Day: 6 April 2024

Manila, The United States, Australia, Japan, and the Philippines have announced that they will conduct joint military exercises, both maritime and aerial, in the South China Sea tomorrow (Sunday).

The Philippine Ministry of Defense issued a joint statement today with the defense ministers of the four countries, saying that military forces will engage in cooperative maritime activities to support the freedom and openness of the Indian and Pacific Oceans.

The ministry added that the naval exercises will take place for one day within the Philippines’ exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea tomorrow (Sunday), with the aim of enhancing joint efforts in doctrines, tactics, techniques, and procedures of the armed forces of the four countries.

These exercises come days before a trilateral summit between the leaders of the United States, Japan, and the Philippines in Washington, where recent developments in the South China Sea will be discussed.

Regional tensions in the area escalated last year as China inc
reased its confidence in asserting sovereignty over the South China Sea, a claim also contested by the Philippines, Japan, and Taiwan.

In response, the United States has sought to strengthen its alliances in the region, including with treaty-bound countries like Japan and the Philippines.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Beirut, The Israeli entity continued to striking villages and towns in the southern Lebanon Friday night and Saturday morning.

The occupation forces carried an airstrike on town of Aita al-Shaab, causing severe damage to the infrastructure, properties, and houses.

The Israeli reconnaissance fighter jets have been flying over the villages of the western and central sectors, reaching the outskirts of the city of Tyre since Friday evening until this morning. The occupation forces also fired light bombs over border villages adjacent to the blue line in the western and central enclaves, in addition to firing live rounds at the outskirts of the towns of Ramiya and Aita al-Shaab, field sources told Qatar News Agency .

Meanwhile, Lebanese National News Agency (NNA) reported that the Israeli occupation forces launched several raids on Marjayoun and Mays al-Jabal last night, resulting in several deaths, pointing out that the occupation artillery bombed the outskirts of the towns of Al-Bustan, Al-Dhahira, and Alma Al
-Shaab, which crippled the region in the western and central sectors.

The Marjayoun district witnessed Israeli offensive against villages and towns, the first time the town had been subjected to a raid, the southern neighborhood in the town of Khiam also came under intense artillery and phosphorus shelling today at dawn.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Mexico City, Mexican president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador on Saturday ordered suspending diplomatic ties with Ecuador after the Ecuadorian police forcibly broke into the Mexican embassy in Quito to detain former Ecuadorian vice-president Jorge Glas, deepening a diplomatic rift between the two countries.

On his official X account,Obrador said he had been informed that “police from Ecuador forcibly entered” the Mexican embassy and took Glas who “was a refugee and processing asylum because of the persecution and harassment he faces.” A statement released by Ecuador’s government on X also confirmed the arrest.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Gaza: Several Palestinians were killed while others were injured in Israeli air raids and artillery shells on various areas of Khan Younis and Gaza City today.

Local sources said that the occupation’s warplanes carried several raids on various parts west of Khan Younis, south of the Gaza Strip, while Israeli artillery shelled a wide range of areas south and west of the city.

The sources added that the occupation forces bombarded wide areas of Beit Hanoun and the Qlibo area north of Gaza, as Israeli artillery shelled Al Zeitoun neighborhood east of Gaza City, as well as the southern neighborhoods of Gaza.

The Israeli occupation continues its land, air, and sea aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, killing 33137 martyrs, most of them women and children, and injuring 75815 others according to inconclusive figures.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Kuwait: Kuwait Prime Minister Sheikh Dr. Mohammad Sabah Al-Salem Al-Sabah submitted the government resignation to HH Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah pursuant to Article 57 of the country’s constitution.

In its extraordinary meeting today, the Kuwaiti Council of Ministers approved a draft decree calling the National Assembly to convene for the first regular session of the eighteenth legislative term on April 17, and submitted it to the Amir of Kuwait.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The State of Qatar participates in the celebration of World Health Day, which falls on the seventh of April of each year, the theme this year is (My Health, My Right).

The State of Qatar is considered a pioneer in guaranteeing the right to health, the permanent constitution of Qatar has affirmed that the State is concerned with public health and provides means of prevention and treatment of diseases and epidemics by the law.

