Archive June 5, 2025

Delap done – which other strikers will be wanted this summer?

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Michael Mons
journalist for BBC Sport

After moving to Chelsea from Ipswich for £30 million, Liam Delap’s contract is no longer an issue.

Chelsea, the first Premier League team to sign a prominent striker this summer, defeated rivals Manchester United, Newcastle, and Everton to sign Delap’s signature.

The race to add those vital extra goals continues, though, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the clubs that missed out on Delap and those who wanted to add more firepower.

The transfer window for the summer ends on June 10 and resumes on June 16 with players having until September to build up their squads.

Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Hugo Ekitike celebrates a goalImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 48 Goals: 22 Assists: 12 Minutes per goal: 165.4

Hugo Ekitike, 22, scored 22 goals and added 12 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt to help them finish third in the Bundesliga and earn a place in the Champions League. This is his best season so far in his career.

Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy

Serhou Guirassy celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 45 Goals: 34 Assists: 6 Minutes per goal: 111.9

Only Harry Kane, England’s captain, managed 21 Bundesliga goals in 2024-25 against Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy.

The 29-year-old Guinea international has been on the radar of the best Premier League clubs because of his 13 Champions League goals (he also tops with Raphinha and Barcelona’s Raphinha).

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)

Viktor Gyokeres holds up four fingers while smilingImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 52 Goals: 54 Assists: 12 Minutes per goal: 77.8

Viktor Gyokeres, a former Coventry City striker, has scored an incredible 54 goals in 52 games for Portuguese side Sporting this year.

Although the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester United that would bring him back to his former team, Ruben Amorim, his goalscoring record is drawing clubs from all over Europe.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Jean-Philippe Mateta gestures emotionallyImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 46 Goals: 17 Assists: 4 Minutes per goal: 194.1

Jean-Philippe Mateta, who had eight goals in his first nine games for Crystal Palace, had a good year and was successful in his debut year.

He led Palace to a 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley as the Eagles won their first major trophy by scoring 14 Premier League goals, which ranks him 10th overall.

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo shouts in celebrationImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 42 Goals: 20 Assists: 9 Minutes per goal: 178

Mbeumo has not previously played that role for the Bees, despite having a central striker status.

Any potential suitor who prefers playing central or playing on the right would have the option of playing either position twice.

The 25-year-old Cameroon international has been linked with interest from Manchester United, as well as Newcastle and Arsenal.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, on loan from Napoli)

Victor Osimhen celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 41 Goals: 37 Assists: 7 Minutes per goal: 85.8

Victor Osimhen, a striker from Nigeria, helped Napoli win their first Italian title since 1990 in 2022-23, but he missed their comeback this year because he spent a lot of time on loan at Galatasaray in Turkey.

The 26-year-old has been scoring twice in his team’s 3-2 Europa League victory over Tottenham in November, which was among his best efforts so far in 2024-25.

Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui

Mateo Retegui celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 49 Goals: 28. Assists: 9 Minutes per goal: 112.6

Mateo Retegui, an international striker from Italy, scored 25 goals for Atalanta in 2024-25, six more than any other player, ending the campaign as the top scorer in Serie A.

The 26-year-old’s goals have helped his team advance to the competition next season after playing in the Champions League this year.

Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko jumps in celebrationImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 45 Goals: 21 Assists: 6 Minutes per goal: 155.2

As Slovenian international Benjamin Sesko continues to improve his status at RB Leipzig, he has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Due to his new “long-term deal” with the German side last summer, the 22-year-old is 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall and won’t cost a lot.

Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Dusan Vlahovic punches the air in celebrationImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 41 Goals: 15 Assists: 5 Minutes per goal: 171.1

Dusan Vlahovic, a Serbia international whose contract runs until June 2026, has long been a subject of interest.

