Today marks the 448th day of the war on Gaza… The occupation continues to commit massacres, resulting in a large number of martyrs and injuries.

Israeli planes continued to bomb various areas of the Gaza Strip on the 448th day of the war, leaving behind a significant number of martyrs and injuries. The Israeli occupation has perpetrated three massacres within the past 24 hours against families in the Gaza Strip, resulting in 38 martyrs and 137 injuries. The death toll from the Israeli aggression has risen to 45,399 martyrs and 107,940 injuries since October 7, 2023.

 Gaza and the North   

On Friday morning, occupation forces surrounded Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahiya and gave the hospital director several minutes to gather the injured and staff in the hospital courtyard before cutting off communication. Five hospital workers, including a doctor and two paramedics, were martyred in a series of bombings. The director of Al-Awda Hospital, Mohamed Salha, and six members of the medical staff were also injured, and there was considerable damage to the facilities and sections due to the explosion of several booby-trapped "robots" by the occupation forces around the hospital. 

In Gaza, three citizens were martyred as a result of airstrikes on the Hararah family's home near Al-Istijabah Mosque in the Al-Sabra neighborhood, south of Gaza City. Four martyrs and several injuries resulted from Israeli bombing of the Abu Baid family home in the Shujaiya neighborhood, east of Gaza City. The occupation planes also bombed a house in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, resulting in the martyrdom of thirteen citizens from the Htahat family and also a house belonging to the Salim family in the Al-Sabra neighborhood, where two martyrs and several injuries occurred. 

 Central Gaza   

The occupation army renewed its artillery shelling on the north of Al-Nusairat Camp. A Palestinian fisherman was martyred by Israeli navy fire in the northwest of the camp. 

 South of the Gaza Strip   

Violent explosions were heard resulting from the occupation blowing up houses in Rafah city in the southern Gaza Strip. Citizen Mena Abdul Karim Ashour succumbed to her injuries sustained several days ago when their home in the Al-Nasr neighborhood east of Rafah was targeted. Israeli artillery continued its bombardment of eastern Khan Younis. Four citizens were martyred in the bombing of the Civil Defense headquarters in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood, one of whom was a worker and his only son. 

Last night, nine were martyred as a result of an Israeli bombing that targeted a house in Jabalia Al-Nazla in northern Gaza, including a man, his wife, and their five children. Additionally, three citizens were martyred as a result of bombing a house in Beit Hanoun town in northern Gaza. 

With the entry into the 447th day of the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation, the occupation forces continue to escalate their aggression against the Gaza Strip, leaving behind massacres against civilians amid ongoing clashes between the Palestinian resistance and occupation forces on several fronts.

Three Newborns Die in Gaza Due to the Cold 

Three newborns in the Gaza Strip died this morning, Thursday, due to the severe cold and low temperatures. 

According to medical sources, the ages of the victims ranged between 4 and 21 days, and their health conditions worsened due to food insecurity among their mothers, leading to an increase in diseases among newborns.

Five Journalists Martyred in Bombing at Nussairat Camp 

In another crime targeting free media, five journalists from "Al-Quds Today" channel were martyred as a result of the occupation forces bombing a television broadcasting vehicle near Al-Awda Hospital in Nussairat Camp in the central Gaza Strip. 

With this, the number of journalists martyred since the beginning of the aggression has risen to 201, according to the government media office in Gaza.

Government Media Office in Gaza: Explosive Robots Targeting Civilians 

The government media office in Gaza announced that the occupation is using robots carrying explosives to target civilians and infrastructure, in a dangerous escalation that represents a blatant violation of international humanitarian law. 

The office confirmed in a statement today, Thursday, that these innovative methods of killing and extermination reflect the occupation’s insistence on destroying infrastructure and killing innocents. 

The office called on the international community and the International Criminal Court to bear their legal responsibilities in holding the occupation leaders accountable for these crimes and urged human rights organizations to document these violations and work on bringing the perpetrators to justice.

"Al-Qassam" Targets Zionist Forces in Al-Zeitoun and Jabalia

Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), announced the execution of a qualitative operation in Al-Zeitoun neighborhood south of Gaza, where its fighters engaged with a walking Zionist force from zero distance, resulting in deaths and injuries among the forces.

"The brigades targeted a 'Merkava' tank with an explosive device near Ali Mosque in the southern neighborhood of Al-Zeitoun in Gaza City.

The 'Qassam' announced that their fighters managed to target a Zionist foot patrol consisting of 7 soldiers with a powerful explosive device, indicating that they caused casualties among killed and wounded in the Jabalia refugee camp in the northern sector.

The brigades also targeted a Zionist engineering unit with a 'TBG' shell while it was advancing to demolish several homes west of Jabalia refugee camp in the northern sector.