Qatar has established a strong world-class health system that revolves around the importance of universal health coverage for all members of society.

HE Minister of Public Health Dr. Hanan Mohammed Al Kuwari stressed that based on the State of Qatar’s keenness to ensure the right to health for all residents, the State has worked to provide high-quality healthcare services to ensure that members of society receive the care they need in the right place and time, which is emphasized by Qatar’s National Vision and health strategies and promotes the achievement of sustainable developm
ent goals.

Her Excellency added: “Thanks to the wise directives of HH Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the health system has witnessed a great and important development to meet the health needs of the population, especially in light of the high rates of population growth, while adhering to the best quality standards in health care, including the significant expansion of health facilities, and the efficient workforce, while intensifying interest in developing health services and technologies.” HE the Minister of Public Health said: “The significant progress in the health system and cooperation with all sectors of the country have also contributed to an efficient response to the world’s most prominent health challenge, the COVID-19 pandemic, as Qatar recorded one of the lowest death rates from the pandemic in the world. The development of the health system and its advanced health services have also contributed to the success of many major sporting events and tournaments, most notably the FIFA World Cup Qa
tar 2022 and the AFC Asian Cup Qatar 2023, which were among the healthiest sports tournaments, and in cooperation between the Ministry of Public Health and local and international partners, the two tournaments contributed to creating a sustainable legacy for health and sports.” HE the Minister of Public Health added: “Based on the health in all policies approach adopted by the Ministry of Public Health as part of the Second National Health Strategy, joint work has been done between all sectors of the state and society to promote health and equity for all residents, and one of the achievements of adopting this approach is that the State of Qatar has become the first in the world that all its municipalities receive the title of Healthy City from the World Health Organization. The Healthy City program supports the health and well-being of the population.” HE the Minister of Public Health said: “The State of Qatar is also keen to enhance international cooperation and provide health support to middle- and low-inco
me countries. One of the important initiatives in this regard is the directives of HH the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, that the State of Qatar will treat 1,500 Palestinians from the Gaza Strip in several specific hospitals, as part of the state’s efforts to relieve the Palestinian brothers in light of the Israeli aggression they are subjected to.” The Ministry of Public Health has launched several important initiatives aimed at supporting the right to health, most notably the issuance of the Charter of Rights and Duties of Patients, published in eight languages for ease of understanding by the entire population. The Charter includes the rights and duties of the patient in a clear and simplified manner, noting that health facilities in the country are obliged to present it to the public and apply it. This is reinforced by the Minister of Public Health’s Decree No. (9) of 2022 specifying the rights and duties of patients. To be observed when receiving health care services, in addition, there are many p
atient engagement initiatives.

On World Health Day, WHO makes it clear that the right to health cannot be realized unless health services are available, acceptable, of quality, and affordable.

WHO asserts that more than half of the world’s population lacks full access to basic health care services. More than two billion people also face financial hardship in accessing basic health care.

“The choice of this year’s World Health Day theme ‘My Health, My Right’ is to defend the right of everyone, anywhere, to health services, education, and information, as well as to safe drinking water, clean air, good nutrition, good housing, decent work, adequate environmental conditions, and freedom from discrimination,” WHO stresses.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Weather inshore tonight until 6:00 am on Tuesday will be hazy at times, the Department of Meteorology said in its daily weather report.

Offshore, it will be hazy and some clouds, the report added.

Wind inshore will be southeasterly 5 to 15 KT gusting to 21 KT at places at first.

Offshore, it will be southeasterly to northeasterly 05 to 15 KT gusting to 21 KTat times Visibility will be 5 to 10 kilometer.

Sea state inshore will be 1 to 3 feet. Offshore will be 2 to 4 feet, rises to 6 feet at places.

Area High Tide Low Tide Mini Messaid 07:14 21:57 11:38 27 Wakrah: 01:59 14:57 08:31 20:48 26 Doha: 23:39 13:13 27 Al Khor: 08:58 22:25 12:45 26 Ruwais 06:43 20:22 11:13 24 Dukhan: 09:43 20:15 03:33 15:16 26 Sunrise: 04:49 LT Sunset: 18:11 LT

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: Two humanitarian officials emphasized the importance of expanding charitable activities during the blessed month of Ramadan, which is considered a genuine opportunity for solidarity and social cohesion, aiming to reach as many needy families as possible who require assistance given the current circumstances they are facing.