The 25-year-old is 6’3″ (1.91m) and spent another excellent season with Juventus in Italy after missing out on a move to Arsenal.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins smilesImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 54 Goals: 17 Assists: 14 Minutes per goal: 210.5

In the final few days of the winter transfer window, Arsenal made a late offer to sign England international Ollie Watkins, with Aston Villa refusing to make the rumored £40m offer.

Unai Emery’s side’s goal difference was lower than Newcastle’s, so Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season meant they were unable to earn a lucrative Champions League spot.

Yoane Wissa (Brentford)

Yoane Wissa raises his hands in celebrationImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 39 Goals: 20 Assists: 4 Minutes per goal: 153.9

Only five Premier League players combined in the year 2024-2019 to score 19 goals, including Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

related subjects

  • Eintracht Frankfurt
  • Borussia Dortmund
  • RB Leipzig
  • Brentford
  • Aston Villa
  • Atalanta
  • Crystal Palace
  • Juventus
  • Football

Delap done – which other strikers will be wanted this summer?

By in News, Sports News
Images courtesy of Getty
Michael Mons
journalist for BBC Sport

After moving to Chelsea from Ipswich for £30 million, Liam Delap’s contract is no longer an issue.

Chelsea, the first Premier League team to sign a prominent striker this summer, defeated rivals Manchester United, Newcastle, and Everton to sign Delap’s signature.

The race to add those vital extra goals continues, though, with Arsenal and Liverpool among the clubs that missed out on Delap and those who wanted to add more firepower.

The transfer window for the summer ends on June 10 and resumes on June 16 with players having until September to build up their squads.

Hugo Ekitike (Eintracht Frankfurt)

Hugo Ekitike celebrates a goalImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 48 Goals: 22 Assists: 12 Minutes per goal: 165.4

Hugo Ekitike, 22, scored 22 goals and added 12 assists for Eintracht Frankfurt to help them finish third in the Bundesliga and earn a place in the Champions League. This is his best season so far in his career.

Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy

Serhou Guirassy celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 45 Goals: 34 Assists: 6 Minutes per goal: 111.9

Only Harry Kane, England’s captain, managed 21 Bundesliga goals in 2024-25 against Borussia Dortmund’s Serhou Guirassy.

The 29-year-old Guinea international has been on the radar of the best Premier League clubs because of his 13 Champions League goals (he also tops with Raphinha and Barcelona’s Raphinha).

Viktor Gyokeres (Sporting)

Viktor Gyokeres holds up four fingers while smilingImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 52 Goals: 54 Assists: 12 Minutes per goal: 77.8

Viktor Gyokeres, a former Coventry City striker, has scored an incredible 54 goals in 52 games for Portuguese side Sporting this year.

Although the 26-year-old has been linked with a move to Manchester United that would bring him back to his former team, Ruben Amorim, his goalscoring record is drawing clubs from all over Europe.

Jean-Philippe Mateta (Crystal Palace)

Jean-Philippe Mateta gestures emotionallyImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 46 Goals: 17 Assists: 4 Minutes per goal: 194.1

Jean-Philippe Mateta, who had eight goals in his first nine games for Crystal Palace, had a good year and was successful in his debut year.

He led Palace to a 1-0 FA Cup final victory over Manchester City at Wembley as the Eagles won their first major trophy by scoring 14 Premier League goals, which ranks him 10th overall.

Bryan Mbeumo (Brentford)

Brentford forward Bryan Mbeumo shouts in celebrationImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 42 Goals: 20 Assists: 9 Minutes per goal: 178

Mbeumo has not previously played that role for the Bees, despite having a central striker status.

Any potential suitor who prefers playing central or playing on the right would have the option of playing either position twice.

The 25-year-old Cameroon international has been linked with interest from Manchester United, as well as Newcastle and Arsenal.

Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray, on loan from Napoli)

Victor Osimhen celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 41 Goals: 37 Assists: 7 Minutes per goal: 85.8

Victor Osimhen, a striker from Nigeria, helped Napoli win their first Italian title since 1990 in 2022-23, but he missed their comeback this year because he spent a lot of time on loan at Galatasaray in Turkey.

The 26-year-old has been scoring twice in his team’s 3-2 Europa League victory over Tottenham in November, which was among his best efforts so far in 2024-25.

Atalanta’s Mateo Retegui

Mateo Retegui celebratesImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 49 Goals: 28. Assists: 9 Minutes per goal: 112.6

Mateo Retegui, an international striker from Italy, scored 25 goals for Atalanta in 2024-25, six more than any other player, ending the campaign as the top scorer in Serie A.

The 26-year-old’s goals have helped his team advance to the competition next season after playing in the Champions League this year.

Leipzig’s Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko jumps in celebrationImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 45 Goals: 21 Assists: 6 Minutes per goal: 155.2

As Slovenian international Benjamin Sesko continues to improve his status at RB Leipzig, he has long been linked with a move to the Premier League.

Due to his new “long-term deal” with the German side last summer, the 22-year-old is 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 meters) tall and won’t cost a lot.

Dusan Vlahovic (Juventus)

Dusan Vlahovic punches the air in celebrationImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 41 Goals: 15 Assists: 5 Minutes per goal: 171.1

Dusan Vlahovic, a Serbia international whose contract runs until June 2026, has long been a subject of interest.

The 25-year-old is 6’3″ (1.91m) and spent another excellent season with Juventus in Italy after missing out on a move to Arsenal.

Aston Villa’s Ollie Watkins

Ollie Watkins smilesImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 54 Goals: 17 Assists: 14 Minutes per goal: 210.5

In the final few days of the winter transfer window, Arsenal made a late offer to sign England international Ollie Watkins, with Aston Villa refusing to make the rumored £40m offer.

Unai Emery’s side’s goal difference was lower than Newcastle’s, so Villa’s 2-0 defeat to Manchester United on the final day of the Premier League season meant they were unable to earn a lucrative Champions League spot.

Yoane Wissa (Brentford)

Yoane Wissa raises his hands in celebrationImages courtesy of Getty

2024-25 stats (all competitions). Appearances: 39 Goals: 20 Assists: 4 Minutes per goal: 153.9

Only five Premier League players combined in the year 2024-2019 to score 19 goals, including Brentford’s Yoane Wissa.

related subjects

  • Eintracht Frankfurt
  • Borussia Dortmund
  • RB Leipzig
  • Brentford
  • Aston Villa
  • Atalanta
  • Crystal Palace
  • Juventus
  • Football

Can the US afford to lose its 1.1 million international students?

By in News, World News

For her summer internship, Hadija Mahmoud* is pulling an all-nighter that is high on caffeine and adrenaline. She needs to board the train in Washington, DC to New York City in the morning to get there.

Mahmoud is a 21-year old international student who has just finished her junior year at Georgetown University. She is concerned and anxious after her immigration attorney advised her against leaving the country for the summer due to recent border control regulations.

As the Trump administration attempts to expand social media screenings for applicants, the State Department issued a warning on May 27 to U.S. embassies all over the world to temporarily halt scheduling new student visa appointments. This is the latest in a line of restrictions targeted at international students.

“It’s been very turbulent, and equally terrifying with each development that comes”, Mahmoud told Al Jazeera, speaking from her college dormitory in Washington, DC.

Mahmoud is not the only person who feels this way. Many other international students feel as though they must remain silent because they fear that even a minor mistake could lead to their deportation.

1.1 million international students

According to NAFSA, a US nonprofit organisation that focuses on international education and student exchange, over the 2023/2024 academic year there were just more than 1.1 million international students studying in the US.

5.6% of the nearly 19 million total US higher education students were from abroad, making up 5.6%.

Together, students from India and China made up 54 percent of the total, with India leading at 331, 602 (29 percent) and China at 277, 398 (25 percent).

“Sorry for the United States,”

Fanta Aw, the executive director and CEO of NAFSA, who is a former international student herself, says she is aware of how crucial cultural exchange between local students and local communities is in today’s increasingly connected world.

