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Kuwait in a week

March 14, 2024

The Social Reform Society Celebrates the "Tenth Loyalty Meeting"

The State of Kuwait Celebrates 30 Years of Endowment Achievements

IICO Continues Support for Gaza Through the Kuwaiti Air Bridge

Al-Hayat Charity: Spreading Kindness During Ramadan

PM receives Kuwaiti doctors returning from Gaza

 Al-Sharekh: The Pioneer of Arabic in Computers Passed Away

255 Candidates Running in Nation 2024 Race!

A Plan to Restore 100 Kuwaiti Heritage Buildings

The Social Reform Society Celebrates the "Tenth Loyalty Meeting"

An Exciting Event

Last Tuesday, the Social Reform Society hosted the "Tenth Loyalty Meeting" in a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The event took place in the Rawda area and was attended by the Chairman of the Society's Board of Directors, Dr.. Khaled Al-Madhkoor, along with other board members and many community leaders.

60 Years of Success

This year's meeting marked the Society's sixtieth anniversary, kicking off a new chapter in its long history. The Society is dedicated to continuing its important work and community programs to help build a better nation. Thanks to the hard work of everyone involved, including the Board of Directors and sector leaders, the Society has achieved many great things in the past year.

Notable Achievements

Dr. Khaled highlighted some of the Society's most significant accomplishments, such as increased charitable spending by Namaa Charity, the completion of 137 activities by the Women's Work Secretariat, and the development of "Al-Muqatim" magazine for digital media. The Society also made strides in restructuring its media sector and creating a strategic plan for future success.

Diverse Programs

The Society offers a wide range of programs for different sectors, including education, sports, community activities, and advocacy efforts. From educational and sports activities to remote Sharia courses and social communication initiatives, the Society is dedicated to serving its community in various ways.

Gratitude and Hope

Dr. Khaled expressed his gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the Loyalty Meeting, especially Adel Al-Asfour, the head of the Loyalty Office. He acknowledged the hard work of those who have passed away and those who continue to contribute to the Society's mission. As the Society moves forward, Dr. Khaled hopes for continued success in serving the community and following the call of God.

The State of Kuwait Celebrates 30 Years of Endowment Achievements

Minister of Justice Commends General Secretariat of Endowments

The Minister of Justice, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Chairman of the Endowment Affairs Council, Counselor Faisal Saeed Al-Gharib, expressed Kuwait's pride in the remarkable accomplishments of the General Secretariat of Endowments. These achievements have made a significant impact both locally and globally, particularly in community service and supporting those in need. The Minister highlighted the General Secretariat's role in advancing endowment work in Kuwait and praised it as a pioneering governmental initiative.

30th Endowment Forum Opening Ceremony

These remarks were made during the opening ceremony of the 27th Endowment Forum, which took place on Thursday. The forum, organized by the General Secretariat of Endowments under the theme "Thirty Years of Leadership," was sponsored by His Highness the Amir of Kuwait.

Contributions to Global Humanitarian Efforts

Minister Al-Gharib emphasized the General Secretariat's contributions over the past thirty years in supporting the less fortunate, both locally and internationally. Through endowment funds, projects, and initiatives, Kuwait has established itself as a global humanitarian hub. The General Secretariat has also been involved in relief efforts for those affected by natural disasters and conflicts worldwide, working closely with Kuwaiti authorities.

Recognition and Gratitude

The Minister expressed gratitude to His Highness the Amir for his generous support of the forum and ongoing backing of the General Secretariat's activities. He also thanked His Highness for appointing him as a representative at the event.

Strategic Vision and Leadership

Qualitative Leap in Endowment Work

Nasser Muhammad Al-Hamad, the acting Secretary-General of the General Secretariat of Endowments, highlighted the Secretariat's role in advancing endowment work in Kuwait. He described it as a pioneering governmental initiative that has set a solid strategy and clear vision for the future. The Secretariat aims to excel in endowment work at both local and international levels, with a focus on community development and cultural enrichment.

