The war on Gaza has greatly affected the Israeli economy. The Israeli Ministry of Finance is worried that if the war goes on for a long time, it could cause a recession in Israel. 

The Ministry's Concerns

The Israeli Ministry of Finance believes that if the war continues, it could lead to a recession in Israel this year and the next. They are especially worried if the war expands to include other areas besides Gaza. This could have a big impact on the economy.

What Could Happen?

The Israeli Ministry of Finance has come up with different scenarios to understand how the economy might be affected. They have some predictions based on how the crisis unfolds.

Scenario 1: Limited Confrontation

In this scenario, the war stays focused on Gaza and there is a limited conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Ministry estimates that this would lead to a loss of working days and affect the GDP (Gross Domestic Product). They predict a decline in economic growth to about 0.6% or 11.8 billion shekels (around 3 billion dollars) if the crisis lasts for a month.

Scenario 2: Conflict Expansion

In this scenario, the conflict expands to include both Gaza and Lebanon, but only for a month. The loss of GDP during 2023-2024 would be around 44 billion shekels (11 billion dollars). Economic growth would decline to 2.2% in 2023 and 2.5% in 2024. However, the Ministry hopes for a recovery by the third quarter of 2024.

Scenario 3: Extended Conflict

If the conflict continues for a longer time and spreads to more than one front, the loss of GDP could reach a whopping 67 billion shekels (17 billion dollars). Growth rates would decline to 1.3% in 2023 and 0.6% in the following year. Recovery might not begin until the fourth quarter of the next year.

The Current Situation

As of now, the war has been going on for 22 days. Israel has been targeting civilians in Gaza, resulting in a high number of Palestinian casualties. The Palestinian resistance, led by the Hamas movement, has responded by bombing Israel. The situation is tense and uncertain.

The war on Gaza is not only causing human suffering for Palestinians but also impacting the Israeli economy. The longer the war goes on and the more it spreads, the worse the economic consequences could be.

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Sources: Al Jazeera, Israeli press

Day 19: Israel Continues Bombing Civilians

On the 19th day of the war on Gaza, Israel continued to bomb civilians, causing the death of 700 people within 24 hours. This raised the total death toll to 6,546, with 17,500 people injured, most of them being children and women. Sadly, the family members of Al Jazeera's correspondent and director in Gaza were also killed in an Israeli bombing.

The situation in Gaza worsened as the health system collapsed. The United Nations and Russia proposed ceasefire resolutions, while the United States only called for humanitarian truces.

