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Everything posted by -HuNTeR-

  1. Israeli strikes on northern Lebanon and Gaza have killed dozens of people including several children, rescuers and officials say. The Lebanese health ministry said at least 23 people including seven children were killed on Sunday in Almat near Byblos, to the north of the capital Beirut. In northern Gaza, the civil defence agency said at least 30 people were killed in Israeli strikes on two houses in the besieged enclave. The first strike early Sunday hit a house in Jabalia, killing "at least 25" people, including 13 children, and injuring more than 30, according to the agency. Another five people were killed in the Sabra neighbourhood of Gaza City and some are still missing in the aftermath, the civil defence agency said. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has not commented on the strike in Lebanon. It said it struck a site in Jabalia where "terrorists were operating", steps had been taken to mitigate civilian harm and the details were under review. The Lebanese health ministry said rescue workers were still searching the rubble after the strike in Almat. Israel has escalated its campaign against Iran-backed Lebanese armed group Hezbollah. Its main focus had been southern Lebanon, aiming to weaken the group’s capacity to launch rockets across the border. But in recent weeks, operations have targeted cities and towns throughout Lebanon. In a separate incident to the south, three medical workers were killed when an Israeli strike hit an Islamic Health Authority building in Adloun, the health ministry said. In a further update, the Lebanese health ministry said in a statement on Sunday that 53 people were killed on Saturday, including 28 in the south and 17 in Baalbek. The IDF said it had intercepted Hezbollah rockets on Saturday after the militant group launched 70 projectiles, according to Israel’s military. Since the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah seven weeks ago, at least 3,189 people have been killed,14,078 injured and more than 1.2 million displaced across Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities. In Gaza, aid groups say Jabalia and other parts of northern Gaza have been under siege since early October when Israel launched a new ground offensive against the Palestinian armed group Hamas. Dr Fadel Naim, director of the Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza City, told AP news agency that his facility had received 17 bodies from Jabalia so far, including those of nine women, and the death toll was likely to rise. Eyewitnesses described the Israeli strike as an "earthquake". "We were just sitting peacefully. These are innocent citizens who don’t belong to any military organisation or faction," eyewitness and relative to the victims Hamza Alloush told Reuters. The house "was bombed over the residents’ heads without warning, which led to the martyrdom of everyone inside. Those who were lucky enough to survive were thrown onto the trees, onto the neighbours, and the remains are still scattered under the rubble", he said. Videos and images showed multiple bodies wrapped in blankets in the back of cars and laid to the ground at a hospital. Another strike in Gaza City killed a welfare ministry official and seven members of his family, including his wife and children, medics and relatives said. Israel is facing a US deadline that expires within days to improve the humanitarian situation in Gaza or face potential restrictions on military cooperation. The UN previously said the "darkest moment" of the war in Gaza was unfolding in the northern part of the territory. Meanwhile, news agency AFP reported that the Syrian defence ministry said an Israeli air strike on a residential building south of the capital Damascus had killed seven civilians on Sunday. The fatalities included women and children, with 20 people also injured, the ministry said in a statement to AFP. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights told the news agency the attack targeted members of Hezbollah. The UK-based monitoring group said the strike targeted "the building where Lebanese families and members of the movement live". There was no immediate comment from the IDF, AFP reported. On Saturday, Israel rejected warnings of famine in northern Gaza from global food security experts, saying the group relied on "partial, biased data and superficial sources with vested interests". The independent Famine Review Committee (FRC) said there was a strong likelihood of imminent famine and that immediate action was required to ease a catastrophic situation. Israel said it had increased aid efforts, including opening an additional crossing on Friday to get more aid into southern Gaza. The IDF later said it had delivered 11 trucks of food, water and medical aid into Jabalia and Beit Hanoun on Thursday. Meanwhile, efforts to reach a ceasefire have stalled, with Qatar suspending its work as a mediator until Hamas and Israel "show their willingness" to negotiate. Israel launched its current military offensive in Gaza after Hamas' attack on 7 October 2023 that killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages back to Gaza. Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures the UN sees as reliable, has reported a death toll of more than 43,600 people since the start of the war. Many more bodies are believed to remain under the rubble of bombarded buildings. In Lebanon, Israel went on the offensive against Hezbollah after almost a year of cross-border fighting sparked by the war in Gaza. Israeli air strikes have eliminated most of the group’s leadership and caused widespread destruction in parts of southern and eastern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs - areas where Hezbollah has a strong presence. Israeli authorities say more than 70 people have been killed by Hezbollah attacks in Israel and the occupied Golan Heights over the past year. https://bbc.com/news/articles/cd6v3zq2jvjo
  2. The future of Cornwall Airport Newquay should not be used as a "political football", local business leaders have warned. Cornwall Council, which owns the airport, is currently in negotiations to bring in a private partner to invest in and develop the site. Some opposition councillors said they were concerned about handing over majority ownership to a private company and the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce stressed the airport was crucial to the local economy and any deal needed wide political support within the authority. The council said 60% of participants in a recent public consultation had supported its vision for the airport. Despite the airport bringing £72m into the Cornish economy annually, the council currently subsidises its operation by £4m a year. The council has been in talks with a private company, Adynaton, over recent months - which could see it take on financial responsibility for the site. The authority insisted a private partner was needed as it did not have the money or expertise to invest in the airport and help develop 250 acres (100 hectares) of undeveloped land around it on the the 650-acre (260-hectare) estate. John Brown, the chief executive of the Cornwall Chamber of Commerce, welcomed a blueprint which could see a new airport terminal built - along with offices, hotels, and retail units. However, he warned a current lack of widespread political support endangered its success. He said: "This cannot be caught up in the quagmire of political football. It is far too important. "You need broad political commitment. I'd much rather we're moving forward from a committed, more stronger base. "If that requires more time, I think that's absolutely OK - because what we cannot do is rush into a deal." No-confidence vote call Councillors on the Conservative-led authority's economic and growth development scrutiny committee met on Tuesday to discuss concerns about the deal. They have now set up an inquiry to see if the airport could be kept in the council's hands and run more successfully. However, that inquiry would not stop a deal being signed by the authority's cabinet - potentially as early as next month. The disagreement over the airport's future has led to calls for a vote-of-no-confidence in the current Conservative leader, Linda Taylor. The motion, put forward by independent Councillor John Conway, needs 29 supporters before a formal vote can take place. He said: "There's a general feeling of no confidence mainly about the airport issue. "Things are being pushed through without proper scrutiny and without sufficient input from Cornwall Council and Cornish people." The BBC has contacted Mrs Taylor for a response. Follow BBC Cornwall on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. https://bbc.com/news/articles/c361kjj8kz1o
  3. An Oxford University researcher has just been awarded more than $150,000 in damages by the Central London County Court following a strange saga involving her mechanic and a damaged example of one of the last air-cooled Porsche 911s. According to the Daily Mail, Penelope Horlick, who specializes in Neanderthals and the mid-Paleolithic period, has been with the esteemed university since 2003. She purchased herself a 1997 Porsche 911 Targa back in 2008, equipped with a 3.6-liter M64 flat-six and a Tiptronic automatic transmission. The air-cooled sports car served as occasional transportation to Oxford until August 2010, when Horlick was reportedly involved in an accident while avoiding a pothole on a wet road; the car developed an oil leak as a result and refused to start. Following the accident, the paper relates, Horlick enlisted the services of a Mr. Jhally of JJ Engineering to get the German sports car back in order. Jhally agreed to do the repair work, later issuing Horlick invoices worth around $12,000. Unfortunately, little to no progress was reportedly made on the car over the next decade or so, and Horlick's attempts to receive updates on the work were reportedly met with extreme hostility, leaving the researcher unwilling to push further. Horlick went as far as to purchase an Audi in 2014 as a replacement for the 993, according to the Daily Mail. After receiving yet another verbal confirmation on the work in progress in 2016, Horlick reportedly began searching for different mechanics to repair the car; despite those efforts, JJ Engineering refused to release the car. Once Horlick filed a court claim in 2022, Jhally allegedly dropped the stripped shell of the 993 off in front of Horlick’s home; the valuable engine and transmission had reportedly been removed, as had other key components. Horlick claims this created undue distress. Horlick sued Jhally for compensation for breach of contract and for conversion. The court has sided with the academic, awarding her £114,000—around $152,000—in damages. "He didn't complete the work with reasonable care and skill, indeed he didn't complete it at all, although there is no significant criticism of the way he undertook his diagnosis," said the judge. Both sides must still return to court to discuss issues such as interest payments, legal costs, and whether an appeal is viable for Mr. Jhally, according to the Daily Mail. Hopefully, those winnings will help Horlick rebuild the 993. (Maybe without the Tiptronic this time around.) https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a62471759/porsche-911-targa-owner-payout-mechanic/
  4. happy birthday @S e u o n g i hope u happy today 😄
  5. Has your life been touched by a block of lime green and low resolution Arial font this summer? The cultural phenomenon that is "brat" has inspired millions of posts, plenty of dance moves and even reached the heights of American politics. But as the days become smaller and the nights draw in Charli XCX - who spawned the phrase - has said it's over. The singer posted to say "goodbye forever brat summer" along with some of notable brat-related moments. But some fans - particularly those in the southern hemisphere, where summer is yet to arrive - have vowed to keep the spirit alive Brat is the name of Charli's sixth studio album which has found critical success and worldwide appeal as people have rushed to embrace its rebellious attitude. The singer told the BBC's Sidetracked podcast brat was a concept that represented a person who might have "a pack of cigs, a Bic lighter and a strappy white top with no bra". It is thought of by some as a rejection of the "clean girl" aesthetic - which suggested a groomed ideal of femininity. "You’re just like that girl who is a little messy and likes to party and maybe says some dumb things sometimes," Charli explained on social media. "Who feels like herself but maybe also has a breakdown. But kind of like parties through it, is very honest, very blunt. "A little bit volatile. Like, does dumb things. But it’s brat. You’re brat. That’s brat." 