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Amid reports of high-level talks later today between Israel and Lebanon, intense Israeli military strikes continued in southern Lebanese territory, including around the Hezbollah stronghold of…
FILE PHOTO: Cargo ships in the Gulf, near the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from northern Ras al-Khaimah, near the border with Oman’s Musandam governance, amid…
The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor called on the Israeli occupation to immediately and completely lift the siege imposed on the Gaza Strip, open the crossings, and guarantee full, safe, and sustainable humanitarian access to all parts of the Strip.In a statement, the Monitor warned of the dangerous escalation in the establishment by Israeli occupation forces of permanent and fortified military positions inside the Gaza Strip, near what is known as the “Yellow Line,” which isolates approximately 55 percent of the Strip’s area and subjects it to direct Israeli control. The Monitor considers this part of a systematic policy aimed at imposing a permanent reality that paves the way for the de facto annexation of large parts of the occupied Palestinian territory, eliminates what remains of its geographical contiguity, and deepens the illegal Israeli presence there.The Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor called on the international community to take immediate and effective action to stop the ongoing Israeli crimes in the Gaza Strip and to reject any measures or arrangements on the ground that would entrench a forced demographic or geographic change in the Strip, reduce its area, or separate its parts from one another. The Monitor stressed that the continuation of these measures consolidates illegal realities imposed by force and threatens to transform them into a permanent status quo.The Monitor demanded that Israel be compelled to withdraw completely from the Gaza Strip and end its illegal presence in all of the occupied Palestinian territory, including the West Bank and East Jerusalem, in accordance with the International Court of Justice’s ruling that this presence must end as soon as possible, and in compliance with the UN General Assembly resolution that called on Israel to end it without delay.It stressed that the duty of states does not stop at political condemnation, but requires taking practical measures to stop the violation and prevent contributing to its continuation, including imposing targeted sanctions, stopping any military, security, logistical or intelligence cooperation that may contribute directly or indirectly to maintaining the illegal situation, refraining from providing any aid, assistance or recognition that would legitimize the de facto annexation or illegal occupation, and working collectively through the United Nations to ensure accountability and end this illegal situation. Source link
Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the US if a deal is clinched to prevent renewed conflict, a source briefed by Tehran said. The war has resulted in the largest-ever disruption of global oil and gas supplies due to Iran’s interruption of traffic through the strait, which handles about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas flows.The source adamant on maintaining anonymity said Iran could be willing to let ships use the other side of the narrow strait in Omani waters without any hindrance. The source did not say whether Iran would also agree to clear any mines it may have placed in that stretch of water or if all ships— even those linked to Israel—would be allowed to pass freely. It added that the proposal hinged on whether the US was prepared to meet Tehran’s demands, a condition that was central to a potential breakthrough with the strait. (Reuters) Source link
The Qatar Football Association (QFA) has announced that the Amir Cup Final 2026 will take place on 9 May at Khalifa International Stadium.The country’s biggest annual football cup has returned for its 54th edition, with a total of 20 clubs from first and second divisions participating in the competition.According to QFA, starting 2 May, fans can purchase tickets for the Amir Cup Final 2026 at the Association’s website.Fans can purchase up to six tickets per person. Upon purchase, tickets will be made available on the Road to Qatar mobile app on 7 May.Fans arriving at the Khalifa International Stadium will be treated to a variety of entertainment and cultural activities at the fan zone.Following the Round of 16 held earlier in the year, eight teams have qualified to the quarterfinals and semifinals that will take place between 1-8 May. The quarterfinals fixtures feature Al Gharafa vs. Umm Salal; Al Sadd vs. Al Shamal; Al Arabi vs. Al Duhail; and Al Rayyan vs. Al Wakrah.The grand finale will take place at the renowned Khalifa International Stadium. This year marks 50 years since the stadium’s inauguration in 1976. Source link
Wael Sabbagh, whose mother Afaf Sidaoui and brother Hassan, were killed in an Israeli strike on an apartment building on April 8, stands at the strike…
FILE PHOTO: A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, off the coast of Oman’s Musandam province, April 12, 2026. REUTERS/File Photo By Florence Tan, Mariko Katsumura and Jonathan SaulStrait traffic remains far below pre-war levels, industry sources reportChina calls US blockade ‘dangerous and irresponsible’, urges de-escalationWar-risk insurance costs remain high, with cover reviewed every 48 hours, industry sources say The first full day of a US blockade on vessels calling at Iranian ports made little difference to Strait of Hormuztraffic on Tuesday, with at least eight ships including three Iran-linked tankers, crossing the waterway, shipping data showed.US President Donald Trump announced the blockade on Sunday after weekend peace talks in Islamabad between the US and Iran failed to reach a deal. The blockade has created even further uncertainty for shippers, oil companies and war risk insurers. Traffic remains at only a fraction of the 130-plus daily crossings before the US and Israel’s war on Iran began on February 28, industry sources said on Tuesday. “During the first 24 hours, no ships made it past the US blockade,” the US Central Command said on X, adding that six vessels complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around to re-enter an Iranian port.The three Iran-linked vessels that transited the strait were not heading to Iranian ports and were not affected by the blockade. Panama-flagged Peace Gulf, a medium-range tanker, is heading to Hamriyah port in the United Arab Emirates, LSEG data showed.The vessel typically moves Iranian naphtha, a petrochemical feedstock, to other non-Iranian Middle Eastern ports for export to Asia, Kpler data showed. Prior to this, two U.S.