Category World News

After two years of nonstop Israeli airstrikes that levelled buildings across the besieged Palestinian enclave, the Halawa family’s building, which still stands two stories above the rubble in Gaza City, is a rare example of a survivor.

One section has fallen apart, exposing bent metal rods that were once abutting a roof. To get to their home, the family used a concave set of sluggish wooden stairs, which the family had constructed. It continues to be a home despite the destruction.

More than 70, 000 Palestinians have been killed or damaged by Israel’s genocidal conflict in Gaza, causing the territory’s 2.3 million residents to flee.

Israel and its attacks continued in spite of an agreement to end them in October. Since then, it has infringed on the truce agreement by killing more than 400 Palestinians. Additionally, it prevented aid from entering completely.

Because Israel has had complete control over what enters and exits the enclave, reconstruction has not yet begun, and it is expected to take years. This results in struggling families like the Halawas to rebuild their lives.

Three months after the start of the war, on October 7, 2023, the family left their home. During the flimsy calm brought about by the truce, they came back. This family of seven opted for a tent life over living in their damaged home, especially since recent winter rains have flooded tent shelters.

While thin rays of light filtered through concrete fragments in one damaged room, Amani Halawa brewed coffee in a small tin over a fire. Amani, her husband Mohammed, and their children have made repairs by arranging pots and pans across the kitchen floor, utilizing concrete scraps, and utilizing hung backpacks from exposed metal rods.

A tree and messages to family members who have been separated by the conflict are displayed on the walls of the house.

Daily life continues in Gaza City’s damaged apartments, even as families wake up with the fear that their walls will collapse. According to health officials, at least 11 people died in December from building collapses in one week.

Sahar Taroush swept rubble from carpets in her home. As Bisan watched a movie beside the gaping holes in the wall, her daughter’s face flashed in front of a computer screen.

In their first match of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals in Morocco on Monday, Mohamed Salah came from behind to defeat Zimbabwe 2-1.

Egypt’s captain, who had won four straight games against Liverpool, fired home a left-footed effort in the 91st minute to give the seven-time champions a late lead after Zimbabwe had taken the lead in the first half.

Zimbabwe’s goal was under Egyptian control at the start of the 20th minute, but Prince Dube was the first to score.

Omar Marmoush, who equalized in the 64th minute, and talisman Salah, who had the final say in the Premier League, gave Egypt the victory.

Salah struggled to find his rhythm for the majority of the match at the Grande Stade d’Agadir and was in the spotlight after being let down by the Premier League champions after a fiery outburst. However, he won the match when it was important, putting Egypt in the lead of Group B after defeating Angola 2-1 earlier in Marrakech.

Egypt won the Cup of Nations by breaking a six-game losing streak over the last two years.

In the opening ten minutes, they created four solid chances for Zimbabwe, but they were in danger when Emmanuel Jalai fed the ball inside for Dube, who turned in control and headed his effort into the bottom left corner.

As a result of Daniel Msendami’s pace, Washington Navaya had a scrambled chance that Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy managed to gather before hurling it over the line.

Marmoush’s only effect

Marmoush scored a powerful solo goal in the 64th minute by picking up a long pass on the left wing before cutting inside and firing home with his right foot from a perfect angle.

We had a lot of chances without scoring early, but ultimately everything turned out well, according to Marmoush.

We maintained our positive outlook and won the match well. We can take lessons from tonight’s game.

Ahmed Zizo missed again after Mohamed Hamdy had provided a good chance to score him in the back post after heading home from Mohamed Hamdy’s warm cross, which was headed in the opposite direction.

Salah held off his marker to score the ball, heading it home for his first goal since early last month, keeping it level with Salah for the final three points.