'kamala IS brat' It does not take much for the heat of US politics to spawn endless memes, but brat has hit the race to be the most powerful politician in the world. Shortly after President Joe Biden announced he was leaving the US election race and endorsed his vice-president Kamala Harris, Charli posted "kamala IS brat". The Harris campaign then scattered references to the album across its social media accounts, renaming her profile Kamala HQ. Obviously, it had to be a new lime green photo in the style of the Brat album cover. Experts have said it was part of an effort for Kamala Harris to appeal more to younger voters. We'll find out how successful it's been in November. The Apple legacy No, not to do with the phone. Millions of people have tried (and mostly succeeded) in splitting an apple down symmetrical lines. The TikTok trend has had courageous attempts from celebs such as Glen Powell, Amelia Dimoldenberg and Daisy Edgar-Jones trying to move their arms up, down and side to side, in sync to the lyrics of Apple. But as the trend eventually fades away, the videos and memories remain. We'll let you decide if they are rotten right to the core. https://bbc.com/news/articles/cwyj2y7ggd7o
  6. Restrictions on the movement of sheep and cattle have been introduced across two counties after more animals tested positive for the bluetongue virus. The Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) said a restricted zone was now in place around Norfolk and Suffolk. UK Chief Veterinary Officer Christine Middlemiss said officials were trying to get a balance between not further spreading the virus and allowing farmers to manage their businesses. Defra said keepers of cattle, sheep, camelids, including llamas and alpacas, and other ruminants must remain vigilant and follow the restrictions applying to animal movements. Dr Middlemiss said: "Farmers are urged not to move animals within the zone unless it is absolutely necessary. "This means all keepers in these regions must urgently act now to both prevent the disease spreading to their herds and any further." She has asked livestock keepers to have their animals sampled, adding "this will inform our subsequent control actions". "We are trying to get a balance between stopping the spread of the virus and not putting lots of restrictions in place that make it rally difficult for farmers to manage their businesses," she said. In addition, she is in discussions about the emergency use of a bluetongue vaccine. Dr Middlemiss said: "It wouldn't have had the full safety and efficacy studies that are normally required, but in the face of an infection, and we do know quite a lot about this vaccination, we may decide it should be put on the market for people to use in certain circumstances to protect their livestock." Notifiable disease' Bluetongue is spread by the bites of midges and can cause infertility and breathing problems in sheep, cattle and goats, but does not affect people or food safety. The virus was first detected at a farm close to Haddiscoe, near Beccles, on Monday, and a 20km (12.4 mile) temporary control zone (TCZ) put into place. The TCZ was extended on Wednesday after more cases were found, but by Friday animals were testing positive for the virus in both counties. A Defra statement said: "We are committed to working with everyone affected to help them protect their animals and those of neighbouring farmers, and we will keep the size and nature of the zone under constant review as our understanding of the disease picture develops. "Bluetongue virus is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of bluetongue virus in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency." Last winter, a similar TCZ was in force around a farm in the Norfolk town of Acle after a number of animals tested positive. Restrictions were lifted in February. Between November and March there were 126 bluetongue cases across four counties in England. They included 119 cases in cattle and seven in sheep. Defra said the disease could prove fatal for infected animals "in the most severe cases". https://bbc.com/news/articles/cd9dv20gylyo
  7. View Photos Nissan The Nissan Armada is redesigned for 2025 with a new look and plenty of fresh features. The old model's 5.6-liter V-8 gives way to a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 425 horsepower and 516 pound-feet of torque. We don't yet have pricing, but the new model should start at around $60,000. The outgoing Nissan Armada was an oft-forgotten but underrated full-size SUV, having adopted the strong bones of the global Nissan Patrol when the second-generation model arrived in the U.S. in 2017. For the new third generation, Nissan is strengthening the connection between the 2025 Armada and the Patrol in an attempt to give the U.S. nameplate a taste of the recognition and reputation that the Patrol has garnered in global markets over its long history. In other words, the new Armada finally gets access to some of the Patrol’s features that were previously withheld from the U.S. market, including an optional height-adjustable air suspension and a locking rear differential on four-wheel-drive models. Nissan says it still sees key full-size-SUV competitors as the Chevy Tahoe, Ford Expedition, and Toyota Sequoia, but it hopes that the Armada's fortified capabilities will give it additional appeal. View Photos Nissan The new Armada is slightly longer than the model it replaces, and Nissan claims additional cargo space behind both the second and third rows of seats in addition to a lower floor. It still offers either seven- or eight-passenger capacity depending on whether you choose the standard second-row bench or the optional captain's chairs. Its new look incorporates a chrome-heavy front end with C-shaped LED accent lights, while the rear end has a "floating roof" effect at the D-pillar and now has an LED light strip running the width of the tailgate. Like the related Infiniti QX80, the Armada ditches the 5.6-liter V-8 in favor of a twin-turbo 3.5-liter V-6. For those worried about the new engine's smaller displacement, the six attempts to silence doubters with its huge 516 pound-feet of torque and the same 8500-pound max tow rating as before. It has 425 horsepower, a competitive number for this segment, and uses a nine-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is standard, with four-wheel drive optional. View Photos Nissan Armada Pro-4X A Pro-4X trim level joins the lineup and comes standard with off-road goodies and a more rugged look. Nissan says its different front and rear bumpers give it better approach and departure angles, and it also has skid plates, Yokohama Geolander all-terrain tires, and red-accented tow hooks. The top-spec Platinum Reserve trim is also new, and it's loaded with nearly as many luxury items as the QX80 offers, including quilted leather upholstery, 22-inch wheels, and a Klipsch audio system (though the Nissan's setup only has 12 speakers to the Infiniti's 24). The SV and SL trims round out the lower end of the Armada lineup. View Photos Nissan Dual 12.3-inch screens are standard, acting as a digital gauge cluster and central infotainment display, and the higher trims have a 14.3-inch center screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, and Google built-in apps are offered on the SL and above. Most driver-assistance features come standard, and Nissan's latest ProPilot 2.1 technology is optional and allows for hands-free driving under certain circumstances. We expect the 2025 Armada's starting price to be around $60,000 when it goes on sale early next year. The Platinum Reserve and loaded Pro-4X trims will likely approach $80,000, meaning there will be plenty of overlap between the Nissan and its Infiniti sibling at that level. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a61957640/2025-nissan-armada-revealed/
  8. After dominating the football pitch for years, Cristiano Ronaldo now aims to dominate the world of content creators as he is aiming to dethrone Jimmy Donaldson's, aka "Mr Beast", title of most subscribed channel on global video-sharing platform, reported News18. Speaking to reporters during a media talk ahead of Portugal’s Nations League fixture against Croatia, Ronaldo said: "Mr Beast on YouTube? In two years, let's try to beat him." Mr Beast has about 313 million subscribers on his YouTube channel, whereas star footballer boasts 55.9 million subscribers which he gained in less than a month after launching his YouTube channel in August. It is to be noted that the Portuguese footballer's YouTube channel "UR · Cristiano" had garnered 1.69 million subscribers within hours and the 39-year-old soon received the gold Play Button only a day after launching the channel. He is also the fastest person to reach one million subscribers on the world's largest video-sharing platform. The achievement has been recognised by the Guinness World Records (GWR) which has acknowledged Al Nassr star's YouTube channel as one with the most subscribers gained in 24 hours. According to WikiTubia, a site specialising in YouTube records, Ronaldo's channel reached 100,000 subscribers in 22 minutes, one million subscribers in 47 minutes, and 10 million subscribers in 11 hours and 31 minutes. With being one of the most followed individuals on the planet across various platforms, it would be interesting to see whether the Portuguese footballer — one of the most followed individuals on the planet across various platforms — is able to surpass Mr Beast on YouTube. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1226669-cristiano-ronaldo-aiming-to-become-most-subscribed-person-on-youtube
  9. health Good health is incredibly complex, and there are lots of tiny tweaks you can make to your daily habits in order to help you live longer, and with more energy. When it comes to your health, your lifestyle choices play an important role. Lifestyle changes are behaviour modifications or habit changes that encourage positive changes in your life. It’s never too late to start integrating healthier habits into your daily routine. Experience a fresh start by taking control of how you feel today and committing to small improvements. These are the building blocks that put you on track to feel stronger, prevent illness, and improve your quality of life for years to come. Here are a few healthy lifestyle changes that could have the most significant impact on your health... Make sleep a priority: A good night of sleep can improve productivity, boost your mood, and stabilize your blood sugar to control hunger and cravings. You need seven to nine hours every night. The drawbacks to skimping on sleep are no joke. Consider this: if you’re skipping just an hour and getting six each night, your risk of obesity goes up 23 per cent. If you have trouble sleeping, use calming essential oils, eat sleep-promoting foods or making an effort to avoid screen time an hour before bed. Instead, unwind before bedtime with a bath or some light reading. Your body’s circadian rhythm functions best when you make a habit of sleeping and waking at consistent times, which eventually stabilises energy and mood. Give up sedentary lifestyle: Sitting in a chair for too long can be the source of many illnesses. Simply standing up for a few minutes can reduce the risks. Adding simple stretching while you stand up can further improve blood circulation and metabolism. Add more movement into your life by breaking-up sedentary activities with physical activity. For instance take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator; swap-up your coffee break for a power walk; after all, walking is the best exercise. Switch to healthy food: By ditching the processed convenience foods and nourishing yourself with a balanced diet of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables, whole grains, plant-based proteins, and healthy polyunsaturated fats, you can improve your health and overall quality of life. Choose healthier fats: Not all fats are created equal. You should avoid ‘unhealthy’ fats and choose ‘healthy’ fats. Healthy fats can help lower bad cholesterol and help lose excessive weight. You can find the healthy fats in avocados, coconut oil, butter, extra virgin oil, and omega-3s. Extract sugar from your life: Sugar is bad for your health. Processed sugar can lead to weight gain, which could be the source of certain illness. Sugar has no essential nutrients and is bad for your teeth. Fructose in sugar can lead to liver damage and can cause insulin resistance, which can cause type-2 diabetes. So really take a close look at your diet and consider the amount of sugar you consume on a daily and/or weekly basis. Increase your water intake: Hydrating yourself is important to many physical and biological activities and benefits. Some benefits of staying hydrated include weight loss, skin elasticity, mood balance, temperature control, and much more! Get more sunlight: Your body craves fresh air and sunlight, not just as a break from being inside but also for the production of vitamin D, an essential nutrient that supports bone health, blood cell production, and a healthy immune system. A day spent enjoying the sunlight can also boost your mood! Quit Smoking: If you are committed towards a healthier lifestyle then quitting smoking is mandatory. Smoking is a habit that causes many fatal diseases. Damages include respiratory disease, lung cancer; reduce blood flows, and much more. Avoiding or not starting to smoke in the beginning can help prevent unwanted outcomes. So no more excuses, it’s time to quit! Get regular health checkups: You should always be aware of the conditions of your body so that you can increase the chance of preventing illness. Regular annual checkups can help this. You can do regular health checks and add other tests - depending on your health conditions. Stay away from your phone: Too much time on the phone can reduce your vision, leading to bad posture and can limit your social activities outside of the phone. People call reducing spending time on the phone a ‘phone diet’, which recommends staying away as much as possible because it allows many benefits to come into your life. Limit social media time: How many times a week do you find yourself glued to social media? If this struggle sounds familiar, it may be time to try a social media detox. A detox can break the habit of checking your Facebook or Instagram during downtime, creating space in your day to stay productive and prevent procrastination. It can also reduce headaches and eye and neck tension that often come from staring at a screen too long. Be socially active: Healthy relationships are what we call ‘primary food’, the things that nourish and satisfy you off your plate. Think about the people in your life, and commit to spending more time cultivating relationships that make you feel good, uplifted, and inspired. Catch up with a friend over the phone or plan a weekend hiking with family or friends. By nourishing your support system, you’ll create a lasting impact on your health, as you’ll have someone to turn to during all phases of life, good or bad. Socialising and meeting new people can increase your daily expectation and give you the chance to meet those who will connect with you, ultimately leading to life-satisfaction. Increased life satisfaction can help you have a healthier life. Do what you enjoy: Activities you enjoy would make your every day enjoyable, will help you commit more to the activity, and you will feel more confident. You can try out running, drawing, yoga, biking, hiking, playing an instrument, listening to music, reading a book, or anything else you enjoy! . https://www.thenews.com.pk/magazine/you/952674-lifestyle-changes-for-good-health
  10. The UK has defended its decision to suspend some arms sales to Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called the decision "shameful", saying on social media that it "will only embolden Hamas". But Husam Zomlot, the Palestinians' top envoy to the UK, called the partial ban an “important first step” to the UK’s fulfilment of its “legal obligations under domestic and international law”. On Monday, the UK suspended around 30 out of 350 weapons export licences to Israel. But UK Defence Secretary John Healey insisted the UK remained a "staunch ally" of Israel, telling the BBC Israel's security would not be weakened by the decision. Government ministers say the weapons could be used in Gaza to violate international law. But human rights group Amnesty International UK said the measures were "too limited". Others have criticised the timing of the announcement for coming on the same day funerals took place for six hostages killed by Hamas last week. Mr Healey told BBC Breakfast it was "agonising" seeing the faces of the dead hostages but explained the timing was "driven by the fact that this was a legal process" and the need to report to Parliament. Foreign Secretary David Lammy said on Monday the UK would be suspending 30 out of 350 arms export licences to Israel, affecting equipment such as parts for fighter jets, helicopters and drones. Talking to BBC Breakfast, Mr Healey said these were chosen because they supplement equipment used in Gaza for “offensive purposes”, while the “vast majority of other parts our country exports to Israel are either not related to the conflict or maybe used for Israel’s defence". UK arms sales to Israel are small in comparison to other allies, contributing just 1% of the country’s defence imports. The UK exports arms to multiple countries including Ukraine, Saudi Arabia and Turkey. The US is by far the largest supplier of arms to Israel, accounting for 69% of its imports of major conventional arms between 2019 and 2023, according to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute. In a statement, Mr Zomlot said that the Palestinian Mission to the UK would "continue working" with the UK government towards a "full arms embargo". Amnesty International UK accused the government of "gesture politics" given less than 10% of arms export licences were suspended. The charity's chief executive, Sacha Deshmukh, said the restrictions were "too limited and riddled with loopholes". UK suspends some arms exports to Israel Where does Israel get its weapons? Netanyahu not doing enough to free Gaza hostages, says Biden [The] decision means that while ministers apparently accept that Israel may be committing war crimes in Gaza, [the government] is nevertheless continuing to risk complicity in war