping the aggression against our resilient people, who are steadfast on their sacred land.
With the martyrdom of six citizens in Bethlehem and in the Nour Shams camp, the number of martyrs in the West Bank, including occupied Jerusalem, has risen to 651 martyrs since October 7, 2023.
The Zionist occupation forces continue to commit genocide in the Gaza Strip for the 326th consecutive day, through dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians, amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation resulting from the siege and displacement of more than 95% of the population.
Ground Invasion
The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of wide areas in Rafah, since May 7th, and several axes from Khan Younis, Gaza, Deir al-Balah, amidst aerial and artillery bombardment and committing horrific massacres.
This morning, the occupation forces demolished residential buildings in the northwest of Rafah city in southern Gaza.
The occupation artillery targeted areas north of the Nusseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip. The occupation planes bombed a house in the Kotaba area in Khan Younis.
No Humanity Left in Gaza
Both Wesam Rose, the Deputy Chief Field Officer of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), and Louise Wateridge, the agency's spokesperson in Gaza, warned of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. They confirmed that the area where people have been crowded in the Strip is extremely small, not exceeding 11% of the area of the Strip, due to more evacuation orders issued for areas across Gaza over the past two weeks.
This came during a briefing presented by the two UN officials via video from Deir al-Balah in central Gaza to journalists at the United Nations headquarters in New York yesterday, Monday.
Wateridge said: "Hundreds of thousands of people are forced to move daily," adding, "What we are seeing now are families, mothers, and children dragging their belongings. Most people are being forced to move. There is extremely limited access for any type of vehicles for this type of displacement now. People simply do not know where they are going."
Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital
Regarding what happened on Monday at Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, Wateridge stated that she does not have direct information from the hospital, but we know that it is difficult to move around the place, as the military operation in Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis is still intense and ongoing. That's why our movement in the area is very limited. We have seen up close the evacuation process in hospitals in the past, and sometimes they are forced to evacuate patients, medications, and medical equipment before the evacuation of civilians, depending on the necessities of initial medical response when evacuation orders are issued.
UNRWA and Israel
Regarding the relationship between UNRWA and the Israeli forces, and whether there are communication channels in the field after the occupation entity declared UNRWA a terrorist organization, the spokesperson for UNRWA in Gaza said that there is coordination with the Israeli forces regarding our movements, and about the places and times of arrival of humanitarian aid entering Gaza. We coordinate with them on a daily basis so they know where we are going and where we are carrying out our humanitarian work, for our safety, the safety of our locations, our staff, and the relief operations we are conducting. But everything in this war is difficult. They said, "There is no humanity left here. What is happening here is degrading to the population. But when we talk to people, they tell you that they are waiting for death and have no hope. And how difficult this is when you hear it from people who cannot move or leave, they do not know where to go. The only peace they seek is to stay with their families and sleep together so that if death comes, they die together. This is the reality here. It is more destructive than can be described."
They also pointed out that in the "Israeli" announced humanitarian area in Khan Yunis and Al-Mawasi, you can hardly see the sands due to the large number of displaced people. The area is overcrowded and they said that people are using sand to build walls to prevent sea water from reaching their temporary shelters. The UN official added that in the midst of these difficult conditions people are living in, there are scorpions, mosquitoes, rats, and snakes, in addition to the increase in the spread of diseases, including polio, as the first case was confirmed a few days ago. They also mentioned the extreme desperation and hopelessness prevailing among the people in Gaza, who expressed that their only hope now is for the ceasefire to stop.
The UN official added that there are tanks in areas that were previously known as safe zones. This is just another indication that Gaza is not a safe place. People have nowhere to go. And there is no way to find safety. Access to humanitarian resources is extremely limited because humanitarian operations are also being evacuated.
In the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, the Bharatiya Janata government has crossed all limits of injustice and discrimination, as we witnessed the destruction of the home of a Muslim accused of mass violence. This action comes after a series of arbitrary measures, as the government destroyed the homes of some Muslims, and forced them to walk in the streets chanting the slogan "The police are our fathers."
These incidents reflect the extent of hatred that some police officers have towards Muslims, as they view them as slaves with no rights. These Muslims had raised their voices in defense of the Prophet, may God bless him and grant him peace, but their fate was brutality and humiliation, while the Indian religious leader Ramjiri Maharaj continues to roam freely despite his insults to the Prophet of Islam.
