Day: August 24, 2024

Bethlehem - Ma'an - Large areas of the Bethlehem Water and Sewage Authority's concession area suffer from long periods of water cuts every year, especially during the summer, amidst the lack of solutions to this problem so far. Anton Salman, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Water and Sewage Authority in Bethlehem, said that there are many problems and challenges facing the Water Authority in Bethlehem, which prevents water from reaching large areas, especially the highlands. Salman explained in a press conference held at the headquarters of the Water and Sewage Authority in Bethlehem today, Saturday, that the Water Authority's concession area in Bethlehem covers an area estimated at 25 square kilometers, and is inhabited by approximately 119 thousand people, in addition to the expatriates whose number is estimated at 30 thousand. He explained that the governorate's water resources are limited, and there are wells that have stopped working. Over the course of 20 years, the quantities of water pumpe d towards the Bethlehem Water Authority's concession area have not increased despite the increase in the population. On the contrary, they have decreased compared to the past. Salman continued, that during the recent period there were negotiations with the Israeli side to search for a new water source through the Qubba barrier north of the city, so that water would be distributed in a different way from the current situation, with the problems continuing with the pumps that do not allow water to reach the high areas. Salman said that the major problems that the Water Authority in Bethlehem suffers from are the repeated attacks and thefts, which lead to the loss of 35-40% of the water. The repeated attacks also require approximately $150,000 to repair, and the Water Authority cannot provide this amount at present, nor can it provide security from repeated attacks. Salman explained that the Water Authority in Bethlehem has debts owed by citizens estimated at 157 million shekels, and there are some homes that have debts approaching 42 thousand shekels and there is no commitment to pay the dues to the Water Authority. He continued, "About 15,000 cups of water reach the Water Authority and about 35-40% of them are lost due to theft and assault, which affects the distribution and quantities to citizens. Many cases have been submitted to the Public Prosecution, stressing that there is no discrimination in distribution between one region and another." Source: Maan News Agency

The Islamic Resistance issued on Saturday the following statement: 'In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance targeted, at 12:15 pm on Saturday, August 24, 2024, the spy equipment at the Al-Raheb site with appropriate weapons and achieved direct hit." Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Bethlehem - Ma'an - Minister of Education Dr. Amjad Barham denied that the school year would be postponed. Barham confirmed in his interview with Ma'an's correspondent in Bethlehem that the school year will start on time. For his part, Sadiq Al-Khudour, the spokesman for the Ministry of Education, said that the Ministry of Education confirms that what is being published about postponing the school year until October is not true, stressing that all preparations are being made for the start of the administrative and academic bodies' work on 2-9, and the students' work on 9-9. Al-Khudour added that the Ministry of Education is surprised by the spread of such rumors under the current circumstances. Source: Maan News Agency

The Islamic Resistance mourned, in a statement on Saturday, martyr Ibrahim Hassan Fadel known as "Jihad", born in 2003 in the town of Toulin in southern Lebanon, who fell "on the road to Jerusalem. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

Chairman of the Board of Directors of the General Entertainment Authority (GEA) Advisor Turki bin Abdulmohsen Al Al-Sheikh announced that all tickets for the "Riyadh Season Card Wembley Edition" boxing match, to be held at Wembley Stadium in London on September 21, have been sold out. The highly anticipated event will feature a crucial heavyweight title bout between champions Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois for the International Boxing Federation (IBF) heavyweight world title clash. Anthony Cacace will face Josh Warrington for the IBF super featherweight title, while Joshua Buatsi will challenge Willie Hutchinson for the World Boxing Organization (WBO) interim light heavyweight title. In the middleweight fight, Tyler Denny will fight Hamzah Sheeraz, Liam Smith will compete against Josh Kelly for the light middleweight title, and Mark Chamberlain will take on Josh Badley for the lightweight title in the final clash. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The National News Agency correspondent said that an Israeli drone carried out an airstrike at around 12:05 p.m., during which it launched a guided missile raid targeting a house in the town of Aita al-Shaab in the Bint Jbeil district. Source: National News Agency - Lebanon

The Theater and Performing Arts Commission will hold a press conference on Tuesday to unveil details of the 14th edition of the Gulf Theater Festival, which the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia will host for the first time from September 10-17. At the press conference, the commission will present details about the festival, including events, activities, initiatives, and goals within the context of artistic cooperation in the Gulf region and the exchange of expertise among the participating Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. The festival, which is held periodically in GCC countries, will take place in the Kingdom for the first time this year. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Tuwaiq Academy has announced the launch of its partnership with the Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports. The partnership was signed by Chief Executive Officer of Tuwaiq Academy Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi and Executive Director of the Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports Abdullah Al-Sunaidi. The partnership aims to produce a skilled national workforce in the fields of robotics and remote control sports. This goal will be achieved by establishing camps and educational programs to develop technical capabilities across various disciplines within robotics and remote control sports. Chief Executive Officer of Tuwaiq Academy Abdulaziz Al-Hammadi emphasized the Academy's role in building national capabilities in modern technologies, including robotics. He highlighted the Academy's efforts in establishing educational camps in partnership with various organizations, utilizing an advanced learning methodology to hone the essential skills and expertise required, thereby positioning the Academy as a pioneerin g model in technical education. In turn, Executive Director of the Saudi Federation for Robotics and RC Sports Abdullah Al-Sunaidi praised the joint efforts with Tuwaiq Academy, noting their contribution to empowering trainees of different age groups with essential experiences and skills in the fields of robotics and remote control sports. Source: Saudi Press Agency

The land patrols of the Border Guards in the Jazan Region have arrested five Ethiopian nationals attempting to smuggle 195 kilograms of Khat. Legal procedures have been initiated, and the seized items were handed over to the competent authority. Security authorities urge the public to report any information related to drug smuggling or selling by calling 911 in Makkah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Region, or 999 in the rest of the Kingdom's regions. Reports can also be made to the General Directorate of Narcotics Control at 995 or via email at 995@gdnc.gov.sa. All reports will be treated with strict confidentiality. Source: Saudi Press Agency

Saudi Minister of Islamic Affairs, Dawah, and Guidance Sheikh Dr. Abdullatif bin Abdulaziz Al Al-Sheikh met today in Cairo with the Egyptian Minister of Endowments, Dr. Osama Al-Azhari. The meeting, attended by Saudi Ambassador to Egypt Saleh bin Eid Al-Husseini, marks the beginning of Dr. Al Al-Sheikh's visit to Egypt, where he leads the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's delegation at the 35th International Conference of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. The discussions between the two ministers focused on enhancing cooperation in various fields to advance Islamic work. Dr. Al-Azhari expressed his deep appreciation for Saudi Arabia's participation in the conference, acknowledging the Kingdom's influential role as a leader in Islamic affairs and its promotion of tolerance, moderation, and balanced discourse. The conference, scheduled for August 25-26, is being held under the patronage of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and will feature over 100 participants, including ministers, muftis, and repre sentatives of Islamic organizations from more than 60 countries. Source: Saudi Press Agency