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Gazans Still Trapped in Debris as Heavy Israeli Assault Continues on Gaza City Amidst Peace Talks

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Residents of Gaza City were trapped in houses and bodies lay uncollected in the streets during an intense new Israeli assault on Thursday, even as Washington pushed for a peace deal at talks in Egypt and Qatar. Hamas has warned that a heavy Israeli assault on Gaza City this week could undermine efforts to finally end the war just as negotiations have entered the home stretch. In a statement, the Palestinian Islamist militant group said mediators had yet to provide it with updates on the state of the talks since it made concessions last week in response to a U.S.-backed Israeli peace offer.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the head of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency was headed to Cairo for more ceasefire talks. U.S. envoy Brett McGurk was in Israel, where he met Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.

Residents of Gaza City say this week’s assault is comparable to the fiercest battle of the war, which destroyed the enclave’s oldest and biggest settlement in the first weeks of fighting last year. Home to more than a quarter of Gaza’s residents before the war, Gaza City was largely razed to the ground in late 2023, but hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have returned to homes in the ruins. They have now once again been targeted by the Israeli military. Many say they won’t go. “We will die but not leave to the south. We have tolerated starvation and bombs for nine months and we are ready to die as martyrs here,” said Mohammad Ali, 50.

Ali and his family have relocated several times within the city, saying they had been deprived of food, water, and medicine. “I told my children I’d go to bombed Gaza City as if the war was restarting. We hope there will be a ceasefire soon, but if not that is God’s will.”

A nearby hospital said it had reports of people trapped, and others killed overnight in the fighting in Rimal and Sabra districts of Gaza City, and in northern areas.

Luis Suarez at the Center of Controversy in Copa America Semifinal Brawl

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Uruguayan veteran striker Luis Suarez found himself embroiled in controversy following the Copa America semifinal between Uruguay and Colombia. Video footage revealed Suarez’s role in antagonizing the opposition, contributing to the ensuing brawl. As the final seconds wound down and Colombia secured their 1-0 victory, chaos erupted in the middle of the pitch. Players, referees, camera crews, and business executives became entangled in a frenzied scrum, creating a blur of motion and confusion.

Amid the turmoil, the Uruguayan legend, donning his iconic No. 9 jersey, was seen towering over rival players and shoving members believed to be part of the opposition’s coaching staff. With tensions running high, Suarez pushed a man in a red hat off balance, igniting further chaos as a reserve Uruguayan player retaliated.

The commentary team captured the moment perfectly: “I’ll give you one guess who sparked this originally,” they said as the cameras zoomed in on Suarez. “And now it’s boiling over,” they continued as more coaches rushed in to subdue the pandemonium.

The heated tensions didn’t stop at the pitch; they spilled dramatically into the stands when Darwin Nunez was one of a number of Uruguay players who scaled the stands and clashed with Colombia fans. Nunez, shirtless and visibly furious, was seen exchanging punches, defending himself while shouting at his antagonists as drinks flew across the stands.

The crowd continued to taunt the striker as the situation turned into a chaotic spectacle. Uruguay defender Jose Maria Gimenez claimed players were protecting their nearby families from Colombia fans. Gimenez said: “It was a disaster. There was no police and we had to defend our families.”

Colombia clinched a 1-0 victory over Uruguay after Jefferson Lerma connected on a header from a whipping cross by James Rodriguez, giving the team an early lead in the first half. However, Daniel Munoz made the win more challenging for Colombia, receiving a second yellow card for dissent in the match’s final stages, drawing an unnecessary foul.

Iraqi Court Issues Death Sentence Against Wife of Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi for Crimes Against Yazidi Women

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An Iraqi court has sentenced one of the wives of the late Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, to death. The court found her complicit in crimes against Yazidi women captured by the militant group, the country’s judiciary announced on Wednesday.

The late Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi and his wife

This decision comes just weeks before the 10-year mark of the Islamic State’s (IS) brutal attacks on the Yazidi religious minority in the northern Iraqi region of Sinjar. Starting in early August 2014, IS killed and captured thousands of Yazidis, including women and girls who were subjected to human trafficking and sexual abuse. The United Nations has declared the campaign against the Yazidis amounted to genocide.