The occupation army radio reported: A Zionist officer was killed by sniper fire in 'Netzarim.'

The radio stated that the officer, holding the rank of Major, was killed by Palestinian sniper fire in the 'Netzarim' area in the middle of the sector.

Former head of the 'Mossad': Military pressure has failed to return the captives; the solution lies in a prisoner exchange deal.

Former head of the 'Mossad' Danny Yatom stated that the continued military pressure on Gaza has not contributed to the return of the captives, stressing the necessity of reaching a prisoner exchange deal instead of military stubbornness, according to what was reported by 'Al Jazeera.net'.

He added: 'We realized more than a year ago that military pressure on Hamas has not yielded significant results regarding the return of the kidnapped.' He continued: 'We should seek to reach a prisoner exchange deal that guarantees their release and a withdrawal from Gaza, while keeping the option of returning to it whenever necessary.'

The newspaper 'Haaretz': Ending the war is essential for recovering the captives.

In its editorial, the Hebrew newspaper 'Haaretz' called for an end to the war on Gaza and a withdrawal from the sector in exchange for the return of the captives.

It noted that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu refuses this out of fear of his far-right government coalition collapsing at the hands of his right-wing partners.

The newspaper confirmed, according to what was reported by 'Anadolu', that the continuation of the war will not bring back the captives, stating that 'we should also not wait for Trump to complete the deal with Hamas.'"

Those who have read "Les Misérables," one of the most detailed historical novels written by Victor Hugo, will understand its portrayal of 19th-century France. The novel explores deep social issues such as poverty, justice, mercy, and faith. The story revolves around Jean Valjean, a Frenchman imprisoned for stealing a loaf of bread to feed his starving family. Upon his release, he finds it difficult to reintegrate into society due to the stigma that follows him. He faces numerous hardships, oppression, and injustice.

Historical Context

The importance of this novel (and its artistic representation) lies in its realistic depiction of the pre-French Revolution era, highlighting social and economic life and the issue of missing justice. Despite the potential exaggeration in the literary text, the documented history of Europe in major historical references like "The Story of Civilization" by historian Will Durant confirms that the corruption in medieval European life was far greater than depicted in "Les Misérables." At that time, the majority in Europe had fewer rights than animals.

Nature of Prisons and Types of Punishment in the Middle Ages

Medieval prisons differed greatly from today's institutions. They were not designed for rehabilitation but served as temporary holding places before severe punishments were carried out or for detaining debtors, the insane, or slaves. These prisons were often stone towers or cellars within castles, fortresses, monasteries, and churches, and were not specifically designed for detention. Conditions were extremely harsh, dark, damp, crowded, and lacked hygiene. Prisoners faced diseases and epidemics, had minimal and unhealthy meals, and there was no separation of genders or types of crimes, leading to a mix of men, women, and children in the same place.

Corruption and Harsh Punishments

There were no fixed laws regulating the relationship between jailers and prisoners, and bribery played a significant role in the entire process. Bribery could be used to buy off the guards by prisoners or their families. Punishments during that time were extremely harsh for deterrence rather than reform. The punishment for stealing a loaf of bread could be several years of imprisonment, with a lifelong stigma and persecution, despite the harsh economic conditions forcing many to endure hunger for days.

Religious and Political Influence on Punishments

The Catholic Church played a major role in the severity of punishments, especially against those who disagreed with its scientific beliefs, like Galileo, who discovered that the sun, not the earth, is the center of the universe. The church believed the earth was the center of the universe. Despite historical doubts about Galileo being burned by the church, the church officially apologized in 1992 for its judgment against him. Life imprisonment was rare and usually led to execution.

Notable Severe Punishments

Among the harsh punishments for minor crimes was "enslavement," where a criminal could be sentenced to lifelong servitude. Exile to a distant place was a common punishment for some political crimes, and criminals were publicly shamed through flogging in public squares.

Reasons for Harsh Punishments

Life in the Middle Ages was inherently harsh, and prisons and punishment were just manifestations of that harshness. With the absence of a developed judicial system, convictions often relied on confessions obtained under torture or unreliable testimonies. The dominant church viewed class differences between people naturally, as if the rich and noble classes had the right to enslave others merely for being poor or propertyless.

Religious Perspective on Punishment

Punishment was seen as atonement for sins, with deterrence as the main goal to prevent others from committing crimes, believing that harsh punishment was the best way to achieve this in feudal societies. Harsh judgments were also believed to subdue political opponents and rebels and punish rebellious peasants who refused the orders of feudal lords, regardless of the simplicity or value of the stolen items. Religious punishments, which were more akin to vengeance than punishment, were among the harshest and were directed at those with beliefs contrary to Christian teachings.

