Israeli occupation massacres 99 Palestinians within 24 hours in Gaza Strip

The Israeli inhumane war machine committed another act of genocide through massacring of 99 Palestinians in eight separate incidents in the Gaza Strip the last 24 hours, said a medical source on Thursday.

The Gaza health authorities revealed that the number of those injured within the same period reached 169.

It indicated that there were still some missing individuals under the rubbles caused by a variety of Israeli occupation’s assaults.

The number of those killed in total within 363 days had reached 41,788, while the injured reached 96,794.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

ACD/ Saudi Foreign Minister: Regional Challenges Require Consolidated Efforts, Joint Action

Doha: HH Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud said that the region is facing multiple challenges that require consolidated efforts and joint action to address.

In his speech during the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit (ACD) on Thursday, His Highness added that the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia emphasizes this platform’s significance in enhancing dialogue and cooperation between Asian countries in various fields, whether economic, political, cultural, or others. In this context, he pointed out that development challenges cannot be separated from the tense political and security situations in the region, especially in light of the ongoing events in Palestine and Lebanon, which represent a major obstacle to economic development and commercial progress.

He pointed out that the continuation of aggression and violations in the region hinders international trade and increases political tensions that threaten the flow of investments and economic coop
eration between the countries of the region and the world.

He noted that Saudi Arabia realizes that sustainable economic development can only be achieved in the context of political and security stability, and therefore emphasizes the importance of resolving regional conflicts through peaceful and diplomatic means to ensure the prosperity of the region. He added that from this standpoint, Saudi Arabia thanks the ACD countries for their support for the two-state solution and their recognition of the State of Palestine, urging the rest of the world to follow suit, which prompted the kingdom to contribute with its brethren and friends to establish the international coalition for a two-state solution.

He emphasized the importance of enhancing collective action and cooperation among the ACD countries to achieve the aspired goals of establishing it. He said that Asia has great potential and enormous energy, and if they can unify their efforts, they will be able to face challenges and transform them into opportuni
ties for growth, by strengthening economic partnerships and developing cooperation in the areas of regional security, technology, and energy, and working together to achieve the goals of sustainable development.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia stressed the importance of enhancing cooperation, especially between developing countries, in light of the economic and development challenges facing many of these countries. He noted that exchanging expertise and enhancing trade and investment among ACD countries constitute a strong foundation for advancing sustainable development and narrowing the gap between developed and influential countries.

He pointed out the increasing role of sports in enhancing diplomatic work, and its ability to transcend geographical and cultural borders and represent a bridge that unites peoples, indicating that the Kingdom believes in the importance of sports diplomacy as an effective means of facilitating constructive dialogue and supporting peace and stab
ility.

He called for enhancing sports activities and initiatives that bring together the ACD member states, in a way that unifies efforts to build a more harmonious and prosperous future for the region.

Concluding his speech, HH Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah Al-Saud praised the State of Qatar for hosting the 3rd ACD Summit, adding that Saudi Arabia looks forward to this summit yielding a new vision and innovative initiatives that contribute to strengthening Asian cooperation to achieve a bright future for the coming generations.

Source: Qatar News Agency

UN expert: Civilians protection in Khartoum “needed” amid reports of executions

The designated Expert on Sudan of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Radhouane Nouicer on Thursday called for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their respective allied armed movements and militia to take immediate measures to ensure the protection of civilians in the greater Khartoum area.

This call came amid an escalation of hostilities and disturbing reports of summary executions for up to 70 young men.

In a press release from Geneva, the UN expert stated that since 25 September 2024 the SAF launched a major offensive to retake areas under the control of the RSF in greater Khartoum.

The SAF reportedly launched airstrikes and artillery shelling targeting RSF positions focusing on key entry points to Khartoum including the Halfaya Bridge. Airstrikes and shelling reportedly resulted in dozens of civilian casualties and extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.

“The ongoing battle in greater Khartoum echoes the horror of the initial period of the conflict in Ap
ril 2023 and could result in a large number of civilian casualties among people trapped next to strategic locations serious human rights violations and massive displacement,” warned Nouicer.

Amid the intensified hostilities the Expert expressed alarm at reports of the summary execution of dozens of young men reportedly from the Halfaya neighborhood in Khartoum-North (Bahri) allegedly by the SAF and the Al-Baraa Bin Malik Brigade which has previously indicated support for the SAF.

“Videos circulating in media have shown the bodies of young men purportedly killed based on suspicion of affiliation or collaboration with the RSF. This is beyond despicable and contravenes all human rights norms and standards,” the expert added.

The UN expert called for the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and their respective allied armed movements and militia to take immediate measures to ensure the protection of civilians in the greater Khartoum area.

Nouicer urged all parties to the conflict to
respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law including their obligation to ensure that no one be arbitrarily deprived of life. He also called for a prompt thorough independent and impartial investigation into the killings and for perpetrators to be held to account in accordance with relevant international standards.

