Day: 3 April 2024

Qalqilya – Ma’an – Hebrew sources said, at dawn on Wednesday, that a Palestinian injured four occupation police officers, in a double run-over and stabbing operation near the Eyal crossing, north of Qalqilya.

The Hebrew sources said that the perpetrator was shot dead by the occupation forces after trying to stab a security officer at the Eyal crossing.

In details reported by Hebrew sources, the perpetrator ran over four police officers near the ‘Kochav Yair’ settlement, then fled in his car towards the ‘Eyal’ checkpoint, and there he tried to stab a security officer, and he was shot, which led to his death, and a second person who was with him fled. Large forces from The occupation army chased him.

Magen David Adom reported that the condition of two police officers was serious.

Ma’an’s correspondent reported that the occupation forces closed the entrances to the city of Qalqilya, following the run-over operation that took place inside the Green Line, north of Qalqilya.

Source: Maan News Agency

1976 — The Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah issued a law regulating commodities’ prices.

1976 — The Amir Sheikh Sabah Al=Salem Al-Sabah issued a law regarding phones’ misuse.

1992 — The Amir Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah issued a decree whereby establishing the bureau for social development.

2001 — Kuwait and Saudi Arabia inked lists including names of Saudi citizens eligible to own housing plots in New Khairan region.

2019 — The Foreign Ministry declared taking over jurisdictions of the National Committee for the POWs and Missing.

2021 — Kuwait gained permanent membership in the WHO Program for International Drug Monitoring.

2021 — Ministry of Communication issued post stamp titled (Kuwait combats coronavirus pandemic), a collaboration between the ministry and the Kuwaiti society for stamps and coins collectors to document this turbulent time in history.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Taipei, Four people were killed and 97 others were injured after a powerful earthquake rocked Taiwan on Wednesday morning.

According to the Central Meteorological Administration of Taiwan, the 7.2 magnitude quake struck at a depth of 15.5 kilometers. Its epicenter was 25 kilometers southeast of Taiwan’s Hualien City. The Japanese Meteorological Agency (JMA) estimated the magnitude of the quake at 7.5, while the US Geological Survey said the earthquake measured 7.4 magnitude.

The quake was also felt in southern Japan, eastern China and the Philippines, and prompted tsunami warnings that extended to Japan and the Philippines before being lifted.

Officials said the quake was the strongest to shake the island in decades, and warned of more tremors in the days ahead.

Taiwan is regularly hit by earthquakes as the island lies near the junction of two tectonic plates.

Wednesdays earthquake was the strongest since a 7.6-magnitude struck in September 1999, killing around 2,400 people in the deadliest natural disas
ter in the island’s history.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The US Central Command conducted an airdrop of humanitarian assistance into northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, at 1:23 p.m. (Gaza time) to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict.

The joint operation included four C-130 US Air Force aircraft and US Army Soldiers specialized in aerial delivery of US humanitarian assistance supplies. US C-130s dropped over 50,680 US meal equivalents into northern Gaza, an area of great need, allowing for civilian access to the critical aid, according to a CENTCOM statement.

The CENTCOM does not assess civilian harm or damage to infrastructure at this time but continues to monitor the situation. The DoD (Dept. of Defense) humanitarian airdrops contribute to ongoing US and partner-nation government efforts to alleviate human suffering, the statement noted.

These airdrops are part of a sustained effort, and we continue to plan follow-on aerial deliveries, it added.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Ramallah, Israeli occupation forces stormed the city of Nablus in the northern occupied West Bank early Wednesday.

The occupation army forces stormed Nablus from Al-Tur axis and the eastern entrance, raiding several Palestinian homes, according to the Palestinian news agency (WAFA).

The Occupation forces also stormed the city of Qalqilya in the western West Bank from its eastern entrance, raiding several neighborhoods and arresting a young man after raiding and searching his home.

Moreover, the Israeli entitys forces arrested a number of Palestinians in various parts of the West Bank. Two Palestinians were arrested in the town of Hizma northeast of the occupied Jerusalem after the town was stormed and military vehicles roamed its streets, leading to confrontation with Palestinians, during which sound bombs and tear gas were fired at them.

The occupation forces also detained three Palestinian youths at a military checkpoint south of Jenin refugee camp and raided villages and towns in the Jenin governorate.

Additionally, the occupation forces detained a Palestinian in the town of Tamoun south of Tubas while he was passing through the military checkpoint of Ein Sinya north of Ramallah, and another in the city of Jericho after being summoned for investigation by the occupation intelligence.

On Tuesday, the Israeli occupation forces launched a wide-ranging arrest campaign in the West Bank, targeting more than 40 Palestinians, including children and ex-detainees.