Inquisition Courts: An Unforgivable Human Fall

The idea of establishing "Inquisition Courts" began in the 13th century when the Catholic Church was given free rein to control everything, and punishment was imposed based on people's intentions and thoughts. The Pope of Rome tasked bishops with acting as informers to investigate people's thoughts and whispers, accusing any dissident of heresy, and then punishing them with death or brutal torture.

Torture Techniques

In Andalusia, history recorded the most atrocious acts against humanity, where King Ferdinand of Aragon and Queen Isabella of Castile excelled in torturing those who did not convert to Christianity or secretly maintained their faith. Pope Sixtus IV issued a decree in November 1478, authorizing them to appoint six priests to form an Inquisition Court to investigate and punish heresy charges. The court targeted converted Jews and Muslims suspected of reverting to their old faiths and encouraged everyone to act as witnesses to inform on their neighbors, friends, and relatives.

Modern Reflections

The church's apology in 1992 for Galileo's judgment highlights the historical wrongs committed in the name of faith. The Inquisition, and the brutal torture methods it employed, represent a historical human fall that cannot be forgiven, especially against Muslims or those opposed to Catholic Christianity.

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Sources

1. Will Durant: An American philosopher, historian, and writer, born on November 5, 1885, in North Adams, Massachusetts, USA. He is best known for his work "The Story of Civilization," co-authored with his wife, Ariel Durant.
2. "The Story of Civilization" by Will Durant: Adapted from this major historical reference.
3. Galileo Galilei: An Italian astronomer, philosopher, and physicist born in Pisa, Italy. Sometimes described as a polymath, he published and strongly defended the heliocentric theory proposed by Copernicus. Galileo first disproved Aristotle's theory of motion through observation and experimentation. (Wikipedia, born on February 15, 1564).
4. The Historical Encyclopedia, adapted from the Umayyad era (Islamic History): Taken from the news of the people of Andalusia by Hayyan ibn Khalaf al-Qurtubi.
5. Previous Source: Additional information from the same historical encyclopedia.

Originally, the term "minorities" was not found in the Muslim lexicon for a long period because Islam does not recognize fragmentation represented by the geographical borders between countries, which were drawn by colonialism and given a beautiful guise for acceptance. These borders led to the emergence of minorities in Western societies and other communities.

If we want to examine the origins in detail, we will find that the historical emergence of various Muslim minorities in the current era occurred through one of these ways:

1. Conversion to Islam**: Some Muslim minorities were formed in certain regions when some of the inhabitants converted to Islam.
2. Migration of Muslims to Non-Muslim Lands**: This migration could be due to political, economic, social, or other reasons, as seen today in the formation of Muslim minorities in Europe, the West, and other continents.
3. Occupation of Muslim Lands by a Non-Muslim State**: The occupying state may try to expel the original inhabitants through various methods or force these Muslims to integrate with the population of the occupying country, as happened in Eastern Europe, India, and Palestine.

Historical experiences over the ages indicate that a Muslim minority in a state can form through more than one of these aforementioned methods, such as through both migration and conversion to Islam.

Notably, the story of the emergence of Muslim minorities, particularly in the West, began with the fall of Granada. The Islamic presence receded from the majority of Western Europe, and after the rise of the Ottoman Empire and its westward expansions, a Muslim population settled in the eastern and southern parts, which still exists today, such as in Albania, Kosovo, and Bosnia. There are also Muslim populations in areas of East and West Asia and Southwest Asia.

When Arab and Muslim workers residing in Europe were allowed to bring their families and granted citizenship to their children born on European soil, waves of migration from all over the Islamic and Arab worlds to European countries ensued. Since then, Muslim communities have grown to millions, having been in the tens of thousands at best at the beginning of the 20th century.

 Social Reform Society Honors Its Distinguished Member, Muhammad Hamad Al-Ali

Al-Ali Won First Place in the 2024 Kuwait International Quran Memorization and Recitation Competition

On Tuesday, December 24, 2024, the Social Reform Society held an honoring ceremony for Sheikh Muhammad Hamad Al-Ali, the Executive Director of the Quranic Secretariat at the society, on the occasion of his winning first place (Ten Readings category) in the 13th session of the Kuwait International Quran Memorization and Recitation Competition of 2024.

The ceremony, held at the Diwan of Uncle Abdullah Al-Ali Al-Mutawa, witnessed a large attendance of official figures, ambassadors, scholars, preachers, as well as charity workers, intellectuals, and media personnel.

In his statement, Dr. Khaled Madkour Al-Madkour, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Social Reform Society, said: “We gather to celebrate the Book of Allah and the preservers of the Quran.” He added that since its establishment, the Social Reform Society's fundamental principle has been to make the Quran its foundation.

Dr. Al-Mathkour continued: “We are pleased to welcome the esteemed representatives of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the honorable ambassadors or their deputies, and all the present guests in this blessed gathering. We ask Allah to reward everyone for their presence and participation.”