The Karkh Criminal Court in Iraq handed down the death sentence to the woman for her role in “detaining Yazidi women in her home” and facilitating their kidnapping by “the terrorist (Islamic State group) gangs in Sinjar district.” This ruling was issued in accordance with Iraq’s anti-terrorism law and its “Yazidi survivors law,” as stated by Iraq’s judicial council.

The late Islamic State leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Although the statement did not name the defendant, two court officials identified her as Asma Mohammed, who was arrested in 2018 in Turkey and later extradited. Another wife of al-Baghdadi and his daughter were also extradited from Turkey to Iraq and sentenced to life in prison for their involvement. The sentences were handed down a week ago but were announced by the judicial council on Wednesday.

Officials provided this information on the condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak publicly. Survivors of IS attacks in Iraq have expressed concerns about the lack of accountability and transparency in the judicial process.

This decision, made at the request of the Iraqi government, represents a significant move in holding those involved in IS crimes accountable, including the alleged use of chemical weapons against the Yazidis.

The ruling underscores the ongoing efforts to achieve justice for the Yazidi community and address the atrocities committed during IS’s reign of terror. The international community continues to watch closely as Iraq navigates its judicial process in dealing with the remnants of IS’s leadership and those complicit in its crimes.

The Associated Press

Chinese Woman Rescued After 37 Hours Adrift in the Pacific Ocean Off Japanese Coast

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A Chinese woman in her 20s was rescued 37 hours after being swept out to sea while swimming at a Japanese beach, officials said Thursday. She had drifted more than 80 kilometers (50 miles) in the Pacific Ocean.

Japan’s coast guard initiated a search after receiving a call Monday night from the woman’s friend, who reported her missing while swimming at Shimoda, about 200 kilometers (125 miles) southwest of Tokyo.

The woman was spotted by a cargo ship early Wednesday, approximately 36 hours after her disappearance, off the southern tip of Boso Peninsula, the coast guard reported.

The cargo ship alerted a passing LPG tanker, the Kakuwa Maru No. 8, for assistance. Two crew members from the tanker jumped into the sea and rescued the woman, officials confirmed. She was then airlifted by a coast guard helicopter to land.

Although slightly dehydrated, the woman was in good health and walked away after being examined at a nearby hospital. Officials noted she was fortunate to have survived the ordeal, which included the dangers of heat stroke under the sun, hypothermia at night, and the risk of being hit by a ship in the dark.

Credit: The Associated Press.

Chelsea FC Prepares for 2024 Pre-Season Under New Manager Enzo Maresca in U.S Cities

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Chelsea FC is set to embark on a new chapter under the leadership of Enzo Maresca, following the departure of Mauricio Pochettino from Stamford Bridge after the 2023-24 season. Pochettino’s tenure saw the Blues finishing sixth in the Premier League, exiting the FA Cup in the semi-finals, and ending as runners-up to Liverpool in the Carabao Cup.

Maresca Takes the Helm

Enzo Maresca steps in as Chelsea’s new manager, aiming to rejuvenate the team for the upcoming season. The Blues will compete in the Europa Conference League play-off round this season, having missed out on the Europa League after Manchester United secured the FA Cup.

Chelsea’s 2024 Pre-Season Fixtures in U.S Cities

As Chelsea gears up for the 2024-25 season, here is an overview of their pre-season schedule, ticket information, and where to watch the matches live:

Pre-Season Schedule:

Date | Game | Kick-off Time | Venue

Wed, Jul 24 | Chelsea vs Wrexham | 10:30 pm ET (3:30 am BST) | Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

Sat, Jul 27 | Chelsea vs Celtic | 4 pm ET (9 pm BST) | Notre Dame Stadium, Indiana

Wed, Jul 31 | Chelsea vs Club America | 7:30 pm ET (00:30 am BST) | Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta

Copa America Semifinal Turns Violent as Uruguay Players Brawl with Fans

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The second Copa America semifinal turned violent on Wednesday when Uruguayan players clashed with fans in the stands after being eliminated by Colombia. The incident occurred at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Details of the Incident

Cameras captured several players, led by Uruguay’s Darwin Núñez, entering the stands and exchanging punches with Colombia fans as security staff attempted to intervene. Núñez was seen throwing multiple punches, and Uruguay defender José María Giménez was also observed throwing at least one punch, according to videos verified by NBC News.

