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File Picture: People stand around destroyed vehicles following flash floods caused by heavy rainfall in the Grogan area, in downtown Nairobi, Kenya. (Reuters) A total of 62 people including eight children have died since heavy rains and flooding hit Kenya’s capital Nairobi and other areas late last week, police said Saturday.The capital was the worst hit with 33 deaths, the force said in a statement on X that updated the official tally of casualties. More than 2,000 families have been displaced across Kenya and intense rain was continuing in several regions, it added.Aid workers started pulling bodies from floodwaters across Nairobi last Saturday after overnight flash floods swept away dozens of cars and disrupted flights at East Africa’s biggest airport.A tally issued last Sunday put the death toll at 42. Related Story…
A Palestinian young man was killed by live ammunition while two others were injured, in addition to another beaten, during an attack by Israeli settlers on the town of Qusra, south of Nablus, on Saturday.Medical sources reported that one man was killed and two others were injured, and a fourth was assaulted and beaten during the attack.With the death of the Palestinian young man, the number of people killed by settler gunfire and assaults in March has risen to seven.According to the Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission, settlers carried out more than 192 attacks during the two weeks of war and the prevailing regional tension.The Commission also stated that the number of people killed by settler gunfire since the beginning of 2026 has risen to eight, while the total since Oct. 7, 2023 has reached 44, amid escalating settler attacks on Palestinian villages, towns, and communities in the West Bank.The Colonization and Wall Resistance Commission indicated that these attacks were concentrated in the governorates of Hebron with 47 attacks, Tubas with 42 attacks, Nablus with 35 attacks, Bethlehem with 14 attacks, and Jerusalem with 12 attacks, in addition to others in Salfit, Jericho, and Qalqilya. Source link
The US flag was raised above its embassy in Venezuela Saturday for the first time in seven years, following the US capture of authoritarian leader Nicolas Maduro and the restoration of diplomatic relations.’A new era has begun. We're staying with Venezuela,’ the US charge d'affaires Laura Dogu, the embassy's most senior diplomat, wrote in a post on X with a photo of the Stars and Stripes being raised outside the embassy.Dogu wrote that she and her team raised the flag ‘exactly seven years after it was removed’ on March 14, 2019, two months after Caracas severed ties over Washington's refusal to recognise Maduro's flawed re-election in 2018.Earlier this month, the United States and Venezuela restored diplomatic ties amid a rapid thaw in relations since the US special forces raid in January that left around 100 people dead and saw Maduro and his wife flown to New York for trial on drug trafficking charges.US President Donald Trump's administration says it effectively runs Venezuela and controls the country's vast natural resources after toppling Maduro.Trump and Venezuela's interim leader Delcy Rodriguez, formerly Maduro's deputy, have signed energy and mining agreements that open the door to private investment and US access to what are the world's largest oil reserves.On Friday, Rodriguez urged Trump to totally lift the sanctions imposed on her country.Since January, the United States has eased a seven-year-old oil embargo on Venezuela and issued licences allowing a handful of multinationals to operate in the country under certain conditions. Source link
Spokesman for the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), Dany Ghafary, called on all parties to de-escalate and return to a cessation of hostilities in southern Lebanon.In statements to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Ghafary said that 7,500 UNIFIL troops representing 48 countries are carrying out their duties south of the Litani River (southern Lebanon) in accordance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, noting the continuation of military escalation and exchanges of fire across the Blue Line since March 2.The UNIFIL spokesman explained that there have been more than 800 deaths and more than 1,900 injuries in Lebanon since the start of the latest Israeli escalation that began on March 2, pointing to the displacement of more than 800,000 people, in addition to around 120,000 people staying in shelters.He affirmed that UNIFIL forces are carrying out tasks to monitor and record violations and submit reports to the Security Council, in addition to facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance and protecting civilian populations.Ghafary condemned attacks targeting UNIFIL forces in southern Lebanon, adding that a shooting incident targeting the UN peacekeeping forces occurred during the recent escalation, and calling on all parties to fulfill their obligations to ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers at all times.The UNIFIL spokesman concluded his remarks to QNA by saying that, according to the Security Council decision, UNIFIL’s mandate has been renewed for a final time, with its mission ending on Dec. 31, 2026, and withdrawal beginning during 2027, stressing the force’s commitment to the Security Council resolution to carry out its duties until the end of its mandate. Source link
Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) has confirmed that the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar 2026, originally scheduled for April 10 to 12, has been postponed and rescheduled to November 6-8 later this year, following a decision by MotoGP Sport and Entertainment Group, while QMMF and LIC respected and supported the decision.The event will welcome the world’s premier motorcycle racing championship back to Lusail International Circuit, continuing Qatar’s long standing role on the MotoGP calendar. Since first hosting a MotoGP round in 2004, LIC has become one of the most distinctive venues in the championship, staging the sport’s first ever night race in 2008 to date and establishing itself as one of the most iconic settings in global motorcycle racing.Abdulrahman bin Abdullatif al-Mannai, President of the Qatar Motor & Motorcycle Federation and Lusail International Circuit (LIC), said: “The Qatar Motor and Motorcycle Federation (QMMF) and Lusail International Circuit (LIC) respect and support the decision of the MotoGP Sport and Entertainment Group to postpone the MotoGP Grand Prix of Qatar to November 6–8, 2026. We sincerely thank our fans, teams and partners for their understanding and ongoing support, and we look forward to welcoming everyone back to Lusail International Circuit.”Carmelo Ezpeleta, CEO of MotoGP, said: “This decision was taken with great care and in full coordination with our partners in Qatar and across the paddock. Our priority is always the safety and wellbeing of everyone involved in MotoGP, as well as ensuring that every Grand Prix is delivered to the highest possible standard. We also recognise the importance of providing clarity for our fans as early as possible and ticket holders will be given the opportunity to rollover their tickets to the next event”“I would also like to thank our partners in Portimão and Valencia for their collaboration and flexibility in helping us deliver a smooth transition to the revised calendar. We are confident that the updated schedule will allow us to preserve the quality of the championship while offering fans an exceptional season of racing.”All purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled event. Ticket holders may contact us at [email protected] for more information. Further updates will be communicated as soon as they become available.QMMF and LIC said it remains committed to supporting FIM and its long term presence in Qatar, reinforcing the nation’s position as a key destination on the global motorsport calendar. Source link
The World Health Organization (WHO) has denounced the killing of 14 health workers in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, demanding the necessity of protecting medical personnel and health facilities at all times.In a press statement, Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that these losses of life represent a tragic development amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to de-escalate the crisis and protect the health of people across the region.Ghebreyesus noted that these incidents highlight the ongoing attack on the healthcare system in Lebanon, which serves as a vital pillar for the population.The WHO confirmed the deaths of 12 doctors, paramedics, and nurses in an attack that occurred last night on the Burj Qalaouiyeh Primary Healthcare Center in southern Lebanon, while two paramedics were killed in attacks on a health facility.Since the situation in Lebanon worsened on March 2, amid continuing Israeli attacks on various areas, the WHO has documented 27 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 30 deaths and 35 injuries.According to international humanitarian law, medical personnel and health facilities must never be attacked or militarized. Related Story Source link
