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☆ Floods in Brazil spark conspiracy theories over the cause, including toxic jet vapor trails and antennas in Alaska
▼ + stars: | 2024-05-12 | by ( Cameron Manley | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +4 min

Floods in Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul have sparked a number of online conspiracy theories. Jefferson Bernardes/Getty Images"What's happening in Rio Grande do Sul is definitely not natural," one user wrote on X. Advertisementvapor trails — "chemtrails" — spread by the government and then activated by HAARP antennas in Alaska to alter the weather, AFP reported. In the 1990s, a conspiracy theory evolved that they contained dangerous chemicals purposely put in the trails. Advertisement"The warmer atmosphere can store much more water vapor, fueling more frequent and intense episodes of rainfall that lead to disasters like this," he said, while also dismissing the HAARP theory.

Persons: —, Eduardo Leite, El Niño, Porto Alegre . Jefferson Bernardes, Hugo Chavez, Russell Brand, nesta, Gc4PiOiPv1 — Frederico Athia, Carlos Nobre Organizations: Service, National Institute of Meteorology, Research, AFP, BBC, Brazil's National Institute of Science, Technology, United Arab Emirates, University of Cambridge Locations: Brazil's Rio Grande do Sul, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, Porto Alegre ., American, Haiti, Alaska, Dubai

☆ Dubai's new airport will be five times the size of its current one and aims to be the largest in the world
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-30 | by ( Natasha Turak | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +3 min

Digital render of the planned entrance of Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport, set to be the biggest in the world upon completion. DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Dubai's leadership approved a 128 billion dirham ($35 billion) plan to build a new passenger terminal at the emirate's Al Maktoum International Airport, which will make it five times bigger than Dubai's main international airport in terms of size — and the biggest in the world. For reference, Dubai International Airport in 2023 serviced 86.9 million passengers, the second-highest in the world after Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in the U.S.All of the operations at Dubai International Airport, currently the second-busiest in the world by passenger traffic, will be transferred to it in the coming years, the statement said, adding that the new airport will have 400 aircraft gates and five parallel runways. An entirely new city will be built around the airport, which the Dubai ruler said will create demand for housing for a million people. Dubai will be the world's airport, its port, its urban hub, and its new global center."

Persons: Dubai's Al, United Arab Emirates —, Al, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Atlanta's, Sheikh Maktoum, Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Al Maktoum Organizations: Dubai's Al Maktoum International Airport, United Arab Emirates, Al Maktoum International Airport, Al Maktoum International, Dubai International Airport, Atlanta's Hartsfield, Jackson International Airport, U.S, The Dubai Media Office, Dubai's, Emirates Airline, Dubai Locations: Dubai's, Dubai's Al Maktoum, DUBAI, United Arab, Al Maktoum, Dubai, UAE, @emirates

☆ Dubai flooding: Chaos as UAE records heaviest rainfall in 75 years
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-17 | by ( Brandon Miller | Nadeen Ebrahim | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Cars are stuck on a flooded road after a rainstorm hit Dubai, United Arab Emirates on Wednesday. Large jets looked more like boats moving through the flooded airport as water sprayed in their wake and waves rippled through the deep water. Video shared on social media showed furniture flying off balconies. Images published in local media showed traffic gridlocked on Dubai’s Sheikh Zayed Road, a 16-lane thoroughfare. Other videos from social media showed water rushing through a major shopping mall and inundating the ground floor of homes.

Persons: UAE CNN —, Rula Rouhana, Ras, Dubai International Airport –, Dubai’s Sheikh, Stringer Organizations: UAE CNN, United, United Arab Emirates, United Nations, Emergency Management, Wednesday, Dubai International Airport, Emirates, Flydubai, Dubai International, AFP, Getty, Dubai Marina, Dubai Metro, Anadolu, National, of Meteorology Locations: Dubai, UAE, United Arab, Gulf of Oman, Oman, Iran, Ras Al, Khaimah, Pakistan, Iran’s, Chabahar, Sistan, Baluchestan, Emirates, Dubai’s, Business, Persian

☆ Ismail Haniyeh: Israeli airstrike kills three sons of Hamas political leader in Gaza as ceasefire talks stutter
▼ + stars: | 2024-04-10 | by ( Jeremy Diamond | Zeena Saifi | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

CNN —Three sons of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza Wednesday, an assassination that threatens to complicate ongoing negotiations aiming to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal. The three were killed when the vehicle they were driving in was bombed in the Al Shati refugee camp, northwest of Gaza City, Hamas political leader Haniyeh told Al Jazeera. The Israeli military statement did not mention anyone else being killed in the strike. Palestinian group Hamas' top political leader Ismail Haniyeh speaks during a press conference in Tehran, Iran, on March 26, 2024. More than 33,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the start of the war, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health.