Regional and International Recognition

Al-Hamad noted that the General Secretariat's efforts have been recognized at the local, regional, and international levels. Kuwait was entrusted with coordinating the endowment efforts of Islamic countries following a decision made at the Sixth Conference of Ministers of Endowments of Islamic Countries in 1997.

Endowment Forum Objectives

The forum aims to showcase the General Secretariat's achievements over the past thirty years and its significant role in serving communities. It also seeks to highlight the cultural impact of endowments within and beyond Kuwait's borders.

IICO Continues Support for Gaza Through the Kuwaiti Air Bridge

The International Islamic Charitable Organization is continuing its support for the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. They recently sent two planes loaded with 85 tons of food to Amman, Jordan, to be airdropped to Gaza by the Jordanian Armed Forces. This effort is in cooperation with Kuwait Relief Society, Al Salam Society for Humanitarian and Charitable Works, and the Kuwait Air Force.

Commitment to Aid Delivery

The Charitable Organization's Deputy Director General, Ibrahim Khaled Al-Badr, expressed the organization's commitment to delivering aid to the people of Palestine. They have contributed to 37 relief aircrafts so far.

Ramadan Campaign

During Ramadan, the Charitable Organization launched a campaign called "Leave a Trace" to support the people of Palestine. This includes projects like sponsoring orphans, providing medical support, shelter projects, and more.

Financial Support and Partnerships

Supporting Humanitarian Projects

The Charitable Organization has allocated over 4 million US dollars to support 37 humanitarian projects in partnership with Kuwaiti charities and Palestinian organizations. They have reached over 347,000 beneficiaries.

Partnerships and Appreciation

Al-Badr praised the efforts of various ministries and Kuwaiti charitable societies for their support. He also appreciated the Jordanian authorities for facilitating the delivery of aid to Gaza through airdrops by the Jordanian Air Force.

Al-Hayat Charity: Spreading Kindness During Ramadan

Delivering Meals to Those in Need

Al-Hayat Charity Association has started giving out Iftar meals to people who are fasting and in need during the holy month of Ramadan. They began by providing 1,100 meals in Kuwait and in other countries.

Helping Locally and Globally

The Secretary of Al-Hayat Charitable Society, Dr. Khaled Al-Shatti, mentioned that they are not only distributing meals in Kuwait but also in places like Palestine, Yemen, Syria, and various countries in Africa and Asia. They plan to continue this effort every day throughout Ramadan.

Calling for Support

Dr. Al-Shatti is asking for donations from kind-hearted people to help those in need during this special month. He mentioned that Al-Hayat Charity is working on different projects like providing bread and dates, building mosques, and taking care of orphans.

How to Donate

If you want to contribute to these projects, you can visit the Al-Hayat Charity Association's website or call their hotline. Dr. Al-Shatti hopes that those who donate will be rewarded for their generosity.

PM receives Kuwaiti doctors returning from Gaza

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Dr Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah received on Wednesday members of the Kuwait Red Crescent Society’s medical team which returned recently from Gaza where they had gone on a mission to support relief efforts. His Highness the Prime Minister praised the team of volunteers, saying that the Kuwaiti doctors’ team’s mission is a source of pride for Kuwait. — KUNA

Muhammad Al-Sharekh: The Pioneer of Arabic in Computers Passed Away

Muhammad Al-Sharekh, the founder of "Sakhr" company, was a Kuwaiti businessman who was born in 1942. He was the first person to introduce the Arabic language to computers. He translated various programs, including the Holy Qur'an, and made significant contributions to the Arabic language in the digital world. He passed away in 2024.

Early Life

Al-Sharekh was born in Kuwait in 1942 and grew up there. He later went on to pursue his education and career in various fields.

Education and Career

Al-Sharekh obtained a bachelor's degree in economics and political science from Cairo University in 1965. He then completed his master's degree at Williams College in Massachusetts, specializing in economic development.

