|

Israeli strikes kill two in Gaza as hospital medicine warehouses are destroyed

Two Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike in Gaza on Saturday, while separate strikes destroyed warehouses storing medical supplies for Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, raising new concerns about access to healthcare in the territory as uncertainty continues over a possible agreement between Israel and Hamas.

According to Palestinian health officials, the two people were killed in the Sheikh Radwan area of Gaza City. The Israeli military said the strike targeted Hamas fighters but did not provide further details about the operation or identify those killed.

In another strike earlier the same day, two warehouses near Al Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al Balah were destroyed. Gaza’s Health Ministry said the buildings contained essential medicines and medical equipment used by the hospital to treat patients, including those receiving dialysis for kidney failure. Other supplies such as wound care materials and gauze were also stored there.

The attack also damaged two additional medical storage facilities and the hospital’s outpatient clinic. Hospital officials said no injuries were reported among staff or patients during the incident, but they warned that the destruction of medical supplies would make it more difficult to provide treatment to those in need.

Dr Khalil al Daqran, who works at the hospital, condemned the strike and said the destroyed warehouse contained critical medical resources needed for daily operations. He said the loss of the supplies would place further strain on healthcare services already struggling under difficult conditions.

Witnesses said Israeli forces issued an evacuation warning before carrying out the strike. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the attack targeting the warehouse complex.

Under international humanitarian law, hospitals and civilian medical facilities are protected during armed conflict unless they are being used for military purposes. Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas and other armed groups of operating from within civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and surrounding buildings, an allegation Hamas has denied.

Fatima Sharab, a displaced Palestinian staying in a nearby camp, said many families had chosen to shelter close to the hospital because they expected easier access to medical care if needed. She said the strike caused widespread destruction in the area and left many displaced people without shelter.

The latest attacks come despite a ceasefire agreement reached last year through US mediation. Fighting and Israeli military operations have continued across Gaza in the months since. Palestinian health authorities say more than 1,200 people have been killed during that period, with many of the victims reported to be civilians, including women and children. Hamas has not regularly disclosed the number of its fighters killed.

Attention is now focused on a possible breakthrough in negotiations to end the conflict. US President Donald Trump recently announced that Hamas had agreed to disarm as part of a broader peace initiative aimed at ending the war. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has not publicly confirmed whether Israel accepts the reported agreement.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has openly opposed the proposal, saying Israel should continue military operations and maintain its campaign against Hamas leaders. Meanwhile, Trump’s Board of Peace has released a roadmap outlining the final steps of its proposed plan, stating that Israel would halt military operations as part of the agreement if all parties move forward with its implementation.

Similar Posts

  • | | | |

    Makkah pact cements Pakistan-Türkiye-Saudi defenc…

    The newly signed defence agreement between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye marks a significant step towards formalising their longstanding security and strategic cooperation, while establishing a framework focused on collective defence and regional stability. The trilateral partnership brings together three countries with strong historical, political, economic and defence ties. Their cooperation has grown over decades and is now being shaped into a more structured security framework amid a rapidly changing regional environment. The agreement comes as conflicts, emerging security threats and evolving forms of warfare continue to reshape the strategic landscape. Supporters of the pact say closer coordination among the three countries can contribute to regional stability and strengthen their ability to respond collectively to security challenges. Focus on defence and deterrence The agreement has been described as defensive rather than offensive. Its central principle is collective security, under which an armed attack against one member is considered a threat to all three. The arrangement is aimed at strengthening deterrence and reducing the possibility of conflict by demonstrating that aggression against one country could trigger a coordinated response from the other two. The framework is not intended to target any particular country, according to the explanation of the agreement. Instead, it seeks to promote peace, stability and security through stronger defence cooperation. Complementary strengths Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye bring different strategic capabilities to the partnership. Pakistan contributes extensive military experience and defence expertise, including experience in managing complex security challenges. Saudi Arabia brings its strategic position in the region, economic strength and political influence. Türkiye contributes advanced defence technology, a growing defence industry and substantial industrial capabilities. Together, these capabilities could provide the three countries with a broader platform for strategic coordination and defence preparedness. The partnership could also encourage greater cooperation in areas such as military coordination, intelligence sharing, defence technology and strategic planning. Pakistan’s regional role The agreement also highlights Pakistan’s expanding engagement with different regional and global actors. Islamabad maintains strategic and diplomatic relations with Saudi Arabia and Türkiye while also engaging Iran, China, the United States and other international partners. This network of relationships could allow Pakistan to play a constructive role in regional diplomacy and help facilitate communication among countries with differing interests. The effectiveness of the trilateral framework, however, will depend on how consistently the three countries translate the agreement into practical cooperation. Not a NATO-style alliance The partnership has also been described as not a Muslim NATO and not a mechanism for providing nuclear protection to its members. Instead, it is presented as a defensive arrangement designed to strengthen collective deterrence and security cooperation while supporting regional peace. The agreement effectively formalises much of the strategic cooperation that Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye have developed over the years.