Persons: Ismail Haniyeh, Amir Haniyeh, Mohammad Haniyeh, Haniyeh, Al Jazeera, Eid, ”, Majid Asgaripour, Reuters Haniyeh, “, Haniyeh’s, Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant, Bill Burns Organizations: CNN, Israel Defense Forces, Israel Security Agency, Hamas, Reuters, Israeli, Gaza Ministry, Health, CIA, Israel Locations: Gaza, Al Shati, Gaza City, Palestinian, Tehran, Iran, Qatar, Rafah, “ Israel, Israel’s, Cairo

☆ Palestinians are drowning trying to reach parcels airdropped into the sea, paramedics say
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-27 | by ( Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

At least 12 Palestinians drowned trying to reach aid off Gaza's coast, local paramedics said. Footage shows hungry Palestinians rushing toward the airdropped aid that had landed in the sea. AdvertisementAt least 12 Palestinians drowned off the coast of Gaza while attempting to reach airdropped parcels that had landed in the sea, local paramedics said, according to CNN. The media office for Gaza's Hamas-run government said in a message to Business Insider that 12 Palestinians had died by drowning, with six others dying in a "stampede" for humanitarian aid. This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, CNN, Hamas, Business Locations: Gaza's, Hamas, airdrops, Gaza

☆ Gazans Drown Trying to Retrieve Airdropped Aid, Authorities Say
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-26 | by ( Matthew Mpoke Bigg | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +1 min

The authorities in Gaza said on Tuesday that several people had drowned while trying to retrieve airdropped aid that had fallen into the Mediterranean, the latest incident in which an airdrop has apparently led to deaths. They called for an end to airdrops over the territory and an increase in deliveries by land. Around a dozen people drowned, including at least one who had become entangled in a parachute, he said. The government media office in Gaza said that 12 people had drowned off the northern coast while trying to retrieve aid that had been dropped in the sea. It was not possible to confirm the details independently and it was not clear which country was responsible for the airdrop in question.

Persons: waded, Ahmed Abu Qamar, Sabrina Singh Organizations: Rights, Pentagon Locations: Gaza, United States

CNN —At least 19 people have been killed and 23 injured from Israeli fire on Gaza residents who were waiting for humanitarian aid at the Kuwait roundabout in Gaza City on Saturday, according to the Government Media Office in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said reports claiming it attacked dozens of Gazans at an aid convoy are incorrect and that a review of the incident is underway. The Kuwait roundabout in Gaza City has become known as an area where aid trucks distribute food, attracting crowds of people desperate for supplies. Several deadly attacks by Israeli soldiers on crowds of civilians lining up for aid have been reported in recent weeks. It is unclear why aid was being distributed in the area of the Kuwait roundabout on Saturday.

Persons: Khader Al, Za’anoun, Mahmoud Basal, Ahmad Al, Kareem Khadder, Lauren Kent Organizations: CNN, Government Media Office, Israel Defense Forces, Ahli Baptist, Gaza Civil Defense Directorate, IDF, Media Office, Palestinian Internal Security Forces Locations: Gaza, Kuwait, Gaza City, Al, Ahli, Northern Gaza, Jerusalem, Wafa, London

☆ Chinese envoy meets Hamas chief Haniyeh after first visit to Israel since Gaza war began
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-19 | by ( Simone Mccarthy | Wayne Chang | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

Hong Kong CNN —Chinese diplomat Wang Kejian met Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Qatar, China’s Foreign Ministry said Tuesday, the first meeting between a Chinese and Hamas official publicly acknowledged by Beijing since the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Wang and Haniyeh “exchanged views on the Gaza conflict and other issues” during their meeting Sunday, according to a brief readout from China’s Foreign Ministry Tuesday. Wang’s visit comes as Beijing aims to step up its profile as a peace broker and has become increasingly vocal in its opposition to the Gaza war. Fighting began on October 7 when Hamas carried out a deadly attack on Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages, according to Israel. During his visit to the West Bank, Wang met with the Palestinian Authority’s foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki, where the Chinese envoy said Beijing is “deeply concerned” about the conflict in Gaza.

Persons: Wang Kejian, Ismail Haniyeh, Wang, Haniyeh “, Haniyeh, Qatar Cao Xiaolin, ”, Cao, Wang’s, Riyad al, “, Zhai Jun, Wang Yi, ” Wang Organizations: Hong Kong CNN, China’s, Hamas, West Bank –, Foreign, “, Security Council, United Nations, International Court of Justice, China’s Foreign Ministry, West Bank, Ministry of Health, Palestinian, Foreign Ministry, Beijing, Palestinian National Authority, Global South, UN, UN Security Council, Washington, Palestine Locations: Hong Kong, Qatar, Beijing, Gaza, Wang, Israel, China, Lebanon, Egypt, Palestinian Territories, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Indonesia, Global South Beijing, United States, Xinjiang

☆ Middle East Crisis Gaza Authorities Say Accident Involving Airdropped Aid Kills 5
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-08 | by ( Hiba Yazbek | ) www.nytimes.com time to read: +4 min

The authorities in Gaza said at least five Palestinians were killed and several others were wounded on Friday after packages of humanitarian aid that had been airdropped fell on them in Gaza City. A video, circulating on social media and purporting to depict the incident, shows a plane releasing parachutes carrying aid packages over northern Gaza. They have urged Israel to open up more border crossings and to speed up inspections of the aid shipments. But dangers posed by failed parachutes and falling pallets of food, water and other aid are also a major risk in airdrop operations. On Sunday, he said, he bought three bags of food at a market that had been airdropped by the United States.

Persons: Patrick S, Ryder, —, James McGoldrick, ”, “, ” Saleh Eid, Eid, Lajka Organizations: Pentagon, The New York Times, United Arab Locations: Gaza, Gaza City, United States, Al, Jordan, United Arab Emirates, Egypt, France, U.N, Israel, Jabaliya

The U.N.-backed International Labor Organization says reforms introduced following the World Cup have improved the situation of migrant workers, while adding that more needs to be done. Meanwhile, human rights group Amnesty International says migrant workers still face abuses. Photos You Should See View All 21 ImagesLast November, Amnesty urged Qatar and FIFA to do more for migrant workers - particularly in terms of compensation. Migrant workers collect litter, serve coffee, drive taxis and provide security. The number of work-related deaths in the delivery of the World Cup came under intense scrutiny in the lead-up.

Persons: Jordan, Stephen Cockburn, ″, ”, Max Tunon, ” Tunon, it’s, “, ” Cockburn, ” ___ James Robson Organizations: Qatar, International Labor Organization, Amnesty International, “, AP, FIFA, Qatari, Workers, ILO Locations: DOHA, Qatar, Doha, Kenya, Ghana, Saudi Arabia

BAGHDAD (AP) — A drone strike hit a car in the Iraqi capital Wednesday night, killing three members of the powerful Kataib Hezbollah militia including a high-ranking commander, militia officials said. The strike occurred on a main thoroughfare in the Mashtal neighborhood in eastern Baghdad. Two officials with Iranian-backed militias in Iraq said that one of those killed was Wissam Mohammed “Abu Bakr” al—Saadi, the commander in charge of Kataib Hezbollah’s operations in Syria. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to speak to journalists. Photos You Should See View All 45 ImagesThere was no immediate comment from U.S. officials on Wednesday’s strike.

Persons: Wissam Mohammed “ Abu Bakr, al — Saadi, Kataib, Ali Jabar Organizations: U.S ., Iranian Revolutionary Guard, ___ Associated Press Locations: BAGHDAD, Mashtal, Baghdad, Iraq, Syria, Iranian, Jordan, U.S, Iran, Israel, Yemen, Ras Issa, Salif district, Hodeida province, ___

☆ More than a million Palestinians are trapped in Rafah. As Israeli troops approach, there’s nowhere left to run
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-06 | by ( Rob Picheta | Paul P. Murphy | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

“We hear (drones) very, very loud, and we hear the sounds of bombing at night,” Kareem Dahman, a displaced Palestinian in the city, told CNN. He said conditions in Rafah are “very difficult,” describing a “large number of people, chaos, and high prices.”A satellite image from Maxar Technologies shows Rafah, Gaza, on October 26, 2023. Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies A satellite image from Maxar Technologies shows Rafah, Gaza, on February 3, 2024. Satellite image ©2024 Maxar Technologies Rafah's makeshift tent city Satellite image ©2024 Maxar TechnologiesDahman, like countless others, found himself in the city after a “very arduous” journey through the besieged enclave. Water is available but we need an hour to fill water from a water station,” Dahman told CNN.