He started his professional career at the Kuwait Fund for Development and later held various positions in different organizations, including the International Bank for Business and Development and the Industrial Bank of Kuwait.

Sakhr Company

Al-Sharekh founded "Sakhr" Computer Software Company in 1982, where he introduced the Arabic language to computers. He collaborated with Dr. Nabil Ali to lay the foundations for Arabic language integration in computers.

Under the Sakhr brand, Al-Sharekh developed programs like the Holy Qur'an, Arabic optical character recognition, and the contemporary Arabic dictionary. He also received patents for optical character recognition, automatic translation from Arabic to English, and Arabic pronunciation.

Al-Sharekh Archive

In 2016, Al-Sharekh initiated the "Al-Sharekh Archive" project to preserve Arab literary and cultural magazines online. The archive contains thousands of issues and articles, as well as a collection of Arab and foreign books.

Legacy and Awards

Al-Sharekh received numerous awards for his contributions to technology and Arabic language development. He was recognized for his pioneering work in introducing Arabic to computers and received accolades from various Arab institutions.

Muhammad Al-Sharekh's legacy lives on through his groundbreaking work in integrating the Arabic language into computers. His contributions have had a lasting impact on technology and language development.

255 Candidates Running in Nation 2024 Race!

Record Number of Candidates

 A whopping 255 candidates have thrown their hats into the ring for the upcoming Nation 2024 race. That's a lot of people vying for a spot in the National Assembly!

Gender Breakdown

Out of the 255 candidates, 244 are male and 14 are female. It's interesting to note that the number of female candidates has been decreasing over the past few years. Let's hope more women step up in the future!

District Distribution

The fourth district is leading the pack with 68 candidates, followed by the second district with 53 candidates and the fifth district with 50 candidates. Looks like the competition is fierce in these areas!

Candidate Concerns

Improving Living Conditions

During the nomination period, candidates have been vocal about the need to improve living conditions for citizens. They're calling for urgent action to address inflation, high living costs, and the need for political reform. It's great to see them advocating for the people!

Political Reform

Candidates like Abdulaziz Al-Bathali are pushing for political reform as a way to correct any issues in the system. They want to see changes that benefit the citizens and move Kuwait forward.

Challenges Ahead

Many candidates are highlighting the challenges citizens face, such as inadequate healthcare, poor infrastructure, and high living costs. They're urging the government to take action and make positive changes for the people.

Looking to the Future

As the election approaches, candidates like Fawzi Al-Saqr are focused on enacting legislation that will enhance the nation's stability and rights. They're eager to make a difference and move Kuwait towards a brighter future.

Exciting Times Ahead

With so many candidates running and a variety of issues being discussed, it's clear that Nation 2024 is going to be an exciting race. Let's see who comes out on top and leads Kuwait into the future!

A Plan to Restore 100 Kuwaiti Heritage Buildings

Government Initiative

Recently, the Council of Ministers in Kuwait assigned the National Council for Culture, Arts, and Literature to speed up plans to restore heritage buildings in the country. The goal is to turn over 100 historical buildings into tourist attractions to boost domestic tourism and create more cultural and entertainment projects.

Preservation Efforts

The National Council is working with the Kuwait Municipality and other organizations to survey historical buildings across the country. They are sending a list of these buildings to the Ministry of Finance for further action.

Cultural Memory Reconstruction

The plan to restore historical buildings aims to preserve the country's cultural heritage. The government is focusing on heritage, culture, tourism, and entertainment projects to diversify the economy and reduce reliance on oil revenue.

Maintenance and Restoration

The National Council has already completed restoration work on several historical schools, turning them into cultural and administrative centers or museums. They are also working on restoring the American Hospital, Sadu House, and the Red Palace.

Heritage Mosques

There are 51 historical mosques in Kuwait, with the oldest dating back to the 1880s. The government is prioritizing the preservation of these mosques and other important buildings.

