News from the Arab World
The Islamic Resistance in Lebanon on Tuesday issued the following statement: “In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in Gaza, and in support of their brave and honorable resistance, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance targeted at 02:10 pm on Tuesday, February 20, 2024, a deployment of Israeli enemy soldiers in the vicinity of the Ramim barracks with a Burkan missile.’
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
An Israeli enemy drone launched an air raid on the southern Lebanese town of Blida, our correspondent reporetd on Tuesday.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Member of Parliament Tony Frangieh received, at his Beirut residence on Tuesday, the General Director of Lebanon’s Ministry of Agriculture, Eng. Louis Lahoud.
The pair discussed the conditions of the agricultural sector in Zgharta district and the problems endured by the farmers.
Discussions also covered topics of increasing agricultural areas, marketing agricultural products in local and foreign markets, protecting forest wealth, and preserving forests and woodlands.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
The Israeli enemy on Tuesday launched an airstrike targeting southern Lebanon’s Ayta Al-Shaab.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Intensified hostilities have been reported in southern Lebanon as the Israeli enemy’s artillery targeted the vicinity of Hamamis Hill towards Wazzani. Simultaneously, the enemy’s aircraft conducted a raid targeting Al-Dhaira and Marwahin.
In a separate incident, a shell landed in the Wazzani area near the parks, raising concerns among local residents.
Enemy reconnaissance aircraft were also observed flying over the southern skies, notably over villages and towns in the Tyre district.
Furthermore, Israeli warplanes carried out a raid on the southern outskirts of the southern town of Mays El Jabal. A second raid targeted the town of Hula in the Marjayoun district.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Athens witnessed the assembly of over 250 individuals at the 2nd UfM Stakeholder Conference on Sustainable Blue Economy, scheduled for today and tomorrow. Public and private officials, along with prominent civil society actors, have convened to evaluate the progress achieved and outline future steps for implementing the 10 priority cooperation areas endorsed by the 43 UfM Member States in the 2021 UfM Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy. This conference aims to foster knowledge exchange, share best practices, and set the stage for further political discussions.
European Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, remarked, “The progress made is not solely attributable to institutional efforts but also to the commitment and collaborative spirit of our stakeholders, ensuring sustainable development of the blue economy in the Mediterranean.” Sinkevicius emphasized the importance of incorporating stakeholders’ visions, ideas, and expertise, thereby transformin
g cross-sectorial and cross-border collaboration into reality within the Union for the Mediterranean.
Nasser Kamel, UfM Secretary General, underscored the Mediterranean Sea’s significance as a vital resource for over 480 million people residing along its shores. Sea-based economic activities across the shared basin generate an estimated annual economic value of at least US $450 billion. Kamel emphasized the pivotal role of sectors and activities within the Mediterranean sustainable blue economy for the rational and sustainable use of sea-based resources, economic growth, and improved livelihoods.
Mohammad Al Sakran, representing the UfM’s Jordan Co-Presidency and Director of the Aqaba Development Corporation, hailed the conference as a unique platform for Mediterranean countries to exchange experiences and learn about sustainable blue economy success stories.
The conference features 11 parallel multistakeholder workshops focusing on capacity building and engagement across various domains including marine r
esearch and innovation, blue skills and employment, sustainable food from the sea, maritime transport, marine renewable energies, and maritime safety and security, among others. Discussions within these workshops will inform the revision of the roadmap for implementing the Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy.
Moreover, networking activities including B2B sessions aim to provide acceleration services to innovative SMEs and upgrade skills towards a more uniform maritime cluster ecosystem in the Mediterranean basin. The event will culminate with a session highlighting upcoming projects, calls, and financial opportunities.
In February 2021, the UfM’s 43 Member States adopted the Ministerial Declaration on Sustainable Blue Economy, defining 10 priority cooperation areas. This commitment reflects a dedication to circularity and climate neutrality in the Mediterranean, bolstered by the approval of a roadmap for implementation in 2022. Additionally, the UfM is a member of the Blue Mediterranean Part
nership, aiming to mobilize at least pound 1 billion in sustainable blue economy investments in the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean.
The Union for the Mediterranean (UfM) stands as the only Euro-Mediterranean inter-governmental organization, uniting countries from the European Union and 16 countries from the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean. It serves as a platform for Member States to enhance regional cooperation, dialogue, and implement impactful projects and initiatives, aligned with the region’s strategic objectives of stability, human development, and integration.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Art Centuries, in collaboration with Rebirth Beirut, proudly presents the grand opening of its highly anticipated art exhibition, ‘Coup de Coeur,’ hosted at Rebirth Beirut, Gemmayze. The opening event was held yesterday on February 19, with the exhibition running daily until February 28 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Curated by Art Centuries, this captivating showcase features an exquisite collection of Lebanese, Arab, and European paintings, sculptures, and modern glass. ‘Coup de Coeur’ is a testament to the 40 years of artistic experience and dedication that Art Centuries brings to the cultural landscape. The exhibition is a fusion of tradition and innovation, highlighting the unique artistic identities and narratives of each piece.
Johnny Hage Chartouni, a luminary in the art world, is set to mesmerize audiences with his latest exhibition, a celebration of the vibrant soul of Beirut. As the founder and president of Art Centuries, Chartouni is known for his commitment to enriching the cultural tapestry of Beiru
t. With this exhibition, Chartouni seeks to underscore Beirut’s embrace of diversity, its celebration of culture, and its radiant spirit of love.
Come and immerse yourself in the beauty of ‘Coup de Coeur’ at Rebirth Beirut, where art meets passion, culture, and love. Join us as we celebrate Beirut’s vibrant soul and support its continuing growth and revitalization.