Key Developments on Day 19

• Russia and China vetoed a draft resolution in the UN Security Council that did not call for stopping military operations in Gaza.
• French President Emmanuel Macron warned that a large-scale ground intervention in Gaza would be a mistake for Israel.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Israel was preparing for a ground attack on Gaza.
• Al Jazeera correspondent Wael Al-Dahdouh lost several family members in an Israeli bombing.
• The Qassam Brigades, a Palestinian armed group, targeted an Israeli drone with a missile.
• Gaza faced difficulties in retrieving the bodies of the deceased due to the heavy bombings.
• Three employees of the Palestine Refugees Shelter and Works Agency (UNRWA) were killed, bringing the total to 38 since October 7.
• Israeli raids on the Yarmouk area in Gaza City resulted in 26 deaths and over 100 injuries.
• The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Palestinian Territories questioned the events that occurred on October 7.
• Israel rejected Turkish President Recep Erdogan's statement that Hamas is not a terrorist organization.
• The French President stated that nothing justifies Hamas' terrorist attack on Israel.
• Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized the need to prevent the crisis from spreading to other regions.
• United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed shock over the misunderstanding of his statement in the Security Council.
• Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh discussed the situation in Gaza with the Turkish Foreign Minister.
• The Ministry of Interior in Gaza reported the destruction of residential buildings by Israeli aircraft.
• Israeli forces attacked Lebanese territory in response to the bombing of a settlement.
• Lebanese Hezbollah targeted an Israeli tank, causing casualties among its crew members.
• Sirens sounded in Israeli towns near the border with Lebanon.
• Journalist Jamal Al-Faqawi was killed in an Israeli bombing in Khan Yunis.
• The US State Department expressed support for Israel's right to defend itself while urging compliance with the laws of war.
• The Qassam Brigades bombed enemy crowds inside Kibbutz Nahal Oz.
• The occupation bombed 10 bakeries in the Gaza Strip, according to the Government Media Office in Gaza.
• The Islamic Jihad spokesperson warned of a strong Palestinian response to the crimes in the West Bank.
• The International Committee of the Red Cross highlighted the health catastrophe faced by Gaza's residents.
• António Guterres emphasized the need for continuous and unrestricted aid for the people of Gaza.
• Hamas called on the world to end the occupation and stop the aggression against the Palestinian people.
• The Emir of Qatar called for reducing the escalation in Gaza and opening safe humanitarian corridors.
• Qassam rockets reached Eilat, which is 220 kilometers away from Gaza.
• According to American officials, President Joe Biden shares the Israeli Prime Minister's concerns about a ground attack on Gaza.
• King Abdullah II of Jordan warned that the continuation of the war on Gaza may lead to an explosion in the region's situation.
• Over 700 people were killed in Gaza within 24 hours.
• The New York Times contradicted the Israeli army's account of the bombing of Baptist Hospital in Gaza.
• Israel bombed near Maroun al-Ras in southern Lebanon.
• The Turkish President defended Hamas as a liberation movement and criticized Israel's brutal attacks.
• The Qatari Foreign Ministry demanded a ceasefire to allow the release of prisoners from Gaza.
• The Head of the Israeli National Security Council acknowledged the importance of Qatar's diplomatic efforts.
• The Turkish Foreign Minister accused those who support Israel's crimes of being partners in the Gaza crisis.
• The Qatari Prime Minister emphasized the importance of delivering aid to Gaza and preventing forced displacement.
• The Israeli army defined a "combat zone" on the Gaza border.
• The number of Palestinian journalists killed rose to 22 due to ongoing Israeli bombings.

Day 20: New Massacres and Israeli Forces Enter Gaza

On the 20th day, Israel committed new massacres in Khan Yunis and Gaza. Residential blocks were destroyed, and the Israeli army announced that its forces had entered the Strip.

• The total death toll rose to 7,028, including 2,913 children and 1,709 women and girls. Additionally, around 18,500 people were injured, and approximately 1,500 people were missing.
• Ismail Haniyeh's Warning

Ismail Haniyeh, a leader in Gaza, has said that if the aggression against Gaza continues, the entire region will become chaotic and out of control.

• Pentagon's Deployment

The Pentagon has sent 900 soldiers to the Middle East to support the ongoing conflict.

• Number of Casualties

The Ministry of Interior in Gaza has reported that the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of 7,028 people.

• Response to Skepticism

In response to doubts from the US administration, the Ministry of Health in Gaza has published the names of the martyrs.

• Arrival of American Experts

Experts with experience from the Iraq war have arrived in Israel to assist the occupation army.

• Hamas Delegation in Moscow

A delegation from Hamas is currently in Moscow, holding talks with Russian officials.

• Efforts to Reduce Funding

The US Treasury Secretary has stated that they have taken steps to reduce Hamas's sources of funding.

• Israel's Willingness to Negotiate

Israel has informed mediators that they are prepared to pay a price in exchange for the return of prisoners.

• Israeli Prisoner Casualties

According to Abu Ubaida, 50 Israeli prisoners have been killed due to the ongoing raids on the Gaza Strip.

• Turkish President's Statement

The Turkish President has condemned the actions in Gaza, describing them as barbarism and massacres.

• Impending Fuel Outage

A health spokesperson in Gaza has warned that if there is a fuel outage within hours, a large number of wounded and sick people will be at risk.