He pointed out the honor by saying: “Today we celebrate one of our distinguished sons, one of the sons of the Social Reform Society, Sheikh Muhammad Hamad Al-Ali, for winning the first prize in the international Quran memorization competition held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir of the country, Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, may Allah protect him.”

He continued: “We celebrate him and others like him among the youth who were raised in this blessed society and memorized the Holy Quran, described by Allah in His saying: ‘Indeed, this Quran guides to that which is most suitable’ (Al-Isra: 9), emphasizing that the Quran is the best guidance in a person's life, whether in himself, his family, his society, or in all his affairs. A Quran memorizer is not merely someone who memorizes the verses but someone who makes them a way of life and acts upon them in all aspects.”

Dr. Al-Mathkour concluded: “We also celebrate another achievement, which is the Golden Shield awarded to the Social Reform Society in the General Secretariat of Awqaf Competition, held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir.”

In his speech, Salmi Al-Mutairi, representative of the Ministry of Social Affairs, said: “We gather today on this blessed occasion to celebrate a distinguished personality and a great achievement that raises our heads and fills our hearts with joy. Today, we honor Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, who honored us by winning first place in the Kuwait International Quran Memorization Award.”

He affirmed that this achievement reflects the value of effort and perseverance in memorizing the Holy Quran, which is a light that illuminates hearts and a glory nations take pride in. Memorizing the Holy Quran is a great honor, unmatched by any other honor, and a blessing from Allah bestowed only on those He loves and chooses. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali is a model to be emulated, as he excelled and distinguished himself in memorizing the Quran, crowning this distinction by winning first place in one of the most prestigious international competitions.

Al-Mutairi added that this achievement is not only a pride for Sheikh Muhammad but for all of us; his family, his community, and the entire Muslim Ummah. It is a reminder of the importance of adhering to the Book of Allah, learning and teaching it, memorizing and reflecting upon it, to achieve goodness and happiness in this world and the hereafter.

Waqf Fund for the Quran

For his part, Sheikh Yahya Suleiman Al-Aqili, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the International Mercy Association, congratulated Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, saying: “We congratulate Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali on achieving this honorable accomplishment in the prestigious competition that Kuwait is proud of annually. We also congratulate the Social Reform Society on winning the Golden Shield in this prestigious competition.”

He added: “There is no doubt that this crowning is a blessed fruit and the realization of one of the blessed Social Reform Society's goals of raising the youth to memorize the Holy Quran.” He continued: “It is an honor for us at the Mercy Association to participate in this honor and celebrate Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, as Allah Almighty said: ‘And indeed, it is a remembrance for you and your people, and you will be questioned’ (Az-Zukhruf: 44).”

Al-Aqili pointed out that Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali is a source of pride and honor for his parents, family, descendants, the Social Reform Society, the people of Kuwait, and the entire Muslim Ummah. He affirmed that the Quran is an honor for those who memorize, reflect upon, act upon, and follow it as a way of life. Allah raises some people by this Book and brings others low by it. Whoever honors a Quran memorizer gains a great honor.

He added: “We are honored today to celebrate Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali for this blessed achievement, remembering Allah’s saying: ‘[This is] a blessed Book which We have revealed to you, that they might reflect upon its verses and that those of understanding would be reminded’ (Sad: 29). The true blessing is in spreading goodness and benefit to everyone who recites this Book, memorizes it, teaches it, or draws near to it in their behavior and life. This honor is a message to all of us about the necessity of drawing closer to the Quran and making it a way of life and a constitution for this blessed country, Kuwait, and for the Muslim Ummah.”

In conclusion, Al-Aqili announced that the Golden Shield of the International Mercy Association is a share in the Quranic Waqf fund, which we consider the best gift we offer to the honorable memorizer Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, who honored us all with this achievement.

Dr. Hamad Al-Mazroui, Head of the Dawah and Sharia Awareness Sector at the Social Reform Society, said: “Responding to the Prophet's saying: ‘Indeed, from the reverence of Allah is to honor the carrier of the Quran,’ and Allah's saying: ‘That [is so]. And whoever honors the symbols of Allah - indeed, it is from the piety of hearts’ (Al-Hajj: 32), we celebrate today the carrier of the Holy Book, Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali, who is a model to be emulated.”

He added that Sheikh Muhammad is among the best of people, based on the Prophet's saying: ‘The best of you are those who learn the Quran and teach it.’ He combined learning and teaching to be a role model in spreading the sciences of the Quran. The Dawah Sector honors Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali by presenting a commemorative shield and a Quran distinguished by an innovative idea. This Quran does not contain written verses; instead, it is designed for Sheikh Muhammad to inscribe the verses himself in his beautiful handwriting.