The events also clearly show the height of arrogance and injustice of the Indian government and its affiliated institutions towards the Muslim minority in particular, as the homes of the protesters are first destroyed, then they are forced to dance in the streets and chant insulting slogans to further humiliate them. It is clear from the repetition of these unfair practices towards Muslims that if fair measures are not taken by the Islamic leadership at the country level, the determination of Muslims may dissipate, which leads to their feeling of humiliation and increases the boldness of Hindu extremists.
It is here noteworthy to mention that clashes erupted when a massive crowd was restricted from entering the police station for complaining Maharaj, who uttered defamatory words against the Prophet Muhammad Peace Be Upon Him and Islam. Later, massive protests broke out with sprinkles of violence by the vandals as the police were required to intervene and initiated deploying tear gas bombs to disperse the crowd. It is essential to note here that Maharaj has many complaints against him in Maharashtra for incitement and insulting religious sentiments. Still, at the same time, he is out on bail, whereas Muslims face rigid and harsh terms.
This outrageous video is about Madhya Pradesh, where the BJP government has crossed all limits of injustice, and now the Muslim leadership must come out and speak out against these practices with courage and clarity, otherwise Muslims will be pushed into even worse slavery in the coming period, because if these Hindu persecutions continue, the day is not far when these Hindu powers will treat Muslims like servants.
It is the height of arrogance and injustice to first destroy the homes of the protesters and then force them to dance in the streets and chant slogans praising the unjust security forces, who are practicing injustice day and night against the Muslim minority in full view of everyone. In this case, if fair responses are not given by the Islamic leadership at the country level, the resolve of Muslims will dissipate and they will be immersed in a sense of humiliation and degradation, which will further embolden these extremist Indians.
Hence, it is imperative to confront the Madhya Pradesh Police Department and teach them a strong lesson in a constitutional manner. The hatred and discrimination against Muslims must be addressed in accordance with law and justice.
It is no less than the Muslim leaders in India to request the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Chandrashchud to take immediate action against the police brutality and bulldozer barbarism in Madhya Pradesh, as these actions are a blatant challenge to the judicial authorities.
The Israeli occupation forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 325th consecutive day, by launching dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians, amid a catastrophic humanitarian situation resulting from the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.
Aggressions Continue
Correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their raids and violent shelling - today, Monday - on various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced persons' gatherings and streets, causing dozens of martyrs and wounded.
The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of large neighborhoods in Rafah, since May 7, and several axes of Khan Yunis, Gaza and Deir al-Balah, amidst air and artillery shelling and committing horrific massacres.
Five martyrs, including a woman, and a number of injuries arrived at the Kuwait Specialized Field Hospital as a result of an Israeli shelling of a civilian car in the Al-Majayda area, south of Street 5 in the Al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Yunis.
Correspondents reported that among the martyrs was journalist Ali Ta'ima.
The young man, Mu'ayyad Hussam Abu Rida, succumbed to his wounds. The young man was injured at dawn today when the occupation forces bombed a house in Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis. This brings the number of martyrs in the house to 3, including two women from the Qudaih family, who are residents of Khuza'a and were displaced in the aforementioned house.
Massacres against families
The Ministry of Health announced that the Israeli occupation committed two massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, from which 33 martyrs and 66 injuries arrived at hospitals during the past 24 hours.
It said: A number of victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them.
40,435 martyrs
It confirmed that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 40,435 martyrs and 93,534 injuries since October 7.
7 martyrs were killed as a result of the occupation's targeting of a group of citizens on the seashore of Gaza City.
The occupation's artillery shelled the al-Satar al-Gharbi area in Khan Yunis.
Medical sources reported that 10 martyrs have arrived since dawn today, Monday, at Nasser Medical Hospital and the European Hospital as a result of the occupation's bombing of Khan Yunis and Rafah.
The Union of Municipalities of North Gaza warned of the spread of diseases and epidemics due to the occupation's continued destruction of all aspects of life in Gaza.
Destructions everywhere
The union confirmed in a statement the destruction of more than one and a half million meters of road networks, 95% of waste vehicles and trucks, and 50,000 dunums of agricultural land.
It warned that the lack of fuel and the accumulation of waste threaten the spread of more diseases and epidemics.