  • | | |

    Iran defied plan to become ‘Venezuela’, says P…

    TEHRAN: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has said his country is facing a difficult economic and military situation but has remained resilient, arguing that national unity prevented what he described as an attempt by Iran’s enemies to push the country towards a Venezuela-like crisis. Speaking at a ceremony, Pezeshkian said Iran was operating under what he called illegal wartime conditions while continuing efforts to provide services and support to its people. The president portrayed the country as facing simultaneous economic and security challenges, but said the Iranian public had remained united despite the pressure. According to Pezeshkian, Iran’s opponents wanted to see the country weakened and destabilised. He argued that the unity of the Iranian people had instead helped Iran emerge as a stronger force. “Today, we are in a state of economic and military war,” Pezeshkian said, while stressing that the government was continuing to work for citizens despite the difficult circumstances. His comments came as Tehran has faced intense pressure over its economic situation and wider confrontation with the United States and its allies. Pezeshkian said Iran’s adversaries had intended to turn the country into “Venezuela”, apparently referring to the severe economic and political difficulties that have affected Venezuela over the past decade. He claimed that the plan had failed because Iranians had maintained a united position in the face of the challenges. The president also referred to a memorandum of understanding reached amid the difficult circumstances. He said the agreement had been shaped by the country’s determination to protect its interests while seeking a way forward through diplomacy. According to Pezeshkian, experts had described the memorandum as being based on “prudence, dignity and wisdom”. He argued that those criticising the agreement did not fully understand the circumstances surrounding it. The remarks suggest that Iran’s leadership is attempting to present the agreement as a strategic decision rather than a concession under pressure. Pezeshkian’s comments also come against the backdrop of signals that Tehran may be seeking a way to end its confrontation with Washington from a position it considers strong. Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that any diplomatic arrangement must protect the country’s national interests and sovereignty. For Pezeshkian, domestic unity remains central to navigating the crisis. He argued that despite economic hardship and military pressure, the country had avoided the collapse that its opponents allegedly expected. The president’s message was therefore aimed not only at Iran’s external rivals but also at domestic critics of the memorandum. As pressure on Iran continues, Tehran faces the difficult task of managing economic challenges while maintaining political cohesion and determining whether diplomacy can reduce tensions. Pezeshkian’s latest remarks underline his argument that Iran’s resilience, rather than isolation, will shape the next phase of the country’s confrontation with its adversaries.