Al-Mazroui explained: “As Allah preserved the Quran in Sheikh Muhammad’s heart, we seek for this preservation to be manifested in writing. Sheikh Muhammad Al-Ali will write this Book, having memorized it by heart.”

 Namaa Charity Extends a Helping Hand to Syrian Refugees Facing Severe Winter

Amid harsh winter conditions that exacerbate the suffering of Syrian refugees, Namaa Charity, in collaboration with the Social Reform Society, concluded a comprehensive relief program targeting 4,880 beneficiaries to alleviate their hardships and strengthen their resilience against the biting cold.

The campaign, attended by Khalid Mubarak Al-Shammari, Director of the Relief Department, was initiated in response to the urgent need for food, warmth, and winter clothing, highlighting Namaa Charity’s commitment to supporting refugees in the most challenging circumstances.

Al-Shammari explained that the campaign included distributing various winter aid. He stated, "We ensured the campaign addressed multiple needs, distributing food baskets to the most vulnerable families, and providing heating materials including firewood and charcoal to help them cope with the severe cold. We also launched a clothing program for orphans, supplying new winter clothes for children, which added joy and warmth to their hearts. Additionally, we distributed vouchers to needy families so they could buy what suited their needs with dignity."

Al-Shammari emphasized that this campaign is not merely about distributing aid; it represents a humanitarian message reflecting the values of generosity that characterize Namaa Charity and the State of Kuwait. He clarified that our goal is not only to meet urgent needs but also to enhance the dignity of refugees and ensure their resilience in facing the harsh winter challenges. This campaign is part of the "Be A Help to Them" initiative launched by Namaa Charity to assist those in need in the most affected countries during the winter season.

He pointed out that the humanitarian work carried out by Namaa Charity stems from a religious and ethical obligation to support refugees, saying, "The positive feedback we received from the beneficiaries was our greatest motivation to continue our journey. Mothers expressed their gratitude for the clothes that brought warmth to their children's hearts, while fathers found in the coal and firewood a lifeline during the harsh winter nights."

Al-Shammari praised Kuwait's leading role in charitable and humanitarian work, noting that this campaign is just one link in a series of sustainable projects implemented by Namaa Charity to relieve the suffering of refugees. He stated that Kuwait will continue to be a beacon of humanitarian work globally, and we are committed to providing essential assistance to everyone in need. Every contribution, no matter how small, makes a significant difference in the lives of those facing the hardships of winter.

Through this campaign, Namaa Charity reaffirms its commitment to continued humanitarian work and calls on everyone to contribute to these relief efforts, which embody the spirit of generosity and human solidarity.

“Balad Al-Khair” Launches “Water Distribution Project” in Collaboration with the General Secretariat for Endowments

The Blessed Country Association has launched the "Water Distribution Project," which aims to provide clean water in many areas within the State of Kuwait, in collaboration with the General Secretariat for Endowments.

In recent times, there has been cooperation between the association and the General Secretariat for Endowments to implement several charitable projects within the State of Kuwait.

Osman Al-Thuwaini, the Director of the Blessed Country Association, confirmed that the "Water Distribution Project" is one form of fruitful cooperation with the General Secretariat for Endowments, which has led to the provision of 442,500 bottles of water that were distributed in various areas across Kuwait, benefiting poor workers, mosque-goers, hospitals, and others.

He added that the "Water Distribution Project" provided 22,125 water boxes at a total cost of 9,956 KWD.

Al-Thuwaini pointed out that the Blessed Country Association has contracted with Al-Rumaih General Trading and Contracting Company (Ain Water), and a delegation representing the General Secretariat for Endowments visited the water production factory. The implementation of the water distribution plan in areas affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, the Ministry of Awqaf, the Municipality of Kuwait, public places, and new residential and labor areas under construction has already begun.

The Director of the Blessed Country Association emphasized that thousands of beneficiaries have received clean water, especially in areas where water is not readily available nearby.

Al-Thuwaini continued that water distribution projects are among the most important charitable projects that the association seeks to implement due to the pressing need of people for water, which they cannot do without at any time. Additionally, providing water is one of the best charitable deeds and the best form of almsgiving. Hence, the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, said: "The best charity is giving water to drink" (Narrated by Ahmad, Abu Dawood, Al-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah).

The Director of the Blessed Country Association concluded by affirming that the coming period will witness further efforts in light of everyone's commitment to extend a helping hand to all those in need, as well as to exert more efforts to improve the lives of beneficiaries in Kuwait.

 "Balad Al-Khair" announces the availability of food supplies for 1,600 individuals through the "Ishiyat Bank" project

Continuing its strategy to provide assistance to underprivileged and needy families in the State of Kuwait, the Balad Al-Khair Society announced the implementation of the "Ishiyat Bank" project to offer food provisions to hundreds of individuals from the most in-need categories.