“I think this is a major loss for the United States, other countries will open their doors and they are already welcoming students”, Aw told Al Jazeera.

“Students want certainty,” the statement. They desire consistency. And they want to know that the system works. And they already lose trust if they keep seeing action after action, she adds.

You will have years to recover from this and possibly never recover from it if you continue down this path. Because by then, more other countries are competing for these same students”.

“We are seeing Germany,” Japan is what we see. We’re seeing South Korea. Malaysia has always been a student destination. With all the universities in the American style, the US is in competition with in the Middle East.

Where are international students studying?

A sizable number of international students study at prestigious universities in the Midwest and other US states, despite the presence of many of them concentrated on the East and West coasts.

The most international students from New York City were 27, 247 at New York University, and 20, 321 at Columbia University, according to data compiled by Open Doors during the academic year 2023/2024. Northeastern University in Boston follows, with 21, 023 international students.

Noor Ali*, a 23-year-old Pakistani student who is pursuing her master’s degree in journalism on a full scholarship from the university, is one of those students heading to the Midwest.

Ali has requested that Ali’s institution be kept secret and her identity kept secret for security reasons. Despite having already received her student visa, she’s still concerned about entering the US.

She explains how she flew out that day when both nuclear neighbors were engaged in a face-off far above the surface and that India had obtained her visa the day after India attacked Pakistan and Pakistan retaliated against India.

“Miraculously, the appointment was not canceled,” he said. And I ended up going there for my interview. And I ended up getting the visa, which was insane. I had no idea where I came from. But I mean, I’ve gotten it now”! Ali beams and is unconcerned by her luck.

She chose the US because of her familiarity with the nation through movies and TV shows, even though she had the option to study in Europe. Even without having visited, she feels like she understands American life and culture.

These principles of American democracy refer to American freedom. And there was a lot of emphasis on ethics and morality, which was popular in the past and a lot of emphasis was placed on diversity.

Ali’s ideals are not without scepticism or worry. She has repeatedly reevaluate her choice after admitting to being extremely scared. She continues to find encouragement in the recent criticism of the Trump administration’s policies.

“The core of American democracy or ideals of freedom are getting reinforced”, says Ali. She believes unwaveringly that the cultural immersion will be worthwhile for her.

crackdown on pro-Palestine faculty and students

The Trump administration’s latest step in its crackdown on US universities has particularly focused on international students who have shown support for Palestinians in Gaza over the past year.

You’d think that because Georgetown has a sizable international student population in comparison to other US schools, there will be a lot more advocacy and grassroots work happening on campus, according to Mahmoud.

On September 4, 2024, students marched at Georgetown University in Washington, DC, in support of Palestine.

Mahmoud feels her college hasn’t been a very vocal campus when it comes to the rights of students, nor in providing a proper safety net for freedom of speech.

“Dr. Badar Suri’s detention on campus, in my opinion, was a significant turning point. I felt the need to look through my social media to see if anything I posted might have led to my flagging,” says Mahmoud.

Badar Suri Khan
Mapheze Saleh, right, wife of arrested and detained Georgetown University scholar Badar Khan Suri, holds a sign calling for her husband’s release after speaking at a news conference following his hearing at Federal District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, on May 1, 2025]Jacquelyn Martin, AP Photo]

Following a federal judge’s order, Dr. Badar Khan Suri, a postdoctoral researcher of conflict studies, was detained on March 17 outside his Rosslyn, Virginia, home, and held in immigration detention for two months. He was then released on May 14. Suri has spoken out against Israel’s occupation of Gaza, whose wife Mapheze Saleh is of Palestinian descent in the US.

That particular case became a real turning point on the campus, she says, where a lot of international students had spoken up and taken to social media.

What is the stakes?

According to NAFSA, the 1.1 million international students studying in the US contributed $43.8bn to the US economy during the 2023–2024 academic year, creating 378,175 jobs nationwide.

That means that for every three international students enrolled, one US job was created or supported.