  • | | |

    Fatima Zahra secures Pakistan’s first Commonweal…

      Pakistan received its first major success at the Commonwealth Games as national boxer Fatima Zahra secured a place in the women’s boxing semifinals, guaranteeing the country’s first medal of the tournament. Competing in the women’s 60kg weight category, Fatima Zahra delivered a dominant performance in the quarterfinals, defeating New Zealand’s Jordan Wilson by a unanimous 5-0 decision. With the victory, the Pakistani boxer advanced to the semifinals and ensured at least a bronze medal for her country under the competition’s boxing format. The quarterfinal bout took place at the SEC Hall Five in Glasgow, where Fatima Zahra displayed confidence, composure, and technical superiority throughout the contest. She controlled all three rounds with disciplined boxing, combining effective footwork, accurate punches, and strong defensive skills to keep her opponent under pressure from the opening bell until the final round. Her impressive display left no room for doubt among the judges. All five judges scored the contest in her favor, awarding her a comprehensive unanimous decision victory over Jordan Wilson. The result marked one of Pakistan’s most significant achievements at the ongoing Commonwealth Games and provided an early boost to the country’s medal hopes. According to the boxing competition rules, every athlete who reaches the semifinals is guaranteed at least a bronze medal, as there is no third-place playoff. By advancing to the last four, Fatima Zahra officially secured Pakistan’s first medal of the Games, regardless of the outcome of her semifinal contest. The achievement is another milestone in Fatima Zahra’s growing international career. She has consistently represented Pakistan on the global stage and has already established herself as one of the country’s leading female boxers. Her latest success reflects both her dedication and the steady progress she has made through years of hard work and international competition. This is not the first time Fatima Zahra has won a medal for Pakistan at a major sporting event. She previously claimed a bronze medal at the Islamic Solidarity Games, where her performances earned widespread praise and highlighted her potential to compete against some of the best boxers in the region. That experience has helped strengthen her confidence and prepared her for bigger challenges on the international stage. Following her convincing victory in the quarterfinals, Fatima Zahra has now set her sights on the semifinal, where she will aim to continue her winning run and secure a place in the gold medal match. A victory in the next round would guarantee Pakistan either a silver or gold medal, making it one of the country’s most notable boxing achievements in recent years. Her qualification for the semifinals has been welcomed as an encouraging moment for Pakistan’s sporting community, particularly for women’s boxing, which continues to grow despite facing limited resources and opportunities. Fatima Zahra’s success is expected to inspire aspiring female athletes across the country and demonstrate that Pakistani women can compete successfully at the highest levels of international sport. With a guaranteed bronze medal already secured, all eyes will now be on Fatima Zahra as she prepares for the semifinal showdown. Pakistani fans will be hoping she can maintain her outstanding form, overcome her next opponent, and move one step closer to winning the Commonwealth Games title, adding another memorable chapter to Pakistan’s sporting history.

  • | | |

    FIFA World Cup visitors in Canada file 175 Asylum …

    Around 175 foreign nationals who traveled to Canada to attend FIFA World Cup matches have filed applications for political asylum, according to immigration authorities. Canada hosted several FIFA World Cup matches in the cities of Toronto and Vancouver, for which the country issued thousands of temporary visas to international visitors. Many fans from different countries applied for tourist visas to watch the tournament, although a significant number of applications were rejected. After arriving in Canada, 175 visitors submitted asylum claims that will now be reviewed under the country’s refugee protection laws. Immigration officials have not disclosed how many of those seeking asylum were athletes or members of sports delegations. According to available information, 25 individuals from Ghana have filed asylum applications, while 15 applicants each from Egypt and Colombia have also requested protection in Canada. Officials have indicated that the number of applications could increase further. Canadian authorities had previously warned foreign visitors that obtaining a visa for FIFA World Cup travel does not provide a pathway to remain in the country beyond the permitted period or automatically qualify them for asylum. The asylum claims will undergo a legal assessment, during which Canadian immigration authorities will determine whether applicants meet the requirements for refugee protection under the country’s immigration system. The development has drawn attention as Canada continues to manage increased international travel and immigration applications linked to major global events.