The project comes in collaboration with the General Secretariat of Awqaf and aims to provide prepaid cards to underprivileged families to facilitate their purchasing of food supplies.

Othman Al-Thuwaini, Director of Balad Al-Khair Society, confirmed that the collaboration with the General Secretariat of Awqaf ensured the launch of several important charitable projects that aim to meet the needs of citizens from orphan families and those experiencing difficult living conditions. Among these projects, the Ishiyat Bank project stands out for providing food.

He noted that many underprivileged families are currently living in very difficult conditions due to financial hardships, and there are also families with patients, the elderly, orphans in education, and others, all of whom need urgent support to meet their basic needs.

Al-Thuwaini continued that Balad Al-Khair Society recognizes the suffering of these underprivileged families, which is why the fruitful cooperation with the Awqaf Secretariat is aimed at providing prepaid cards that families can use to purchase food and drink, with the cost of the purchased items being deducted from the card.

The Director of Balad Al-Khair Society added that many social research studies had been conducted on the targeted families to assess their circumstances and determine their eligibility for assistance. Based on these studies, 1,600 individuals were identified as beneficiaries of the project, calculated by allocating 25 K.D. for each family member sufficient for one month, allowing the family to buy their food and drink needs through the cards.

Al-Thuwaini pointed out that the goal has been achieved, and they have managed to assist needy families, witnessing smiles appearing on their faces after receiving the necessary help. He added that the coming period will, God willing, witness the launch of more charitable projects covering various aspects of the needs of underprivileged families in Kuwait.

The Balad Al-Khair Society works to improve the humanitarian conditions for many beneficiaries, as it is rooted in the "Kuwait of Good" to extend help to those in distress, in accordance with the directives of our noble Sharia, and to achieve the lofty goal of humanity, so that good prevails and tranquility is realized.

Namaa Charity helps Syrian refugees in southern Turkey

  The Kuwaiti Namaa Charity concluded on Tuesday a comprehensive humanitarian program aimed at providing support and relief to 4,880 Syrian refugees in the regions of Urfa, Gaziantep, Kilis, Antakya, and Reyhanlı in southern Turkey. Khaled Al-Shammari, an official with the charity, stated in a statement to the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA) that the program included the distribution of food baskets, winter clothing for orphans, heating materials to help them face the harsh cold, and vouchers for the most needy families, allowing them to purchase their essential needs.

Al-Shammari pointed out that this program is part of a campaign launched by Namaa Charity to provide relief to those in need in winter in the most affected countries. He emphasized that Namaa is committed to reinforcing Kuwait’s leading role in humanitarian work, providing essential assistance, and embodying the foundation’s vision in promoting values of cooperation and humanitarian solidarity. — KUNA

Kuwait sends 9th planeload of aid to Lebanon

  The ninth plane of the Kuwaiti aid airbridge arrived in Lebanon on Wednesday carrying 40 tons of food aid as part of the Kuwaiti humanitarian airlift to assist Lebanon, in light of the hardships faced by the Lebanese people due to Zionist occupation assaults.

In a statement to KUNA, the First Secretary at the Kuwaiti Embassy in Beirut Abdullah Al-Diyin, who was present to receive the plane, said: “In implementation of the directives of the political leadership in Kuwait and as part of the (Kuwait is by Your Side) campaign, and continuing the Kuwaiti humanitarian airlift to support our brothers in Lebanon, the ninth plane of the Kuwaiti air force arrived, carrying 40 tons of food supplies, which will be handed over to the Higher Relief Committee in Lebanon.”

Al-Diyin added: “On this occasion, we reaffirm our pride and appreciation for all the concerned parties involved in delivering this aid to the brotherly Lebanese people, foremost among them the Kuwaiti air force, Kuwait Red Crescent Society and Kuwaiti charitable organizations.”

Brig Gen Ahmed Ibrahim, a representative of the Lebanese Higher Relief Commission, expressed his gratitude to Kuwait, both the leadership and the people, for their constant presence in supporting Lebanon and providing assistance. He praised Kuwait’s distinguished role in humanitarian work and its swift response to support its brothers. Alongside Al-Diyin, Brig Gen Ibrahim was also present to welcome the Kuwaiti air force plane. — KUNA

The Israeli occupation forces are committing crimes of genocide in the Gaza Strip for the 446th consecutive day, through dozens of air raids and artillery bombardments, committing massacres against civilians, amid a catastrophic humanitarian situation due to the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.

Our correspondents reported that the occupation’s planes and artillery continued their violent bombardment on Wednesday across various areas of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, shelters for displaced persons, and streets, resulting in dozens of martyrs and wounded.

The occupation forces continue their ground invasion of vast neighborhoods in Rafah since May 7, amid aerial and artillery bombardments and horrific massacres, along with the demolition of citizens' homes in Jabalia camp.

