Israel army says struck Hezbollah fighters inside south Lebanon mosque

Israel army says struck Hezbollah fighters inside south Lebanon mosque
Israel's military launched an intensified wave of strikes on Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon, killing more than 1,110 people since September 23, and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee their homes in a country already mired in economic crisis. (File/AFP)
Updated 05 October 2024
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Israel army says struck Hezbollah fighters inside south Lebanon mosque

Israel army says struck Hezbollah fighters inside south Lebanon mosque

JERUSALEM: The Israeli military said Saturday its forces struck Hezbollah fighters inside a south Lebanon mosque overnight, the first such strike since clashes erupted between Israel and the militants last year.
“Overnight, with the direction of IDF (army) intelligence, the IAF (air force) struck Hezbollah terrorists who were operating within a command center that was located inside a mosque adjacent to the Salah Ghandour Hospital in southern Lebanon,” the military said in a statement.
“The command center was used by the Hezbollah terrorists to plan and execute terrorist attacks against IDF troops and the state of Israel.”
The Salah Ghandour Hospital, which is run by the Hezbollah-affiliated Islamic Health Committee, said nine of its medical and nursing staff were wounded by heavy strikes, most of them seriously, after it received an Israeli warning to evacuate.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency reported that the grounds of the hospital in the southern town of Bint Jbeil were “subjected to Israeli shelling.”
The hospital’s director Mohammed Sleiman told AFP it took a direct hit and was evacuated.


Ikmah, Richard Mille face off for Richard Mille Desert Polo Final in AlUla

Ikmah, Richard Mille face off for Richard Mille Desert Polo Final in AlUla
Updated 5 min 32 sec ago
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Ikmah, Richard Mille face off for Richard Mille Desert Polo Final in AlUla

Ikmah, Richard Mille face off for Richard Mille Desert Polo Final in AlUla
  • Ikmah showed their real strength and dominance of Group 1 after two victories against Dadan 4-2 and AlUla team 5-4
  • Richard Mille topped Group 2 after defeating Budget 3-0 and drawing 2-2 with Bentley

ALULA: Ikmah and Richard Mille have qualified to the final of the Richard Mille Desert Polo Championship 2025, and will face off in the final showdown that AlUla’s Al Fursan Village hosts on Saturday.
The fourth edition of the prestigious competition’s finale takes place at 4 p.m. Saudi time.
Ikmah showed their real strength and dominance of Group 1 after two victories against Dadan 4-2 and AlUla team 5-4.
Meanwhile, Richard Mille topped Group 2 after defeating Budget 3-0 and drawing 2-2 with Bentley.
The tournament’s Friday matches saw intense competition in the presence of distinguished figures, including Piero Dillier, president of the International Polo Federation, Amr Zidan, president of the Saudi Polo Federation, and Ziyad Al-Suhaibani, head of sports at the Royal Commission for AlUla.
Meanwhile, AlUla battles against Bentley for third place, and Dadan faces Budget to determine the fifth and sixth positions before the final.
Speaking about the event’s significance, Faisal bin Duwies, the Saudi Polo Federation’s CEO,” expressed pride in Saudi Arabia’s growing influence in the global sports arena.
“We take pride in seeing the Kingdom lead the global sports scene through prestigious championships.”
He emphasized the tournament’s role in fostering talent, highlighting the participation of polo legends from around the world, which enriches the experience for all competing players.
As anticipation builds, the final promises to be a thrilling display of skill and strategy, further cementing Saudi Arabia’s position as a premier destination for world-class polo.
The championship is being organized in coordination with the Royal Commission for AlUla.


Red Sea trade route will remain too risky: industry executives

Red Sea trade route will remain too risky: industry executives
Updated 17 min 40 sec ago
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Red Sea trade route will remain too risky: industry executives

Red Sea trade route will remain too risky: industry executives
  • The leader of Houthis said on Thursday that the group would monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the war in Gaza and continue its attacks on vessels or Israel if it is breached

LONDON: Companies transporting their products around the world are not ready to return to the Red Sea trade route in the wake of a Gaza ceasefire deal because of uncer- tainty over whether Houthis will continue to attack shipping, industry executives said.

The EU’s naval force in the Red Sea said its “threat assessment remains unchanged.”

The leader of Houthis said on Thursday that the group would monitor the implementation of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas aimed at ending the war in Gaza and continue its attacks on vessels or Israel if it is breached.

Executives from shipping, insurance, and retail industries said the risks remained too high to resume voyages through the Bab Al-Mandab Strait in the Red Sea, through which exports to Western markets from the Gulf and Asia must pass before entering the Suez Canal.

“There is no way I’m putting any of my merchandise on a boat that’s going to go through the Red Sea for some time to come,” said Jay Foreman, CEO of US-based Basic Fun, which supplies toys to major US retailers like Walmart and Amazon.com. Matt Castle, vice president of global forwarding with logistics group C.H. Robinson, said: “It’s not likely the industry will see a large shift back to the Suez Canal in the short term.”

He said this was due to the challenges of securing cargo insur- ance given perceived high risks and time constraints, as imple- menting a new ocean shipping plan would take weeks or months.