Speaking to Qatar News Agency , the officials considered the current global situation as a justification for adopting promising methodologies to reach a maximum number of people in need of charitable aid more than ever before.

They highlighted the importance of enhancing the principle of collaboration in humanitarian charity work to establish the concept of social responsibility, which reinforces cooperation and kindness, a crucial consideration during these times.

The officials reviewed the activities and initiatives undertaken by authorized and licensed entities to reach as many deserving families as possible, enabling individuals to participate in a humanitarian system that acc
ommodates everyone without exception. They cautioned against donating to unknown entities lacking legal status and urged participation in recognized charitable humanitarian activities.

Director of Fundraising Department and head of the Ramadan campaign at Qatar Red Crescent Society (QRCS), Yousef Mohamed Al Awadi, stated that QRCS, through its ‘Duty To Help’ campaign, seeks to fulfill its usual mission of providing assistance to the needy, displaced, and refugees in various regions worldwide, to alleviate their suffering and preserve their dignity through a series of Ramadan and development projects.

He added, in statements to QNA, that QRCS traditionally launches its Ramadan campaign each year to collect donations from people of goodwill and deliver them to the needy in the form of humanitarian and charitable aid.

Al Awadi explained that among the humanitarian programs to be offered during the holy month is the Ramadan Iftar project, through which QRCS distributes food baskets containing essential food it
ems to needy families in Qatar, as well as in 18 countries around the world, to help them provide for their Iftar and Suhoor meals during Ramadan.

He stated that several accompanying projects will be implemented during Ramadan, such as the Zakat Al Fitr project, Eid clothing distribution, and food security projects through flour distribution to bakeries to provide daily bread for fasting individuals and needy families. Additionally, cash assistance and monthly sponsorships will be distributed to needy families through monthly sponsorships and one-time assistance to support them in meeting their basic needs during Ramadan.

Regarding the comprehensive programs to be launched during Ramadan, Al Awadi explained that part of this year’s Ramadan campaign plan involves implementing comprehensive qualitative projects by QRCS to cover the basic needs of needy families, especially displaced persons and refugees, amidst the current global events and specifically in Palestine.

He emphasized that what distinguishes the
ir plan for the blessed month of Ramadan is its focus on delivering Ramadan aid to beneficiaries well before the start of Ramadan, giving them the opportunity to experience the atmosphere of the holy month and bringing joy to their hearts during Iftar. Furthermore, they will continue striving to achieve the QRCS strategic goal in preserving the dignity of beneficiaries and creating a safe environment for the affected through shelter and sustainable development projects.

In another context, Al Awadi affirmed that all societal sectors have become more aware of the importance of humanitarian work than ever before, given the tremendous increase in the number, size, and duration of humanitarian crises, resulting in losses of lives, properties, and livelihoods. This has led to the emergence of social phenomena and problems that defy resolution, such as displacement and refuge, affecting the lives of millions of vulnerable people worldwide, making them susceptible to hunger, homelessness, illness, cold, and unemplo
yment, without finding the minimum requirements for a dignified life.

In this regard, he added that there is a need for humanitarian organizations to mobilize support and intensify efforts to rescue those affected by the hardships they face, helping them restore normal, safe, and stable lives.

Concluding his statements to QNA, Director of Fundraising Department and head of the Ramadan campaign at QRCS stated that QRCS aims to reach approximately 300,000 beneficiaries through the Ramadan Iftar project, in addition to developmental and humanitarian projects covering areas such as food, shelter, water and sanitation, livelihood, education, psychosocial support, health, and medical caravans, targeting approximately 1.6 million beneficiaries.

Director of the Programs, and International Development Department at Qatar Charity, Abdulaziz Hajji, affirmed that humanitarian work during Ramadan reflects developmental and social aspects. Seasonal projects are executed to meet people’s needs in terms of food and essent
ial Ramadan requirements. These projects aim to assist refugees, displaced persons, poor, and needy groups, alleviating their suffering and bringing joy to their hearts.