Persons: ” Kareem Dahman, Khan Younis, “, ” Dahman, Abed Rahim Khatib, Yahya Sinwar, Yoav Gallant, Gallant, Sinwar, ” Gallant, Raed, Ismail Al, Belal Khaled, OCHA, Dahman, Youssef Abu Kwaik, ”, Jens Laerke Organizations: CNN, Maxar Technologies, Israel Defense Forces, “, Anadolu, Getty, Israeli, Hamas, Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Media Office, United Nations Office, Humanitarian Affairs, UN Office Locations: Rafah, Gaza, Palestinian, Gaza City, Egypt, ”, Israel, Mawasi

☆ Larry Summers blasts Harvard over antisemitism: ‘I have lost confidence’
▼ + stars: | 2024-01-22 | by ( Matt Egan | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +5 min

New York CNN —Famed economist Larry Summers slammed Harvard’s top leaders on Sunday over concerns about how the Ivy League school is fighting antisemitism. Summers, a former president of Harvard, strongly criticized the selection of Harvard professor Derek Penslar as the co-chair of a newly-formed presidential task force on antisemitism. “I have lost confidence in the determination and ability of the Harvard Corporation and Harvard leadership to maintain Harvard as a place where Jews and Israelis can flourish,” Summers said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter. The task forces will be charged with examining bias, determining root causes and compiling recommendations to combat hate. “As things currently stand, I am unable to reassure Harvard community members, those we are recruiting or prospective students that Harvard is making progress in countering anti-Semitism,” Summers said.

Persons: Larry Summers, Harvard’s, Summers, Derek Penslar, “, ” Summers, Claudine Gay, Clinton, Obama, Penslar, ”, ” Penslar, Israel, Israel’s, Bill Ackman, “ Harvard, Alison Frank Johnson, Steven Levitsky, stnd, ” Alan Garber, ” Garber, Penny Pritzker Organizations: New, New York CNN, Ivy League, Harvard, Harvard Corporation, Twitter, Jewish Telegraphic Agency, CNN, American Academy for Jewish Research, North America ”, The Corporation Locations: New York, Israel, Gaza, North America

☆ Israel's president visits UAE, asks for help to free hostages
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-30 | by ( Alexander Cornwell | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

Herzog made the request during a meeting with Sheikh Mohamed in Dubai, according to a statement issued by the Israeli president's media office. "The President appealed to his friend Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to employ his full political weight to promote and speed up the return home of the hostages," it said. Israel has released 210 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages. A UAE state news agency report said the two presidents discussed relations between their countries and issues of mutual interest. Herzog was invited to attend the summit by Sheikh Mohamed earlier this year.

Persons: Isaac Herzog, SAUL LOEB, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Herzog, Sheikh Mohamed, Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, Abraham, Abu Dhabi, Alexander Cornwell, Grant McCool Organizations: U.S, State, Rights, Thursday, United Arab Emirates, Hamas, UAE, UAE ., Abraham Accords, Thomson Locations: Tel Aviv, Israel, Rights DUBAI, Palestinian, Gaza, Dubai, Gulf, The UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Gaza's Rafah, UAE, United States

☆ Israel's Mossad Hosts Qatari Counterparts on Gaza Talks -Official
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( Nov. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel's Mossad intelligence service is hosting its Qatari counterparts to confer on the recovery of hostages held by Hamas and other elements of a Gaza truce that was mediated by Doha, an Israeli security official said on Sunday. Qatari intelligence officers arrived on Saturday for an indefinite stay in Israel, the official said, adding that cooperation between the agencies is "traditionally close", despite the lack of formal relations between the countries. A Qatari delegation travelled to Israel on Saturday to discuss a possible extension to the truce, another official briefed on the visit told Reuters on Saturday, but it was unclear if intelligence officials were involved in the talks. Gas-rich Gulf state Qatar hosts several top Hamas officials and the group's political office. Qatar also has cordial relations with Iran, Israel's arch-foe, which backs Hamas.

