Hundreds of Hezbollah members wounded in Lebanon when pagers explode, security source says
Hundreds of Hezbollah members wounded in Lebanon when pagers explode, security source says/node/2571743/middle-east
Hundreds of Hezbollah members wounded in Lebanon when pagers explode, security source says
Smoke rises above Lebanon following an Israeli strike, amid the ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Israel's border with Lebanon in northern Israel, September 8, 2024. (Reuters)
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Updated 17 September 2024
Reuters
Hundreds of Hezbollah members wounded in Lebanon when pagers explode, security source says
Updated 17 September 2024
Reuters
BEIRUT: Hundreds of members of the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah, including fighters and medics, were seriously wounded on Tuesday when the pagers they use to communicate exploded, a security source told Reuters.
A Hezbollah official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the detonation of the pagers was the “biggest security breach” the group had been subjected to in nearly a year of war with Israel.
The explosions took place amid heightened violence between Israel and Hezbollah, who have been engaged in cross-border warfare since the Gaza war erupted last October in the worst such escalation in years.
There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military to Reuters enquiries about the detonations.
A Reuters journalist saw ambulances rushing through the southern suburbs of the capital Beirut amid widespread panic. Residents said explosions were taking place even 30 minutes after the initial blasts. The security source added that devices were also exploding in the south of Lebanon.
Groups of people huddled at the entrance of buildings to check on people they knew who may have been wounded, the Reuters journalist said.
Regional broadcasters carrying CCTV footage which showed what appeared to be a small handheld device placed next to a grocery store cashier where an individual was paying spontaneously exploding. In other footage, an explosion appeared to knock out someone standing at a fruit stand at a market area.
Lebanon’s crisis operations center, which is run by the health ministry, asked all medical workers to head to their respective hospitals to help cope with the massive numbers of wounded coming into for urgent care. It said health care workers should not use pagers.
Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel immediately after the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas gunmen on Israel. Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging fire constantly ever since, while avoiding a major escalation as war rages in Gaza to the south.
Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from towns and villages on both sides of the border by the hostilties.
Israel violated global child rights treaty in Gaza, UN committee says
Updated 5 min 5 sec ago
Reuters
GENEVA: A UN committee has accused Israel of severe breaches of a global treaty protecting children’s rights, saying its military actions in Gaza had a catastrophic impact on them and are among the worst violations in recent history.
Palestinian health authorities say 41,000 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its military campaign in response to cross-border attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7. Of those killed in Gaza, at least 11,355 are children, Palestinian data shows, and thousands more are injured.
“The outrageous death of children is almost historically unique. This is an extremely dark place in history,” said Bragi Gudbrandsson, vice chair of the Committee.
“I don’t think we have seen a violation that is so massive before as we’ve seen in Gaza. These are extremely grave violations that we do not often see,” he said.
Israel, which ratified the treaty in 1991, sent a large delegation to the UN hearings in Geneva between September 3-4.
They argued that the treaty did not apply in Gaza or the West Bank and that it was committed to respecting international humanitarian law. It says its military campaign in Gaza is aimed at eliminating Hamas.
The committee praised Israel for attending but said it “deeply regrets the state party’s repeated denial of its legal obligations.”
The 18-member UN Committee monitors countries’ compliance with the 1989 Convention on the Rights of the Child — a widely adopted treaty that protects them from violence and other abuses.
In its conclusions, it called on Israel to provide urgent assistance to thousands of children maimed or injured by the war, provide support for orphans, and allow more medical evacuations from Gaza.
The UN body has no means of enforcing its recommendations, although countries generally aim to comply.
During the hearings, the UN experts also asked many questions about Israeli children, including details about those taken hostage by Hamas, to which Israel’s delegation gave extensive responses.
How the convergence of AI and 5G is transforming Ƶ’s smart technologies
The Kingdom is harnessing the power of AI and 5G to usher in a new generation of devices that go beyond conventional smartphones
Saudi telecom giants are embracing AI-driven 5G tech to optimize networks, boost efficiency and enhance customer experience
Updated 6 min 43 sec ago
Jasmine Bager
DAMMAM: As Ƶ rapidly evolves into a global technology hub, the convergence of artificial intelligence and 5G technology is playing a critical role in reshaping the Kingdom’s digital landscape.
The fusion of these cutting-edge technologies is transforming devices beyond conventional smartphones, creating smarter systems that enhance industries ranging from telecommunications to manufacturing and healthcare.
Ƶ’s commitment to digital transformation, outlined in its Vision 2030 initiative, has propelled the Kingdom toward large-scale adoption of AI-driven technologies, supported by the rollout of 5G networks.
With AI’s predictive power and 5G’s ultra-fast connectivity, the Kingdom is poised to become a leader in deploying next-generation smart devices that transcend traditional communication tools.
AI algorithms now have the ability to anticipate user needs, infer intent and automate tasks, creating seamless user experiences and improving productivity.
According to a recent PwC report called “The Smarter Phone,” AI-enabled smartphones are already integrating with daily activities, leveraging predictive analytics to automate routine processes and provide real-time solutions.
AI-powered assistants, image recognition and voice command systems are increasingly becoming integral parts of mobile devices, enabling more intuitive user interfaces and features such as facial recognition, automated photo sorting and smart scheduling.
This evolution of mobile technology not only improves productivity at work but also frees up time for leisure.
As Ƶ embraces this digital transformation, its telecommunications sector is at the forefront of integrating AI into 5G-powered networks.
“The country’s commitment to advanced technologies and its focus on digital transformation highlights the importance of AI, both globally and locally,” Raghav Sahgal, president of Nokia’s Cloud Network Services Group, told Arab News.
Raghav Sahgal, president of Nokia’s Cloud Network Services Group. (SUpplied)
At the heart of this transformation is 5G technology, which offers faster speeds, lower latency and greater connectivity capacity than its predecessor, 4G.
Its ability to transfer data at rates of up to 10 gigabytes per second allows for seamless communication between devices, supporting emerging technologies such as autonomous vehicles, smart cities and the internet of things.
When combined with AI, 5G enables the real-time processing of vast amounts of data, making way for new applications that were previously unimaginable.
5G technology offers faster speeds, lower latency and greater connectivity capacity than its predecessor, 4G. (Supplied)
One of the most transformative aspects of 5G in Ƶ is its potential to digitize industries.
“5G is enabling the digitization of industries by offering deterministic and reliable connections that are critical for sectors such as petroleum, gas and manufacturing,” said Sahgal.
By leveraging 5G’s speed and reliability, companies in these industries can improve operational efficiency, reduce downtime and optimize processes through AI-powered predictive analytics.
Nokia has played a pivotal role in Ƶ’s AI-driven telecom revolution. Its AVA platform (Automation, Visualization, Analytics) bundles together its software portfolio, allowing telecommunications providers to secure, automate and monetize their 5G networks.
Nokia’s AVA platform combines AI and automation to enhance telecom performance, security and reliability. (Supplied)
The platform’s AI-driven analytics and automation tools provide telecom operators with actionable insights to enhance network performance, security and reliability. This is particularly important as Ƶ’s telecom companies continue to expand their 5G infrastructure.
Telecommunications giants such as Saudi Telecom Company, Mobily and Zain KSA have embraced AI-driven systems to optimize 5G networks as well as enhance the user experience.
STC has implemented Nokia’s AVA platform to automate and optimize its 5G networks. By using AI, the company can monitor and predict network performance, addressing potential issues before they impact customers.
DID YOUKNOW?
AI and 5G are powering Ƶ’s Vision 2030 goals, accelerating digital transformation across industries like manufacturing, telecom and healthcare.
5G enables data transfer rates of up to 10 Gbps, allowing seamless device communication in areas such as IoT and autonomous vehicles.
Saudi telecoms are adopting AI for network optimization — STC, Mobily, and Zain KSA enhance customer experiences using AI-driven solutions.
Nokia’s AVA platform combines AI and automation to enhance telecom performance, security and reliability in Ƶ’s 5G networks.
Mobily has integrated AI into its 5G networks, using it to manage network resources efficiently and provide real-time service improvements.
Zain KSA, another key player in the Kingdom’s telecommunications sector, utilizes AI to manage 5G network slicing, a feature that allows telecom providers to tailor services to different user cases, ensuring optimal performance for each.
Indeed, in addition to network optimization, AI is transforming customer service within Ƶ’s telecom industry. AI-powered virtual assistants and chatbots provide personalized, real-time support, helping customers resolve issues quickly and efficiently.
AI is also being used to enhance security, with applications such as fraud detection and network protection playing crucial roles in safeguarding users’ data and privacy
Opinion
This section contains relevant reference points, placed in (Opinion field)
As Ƶ continues to invest heavily in AI and 5G technologies, the convergence of these innovations is expected to have far-reaching implications for the Kingdom’s economy.
AI-enabled devices will not only enhance consumer experiences, but will also contribute to the Kingdom’s broader economic goals by improving efficiency, productivity and innovation across various industries.
The convergence of AI and 5G in Ƶ is creating a new era of smart devices that go far beyond the traditional smartphone. These technologies are driving the digital transformation, enabling the Kingdom to build a more connected, efficient and innovative future.
Spanish prime minister, Palestinian leader urge Mideast de-escalation
Updated 12 min 2 sec ago
AFP
MADRID: Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Thursday called for a de-escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.
“Today the risk of escalation is once more increasing in a dangerous way” in Lebanon, said Sanchez, at a news conference withvisitingPalestinianPresident Mahmoud Abbas.
“So we must again make a fresh appeal for restraint,for a de-escalation and for peaceful coexistence between countries, in the name of peace,” he added.
Sanchez was speaking to journalists after more than an hour’s talks with Abbas.
Since the Gaza war began, Sanchez has positioned himself as a champion of the Palestinian cause within the EU.
His socialist government has increasingly taken highly critical positions toward Israel’s conduct of itscampaignagainstHamas,rivalto the Fatah party.
“The international community and Europe cannot remain impassive in the face of the suffering of thousands of innocents, largely women and children,” he added.
Israel’s military offensive has killed at least 41,272 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to data provided by the Health Ministry. The UN has acknowledged these figures as reliable.
Urging a two-state solution, long a cornerstone of international attempts to end the decades-long conflict, Sanchez said that a Palestinian nation “living side by side with the state of Israel” was the only way to “bring stability to the region.”
He pointed out that this is Abbas’s first visit to Spain since Madrid decided to recognize the state of Palestine on May 28. Ireland and Norway took the same decision in May. “Why is this a good thing? Because Palestine exists and has the right to have its state,” the premier added.
While Hamas controls the Gaza Strip, the Fatah party chaired by Abbas controls the Palestinian Authority in the occupied West Bank.
More than 150 in Moroccan court over migration incitement
They were among around 3,000 who people were involved in a recent mass attempt to reach Spanish territory
In August alone, authorities reportedly blocked more than 11,300 attempts to cross into Ceuta and about 3,300 into Melilla
Updated 16 min 47 sec ago
AFP
RABAT: More than 150 people have appeared in a Moroccan court for alleged incitement of illegal migration, a government spokesman said on Thursday, after a failed mass attempt to reach Spanish territory.
On Sunday, Moroccan police, who fired tear gas, pushed back hundreds of people who headed toward the Spanish enclave of Ceuta, an AFP photographer said, after social media posts encouraged crossing attempts.
“In the framework of the struggle against calls for clandestine immigration, 152 people appeared before a judge,” government spokesman Mustapha Baitas told a press conference.
He said a total of around 3,000 people had tried to illegally enter Ceuta after calls on social media, but all the crossing attempts failed.
A police source previously told AFP that 60 people were arrested between Monday and Wednesday last week for “fabricating and disseminating false information on social media” that encouraged “the organization of collective illegal immigration operations.”
Ceuta and its sister territory of Melilla, wedged on the North African kingdom’s Mediterranean coast, have long been a magnet for irregular migrants, being the only European Union territories on the African continent.
Those heading on Sunday toward the village of Fnideq, which abuts Ceuta, included Moroccans and migrants from other parts of Africa, including some minors, the AFP photographer said.
According to official statistic, one in four Moroccan young people aged 15-24 is neither in the job market, nor in education or training.
The Moroccan interior ministry has said that in August alone, authorities blocked more than 11,300 attempts to cross into Ceuta and about 3,300 into Melilla.
In June, 2022, at least 23 people died when around 2,000 people, many of them Sudanese, stormed the frontier at Melilla attempting to cross.
The main route out of Morocco for irregular migrants hoping to reach Spain remains by sea.
More than 22,300 migrant arrivals were registered this year by August 15 in the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, a 126 percent increase from 2023.
Pioneering female entrepreneurs discuss progress, challenges in Ƶ
Updated 43 min 13 sec ago
Rahaf Jambi
RIYADH: Female entrepreneurship in Ƶ was the focus of a panel discussion called “Empower Me”, hosted by the Atlantic Council Middle East Initiatives in Riyadh on Wednesday.
Speakers included Amal Dokhan, managing partner at MENA 500 Global and one of the Kingdom’s first female venture capitalists, along with Wafa Obaidat, founder and CEO of edtech company Playbook, and Afnan Ababtain, director of innovation and entrepreneurship at the Ministry of Investment of Ƶ.
The panel discussion was moderated by Noor Nugali, deputy editor-in-chief at Arab News.
For the third year running, the Atlantic Council’s Women Innovators Fellowship brings together a group of pioneering female Saudi entrepreneurs for a year-long program designed to enhance their business skills and expand their regional and international networks.
The 20 inspirational business leaders selected for the 2024-25 cohort represent diverse sectors such as technology, climate sustainability and healthcare.
In a virtual address, US Ambassador to Ƶ Michael Ratney said: “I want to first recognize our partner, the Atlantic Council, for their leadership in implementing this fellowship. I also want to thank all those involved for their invaluable support. Without you, this fellowship would not exist.”
The panel discussion began with a question about the role of female entrepreneurs in advancing Ƶ’s economic conditions and their alignment with Vision 2030.
Ababtain said: “We are seeing women contributing significantly to small and medium enterprises. Since Monshaat started operations in 2016, the participation of women has increased from 21 percent to over 45 percent.”
Dokhan encouraged aspiring female entrepreneurs to take the leap: “If you have a business idea, don’t hesitate to apply to MENA 500 Global. Remember, rejection is part of the process. Others have succeeded, and so can you. The investments are there — Ƶ is backing many funds, and venture capitalists are excited about technology.”
Reflecting on her journey with Playbook, Obaidat said: “I found myself frustrated within traditional business networks that lacked real opportunities for engagement. It’s disheartening to see that while girls excel academically, less than 2 percent of VC funding goes to women, and fewer than 10 percent reach C-level positions.”
She emphasized the importance of creating a supportive environment: “Playbook was born from the need to discuss strategies for advancing in business and normalizing female leadership.”
Since its inception, Playbook has attracted over 6,000 members, with 15 percent in C-level positions and 10 percent as female founders.
“We’ve raised over $1.5 million in pre-seed and seed funding, and our goal is to empower more women to navigate the complexities of the professional world,” said Obaidat.
The discussion panel was hosted by the Atlantic Council in partnership with the American Chamber of Commerce, the US Embassy in Ƶ and PepsiCo. The session can be viewed at https://www.atlanticcouncil.org/event/the-state-of-women-entrepreneurship-in-saudi-arabia-and-the-way-forward/