The situation in Gaza remains dire, with a high number of casualties and destruction. The international community must take responsibility and work towards ending the occupation and stopping the aggression against the Palestinian people. Humanitarian aid and efforts to establish a ceasefire are crucial to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.

The Murky World of Cyber Warfare

In the world of cyber warfare, things can get pretty confusing. Offensive cyber weapons are becoming more common, and it's hard to keep track of who's who in the battle. Criminals, states, activists, and others are all involved in this digital battlefield.

Hamas: The Interesting Cyber Warriors

The cyber warriors of Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement, have caught the attention of many. While some may not consider them strong or weak, they are definitely interesting, according to a senior officer in the IDFs Cyber Directorate.

How Did Hamas Develop Their Cyber Capabilities?

Let's take a look at how Hamas developed its cyber capabilities and what they have been up to.

The First Drop: "Spray and Hope"

In 2002, Hamas made its first known cyber attack against Israel. They hacked Israeli army reconnaissance drones and obtained footage recorded by these drones. At that time, their cyber operations were limited to phishing attacks, where they sent malicious spy files to random email accounts, hoping someone would open them. This tactic was known as "Spray and Pray."

The Drops Are Gathering: De Dos is the First Tactic

In 2012, during Operation "Cast Lead," Hamas attacked Israeli websites, including the Home Front Command and the Israeli army spokesman's website. They declared that electronic attacks were an integral part of their war against Israel.

In 2013, a group called "Izz al-Din al-Qassam Cyber Hackers" carried out a DDOS attack on the American Express website. Unlike traditional DDOS attacks, they used a programming language that allowed them to control a network of servers and carry out a more powerful attack.

In the summer of 2014, during the Israeli "Operation Protective Edge," Hamas increased its attempts to attack civilian and military sites in Israel. They even hacked soldiers through the WhatsApp application, gaining access to their phones and opening dating applications without their knowledge.

Floods of Love from Hamas Sweep Away Israeli Soldiers

In January 2017, it was revealed that Hamas had hacked dozens of phones belonging to Israeli soldiers and officers. They also hacked hundreds of military-related groups on Facebook, gaining access to private information.

In July 2018, Hamas launched a sophisticated cyber attack using fake profiles of women on social media networks. They aimed to control soldiers' mobile phones and computers. Through this attack, they were able to control microphones and cameras without the owners' knowledge.

Hamas also created a Facebook group and an Android application related to the 2018 FIFA World Cup to lure Israeli fans. By downloading the application, Israeli users unknowingly gave Hamas access to their phone data.

In August 2018, Hamas planted spyware on Israeli mobile phones through an application that mimicked the Red Alert app. This allowed them to gather information from unsuspecting users.

As you can see, Hamas has come a long way in developing its cyber capabilities. Their tactics have evolved over time, and they continue to pose a threat in the digital battlefield.

How Hamas Carries Out Cyber Attacks

Hamas has found a sneaky way to carry out cyber-attacks. They create fake profiles on social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter. These profiles trick people into downloading an application. Once the app is on their phones, Hamas gains control over them. They can then monitor and manipulate the phones from a distance. It's like having a spy in your pocket!

Timing is Everything

What's really interesting is that Hamas times their cyber-attacks to match their physical attacks. For example, when they launched hundreds of rockets at Israel, they also launched a major social media campaign. They created fake accounts that looked like they were from Hebrew speakers, urging people to download their new app. It was a coordinated effort to cause chaos and confusion.

Hamas' First Target

Before we dive into how Hamas' cyber-attacks have been successful, let's talk about a big moment in 2019. This was the first time a sophisticated army publicly announced that they were targeting a group of cyber hackers. The Israeli military claimed to have attacked a building in Gaza, which they said was the headquarters of Hamas' cyber force. It was a significant move that showed just how seriously they were taking this new kind of warfare.