A portion of the proceeds from ‘Coup de Coeur’ will contribute to Rebirth Beirut’s ongoing initiatives, including the rehabilitation of traffic lights and street lighting. By supporting art, the community is also supporting the city’s infrastructure and enhancement projects.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
9 persons have been reported injured in 5 road accident within the last 24 hours, the Traffic Management Center said on Tuesday.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
The prices of 95 and 98 octane gasoline cans on Friday rose by 18,000 Lebanese pounds, while diesel increased by 4,000 Lebanese pounds. The price of gas cylinders remained unchanged. The prices are now as follows:
– 95 Octane Gasoline: LBP 1,690,000
– 98 Octane Gasoline: LBP 1,728,000
– Diesel: LBP 1,552,000
– Gas: LBP 940,000
Source: National news agency – Lebanon
Israeli occupation forces continue to bomb many areas in the Gaza Strip with warplanes, artillery, and gunboats, committing several massacres, killing and injuring dozens of Palestinian citizens, most of them women and children, on the 137th day of its aggression against Gaza.
WAFA correspondent reported that a large number of civilians were killed and others were injured in missile and artillery shelling and gunfire from Israeli drones on Al-Zaytoun neighborhood, southeast of Gaza City.
He said that large Israeli military vehicles entered Al-Zaytoun neighborhood from Tal Al-Hawa area west of the city, and Mahmour Salah Al-Din to the south, and were stationed near the intersection of Street 8 and Salah Al-Din Street amid bombardment by Israeli warplanes and the firing of artillery shells that hit a number of citizens’ homes, killing at least 15 people and wounding dozens.
He added that Israeli drones opened fire on citizens moving between the alleys and side streets in the neighborhood, pointing out that t
he Israeli incursion into Al-Zaytoun neighborhood resulted in the forced displacement of thousands of citizens towards the western areas of Gaza City, specifically to Al-Shifa Hospital and the vicinity of the hospital in Al-Rimal neighborhood.
Israeli warplanes, occupation artillery, and tanks launched raids and fired shells at a number of residential neighborhoods in the city of Khan Yunis, south of the Gaza Strip, killing six civilians and wounding 15 others.
The Israeli forces continue its operations in Nasser and Al-Amal hospitals, west of the city, amid tragic conditions for the wounded, patients, and medical staff in Nasser Hospital.
In Rafah, the occupation bombed a number of shells in the center and west of the city, causing injuries among the displaced.
In the central Gaza Strip, Israeli warplanes bombed several homes in the Nuseirat, Bureij, and Maghazi camps, and in Deir al-Balah, killing four citizens and wounding about 10 others. They were transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in the center
of the Gaza Strip.
The occupation army opened fire and fired shells at citizens waiting for humanitarian aid west of Gaza City.
Three citizens were killed tonight in an Israeli bombing targeting the Nuseirat camp, in the central Gaza Strip.
Eyewitnesses said that the occupation forces bombed a house in the camp, killing three citizens, who were later transferred to Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah.
In the same context, occupation artillery bombed Al-Shaaf area east of Al-Shuja’iya, while occupation gunboats bombed the coast of Gaza City.
In an infinite toll, the number of slain Palestinians has risen to more than 29,092, the majority of whom are women and children, while 68,883 others were wounded, since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip on October 7th, 2023.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Israeli enemy reconnaissance aircraft intensified their flights over the villages of the southern Lebanese districts of Tyre and Bint Jbeil throughout the past night and into Tuesday morning, amidst continued firing of incendiary shells and illuminating bombs overnight over villages in the western and central sectors.
Moreover, enemy warplanes carried out raids after 7:00 pm yesterday on the towns of Marwahin, Aita Shaab, and Beit Lif, resulting in significant damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure, especially electricity and water networks.
On the other hand, an increase in the displacement of residents from villages adjacent to the Lebanese-Palestinian border was observed. Families in displacement centers in Tyre are seeking homes outside the shelters due to the difficulty of living in them.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Israeli enemy reconnaissance aircraft intensified their flights over the villages of the southern Lebanese districts of Tyre and Bint Jbeil throughout the past night and into Tuesday morning, amidst continued firing of incendiary shells and illuminating bombs overnight over villages in the western and central sectors.
Moreover, enemy warplanes carried out raids after 7:00 pm yesterday on the towns of Marwahin, Aita Shaab, and Beit Lif, resulting in significant damage to homes, crops, and infrastructure, especially electricity and water networks.
On the other hand, an increase in the displacement of residents from villages adjacent to the Lebanese-Palestinian border was observed. Families in displacement centers in Tyre are seeking homes outside the shelters due to the difficulty of living in them.
Source: National News Agency – Lebanon
Muscat: Dr. Madiha Ahmed Al Shaibani, Minister of Education, approved General Education Diploma (GED) exams’ general indicators of results, as well as the results of equivalent qualifications, for the first sitting of the GED during Academic Year 2023/2024.
As many as 50,508 male and female students sat for the GED, with an overall success rate of 80.85% in the public schools’ category.
In the private (bilingual) schools’ segment, a total of 1,555 students sat for the GED exams, with an overall success rate of 90.98%.
In the GED of technical education, that of the Royal Guard of Oman’s Technical College (bilingual), a total of 58 students sat for the exams, with an overall success rate of 100%.
In the GED for Islamic sciences education, a total of 115 students sat for the exams, with an overall success rate of 98.26%.
In the GED for Special Education, a total of 69 students sat for the exams, with an overall success rate of 90.16%.
Results will be available starting from the day after tomorrow, Thursday
22 February, at 4 pm, through the services of Omantel, Ooredoo and Vodafone. The results can be obtained by an enquirer sending a short text message to 90200, quoting the seat number. The results will also be available later on the educational portal of the Sultanate of Oman.
Source: Oman News Agency