Persons: Dan Williams, Andrew Mills, Alexander Smith Organizations: Qatari, Sunday, Reuters, . Locations: JERUSALEM, Gaza, Doha, Israel, Qatar, Iran

☆ Mossad hosts Qatari counterparts on Gaza talks: Israeli official
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Qatari intelligence officers arrived on Saturday for an indefinite stay in Israel, the official said, adding that cooperation between the agencies is "traditionally close", despite the lack of formal relations between the countries. A Qatari delegation travelled to Israel on Saturday to discuss a possible extension to the truce, another official told Reuters on Saturday, but it was unclear if intelligence officials were involved in the talks. Gas-rich Gulf state Qatar hosts several top Hamas officials and the group's political office. Qatar also has cordial relations with Iran, Israel's arch-foe, which backs Hamas. Writing by Dan Williams and Andrew Mills; Editing by Alexander SmithOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Dan Williams, Andrew Mills, Alexander Smith Organizations: Hamas, Prime, Office, Qatari, Sunday, Reuters, ", Thomson Locations: Israel, Palestinian, Gaza, JERUSALEM, Doha, Qatar, Iran

☆ BREAKING: 25 hostages have been released by Hamas, the first since a four-day truce was called
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-24 | by ( William Edwards | Joshua Zitser | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

25 hostages were released to Eygpt, the first release since a 4-day cease-fire was called. The released hostages include 12 Thai citizens and 13 other women and children. AdvertisementTwenty-five hostages were released by Hamas on Friday, the latest sign that the conflict between Israel and the militant group is cooling. The deal for the 12 Thai hostages was brokered by the Egyptian government, the country's media office said on Friday. According to the Israeli government's press office, 12 Thai hostages are in Israel now.

Persons: —, Srettha Thavisin Organizations: Service, Thailand's Locations: Israel, Assaf

☆ Israel and Hamas reach deal to release 50 civilian women and children held in Gaza
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-22 | by ( Rebecca Picciotto | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +4 min

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a humanitarian pause, allowing 50 civilian hostages in the Gaza Strip to be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, according to the government of Qatar. "The agreement includes the release of 50 civilian women and children hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons," the ministry said. The major diplomatic breakthrough comes after weeks of conversations between the U.S., Qatar, Israel, Egypt and Palestinian militant group Hamas. Hamas infiltrated southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people, including foreigners, and taking about 240 hostages into Gaza. Separately, Hamas said in a statement that Israel had agreed to release 150 Palestinian women and child prisoners.

Persons: Israel, Joe Biden, Antony Blinken, Benjamin Netanyahu, —, Joanna Tan Organizations: Hamas, U.S Locations: Tel Aviv, Gaza, Israel, Palestinian, Qatar, U.S, Egypt, Jerusalem

A deal for a temporary cease fire was inching into view in Israel's war against Hamas, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tempered expectations by vowing that the war would continue even if a deal is reached. “We are at war, and we will continue the war,” he said. Israel has vowed to continue the war until it destroys Hamas’ military capabilities and returns all hostages. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whose government maintains ties with Hamas officials, said Turkey’s foreign minister and intelligence chief were working with Qatari officials to negotiate releases. Hamas has released four hostages, Israel has rescued one, and the bodies of two were found near Shifa.

Persons: Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Israel, Gaza — Israel, NETANYAHU, ”, “, Mostafa Madbouly, ” Madbouly, Israel —, Hadas Kalderon, Kalderon, John Kirby, Kirby, “ We’ve, ” NETANYAHU, ‘, ” Netanhayu, Khalil al, Hayya, Valdis Dombrovskis, ” BIDEN, WASHINGTON, Joe Biden, ” “, ” Biden, Biden's, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Erdogan, Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Tebboune, ” Tebboune, ” Erdogan, Israel’s, Asad, Assad, Qassim Abdul, Bassem, Tara Copp, Benjamin Netanyahu’s, Sergey Lavrov, Lavrov, ” Lavrov, Ziad Makary, Farah Omar, Rabih Maamari, Kfar Kila, Laiqa Serhan, Reuters videojournalist, Abduallah, Qatar’s Al, Izzat, Ismail Haniyeh, Goren, Tal Chaimi, ” Netanyahu, Mosab Abu Toha, Hamza Abu Toha, Mosab, Hamza, ” Mosab Abu Toha, Abu, Abu Toha Organizations: Hamas, Senior, Palestinian, Troops, Health Ministry, West Bank, WAR, JERUSALEM, CAIRO —, Israel, White, National Security, Israel —, European Union, ” EU, HIT ISRAEL, Algerian, International Criminal, Hezbollah, Cabinet, MUSLIM, Arab League, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, United Nations Security Council, Lebanese, National News Agency, Reuters, Agence France, Jazeera, SEA DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, Galaxy Leader, U.S . Navy, OFFICIAL, PEN, Yorker Locations: Israel, United States, Qatar, Gaza, Gaza City, Gaza —, Iran, Yemen, Egypt, Cyprus, israel, Israeli, EGYPT, CAIRO, TEL AVIV, HAIFA, Beirut, EU, STRASBOURG, France, TURKEY, ALGERIA, GAZA ALGIERS, Algeria, Turkey, Turkish, BAGHDAD, Iraq, U.S, al, Baghdad, Anbar, Syria, Zahra, Bassem Mroue, Washington, JERUSALEM, “, Russian, Moscow, Russia, LEBANON, ISRAEL, BEIRUT, Lebanon, Kibbutz Manara, Kfar, IRAN, YEMEN, United Arab, Tehran, American, Red, Persian, Hormuz, Shifa