How Hamas' Cyber Attacks Worked

Now, let's explore how Hamas' cyber-attacks have been successful. There are a few factors that have contributed to their effectiveness:

1. Targeting Young and Inexperienced Soldiers

In Israel, military service is compulsory, which means most soldiers are young and inexperienced. Hamas took advantage of this by targeting them through dating apps and hobbies like football. They would gather information about the soldiers, their workplaces, relatives, and even their subordinates. This helped them create detailed profiles on each person, giving them valuable knowledge.

2. Gathering Information from social media

Once Hamas had collected information from social media platforms, they would use special applications to target their victims. These apps were tailored to exploit the vulnerabilities they had discovered. For example, if they found out a soldier was into football, they might create a football-related app. The goal was to track the soldiers' movements, especially in specific areas like military camps. This kind of secret information is hard to obtain through traditional spying methods.

3. Drawing Maps and Making Plans

Hamas' cyber warriors would use certain applications to draw maps of the soldiers' movements. This helped them understand the layout of military camps and plan their attacks. They could then provide their fighters on the ground with these maps, giving them an advantage during physical confrontations.

4. Surprising the World

What's really impressive is that Hamas, with their limited resources, managed to penetrate Israel's advanced cyber defenses. They were like guerrilla fighters in the world of the Internet, using their skills to outsmart a country known for its cyber capabilities. It was a surprising and bold move.

 Thus Hamas has shown us a new kind of threat - cyber-attacks. They have used fake profiles and sneaky apps to gain control over their enemies' phones. By targeting young soldiers and gathering information from social media, they were able to carry out successful attacks.  

The Tragic Impact of Israeli Aggression on Children in Gaza

Did you know that the ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has taken the lives of many innocent children? According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, a shocking 1,903 children have been killed in the past 16 days. But the real number might be even higher because some of these children are still buried under the rubble of their destroyed homes.

The Unprecedented Rate of Child Casualties

The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Observatory reports that the Israeli aggression has resulted in an unprecedented number of Palestinian children and infants losing their lives. The Israeli army has been targeting buildings and residential areas, causing immense harm to innocent children.

The Devastating Impact

Defense for Children International, Palestine Branch, has confirmed that every day, 120 Palestinian children are killed due to the continuous bombing by the Israeli occupation army. These bombings not only destroy homes but also cause severe injuries like burns and wounds from shrapnel and falling debris.

Additional Challenges

On top of the ongoing aggression, hospitals in Gaza are facing power outages, which puts the lives of infants at risk. Incubators, which are crucial for premature babies, are in a catastrophic situation due to the electricity and food crises.

The situation is further worsened by the fact that 7 hospitals and 21 health centers in Gaza are currently out of service, according to the Ministry of Health.

The Long Road to Recovery

Even for the children who survive the attacks, the trauma they experience is haunting. They desperately need mental health services and psycho-social support to help them recover. The road to recovery is long, especially for the hundreds of children who have lost their families in these attacks.

It is heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of the Israeli aggression on the lives of innocent children in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera

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Paris Stands in Solidarity

Paris is leading the way in showing support for Gaza. Thousands of people gathered in Republic Square, the first pro-Palestine demonstration allowed by the police since October 7. The demonstration called for a ceasefire and showed solidarity with the Palestinians.

Sarajevo Remembers Srebrenica

In Sarajevo, Bosnia, thousands of people participated in a pro-Palestine march. They waved Palestinian flags and demanded an end to the Israeli attack on Gaza. Some chanted "Genocide, genocide," while a banner read "Yesterday Srebrenica, today Gaza," referring to the 1995 massacre in Bosnia. The mayor of Sarajevo, Benjamin Karic, spoke to the protesters, drawing parallels between the siege of Sarajevo and the current situation in Gaza.

Support from Britain and Denmark

In Huddersfield, a city in the UK, dozens of people demonstrated in support of Palestine. They denounced the crimes of the Israeli occupation in Gaza and recited the Qur'an to mourn the martyrs. In Copenhagen, Denmark, thousands gathered to denounce the Israeli raids on Gaza and show solidarity with the Palestinians.

Belgium and Italy Stand with Palestine

Hundreds of people gathered in Brussels, Belgium, in front of the European Commission headquarters to show solidarity with Palestine. They denounced the war waged by the Israeli occupation on Gaza. In Bologna, Italy, dozens of people held a similar demonstration in support of Palestine.

Poland, Germany, and Sweden Join the Cause

In Gdansk, Poland, dozens of people demonstrated in support of the Palestinians. They condemned the Israeli occupation army's war on civilians in Gaza. In Stuttgart, Germany, activists broadcasted live scenes of a demonstration in solidarity with Gaza. Solidarity stands were also held in the Swedish cities of Malmö and Whitbury, calling for an end to the Israeli attacks on Gaza.

Continued Protests

These demonstrations and protests are part of an ongoing movement against the intense Israeli bombing of Gaza. The bombing has been going on for 16 days, causing numerous casualties and extensive damage to buildings and vital facilities. The Palestinian resistance factions launched Operation "Al-Aqsa Flood" in response to the attacks by the Israeli occupation and settlers on the Palestinian people and their sanctities.

Source: Social Media & Agencies

An awesome project called "Caring for University Students." has been launched by Namaa Charity and the General Secretariat of Endowments in Kuwait. 

The "Caring for University Students" project aims to provide support to Kuwaiti students and residents who are studying at universities in Kuwait and abroad. The project helps students who need financial assistance to cover their educational expenses. It also focuses on rewarding hardworking students who excel academically.

Why is Education Important?

Education is super important because it helps us grow and succeed in life. It's the foundation for progress and development in any country. When we go to university, we gain valuable skills and knowledge that prepare us for the job market. Education is for everyone, no matter what field we choose to study.

How Does the Project Help Students?

The "Caring for University Students" project has already benefited 1,666 students since it started. It provides financial support to students who need help paying for their education. The project covers all or part of their educational expenses. It also focuses on supporting students who work hard and achieve good grades.

Other Educational Initiatives by Namaa Charity

Namaa Charity is really passionate about education. They have partnered with the Crafts Academy to provide craft education. They also have a project called "Teach Me and I Will Reward" that supports students. Namaa Charity believes that education is key to building a better future.

The Importance of Partnerships

Namaa Charity and the General Secretariat of Endowments have formed a strategic partnership to make this project a success. They believe that working together is the best way to help students in need. By coordinating their efforts, they can achieve the best results and provide the most effective support.

What the General Secretariat of Endowments Offers

The General Secretariat of Endowments provides a service called "Student Care." This service offers financial assistance to students who can't afford university tuition fees. They want to make sure that every student has the opportunity to pursue higher education and achieve their goals.

Why Students Should Seek Knowledge

Knowledge is power! The General Secretariat of Endowments believes that students should always strive to learn and seek knowledge. They encourage students to pursue education because it has a great impact on their lives. As the saying goes, "Whoever seeks knowledge, God will make their path to Paradise easier."

The "Caring for University Students" project is an amazing initiative that supports students in Kuwait and abroad. It helps them overcome financial barriers and pursue their dreams of higher education. Namaa Charity and the General Secretariat of Endowments are working together to make a difference in the lives of students. Congratulations to all the students who have been accepted into this project!

Expert Claims Israel's Actions Violate International Law

An international law expert has stated that Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip can be classified as "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide" according to international law.

Gilles Dever, an expert in international law and a lawyer accredited to the International Criminal Court, spoke to Al Jazeera and described Israel's actions as a "systematic attack against a defenseless people." He believes that the situation faced by over two million people in Gaza amounts to "genocide."

Forced Displacement and Unacceptable Attacks

Dever argues that the forced displacement of civilians in Gaza and the direct attacks on hospitals, civilian targets, and even military targets are practices that violate international law and the laws of war.