 


Avishka Fernando’s record-breaking knock leads Sharjah Warriorz to victory in ILT20

Avishka Fernando’s record-breaking knock leads Sharjah Warriorz to victory in ILT20
Updated 35 min 19 sec ago
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Avishka Fernando’s record-breaking knock leads Sharjah Warriorz to victory in ILT20

Avishka Fernando’s record-breaking knock leads Sharjah Warriorz to victory in ILT20
  • He smashes the fastest 50 in tournament history, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls on his way to a total of 81 from 27 balls
  • Dubai Capitals set a daunting target of 202, led by Shai Hope’s 83 off 49 balls, but the Warriorz bats let loose to reach it in only 18.1 overs

DUBAI: Avishka Fernando produced a stunning display of power-hitting to guide the Sharjah Warriorz to a thrilling five-wicket victory over the Dubai Capitals in the DP World International League T20 on Friday.

Fernando smashed the fastest half-century in the tournament’s history, reaching the milestone in just 16 balls, as the Warriorz chased a daunting target of 202 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium. His explosive 81 off 27 balls, featuring eight sixes and six fours, anchored the chase, which was completed in 18.1 overs.

“I wanted to play my natural game and I thank God for how things turned out, he said. “The wicket was great to bat on, and when they scored 200 I knew I had to play positively. It came naturally, and I’m grateful for that.

“I didn’t realize I had broken the record for the fastest 50 but I’m happy with the performance.”

The Capitals had posted an imposing 201/5, led by Shai Hope’s 83 off 49 balls. Captain Sikandar Raza praised his team’s batting but acknowledged the challenge created by late-game conditions.

“I thought it was a very good total. You don’t usually see 202 in Sharjah, so I was pretty confident it was a strong score, and we should have been able to win the game.

“Shai has been a fantastic addition to the team and hopefully the other players around him step up as well. The wicket got better later and the dew made it tougher. The cutters weren’t holding in the wicket either. Our fielding could have been better and Avishka played brilliantly.”

Johnson Charles (37 runs off 19 balls) and Jason Roy (26 off 21) provided the Warriorz with a strong start, while Luke Wells helped complete the job with a composed 31 not out from 17 balls.

The Capitals’ bowlers struggled under the batting onslaught, with Gulbadin Naib conceding 27 runs in a single over, the most in the tournament’s history.

The victory highlighted the strength of the Warriorz, in particular their explosive batting lineup, with Fernando’s heroics setting the tone for what already promises to be an exciting season of cricket.


Diriyah Season launches At-Turaif District activities

Diriyah Season launches At-Turaif District activities
Updated 51 min 12 sec ago
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Diriyah Season launches At-Turaif District activities

Diriyah Season launches At-Turaif District activities
  • Diriyah Season 2024/25 began on Dec. 20 last year, under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity”

DIRIYAH, Riyadh: Diriyah Season on Friday launched a new program of activities at the At-Turaif District, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offering visitors a range of cultural and historical experiences aimed at exploring Saudi Arabia’s heritage.

The program highlights key moments from the history of the first Saudi state through workshops, theatrical performances, and cultural sessions.

Visitors will engage in activities such as traditional Najdi design workshops, poetry recitations, and demonstrations of the Saudi Arda, the Kingdom’s traditional sword dance.

This year’s program also features the updated 850 Interactive Experience, named after the establishment of Diriyah in the Islamic calendar year 850 AH (1446 or 1447 AD in the Gregorian calendar).

The experience uses storytelling and puzzles to explore notable historical figures, including Imam Turki bin Abdullah, and key events from Diriyah’s history.

Workshops in traditional construction techniques, historical games, and exhibitions showcasing the district’s architecture are designed to deepen understanding of the region’s cultural significance, while live performances and discussions will further connect audiences with the stories of At-Turaif’s past, including its role in Saudi Arabia’s early statehood.

Diriyah Season 2024/25 began on Dec. 20 last year, under the theme “Entertain Your Cultural Curiosity.” The event aims to promote Diriyah as a cultural hub, combining historical education with live entertainment and creative showcases.


Aid agencies: Will take $80bn and 40 years to rebuild Gaza Strip

Aid agencies: Will take $80bn and 40 years to rebuild Gaza Strip
Updated 45 min 10 sec ago
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Aid agencies: Will take $80bn and 40 years to rebuild Gaza Strip

Aid agencies: Will take $80bn and 40 years to rebuild Gaza Strip

Rebuilding homes and infrastructure after Israel’s 15-month war on Gaza could take 40 years and cost more than $80 billion, aid agencies said on Friday.

The war has transformed the enclave into a rubble-strewn wasteland with blackened shells of buildings and mounds of debris. Major roads have been plowed up. Critical water and electricity infrastructure is in ruins. Most hospitals no longer function.
The full extent of the damage will be known only when the fighting ends on Sunday and inspectors have full access. The most heavily destroyed part of Gaza, in the north, has been sealed off and largely depopulated by Israeli forces in an operation that began last October.
Using satellite data, the UN estimates that 70 percent of structures in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, including over 245,000 homes.

Before anything can be rebuilt, the rubble must be removed — a staggering task in itself.
The war has littered Gaza with over 50 million tonnes of rubble, about 12 times the size of the Great Pyramid of Giza. With over 100 trucks working full time, it would take 15 years to clear.

“I can’t think of any parallel, in terms of the severity of damage, for an enclave or a country or a people,” said Corey Scher of the Shelter Cluster, an international coalition of aid providers led by the Norwegian Refugee Council.

The first target for aid is the health sector, with more than 80 percent of Gaza’s health facilities damaged or destroyed.

The World Health Organization said on Friday it would start by bringing prefabricated hospitals into the enclave and medically evacuating over 12,000 patients, a third of them children.