-sanctioned tankers passed through the narrow waterway.Handy tanker Murlikishan is heading to Iraq to load fuel oil on April 16, Kpler data showed. The vessel, formerly known as MKA, has transported Russian and Iranian oil. Another sanctioned tanker, Rich Starry, would be the first to make it through the strait and to exit the Gulf since the blockade began, data from LSEG and Kpler showed.The tanker and its owner, Shanghai Xuanrun Shipping Co, were placed under US sanctions for dealing with Iran. The company could not be reached for immediate comment. Rich Starry is a medium-range tanker carrying about 250,000 barrels of methanol, according to the data. It loaded the cargo at its last port of call, the UAE’s Hamriyah, the data showed. The Chinese-owned tanker has Chinese crew on board, the data showed.China’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that a US blockade of Iranian ports is “dangerous and irresponsible”, warning that it would only aggravate tensions. The ministry did not mention whether Chinese ships were passing the strait. SAILINGS THROUGH THE STRAITFive other vessels had sailed through the strait since the blockade began at 1400 GMT on Monday. These comprised two other chemical and gas tankers, two dry bulk vessels and the Ocean Energy cargo ship that docked at Iran’s Bandar Abbas port. A US military note sent to mariners and seen by Reuters said that humanitarian shipments would be exempt from the blockade.“The United States does not need to block every type of ship or enter the Strait of Hormuz; it can carry out an intermittent blockade,” said Fabrizio Coticchia, professor of political science at Italy’s University of Genoa. “Ships will not be attacked, but rather diverted,” Coticchia said, adding that US warships would be located outside of the strait in the Gulf of Oman. While the cost of war-risk insurance has not increased since the blockade began, it remains at hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional weekly costs, with cover typically reviewed by underwriters every 48 hours, industry sources said.“A return to ‘normality’ in the Middle East arguably now appears more distant than it did one week ago, especially given that the U.S. navy has started a blockade,” ship broker BRS said in a report.“It is anticipated that there will be little or no commercial traffic in the strait for the foreseeable future.” Source link
The Iran war was meant to deliver a defining victory over Tehran that would secure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s place in history. More than six weeks into the conflict, he has been unable to translate military might into political gain. Despite Israel’s overwhelming firepower, its enemies across every front have been weakened but not neutralised. Even after heavy Israeli-U.S. airstrikes and the loss of senior leaders, Iran remains intact and defiant.Tehran’s nuclear stockpiles endure, its missile capability is now proven and it holds sway over the Strait of Hormuz, the artery for a fifth of global oil flows. Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas has not been disarmed or dismantled in Gaza, and Iran-backed Hezbollah continues to fire rockets at northern Israel from Lebanon. “Netanyahu is not winning,” said Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher on Iran at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies. “This war is a strategic failure. There is a gap between what he promised at the start of the campaign and where we ended up.” A poster of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hangs along a corridor at the Grand Bazaar in Isfahan, Iran, March 24, 2026. REUTERS/Alaa…
In 2010, Imthiyas Aboobacker, a well-known finger dance expert, envisioned a unique way to enhance mental focus among children with special needs. After extensive research, study, and consultations with experts, he launched Mind Moves, an initiative that combines creativity with cognitive development through finger-based exercises. “I have a superhero in my family,” Aboobacker recalls, referring to his differently-abled cousin who once showed a keen interest in finger movements during a visit. “Each child responds differently. Once they begin moving, they start enjoying it and gradually immerse themselves in the rhythm.” Imthiyas Aboobacker with his cousin Sameer, who inspired him to start the finger therapy initiative. The programme is structured into multiple levels—around 25 in total—designed to progressively build skills. Through consistent practice, Aboobacker believes the therapy can bring significant improvements in fine motor skills, eye-hand coordination, and attention span. Inside classrooms where Mind Moves is practised, the transformation is visible. Children who were once hesitant now follow rhythmic patterns—not with their feet, but with their fingers. What may seem like a simple activity is, in reality, a carefully designed therapy that stimulates both sides of the brain. At its core, Mind Moves focuses on fine motor movements—small, deliberate actions that enhance brain activity and cognitive function. These exercises, often presented as engaging “finger games,” are particularly beneficial for children facing attention challenges, including those on the autism spectrum. The Rhythm of 1K1 Hands performance, choreographed and led…
Pakistani Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar discussed developments in the Middle East in a telephone call today with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.During the call, Guterres affirmed the United Nations’ full support for Pakistan’s ongoing efforts in this regard.For his part, the Pakistani Foreign Minister affirmed his country’s commitment to promoting dialogue and diplomacy to achieve peace and stability in the region. Source link