A martyr was killed by a "quadcopter" drone on Samama Street in the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City.
The occupation's artillery shelled the Tal al-Hawa neighborhood, southwest of Gaza City, and east of the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City.
The occupation's vehicles opened fire towards the Jaafarawi area, south of Deir al-Balah, in the central Gaza Strip, and smoke rose in the area.
Deir al-Balah Municipality
The Deir al-Balah Municipality in the central Gaza Strip said that the occupation imposed forced displacement on about 250,000 Palestinians, while 25 shelters went out of service.
It confirmed that 4 new water wells went out of service, bringing the number of wells that went out of service to 14, which supplied approximately 70% of the people in the city.
Civil defense crews recovered the martyrs Attia and Atwa Al-Adini after they were targeted by a drone at the entrance to Al-Jafrawi neighborhood, southeast of Deir Al-Balah city in the central Gaza Strip.
Shelling Malaysian School
The occupation army's artillery shelled the vicinity of the Malaysian school north of Al-Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip, and the artillery shelling also targeted the southeast of Al-Masdar town in the central Gaza Strip.
Medical sources reported that martyrs and wounded were killed in an Israeli shelling that targeted a school housing displaced persons north of Al-Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.
Five civilians were killed and others were wounded at dawn on Monday, as a result of Israeli warplanes bombing an inhabited house in Gaza City.
Local sources reported that the house belongs to the Al-Ajla family, and is located near the Friends of the Patient Hospital west of Gaza City.
Targeting civilians and inhabited homes
The warplanes also bombed a house belonging to the Abu Rida family in the town of Abasan Al-Kabira, east of Khan Yunis city, which led to martyrs and injuries.
Medical sources said that two martyrs arrived at the European Gaza Hospital and a number of injuries arrived at the hospital as a result of the Israeli bombing.
The occupation forces have recently intensified their targeting of civilians, inhabited homes and residential apartments in various cities in the Gaza Strip; especially Gaza, Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, which resulted in the martyrdom and injury of hundreds of civilians.
Air raids
The occupation warplanes renewed, at dawn on Monday, launching a raid north of the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip. While the artillery shelling was renewed on the Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City.
Blowing up residential buildings
Israeli tanks fired a number of shells in the center of Khan Younis city, south of the Gaza Strip, and bombed the vicinity of the Al-Katiba area in the city.
The occupation forces also blew up several residential buildings in the vicinity of the university college, south of the Tel al-Hawa neighborhood in Gaza City. Meanwhile, an Israeli air strike targeted a house in the town of Abasan al-Kabira, east of Khan Younis city, south of the Gaza Strip.
Reem Hamed was killed in France, and her death topped the trend, with clear mystery surrounding her death. Reem Hamed was assassinated to stop her research, which focused on the fields of biotechnology and genetics, which are fields of global interest due to their great impact on scientific and medical development. It seems that Reem Hamed touched a red line, or approached a forbidden science, or refused to collude to be part of a conspiracy from the many conspiracies being hatched.
Reem Hamed's cries for help
"I am Reem Hamed, a doctoral student in France, and I am in dire need of reporting to the relevant authorities in Egypt, because I am under surveillance and my devices have been hacked, and on top of that I am currently forced to remain silent and not report." From a post she wrote on Facebook.
She added: "I continue to work under these circumstances, and this may mean that I am complicit with them in their crime by accepting their actions of spying. And using political directives within the work environment and university housing to spy on me as well.
I refuse to work under these circumstances. I am under pressure and surveillance, and recently my life was threatened. The motive behind this is the head of the unit I work in."
Premeditated involvement
In another post, Reem Hamed wrote: "The audacity reached the point where my neighbor brought drugs, something that raises my heart rate, and she keeps evaporating it under the door until I suffocate. I called the police, but no one came. I put water to stop the steam, and she adds substances to the water and puts it in my house. "Reporting is useless while the crime is right in front of your eyes, of course. Is this normal here or what?" Reem Hamed continues, "The lady (She seems to be referring to her neighbor who was mentioned earlier) is the same person whose picture was posted on her account before because she was spying on people in the building. It's not enough that the crime of violating personal security occurred. Now we've gotten into drugs or unlicensed substances. What I can say is that they burn the eyes and nose and increase the heart rate. This happens inside the university residence very normally. All of this is to cover up her first crime."
In other posts, she wrote: "Recently, every time I go to a restaurant to order (food), someone comes in front of me and calls the person who will take the order, and then the order is prepared differently."
"And recently, my heart rate has increased as a result, and the person who comes in front of me is rude and says that I have a problem, and this is to my advantage. Of course, I cancel the order."
Victim Monitoring
Reem Hamed wrote in another story on the social networking site: "I am currently at the bus station, it is very normal, in front of me are about 5 people whose movements are uncomfortable, and when I noticed this, they went to the police to report me, and I was sitting by myself... They were almost watching, when they recognized them, they got upset, and now they are standing trying to take pictures of me and make any story they can come up with."
It is worth noting that all the posts in which Reem documented what she was exposed to were deleted immediately before her murder.
Her body was found in front of her apartment
Reem Hamed died, or was killed last Thursday, August 22, 2024, in the French capital, Paris. Saleh Farhoud, head of the Egyptian community in France, told Al Arabiya that the investigation into the death of Egyptian researcher Reem Hamed is being conducted in complete secrecy, to determine the cause of death and whether there is a criminal suspicion or if the death was natural, adding that the information currently available is that her body was found in front of the door of the apartment in which she lives.
Farhoud continued that his information about the researcher is that she holds a bachelor's degree in biotechnology from Cairo University, and a master's degree in genomics from the University of Paris-Saclay, where she was conducting her research to obtain a doctorate. According to the information reported, the Egyptian researcher was focusing her research, through which she was seeking to obtain a doctorate, on what is known as gene expression, which is the process by which genetic information is used to create synthetic genetic products and focusing on the process of producing proteins based on the information found in the genetic material. The researcher was aiming through her research to find out the reason for the spread of some diseases and ways to confront them. Reactions
The killing of Reem Hamed has sparked widespread controversy on social media, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs confirmed that it is following up on the death incident.
The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on its official Facebook page, yesterday, Sunday: "Within the framework of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs' follow-up of the death of Egyptian researcher Reem Hamed.
The ministry's statement said, "As soon as Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aati learned of the incident, he ordered the Consulate General in Paris to strictly adhere to the procedures and course of the investigation by the French authorities, and to review the report of the competent French authorities to determine the causes of death.
The ministry's statement concluded by saying: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs expresses its deep regret for the death of the deceased and extends its sincere condolences to his family."
Reem's Family
The family of the late researcher issued a statement confirming that the case is under investigation by the French Public Prosecution, and no official report has yet been issued regarding the death or confirming or denying criminal suspicion.
The statement added, "We hope that caution will be exercised in publishing any news that may harm the course of justice or lead to infringement of the rights of deceased Reem."
The statement concluded that the family's lawyer is in contact with the French and Egyptian authorities in France to coordinate the return of the deceased's body to the homeland.
Died or killed?
If the Egyptian researcher Reem Hamed died under natural circumstances, what is the story of the posts she made on her social media pages? And why were they deleted immediately after her death, or shortly before her death?
In August 1952, the Egyptian nuclear scientist Samira Moussa, the first Egyptian and Arab nuclear scientist, was assassinated, and the killer or the party responsible for her assassination has not been discovered to this day.
Also in August 2024, another Egyptian scientist is assassinated or killed in Paris. Will the killer or the party involved in the murder be revealed this time? Or will the case be filed against an unknown perpetrator?
