CAIRO: An Israeli airstrike killed at least 10 Palestinians in a tent encampment sheltering displaced families in southern Gaza Strip early on Thursday, medics said.
The 10 people, including women and children, were killed in a tent in Al-Mawasi, designated as a humanitarian area in western Khan Younis, according to the medics.
Fifteen people were also wounded, the medics added. The Israeli military has not immediately commented.
Israel has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians in the war in Gaza, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million people have been displaced and much of the tiny coastal strip is in ruins.
The war was triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel, in which 1,200 people were killed and another 251 taken hostage to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.
10 killed as Israeli airstrike targets shelter for displaced families in Gaza, medics say
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10 killed as Israeli airstrike targets shelter for displaced families in Gaza, medics say
- Israel has killed more than 45,500 Palestinians in the war in Gaza, according to health officials in the Hamas-run enclave
Prince William expresses sadness at death of his former nanny’s stepson in New Orleans attack
London’s Metropolitan Police confirmed Saturday that they are supporting the family of 31-year-old Edward Pettifer, including helping them through the process of returning his body to the UK. Pettifer, who is from west London, is the final victim to be identified.
In a statement on social media, the Prince of Wales said he and his wife, Catherine, were “shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack.”
Pettifer was the stepson of Tiggy Legge-Bourke, who was the nanny for both William and his brother, Prince Harry, between 1993 and 1999, which included time after the death of their mother Princess Diana in 1997. Legge-Bourke, who is also known as Alexandra Pettifer, was regularly photographed with Diana.
British media also reported that King Charles III is said to be deeply saddened by the news and that he has sent his condolences to Pettifer’s family.
In a statement, Pettifer’s family said they were “devastated at the tragic news of Ed‘s death” and described him as “a wonderful son, brother, grandson, nephew and a friend to so many.”
“We will all miss him terribly. Our thoughts are with the other families who have lost their family members due to this terrible attack,” the family added.
The UK’s Foreign Office also said it was supporting Pettifer’s family and was in contact with US authorities.
Authorities say 14 people were killed and about 30 were injured in the attack early Wednesday by Shamsud-Din Jabbar, a former Army soldier who posted several videos on his Facebook hours before the attack previewing the violence he would unleash and proclaiming his support for the Islamic State militant group. The coroner’s office listed the cause of death for all 14 victims as “blunt force injuries.”
Jabbar, 42, was fatally shot in a firefight with police at the scene of the deadly crash on Bourbon Street, famous worldwide for its festive vibes in New Orleans’ historic French Quarter.
‘I love that team’: Arab fans turn out in force to cheer on AC Milan and Juventus in Riyadh
- A 2-1 win saw Milan reach EA Sports FC Italian Supercup final where they will meet Inter on Monday
RIYADH: AC Milan fans from across the region were celebrating a famous win over Juventus as their team bounced back from a goal deficit to claim a 2-1 victory in the EA Sports FC Italian Supercup semifinal at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.
The match was watched by a large contingent of local Saudi supporters and many others who had traveled from across the Gulf to cheer on the two Italian giants.
Milan striker Tammy Abraham, who had a big impact after coming on for the last half-hour, thanked supporters for inspiring the players in their comeback win, describing Saudi Arabia as “a beautiful country.”
AC Milan supporter Alhasan Alghanim, from Saudi Arabia, said: “I’m here today supporting my team in the semifinals. Hopefully, on Monday we will win against Inter.”
Issa Tayei, from Qatar, told Arab News that he traveled to the Kingdom for the first time to attend the Supercup and support his favorite team, Juventus.
Assim Abu Ibrahim attended the event to support his son, who is a part of the Juve Academy, but is a devoted Milan fan.
“I am a big supporter of AC Milan, controversially. Since I was a child, I loved that team, and I am still committed to them. I love football,” he said.
The 37th edition of the Supercup began on Thursday with Inter Milan beating Atalanta 2-0.
The event aligns with Saudi Arabia’s Quality of Life program and the country’s plan to continue hosting major global sporting events.
The Ministry of Sports organized the event, which is being hosted by the Kingdom for the fifth time, as part of its commitment to achieving the objectives of Saudi Vision 2030.
Ryan Rickelton hits 259 as South Africa take control against Pakistan
- Rickelton batted for 607 minutes before being caught at mid-on attempting a big hit
- Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan took six catches in the South African innings
CAPE TOWN: Ryan Rickelton made 259 as South Africa took their first innings total to 615 all out on the second day of the second Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Saturday.