Seeking Justice through International Criminal Court

Dever suggests that while international law may not be as strong as needed during times of war, action can be taken through the International Criminal Court. He calls on countries that are part of the court to initiate a lawsuit against Israel. He emphasizes that the Public Prosecutor has the authority to investigate the situation.

Responsibilities of the Occupying State

Dever states that the actions of the Israeli occupation army cannot be considered self-defense. He believes that the occupying state has responsibilities to respect the needs of the population, preserve infrastructure, and avoid targeting it.

Documenting Crimes for Legal Action

Dever mentions the presence of specialized teams on the ground responsible for monitoring the situation and documenting evidence of crimes, such as bombings. He highlights that there is compelling data indicating Israel's involvement in the bombing of the Baptist Hospital in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera

 The Vietnam War is widely regarded as one of the most complex and bewildering conflicts in modern history. Fought between the forces of North Vietnam and the US-supported government of South Vietnam, the war brought unimaginable suffering and loss to the Vietnamese people.

In the Vietnam War, there were two main sides:

1. North Vietnam and its communist allies, including the Viet Cong (VC), a communist government in South Vietnam.
2. South Vietnam and its allies, including the United States, South Korea, Australia, and Thailand.

Causes of Conflict

The causes of the conflict were deeply rooted in the Cold War era, with the United States fearing the spread of communism and actively intervening in an attempt to prevent it. The Tet Offensive, which took place in early 1968, was a pivotal moment that forever altered the course of the war.

 Vietnam War had multiple causes:

- North Vietnam wanted to unify the country under communist rule.

- The South Vietnamese government, supported by the US opposed communism. 

- The Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union made Vietnam a strategic battleground.

What happened in the Tet Offensive

The Tet Offensive was a coordinated series of attacks launched by the North Vietnamese Army (NVA) and the Viet Cong (VC) against South Vietnamese and American forces on January 30, 1968, during the Vietnamese New Year holiday (Tet). The offensive was a surprise attack on major cities and towns throughout South Vietnam, including Saigon.

The Tet Offensive was the largest military operation of the Vietnam War, and it caught the US and South Vietnamese forces by surprise. The NVA and VC forces were initially able to capture or control several major cities, including Hue. However, the US and South Vietnamese forces eventually pushed the NVA and VC forces back, and the Tet Offensive ended in a military defeat for the North Vietnamese and Viet Cong.

Results of Tet Offensive

While the Tet Offensive did not result in a military victory for the North Vietnam forces, it had significant political consequences. It undermined support for the war effort within the United States, leading to increased opposition and protests. The American public began questioning the legitimacy of the government's claims of progress and victory in Vietnam.

Thus, the Tet Offensive had several results:

- It caused a significant increase in American casualties.

- It decreased public support for the war in the United States.

- It led to the resignation of US Defense Secretary Robert McNamara.

- It strengthened the determination of the North Vietnamese to keep fighting.

Why it is a turning point

The Tet Offensive was a turning point in the Vietnam War because it shattered the illusion of American invincibility and forced a reevaluation of the war's feasibility and purpose. It exposed the massive gap between the military reality on the ground and the optimistic rhetoric coming from Washington. The Tet Offensive signaled a critical shift in public opinion and pushed the US government towards seeking a negotiated settlement to end the war.

The Tet Offensive is considered a turning point in the Vietnam War for a few reasons:

1. It showed that the North Vietnamese were still powerful, and the South Vietnamese government was weak.
2. It decreased support for the war in the United States, leading to calls for withdrawal.
3. It strengthened the determination of the North Vietnamese to continue fighting.

The Tet Offensive wasn't a military victory for the North Vietnamese, but it was a strategic victory. It made it clear that the United States couldn't win the war and needed to find a way to withdraw. As a result, the US changed its strategy from trying to win militarily to negotiating a peace agreement.

In conclusion, the Tet Offensive stands as a pivotal moment in the Vietnam War. It revealed the harsh realities of the conflict, shook the confidence of the American public, and ultimately played a key role in changing the course of the war itself.