A section of the historic walls surrounding the old city of Kairouan collapsed on Saturday, resulting in the death of three workers who were conducting repairs at the UNESCO World Heritage site, according to Tunisian authorities. Two other workers were also injured in the incident, which saw a 30-meter-long section of the six-meter-high walls collapse near the Sultan Gate. A spokesperson for the Civil Protection Department stated that “a team was performing restoration” on the wall surrounding the old city, adding that the incident “could be linked to heavy rains in the area in recent days.” Kairouan, founded in 670 AD, is one of the holiest cities in North Africa and a leading tourist attraction. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988.
“Stop the fighting and start negotiations,” say families of Israeli hostages
The families of hostages held in Gaza called on Israel to stop the fighting and reach an agreement to ensure their release after the army acknowledged that they had killed them “by mistake” in the Palestinian territories. Naom Perry, the daughter of hostage Haim Perry, said at an event in Tel Aviv organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum: “We are only getting bodies back. We want you to stop the fighting and start negotiations.”
Qatar seeks peace in Gaza
The Qatari Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Sheikha Alya Ahmed bin Saif Al Thani, stated that her country continues diplomatic efforts to achieve a sustainable agreement to end the Gaza war. Sheikha Alya confirmed in her speech during the tenth emergency session of the UN General Assembly that Qatar aims to achieve comprehensive, lasting, and just peace in accordance with international resolutions. She highlighted the importance of the resolution calling for a humanitarian ceasefire and urging all parties to comply with their obligations under international law, especially protecting civilians, and calling for the immediate and unconditional release of hostages, as well as ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid.
Youths drive highest turnout in Egyptian presidential elections
Egyptian youth have been praised for their “political maturity and commitment” after the country recorded its highest voter turnout in history during the presidential elections. Younger voters made up a significant proportion of the 65 percent of Egyptians who participated in the voting last week—a “unprecedented” turnout rate, according to the National Election Authority. Election results will be announced on Monday, and current President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi is widely expected to win a third term.
Israeli hostages mistakenly killed in Gaza were holding a white flag, according to military official
A military official stated that three Israeli hostages were mistakenly killed in Gaza by Israeli forces while holding a white flag, according to a preliminary investigation into the incident. The official noted that the incident occurred in an intense combat zone where Hamas fighters wear civilian clothes and use deceptive tactics. A soldier saw the hostages emerge from tens of meters away from Israeli troops in the Shuja’iyya area. The military official said: “They were all without shirts and were carrying a stick with a white cloth. The soldier feels threatened and opens fire. He declares they are terrorists, opens fire, and two are killed instantly.” The third hostage was injured and withdrew to a nearby building where he requested help in Hebrew. The official added: “Immediately, he issues a call
Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2426936/middle-east
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