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Record number of aid workers killed in 2024: UN

Gaza War

A record number of aid workers have been killed this year, with the war in Gaza the biggest cause of the 281 deaths recorded globally, the United Nations said on Friday.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the figure surpassed the previous annual record of 280 deaths, which was set in 2023.

At least 178 aid workers have been killed this year in the occupied Palestinian territories alone, including Gaza, while 25 have died in Sudan and 11 in Ukraine.

Such incidents have been compiled since 1997 by the Aid Worker Security Database, a US-funded project run by the UK-based group Humanitarian Outcomes.

“Humanitarians are working courageously and selflessly in places like Gaza, Sudan, Lebanon, Ukraine and so on,” OCHA spokesman Jens Laerke stated.

“They show the best humanity has to offer, and they are getting killed in return — in record numbers.”

A total of 268 of the humanitarians killed — including from non-UN organisations such as the Red Cross and Red Crescent — were national staff, while 13 were international staff.

The war in Gaza is “driving up the numbers”, according to OCHA, which said more than 320 humanitarian personnel have been killed since the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted on 7 October 2023.

But Laerke added the threats to aid workers extend beyond Gaza, with high levels of violence, kidnappings, injuries, harassment and arbitrary detention reported in Afghanistan, Congo, South Sudan, Sudan, Ukraine, Yemen and elsewhere.

Iran’s National 7-a-Side football team clinches World Cup title in Spain

Iran's National 7-a-Side football team

The team demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, securing the championship by defeating all their competitors in a series of outstanding performances throughout the tournament. This came against odds as they had been placed in a notoriously challenging “Group of Death”.

Iran faced formidable opponents including Venezuela, Germany, and Southern Ireland. Defying expectations, the Iranian squad defeated each and every one of these powerhouse teams, finishing at the top of their group and advancing to the knockout stages with its record being impeccable.

In the elimination rounds, Iran continued their dominant run by overcoming strong teams from the United States and Brazil, showcasing their tactical prowess and teamwork.

Their journey culminated in a decisive final match against Ukraine, where the Iranian team delivered a commanding performance, securing a 3-0 victory.

This landmark achievement marks Iran’s first-ever World Cup title in 7-a-side football.

Palestinian child deaths by Israel triple in West Bank: UN

West Bank

Spokesman Stephane Dujarric indicated at a news conference that “children are bearing the brunt of the worsening situation in the West Bank”, and said that “since October 7th of last year, four Palestinian children have been killed every week on average in the West Bank – marking a three-fold increase compared to the first nine months of 2023”.

He noted illegal Israeli settler violence in the occupied West Bank, adding that the violence continues to displace Palestinian children.

“Of the more than 1,700 Palestinians displaced by settler violence, intimidation and harassment in Bedouin and herding communities, nearly half were children,” he added.

Over the past few years, the Israeli military has conducted regular raids in the occupied West Bank, which have escalated with the beginning of the onslaught in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023. Palestinians have also been violently attacked by illegal Israeli settlers.

Nearly 795 Palestinians have since been killed and more than 6,450 injured by Israeli army fire in the occupied territory, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

In July, the International Court of Justice issued a landmark advisory opinion that declared Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian land “illegal” and demanded the evacuation of all existing settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

“Iran Hamdel” campaign sends aid to Gaza amid war 

Iran’s national campaign, “Iran Hamdel,” was launched on October 5th in response to the Leader Ayatollah Khamenei’s call and continues to gain unprecedented support from Iranians for the people of Gaza.

Despite the severe Israeli blockade, aid including food, medicine, and hygiene supplies has reached Gaza and is being distributed.

The Iranian public can still contribute through khamenei.ir or other ways to further support Palestine and Lebanon.

The campaign “Iran Hamdel” remains a powerful symbol of solidarity nationwide.

The Israeli war on Gaza, which began in October 2023, has so far killed around 44,000 Palestinians.

The death toll among Lebanese is nearing 4,000.

Iranian deputy FM: Cooperation with Saudis serves as a successful model for fostering peace and security

Tehran Raps US for Pushing UN to Extend Arms Embargo on Iran

Takht Ravanchi highlighted that the collaborative efforts between the two countries serve as a successful model for fostering peace and security in both the regional and international arenas. Speaking during a visit to Riyadh, where he met with Saudi Deputy Foreign Minister, Waleed al-Khereiji, Takht Ravanchi emphasized the importance of expanding cooperation in various areas, including political, security, economic, commercial, and consular matters, based on historical ties, cultural connections, and the principle of good-neighborliness.

Following the second meeting of the tripartite committee involving Saudi Arabia, China, and Iran to follow up on the “Beijing Agreement,” both Tehran and Riyadh welcomed China’s ongoing positive role and support for the implementation of the agreement.

Takht Ravanchi noted that the meeting in Riyadh offered a valuable opportunity for Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China to exchange views and engage in constructive dialogue.

He described the atmosphere of the meetings as “friendly and transparent,” with the three countries discussing various topics of mutual interest, reiterating their commitment to maintaining positive, forward-looking relations.

He said, both Iran and Saudi Arabia reaffirmed their commitment to implementing all aspects of the Beijing Agreement and strengthening bilateral ties based on respect for sovereignty, independence, and security under the frameworks of the United Nations and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The official added China also expressed continued support for the development of relations between the two countries.

Official: Iran responds to IAEA resolution with increased nuclear enrichment capacity

Behrouz Kamalvandi

Outlining Iran’s response to the recent resolution passed by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Board of Governors, Kamalvandi said, “We have developed advanced infrastructure and machines.The approval of a resolution against Iran has no response other than these reactions.”

Kamalvandi confirmed that Iran had already discussed its position with IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during his visit to the country, where he observed Iran’s uranium enrichment facilities and advanced centrifuges.

Kamalvandi explained that while Iran has consistently pursued diplomatic solutions, it is equally prepared to take alternative measures if necessary.

He noted that during Grossi’s visit, the IAEA head proposed temporarily halting the increase of Iran’s 60% enriched uranium stockpile to allow space for dialogue. However, Kamalvandi emphasized that this proposal did not include halting enrichment at any level, including 60%, which Iran accepted under specific conditions.

Furthermore, Kamalvandi revealed that, in response to the IAEA resolution passed late Thursday night, Iran has begun implementing immediate and reciprocal actions.

This step, he stated, would be accompanied by accelerated research and development efforts in Iran’s nuclear industry to enhance security.

Kamalvandi criticized the IAEA’s continued pressure tactics, asserting that each such action only strengthens Iran’s nuclear industry and reduces the support for such resolutions internationally.

Iran’s nuclear capacity, he concluded, will continue to grow in the coming months as a result of these actions.

Pictures: Demonstrators in Tehran support people of Gaza, Lebanon 

They carried placards praising the resistance movements and asking for expulsion of Israel from the UN.

More in pictures…

Int’l lawyer: US plans to sanction countries cooperating with ICC on Netanyahu arrest 

Reza Nasri, in a tweet on Friday, reacted to the ICC decision a day earlier to issue arrest warrants for the regime’s premier and former war minister Yoav Gallant for causing man-made starvation in Gaza.

Nasri pointed out, US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham “intends to introduce legislation that would sanction any state that complies with its obligations under the Rome Statute and cooperates with the ICC to help arrest Netanyahu and Gallant.”

“This would not be the first time the U.S. punishes countries for adhering to international law,” he added, explaining “It previously imposed secondary sanctions on countries that complied with the JCPOA and UNSCR 2231,” referring to a landmark nuclear accord in 2015 between Iran and the West.

Nasri further wrote, “Had countries stood up to such bullying in the past, they might not be witnessing this level of trampling on their sovereignty today.”

Minister of science: 25% of Iranian university professors emigrated due to economic challenges 

Simayee Saraf attributed the main cause of the trend to economic factors, pointing out that neighboring countries offer university professors salaries ranging from $4,000 to $7,000, while Iranian professors earn around $1,000, with young professors earning as little as $300.

He noted that while senior professors may lack the motivation to emigrate, the stark disparity forces many younger professors and academics who face financial pressures to seek better opportunities abroad to sustain their livelihoods.

The minister said the significant loss has raised alarms about the quality of education and the future of higher education institutions in Iran.

To address the issue, the science ministry has formed a dedicated task force aimed at mitigating economic concerns, including housing for academics, Simayee Saraf announced.

He also highlighted the importance of linking universities with industry to secure additional funding and support, stating that establishing robust connections with private and public sector projects can not only provide financial relief but also enhance the scientific standing of universities.

The academic migration in Iran comes as the country struggles with economic sanctions and internal policy issues that affect various sectors, including education.

IRGC commander: ICC ruling against Netanyahu signifies political demise of Israel 

The ICC said on Thursday it had found ‘reasonable grounds’ to believe that the Israeli officials were responsible for starvation in Gaza and issued arrest warrants for the regime’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former war minister Yoav Gallant.

Speaking at a ceremony in Iran’s southern province of Khuzestan to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the establishment of Basij popular forces, General Salami praised the ICC’s ruling as a significant victory for the Palestinian and Lebanese resistance movements.

He noted, “The seeds of resistance planted in Iraq, Yemen, Lebanon, and Palestine have grown into deep-rooted trees, despite the efforts of global arrogance to uproot them.”

The Iranian commander remarked, “The current state of unrest in Israel, with everyone seeking refuge in shelters, indicates the regime’s instability.”

“The continuation of the conflict will lead to Israel’s destruction and the unity of Muslims will ultimately eradicate the source of corruption,” he concluded.

General Salami also assured the Iranian people that Iran will avenge itself against Israel for its aggression.