Day: July 24, 2024

Secretary-General of the Arab League Ahmed Aboul Gheit has condemned the Israeli Knesset's decision to classify UNRWA as a terrorist organization, saying that the decision is an insult to humanitarian work at the international level. In a statement issued today, Aboul Gheit said that the decision targets the legitimacy of UNRWA and its international reputation and that it is part of the occupying power's systematic campaign to diminish the vital role of the global agency dedicated to serving refugees. He added that the decision reflects Israeli politicians' vision, which is devoid of any human or ethical considerations. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Western media reported that a number of Palestinians were martyred and injured by Israeli army bullets during their storming of Qalandia camp and the city of Tubas in the West Bank. These outlets reported that a Palestinian died as a result of being shot by the Israeli army during the storming of the Qalandia refugee camp on Wednesday morning. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported that two citizens were injured by live bullets, one in the knee and the other in the foot, during the occupation forces' storming of the camp. She added, "The total number of casualties so far is 3 with live bullets." The Israeli army also blew up the house of the late Muhammad Manasra after besieging it and evacuating the neighboring homes. It also raided several homes in the camp and caused widespread destruction. It is noteworthy that Manasrah was shot dead by the Israeli army last February near the town of Al-Lubban Al-Sharqiya, south of the city of Nablus. A Palestinian soldier in the customs police was also marty red and another captain was wounded near the customs police headquarters by special unit gunfire after storming the city of Tubas on Wednesday morning. The Red Crescent Society stated that its crews in Tubas were able to reach the site of the attack in the city and were transporting a martyr and a moderate chest injury to the hospital. In the city of Tulkarm, local sources announced that "a young man died as a result of his injuries during the occupation forces' aggression against the Tulkarm camp." In Hebron Governorate, Israeli forces arrested four citizens, including a university student, after raiding their homes on Wednesday. Local sources said, "The occupation forces severely beat a number of citizens while raiding several homes in the city of Hebron." The Israeli forces arrested a girl from the village of Salem, east of the city of Nablus. Security sources reported that 'the occupation forces stormed the village at dawn, and arrested the girl after raiding her family's home and tampering with its contents.' The Israeli army also raided several homes in the village of Burqa, northeast of Nablus. Source: National Iraqi News Agency

Three hundred thirty-three male and female students from 90 countries took the practical test today in the 56th edition of the International Chemistry Olympiad, taking place in Riyadh, after the test was translated into more than 50 languages under the supervision of 260 international specialists in the field of chemistry. This is to ensure the accuracy of the final versions before delivering them to students. The practical test, which takes place over five hours in the laboratories of King Saud University (KSU), represents an essential part of the international competition that aims to enhance international communications in the field of chemistry and motivate students to find creative solutions to chemical issues. The test consists of a laboratory practical exam and a theoretical and written one, which students will take next Friday, requiring them to present their best efforts in a highly competitive environment. This year, the International Chemistry Olympiad is organized by the King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Creativity (Mawhiba), in a strategic partnership with the Ministry of Education and KSU, and with exclusive sponsorship from the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC). This Olympiad reflects the Kingdom's commitment to supporting and developing scientific talents and strengthens its position as a leading hub in scientific aspects internationally. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Kurdish sources announced that Turkish aircraft targeted sites in the villages of Kani in Dohuk Governorate, northern Iraq, without specifying the extent of the losses. Areas in the Kurdistan region, northern Iraq, are constantly subjected to Turkish air and artillery bombardment. The Turkish authorities say they are targeting members and sites of the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK). Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomes the statement issued by the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen Hans Grundberg on July 23, concerning the agreement between the Yemeni government and Ansar Allah Houthis on several measures to de-escalate tensions in the banking sector and Yemenia Airways. The Kingdom expressed its support for the efforts to achieve peace and security for Yemenis. The Kingdom reiterated its continued support for Yemen's government and people, and emphasized its commitment to encouraging efforts to de-escalate the situation and maintain calm. The Kingdom also expressed hope that this agreement will lead to Yemeni parties present at the dialogue table under the auspices of the Office of the UN Special Envoy for Yemen discussing economic and humanitarian issues, and ultimately reaching a comprehensive political solution to the Yemeni crisis within the framework of the roadmap that supports the peace process in Yemen. Source: Saudi Press Agen cy