☆ Qatar World Cup: Amnesty International says ‘abuses persist’ and ‘too little has been done’ to protect workers
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Thomas Schlachter | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +4 min

Qatar now leads the region on workers’ rights and labor reforms, setting an example for other countries on how a system can be successfully overhauled. Argentina's Lionel Messi lifts World Cup after defeating France in the final. Julian Finney/Getty Images Europe/Getty ImagesIn the build-up to last year’s World Cup, the organizers received widespread criticism for their treatment of migrant workers. The report did not connect all 6,500 deaths with World Cup infrastructure projects and has not been independently verified by CNN. Amnesty International also reiterated its 10-point plan which was published in the build-up to the 2022 World Cup.

Persons: Qatar’s, “, Argentina's Lionel Messi, Julian Finney, Hassan Al Thawadi, CNN’s Becky Anderson, Steve Cockburn, “ Qatar’s, ” Organizations: CNN, Amnesty International, Amnesty, Qatar’s International Media, FIFA, France, Getty, Guardian, Economic Social Justice, Qatar “, Qatar Locations: Qatar, Qatari, Europe

☆ UN High Commissioner for Human Rights calls for independent investigation into Al-Shifa hospitals claims
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-17 | by ( Andrew Carey | David Shortell | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +8 min

CNN cannot independently verify the claim by Israel that the image is of a Hamas tunnel. The UN’s High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk called on Israel to grant independent investigators access to Gaza to probe the competing claims. “This is precisely where you need an independent international investigation, because we have different narratives,” said Türk on Thursday. The IDF on Thursday released an image of what it said were weapons recovered from inside Al-Shifa hospital. On Wednesday, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby reiterated previous statements from the White House saying the US had intelligence that Hamas was operating in Al-Shifa Hospital.

Persons: Daniel Hagari, Volker Türk, ”, Türk, “, –, Israel of, Israel, Yehudit Weiss, Noa Marciano, Mohammad Abu Salmiya, Al Jazeera, Abu Salmiya, Hagari, Rantisi, Mohammed Zarqout, John Kirby, ” Kirby Organizations: CNN, United Nations, Human, IDF, Israel Defense Forces, Hamas, Palestinian Ministry of Health, Rantisi, Al, US National Security, Shifa Locations: Israel, Gaza City, Gaza, IDF, Ramallah, Israel of Gaza, United States, Al

LONDON (AP) — One year after Qatar hosted the men’s World Cup, the gas-rich emirate and soccer governing body FIFA were urged Thursday by human rights group Amnesty International to do more for migrant workers who were essential to prepare the tournament and still face labor abuses. FIFA, under a different leadership, is now embarked on a similar journey toward Saudi Arabia hosting the World Cup in 2034. “Qatar’s continued failure to properly enforce or strengthen its pre-World Cup labor reforms puts any potential legacy for workers in serious peril,” Amnesty said. A key point for activists and some FIFA member federations has been compensating the families of workers in Qatar who were injured or died. Weeks before the World Cup started, FIFA’s top lawyer had said it was open to helping create a compensation fund.

