Scholz said that Harris was “a competent and experienced politician who knows exactly what she’s doing.”…reports Asian Lite News
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said Wednesday that it was “entirely possible” that US Vice-President Kamala Harris will win November’s presidential election, describing her as “competent and experienced”.
Following 81-year-old President Joe Biden’s stunning decision to exit the race for the White House on Sunday, Harris has emerged as the virtually unchallenged frontrunner for the nomination of their Democratic party.
Scholz told reporters at his annual summer press conference in Berlin that “I think it’s entirely possible that Kamala Harris wins the election but it will be American voters who decide”.
Scholz said that Harris was “a competent and experienced politician who knows exactly what she’s doing.”
He said his own exchanges with Harris had been “conversations where she put forward her views authentically” and was not simply “saying something prepared beforehand”.
He added that Harris had “clear ideas about the role of her country in the world and the challenges that confront us”.
The US presidential race is being keenly watched by Washington’s allies in Europe, particularly due to the possibility of victory for the combative and often isolationist Donald Trump.
“What happens there is of the greatest importance for all countries in the world and of course especially for the close allies of the US in Germany and in Europe,” Scholz said.
He made clear that the relationship “cannot depend on who the president is”, saying it was his job to work with whichever administration was elected.
The poll was released internally on July 10, 11 days before President Joe Biden ended his campaign under pressure from Democrats and endorsed Harris to take the top spot on the ticket. …reports Asian Lite News
Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee for President, has an 18 percentage point lead over her Republican rival Donald Trump in favourability ratings among Indian Americans, according to a poll by Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote (APIAVOTE).
The APIAVOTE findings were cited on Wednesday in a memo from Harris campaign Chair Jen Q’Malley Dillon on the overall state of the US Presidential race at this time.
It included polls on a whole range of issues. The outcome on Indian Americans was part of the polling among Asian Americans, which also included those of Japanese, Chinese, Vietnamese, Korean, and Filipino descent.
The poll was released internally on July 10, 11 days before President Joe Biden ended his campaign under pressure from Democrats and endorsed Harris to take the top spot on the ticket. She is not the de facto nominee of the party.
The poll measured the favourability ratings of Biden, Trump, Harris, and Nikki Haley, the former US Ambassador to the UN who is also of Indian descent like Harris, among Asian Americans.
A combined total of 54 per cent Indian Americans said they have a “very favourable” to “somewhat favourable” impression of Vice President Harris, which was 19 percentage points more than Trump’s 35 per cent.
She also beat Haley by 21 percentage points but came a shade behind her boss, Biden, who at 55 per cent surpassed her by a solitary percentage point.
The head-to-head match between Biden and Trump showed a remarkable decline in support for the former among the community.
Only 46 per cent of them said they would vote for President Biden if elections were held at the time of the survey, while 29 per cent said they would vote for Trump. As many as 20 per cent either refused to answer, or were not decided yet.
That is a precipitous fall from 2020, when 72 per cent of Indian Americans surveyed by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think-tank, said they will vote for Biden in a pre-poll survey, while 22 per cent said they will go with Trump.
This fall is likely a reflection of the general lack of enthusiasm for a second term for Biden even though he is liked and seen favourably.
The APIAVOTE poll showed that 55 per cent of Indian Americans said they planned to vote for Democratic candidates in the US Senate races, and 52 per cent for Democratic candidates running for the House of Representatives.
The Republican party has made some headway in the community with 29 per cent of them planning to vote for Republicans running for the Senate, and 31 per cent for Republicans in the race for the House.
The population of Indian Americans in the US is between 4.16 million and 4.4 million, accounting for roughly 1.4 per cent of the US population of more than 333 million.
Only 2.62 million Indian Americans are US citizens of which 1.9 million are registered voters, which is 0.82 per cent registered voters in all of the country. These numbers may seem to make the community look inconsequential numerically, but that is not accurate.
Virginia, a once solidly Republican state, is now reliably Democratic because of its sizable population of Indian Americans and others of foreign descent living and working along the state’s northern region abutting Washington.
The community says it plays a critical role in the swing states that decide presidential elections by hair-thin majorities — Biden won Wisconsin by a 0.63 per cent vote margin last time.
O’Malley Dillon said in the memo that the 2024 race between Harris and Trump will be “tight”.
President says that in defence of democracy, which is at stake, it is more important than any title…reports Asian Lite News
President Joe Biden emphasised that he has decided to pass the torch to a new generation, adding that his decision to step aside from his campaign is a matter of democracy.
Addressing the nation from the Oval Office, the first since he announced his withdrawal from the 2024 election race and endorsed Kamala Harris as the Democratic Party nominee as the country’s president, Biden said that this is the best way to unite our nation.
“I’ve decided the best way forward is to pass the torch to a new generation. That’s the best way to unite our nation. You know, there is a time and a place for long years of experience in public life. There’s also a time and a place for new voices, fresh voices, yes, younger voices and that time and place is now,” he said.
Oval Office addresses have historically been serious moments for presidents to speak to the American people at times of national crisis or to make major policy announcements.
Biden, who returned to the White House on Tuesday after testing negative for COVID-19, addressed his decision to step aside from his campaign and said that he was framing the 2024 election as a choice “between moving forward and backwards, between hope and hate” and casting his decision as a matter of democracy.
“My fellow Americans, it has been the privilege of my life to serve this nation for over 50 years. Nowhere else on earth could a kid with a stutter from modest beginnings in Scranton, Pennsylvania, and Claymont, Delaware, one day sit behind the Resolute Desk in the Oval Office as president of the United States,” the US President said.
Biden recalled the extraordinary American presidents, including Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and Franklin Roosevelt.
“In this sacred space, I’m surrounded by portraits of extraordinary American presidents. Thomas Jefferson wrote the immortal words that guide this nation. George Washington showed us that presidents are not kings. Abraham Lincoln, who implored us to reject malice, and Franklin Roosevelt, who inspired us to reject fear, I revere this office, but I love my country more,” Biden said.
The US President added that in defence of democracy, which is at stake, it is more important than any title.
“It’s been the honour of my life to serve as your president. But in defence of democracy, which is at stake and is more important than any title. I draw strength and I find joy in working for the American people,” he said.
“This sacred task of perfecting our union is not about me. It is about you. Your families. Your futures. It is about ‘we, the people,” he added.
“We are a great nation because we are good people. When you elected me to this office, I promised to always level with you, to tell you the truth. The truth, the sacred cause of this country, is larger than any one of us,” he said. “We must unite to protect it.”
Biden further noted that now, in just a few months, the Americans will choose the course of America’s future.
He also championed his vice president, who’s now taking his place on the ticket, and said that he has made his choice and has made his views known.
Calling the US Vice President tough and capable, Biden said, “I would like to thank our great vice president, Kamala Harris. She’s experienced. She’s tough, and she’s capable. She’s been an incredible partner to me and a leader for our country. Now the choice is up to you, the American people.”
The Republican presidential candidate, Donald Trump, meanwhile, said at a rally that Kamala Harris was a “radical left lunatic”.
As he was concluding his speech, he said that the choice of president is “up to you, the American people.”
“When Ben Franklin was asked, as he emerged from the convention going on, whether the founders had given America a monarchy or a Republic, Franklin’s response was: a republic, if you can keep it…whether we keep our republic, is now in your hands,” he said.
While Biden did not mention Donald Trump by name, he tried to draw a clear contrast with the former president, whose ambition led him to claim victory in an election he did not win four years ago.
Biden said that in America, kings and dictators do not rule, the people do, adding that history is now in the hands of the American people.
“The great thing about America is, here, kings and dictators do not rule,” Biden said. “The people do. History is in your hands, the idea of America lies in your hands.” (ANI)
Hamdan applauded the Government’s continuous efforts to fulfill the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, said the UAE’s government system has made exceptional progress that has positively impacted various development sectors, particularly those dealing with the direct services offered to UAE citizens.
He applauded the Government’s continuous efforts to fulfill the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed made these remarks during his visit to the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs today, following his appointment as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence. This appointment was part of the latest cabinet reshuffle announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with the blessing of the UAE President.
“Thanks to the vision of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, the UAE’s government system has become a globally unique model of efficiency, resilience and adaptability to change,” H.H. Sheikh Hamdan said.
“The UAE is making strides towards more progress and accomplishments, paving the way to a better future for our people and the next generation. This future requires enhanced coordination and teamwork that brings together all federal and local government agencies,” he added.
Mohammad bin Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and other ministry officials briefed Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed on the federal government framework, which has helped the UAE government stand out as a role model of resilience, demonstrating a strong ability to formulate policies and strategies that drive growth and leadership across various sectors. H.H. Sheikh Hamdan also received a briefing on the legislative framework of the General Secretariat of the Cabinet, as well as an overview of the initiatives and projects launched by the Prime Minister’s Office and the UAE Government Media Office.
He also reviewed ongoing plans aimed at advancing coordination and integration between the federal government and local governments. Sheikh Hamdan praised the progress made towards uniting national efforts and pushing forward national priorities and strategic projects.
The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years…reports Asian Lite News
Business events continue to strengthen Dubai’s knowledge economy and contribute to tourism growth, with the city winning an impressive 175 bids in the first six months of 2024 to host events through 2024 and beyond. An increase of 24 percent compared to the same period last year, these bid wins are expected to bring more than 92,000 delegates, enhancing the pipeline of attendees for business events over the coming years.
The successful bids position the city to host several prestigious international conferences, congresses, and incentive meetings over the coming years, with an event win pipeline stretching into 2028. Spanning a wide range of sectors and professions, this achievement underscores the importance of business events to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy over the decade leading up to 2033 and reinforcing its position among the world’s top three cities to visit, live and work in.
Dubai Business Events (DBE), part of Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the city’s official convention bureau, worked with stakeholders and industry experts, including Al Safeer Congress Ambassadors, to bid for and capture marquee business events. In addition to successful bidding activity, recent months have seen further global recognition for Dubai’s status as a leading business events hub. The International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) ranked Dubai the top city in the Middle East for the number of association meetings hosted in 2023, while Cvent ranked it number one in its ‘Top Meeting Destinations in the Middle East and Africa’.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment, said, “In line with the vision and leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, business events continue to play a critical role in driving tourism and economic prosperity. High-impact conferences, congresses and meetings not only boost economic progress, but also make vital contributions to Dubai’s burgeoning status as a knowledge hub, and centre of expertise across key sectors. This is aligned with the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which envisions Dubai as a leading destination for business and leisure, and the best city to visit, live and work in.
“Associations, businesses and organisations around the world are increasingly recognising the power of hosting their meetings in Dubai, as demonstrated by the number of major international conferences secured by the city in the first half of 2024. Our vibrant calendar of upcoming events will bring together industry leaders, visionaries and delegates from all over the world, taking advantage of and feeding into our knowledge economy and propelling collective growth, and we look forward to welcoming them to Dubai.”
Dubai’s popularity as a destination for corporate and incentive events continues to surge as a direct result of its range of destination offerings that meet all budget requirements, a wide selection of international hotels, its world-class infrastructure and meetings facilities, and incredible accessibility. Events captured in the first half of the year for these segments include Modicare Advisors Incentive 2024, Vkusno i Tochka Convention 2024, World Agri-Tech Innovation Summit 2024, and OPPO Guangdong Mobile Communication Incentive 2025.
Dubai’s growing stature as a global association hub, as well as the rapid evolution of the city’s knowledge economy and focus on innovation, also resulted in decision-makers choosing the city for their major gatherings. Conferences and congresses captured in the first half of the year include The International Cotton Association Conference 2025, IFHNOS Summit 2025, WC A World Annual Conference 2025, and Rhinology World Congress 2028.
Through year-round engagement, close collaborations, and partnerships with hotels, events venues, Professional Congress Organisers (PCOs), Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and other service providers, DBE continues to attract the world’s most prestigious events and solidify Dubai’s position as a year-round global business events hub.
In the first half of 2024, DBE successfully concluded several sales missions in target markets and participated in major trade shows, including IMEX Frankfurt. It will also participate in the upcoming IMEX America (8th-10th October; Las Vegas) and IBTM World (19th-21st November; Barcelona). DBE continues to work closely with industry stakeholders to host meeting planners in Dubai for study missions that allow them to experience Dubai’s business events and tourism infrastructure and its rapidly growing knowledge economy.
The UAE delegation sets out its journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through two competitions: swimming and judo, two days after the official opening ceremony…reports Asian Lite News
The Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games is scheduled for Friday, 26 July 2024 in Paris. The international sports event will see 10,500 athletes from 200 National Olympic Committees compete in 32 sports across 329 events at 35 venues in the presence of 20,000 media representatives, and 45,000 volunteers.
The UAE National Olympic Committee (NOC) said 14 Emirati athletes will compete in five sports: equestrian, judo, cycling, swimming, and athletics during the Games will conclude on 11th August.
The UAE delegation sets out its journey to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games through two competitions: swimming and judo, two days after the official opening ceremony.
The Paris 2024 Olympics is considered an important stage in the UAE’s future sports journey at the Olympic level, which began in Los Angeles 1984. It is a departure for a new station towards a brighter sporting future, in light of the National Sports Strategy 2031, which represents an umbrella for all initiatives, programs and projects of the sports sector in the UAE, and whose main goal is to increase the number of qualified Emirati athletes to over 30 by the 2023 Olympic Games.
Speaking about the national sporting ambitions and the future of UAE sports in the Olympic Games, Ghanim Mubarak Al Hajeri, Director-General of the General Authority of Sports, said: “Since the flag of this dear nation was raised for the first time at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, we have been dreaming of a bright sporting future that carries with it achievements and excellence. There is no doubt that our participation in the Olympics is not just a sporting competition, but rather an embodiment of the visions and directions of our wise leadership and the dreams and aspirations of our people and our rising generations.”
He added: “The 1984 Los Angeles Olympics was the beginning, and since then we have been striving to build a generation of athletes who represent the UAE in the best way. The challenges we faced and the difficulties we surmounted were nothing but additional motivations to achieve more achievements.”
He said: “As we prepare today for the Paris 2024 Olympics in a few days, we have in mind a goal that goes beyond Paris, which is to achieve the largest possible participation and create a new dream for the UAE’s leadership and people, in line with objectives of the National Sports Strategy 2031, which include developing the capabilities of sports talents and achieving success in elite professional sports to consolidate the presence of the UAE on the global sports landscape.’’
Since its inception in 2019, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has channelled AED370.4 million into socially prioritised projects across key sectors…reports Asian Lite News
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has honoured a number of individual and corporate contributors for their support of programmes and initiatives managed by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an in 2023, recognising their efforts in promoting the values of giving, humanitarianism and volunteerism, as well as fostering a culture of community cohesion and solidarity, which is deeply ingrained in Emirati society.
During a ceremony held at Qasr Al Bahr in Abu Dhabi, His Highness expressed appreciation for the efforts of all recognised individuals and institutions, highlighting how these contributions exemplify the spirit of generosity inherent in UAE society and support the national vision of strengthening and sustaining community solidarity for both current and future generations.
The ceremony was attended by H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Special Affairs; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Adviser for Special Affairs at the Presidential Court; Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community Development; Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an; as well as a number of other officials and prominent individual and corporate contributors and representatives of various volunteer entities.
During the past year, the honoured individuals and institutions have made significant financial and in-kind community contributions in support of social priorities and community development initiatives managed by the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an as the official channel in Abu Dhabi for collecting community contributions from the public and private sectors as well as civil society.
Since its inception in 2019, the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an has channelled AED370.4 million into socially prioritised projects across key sectors such as healthcare, education, environment, infrastructure and community services. These initiatives have positively impacted more than 800,000 individuals through 153 community projects.
Dr. Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili highlighted that the leadership continues to support the social sector to advance the sustainable social development journey, and to continue strengthening the role of all stakeholders to contribute to enhancing the quality of life and consolidating Abu Dhabi’s position as a preferred destination to live and work.
He added that the social sector in Abu Dhabi supports the enhancement of a culture of community engagement and contribution and social innovations, leading to a better life for all community members through various initiatives and programmes implemented by the Department of Community Development, relevant entities and other partners, contributing to consolidating the values of community cohesion.
Salama Al Ameemi, Director-General of the Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an, commended the exceptional support provided by the leadership to Ma’an’s initiatives and programmes, aimed at enhancing community unity within Abu Dhabi society.
She said, “We remain committed to collaborating with partners across the public, private and civil society sectors to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to key social priorities. Our efforts will continue to reflect Abu Dhabi Government’s dedication to fostering innovation in various aspects of governance. Ma’an will continue enhancing community engagement and supporting solutions that address social priorities and create sustainable, positive impacts.”
The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an collaborates with public and private sector partners, as well as third-sector entities, to direct and channel community contributions – whether financial, in-kind, or through volunteer efforts – towards initiatives and programmes that address the social priorities set by the Department of Community Development. This collaboration aims to provide comprehensive solutions that improve the quality of life across the Abu Dhabi community.
The Authority of Social Contribution – Ma’an is dedicated to fostering a culture of collective community responsibility, empowering individuals and institutions to select projects that align with their goals and values. This approach supports Abu Dhabi’s vision of cultivating a cooperative, cohesive and inclusive society.
The Ministry commended the efforts of the UN and its special envoy to reach a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Yemeni crisis…reports Asian Lite News
The United Arab Emirates has welcomed the announcement of the Special Envoy of the United Nations Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, on reaching an agreement between the Yemeni parties with respect to airlines and the banking sector.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) regarded the agreement as a positive step towards a political solution in Yemen that would achieve the aspirations of its brotherly people for security, development, and stability.
The Ministry commended the efforts of the UN and its special envoy to reach a comprehensive and sustainable solution to the Yemeni crisis that would enhance peace and stability in Yemen and the region.
Furthermore, the Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s support for all regional and international efforts to bring stability to Yemen, and commitment to stand by the brotherly people of Yemen and uphold their legitimate aspirations for development and prosperity.
The UN envoy for Yemen said on Tuesday that the Yemeni government and the Houthi group agreed to end the banking dispute and resume flights from Houthi-held capital Sanaa, in a deal mediated by Saudi Arabia.
The Yemeni government and the Houthi group informed a day earlier the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General for Yemen, Hans Grundberg, that they agreed to de-escalate on these matters, said the statement, adding Grundberg appreciated the Saudi facilitating role in the deal.
The two sides agreed on “canceling all the recent decisions and procedures against banks by both sides, resuming Yemenia Airways’ flights between Sanaa and Jordan and increasing the number of flights to three daily flights, and operating flights to Cairo and India daily or as needed,” it noted.
“Grundberg stressed the need for the parties to collaborate towards an economy that benefits all Yemenis and supports the implementation of a nationwide ceasefire and the resumption of an inclusive political process,” it added, Xinhua news agency reported.
Houthi top negotiator Mohammed Abdulsalam confirmed the deal, considering it as a significant breakthrough, Houthi-run al-Masirah TV reported.
Last month, the Yemeni government withdrew its license and stopped operations of six banks in the Houthi-held Sanaa after they refused to relocate to Aden, Yemen’s temporary capital.
It also suspended flights from and to Sanaa airport after the Houthi group seized three passenger planes of Yemenia Airways, the natural carrier of Yemen, to press the government to increase the number of flights from Sanaa to Jordan.
Yemen has been mired in a civil war since late 2014, when the Houthis seized control of much of northern Yemen, forcing the internationally recognized government out of the capital Sanaa.
Arab League chief pointed out that the Israeli Knesset’s move is part of a systematic campaign by Israel to undermine UNRWA’s role as an agency that works to serve the refugees…reports Asian Lite News
The Arab League has condemned the Israeli Knesset’s decision, designating the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), as a terrorist organisation, describing it as a ‘’reckless political bankruptcy” and an ‘’insult to international humanitarian action and human rights.
In a statement on Wednesday, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, affirmed that such a decision targets UNRWA’s legitimacy and its global reputation, pointing out that the move is part of a systematic campaign by the occupation state to undermine UNRWA’s role as an agency that works to serve the refugees.
Aboul Gheit affirmed that the decision exposes the extreme isolation the Israeli politicians are facing and reflects their vision which is devoid of any humanitarian or moral dimension.
Norway sanctions Israeli settlers
Norway has aligned with the European Union (EU) in imposing sanctions against Israeli extremist settlers in the West Bank, a government statement said.
Last week, the EU decided to impose sanctions on five individuals and three organisations due to “serious human rights abuses”. The sanctions add to those already in force.
The aforementioned individuals and organisations are accused of severe abuses against Palestinians in the West Bank and obstructing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The individuals will face frozen financial assets and travel restrictions, while the organisations will also have their financial assets frozen, Xinhua news agency reported.
“The Israeli settlements on occupied land are illegal. The organisations and individuals now listed are behind serious human rights abuses against Palestinians,” said Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide.
The Foreign Minister condemned Israel’s decisions to expand settlements in the West Bank.
“Recently, we have witnessed several unacceptable expansions of Israeli settlements. The increasing transfer of control over the West Bank from military to civilian Israeli authorities, and the displacement of Palestinians from large areas of the West Bank due to settlement violence and house demolitions are deeply worrying,” he added.
Palestinians are increasingly exposed to threats and violent attacks from settlers.
Thousands of Gazans on move again
After recent evacuation orders, Gazans abandoned shelter in parts of the north and the south, moving so quickly that some left without belongings, UN humanitarians said.
It was not the first time many of them were displaced.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Tuesday that more civilians fled parts of Khan Younis following Monday’s evacuation order issued by Israeli authorities and the subsequent intensification of hostilities in that area, Xinhua news agency reported.
OCHA added that humanitarian colleagues monitoring population movements reported about 150,000 people left areas in Khan Younis.
The office is concerned about the short interval between dropping leaflets ordering people to leave and the escalation of military operations, posing significant risks. The warning was about an hour before hostilities. Many civilians were seen on the move without any belongings.
“The immediate escalation of hostilities in the area also resulted in many people being trapped in the evacuation area,” OCHA said.
“These included people with reduced mobility and family members supporting them.”
The humanitarians said that each evacuation order profoundly disrupts people’s lives, with many forced to move into areas with little or no infrastructure and very limited access to shelter, health, sanitation or other life-saving humanitarian assistance.
OCHA said the area designated for evacuation on Monday included two primary health centres, two medical points, a dozen food distribution points and eight cooked meal provision points. These have all ceased operations, with only one community kitchen still operational for those left behind.
The office also said that different parts of Salah ad Din Road have seen security incidents, including gunfire. Parts of the road, a key route for humanitarian goods, were included in Monday’s evacuation directives. This forced humanitarian supplies to be rerouted to the Coastal Road, which is not a viable alternative due to congestion.
The World Health Organisation reported that Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis is coping with an influx of patients following hostilities. Some medical supplies delivered last week for 10,000 patients were diverted to treat mass casualty victims.
OCHA also said displacement continues from the northern Gaza Strip southwards and from the Al-Bureij area of Deir al Balah amid continuing hostilities.
Humanitarians said they continue doing everything possible to provide healthcare, child protection services, cash assistance and essential items.
The UN office added that two marked UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) vehicles were hit with live ammunition while waiting at a designated holding point near the Wadi Gaza checkpoint.
Being the only one from India in her sport in Paris, Mirabai will be carrying the weight of the expectations of 130-odd crore people…writes B. Shrikant
One of the four individual Indian athletes hoping for a repeat of their success from the Tokyo Olympics and win back-to-back medals, weightlifter Saikhom Mirabai Chanu is the lone weightlifter representing the country in the Paris Olympic Games.
Being the only one from India in her sport in Paris, Mirabai will be carrying the weight of the expectations of 130-odd crore people. But lifting weights comes easy for the 29-year-old from Nongpok Kakching in Imphal East district of Manipur.
Being a lone ranger for the country in top competitions is also not new for Mirabai as she was also the only Indian weightlifter in Tokyo.
Mirabai made history in the re-scheduled Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in 2021 when she won the silver medal in the 49 kg weight class, becoming the second Indian weightlifter to win an Olympic medal. She is also the most successful Indian lifter at the Olympics and the second one after Karnam Malleswari in 2000 to win an Olympic medal.
Now Miramai, who will be competing in the third Olympics after the 2016 Rio Olympics and 2020 Tokyo, will be hoping to become the second Indian woman sportsperson to win back-to-back medals in the quadrennial Games after shuttler PV Sindhu (2016, 2020).
However, the path to the podium in the women’s 49kg class is extremely tough, and Mirabai, who became the World Champion in his weight class in 2017, the first Indian to win.
China’s Hou Zhihui, the gold medallist at Tokyo, is the run-away leader with a total lift of 200kg while the rest of the field has recently lifted in the range of 180 to 190kg. However, Hou did not have a smooth qualifying route for Paris, grabbing the quota place in the last minute, overtaking her teammate Jiang Huihua with her final lift at the 2024 IWF World Cup held in Phuket, Thailand, which was the last qualifying event for the Olympics.
Hou, who set a world record in the snatch category at Phuket by lifting 97 kg, is ranked well clear of three of her top contenders – Mirabai, Surodchana Khambao from Thailand, and Jourdan Delacruz from the United States.
Mirabai’s strong point is clean and jerk, in which she held the World Record at 119 kg. Thus she will have to do a very good snatch to then capitalise on her performance in clean and jerk to get into medal contention. She has a personal best of 203 kg ((88 kg in Snatch and 115 kg in Clean & Jerk) which she lifted in the 2020 Senior National Weightlifting Championships. She improved her performance in clean and jerk to lift 119 kg in the 2020 Asian Weightlifting Championship in Tashkent, where she achieved a total of 205kg.
It will also be tough for Mirabai in Paris on another count — injuries. Since winning the silver medal in Tokyo, Mirabai has struggled with injuries — the hip injury she suffered at the Hangzhou Asian Games in 2023 being the latest setback for her. That injury suffered in October 2023 had kept Mirabai out for five months.
Though Mirabai, who won gold medals in back-to-back Commonwealth Games in 2018 and 2022, has recovered from that injury. She has participated in only one event this season, the IWF World Cup in Phuket, where she finished 12th with a combined lift of 184 kilos.
While that was enough to secure her a ticket to Paris, the competition in the French capital when the weightlifting competitions start on August 7 will be a different matter altogether for the Indian lifter, who won gold in the 2017 World Championship and silver in 2022 in Bogota and has been conferred with the Khel Ratna Award and the Padma Shri in 2018.
Mirabai is currently preparing for the Paris Olympics at the prestigious La Ferte-Milon in France under her American physio Dr Aron Horschig, whose services in preparation for the upcoming Olympic Games, have been covered under TOPS funding.
While Dr. Horschig is trying to keep Mirabai fighting fit for the Olympics, it is chief national coach Vijay Sharma who is in France with the Manipuri lifter and will be planning her campaign to win a medal in the second successive Olympic Games.