“Even war has rules. Impunity must stop,” he added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

QU Organizes Scientific Symposium on Realistic Investment of Endowment Funds

Doha: The College of Law at Qatar University (QU) held a scientific symposium titled “Towards a Realistic Investment of Endowment Funds: From Traditional Endowment to Digital Endowment.” The event provided a forward-looking analysis of Qatar’s Law No. 9 of 2021 on Endowments. The symposium explored the legal and economic transformations that require the evolution of the endowment concept to align with local, regional, and global changes in the economy and digital finance.

The speakers, including Dr. Yassir Al Iftaihat, Associate Professor Civil Law, and Dr. Imad Mustafa Qaminassi, Assistant Professor Civil and Commercial Procedures Law at QU, emphasized that endowment, as an Islamic financial system aimed at drawing closer to God by allocating funds and assets for charitable purposes, has significantly evolved through scholars jurisprudence. Traditional charitable endowments, which initially included real estate, movable assets, and benefits, are increasingly facing modern-day challenges. This highlights the
need to expand their scope to include digital assets, particularly in light of the massive technological and digital revolution.

The symposium also shed light on a crucial issue the loss of many endowment funds in several Arab and Islamic countries due to wars and political changes. This has diminished the benefit these endowments once brought to communities. The speakers emphasized that switching to a digital endowment could be the best way to safeguard these assets and guarantee their continuous allocation to charitable causes, unaffected by sudden political or economic fluctuations.

In this context, the researchers discussed the importance of legislative intervention to regulate this transition, clarifying that investing in digital charitable endowment requires clear and adaptive legislation to achieve the desired effectiveness. They noted that digital endowments not only improve fund management, but also contribute to the sustainability of charitable work in the face of modern challenges.

The participa
nts called on Qatari legislators to adopt laws supporting the transformation of traditional charitable endowments into digital endowments, ensuring the protection and investment of these funds to serve society. They emphasized that such legislation must align with Islamic jurisprudence principles, Qatari endowment law, and the nature of digital assets to maximize community benefit. The speakers posed thought-provoking questions: Why not establish a digital school offering remote education? Why not have educational, health, and cultural applications contributing to charitable causes and fostering a progressive civil society? Such initiatives could extend beyond the Qatari community to the broader Islamic and Arab communities, positioning Qatar as a pioneering leader in this field.

In conclusion, the participants agreed that the shift to digital endowment represents a unique opportunity to enhance the role of endowment in economic and social development, safeguarding its funds from loss or freezing due to poli
tical or economic conditions. They also believe this transformation could open new horizons for charitable work in Qatar, positioning the country among those with a positive and active influence in the Islamic world and on the international stage.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Fourteen-meter artwork brings Kuwait’s timeless wedding traditions to life

Through 14-meter painting on canvas, Kuwaiti Artist Ibrahim Shukrallah captured the essence of traditional Kuwaiti weddings in a vibrant and artistic portrayal, the artwork explained the various stages of the Kuwaiti wedding.

The artwork started with the engagement, followed by the Dazza (a gift to the bride) then the marriage contract — known as “Melcha” — witnessed by family and friends, then the Yelwa (performative celebration for the bride) and the groom’s parade “Zafah” to their new home after the wedding.

This piece is one of the largest works that explores the details of Kuwaiti weddings, offering a unique and innovative approach.

Shukrallah incorporates elements of Kuwait’s environment through colors, lighting techniques and architectural features, which is a remarkable work that stands as a historical documentation.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Qatar Participates in Arab Labour Organization’s Board of Directors Meeting in Cairo

The State of Qatar participated on Thursday in the 101st session of the Governing Body of the Arab Labour Organization (ALO), held in the Egyptian capital Cairo.

HE Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri represented the State of Qatar in the meeting.

The 101st session of the Board of Directors of the Arab Labour Organization is being held with the participation of representatives of the three parties of production in the Arab countries (governments, employers, and workers), following the principle of tripartite representation alongside various Arab and regional organizations.

The council addressed several crucial matters and issued resolutions and recommendations related to the implementation of the resolutions of the 100th session of the Governing Body of the Arab Labour Organization, the implementation of the resolutions of the 50th ordinary session of the Arab Labour Conference, the report on the situation of workers and the Palestinian people in the occupied Arab territories, the Economic and S
ocial Council’s work outcomes, and the Higher Coordination Committee for Joint Arab Action’s 56th session results.

The State of Qatar, represented by HE Minister of Labour Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, presided over the Board of Directors of the Arab Labour Organization from October 2023 until the end of September 2024, following the election of the State of Qatar as Chairman.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Kuwait Crown Prince congratulates Germany on nat’l day

His Highness the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah sent on Thursday a cable of congratulations to President of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier on his country’s national day.

His Highness wished him a long healthy life and more development and prosperity for the people of Germany.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

President of Tajikistan Leaves Doha

Doha: HE President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon left Doha on Thursday following his participation in the 3rd Asia Cooperation Dialogue Summit (ACD).

His Excellency and the accompanying delegation were seen off upon departure from Hamad International Airport by HE Director of the Department of Protocol in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ibrahim bin Yousif Fakhro and HE Ambassador of the Republic of Tajikistan to Qatar Nurmurod Mahmadali.

Source: Qatar News Agency