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Palestinian TerritoriesPalestinian health workers said a woman delivered a stillborn baby in an ambulance after the vehicle was allegedly delayed by Israeli soldiers at a checkpoint in the occupied West Bank yesterday. The 28-year-old woman was six months pregnant and unconscious when medics collected her from her home in the village of Qaryout, south of the city of Nablus, medic Bashar Qaryouti told AFP.“She was suffering from very heavy bleeding and her condition was extremely critical,” Qaryouti said.The woman was placed on oxygen and the ambulance set off for Rafidia hospital in Nablus, but soon found itself desperately searching for an open route, Qaryouti said. The entrance to one nearby village was closed, forcing the ambulance to take dirt tracks through olive groves before reaching the Awarta checkpoint, where a gate was shut and a long queue of vehicles had formed.Qaryouti drove to the front of the line and activated the ambulance siren. He said soldiers emerged from a nearby watchtower about 10 minutes later and ordered him to switch off the ambulance.Qaryouti said he explained that the vehicle’s medical equipment was being used to keep a patient alive. “They forced me, at gunpoint, to switch the vehicle off,” he said, adding that the soldiers confiscated the crew’s identity cards.The Israeli military did not immediately respond to an AFP request for comment. As the ambulance remained stranded, the woman’s condition worsened. The nurse accompanying her was forced to deliver the baby inside the vehicle, Qaryouti said.“The baby was stillborn,” he said.After waiting for more than 30 minutes, the soldiers returned the crew’s identity cards and allowed the ambulance to continue, according to Qaryouti.When they reached hospital, “the mother was rushed into surgery to stop the bleeding”, Qaryouti said.Rafidia hospital director Fouad Nafaa said the woman had been “prevented by the Israeli army from reaching the hospital”. Her bleeding had since been brought under control, and she was now in a stable condition, he said. The Israeli military has launched an operation across the West Bank, creating several road closures throughout the territory. The operation followed a deadly clash on Friday between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the village of Tell that left two Israelis and four Palestinians dead.Violence in the West Bank, occupied by Israel since 1967, has surged since the Gaza war began. Source link
Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) confirm that the Qatar 1812 KM, rescheduled for October 22 to 24, has been withdrawn from 2026 calendar following a decision by the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) & FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit said, ” We fully respect the decision taken by the FIA and WEC to call off this year’s Qatar 1812 KM. Our commitment to this partnership remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to working closely with both organizations to deliver an exceptional event when the championship returns to Lusail International Circuit. We are grateful to our fans, partners, teams and the wider motorsport community for their continued support, understanding and confidence. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail in the near future.”Frederic Lequien, CEO of FIA WEC stated, “I would like to warmly thank Lusail International Circuit and their team in Qatar for their understanding in these times. We have been in constant dialogue with LIC and QMMF, and are proud of the close, long-standing relationships we have built. Qatar 1812 KM is a hugely important and well-established event on FIA’s WEC calendar and will return in the future. The process of issuing full refunds for all purchased tickets for the Qatar 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship will begin immediately. Ticket holders will receive a full refund, which will be processed automatically to the original payment method.QMMF and LIC remain committed to supporting the FIA World Endurance Championship and its long-term presence in Qatar, reinforcing the nation’s position as a key destination on the global motorsport calendar. Related Story Source link
The Ministry of Commerce and Industry (MOCI) has signed a cooperation agreement with Dukhan Bank to integrate the bank’s services within the ministry’s Single Window platform, as part of efforts to enhance public-private sector integration and improve services provided to investors through the Single Window platform.The agreement was signed by Director of the Single Window Department at MOCI Mubarak Abdulrahman Al Khelaifi and General Manager and Head of Wholesale Banking at Dukhan Bank Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Emadi.In a statement issued Tuesday, MOCI said that, under the agreement, Dukhan Bank will allow eligible investors to open bank accounts directly through the Single Window platform, in accordance with applicable laws and procedures. This service will expedite company registration procedures, streamline the investor journey, and reduce reliance on manual transactions and paper documents through a more efficient and integrated digital experience.The ministry said the agreement confirms Dukhan Bank’s leading role and its commitment to developing innovative banking solutions that comply with the provisions of Islamic Sharia, to support digital transformation efforts and enhance the business environment in the State of Qatar, the statement added.Director of the Single Window Department at MOCI Mubarak Abdulrahman Al Khelaifi said that the signing of the agreement with Dukhan Bank comes as part of a series of partnerships the ministry is concluding with banks operating in Qatar to expand cooperation with the banking sector, facilitate procedures for investors and provide the services required to establish companies through a unified and integrated digital platform.He said the agreement will further strengthen the Single Window platform as the government’s primary portal for business establishment and services, while supporting efforts to enhance the investment environment, promote business sector growth, and boost the competitiveness, diversification, and sustainability of the national economy, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030.For his part, General Manager and Head of Wholesale Banking at Dukhan Bank Ahmed Abdulaziz Al Emadi said Dukhan Bank is proud to be the first Islamic bank to sign a cooperation agreement with the MOCI to provide bank account opening services through the Single Window platform.He said the partnership marks a significant step in the bank’s ongoing efforts to develop integrated digital banking solutions that facilitate business establishment and improve the experience of investors and entrepreneurs.He added that the collaboration highlights the importance of public-private partnerships in enhancing service efficiency and supporting the competitiveness of Qatar’s business environment, noting that the bank will continue to support national initiatives aimed at accelerating digital transformation and contributing to building a diversified and sustainable economy, in line with the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030. Source link