The pace of arrests and raids in the West Bank has escalated in conjunction with the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip since Oct. 7, 2023, resulted in tens of thousands of martyrs, wounded, and missing persons.

Source: Qatar News Agency

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed, on Tuesday, his country’s strong enduring support to The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) fundamental mission, namely the safeguarding of culture and education.

Blinken made his remarks during his meeting with Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of UNESCO at the Organization’s headquarters in Paris.

During his visit, he reaffirmed the United States’ enduring support for UNESCO’s fundamental mission, notably the safeguarding of culture and education.

Earlier, Blinken made his first official visit to UNESCO headquarters since the United States re-joined the Organization in July 2023.

In a meeting with Audrey Azoulay, he reaffirmed the United States’ full commitment to supporting UNESCO’s mandate for education, sciences, culture and information.

The Director-General praised the United States’ commitment to the Organization’s multisector priorities including Africa and gender equality, improving access to quality education f
or all, as well as globally implementing the Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence which was unanimously adopted by UNESCO’s Member States in November 2021.

Audrey Azoulay and Antony Blinken also discussed actions that are being implemented and envisaged by UNESCO in crisis and conflict environments, notably in Iraq, Gaza and Ukraine.

In recent months, the United States has made a voluntary contribution of USD 3 million to UNESCO to preserve the works of Ukrainian artists, including the works of Maria Prymachenko.

On this meeting, Audrey Azoulay also paid tribute to UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador Esther Coopersmith, who passed away on March 26, and who was an ardent advocate of the United States’ return to the Organization.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Makkah, The Muslim World League (MWL) has strongly condemned the Israeli occupation forces targeting of the World Central Kitchen convoy in the Gaza Strip, in a systematic continuation of crimes and flagrant violations of all international and humanitarian laws and norms.

Secretary-General of the Association Dr. Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa, condemned, in a statement, the targeting of missions and relief organizations and their workers, reiterating the call to stop these horrific violations against defenseless civilians and workers in humanitarian and relief organizations.

The Israeli occupation army targeted a convoy of the “World Central Kitchen” organization in the city of Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, killing 7 people.

Source: Qatar News Agency

The media center for the 2024 National Assembly elections reflected the Information Ministry’s keenness on professionalism and transparency in covering Kuwaiti democracy, said Minister of Information and Culture Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi.

The minister’s statement to KUNA came at the opening of the media center late Tuesday to cover the elections due April 4, Thursday.

The center serves media coverage for media personnel from Kuwait and abroad.

Minister Al-Mutairi stressed the opening of the center reflected the ministry’s constant professionalism and keenness on covering the upcoming democratic process.

He affirmed that the Ministry of Information was eager to host media personnel from across the globe to showcase Kuwait’s commitment to transparency and freedom of speech.

On his part, undersecretary for external media at the Information Ministry Bader Al-Tararwah said that the ministry was leading the efforts to provide comprehensive and multi-language coverage of elections.

The media center is fully equip
ped with necessary tools to some 57 media personnel and journalists from global outlets to cover the coveted event, affirmed the official, indicating that field trips to polling stations would be organized for the personnel to get a closer look into the inner workings of the elections.

The center itself would provide coverage to the event as part of Kuwait’s commitment to transparency, he concluded.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Taipei, A violent earthquake measuring 7.2 magnitude on the Richter scale struck Taiwan on Wednesday, prompting the authorities of Taiwan, Japan and the Philippines to warn residents of coastal areas of the danger of a tsunami resulting from the earthquake.

The Taiwan Central Weather Bureau said that the epicenter of the earthquake occurred 25 km southeast of Hualien City in eastern Taiwan, at a depth of 15.5 For its part, the US Geological Survey estimated the strength of the earthquake at 7.4 degrees, while the Japan Meteorological Agency estimated its strength at 7.5 degrees.

According to local media, high-speed train service in Taiwan has been suspended. Mass rapid transit service has also been suspended in major cities, including Taipei.

Following the earthquake, authorities in Taiwan issued a warning of the risk of a tsunami in coastal areas. The authorities said in a warning message received by residents on their mobile phones that “the earthquake may lead to a tsunami that will affect Taiwan”.

In
Tokyo, the Japan Meteorological Agency issued a tsunami warning for the southwestern islands near Taiwan. Meanwhile, in Manila, the Philippine authorities issued a warning of the risk of “high tsunami waves”, and ordered residents of many coastal areas to evacuate.