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned against the risk of the situation in Lebanon worsening, due to the ongoing Israeli attacks on wide areas of the country and the accompanying deterioration in humanitarian conditions.In response to a question posed by Qatar News Agency (QNA) correspondent during a press conference in Beirut regarding an Israeli statement suggesting turning Lebanon into ‘another Gaza’, Guterres said that he has not seen the statement in question, yet he affirmed that if it truly exists, then it is totally condemned, adding that the situation in Gaza is a catastrophe, and nothing like this can be justified or accepted.The UN Secretary-General highlighted, “The Lebanese people did not choose war, but were dragged into it,” and called for a ceasefire, saying, “There is no military solution – only diplomacy, dialogue and the full implementation of the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions.”Guterres said, “We have witnessed widespread destruction in Lebanon, and there are fears that the south will turn into a wasteland and the suburbs face the risk of being bombed until they are completely destroyed.”He stressed the importance of Israel respecting Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity and noted that the Lebanese state alone should guarantee security, in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1701.The UN Secretary-General urged the international community to intensify efforts to support Lebanon, noting that the number of victims has reached hundreds of dead and wounded.Guterres further emphasized that attacks against UN peacekeeping forces and their positions are unacceptable, constitute a violation of international law, and may amount to war crimes.He pointed out that the UN is continuing its efforts on the ground, and that peacekeeping forces remain in their positions to ensure neutrality and protect civilians while maintaining continuous contact with all concerned parties.The UN Secretary-General noted that diplomatic channels remain available, including through his Special Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis‑Plasschaert and through key member states, in order to spare communities on both sides of the Blue Line further unnecessary suffering. Source link
The World Health Organization (WHO) has denounced the killing of 14 health workers in southern Lebanon over the past 24 hours, demanding the necessity of protecting medical personnel and health facilities at all times.In a press statement, Director-General of the WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said that these losses of life represent a tragic development amid the escalating crisis in the Middle East, emphasizing the need for urgent measures to de-escalate the crisis and protect the health of people across the region.Ghebreyesus noted that these incidents highlight the ongoing attack on the healthcare system in Lebanon, which serves as a vital pillar for the population.The WHO confirmed the deaths of 12 doctors, paramedics, and nurses in an attack that occurred last night on the Burj Qalaouiyeh Primary Healthcare Center in southern Lebanon, while two paramedics were killed in attacks on a health facility.Since the situation in Lebanon worsened on March 2, amid continuing Israeli attacks on various areas, the WHO has documented 27 attacks on healthcare facilities, resulting in 30 deaths and 35 injuries.According to international humanitarian law, medical personnel and health facilities must never be attacked or militarized. Source link
Arsenal moved a step closer to the Premier League title as Max Dowman became the competition’ youngest ever goalscorer in a dramatic 2-0 win against Everton, while Chelsea’s top four bid was dented a 1-0 defeat against Newcastle. Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down obdurate Everton until the closing moments at the Emirates Stadium. But Sweden forward Viktor Gyokeres finally found a way through in the 89th minute, with a helping hand from Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford. Pickford completely missed Dowman’s cross and Piero Hincapie bundled the ball back into the six-yard box for Gyokeres to tap into the empty net. The ensuing scenes of delirium on the pitch and in the stands underlined the significance of Arsenal’s fourth successive league win. There was still time for Dowman to run the length of the pitch and slot home with Pickford nowhere to be seen after coming up for an Everton corner that ended in a rapid Arsenal counter-attack in the final seconds. Dowman, aged just 16, is the youngest scorer in the history of the Premier League, as well as Arsenal’s youngest scorer. Gyokeres on Dowman’s said: “It’s incredible. You can see how he plays. He stays so calm and without fear every time he gets the ball. He takes the right decision most of the time as well and with the goal, he definitely took the right one. He’s an amazing player, it was a great goal for him and I’m so happy for him.” The Gunners are now 10 points