Baghdad Operations Command forces arrested armed 'parties to quarrels' and others according to various legal articles in a number of areas on the Rusafa side. The Command stated in a statement: The security forces of the First Division, Federal Police, arrested (26) defendants according to various legal articles, including (12) defendants accused of 'parties to armed quarrels,' and seized the weapons and equipment they possessed in the Karrada area, and three defendants who attempted to attack Shooting towards our security forces as they intervened to resolve a quarrel that broke out with weapons between two parties in the Nahrawan area. It added, in a related context, another force from the same division was able to arrest (4) people selling unlicensed alcoholic beverages on public roads, within the areas of (Karada, Abu Nawas) next to Rusafa, and take the necessary legal measures against them. Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The enchanting plant "bassia eriophora", known locally as "Zamim Al-Barr" or "cotton", is flourishing in the harsh desert environment of the Imam Turki bin Abdullah Royal Reserve. With its distinctive white, woolly appearance and delicate yellow flowers, the plant is a captivating sight. Its pleasant aroma adds to its allure. Thriving in sandy soils, the Zamim Al-Barr is testament to the resilience of nature. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, this herb holds potential medicinal properties. It can grow up to a meter tall and its silvery leaves create a dazzling effect when sunlight hits them, earning it the nickname "desert diamond". The reserve itself has witnessed a remarkable ecological transformation. Since its inception in 2018, the vegetation cover has surged from a mere 1.5% to an impressive 6.7%. This green revolution is attributed to three successful desert afforestation projects completed in 2023, which saw the planting of over 593,700 trees. The reserve now boasts a rich biodiversity, with 179 plant s pecies calling it home. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The Islamic Resistance announced today, Wednesday, an attack on a 'vital target' in the Israeli city of Eilat using drones. The "Islamic Resistance" said in a statement on the "Telegram" application: "Today, Wednesday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq attacked a vital target in the occupied northern Umm al-Rashrash (Eilat) using drones." The statement added that the targeting comes "in continuation of our approach to resisting the occupation, supporting our people in Palestine, and in response to the massacres committed by the usurping entity against civilians, including children, women, and the elderly." Source: National Iraqi News Agency

The Ministry of Tourism and Al-Balad Development Company, a Public Investment Fund (PIF) subsidiary, today signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) concerning collaboration to empower national human capital in the tourism sector. The MoU focuses on improving hospitality services in Jeddah's historic district, Al-Balad. The collaboration will create local jobs and develop a skilled workforce in the field of hospitality, heritage tourism, and tourist guidance. The agreement, signed by Al-Balad CEO Jamil Ghaznawi and the Ministry's Acting Undersecretary for Tourism Human Resources Development Hind Al-Zahid in the presence of Minister of Tourism Ahmed Al-Khateeb, stipulates a collaborative effort to harness shared resources and expertise. The partnership is bound to empower Saudi nationals through comprehensive training, education, and job opportunities. The initiative aligns with the Kingdom's National Tourism Strategy, which seeks to attract 150 million visitors annually by 2030 and create 1.6 million tour ism-related jobs. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Manama, The Kingdom of Bahrain welcomed the statement issued by the Office of the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on the agreement to de-escalation in the Republic of Yemen regarding the banking sector and Yemeni Airlines. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom of Bahrain's appreciation for the efforts of the United Nations, and its support for regional and international initiatives aimed at achieving peace and stability in Yemen and the region. The statement also expressed hope that this agreement would mark a pivotal step in terms of the commitment of all Yemeni parties to maintain stability and prioritise dialogue within the framework of the UN road map to reach a comprehensive and lasting political solution that meets the aspirations of the Yemeni people for security, stability and prosperity. Source: Bahrain News Agency