Persons: ”, Steve Cockburn, “ Qatar’s, “, Weeks, Michael Llamas Organizations: —, Qatar, FIFA, Amnesty, Progress, “ Qatar, United Nations, International Labor Organization, Labor, ” Amnesty, InBev, Budweiser, ” FIFA, “, ILO, Ministry of Labor Locations: Qatar, United States, Saudi Arabia, Gibraltar, “, Geneva

Two sources in Lebanon familiar with the Iran-backed group's arsenal say he was referring to Hezbollah's greatly enhanced anti-ship missile capabilities, including the Russian-made Yakhont missile with a range of 300 km (186 miles). Hezbollah perceives the U.S. warships as a direct threat because of their ability to hit the group and its allies. PAYING ATTENTIONThree current and one former U.S. official said Hezbollah has built an impressive array of weapons, including anti-ship missiles. Asked about the sources' accounts of Hezbollah having acquired Yakhont missiles, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: "First of all, this is news without any confirmation at all. Moscow said in 2010 it had signed a deal to send anti-ship cruise missiles including a version of the Yakhont to Damascus.

Persons: Aziz Taher, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, Washington, Bashar al, Assad, Nasrallah, We're, Dmitry Peskov, Nasser Qandil, Qandil, Idrees Ali, Phil Stewart, John Davison, Maya Gebeily, Guy Faulconbridge, Tom Perry, Claudia Parsons Organizations: REUTERS, Group, U.S, Yakhont, Hamas, Hezbollah, Pentagon, Friday, Washington -, Strategic, International Studies, CSIS, Reuters, Marines, Thomson Locations: Aaramta, Lebanon, Russian, Syria, States, U.S, BEIRUT, Israel, Iran, Washington, Jihad, United States, Gaza, Lebanese, Iraq, Beirut, Russia, Hezbollah, Moscow, Damascus

☆ Dubai ruler approves 246.6 billion dirham budget for 2024-2026
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

Horse Racing - Dubai World Cup - Meydan Racecourse, Dubai, United Arab Emirates - March 30, 2019 Dubai's Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, Prime Minister and Vice-President of the United Arab Emirates gestures from the podium during the trophy presentation for the Dubai World Cup Sponsored By Emirates Airline ... Acquire Licensing Rights Read moreDUBAI, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum approved a budget of 246.6 billion dirham ($67.14 billion) for the emirate's government in 2024-2026, the Dubai media office said on Monday. Expenditure for the fiscal year 2024 alone is estimated at 79.1 billion dirham, and public revenues at 90.6 billion dirham, the media office added. Of the estimated revenues, 85.1 billion dirham would be allocated to the budget, and the remaining 5.5 billion dirham would go to the general reserve, it said. Dubai, one of the seven emirates that constitute the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, is widely regarded as the trade and tourism hub of the Gulf region. ($1 = 3.6729 UAE dirham)Reporting by Nayera Abdallah; editing by Mark Heinrich and Barbara LewisOur Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

Persons: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al, Maktoum, Saleh Al Saleh, Al Saleh, Nayera Abdallah, Mark Heinrich, Barbara Lewis Organizations: Racing, Dubai, United Arab Emirates, United, Emirates Airline, Department, Finance, Thomson Locations: Dubai, United Arab, United Arab Emirates, DUBAI, Gulf, UAE

☆ Rafah crossing to re-open to limited number of evacuees
▼ + stars: | 2023-11-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +2 min

[1/2] Family members carry their luggage as Palestinians, including foreign passport holders, wait at Rafah border crossing after evacuations were suspended following an Israeli strike on an ambulance, in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, November 5, 2023. The flow of aid trucks, which also enter through the crossing has slowed, Egyptian sources say. Three Egyptian security sources said that Egypt was seeking guarantees for the safety of ambulances used for evacuations, including escorts from the International Committee of the Red Cross. Two security sources said Egypt was also seeking to increase the amount of aid flowing into Gaza, including fuel, which Israel has thus far refused to allow. An Egyptian security source and a medical source said that 30 injured Gazans and 55 Egyptians were expected to be evacuated on Sunday, along with an unspecified number of foreign passport holders and dependents.

Persons: Abu Mustafa, Gazans, Nidal Al, Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, Yusri Mohamed, Nafisa Eltahir, David Goodman, Tomasz Janowski Organizations: REUTERS, International Committee, ICRC, UN, Hamas, Thomson Locations: Rafah, Gaza, GAZA, CAIRO, Egypt, Israel, Mughrabi, Cairo, Ismailia

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