For 82 consecutive days, northern Gaza has been under Israeli siege and starvation amid heavy aerial and artillery bombardments, completely isolating the northern governorate from Gaza.

For the 62nd day in a row, the occupation forces continue to forcibly disrupt the work of the civil defense in northern Gaza due to ongoing Israeli targeting and aggression, leaving thousands of citizens without humanitarian or medical care.

Early this morning, there was Israeli artillery fire targeting the northwestern areas of the Al-Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Israeli tanks also opened intensive fire northwest of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

On Wednesday morning, 9 martyrs and more than 15 wounded were reported due to the continuous Israeli bombardment on the Gaza Strip during the early hours.

One martyr and 3 injuries resulted from the bombardment of the occupation planes on the house of the Al-Manirawi family in Deir al-Balah.

One martyr and a serious injury were reported after targeting the house of the Al-Afranji family around the Ain Jalout towers, south of Al-Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip.

Additionally, 2 martyrs and wounded were reported from an Israeli aerial raid on an apartment in the Al-Manara neighborhood, south of Khan Younis city in southern Gaza.

An Israeli airstrike targeted a house surrounding the Ain Jalout towers, south of Al-Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.

An Israeli airstrike also targeted the city of Deir al-Balah.

The occupation army demolished residential buildings around the Jabalia al-Nazla Club in northern Gaza.

In the first hour of this morning, an Israeli airstrike targeted a house in the Ma'an area, east of Khan Younis city.

Today's events included artillery fire and heavy gunfire from occupation vehicles northwest of Al-Nuseirat.

Israeli naval vessels also opened fire west of Al-Nuseirat.

Israeli artillery stationed east of Khan Younis targeted the western areas of the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

It is worth noting that the Ministry of Health confirmed that the toll from the Israeli aggression had risen to 45,338 martyrs and 107,764 injuries since October 7, 2023.

On another note, 9 Israelis were injured early Wednesday during a rush to shelters in Tel Aviv after a missile fired from Yemen was claimed to have been intercepted by the Israeli army.

The official Israeli broadcasting agency stated that "for the second time in two days, air defenses intercepted a ballistic missile from Yemen in the early morning before it entered the airspace."

It added that alarm sirens sounded in many villages in the greater Tel Aviv area and the interior plain, and nine people were injured due to tripping while rushing to the shelters.

It revealed that "the political level is considering launching a new attack against Yemen," which would be the fourth since the onset of the Israeli genocide in Gaza.

Our noble religion always encourages us to become one united nation, interconnected through cohesion and solidarity in facing life's challenges and the plans of the enemies of this faith. Therefore, various verses and hadiths emphasize these meanings, including the solidarity that naturally extends to striving to support Muslim minorities, especially in Western countries, in light of the major challenges they face that weigh heavily on them over time and place them in difficult situations.

Among the reasons that make us stand by our brothers from Muslim minorities in Western countries are the following:

1. The bond of brotherhood in faith:

This is the strongest tie of faith among the members of the Muslim Ummah. From this standpoint, we must change our perception of minorities from a marginal, secondary issue to one of the major issues that should be among the priorities of Muslim states and peoples.

2. Following the example of the Prophet:

The model of a Muslim state during the time of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) paid great attention to Muslim minorities in both times of peace and war. Evidence of this includes the sending of ambassadors by the Prophet, such as Mus'ab ibn Umayr to Medina, Mu'adh ibn Jabal, Abu Musa al-Ash'ari, Khalid ibn al-Walid to Yemen, and other companions to various regions.

3. The necessity of improving the image of Islam in the West:

Muslims in Western countries can be a model of goodness and reform, and a bright representation of Islam, making them an example of a Muslim who takes pride in their faith. However, for this to happen, they need adequate care and support.

4. Building a bridge of communication between the Islamic world and the Western world:

Muslim minorities currently live in the focal point of conflict between the Islamic and Western sides. Thus, they are the most capable and qualified to understand both sides and act as a missing link between them.

5. Preserving the identity of the Muslim Ummah:

There is no doubt that the communities of Muslim minorities in Europe represent an important part of the identity of this Ummah. Therefore, preserving these communities from Westernization, dissolution, and forced integration is crucial for safeguarding the foundational element of the Islamic Ummah's identity. To the extent that minority communities are granted freedom of belief and freedom of worship, they can preserve their heritage and cultural identity, which is certainly vital for maintaining the identity of an important part of the body of the Islamic world.

The death toll from the “Israeli” genocide war on the Gaza Strip has risen to 45,338 martyrs and more than 107,700 injured, according to the latest update from the Ministry of Health in Gaza, with the genocide war continuing for the 445th consecutive day. The occupation army persists in its campaign of genocide against areas in northern Gaza, intensifying its attacks on hospitals amid a severe blockade that has resulted in entire families being wiped out, according to what the government media office confirmed.