Statements and Reactions

In a post-game interview, Giménez attributed the brawl to a “certain sector of Colombia fans” who he said “did an avalanche” on the families of Uruguayan players. He urged organizers to implement stronger precautions, stating, “because the same thing happens every game.”

“This is a disaster. Our families were in danger,” Giménez emphasized.

Ignacio Alonso, president of the Uruguayan Football Association, told reporters after the game that the Uruguayan players were trying to protect their families. “Uruguay’s players had an instinctive reaction, which is natural, which is going to defend and protect the children who were on that side of the stands, who were suffering attacks, the women, the parents, the closest family members, the fans,” he said.

In a statement, CONMEBOL, South American soccer’s governing body, condemned the incident, saying it “strongly condemns any act of violence that affects football.”

England Reaches Euro 2024 Final: King Charles Congratulates Team, Asked for Less Drama

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In a thrilling match against The Netherlands, England secured their place in the Euro 2024 final with a 2-1 victory. King Charles III extended his “warmest congratulations” to the team, commending their outstanding performance and wishing them “very best wishes” for Sunday’s final against Spain.

King Charles’ Message to the Team

Recognizing the intense emotions and nail-biting moments England fans have experienced, King Charles urged the team to aim for a decisive victory in the final. If I may encourage you to secure victory before the need for any last-minute wonder-goals or another penalties drama, I am sure the stresses on the nation’s collective heart rate and blood pressure would be greatly alleviated,” he remarked.

Support from Prince William and Prime Minister Keir Starmer

Prince William, who serves as the president of the Football Association, specifically praised Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins for his crucial goal that ensured England’s advancement. “What a beauty, Ollie! Congratulations England! #EURO2024 Finalists,” Prince William tweeted, showcasing his support for the Birmingham club player.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, a dedicated Arsenal fan, also attended the game while participating in a NATO summit in Washington. He has confirmed that he will travel to Berlin for the final match.

Looking Forward to the Final

As England prepares to face Spain in the Euro 2024 final, the nation’s excitement and hopes are high. With King Charles’ encouragement and the collective support of fans, the team aims to bring home the championship, avoiding the nerve-shredding drama of previous matches.

Source: vangaurdngr.com

Nigerian Naira Depreciates Against US Dollar in Parallel and Official Markets

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The Nigerian Naira has experienced a notable depreciation against the US Dollar in both the parallel market and the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange Market (NAFEM). This development underscores the ongoing challenges facing Nigeria’s currency and broader economic landscape.

In the parallel market, the Naira depreciated to N1,560 per dollar, marking a decline from N1,535 per dollar recorded on Tuesday. This represents a depreciation of 25 Naira within a single day in the unofficial market.

Simultaneously, the official NAFEM market saw a similar trend. Data from FMDQ revealed that the indicative exchange rate for NAFEM rose to N1,561.98 per dollar, up from N1,532.58 per dollar on Tuesday. This indicates a significant depreciation of N29.4 for the Naira in the official market.

As a result of these movements, the margin between the parallel market and NAFEM rates has narrowed to N1.98 per dollar, compared to N2.42 per dollar observed on Tuesday. This convergence suggests a closer alignment between the official and unofficial exchange rates, albeit at a depreciated level for the Naira.

The depreciation of the Naira in both markets reflects ongoing pressures on Nigeria’s currency, which may be attributed to various factors including foreign exchange scarcity, economic policies, and global market conditions. These developments are likely to have implications for businesses, investors, and consumers in Nigeria, potentially affecting import costs, inflation, and overall economic stability.

As the situation continues to evolve, market participants and policymakers will be closely monitoring these exchange rate movements and their broader economic impacts. The Central Bank of Nigeria and other relevant authorities may need to consider further measures to address the currency’s depreciation and stabilize the foreign exchange market.