Zinedine Zidane looks on during a press conference to present him as the new head coach of France at the French Football Federation headquarters in Paris…
The initiative, called The Promise, comes at a time when more than 41 million refugees remain displaced worldwide, as conflicts continue to uproot families and place growing…
Jordan’s armed forces said they downed a drone that breached the Kingdom’s airspace at dawn on Tuesday, bringing it down in the eastern desert.A military spokesperson said the Jordan Armed Forces remain committed to safeguarding the country’s borders, security and sovereignty, and would respond decisively to any threat to national security or the safety of its citizens. The latest incident came a day after the military said the Royal Jordanian Air Force intercepted and downed two drones that entered the Kingdom’s airspace, with no casualties or material damage reported. Source link
Roberto Mancini has been named the head coach of Italy's national team for a second time, tasked with revitalising the Azzurri who have missed out on the last three World Cups, FIGC president Giovanni Malago said Tuesday. Technical director Roberto Maldini, who reportedly threatened to resign if Mancini was appointed, has been replaced by Claudio Ranieri. ‘Today we have a new coach and a new technical director,’ Malago told reporters, announcing another press conference with Mancini and Ranieri on Wednesday. ‘I felt that the person who should be and become the Italian national football team's head coach was Roberto Mancini, for a whole series of considerations for which, as always, I honestly take responsibility.’ Gennaro Gattuso resigned as Italy coach after their World Cup qualification play-off final defeat by Bosnia and Herzegovina in March. The 61-year-old Mancini was previously Italy boss from 2018 until 2023, leading them to the Euro 2020 title. He has been preferred to another ex-national team coach in Antonio Conte. Maldini had also apparently said he would resign if Conte was chosen, reportedly wanting Brazil-born former Italy midfielder Thiago Motta to be given the job. Andrea Pirlo, who had been tipped to take charge, announced on Monday that he was no longer a candidate. The former midfielder had come under heavy criticism over his controversial ties with a Russian sports-betting company and what detractors viewed as a limited coaching resume. Divisive choice Mancini's appointment, however, remains divisive despite leading Italy to the Euro 2020 title and a 37-match unbeaten streak. His abrupt resignation as Italy coach in the summer of 2023 to take charge of Saudi Arabia reportedly damaged his standing with many senior FIGC officials, particularly as the Azzurri were struggling in their qualifying campaign for Euro 2024. Mancini left his job with the Saudi side just 14 months later. He was most recently coach of Qatari club Al Sadd, with whom he signed a two-year deal last November. Now he will turn his attentions to the job of taking Italy back to the top of the international game. The four-time world champions have not reached a World Cup since 2014, and have not even played a knock-out stage match at the tournament since winning the 2006 final against France on penalties. The one success in that time was the European Championship victory, also secured in a shoot-out against England five years ago. Their title defence, with Luciano Spalletti at the helm, ended with a last-16 loss to Switzerland in 2024. Mancini also won three consecutive Serie A titles as Inter Milan boss between 2005 and 2008. He then led Manchester City to their first English league title since 1968 with a famous last-day victory over QPR in the 2011-12 Premier League season. Source link
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has strongly condemned the drone attacks launched from Iraqi territory targeting the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.In a statement, OIC Secretary-General Hissein Brahim Taha described the attacks as a flagrant violation of international law, a serious and direct escalation, and a threat to regional security and stability. He reaffirmed the OIC’s solidarity with Saudi Arabia and expressed the organization’s support for all measures the Kingdom takes to safeguard its sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity. Source link
Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) confirm that the Qatar 1812 KM, rescheduled for 22 to 24 October, has been withdrawn from 2026 calendar following a decision by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) & FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif Al Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) said, ” We fully respect the decision taken by the FIA and WEC to call off this year’s Qatar 1812 KM. Our commitment to this partnership remains as strong as ever, and we look forward to working closely with both organizations to deliver an exceptional event when the championship returns to Lusail International Circuit. We are grateful to our fans, partners, teams and the wider motorsport community for their continued support, understanding and confidence. We look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail in the near future.” Frédéric Lequien, CEO of FIA WEC stated, “I would like to warmly thank Lusail International Circuit and their team in Qatar for their understanding in these times. We have been in constant dialogue with LIC and QMMF, and are proud of the close, long-standing relationships we have built. Qatar 1812 KM is a hugely important and well-established event on FIA’s WEC calendar and will return in the future. The process of issuing full refunds for all purchased tickets for the Qatar 1812 KM – FIA World Endurance Championship will begin immediately. Ticket holders will receive a full refund, which will be processed automatically to the original payment method. QMMF and LIC remain committed to supporting the FIA World Endurance Championship and its long-term presence in Qatar, reinforcing the nation’s position as a key destination on the global motorsport calendar. Source link
India summoned Ukraine’s top envoy in New Delhi yesterday to protest against an attack on a commercial vessel transiting the Black Sea that killed an Indian national. The Indian foreign ministry said it had summoned Ukrainian ambassador Oleksandr Polishchuk to convey its “serious concern” over the July 18 attack on the MV Omforfi.The ship had three Indian nationals on board, one of whom was killed.“ The ministry conveyed its serious concern over the incident and condemned such attacks on commercial shipping in the strongest terms,” it said in a statement.Polishchuk was asked to tell Kyiv that such actions, “which endanger the lives of innocent civilian seafarers, are unacceptable and must be avoided”. New Delhi had also summoned the Russian envoy last week to protest against an attack on a cargo ship leaving Ukraine’s port of Odesa that killed four Indian nationals.New Delhi has issued a string of security warnings for ships heading into the Black Sea that are locally flagged or employ its seafarers in the wake of the recent attacks.Fourteen Indian seafarers have also been killed in attacks on ships during the Middle East war, according to the foreign ministry. Source link