California’s population had the highest number of foreign students, with 140, 858 contributing to the state’s economy and supporting 55, 114 jobs. New York followed with 135 813 students, creating 51 719 jobs, and generating $6.3 billion. Texas came third, with 89, 546 international students contributing $2.5bn and supporting 22, 112 jobs.

12 states each received more than $ 1 billion from international students’ economic contributions overall. NAFSA estimates that the US economy is boosted by international student spending in these 12 states, contributing 57 percent to the overall budget.

“When your enrolment declines, then you’re going to have some economic challenges and that’s going to force institutions to have to make some very difficult decisions and choices”, NAFSA executive director Fanta Aw explains.

In most of the nation, there is a decline in the number of high school graduates. Because that is already declining, it’s not like they can match that with American domestic students.

“So when you cannot have the level of enrollment at the undergraduate level here in the US and that is then compounded with the decline in international students, that’s a perfect storm”.

Aw claims that many foreign students who return to their home countries make tax-free contributions to their countries.

What subjects are studied by foreign students?

In the 2023-2024 academic year, among the 1.1 million students, the most popular majors were Math and Computer Science, Engineering, and Business and Management.

2, 691 of the 371. 3 million dollars that were contributed by international students to English language programs were supported by this job.

Interactive_InternationalStudents_US-01-1749044715
(Al Jazeera)

In terms of degrees, nearly half (502, 000) of all international students were registered for postgraduate programmes, 343, 000 in undergraduate programmes, 243, 000 in Optional Practical Training (OPT), and 39, 000 in non-degree programmes.

Loose Women’s Kaye Adams admits ‘change is hard’ after major ITV cuts

By in Entertainment News, News

After being made clear that ITV are planning a significant change in their schedules, which means Loose Women won’t air throughout the year, Kaye Adams has made her first appearance.

Assistant Celebrity and Entertainment Editor, Daniel Bird

Kaye Adams has opened up about the dramatic Loose Women shake-up(Image: ITV)

Kaye Adams had “sleepless nights” after hearing Loose Women is being cut by ITV. It was announced last month that the network had planned a major shake-up.

Some of the network’s biggest programmes, including Loose, Good Morning Britain, and Lorraine, will be affected, while This Morning remains untouched. While Lorraine and Loose currently air all year round, they will now be cut and broadcast for just 30 weeks.

With the extension of Good Morning Britain and a half-hour cut to Lorraine, her show has suffered yet another blow. Kaye has now admitted in a bombshell admission that the dramatic news “out of the blue” for her.

In the wake of the dramatic cuts, the 62-year-old also acknowledges that she has no idea what will happen to her job or her panellists. We have no idea what will happen at this point, Kaye said to be completely honest. She continued to say that she had no “anticipated” the news.

READ MORE: NARS’ new summer collection includes cream eyeshadow that ‘doesn’t budge’ on oily eyelids

Kaye suffered sleepless nights following the news
Kaye suffered sleepless nights following the news(Image: ITV)

Kay continued, “I didn’t anticipate it, which is probably stupid in retrospect, you get into a sort of rhythm of life.” She continued on her How To Be 60 podcast. I must admit that I had a few sleepless nights because it felt like a rug had been pulled from beneath my feet.

Continue reading the article.

It will have an impact, it says. It’s terrible that so many people will lose their jobs completely, but it’s a significant change. The broadcaster is keeping things positive despite the shake-up, she said. She stated that she could “make some changes.” Kaye frequently takes the sleeper train and travels to London from Glasgow on a regular basis.

She continued, “But I gave myself a talking point and for once listened to my own advice: change is difficult but can be good. Don’t worry about the future; I’m telling myself all these things. The past is a trap. And I believe that this is the start I needed to make some life changes, so I’ll just have to take it.

Kaye made the announcement by revealing that she had been considering downsizing and moving into a smaller home, but now jokes that she might end up living in a one-bedroom apartment. She said, “And now that I’ve lost my job, I might be renting a one-bedroom apartment somewhere.”