Shipbuilders and Other Buildings

The Al-Ayoub building in Sharq, once used for shipbuilding, is being prepared to become a national museum. The old municipality building and Sheikh Khazal Palace are also undergoing restoration for future cultural use.

 

General Ziv's Insights

Retired General Yisrael Ziv, former Director of Operations at the Israeli Ministry of Defense, believes that Hamas is fighting with a strategic vision, unlike Israel, which is focused on tactical military considerations in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas' Strategy

General Ziv points out that Hamas has shifted from direct military conflict to guerrilla warfare, which poses challenges for the Israeli army. Hamas is no longer seeking victory in a direct clash but is focused on guerrilla tactics, including explosive traps, similar to Hezbollah's tactics.

Time is Ticking

General Ziv warns that Israel is losing valuable time, while Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is resisting international pressure and waiting for American patience to run out. Sinwar aims to end the war with Israel withdrawing from Gaza, portraying it as a defeat for Israel.

General Ziv's Recommendations

General Ziv suggests accepting the American proposal to replace Hamas with Fatah in Gaza, under Israeli control, with conditions including humanitarian aid and dismantling all Hamas forces. He criticizes Prime Minister Netanyahu for a tactical approach that lacks strategic gains.

Rafah and Lebanon

General Ziv advises against storming Rafah without coordination, especially during Ramadan, to avoid harming Israel's international image. In Lebanon, he recommends targeting Hezbollah and pressuring the Lebanese government to stop supporting the group.

Even though Hezbollah may be losing tactically, they are controlling the narrative and will not stop fighting until a ceasefire in Gaza is achieved.

Source: Israeli press

 

Belgium's Decision

Belgium recently announced that it will be intervening in a case brought by South Africa against Israel at the International Court of Justice. The case accuses Israel of committing "genocide" in the Gaza Strip.

Reason for Intervention

Sources at the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Brussels wants to present its interpretation of Article 2 of the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of Genocide, which defines the crime of genocide.

Foreign Minister's Statement

Foreign Minister Hajjah Lahbib mentioned that the International Court of Justice had sent a letter to states parties to the 1948 Convention, including Belgium, regarding the interpretation of the Convention in this case. Belgium wants to participate and share its interpretation of Article 2.

The Minister clarified that this intervention is not about taking sides but about strengthening international agreements that countries are part of.

Process and Timeline

The details of Belgium's interpretation and the submission date are still being worked out. The process could take several months to complete.

Precautionary Measures

The International Court of Justice revealed that South Africa has requested additional precautionary measures and changes to previous court orders in the case against Israel. This request was made due to new developments, including a widespread famine in Gaza.

This is the third request made by South Africa against Israel since the conflict began. The court had previously ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide and improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Source: Anadolu Agency

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Delivery of Humanitarian Aid

An Israeli newspaper, Jerusalem Post, reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested to US President Joe Biden the idea of sending humanitarian aid to Gaza by sea, just two weeks after the war broke out in Gaza.

Israeli Inspection in Cyprus

The newspaper stated that Netanyahu discussed with Biden on October 22 about delivering aid to Gaza through a sea route, with the condition that Israeli inspection would be conducted in Cyprus.

Exploring Maritime Supplies

Netanyahu later presented this strategy to Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides on October 31. The matter was revisited during a conversation between Netanyahu and Biden on January 19, where Netanyahu proposed forming a team to explore maritime supplies through Cyprus.

Biden's Response

Implementing Netanyahu's Plan

A source close to Netanyahu hinted that Biden was simply carrying out Netanyahu's plan and did not come up with anything new.

Diplomatic Tensions

The Jerusalem Post mentioned that tensions between Biden and Netanyahu escalated as Biden tried to distance himself from the Israeli Prime Minister for his re-election campaign.