crimes, apartheid - and possible genocide - by Israeli forces in Gaza," he said. The non-profit organisation has continuously called for a ceasefire and for humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza. On social media, Mr Netanyahu said: "With or without British arms, Israel will win this war and secure our common future. "Instead of standing with Israel, a fellow democracy defending itself against barbarism, Britain’s misguided decision will only embolden Hamas." Asked about comments made by former Prime Minister Boris Johnson who accused the government of "abandoning Israel", Mr Healey insisted the UK would support Israel in defending itself if it came under direct attack. Criticism has also come from within the Labour Party. Former shadow foreign secretary Emily Thornberry said the timing was “unfortunate”. Speaking to BBC Radio 4’s World Tonight programme on Monday, she said: “I suspect that what was wanted was once they got the legal advice, they wanted to come in and tell Parliament about it straight away, but I think that it was unfortunate given all the funerals." Ms Thornberry also said she expected a “detailed summary" of the legal advice the government had received over arms, amid questions over the continued supply of parts for F35 jets. Mr Healey said components for F35s were “deliberately” not included in the suspension as they are used by 20 countries and it would be "hard to distinguish" which components would go into Israeli jets. Zarah Sultana, who is currently sitting as an independent MP after being suspended from the Labour Party, has called for an end to all arms sales to Israel. Writing on X, formerly Twitter, the MP for Coventry South described the F35 jets as “the most lethal in the world”. Former national arms advisor Lord Peter Ricketts told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme the government’s decision was "long overdue". Lord Ricketts told the BBC in April following an Israeli strike that killed seven aid workers that the UK should stop selling arms to Israel, claiming there was “abundant evidence” that obligations on civilian safety were not being fulfilled. In his latest interview with the BBC, he said: “There comes a point when the legal advice is so clear the government has an obligation to follow it." Israel has repeatedly denied targeting civilians during its military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to Hamas's unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October during which about 1,200 were killed and 251 were taken hostage. More than 40,000 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. https://bbc.com/news/articles/cm2np2l5mlko
  11. Hala a5oy 

    do you remember me

  12. Conservative MP Esther McVey has been branded "repugnant" for using a poem about the Holocaust to criticise the government's proposals for tougher rules on outdoor smoking. The MP for Tatton shared a section of Martin Niemoller's 1946 poem, "First They Came", on social media, adding: "Pertinent words re Starmer's smoking ban." The Board of Deputies of British Jews called on the former cabinet minister to apologise for the "breathtakingly thoughtless comparison". Ms McVey later insisted she was not equating banning smoking outside pubs with the Nazi persecution of the Jews and "no offence was ever intended". She added that she would "not be bullied" into removing the post on X. Hospitality and health leaders clash on outdoor smoking plan A quick guide to smoking bans across the world The poem, which is about the silence of some Germans in the face of Nazi crimes, includes the lines: "Then they came for the Jews. And I did not speak out. Because I was not a Jew." In response to Ms McVey's post, the Board of Deputies of British Jews said: "The use of Martin Niemoller's poem about the horrors of the Nazis to describe a potential smoking ban is an ill-considered and repugnant action. "We would strongly encourage the MP for Tatton to delete her tweet and apologise for this breathtakingly thoughtless comparison." Rabbi David Mason, executive director of the Jewish Council for Racial Equality, said the post was "utterly tasteless". Health Secretary Wes Streeting responded to her post: "No, I do not think the post-war confessional of Martin Niemöller about the silent complicity of the German intelligentsia and clergy in the Nazi rise to power is pertinent to a Smoking Bill that was in your manifesto and ours to tackle one of the biggest killers. "Get a grip." Ms McVey later posted a statement on X defending her original post. "Nobody is suggesting that banning smoking outside pubs can be equated with what happened to the Jews at the hands of the Nazis. It is ridiculous for anyone to even suggest that was what I was doing," she wrote. "It is called an analogy - those who restrict freedoms start with easy targets and expand their reach. "I am pretty sure everyone understands the point I was making and knows that no offence was ever intended and that no equivalence was being suggested." She added: "I will not be bullied into removing a tweet by people who are deliberately twisting the meaning of my words and finding offence when they know none was intended." On Thursday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer confirmed the government was considering banning smoking in some outdoor spaces in England. It followed a report in the Sun newspaper that ministers could extend the indoor smoking ban to pub gardens, university and hospital campuses, sports grounds, and children's play areas. Health experts welcomed the proposals but the BBC has been told some ministers have raised concerns about the potential impact on the hospitality sector. Conservative shadow health secretary Victoria Atkins and Reform UK leader Nigel Farage were also among those to speak out against the idea. Asked about the report in the Sun, Sir Keir said deaths caused by smoking were "preventable" and "we've got to take action to reduce the burden on the NHS and the taxpayer". Earlier, this year the previous Conservative government proposed legislation to ban the sale of cigarettes to people born in or after 2009. The plans for a gradual ban on smoking have been taken forward by the new Labour government, which has also promised to introduce the legislation. https://bbc.com/news/articles/c703nlle72wo
  13. The owner of a wildlife sanctuary deluged with animals - particularly dogs - since the pandemic has spoken of the huge costs associated with their care. Animals in Need, near Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, relies on food and financial donations to fund costs of £35,000 a month, compared to £20,000 to £25,000 a month before the pandemic. "All the sanctuaries will tell you the same - since Covid, it's been an absolute nightmare the amount of animals wanting a home," said co-owner Roy Marriott. The charity recently said it was helping people to keep their pets rather than rehoming them, to stop the influx. The sanctuary in Little Irchester was co-founded 34 years ago by Mr Marriott, now 75, looking after 20 dogs because "every animal deserves a life", he said. It currently houses between 800 to 1,000 animals including dogs, cats, hamsters and tortoises, as well as farm animals and about 400 injured wildlife. Mr Marriott said during the Covid-19 pandemic people were "buying dogs, cats, whatever - then they're off at work, no training done and they get rid of the animals". "Our kennels are totally full with 50-odd dogs here and we're getting 20 calls a day to take dogs from the public," he said. "We never had this problem before the pandemic, we never had it full constantly." Mr Marriott lives on site and works very long days, seven days a week, starting at 04:00. Staff start arriving at 06:00 to feed the animals and, in theory, his day ends at 18:00, but he often gets call-outs for rescues late into the night. Mr Marriott said the sanctuary, which has 12 paid staff and about 50 volunteers, relied on donations and legacies to fund its huge monthly bills, with heating alone costing £4,000 a month - more than twice what it was before the cost of living crisis. "We have our own hospital, our own operating theatre and an X-ray machine and six really good vets that give up their time for us once a month," said Mr Marriott. The vets "probably save us £20,000 to £30,000 a year" and it is also fortunate enough not to rent its current site, having been left the house and land in a will. If the pets cannot be rehomed, the sanctuary becomes their permanent home, while the wildlife gets released once recovered. Despite the issues, Mr Marriott said he would continue to take on animals where he could, because "I think they're the most badly treated things on this planet". https://bbc.com/news/articles/ceq514j5ldeo
  14. The Mercedes-Benz EQS electric sedan will not survive into a second generation, according to Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius. Instead, according to a new report by Autocar, Mercedes will sell two S-class sedans concurrently—one internal-combustion and one battery-electric model. The story further states that while the two models will share similar designs, they won't be built on the same platform. It appears that someone reminded Mercedes-Benz of the old saying, "You need to break a few eggs to make an omelet," because the egg-shaped EQS sedan will be killed after its first generation. There's no need to mourn, though. According to a new report by Autocar, the EQS will be succeeded by a new S-class EV that will be sold alongside the next-generation internal-combustion version. Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius confirmed the news to Autocar. "There will be two S-classes in the future—ICE and electric," he said. As BMW does with its 5- and 7-series sedans, the new-generation S-class cars will share similar interior and exterior styling. It won't be the first time Mercedes has offered ICE and EV variants of the same car, since the poorly named G580 with EQ Technology joined the G-class lineup earlier this year. However, the two S-classes aren't expected to be built on the same platform. We expect the electric version to be built on a dedicated EV platform, with the ICE car continuing on an updated MRA architecture. Speaking to Autocar, Källenius clarified recent reports that the brand stopped developing the new MB.EA Large EV platform. "We're already planning with MB.EA Large," he said The new generations of each model are expected in 2030—which lines up with Mercedes' stated goal of plug-in and full EVs accounting for 50 percent of the brand's global sales by the same year. The EQS just got a larger battery and a new front-end design, but the combustion S-class could still be in for a major refresh before the new generations arrive at the turn of the decade. https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a62018079/mercedes-eqs-sedan-replaced-by-s-class-ev-details/
  15. Portuguese football legend Cristiano Ronaldo, in a recent interview, revealed that his current club, Saudi Pro League giants Al Nassr, will "probably" be his last football club before hangs his boots. "I don't know if I will retire soon, in two or three years... but probably I will retire here at Al Nassr," Ronaldo told Portuguese TV channel NOW. I'm very happy at this club, I feel good in this country too. I'm happy to play in Saudi Arabia and I want to continue." Ronaldo's remarks follow the record-breaking launch of his YouTube channel — reaching one million subscribers within 90 minutes — which fans believe to be a hint at the five-time Ballon d'Or award winner's post-football life. At 39, Ronaldo has already surpassed many fans' expectations of how long he would continue playing professional football. However, when he does retire, fans might not even find out. "When I leave the national team, I will not tell anyone; it will be a very spontaneous decision on my part," Ronaldo said. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and Juventus star has played down the prospect of becoming a coach. "At the moment, I'm not thinking about being a coach of the first team or any team," he added. "It doesn't even cross my mind, I've never thought about it. I don't see my future going through that." "What I want now is to be able to help the national team," Ronaldo said as he gears up for his national team's upcoming Nations League games under Roberto Martinez. "I see myself doing other things outside of football, but only God knows what the future holds," he said. https://www.thenews.com.pk/latest/1224674-cristiano-ronaldo-says-al-nassr-will-probably-be-his-last-football-club