Fellow Loose panellist Nadia admitted she had no idea about her future on the show
Fellow Loose panellist Nadia admitted she had no idea about her future on the show(Image: ITV)

Kaye isn’t the first Loose panelist to discuss the cuts, though. Nadia Sawalha, an actress who has been on the program since its launch in 1999, recently acknowledged that she is self-employed and could be fired tomorrow. “Some panellists are employed by the network on a freelance basis, while others are paid by the network on a PAYE contract.

Speaking to her husband Mark Adderley on their joint YouTube page, the former EastEnders star said: “Do you know what, at the moment, all of us on screen are in work and are proud of what we do.

However, there are people who are actually suffering behind the scenes, and what you don’t realize is that is is because you never see the entire army of volunteers working there. As she fought to keep her upset at bay, Nadia became distinctly emotional.

She expressed regret to all of my friends and coworkers who have just experienced a massive shock out of the blue while holding back tears. She continued, “just can’t bear it,” and urged people to “be f***ing kind to people.” She explained that because she works alone, she runs the risk of leaving tomorrow or in five years.

She cried as she explained that dozens of people would be “made redundant out of the blue” and that she had seen people “numb with shock” walking around.

Continue reading the article.

Hajj: Saudi Authorities Deploy 40,000 Security Operatives

By in News, Nigeria News

40, 000 security personnel have been stationed in the Saudi Authorities, who have continued to intensify preparations across all sectors to ensure a hitch-free 2025 Hajj exercise.

Teams have been trained and deployed to combat any potential threats, with the introduction of a drone to support firefighting and rescue efforts for the first time, from security and safety to health and safety to health and rapid response.

40 000 people have also been stationed in the middle of a multilayered security strategy to manage traffic, manage the crowd, and provide quick response and surveillance.

Authorities report that 415 fake Hajj offices were detained, 415 illegal pilgrims were expelled, and 109, 632 vehicles were returned in violation of Hajj regulations.

This Grand Hajj Symposium was held in Jeddah in collaboration with the Council of Senior Scholars and the King Abdulaziz Foundation for Research and Archives (Darah).

In order to uphold the objectives of Islamic law, the ministry is attempting to highlight the concept of capacity in the symposium.

The 49th edition of the 2025 Grand Hajj symposium attracted ministers, senior scholars, heads of Hajj offices and missions, including Nigeria, as well as experts from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and abroad.

It examined one of the most important concepts in contemporary Hajj jurisprudence, encouraging knowledge exchange to support pilgrims, and not just showcased diverse scholarly and intellectual experiences.

ALSO READ: Al-Hajj, One Of Islam’s Five Pillars.

As it prepares for a smooth Hajj exercise, the Interior Ministry also held a press conference for the Saudi Security Forces commanders in Makkah.

The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense announced that for the first time this year’s Hajj will be conducted using a drone for firefighting and response, providing details on preparations and technological advancements made to ensure a smooth exercise.

The drone, which has the name “Falcon” and has been enhanced with artificial intelligence, can take off in 12 hours and weigh 40 kilograms. It is ready to be used in difficult-to-access areas.

More personnel are needed to coordinate with security agencies and monitor the security situation in emergency security situations, according to the National Center for Security Operations, 911.

AbdulAzeez Al Ghamdi, the spokesperson for the Saudi National Center for Security Operations, reported that this year, the use of sophisticated infrastructure has also shortened response times.

According to him, “The unified security system in the Makkah region, 911, has prepared a special plan for the hajj season starting with an analysis of the calls from previous Al-Hajj seasons and anticipates the calls for this year depending on the numbers, we increased our forces and call takers so we can respond to all the calls.” The CCTV camera, which records all holy sites, has also been expanded.

We respond to all calls in less than two seconds thanks to the most cutting-edge technology. Three main details appear on the system when a call is made: the caller’s name, the number, and the location. In less than 45 seconds, we send a report to the specialized entity if necessary.

The authorities have mobilized staff at Mina’s health emergency operations center in addition to focusing on security and safety.