Washington's Criticism

Building Emergency Port

Biden announced in his State of the Union address about the US military planning to construct an emergency temporary port off the coast of Gaza to aid in the entry of humanitarian aid into the Strip.

Criticism of Netanyahu

Washington sees this move as a criticism of Netanyahu, as Biden stated that Israel should do more to help the Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel's Response

Welcoming Biden's Announcement

Israel welcomed Biden's announcement of the military operation to build a temporary port. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and other officials were briefed on the necessary steps to establish a naval pier and roads for aid distribution.

Source: Jerusalem Post

 

Challenges in Delivering Ramadan Goods

This year, the Darfur region in western Sudan is facing difficulties in getting essential foods and agricultural products for Ramadan to different parts of the country. The ongoing war between the army and the Rapid Support Forces has caused chaos since April 15, resulting in many deaths and displacements.

Agricultural Impact

Agriculture in Darfur relies on rain for irrigation, but the war has disrupted farming activities. This has led to a decrease in production and made it harder to distribute crops to other regions of Sudan.

Types of Crops in Darfur

North Darfur produces millet and mariq, while South Darfur grows peanuts, hibiscus, ardib, dum, and baobab. Central and West Darfur focus on vegetables, fruits, lentils, and potatoes.

Missing Foods Due to War

The absence of these crops has affected the local community's nutrition and traditional dishes. Families are struggling to afford Ramadan foods and drinks due to the war's impact on income and poverty levels.

Impact on Farmers

Many farmers in South Darfur have stopped working due to the war, leading to a humanitarian crisis. They need urgent aid to improve their living conditions and alleviate their suffering.

Reasons for Decline

Government employee Al-Sadiq Jumaa Mustafa mentioned that the war, along with other factors like seed distribution issues and looting of agricultural equipment, has contributed to the decline in crop production for Ramadan.

Transportation Issues

Transportation problems have also hindered the delivery of agricultural supplies to other regions of Sudan, affecting the availability of Ramadan foods in many areas.

Struggling to Afford Necessities

Poor economic conditions have led to a shortage of essential foods for Ramadan. Many Sudanese, like journalist Muhammad Suleiman Hamed, have had to cut back on their purchases this year due to financial constraints.

Impact on Displaced People

Displaced individuals like Umm Kulthum from South Darfur are finding it hard to prepare traditional Ramadan drinks and foods. They are hoping for peace and stability to return soon.

Source: Al Jazeera

 

US Intelligence Assessment

Challenges Faced by Key Arab Partners

According to US intelligence agencies, Israel is determined to eliminate Hamas but may face armed resistance from the group for many years. The conflict in the Gaza Strip poses a challenge for key Arab partners who are facing public backlash due to the destruction in the region.

Senate Testimony

The annual unclassified international threat assessment report was completed last month and was declassified during intelligence officials' testimony before the Senate. Officials did not address questions about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government but focused on negotiations for detainee releases.

Pressure on Israel and America

The assessment predicts that Israel will continue to face armed resistance from Hamas for years to come. The report also highlights the underground infrastructure of Hamas, which allows them to hide and surprise Israeli forces. The recent attacks in Gaza have led to increased tensions in the region, with Iranian proxies launching anti-American and anti-Israeli attacks.

International Pressure

Israel is expected to face growing international pressure due to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. The lack of confidence in Prime Minister Netanyahu's leadership among Israelis may lead to large protests demanding his resignation.

About the US Intelligence Community

The US Intelligence Community is a group of 18 federal government agencies that work together to support the foreign policy and national security of the United States. It was established by President Ronald Reagan in 1981.

Source: Agencies

 

Ramadan Begins in Gaza

On the 157th day of the war in Gaza, Palestinians started fasting for the month of Ramadan. Despite this, Israeli bombings and attacks continued, making life even harder for people in Gaza. There doesn't seem to be an end to the war in sight.

International Calls for Ceasefire

The United Nations Secretary-General and the White House both called for a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan. Efforts are being made to reach a temporary ceasefire to stop the violence.

Developments in Different Areas

West Bank

Israeli forces increased security measures in the West Bank during Ramadan and imposed restrictions on residents of Jerusalem.

Lebanon

Hezbollah attacked Israeli positions in the Golan Heights, including an air defense headquarters.

Yemen

The Houthi group reported being targeted by American and British airstrikes in Hodeidah Governorate.

Updates from Gaza

The Al-Qassam Brigades are engaged in intense battles with Israeli forces using heavy weapons. The Ministry of Health reported 7 massacres in the past 24 hours, resulting in many casualties.

Humanitarian Crisis

The situation in Gaza is dire, with the risk of famine looming. The director of government information in Gaza blamed Israel and the US for committing war crimes against children and women.

Efforts for Ceasefire

The US and other countries dropped humanitarian aid in Gaza, but there are still concerns about the safety of civilians. President Biden emphasized the need for a plan to protect civilians in Rafah.

Incidents in the West Bank

Israeli forces killed a Palestinian in the West Bank and carried out raids in several cities. Settlers also attacked farmers and herders in Hebron.

Lebanese Front

Hezbollah clashed with Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties on both sides. The Israeli army used the Iron Dome system to intercept missiles from Lebanon.

Red Sea Axis

Reports of American and British aggression in Yemen's Red Sea coast raised concerns. Attacks targeted areas in Hodeidah Governorate, leading to tensions in the region.

UN Calls for Peace

UN Secretary-General Guterres urged for a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan. He emphasized the need to stop the violence and allow humanitarian aid to reach those in need.

 

Imagine a huge wooden lantern, over 6 meters in size, hanging in the Barajeel area of Egypt. This lantern is not just any decoration - it carries a special message. The phrase “Palestine in the Heart” is proudly displayed on the sides of the lantern, symbolizing solidarity and support for Palestine.

A Long-Standing Tradition

For about 40 years, the people of the Barajeel area have been coming together to create the largest lantern in Egypt to celebrate the holy month of Ramadan. This lantern is a labor of love, crafted by carpenters, engravers, blacksmiths, electricians, and glass workers from the local community.

Community Celebration

This year, the hanging of the lantern in the Barajeel area was a festive event. Children danced and sang Ramadan songs around the lantern, creating a joyful atmosphere. It was a moment of unity and joy for the neighborhood.

Symbol of Hope

While the tradition of lantern-making in Egypt dates back to the Fatimid era, this year’s lantern holds special significance. It coincided with a devastating Israeli aggression on Gaza, reminding people of the importance of standing in solidarity with brothers in Gaza.

Spread of Tradition

Throughout Egypt, during the month of Ramadan, you can see lanterns and decorations adorning streets, parks, and public places. It is a beautiful tradition that brings communities together and spreads joy during this special time of year.

 

Confusion in the Occupation Army

During the battle in the Gaza Strip with the resistance led by the Al-Qassam Brigades, the Israeli military found themselves in a state of confusion. They had been waging a war in Gaza for over 156 days, but their confidence was shaken after suffering a strike on October 7. The occupation army's main goal was to eliminate the resistance, but they were unable to achieve it.

Secrets of the Resistance's Steadfastness

 The resistance in the Gaza Strip relies on a tactic called "passive defense" to neutralize enemy targets and reduce damage. This tactic involves using preventive measures to mislead the enemy's intelligence and combat weapons, making them less effective.

Misleading the Enemy

Despite continuous bombing and limited resources, the resistance is able to strike the occupation forces by misleading them. They use video recordings to show fighters approaching enemy crowds and attaching explosive devices to vehicles without being detected.

Examples of Occupation Failure

The resistance has been able to deliver strikes that surprised the occupation, such as targeting armored vehicles and killing occupation soldiers. The resistance's knowledge of the land in Gaza, along with their adoption of passive defense and guerrilla warfare, has allowed them to inflict heavy losses on the occupation.

Survival Strategy

The resistance's survival strategy involves neutralizing the enemy's intelligence and combat capabilities, making it difficult for the enemy to track their movements. They use security measures like radio silence, camouflage, and obstacles to avoid detection.

Understanding Passive Defense Strategies in Gaza

 When talking about passive defense strategies in Gaza, we're referring to how the resistance, led by the Al-Qassam Brigades, plans to confront the occupation forces. Instead of directly attacking, the resistance focuses on absorbing enemy strikes, using violent bombing, creating belts of fire, and implementing a scorched earth policy.

The Importance of Tunnels

One key aspect of the resistance's defensive plan is the use of tunnels. These tunnels help neutralize enemy devices like satellites, thermal cameras, and reconnaissance aircraft, giving the resistance an advantage in the battlefield.

Decentralized Leadership

Unlike the occupation army, which has a centralized command structure, the resistance adopts a decentralized leadership approach. This means that fighters on the ground have the freedom to assess the situation and make decisions based on the combat scenario they are facing. This flexibility allows the resistance to remain effective even if communication with the command is lost.

Occupation Gatherings

One interesting aspect of the resistance's tactics is the decision not to target occupation soldiers when they appear in crowds in Gaza. This may be due to a variety of reasons, such as the location of the crowds being unknown to the resistance or outside the range of their weapons. Additionally, the resistance may be waiting for re-ammunition or have already struck the target but was unable to document it.

Ultimately, the resistance only allows enemy forces to land on the ground after ensuring that the area has been cleared through bombing or fire belts, or after the resistance elements have withdrawn.

 

Bombing and Casualties

On the 156th day of the war on Gaza, Israel continued to target civilians in different areas, resulting in more casualties. The Israeli army carried out bombings in several parts of the Gaza Strip, causing injuries and deaths to many people. Within 24 hours, there were 8 massacres that led to the deaths of 85 Palestinians and injuries to 130 others. The total number of casualties from the ongoing aggression has now surpassed 31,000 deaths and 72,000 wounded, with a majority being women and children.

Resistance Actions

The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, carried out operations against Israeli forces. They blew up a house in Bani Suhaila and clashed with another force in a tunnel, resulting in casualties among the Israeli soldiers. The Israeli army also reported the death of one of their soldiers in battles in the south of the Gaza Strip.

Political Developments

The head of the Hamas political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, blamed Israel for the lack of agreement so far. He mentioned that Hamas is willing to show flexibility on the issue of prisoners if the aggression stops and the displaced people are allowed to return. Haniyeh emphasized that Hamas has set conditions for negotiations, including a ceasefire and preventing any harmful plans against Gaza.

Prisoner Exchange Talks

Egypt is in contact with Hamas, Israel, and other mediators to resume negotiations for a truce during Ramadan. US President Joe Biden expressed his desire for a 6-week truce, during which Israeli detainees in Gaza would be released.

Humanitarian Crisis

The month of Ramadan began in Gaza with severe humanitarian conditions. Many residents are suffering from hunger and lack of basic necessities. The UNRWA highlighted the tragic situation in the north of Gaza, where aid is being blocked despite repeated appeals. The US military announced new aid landing operations over Gaza, and Washington plans to build a naval pier for aid reception.

Post-War Period

A Hamas security official dismissed the occupation's attempt to create governing bodies in Gaza as a failed conspiracy. Hamas warned against collaborating with the occupation and vowed to protect Gaza from any new rules imposed by external forces.

Israeli Confession and Other Developments

The Israeli army admitted to killing an elderly Palestinian in Gaza, sparking outrage from Hamas. In Al-Aqsa Mosque, security measures were heightened during Ramadan prayers. In the West Bank, the Israeli army conducted incursions in various cities and towns. Hezbollah carried out attacks on Israeli sites along the Lebanese border, prompting preparations for a potential large-scale attack by the Israeli army.

Source: Agencies