After the most right-wing government in Israel's history took office, the events in the first half of 2023 have reinforced the belief that an independent Palestinian state is not likely to be created. Ghada Karmi, a Palestinian doctor who previously served as an Associate Fellow at the Royal Institute for International Affairs, is among those who have recognized the importance of looking beyond the two-state solution. (1)
In her most recent publication, "One State: The Only Democratic Future for Palestine-Israel," Karmi offers a historical summary of the Palestine conflict, followed by her two main points. First and foremost, it is believed that the two-state solution is no longer viable. In her opinion, there is no better example of hope prevailing over reality than the two-state solution. Karmi lists reasons why creating separate states in Israel-Palestine is not feasible: the Jewish takeover of Jerusalem and the West Bank, the Gaza Strip's isolation, the construction of the West Bank Wall, and the difficulty of allowing Palestinian refugees to return to the crowded West Bank. (2)
Edward Said & Azmi Bishara
Karmi continues the legacy of Palestinian thinkers who rejected the possibility of a two-state resolution. In 1999, after the failure of the Oslo Accords he had no faith in, Edward Said stated the need "to discuss dividing the land that has brought us together, dividing it democratically with equal rights for all citizens." In a recent book, Azmi Bishara pointed out that the two ethnic groups are now intermingled and unable to inhabit separate states, therefore they must strive to coexist equally in a single state. (3)
This leads us to the second primary point made in Karmi's book, which is that the solution to the conflict is the merging of Palestine into a single state for all its people. (4) The author analyzes the two main versions of the proposed one-state solution throughout history. Alternatively, there are bi-national suggestions where Arabs and Jews would live together in one country but maintain their ethnic distinctions. Bi nationalism has become less popular recently. In contrast, the secular democratic model suggests a political system that relies on individual citizenship and the idea of one person having one vote. Karmi is leaning towards this alternative. (5)
Bi-nationalism
She maintains that the presence of both Arab and Jewish claims to the land would persist under bi-nationalism, and due to the military and economic strength of the Jewish community, Arabs would become inferior citizens in the proposed unified nation. Her opinions are clearly reinforced by the actual situation of Palestinians who hold Israeli citizenship. Additionally, Karmi highlights that a secular democratic society would more accurately represent Palestine's diverse religious and ethnic populations, including Israeli Jews and non-Jewish Arabs.
Karmi suggests ideas to establish a secular democratic state in Palestine, including transforming the Palestinian Authority into a leader of equal rights. However, she is more persuasive arguing against a two-state solution and promoting a secular democratic model than she is when discussing how to create this state. (6)
Equal Rights
This doesn't mean the author is naive, as she acknowledges that achieving an equal rights system will be challenging and will require a gradual approach. However, Karmi's book doesn't fully examine key challenges to establishing a secular democratic state in Palestine. She points out that Israel's use of "Palestine's land and resources"(7) would present a significant obstacle to overcome in establishing a secular democratic state.
The issue, however, is even more intricate. Social equality is crucial for legal and political equality to have significance. Mazen Masri, a Senior Lecturer at City Law School, University of London, explains that for a one-state option in Palestine to be viable, reparations, including restitution of property, are necessary to address the economic inequality between Palestinians and Israelis. (8) Currently, Israel's per capita GDP exceeds $44,000 US annually, while the West Bank and Gaza only reach slightly above $3,000.
Unity Uprisings
In May 2021, following the Israeli actions in Sheikh Jarrah and Gaza, Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Israel started large protests and boycotts known as the "Unity Uprisings." Karmi characterizes the uprisings as having "a sense of excitement, a sense that something was shifting." (9) She notes a shift in the strength of pro-Palestinian voices in Europe and the US post-uprisings, suggesting a challenge to the regular pattern of Israeli brutality and Palestinian resistance with no outcome. Through the "Unity Uprisings", where Palestinian resistance united, Karmi sees potential for a secular democratic state encompassing all of Palestine. The imbalance in economic and military strength between Israel and the Palestinians could lead one to believe that Karmi's optimism may be misplaced. However, one also wishes that Karmi's hopeful outlook is not in vain.
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[1] Ghada Karmi, “Palestinians Need a One-State Solution,” The Guardian, December 20, 2012, https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2012/sep/20/one-state-solution-palestinians-israel.
[2] Ghada Karmi, One State: The Only Democratic Future for Palestine-Israel (London: Pluto Press, 2023), p. 87.
[3] Azmi Bishara, Palestine: Matters of Truth and Justice (London: Hurst and Co., 2022), p. 286.
[4] Karmi, One State: The Only Democratic Future for Palestine-Israel, p. 169.
[5] Ibid., p. 150.
[6] Ibid.
[7] Ibid., p. 148.
[8] Mazen Masri, “Constitutional Frameworks for a One-State Option in Palestine: An Assessment,” in Rethinking Statehood in Palestine: Self-Determination and Decolonization Beyond Partition (Berkeley, CA: University of California Press, 2021), p. 228.
[9] Karmi, One State: The Only Democratic Future for Palestine-Israel, p. 157.
[10] Ibid.
The Israeli occupation forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 324th consecutive day, by launching dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians, amid a catastrophic humanitarian situation resulting from the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.