Speaking to QNA, Hajji explained that Qatar Charity’s seasonal projects include the Ramadan Iftar project, which distributes food baskets and Iftar meals, Zakat Al Fitr distribution, Eid clothing distribution, as well as gifts for orphans and children of low-income families. He emphasized Qatar Charity’s commitment to reaching the maximum number of beneficiaries during Ramadan, a month dedicated to compassion, solidarity, and assisting the needy.

Regarding developmental aspects, he pointed out that there are developmental projects being mobilized for implementation during Ramadan, such as projects for wells, mosques, orphanages, and houses for the poor. He clarified that these projects are carried out for the benefit of the poorest communities, with the expectation that they will make a better impact on people’s lives and contribute to the
development of their communities.

Qatar Charity’s Director of the Programs, and International Development Department emphasized the importance of these charitable and humanitarian activities in spreading goodness and social solidarity during the holy month due to the high rates of unemployment and poverty in many countries and poor communities, as well as the increasing frequency of long-term disasters, crises, and wars.

He pointed out that 2023 witnessed several crises and wars, as seen in Sudan and Gaza, in addition to several disasters such as earthquakes in Turkiye and Morocco, highlighting the increased need for developmental or social projects.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Doha: The Ministry of Transport is expanding the service of the Lusail Tram starting this Monday, April 8. The MOT will operate the Pink Line service and all the Orange Line stations.

Ten new Orange Line stations are coming to service: Naifa, Fox Hills – South, Downtown Lusail, Al Khayl Street, Fox Hills – North, Crescent Park – North, Rawdat Lusail, Erkiyah, Lusail Stadium, and Al Yasmeen.

All Pink Line stations are to be operated in this phase as well, from Legtaifiya to Seef Lusail North, except for Al Sa’ad Plaza, which will come to service later. The Pink Line service in operation will include 10 stations. By so doing, the number of new stations to come to service rises to 14, taking the total number of operational stations in Lusail Tram to 21.

Lusail Tram service runs 7 days a week with the same service hours as the Doha Metro: Saturday through Wednesday from 05:30 a.m. to 12:00 midnight. On Thursdays, the service runs from 05:30 a.m. 01:00 a.m. and on Fridays from 02:00 p.m. to 01:00 a.m.

With the
Pink Line service and Orange Line stations coming to service, the public will be able to use the tram to travel directly to several areas and destinations in Lusail, including Al Seef, the Crescent Park, Lusail Boulevard, Al Maha Island, and others, as well as connect to the Metro network via Legtaifiya Station.

This comes in consistent with MOT’s plans of providing an integrated, sustainable, ecofriendly, and multimodal public transit system.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Kigali, Rwandan Foreign Minister Vincent Biruta and his Algerian counterpart Ahmed Attaf, who is visiting Rwanda, discussed today strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

The meeting also addressed topics of common interest.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Ankara, Turkish authorities today apprehended 25 irregular migrants in the Mugla Province, south-west of Turkiye.

In a statement, the Turkish Coast Guard Command said that the migrants were on board an inflatable boat headed for Europe illegally.

The irregular migrants were transferred to the immigration department for legal procedures.

The Bulgarian-Turkish-Greek borders are experiencing an increase in irregular migrant figures, as more people are taking the journey via either the land or sea routes on the hopes of ending up in a European country.

Source: Qatar News Agency

Gaza: The number of casualties due to the Israeli aggression on the Gaza enclave since October has risen to 33,137 martyrs and 75,815 wounded, according to the Ministry of Health in Gaza.

The Israeli occupation forces have committed new four massacres against families in the Gaza enclave during the past 24 hours of them 46 martyrs and 65 injured were whisked off to hospitals, the ministry said in its daily statistical report.

The report added that with the continuation of the Israeli aggression on Gaza for the 183rd day, still there are several victims laying under the rubble and on roads, with the paramedics and civil defense personnel being unable to reach out to them.

Source: Qatar News Agency