  16. Residents in East Yorkshire are being urged to take advantage of a scheme offering free blood pressure checks. Know Your Numbers Week, which runs from 2 to 8 September, aims to encourage people to get checked. High blood pressure increases the risk of a heart attack or stroke. Clinics are taking place at a number of leisure centres across the region. Andy Kingdom, director of public health at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “About a quarter of the po[CENSORED]tion has high blood pressure, and blood pressure tends to get higher as people get older. “The good news is that there is a simple blood pressure check that people can do, and if someone’s blood pressure is higher than it should be there are ways to reduce it. “Lifestyle changes such as healthier eating, physical activity and in some cases prescribed medication can all decrease blood pressure, and in turn reduce chances of long-term conditions like diabetes, heart disease and stroke." 'Real benefit' Clinics are taking place in Goole between 2 and 6 September, in Driffield and Bridlington on 2 September and in Hornsea and Beverley on 3 September. These dates are followed by clinics in Haltemprice on 4 September, Withernsea and the Francis Scaife leisure centres on 5 September and South Holderness on 6 September. People will also be able to get a test in Bridlington Harbour on 2 September. Councillor Jonathan Owen, cabinet member for public health at the authority, said: "I’d encourage residents to take up the opportunities at our leisure centres and libraries. “I had my blood pressure checked a few years ago, which led to me making some lifestyle changes, from which I’ve seen and felt a real benefit." Blood pressure monitors will also be available for residents to borrow from libraries. https://bbc.com/news/articles/cqxjqe2lnzzo
  17. You did not do any activity in the journalist project You can do a very good activity and make a new request #Contra
  18. The messages come through on the Israeli phone network - scraps of information from inside Jenin’s refugee camp. "I don’t dare go on the roof, in case I’m shot," one resident says, speaking anonymously. Information inside the camp is scarce, he says, and the streets are empty, as residents stay inside. "It’s mostly old people and children here," he tells me. "The young people left before the army arrived – it’s bad luck for those who can’t get out." Jenin, the focus of news networks today, has been living through a news blackout. The Palestinian phone network was down for much of the day - lines cut by the Israeli military operation here, the telecoms company said. The resident I speak to says his family still has water and electricity, and that a small shop nearby was open and selling supplies, under the constant buzz of military drones. As we talk, a few scattered gunshots reverberate over the rooftops from the direction of the camp. UN calls for de-escalation as Israeli West Bank raids continue "Yes, I heard them too," he says. "The sound of the drones has increased." As he is speaking, an armoured bulldozer rumbles towards one of the camp’s main entrances, the road deserted and baking in the afternoon sun. For a few hours last night, explosions and gunfire erupted from the alleyways there, disrupting sleep. But since then, this man says it had been largely quiet - with no sign of house-to-house searches in his neighbourhood, nor of fighters from the camp. "It’s abnormally quiet," he said. The camp has been sealed off by the army since it arrived before dawn on Wednesday - part of a wide, coordinated operation across several centres of the occupied West Bank. Jenin camp is a base for armed Palestinian fighters, but also unarmed civilians. There have been fierce gun battles here in recent months, as Israeli forces have raided, again and again, looking for them. Army vehicles are also stationed around two of Jenin’s main hospitals. Ambulances are stopped as they approach - approaching and reversing in response to terse instructions broadcast in Arabic from loudspeakers on the army Jeeps. We watched paramedics get out to open the back doors of their ambulance, to show what - or who - was inside. Two female patients were also made to get out and present themselves to soldiers in the Jeeps. Behind them, one of Jenin’s main commercial districts is shuttered and deserted. Cardboard boxes are scattered across the empty road; fruit sits abandoned on carts under thin cotton covers - the sickly-sweet smell of rotting mangoes fills the silent street. One small grocery shop has been opening in the afternoon – an urban oasis for those who can reach it. Thaeer Shana’at is stocking up on food to deliver to local families in the eastern neighbourhood, where Israeli forces were blocking access, he says. "The whole of the eastern area - a po[CENSORED]tion of about 20,000 - is sealed off," he said. "Only ambulances can deliver food. If we go there, we get fired at. There are many areas where we can’t deliver people any food or drink." He says his wife and baby are still in Jenin camp, as he couldn’t get them out before the army arrived. "They are scared to open the door," he says. "A sniper is directly stationed in front of the house." Munir Garwan, who used to work for the municipality, is also waiting to buy food. He says he was a member of the West Bank’s main political party, Fatah, and had spent six years in an Israeli jail for shooting at the army, and belonging to a "hostile organisation". "The occupation [Israel] claims it is trying to stop terrorism. But when the young men get killed, new ones take their place. They are getting nowhere like that." "We are not fighting to make someone victorious over the other," he said. "We are fighting for our rights." As night fell, loud explosions and gunfire were heard again from the direction of the camp. Information has begun to flow again, as communication networks begin to return, circulating details of the ongoing incursion, and the identities of those injured and killed. The news blackout in Jenin is ending, but the news is the last thing people here want to hear. https://bbc.com/news/articles/c8ergpxnd8xo
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