Resuming on 176, Rickelton was content to feed the strike to Kyle Verreynne (100) and Marco Jansen (62) in quick-scoring partnerships of 148 for the sixth wicket and 86 for the seventh wicket.
The left-handed opening batsman reached his double century off 266 balls and was finally seventh out, caught at mid-on going for a big hit. He batted for 607 minutes, facing 343 balls and hitting 29 fours and three sixes.
It was the joint seventh highest score by a South African batsman in Test cricket.
South Africa’s innings ended 40 minutes after tea when new cap Kwena Maphaka was bowled second ball for nought to become the 100th Test wicket for Mohammad Abbas.
At 18 years 270 days, Maphaka became South Africa’s youngest Test player when the match started on Friday.
Pakistan wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan held six catches in the South African innings.
Brief scores:
South Africa 615 in 141.3 overs (R. Rickelton 259, T. Bavuma 106, K. Verreynne 100, M. Jansen 62, K. Maharaj 40; Mohammad Abbas 3-94, Mir Hamza 2-127, Khurram Shahzad 2-123, Salman Agha 3-148).
Match situation: South Africa are 615 all out in the first innings.
Toss: South Africa.
Pakistan arranges temporary bandwidth to counter Internet slowdown amid submarine cable fault
- The country’s telecom regulator says there is no Internet service degradation is in the country currently
- Digital rights activists say government trying to suppress dissenting voices by minimizing online access
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s telecom regulator said on Saturday it had arranged temporary bandwidth to address degraded Internet services caused by a fault in the Asia-Africa-Europe-1 (AAE-1) submarine cable, ensuring Internet stability across the country.
The AAE-1 cable is one of seven international undersea cables connecting Pakistan to the global Internet. Disruptions in these cables can significantly impact Internet performance, affecting individual users and businesses reliant on stable connectivity for daily operations.
“The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) announces that to address the issue of degradation of Internet services due to fault in AAE1 submarine cable on January 2, 2025, ad hoc bandwidth has been arranged and added in the system,” the PTA said in a statement. “Now there is no degradation of Internet services across the country.”
The telecom regulator added it was actively monitoring restoration efforts for the AAE-1 cable and remained committed to ensuring stable services throughout the process.
The fault comes amid growing scrutiny of the Pakistan government’s handling of Internet and social media policies.
Following the February 2024 general elections, marred by allegations of irregularities, the government faced severe backlash over a ban on X, formerly known as Twitter. Local media also reported the government’s decision to establish an Internet firewall aimed at controlling “anti-state propaganda” and content deemed blasphemous, stirring further controversy.
Freelancers and businesses were also instructed later in the year to register VPNs to access online platforms, prompting public outrage, though the government extended the compliance deadline indefinitely since only a fraction of users had adhered to the directive.
Digital rights activists and political rivals accused the government of using these measures to suppress dissent, with a coalition partner, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), also voicing concerns.
PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari criticized the government for Internet slowdown, questioning why submarine cable faults always disproportionately affected Pakistan.
Heart of Africa’s culture, cuisine now at Boulevard World
- Food, coffee, music, crafts on offer in Riyadh
- New zone features giraffes, lions and parrots
RIYADH: Boulevard World has brought the vibrant spirit of Africa to Riyadh with a special zone featuring the cuisine and culture from some of the continent’s countries.
The Africa Zone has exotic wildlife including giraffes, colorful parrots, and lions. There is also an array of food and music from various nations.
A highlight is the Ethiopian Coffee experience, which showcases the country’s hospitality and rich traditions. This coffee is made using traditional methods which bring out unique flavors.
Hanan Amro, a coffee maker at one of the Ethiopian restaurants, told Arab News: “We bring our coffee beans from our farm in Ethiopia. They are fresh, and we carefully select them.
“We sun-dry, roast, and brew the coffee in our special pot to create a strong drink that combines elements of Turkish and Americano coffee.”
The Africa Zone also hosts live music featuring traditional rhythms and folk tunes.
For those looking to take a piece of Africa home, the zone features many kiosks selling antiques, animal statues and leather goods.
There is also an array of skincare products made with Shea butter, for which certain nations are renowned.
The launch of the Africa Zone coincides with Boulevard World’s expansion for this year’s Riyadh Season, which has increased the number of themed zones by five to 22.
The expansion is a part of Riyadh Season’s initiative to attract people from various backgrounds and promote cultural understanding.