Taiwan, which is located on the border between the Eurasian plate and the Philippine Sea plate, was exposed to a 7.3 magnitude earthquake that left more than 2,400 dead in Sept. 1999.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Eligible voters will head tomorrow, Thursday, to cast their ballot in the 2024 National Assembly elections, choosing elect 50 members of the country’s parliament.

Voting will commence on 12:00 pm in the country’s five constituencies and the process will end by 12:00 am with vote-counting commence afterwards.

Some 200 hopefuls are running for this year’s elections to reach the coveted seat at parliament for a tenure of four years.

There are some 834,733 eligible voters who can choose their candidates with the five constituencies allowing ten winners each to reach parliament after gathering the most votes.

The first constituency has 41 candidates with 104,038 voters eligible for vote, the second has 39 candidates with 95,302 voters, the third has 32 candidates with 143,693 voters, the fourth compromised of 48 candidates with 220,932 voters, and the fifth and final constituency has 40 candidates with 270,768 voters.

According to Article 80 of the constitution, the National Assembly compromises of 50 MPs cho
osen by direct elections. The National Assembly’s legislative term should last four years unless an Amiri decree was issued to dissolve it in addition to other technicalities.

In its meeting last week, the cabinet announced that work would be suspended in all government bodies and institutes on Election Day, which would be considered a day of rest.

Some 123 designated schools would host the ballot boxes with 764 main and sub-committees therein.

This the second election in history of Kuwait that occurs during the month of Ramadan with the first in July 27, 2013 during the 14th legislative term. There were by-elections held during the holy month on December 7, 2000.

Source: Kuwait News Agency

Pyongyang, North Korea said Wednesday it has successfully test-fired a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) tipped with a hypersonic warhead, saying that all missiles the country has developed are now solid-fuel and nuclear capable.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided the testing of the Hwasongpho-16B missile on Tuesday, according to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

The North Korean leader said the successful test of the missile affirmed that all strategic missiles are now solid-fuel and nuclear capable, tipped with maneuverable warheads, according to the KCNA.

It marked the third ballistic missile test by North Korea this year, according to South Koreas News Agency (Yonhap).

The South Korean military said on Tuesday that North Korea had fired what appeared to be an intermediate-range missile into the East Sea.

Japan’s defense ministry said in a statement that the North Korean ballistic missile fell into waters outside Japan’s exclusive economic zone.

The latest ballistic missile lau
nch comes 15 days after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un guided firing drills involving super-large multiple rocket launchers in the country’s western region.

Source: Qatar News Agency

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres described, Tuesday, the targeted “Israeli” airstrikes of World Central Kitchen (WCK) organization personnel’s consequent deaths as “unconscionable” and a “result of the way the war is being conducted.” In a speech on Human Security by Guterres during a UN General Assembly meeting, stating what had happened to WCK “demonstrates yet again the urgent need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire,” release of hostages and aid into Gaza.

The killing of WCK personnel “brings the number of aid workers killed in this conflict to 196, including more than 175 members of UN staff,” Guterres underscored, affirming these attacks do not justify the collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza. Guterres stressed, “Our world faces very serious challenges. Conflicts, the climate emergency, and a global cost-of-living crisis are combining to reverse decades of development gains.” “The concept of Human Security, with its emphasis on people and prevention, has an important role
to play in strengthening links at the local, national and regional levels, and creating momentum to tackle our shared challenges,” he added.

Guterres noted that this is his fourth commissioned report on Human Security “to foster this dynamic and contribute to a safer, more prosperous, more secure world for all.” The report focused on the practical and operational value of human security, frameworks, building on the experiences of Member States, regional and intergovernmental organizations, and the UN at Headquarters and in the field.

The report highlighted examples of the “Human Security approach in action: supporting national peace and development objectives; strengthening regional cooperation; improving collaboration across the UN system and our partners.” Guterres mentioned his concern of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), “where halfway to 2030, countries are lagging behind on more than half the targets. Some countries have gone into reverse on the most fundamental goals of eliminating acute pover
ty and hunger.” Therefore, “the human security lens can help capture emerging risks across different sectors, creating a better understanding not only of insecurity, but of perceived insecurity – which can be just as dangerous.” He added that human security “promotes the systematic integration of prevention into development, climate action, and peacebuilding strategies,” and “illustrates how it can guide strategies, partnerships and tools to reduce risks, enhance trust, and prevent and mitigate the impacts of crises and shocks.” He emphasized the importance of accelerating the progress of 2030 SDG to prevent the emergence of future crises, and deliver the hope people need.

Guterres urged “all countries to use the important tool of human security to address today’s multilayered crises, and to integrate its insight into efforts to prepare for future challenges.”

Source: Kuwait News Agency