ahead of second-placed Manchester City, who were facing West Ham at the London Stadium in the day’s late kick-off. Arsenal, trophyless since 2020, are hunting a first English title in 22 years. The quadruple chasers rode their luck to beat Everton despite a disjointed performance, adding to the mounting feeling that they will be one of the least stylistically impressive champions in recent memory if they do take the crown. But Arteta and company won’t care about that ahead of a huge week. The Gunners have a Champions League last-16 second leg against Bayer Leverkusen next week with the tie level at 1-1 before heading to Wembley to face City in the League Cup final. Arsenal don’t play in the league again until April 11 when they meet Bournemouth. City’s clash with West Ham is the first of their two games in hand on Arsenal, with Pep Guardiola’s men also hosting the leaders in April. City must bounce back from their midweek Champions League last-16 first leg defeat at Real Madrid in a match of significance at both ends of the table. West Ham sit in the relegation zone but can leapfrog Nottingham Forest and Tottenham with victory over City. Fifth-placed Chelsea were beaten by Anthony Gordon’s goal at Stamford Bridge to round off a painful week. Thrashed 5-2 at Paris Saint-Germain in the last-16 first leg, Liam Rosenior’s side were breached in the 18th minute when Tino Livramento’s pass allowed Joe Willock to burst clear and tee up Gordon for a composed finish. Chelsea trail Aston Villa and Manchester United by three points having played a game more than their top-four rivals. Brighton beat Sunderland 1-0 to climb into the top half of the Premier League, while second-bottom Burnley held Bournemouth in a 0-0 draw. Sunderland were unbeaten in their first 11 home games back in the top flight but have now lost their last three at the Stadium of Light to slip to 12th. Yankuba Minteh scored the only goal when his shot somehow squeezed past goalkeeper Melker Ellborg at his near post. Brighton move above the Black Cats on goal difference and into 10th. The stalemate at Turf Moor did little for either side as Burnley slip closer to relegation and Bournemouth failed to move in on the European places. The Clarets are eight points adrift of safety with eight games remaining. Bournemouth remain in ninth, three points behind Brentford in what is likely to be the final European spot in seventh. Related Story Source link
Joaquin Niemann in action at the Sentosa Golf Club, Singapore, Saturday. (Reuters) Defending champion Joaquin Niemann shot a 66 to surge into a third-round tie for the lead at LIV Golf Singapore Saturday. The Chilean mixed seven birdies and two bogeys to tie Lee Westwood of England atop the leaderboard at 10-under-par 203 for the tournament, one stroke ahead of second-round leader Bryson DeChambeau and Richard Lee of Canada. Westwood made birdies on three of the final four holes to finish with a 68 at the Sentosa Golf Club, which played tougher than it did in the first two rounds. “I would say it’s a major championship-style golf course. It’s very demanding,” Westwood said. “Even though the rough isn’t that thick, it asks you to hit a lot of fairways, and it’s difficult to score from the rough. You don’t have as much control on the golf ball.” Niemann agreed about the challenge the course presents. “I’ve been hitting the ball really good. I think that’s the key,” Niemann said. “It’s a really stressful golf course, I’ll say. There’s a lot of danger off the tee, a lot of water on second shots. One way or the other, I feel like I’ve been kind of like stress-free after I hit the shot. Once I get on the tee, there’s some pressure there, and then once I hit the ball, it goes right where I’m seeing with my eyes, so it feels satisfying.” DeChambeau followed his second-round 65 with a one-over 72, but he wasn’t dismayed despite bogeys at holes 8, 10 and 12. “I played really well. The greens on 8, 9, 10, 11 got really slow,” he said. “For some reason, there wasn’t as much wind around there and I guess the greens got slower in that area and I three-putted a few of them and that cost me some momentum. Other than that, I played great golf. I almost played just as good as yesterday, just things didn’t line up.” Lee, a LIV Golf wild card, birdied the final hole to record a 69 and tie DeChambeau. Spain’s Jon Rahm shot an even-par 71 to stay within striking distance of the leaders, three strokes off the pace. Marc Leishman of Australia (71) stands alone in sixth place at 6-under par. In the team competition, 4Aces are atop the leaderboard. Captain Dustin Johnson’s round of 68 sent the team to 16-under, two shots ahead of Ripper GC and Legion XIII, and put Johnson in a tie for seventh place with six others at 5-under. Source link