The Ministry of Health announced that the number of martyrs in the Strip since October 7, 2023, has reached 45,338 and 107,764 injured.

In a statement today, Tuesday, the Ministry of Health stated that the occupation army “committed three massacres against families in the Gaza Strip within 24 hours,” as a result of which 21 martyrs and 51 injured were transferred to hospitals, noting that there are a large number of victims trapped under the rubble and in the streets that rescue and ambulance crews cannot reach amid ongoing "Israeli" attacks.

 Intense Targeting of Northern Gaza Hospitals

The "Israeli" occupation army continues its violent aggression against besieged northern hospitals, opening heavy fire from its tanks on Al-Awda Hospital, Kamal Adwan Hospital, and the Indonesian Hospital after forcing the injured and patients to evacuate the latter. This comes as the army issued evacuation orders to residents of the Shujaiya area, demanding they move to the west of Gaza City.

The targeting of Kamal Adwan Hospital continues, as its vehicles fired heavily on homes in the vicinity of the hospital, and some patients inside were injured as a result of an explosion from a "booby-trapped robot" in its vicinity.

At the same time, "Israeli" army vehicles are besieging the Indonesian Hospital in northern Gaza amid heavy gunfire in the area.

Al-Awda Hospital in Tel Al-Zaatar east of Jabalia refugee camp confirmed that violent air raids by the occupation took place in its vicinity, coinciding with heavy gunfire from tanks and fires breaking out in nearby homes.

The hospital administration announced that a fire broke out in the central medicine warehouse as a result of the occupation’s bombardment of the area.

For his part, Marwan Al-Hams, Director of Field Hospitals at the Ministry of Health, confirmed that the occupation forces have rendered the three operational hospitals in the northern Gaza Strip out of medical service due to successive attacks that have led to their disruption and damage to parts of them.

He reported that the beginning was yesterday when the occupation army requested the evacuation of patients from Kamal Adwan Hospital to the Indonesian Hospital, which was later stormed, forcibly removing those inside.

He noted that the ongoing attacks heighten the fears regarding the fate of Al-Awda Hospital, which houses about 250 patients and also suffers from a suffocating blockade and continuous threats, indicating that what is happening is a blatant violation of international humanitarian laws that prohibit targeting medical facilities.

The Hamas movement held the occupying forces fully responsible for the safety of medical crews, calling on the international community to assume its responsibilities and take urgent action to stop these crimes and ensure the protection of patients and hospitals in the Gaza Strip.

Hunger is devastating families in the Jabalia camp.

For his part, the Director of the Government Media Office in Gaza, Ismail Thawabta, stated in press remarks that what is happening in northern Gaza has not occurred to any people in the world, explaining that the Kamal Adwan, Al-Awda, and Indonesian hospitals in the north are on the verge of shutting down.

Thawabta added that families in the Jabalia camp have been entirely wiped out due to hunger, emphasizing that what is reaching the Palestinians in the Strip is less than 5% of their needs. He called on the international community and humanitarian organizations to open the crossings to allow the entry of food and baby milk.

In Gaza City, the Israeli occupation army issued orders for the forced evacuation of several residential blocks in the Shujaiya area, east of Gaza City, directing residents to move to the west of the city.

This comes as a member of the Civil Defense force was martyred along with his only child due to shelling that targeted the agency's headquarters in the Al-Daraj neighborhood, east of Gaza City.

In the central Gaza Strip, a Palestinian was martyred, and others were injured due to shelling from the occupying forces on homes in Deir al-Balah city.

An Israeli airstrike targeted a truck carrying aid.

A truck carrying flour in the central Gaza Strip was subjected to an Israeli airstrike on Monday evening, resulting in the martyrdom of four security personnel who were inside a vehicle guarding the truck on Salah al-Din Street in Deir al-Balah city.

The United Nations food agency stated that 23 trucks from a convoy consisting of 66 trucks carrying food and other humanitarian aid were looted and lost.

UN spokesperson Stephanie Tremblay reported that the World Food Programme convoy left on Sunday from the Kerem Shalom crossing via the Philiadelphia corridor, which had recently been approved. Despite Israeli assurances regarding the provision of safe conditions, an Israeli airstrike was carried out.

Tremblay added that the first 35 trucks arrived at the World Food Programme warehouse without significant losses, noting that Israeli forces delayed the rest of the convoy.

The government media office, in a brief statement, spoke about the occupation stealing aid and killing its security elements to starve civilians.

It indicated that the occupation is creating a stifling economic environment leading to exorbitant price hikes according to a systematic plan, pointing out that 728 security personnel for the aid have been martyred since the onset of the Israeli extermination war, highlighting that the occupation aims to achieve the crime of starving civilians, children, women, and the displaced.