Correspondents reported that the occupation aircraft and artillery continued their raids and violent shelling - today, Sunday - on various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced persons' gatherings and streets, causing dozens of martyrs and wounded.
Ground invasion
The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of large neighborhoods in Rafah, since May 7, and several axes of Khan Yunis, Gaza and Deir al-Balah, amidst air and artillery shelling and committing horrific massacres.
Israeli shelling
Medical sources reported that a group of citizens was injured in an Israeli shelling that targeted them in front of a workshop on the Red Cross Street in the center of Khan Yunis city, south of the Gaza Strip.
The two martyrs, Muhammad Saeed Abdeen and Khamis Saqr, were killed as a result of an Israeli shelling on Khan Yunis.
Injured and Martyred
Medical sources reported that a group of citizens were injured in an Israeli bombardment. They were killed in front of a workshop on the Red Cross Street in the center of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip. The two martyrs, Muhammad Saeed Abdeen and Khamis Saqr, were killed as a result of an Israeli bombardment on Khan Yunis.
Two martyrs were killed and others were injured as a result of the occupation shelling a house on Al-Sikka Street in the Zeitoun neighborhood, east of Gaza City.
Nasser Medical Complex
The Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis received 3 martyrs as a result of the shelling in Rafah; they are: Yousef Khalil Yousef Al-Akhras; Ahmed Talat Khamis Al-Akhras; and Ibrahim Saber Shahada Shalouf.
The occupation artillery shelled the Al-Daghma family house east of Khan Yunis, which resulted in the injury of one citizen.
3 Massacres
The Ministry of Health announced that the Israeli occupation committed 3 massacres against families in the Gaza Strip, of which 71 martyrs and 112 injuries arrived at hospitals during the past 24 hours.
It confirmed that the death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 40,405 martyrs and 93,468 injuries since October 7.
It said: A number of victims are still under the rubble and on the roads, and ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach them.
Three martyrs and a number of wounded were killed when the occupation aircraft bombed a residential apartment belonging to the Al-Saloul family near the Aman Mosque near the Al-Oyoun intersection north of Gaza City.
Martyrs from Al-Qarara
Medical and local sources reported that the bodies of four martyrs from Al-Qarara, northeast of Khan Yunis, arrived at Nasser Hospital as a result of a previous Israeli bombardment. They are: 1_ Muhammad Muhammad Khaled Al-Astal, 2_ Muhammad Suleiman Muhammad Abu Khashan, 3_ Abd Rabbuh Ibrahim Abd Rabbuh Al-Astal, and 4_ Sabria Mustafa Attia.
A local source reported that the occupation forces penetrated the town of Abasan Al-Jadida, east of Khan Yunis, amidst heavy bombardment.
Two martyrs were killed and a third was wounded in an Israeli bombardment near the Al-Anan Stadium in Deir Al-Balah, central Gaza Strip.
Killing Children
The child Malik Khaled Al-Shaer died of critical wounds he sustained in the bombing of a group of citizens in the Batn Al-Sameen area, south of Khan Yunis, ten days ago.
A martyr was recovered from the town of Al-Qarara, north of Khan Yunis.
The Israeli helicopters renewed their fire, coinciding with heavy artillery shelling of the Al-Zeitoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City.
The occupation aircraft launched a raid on Al-Maghazi camp in the central Gaza Strip.
Seven martyrs were recovered at dawn on Sunday, as a result of the occupation bombing of the Muammar family home in the Al-Hakr area in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. The martyrs were identified as: Muhammad Ahmad Abu Muammar, Ahmad Muhammad Abu Muammar, Adham Nazir Abu Muammar, Musa Abu Muammar, Zakaria Ahmad Abu Muammar, and Abdullah Muhammad Abu Muammar.
Air Raids
Local sources reported that the occupation aircraft launched a raid in the vicinity of the Al-Hakr area in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, which led to the martyrdom and injury of a number of citizens.
The occupation artillery shelled the town of Al-Qarara and the Al-Satar Al-Sharqi area in Khan Yunis at dawn today.
Targeting Al-Nuseirat camp
Last night, Israeli artillery shelling targeted the north of Al-Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip, coinciding with the launch of a Quadcopter drone that dropped bombs in the vicinity of the electricity company. Occupation aircraft targeted the Tel Al-Sultan neighborhood west of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip, and the Israeli occupation forces blew up residential buildings west of Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip.