Category: Miscellaneous

GAZA: A young woman and a two-month-old baby were pronounced dead today due to drought and malnutrition in the northern Gaza Strip, medical sources have confirmed.

With the tragic death of the young woman and the infant, the documented toll of victims dying from malnutrition and drought as a result of the Israeli blockade imposed on the region has now reached 25.

The Gaza Strip, especially the northern region, is grappling with severe shortages in food, water, medication, and fuel. Even the aid reaching the southern region of the enclave has been insufficient, particularly with the displacement of over 1.3 million people from northern Gaza to the south, notably to Rafah.

The Israeli occupation forces not only prevent the entry of humanitarian aid into northern Gaza but also intentionally target citizens as they await the arrival of desperately needed aid supplies. This has resulted in the tragic murder of hundreds of civilians and injuries to many more.

The World Health Organization has warned that malnut
rition is particularly exacerbated in the northern region, where infrastructure destruction and shortages in water, food, and medication have prevailed since the beginning of the ongoing Israeli aggression.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

Saudi Arabia’s foreign ministry on Saturday welcomed the UN Security Council’s adoption of a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Sudan during Ramadan.

‘We renew the call for all Sudanese parties to adhere to the outcomes of the Jeddah talks,’ the ministry said in a statement posted on X on Saturday.

The Kingdom expressed its hope that all parties in Sudan will adhere to the Security Council resolution in a way that preserves Sudan and the lives of its people, the statement added.

Jeddah last year hosted a series of talks between the warring factions – Sudan’s regular army and the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces – hoping to find a solution to the conflict, which has displaced over three million people, including more than 700,000 who have fled to neighboring countries.

Talks have been suspended after numerous ceasefire violations by both sides.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

The Egyptian Red Crescent Society (ERCS) announced the distribution of 30,000 iftar and suhoor meals daily to Palestinians facing starvation conditions in the Israeli-besieged Gaza Strip during the Holy month of Ramadan.

The ERCS is preparing a makeshift kitchen at its food supply centre in North Sinai’s Sheikh Zuwaid City to support and alleviate the suffering endured by displaced Palestinian families in the strip.

‘With every hot meal, we send a message: You are not alone, we are with you until we overcome this crisis,’ read a statement by the ERCS on Wednesday.

The 30-day-long Islamic holy month of Ramadan is likely to begin on Monday or Tuesday.

More than 85 percent of Gaza’s 2.4 million population has been internally displaced multiple times, primarily from the North to the South, and sought refuge in 155 UNRWA facilities, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA),

Approximately 70 percent of Gaza’s 439,000 homes and nearly half of its buildings have suffered damage or were des
troyed, according to media reports.

Since the start of the Israeli war on Gaza on 7 October, Egypt has spearheaded efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza through the Rafah border crossing.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority (ADAFSA) urged farmers and livestock breeders to take necessary precautions to deal with storms, winds, and rainy weather, advising caution to avoid risks of weather fluctuations on farms, barns, workers, and winter crops, especially vegetables and date palm trees.

The authority advised farmers and livestock breeders to ensure the safety of water drainage tools and means on the farm to ensure proper drainage of rainwater without flooding crops, and to ensure the safety of electrical installations by a specialised technician to prevent electrical contact or power outage due to winds or rain.

Regarding livestock, the authority called for keeping livestock in their shelters during weather fluctuations and not leaving them in open areas to avoid exposure to wind and rain currents, while providing the necessary water for livestock to drink, so they do not have to drink rainwater collected in the barn, and monitoring the general health of barn animals, an
d in case of suspicion of any symptoms, farmers should consult a veterinarian for examination and appropriate treatment.

The authority also advised the importance of protecting feed stocks by keeping feed in tightly closed storage facilities and covering them with covers to prevent exposure to moisture and rain.

The authority emphasised the need to place feed on wooden or other tables to protect it from moisture. In case some feed is exposed to rainwater, it is preferable to separate and dry it to avoid damaging the rest of the stock.

As for farmers, ADAFSA advised ensuring that movable tools and equipment are not left in the wind’s path to prevent them from flying and causing harm to crops or protected structures. It is also essential to check for broken branches in farm trees to prevent them from flying due to strong winds and causing damage to the farm, while avoiding maintenance or construction operations inside the farm during stormy weather to ensure worker safety.

Regarding guidance and advice for
protected structures, the authority stressed the importance of operating fans to reduce pressure inside the protected structures and running water on cooling panels to minimise the entry of dust. Additionally, it is important to ensure the safety of the iron structure and plastic cover and avoid damage, check the electricity in the farm, ensure the safety and readiness of the backup generator, and ensure that the water drains at the edges of the protected structures are open properly to prevent water from entering inside. It is also advised to stop agricultural operations inside protected structures during periods of weather fluctuations to ensure worker safety.

The authority emphasised the importance of preventive crop spraying with a general fungicide in case of high humidity, low temperatures, and immediately after rainfall, to reduce the risk of crop fungal diseases.

Farmers and livestock owners were urged to consult agricultural guidance centres or veterinary clinics if they need technical assistance f
rom guidance engineers or affiliated veterinarians. These guidance centres and veterinary clinics, spread across various regions of Abu Dhabi Emirate, provide specialised technical guidance and advice to farmers and livestock breeders to ensure the protection of plants and livestock from climate change impacts, preventing agricultural crop damage or harm to livestock.

Source: Emirates News Agency

GAZA: Two Palestinian civilians were killed and seven others sustained injuries in an Israeli airstrike this afternoon which targeted the Al-Shati refugee camp, west of Gaza City, according to local sources.

Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli warplanes targeted a residential building in the camp upon the heads of its occupants. The strike resulted in the tragic murder of two individuals, while seven others were wounded, suffering from various injuries.

The ongoing Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has so far resulted in over 30,960 reported fatalities, most of whom are children and women, with an additional 72,524 documented injuries, according to the Ministry of Health.

This toll remains provisional as thousands of victims are feared dead under rubble or left in the streets, with Israeli forces hindering access for ambulance and civil defense crews.

Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA

Amman: The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor said that Palestinian prisoners and detainees from the Gaza Strip held by the Israeli army are subjected to premeditated murder and arbitrary execution outside the scope of the law and the judiciary, including killing under torture.

The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor emphasized that in order to hold the perpetrators accountable, exhume their bodies, identify them, return their remains, and bring justice to the victims and their families, the international judicial authorities must act and launch an immediate and serious international investigation. In Israeli jails and detention facilities, thousands of people are still being held under arrest, subjected to forced disappearances, or both. He demanded that all essential steps be taken to preserve their lives.

In spite of numerous international condemnations and demands to ensure the rights and safety of prisoners and detainees, the Monitor continued, Israeli prisons and detention centers have become bloodier versions o
f Guantanamo prison, with shameful forms of torture witnessed, including murder, ill-treatment, degrading treatment, and deprivation of the most basic rights.

While some Palestinian prisoners and detainees died as a result of severe torture and ill-treatment while they were being held in the Sde Teman camp and other Israeli detention centers and military installations, the Monitor expressed its horror and shock at the ongoing revelations of murders committed with deliberate intent against these individuals.

It referred to information published two days ago by the Israeli newspaper “Haaretz” on the deaths of 27 Gaza Strip detainees since October 7 as a result of abuse or lack of access to medical care while they were being questioned and held in Israeli military facilities.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Egypt’s First Lady Entissar El Sisi asserted on Friday 08/03/2024 that Egyptian woman is considered as a source of inspiration, symbol of giving and main partner to develop the community.

During the ‘Egyptian woman: successful icon’, Sisi greeted and appreciated all Egyptian women on the occasion of International Women’s Day.

She pointed out that the Egyptian woman is the mother, wife, sister, grandmother and daughter as well as partner, supporter and source of inspiration.

She added that women’s rights should be protected and she should be given opportunity to support her societal and national role.

She added that Egyptian women had proven that they are successful in all fields.

The first lady added that Egyptian women managed to surpass all challenges that faced her including the tough economic situation.

She also conveyed President Abdel Fattah El Sisi’s appreciation to Egyptian women on the occasion of International Women’s Day and the holy month of Ramadan.

She also honored a number of Egyptian wo
men over their success in various domains.

Source: State Information Service Egypt

GENEVA: Jusoor International for Media and Development, a non-governmental and nonprofit organisation, organised an event on the sidelines of the 55th session of the Human Rights Council entitled “False Information in Conflict Zones.”

The speakers’ interventions stressed the seriousness of the phenomenon and the extent to which false information affects communities, peoples, individuals, and their lives. They also emphasised the need to combat it through measures that deter the spreaders of this type of news, especially in light of the current technological development and the impact of artificial intelligence when used in the field of media.

Mohamed Al Hammadi, President of Jusoor International for Media and Development, emphasised the growing threat of false and misleading information in the media. He highlighted the crucial role of media, journalists, and organisations in combating this issue, particularly in verifying information shared on social media to prevent misinformation from distorting facts and
undermining credibility. Al Hammadi warned about the detrimental impact of false information on journalism, its credibility, and the potential for turning a just cause into the opposite when widely circulated.

Valéria Emília, a human rights lawyer and expert, highlighted the pervasive impact of false information across various sectors, particularly when used in an ethnic or racist context. She emphasised historical instances of such manipulation during World War II and the Cold War, driven by ideological agendas. Emília underscored the role of technology and AI in exacerbating the spread of misinformation, urging media outlets to verify sources diligently.

Dr. Viola Krebs, an expert in digital technologies and artificial intelligence, emphasised the danger of false information spreading online to shape public opinion. With AI advancements, distinguishing between real and manipulated content has become increasingly difficult. Krebs urged governments to develop innovative programs to verify and counter misinf
ormation, especially in conflict zones where AI is being used as a weapon.

It is worth noting that the event, which was held at the Geneva Graduate Institute, was attended by a number of representatives of human rights organisations, civil society organisations, academics, and journalists.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: In celebration of International Women’s Day, the British Embassy in Amman launched its “Ambassadors for a Day” initiative, selecting Sara Al Mousa and Tala Soudi to shadow embassy officials for a day of engagement with key societal sectors in Jordan.

Al Mousa, a Master’s student in Social Work Migration and Refugees, and Al Soud, an undergraduate in Cyber Security, participated in meetings focused on the challenges and progress of women in Jordan.

British Ambassador Philip Hall and Deputy Head of Mission and Development Director Hazel Mowbray expressed their enthusiasm for the insights brought by Al Mousa and Al Soud. “Their perspectives have shed light on ongoing issues such as personal status, sexual harassment, transport, and childcare access,” Hall stated.

The initiative underscored the potential for greater achievements in gender equality, reflecting on the discussions held with schoolchildren, women in business, and academia.

Sara Al Mousa voiced her commitment to advocating for a discriminat
ion-free society where women and girls can enjoy full human rights and equal opportunities. “I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the National Strategy for Women in Jordan and the embassy’s Gender and Inclusion Strategy,” she said, emphasizing the importance of investing in women and girls.

Tala Soudi shared her honor in participating, noting the significant contributions of women in business and academia she encountered. “The event at the Middle East University was particularly inspiring, showcasing the achievements of women academics across various fields,” Al Soud remarked, expressing her desire to inspire young girls toward advocacy for gender equality and women’s rights.

The embassy’s initiative aims to provide young Jordanian women with firsthand diplomatic experience and to join a network advocating for gender equality and social inclusion. This program aligns with the embassy’s broader efforts to support and celebrate the achievements and potential of women in Jordan and beyond.

Source: Jordan Ne
ws Agency