  • |

    Former Chinese premier Zhu Rongji dies at 97

    BEIJING: Former Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji, a key figure in the country’s economic transformation during the 1990s, has died at the age of 97. Zhu was known for his direct speaking style and his strong support for economic reform. His tenure was marked by major changes aimed at restructuring China’s state-dominated economy and opening it further to global markets. He served as China’s vice premier from 1991 to 1998 before becoming premier, a position he held until early 2003. Zhu’s political career began decades earlier. He graduated from Tsinghua University and joined the Communist Party in 1949. During the Cultural Revolution, he was sent to work in the countryside and experienced a period of political hardship. He was later rehabilitated and gradually returned to senior government positions. In 1987, Zhu became mayor of Shanghai. During his tenure, he helped guide the city through early economic reforms and development that eventually contributed to its emergence as a major international financial centre. He moved to Beijing in 1991 after joining the central government. As vice premier and later premier, Zhu became closely associated with efforts to tackle economic overheating, inflation and financial instability. His government introduced wide-ranging reforms to state-owned enterprises. Many inefficient state companies were closed, restructured or privatised, while large numbers of workers were laid off. Zhu also strengthened the central government’s control over taxation and introduced reforms that encouraged private home ownership. Those changes played a major role in reshaping China’s housing market. One of his most significant achievements was helping China secure membership of the World Trade Organization in 2001, following years of difficult negotiations. China formally joined the organisation in December that year. The WTO accession accelerated China’s integration into the global economy and helped expand international trade and investment. However, Zhu’s reform programme also had critics. Some observers argued that changes to agricultural policy, tax arrangements and state-owned enterprises created difficulties that later governments had to address. Despite those criticisms, Zhu remained widely regarded as one of the most influential economic reformers in modern Chinese history. His reputation for blunt remarks became particularly prominent after a collection of his speeches was published in 2011. The books contained unusually candid assessments of corruption, government debt, banking problems and weaknesses in public administration. The speeches attracted significant public attention because they addressed many of the economic and social challenges facing China at the time. Zhu warned about corruption, inequality and problems created by local officials. His comments continued to attract interest among reform-minded officials, academics and members of the public long after he left office. His death marks the passing of a leader who played a central role in one of the most consequential periods of China’s economic development. Zhu’s legacy is closely linked to the difficult reforms of the 1990s, when China moved towards a more market-oriented economy while maintaining the political control of the Communist Party.

  • |

    Musafir Cafe season 2 officially announced by Netflix

    Netflix has officially renewed Musafir Cafe for a second season, promising to continue the emotional journey of love, relationships and unresolved feelings that made the first installment popular among viewers. The streaming platform confirmed that Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana will reprise their lead roles, returning as Chander, Sudha and Preeti for the next chapter of the romantic drama. The announcement was made through a special promotional video, offering fans their first confirmation that the story will move forward. While the teaser did not reveal any major plot details, it hinted that the upcoming season will pick up where the previous one ended, exploring the next stage of the characters’ personal and emotional lives. The first season of Musafir Cafe focused on the complexities of modern relationships, highlighting the emotional struggles, difficult choices and evolving connections between its three central characters. Its ending sparked widespread discussions among viewers, with many debating the future of Chander, Sudha and Preeti and wondering how their unfinished stories would unfold. Speaking about the show’s renewal, Tanya Bami, Series Head at Netflix India, said that Musafir Cafe had resonated deeply with audiences across the country. She noted that viewers connected strongly with the characters, memorable dialogues and music, while conversations surrounding the ending generated significant buzz on social media. According to her, the overwhelming response encouraged the platform to continue the story with a second season. Creator and writer Sharanya Rajgopal also expressed gratitude for the appreciation the series received. She said the love shown by audiences had been overwhelming and that, as a storyteller, there could be no greater reward than seeing fictional characters become meaningful to viewers. She added that the audience’s support inspired the creative team to continue Chander, Sudha and Preeti’s journey in a new chapter. Although Netflix has kept the storyline under wraps, expectations are high that Season 2 will further explore the emotional consequences of the characters’ earlier decisions. Fans are anticipating new challenges, evolving relationships and deeper emotional conflicts as the story progresses. The returning cast includes Vikrant Massey, Vedika Pinto and Mahima Makwana in the lead roles. They will once again be joined by a talented supporting ensemble featuring Adil Hussain, Rajeev Siddhartha, Anubha Fatehpuria, Loveleen Mishra and Sadia Siddiqui, all of whom played significant roles in the first season. Musafir Cafe was created and written by Sharanya Rajgopal and directed by Ruchir Arun. The series is based on characters from a novel by Divya Prakash Dubey and is produced by Terribly Tiny Tales (TTT) in collaboration with Homemade Stories. An official release date for the second season has not yet been announced. However, with the original cast returning and the creative team back on board, viewers can expect another heartfelt chapter exploring love, longing and the emotional complexities of human relationships.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *