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Back in 1987 local businessman Bill Fitzpatrick, wondered how Ladysmith could do something to bring more attention to what resident had available in their own community in terms of Christmas shopping. Fitzpatrick knew there was a strong business community, locally, and was disappointed with shoppers heading to larger centres on Friday nights and weekends. So he, along with a small group, decided to create an event to make folks more aware of their downtown shopping advantages: a “light up” of downtown on the last Thursday in November. The town, at that time, had only a couple of strings of light bulbs, going across First Avenue, and a Santa sleigh and a reindeer on the old Ladysmith entrance sign at Bob Stuart Park. Initially, it was a struggle, but after about six years, the town realized the group had hit on something and momentum grew. Nearly 40 years later, the Ladysmith Festival of Lights attracts thousands of visitors from up and down the Island to watch the lights go on and twinkle through the holiday season Black Press Media spoke to Ladysmith Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Roberta Bowman about how the message Fitzpatrick's crew wanted to share still resonates: Is the FOL an advantage to the Ladysmith Community? The Festival of Lights offers significant advantages to the Ladysmith community by boosting local businesses, fostering community engagement, and enhancing cultural pride. By attracting visitors from surrounding areas, the event stimulates economic activity in restaurants, shops, and accommodations. It also brings residents together, promoting social bonds and showcasing local talent through performances and art displays. Volunteer opportunities abound, allowing community members to participate actively, develop skills, and connect with one another. Overall, the festival cultivates a vibrant atmosphere that elevates the quality of life in Ladysmith, making it a vital asset for the community. Is there benefit to the business community from Festival? The Festival of Lights significantly benefits the business community in Ladysmith by increasing foot traffic and sales for local shops and restaurants. The event attracts visitors, encouraging businesses to extend their operating hours and offer holiday promotions, which boosts visibility and customer engagement. Additionally, the festival fosters networking opportunities among local business owners, promoting collaborations that can enhance community ties. By participating in the festival, businesses contribute to a sense of community pride, encouraging local support and tourism. Overall, the festival serves as a powerful catalyst for economic activity, benefiting the business community and enhancing the local economy. Does the actual ‘Light Up’ night help businesses on that particular day or is any advantage come after that night? The actual “Light Up” night provides immediate benefits to businesses in Ladysmith, as increased foot traffic leads to higher sales as attendees shop and dine. Many local businesses capitalize on the event by offering special promotions and extending their operating hours, enhancing customer engagement. Additionally, the positive experiences created during the festival can foster long-term advantages, encouraging visitors to return in the following days and weeks. Word-of-mouth promotion and heightened community visibility can further boost tourism and local patronage. Overall, “Light Up” night not only supports businesses on the event day but also contributes to ongoing economic activity. Is the traditional Thursday night a good night for the event, for businesses, or would it be more productive if it was on a weekend? Holding the Festival of Lights on a traditional Thursday night offers advantages, such as reduced competition with fewer events, making it a standout occasion. It can also serve as a festive kickoff to the weekend, attracting an after-work crowd and encouraging attendees to return for shopping and dining in the days that follow. However, a weekend event could potentially draw higher attendance, allowing more people to participate and enjoy extended celebrations. Ultimately, the best choice depends on community preferences, and a hybrid approach, with a Thursday kickoff followed by weekend activities, could maximize benefits for local businesses. Holding the event on a Friday or Saturday night would be challenging as the town would see an inflow of folks for the actual light up event, which could double or triple the amount of people the town sees on a Thursday Light Up. The town doesn’t have the emergency support services nor parking capacity nor volunteers for a weekend event date. What can businesses do to improve their business on Light Up night? To improve business on Light Up night, businesses can implement several strategies. Offering special promotions or discounts can entice festival-goers, while extending operating hours allows for increased sales opportunities. Creating a festive atmosphere with themed decor and unique holiday offerings can attract more customers. Engaging with the community by participating in festival activities or hosting entertainment, such as live music, enhances visibility and encourages longer visits. Utilizing social media to promote participation and sharing behind-the-scenes content can generate buzz. Finally, focusing on excellent customer service ensures a positive experience that encourages repeat visits in the future. What do you think FOL (or others) can do to attract visitors downtown for the weeks while the lights are still on? To attract visitors downtown during the holiday season, a variety of engaging strategies can be implemented. Themed nights such as “Tasty Thursdays” with food tastings and “Family Fun Nights” featuring activities for children can draw in families and food enthusiasts. Promotions and discounts can be offered in collaboration with local businesses, encouraging shoppers to explore multiple stores. Community workshops for crafting, baking, or other holiday-themed activities allow residents to engage with local artisans and learn new skills while enjoying the festive atmosphere. Utilizing social media to promote events and create engaging content can help attract both locals and tourists. Additionally, Community collaborations with local organizations, schools, or charities can host events that give back, fostering participation and a sense of community involvement. Late night shopping — folks like to come and enjoy the lights when it is dark after work, in the evening time. It would be helpful if businesses were to stay open later on even one day a week to embrace those coming to Ladysmith to enjoy Light Up and Ladysmith as a whole. Should Light Up be made even larger? Expanding the Festival of Lights could significantly benefit the community by increasing attendance, boosting local tourism, and enhancing community spirit. A larger festival would allow for a wider range of activities, such as more performances, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment, catering to diverse interests. However, careful planning is essential to address potential challenges related to budget, logistics, and crowd management. Engaging with the community for feedback ensures the expansion aligns with local preferences and needs. Ultimately, while a larger festival could create a more immersive experience, it must be approached thoughtfully to maximize its positive impact on the community. *** This year's Ladysmith Festival of Lights is set to go Thursday, Nov. 27 in downtown Ladysmith. From 4-6 p.m. on Light Up Night, attendees are invited to Ladysmith’s 1st Avenue to experience elite live street entertainment for all ages. With backgrounds in Cirque Du Soleil, theatre and opera, these performers will bring an entertaining, unique and sophisticated style to the Light Up festivities. “We’re thrilled to have so many acts to choose from — jugglers, stilt walkers, and more — which allows us to create a truly custom, dynamic experience for Ladysmith,” said Laura Goodwin, Festival of Lights board member. "A standout act includes an LED robot circus, bringing the magic of fireworks down to street level. As one young attendee excitedly put it, 'The robots are like real-life superheroes!'" After that, Santa will flick the switch heralding the light display, then the annual light parade will meander through downtown. This year there will be no fireworks display due to fire risk concerns. There will also be two photo booths this year, at no cost to attendees. You can get your picture taken professionally and printed on a card or sent digitally to your phone or email address. There will also be an extension of Light Up called Ladysmith’s Magical Christmas LIGHT UP Tour ... Explore ... Vote ... Celebrate Contest. Everyone is encouraged to do the tour, between Nov. 29 and Dec. 18 and then vote online, on the Chamber’s website. The winner will be announced on Dec. 20. For more information on the evening's activities and beyond, check out the Festival of Lights website. — with a file from Morgan BraytonPolitical figures across Jammu and Kashmir have offered heartfelt condolences after the demise of former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Prominent leaders remembered him as more than an accomplished economist and intellectual giant, describing him as a true statesman and gentleman. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed deep sorrow, highlighting Singh's contributions to India's growth and stressing the immense loss the country has suffered. Meanwhile, Mehbooba Mufti praised Singh's humility, recalling his personal touch during his tenure as Prime Minister. Ghulam Nabi Azad echoed these sentiments, acknowledging Singh's wisdom and economic leadership that earned India global recognition. As the nation mourns, leaders lauded Singh's transformative legacy that continues to inspire across generations. (With inputs from agencies.)
ARTIFICIAL intelligence (AI) is transforming the Philippines' service-driven economy, but it also poses risks to employment, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said in a report. In the paper, 2024 Article IV Consultation and Staff Report on the Philippines, the IMF outlined how advancements in AI are increasingly capable of performing tasks traditionally handled by human workers. Register to read this story and more for free . Signing up for an account helps us improve your browsing experience. OR See our subscription options.
Copart Inc. stock underperforms Wednesday when compared to competitors
New team in place to represent Fort Worth businesses in AustinA ‘MUCH loved’ Santa gnome which became stranded in a canal, was rescued just in time for Christmas. Cynthia Bafico, 70, of Rogerstone and her husband have garden gnomes in the back of their garden which backs onto the canal. In the festive period she decorates the gnomes with Christmas lights, but this year the Santa gnome ended up in the canal. In the run up to Storm Darragh, following windy weather, she found them ‘swimming’ in the canal after being swept away – including Santa. But, on Christmas Eve he was rescued following a joint effort by local residents. The Santa gnome who ‘doesn’t float’ was stranded in the canal too far for her or her husband to rescue him. “Oh no, Father Christmas has gone for a swim. The weather is playing havoc with the gnomes this year,” she said in a social media post. A local resident, Charlie Parker commented: “Aw poor gnomes, hopefully the weather will get better, and they can continue to celebrate Christmas soon.” A man lent them some extra strong poles which the couple used with the help of some local residents to rescue him. As the Santa gnome was carried back to the couple's home, other residents waved and honked their car horns. Cynthia Bafico told the Argus Santa told her: “Hurray... I’ve been rescued in time for Christmas. I didn’t know I could hold my breath for so long. "I need to give a big thank you to everyone who has been concerned about me, but a special thanks to Roger who has tried three times to get me out of the water. “I’d also like to thank Colin who lent Roger extra strong poles, to the gentleman who arrived on the scene just when an extra pair of hands was needed and to the people who honked their horns and waved as I was being carried home. Merry Christmas everyone.” In response to the good news, many local residents commented on social media saying they were relieved Santa had been rescued. A local resident, James Moss, who regularly walks his dog Lottie along the canal, said: “Lottie says this is great news, she’s missed him” Another resident, Joyce Thomas said: “Glad he’s home safe, now in a dry place” and Malcolm Morrell Jones added: “Great to see this, well done all.”
CONWAY — The puck drops for the 19th annual Dave Dore Winter Classic women’s hockey tournament at the Ham Arena in Conway on Jan. 3, with three days of action on the ice through Jan. 5. Sixteen teams, including four local teams, will compete in games throughout the weekend, with four teams competing in each of the four skill-based divisions. Most of the teams are from the New England region, but two of the teams are based in New York and Texas. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings.JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Greg McGarity had reason to be concerned. The Gator Bowl president kept a watchful eye on College Football Playoff scenarios all season and understood the fallout might affect his postseason matchup in Jacksonville. What if the Southeastern Conference got five teams into the expanded CFP? What if the Atlantic Coast Conference landed three spots? It was a math problem that was impossible to truly answer, even into late November. Four first-round playoff games, which will end with four good teams going home without a bowl game, had the potential to shake up the system. The good news for McGarity and other bowl organizers: Adding quality teams to power leagues — Oregon to the Big Ten, Texas to the SEC and SMU to the ACC — managed to ease much of the handwringing. McGarity and the Gator Bowl ended up with their highest-ranked team, No. 16 Ole Miss, in nearly two decades. "It really didn't lessen our pool much at all," McGarity said. "The SEC bowl pool strengthened with the addition of Texas and Oklahoma. You knew they were going to push traditional SEC teams up or down. Texas ended up pushing just about everyone down." The long waiting game was the latest twist for non-CFP bowls that have become adept at dealing with change. Efforts to match the top teams came and went in the 1990s and first decade of this century before the CFP became the first actual tournament in major college football. It was a four-team invitational — until this year, when the 12-team expanded format meant that four quality teams would not be in the mix for bowl games after they lose next week in the first round. "There's been a lot of things that we've kind of had to roll with," said Scott Ramsey, president of the Music City Bowl in Nashville, Tennessee. "I don't think the extra games changed our selection model to much degree. We used to look at the New York's Six before this, and that was 12 teams out of the bowl mix. The 12-team playoff is pretty much the same." Ramsey ended up with No. 23 Missouri against Iowa in his Dec. 30 bowl. A lot of so-called lesser bowl games do have high-profile teams — the ReliaQuest Bowl has No. 11 Alabama vs. Michigan (a rematch of last year's CFP semifinal), Texas A&M and USC will play in the Las Vegas Bowl while No. 14 South Carolina and No. 15 Miami, two CFP bubble teams, ended up in separate bowls in Orlando. "The stress of it is just the fact that the CFP takes that opening weekend," Las Vegas Bowl executive director John Saccenti said. "It kind of condenses the calendar a little bit." Bowl season opens Saturday with the Cricket Celebration Bowl. The first round of the CFP runs Dec. 20-21. It remains to be seen whether non-CFP bowls will see an impact from the new dynamic. They will know more by 2026, with a planned bowl reset looming. It could include CFP expansion from 12 to 14 teams and significant tweaks to the bowl system. More on-campus matchups? More diversity among cities selected to host semifinal and championship games? And would there be a trickle-down effect for everyone else? Demand for non-playoff bowls remains high, according to ESPN, despite increased focus on the expanded CFP and more players choosing to skip season finales to either enter the NCAA transfer portal or begin preparations for the NFL draft. "There's a natural appetite around the holidays for football and bowl games," Kurt Dargis, ESPN's senior director of programming and acquisitions, said at Sports Business Journal's Intercollegiate Athletics Forum last week in Las Vegas. "People still want to watch bowl games, regardless of what's going on with the playoff. ... It's obviously an unknown now with the expanded playoff, but we really feel like it's going to continue." The current bowl format runs through 2025. What lies ahead is anyone's guess. Could sponsors start paying athletes to play in bowl games? Could schools include hefty name, image and likeness incentives for players participating in bowls? Would conferences be willing to dump bowl tie-ins to provide a wider range of potential matchups? Are bowls ready to lean into more edginess like Pop-Tarts has done with its edible mascot? The path forward will be determined primarily by revenue, title sponsors, TV demand and ticket sales. "The one thing I have learned is we're going to serve our partners," Saccenti said. "We're going to be a part of the system that's there, and we're going to try to remain flexible and make sure that we're adjusting to what's going on in the world of postseason college football." Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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WILLIAMSBURG, Va. (AP) — Keller Boothby's 16 points helped William & Mary defeat Navy 82-76 on Sunday. Boothby went 6 of 8 from the field (4 for 6 from 3-point range) for the Tribe (6-7). Gabe Dorsey scored 16 points and added three steals. Noah Collier went 7 of 9 from the field to finish with 14 points, while adding seven rebounds. Austin Benigni finished with 16 points for the Midshipmen (3-10). Jinwoo Kim added 15 points for Navy. Donovan Draper had 14 points and seven rebounds. The loss was the Midshipmen's sixth in a row. Collier scored 10 points in the first half for William & Mary, who led 41-33 at the break. William & Mary took the lead for good with 3:03 left in the second half on a layup from Dorsey to make it a 73-71 game. The Associated Press created this story using technology provided by Data Skrive and data from Sportradar .Ontario’s drug-site law violates Charter, Constitution, group says in legal challengeJimmy Carter: Many evolutions for a centenarian ‘citizen of the world’Team Germany Players to Watch at the 2025 World Juniors
Shopping for the woman who raised you can be a daunting task. How do you show the woman who nurtured you and watched you grow your unconditional love with a gift? Well, we’re here to guide you through the gift shopping process so you can pick the perfect gift that suits your mama. We’ve selected a variety of thoughtful gifts from handy gadgets that will improve everyday life to luxury self-care products to keep her feeling pampered and radiant. These gifts will ensure that your mom feels loved and appreciated this holiday season. Check out these thoughtful gifts for mom that you can grab on Amazon right now! UGGs never go out of style, and they’re oh, so comfy! offer some added height to their regular booties. Made with a suede upper and a wool interior, these platforms will keep her feet warm throughout the winter and can be worn with her favorite pair of jeans. This will quench her thirst and keep her hydrated all day long. It’s made from stainless steel and has double wall vacuum insulation so her beverages will stay at the right temperature for hours. The tumbler comes in a variety of super cute colors to pick out for her. Life can get pretty messy and moms on the go know how important it is to have hand sanitizer on hand at all times. This are made with natural ingredients and have the scents of bergamot, eucalyptus, and lavender, although there are other scents to choose from. The pocked-sized misters can be refilled so she can throw these in her go-bags to have ready in the case of sticky situations. Treat your mom to some self-care when you gift her this . She can enjoy the cooling eye masks with some friends or stash them for when she needs a little extra TLC. There are three different types of eye patches that she can choose from. Every mom needs a to enjoy with company. Made with lead-free crystal, this set of four red wine glasses looks elegant on display and are functional and easy to hold. These are great for entertaining guests and the best part is that they’re dishwasher safe! If your mom takes cheese seriously, upgrade her standard cheese grater to this interchangeable three-blade . It comes with a slicing blade, shredding blade, and fine shredding blade so she can enjoy more efficient cooking in the kitchen. Spoil your mom with some well-deserved luxury skincare that she might not normally buy for herself like the . This overnight lip mask exfoliates the lips and locks in moisture so her lips will feel rejuvenated when she wakes up in the morning. Provide some portable aromatherapy with . It has all organic botanical ingredients and the tangerine, rosemary, and lavender scents will soothe her when applied to pulse points like the neck and wrists. Help her cut down on chopping time with this . It comes with a juicer, peeler, egg slicer, yolk splitter, two dicers, two spiralizers, and a blade organizer. Everything that gets chopped falls directly into the catch tray so she can meal prep like a wizard. If your mom is always bringing over a cheese board of sorts, help to elevate her presentation with this . It comes with everything she’ll need to display her treats including the cheeseboard, a separate fruit tray, and two sauce bowls. A section of the cheeseboard pulls out to reveal four cheese knives, chalk, and slate labels so she can keep everything organized, because crafting a charcuterie board is, in fact, very serious business. If your mom is the best party host you know, help her celebrate and elevate her hosting game with this . It’s made of durable stainless steel and will proudly chill and display her finest wine and champagne. If your mom is always cold, keep her warm during the colder months with this . It has smooth flannel on one side and cozy sherpa on the other, so she can enjoy the best of both worlds. It has six heating levels and four timer settings for her to customize her comfort. The blanket is even machine washable and it comes in a variety of beautiful colors, patterns, and sizes to choose from. Your mom will be impressed with this cookbook from Dolly Parton and her sister, Rachel Parton George. “ ” has some mouth-watering recipes like spare ribs and mac and cheese that she can serve up at the next family gathering. Keep your mom in on the trends with this adorable . You can select any letter of the alphabet in either gold or white gold. The pendant comes with a beautiful beaded chain and a two-inch extension chain. She’ll love wearing this with her holiday outfits! Hardworking moms often have pilled, fur-covered clothing that they just can’t get to look like normal. This battery-operated will remove all the lint and fuzz from their clothes, bringing her favorite sweaters back to life. They’ll be so happy you changed their clothing game and made their wardrobe look new again. If she likes to sip on her coffee throughout the day but hates when it gets cold after an hour, solve the problem with this . The 24-ounce mug will keep her drink cold or hot for hours and it has a convenient handle. It’s dishwasher safe and comes in a bunch of great colors to choose from, so you can pick her favorite. If your mom is a fine jewelry collector but often finds that her precious jewels are getting tangled up or misplaced, give her this luxurious . It has seven slot rolls, three rectangular compartments, a built-in mirror, and a hidden compartment so she can keep her accessories neat and organized while traveling. Switch up her coffee routine with a . It makes up to 2 quarts of cold brew and the slim design fits great in the fridge. It’s dishwasher safe and has a leak-proof lid so she won’t have to worry about cleaning it by hand. Moms are some of the busiest people in the world, and it can sometimes be hard to keep track of everything. Throw one of in her gift this year so she can keep track of her prized possessions. She can attach the device to her fave item and it will connect to her iPhone or iPad so she can always find it if it happens to go missing. Lounging around has never looked so good when she’s wearing these adorable . Made with leather, sheep fur, and rubber, these slippers are soft on the inside and durable on the outside. Choose from a variety of colors and sizes. This is the perfect gift for moms who love to crochet or read as they settle into the night. The light wraps around her neck so she can have both hands free to read or work while it’s dark out. She can adjust the three color temperatures and three brightness levels to her liking so she can knit away with ample light. Moms have to deal with a lot of noise pollution every day, so gift her these for some peace of mind. They’re reusable and come with a cute little carrying case so she can pop them in from anywhere that might be a little bit too noisy for her liking. When it’s mom’s day off, she’ll likely want to kick back her feet and do nothing all day. This rests on top of her armrest so she can have her drink, phone, remote, glasses, and more all within an arm’s reach. She can watch her favorite show series without getting up and the silicone material is rather easy to keep clean. If your mom loves things that smell good but hates open flames, opt for this gorgeous . The flowery lampshade will add to her decor and it has four levels of temperature so she can control the intensity of the scent emitting from the candle. Your mom will feel like she’s walking on clouds when she wears these trendy . They’re lightweight with a thick cushion, so she can run around the house and feel supported in them. These slides come in a variety of colors and sizes. This will come in handy for work trips and formal events. The portable steamer takes 30 seconds to heat up and will remove wrinkles from delicate fabrics like silk, linen, wool, denim, cotton, and more. Treat her to some extra shower self-care with this . Each shower steamer has natural fragrances like lavender or citrus that will help her destress in the shower. They’re simple to use and elevate shower time, making it feel more like spa time. If your mom loves making coffee in different ways, introduce her to a . This manual coffee maker is made from borosilicate glass with a wooden collar. It can brew up to eight cups of coffee in no time so she can provide coffee for the whole fam or store it in the fridge for iced coffee to enjoy later in the week. Every bath lover needs this to take the experience to a whole new level. The water-resistant tray will rest over the sides of her tub and it has plenty of compartments for her to keep her wine, book, snacks, and more right in the tub with her, so she can fully relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. If she doesn’t already have an essential oil diffuser, consider getting her this premium . It has customizable lighting and misting modes that she can control with the remote control. Bring the gift together with some of your favorite essential oils so she can enjoy aromatherapy right at home.
The World Health Organization’s director-general said airstrikes on Yemen’s main airport occurred as he was about to board a flight in the Houthi rebel-held capital of Sanaa. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport as well as power stations and ports. One of the U.N. plane’s crew was wounded, said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in a post on X, but he and his WHO colleagues were safe. He said the strikes hit the airport's air traffic control tower, departure lounge and runway. Israel's strikes on Thursday follow several days of Houthi launches setting off sirens in Israel, and last week, Israeli jets bombed Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people. The Houthis have also been targeting shipping in the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. Israel's bombardment and ground invasion in Gaza has killed over 45,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which does not distinguish between fighters and civilians in its count. The Hamas-led militant attack on Israel in October 2023 resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people. Around 100 hostages are still being held in Gaza , although only two-thirds are believed to still be alive. Here’s the latest: UNITED NATIONS — The head of the U.N. health agency says he and his team were about to board a flight in Yemen’s rebel-held capital Sanaa when the airport came under aerial bombardment. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the airport as well as power stations and ports in Houthi-controlled areas. “The air traffic control tower, the departure lounge — just a few meters (yards) from where we were — and the runway were damaged,” Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a post on X. He said one of the U.N. plane’s crew was injured but he and his WHO colleagues were safe. “We will need to wait for the damage to the airport to be repaired before we can leave.” Tedros said the U.N. team was in Yemen to negotiate the release of U.N. staff detained by the Houthis and to assess the health and humanitarian situation in the country, which faces one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world. JERUSALEM — Houthi rebels in Yemen said Israeli airstrikes on Thursday targeted the rebel-held capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeida, following several days of Houthi launches that set off air-raid sirens in Israel. The Israeli military said it attacked infrastructure used by the Houthis at the international airport in Sanaa and ports at Hodeida, Al-Salif and Ras Qantib along with power stations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a speech on Wednesday that “the Houthis, too, will learn what Hamas and Hezbollah and Assad’s regime and others learned.” The Iran-backed Houthis’ media outlet reported the strikes in a Telegram post, but gave no immediate details. The U.S. military also has targeted the Houthis in Yemen in recent days. The United Nations has noted that the ports are important entryways for humanitarian aid. Over the weekend, 16 people were wounded when a Houthi missile hit a playground in Tel Aviv . Last week, Israeli jets struck Sanaa and Hodeida, killing nine people, calling it a response to previous Houthi attacks. The Houthis also have been targeting shipping on the Red Sea corridor, calling it solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza. QAMISHLI, Syria — Thousands of people in northeastern Syria attended a funeral Thursday for six fighters from a Kurdish-led, U.S.-backed force who were killed in ongoing clashes with Turkish-backed militias. The Turkish-backed groups are launching attacks to take the Arab cities west of the Euphrates River that are under the control of the Kurdish group . The Turkish-supported groups helped overthrow Bashar al-Assad’s rule of Syria, and have since kept pushing eastward against the Kurdish groups. “We thought that Syria today has entered a new stage after the fall and escape of Assad. We thought that we got rid of all of this, but this attack on us changed everything and those who came in are taking orders from Turkey,” said Nihayet Hassan, the uncle of a killed fighter. The fighters were killed during attacks on Tishreen Dam near the strategic city of Manbij in recent days. The bodies were returned to the city of Qamishli in northeastern Syria where the U.S.-backed group, known as the Syrian Democratic Forces, has a strong presence. Ankara sees the SDF as an affiliate of its sworn enemy, the Kurdistan Workers’ Party, which Turkey classifies as a terrorist organization. Turkish-backed armed groups backed by Turkish jets have for years attacked positions where the SDF are present across northern Syria, in a bid to create a buffer zone free from the group along the Turkish border. “It is obvious that Turkey’s issue is with the Kurds. It is not about an organization, or the PKK, no, their target are the Kurds,” said Ahmad Ammo, a Qamishli resident who attended the funeral. The U.S. has about 2,000 soldiers in eastern Syria to help fight the Islamic State group and protect critical oil fields there. BEIRUT — The Lebanese military said Thursday that Israeli troops encroached on areas of southern Lebanon, violating a ceasefire agreement that ended the war between Israel and the Hezbollah group. The U.S.-brokered ceasefire that went into effect a month ago called for Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops to leave southern Lebanon over a 60-day period as Lebanese army soldiers gradually deploy in the country south of the Litani River. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the reported incident. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said Israeli bulldozers are setting up dirt barricades that would close off the road between Wadi Slouqi and Wadi Hujeir. Lebanon’s military said it brought reinforcements into the areas entered by Israeli troops. NNA said the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, sent a patrol unit to an area near the southern town of Qantara where Israeli forces are present. UNIFIL in a statement expressed its “concern at continuing destruction by the IDF (Israeli military) in residential areas, agricultural land, and road networks in south Lebanon.” Lebanese army chief Gen. Joseph Aoun traveled to Saudi Arabia earlier Thursday as part of ongoing efforts by the cash-strapped military to find financial support to deploy in larger numbers. The Lebanese military and government have complained about Israeli strikes and overflights in the country to a new monitoring committee headed by the U.S. that also includes France. DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — An Israeli strike killed five Palestinian journalists outside a hospital in the Gaza Strip overnight, the Health Ministry said Thursday. The Israeli army said it had targeted a group of militants. The strike hit a car outside the Al-Awda Hospital in the built-up Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the territory. The journalists were working for the local news outlet Al-Quds Today, a television channel affiliated with the Islamic Jihad militant group. The military said it targeted a group of fighters from Islamic Jihad, a militant group allied with Hamas, whose Oct. 7, 2023, attack into southern Israel ignited the war. Associated Press video showed the incinerated shell of a van, with press markings still visible on the back doors. The Committee to Protect Journalists says over 130 Palestinian reporters have been killed since the start of the war. Israel has not allowed foreign reporters to enter Gaza except on military embeds. This post has been corrected to show that the name of the local news outlet is Al-Quds Today, not the Quds News Network. BEIJING — China has pledged two more shipments of humanitarian aid to Gaza, in an indication of support for the Palestinian Authority, state media reported Thursday. The agreement was overseen in Cairo by Chinese Ambassador to Egypt Liao Liqiang and Palestinian Ambassador to Egypt Diab al-Louh. “To ease the humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, the Chinese government has continued to provide assistance to Palestine,” Liao was quoted as saying. The types and quantities of aid to be delivered via Egypt were not given, but China has previously shipped food and medicine to Gaza. China has longstanding ties with the Palestinian Authority but has also sought to strengthen economic and political relations with Israel. Al-Louh “voiced appreciation for China’s consistent and firm support for the just cause of the Palestinian people and for raising this issue on international occasions," state media said. UNITED NATIONS — The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Monday at Israel’s request to discuss recent attacks by Yemen’s Houthi rebels. Israel’s U.N. Mission said Wednesday the meeting will take place at 10 a.m. Monday. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said he expects the council will condemn the Houthi attacks. He urged the council “to enforce international law and hold Iran, the Houthis’ patron, accountable.” Alluding to Israeli retaliation for the attacks, Danon said ”It seems that the Houthis have not yet understood what happens to those who try to harm the state of Israel.”
Prime Minister affirms importance of Egypt visit in enhancing bilateral cooperation
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