The Medical Referral Center Nawfal Aljerian’s Chief Operations Officer stated that all measures had been in place to deal with health emergencies.

He instructed pilgrims to engage in medical procedures to control the heat, revealing that this year’s delivery time has decreased from one hour and twenty minutes to six minutes.

He said, “This is a system of care where health authorities are able to provide proper services, help decision-makers get live information, and help decision-makers get the appropriate questions and answers at the same time.”

All Hajjis (pilgrims) make their best efforts to rest when they can, stay away from direct sunlight, use umbrellas, and drink a lot of water, both as a doctor and as an emergency physician at this time.

He continued, “We are using drones this year to deliver medications to some areas, and that has reduced the time from an hour and twenty minutes to six minutes this year.”

US-backed GHF group extends closure of Gaza aid sites for second day

By in News, World News
After a full-day of detention on Wednesday, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), a shadowy organization supported by the United States and Israel, will not immediately resume providing aid in the war-torn territory. Instead, operations will resume when repairs and maintenance work on its distribution centers are finished.

The GHF stated in a statement posted on Facebook that it would “share information on opening times as soon as work is finished” and that its “distribution sites will not open as early as” Thursday morning.

The GHF also strongly advised aid seekers traveling to its locations to “follow the routes” the Israeli military had set out to ensure safe passage.

While “reorganisation work” was being carried out, the Israeli military warned Palestinians on Wednesday to avoid approaching GHF aid distribution sites, stating that access roads to those locations would be “considered combat zones.”

Since the GHF distribution sites are still closed for a second day, it seems that Israel’s military hasn’t issued any new instructions regarding the safety of them.

Israeli forces fired four rockets at Palestinians seeking aid early on Tuesday as they began distribution of food supplies in Gaza.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, the Israeli attack claimed the lives of at least 27 people and injured about 90 more.

At least 31 people were killed and more than 150 were hurt when Israeli forces opened fire on thousands of aid seekers in Rafah on Sunday, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense Agency. On the same day, one person was also fatally shot at a second aid distribution facility in central Gaza, south of the Netzarim Corridor.

Then, on Monday, when Israeli forces opened fire again near the Rafah distribution center of the GHF, killing three more people and injuring about 30 others.

Mass casualty incidents that are “Unprecedented” are unprecedented

The Israeli military had refuted reports that its troops shot at civilians Sunday near or within the GHF aid distribution center, saying only that its forces fired warning shots at those who didn’t use “designated access routes.”

The soldiers only fired at people who “were approaching in a way that endangered” the soldiers, according to Effie Defrin, a spokesperson for the Israeli army.

The GHF, which began chaotic aid distribution operations on May 26, has also labeled reports of aid seekers being killed in large numbers “outright fabrications,” claiming it has not yet seen any evidence of an attack at or near its facilities.

Following Sunday’s attack, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) confirmed that it had received “a mass casualty influx of 179 cases,” including 21 patients who were “declared dead upon arrival.” According to the group, there were both women and children among the victims, with the majority of them suffering “gunshot or shrapnel wounds.”

Palestinians in Gaza are “afflicted by an unprecedented scale and frequency of recent mass casualty incidents,” according to the ICRC.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has demanded an independent investigation into the deaths and for “perpetrators to be held accountable” following reports of aid seekers being killed by Israeli forces in recent days.

On Wednesday, the United Kingdom called for an “immediate and independent investigation” into the tragic events. Hamish Falconer, the UK’s foreign minister for Middle East, described the deaths as “deeply disturbing” and called Israel’s new aid delivery methods “inhumane.”

At least 48 people were killed in Israeli-led attacks across the Strip on Wednesday, according to Gaza’s Civil Defense, as Israel continues to expand its wider assault on Gaza. At least 18 people were killed when a tent was attacked in southern Khan Younis to shelter displaced Palestinians.

Since Israel’s invasion of Gaza in October 2023, at least 54, 418 Palestinians have died and 124, 190 have been injured, according to health ministry data in the region.