Source: Punchng.com

80-Year-Old Man Arrested in Bayelsa, Nigeria for Alleged Child Defilement

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In Otuokpoti community, Bayelsa State, Nigeria, an 80-year-old man identified as Pa. Stephen has been arrested for allegedly defiling a 10-year-old girl. The incident occurred in the Ogbia Local Government Area.

The arrest was facilitated by several gender advocacy groups, including the Dise Ogbise Foundation, Reigneth Foundation, Starrz Safety Initiative, and Collins Cocodia Foundation. These organizations were involved in ensuring the accused was apprehended and remanded in police custody.

Local sources reported that the suspect was known within the community. The case came to attention when the victim’s foster mother noticed changes in the child’s behavior, including signs of illness and distraction during routine tasks.

The alleged abuse had reportedly been ongoing for about a year. Neighbors had previously informed the foster mother about the suspect’s behavior, noting his habit of giving money to the young girl. A community member witnessed the child entering the suspect’s house after school and alerted others, leading to her rescue.

The Medical Women Association of Nigeria, Bayelsa State Chapter, provided medical examination for the victim. Dise Ogbise Goddy Harry, founder of the Dise Foundation, stated that the victim would undergo psychological examination. The child has been placed in protective custody under the Bayelsa State Government’s Ministry of Women Affairs.

The case has been transferred from the Divisional Police headquarters in Ogbia Town to the state police headquarters in Yenagoa for further investigation. At the time of reporting, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Musa Mohammed, had not confirmed the development.

This incident has brought attention to the issue of child abuse in the community. It has also highlighted the role of community involvement and gender advocacy groups in addressing such cases.

The case is currently under investigation, and legal proceedings are expected to follow. The arrest has drawn attention to child protection measures in Bayelsa State and Nigeria as a whole.

Colombia Beat Uruguay 1-0 to Reach Copa America 2024 Final

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In a tense and dramatic Copa America 2024 semifinal at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, Colombia emerged victorious with a 1-0 win over Uruguay. The match, characterized by intense defensive play and missed opportunities, saw Colombia advance to the final where they will face Argentina.

The decisive moment came in the 39th minute when Jefferson Lerma headed home from a James Rodriguez corner. This assist marked Rodriguez’s sixth of the tournament, breaking Lionel Messi’s previous record and underlining his importance to the Colombian team.

Uruguay, despite creating several chances, particularly through Darwin Nunez, failed to find the equalizer. Nunez came closest in the 17th minute, narrowly missing the target after getting between two defenders.

The match took a dramatic turn in first-half stoppage time when Colombia’s Daniel Munoz received a second yellow card for elbowing Manuel Ugarte, reducing his team to ten men for the entire second half. This incident forced Colombia into a more defensive stance, with coach Nestor Lorenzo making tactical substitutions to protect their lead.

Key moments of the match included:

– James Rodriguez’s record-breaking assist for Lerma’s goal (39′)

– Darwin Nunez’s near miss (17′)

– Daniel Munoz’s red card (45+1′)

– Luis Suarez’s shot hitting the post (71′)

– Goalkeeper Sergio Rochet’s crucial save from Mateus Uribe’s strike (90+4′)

Colombia’s defense, led by players like Johan Mojica, put in a heroic performance in the second half, throwing their bodies on the line to maintain the clean sheet. Uruguay introduced Luis Suarez in the 66th minute in a bid to find an equalizer, but even his presence couldn’t breach the Colombian backline.

The match was not without controversy, with several yellow cards issued and tensions running high throughout. James Rodriguez himself was booked for dissent in the 55th minute, leading to his substitution to avoid the risk of a red card.

As the final whistle blew, Colombia’s players erupted in celebration, having secured their place in the Copa America 2024 final against Argentina. This victory continues Colombia’s impressive run in the tournament and sets up an enticing final against Lionel Messi’s Argentina.

For Uruguay, this defeat marks a disappointing end to their Copa America campaign. Despite the efforts of stars like Federico Valverde and Darwin Nunez, they couldn’t find a way past Colombia’s resilient defense.

The final, set to be a clash between South American giants Colombia and Argentina, promises to be a thrilling conclusion to what has been an exciting Copa America 2024 tournament.

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