Author: Gulf News Week
Imane Khelif, who won boxing gold at the 2024 Olympics, says before gender test, ‘Do not exploit me in your political agendas.’Algerian boxer Imane Khelif says she will comply with genetic testing requirements to be able to participate in competitions as long as the tests are conducted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).Khelif won gold in the women’s welterweight division at the Paris Games in 2024 during a gender dispute over her eligibility after the International Boxing Association disqualified her from the 2023 World Championships based on sex chromosome tests.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Who are the past…
Twenty-five more Palestinians arrive in Gaza as 13 patients in need of treatment to begin evacuations through Rafah crossing.Twenty-five more Palestinians have returned to Gaza through the Rafah crossing following its long-awaited partial reopening, describing an exhausting journey through humiliating Israeli security measures, while patients in need of urgent medical treatment abroad are being transferred to the border.This comes as the Wafa news agency reported a Palestinian man was killed by Israeli forces in Bani Suheila, east of Khan Younis, on Thursday, as Israeli attacks continue despite a “ceasefire” in the Gaza Strip.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of…
Central Command confirms five operations over a week, striking weapons depots with precision-guided munitions. WASHINGTON — The U.S. military conducted a series of five airstrikes against ISIS (Daesh) targets in Syria between January 27 and February 2, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Wednesday. The operations specifically targeted weapons storage facilities, employing approximately 50 precision munitions. The strikes represent a continued effort to degrade the militant group’s logistics and operational capabilities in the region. CENTCOM did not provide immediate details on casualty assessments or the specific locations within Syria. These actions are part of the ongoing, albeit diminished, U.S. military mission in…
A brutal killing underscores widespread violence and impunity, stoking domestic fear and inflaming tensions with neighboring India. DHAKA,— As Bangladesh approaches a pivotal national election, its Hindu minority is confronting a sharp escalation in targeted violence, driven by political polarization and a resurgent Islamist movement, human rights groups say. The climate of fear was punctuated in December by the mob killing of Dipu Chandra Das, a 27-year-old Hindu garment worker. Accused of blasphemy by colleagues, Das was beaten, hanged from a tree, and set on fire—an act recorded and circulated widely, becoming a grim symbol of the community’s vulnerability. “This…
A policy change extending the age cut-off for early years admissions leaves parents scrambling as confirmed placements are revoked, raising concerns over child readiness. DUBAI— A sweeping update to school admissions rules in the UAE has triggered widespread uncertainty among parents, with some facing withdrawn offers and altered year-group placements for their young children, despite having already secured spots for the 2026-27 academic year. The rule change, announced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in December, extends the age eligibility cut-off for Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) under the British curriculum. Children now need to turn three by December 31 of…
The veteran French striker signs a free transfer with the Saudi Pro League leaders, switching clubs after a trophy-laden spell in Jeddah. In a stunning inter-league transfer, Saudi Pro League champions Al Hilal announced the signing of football superstar Karim Benzema on Monday. The former Real Madrid and France forward joins on a free transfer after terminating his contract with domestic rivals Al Ittihad. The 38-year-old finalized a one-and-a-half-year deal with the Riyadh-based leaders, a move precipitated by his decision to reject a contract extension with Al Ittihad, where he had been absent for the previous two league matches. Benzema…
‘Mass, peaceful’ demonstration are planned across Australia to protest the visit of Israel’s President Isaac Herzog.An Australian teenager has been charged for allegedly making online threats against Israeli President Isaac Herzog, whose visit to the country on Sunday has been met with planned protests, police complaints over alleged war crimes, and efforts to have his invitation revoked.Australian Federal Police said in a statement on Thursday that the 19-year-old allegedly made the threats on a social media platform last month “towards a foreign head of state and internationally protected person”.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Australian, Palestinian lawyers seek…
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that nuclear talks with the US will take place in Oman on Friday.Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has confirmed that nuclear talks between his country and the United States will take place this week in Oman.Araghchi announced late Wednesday that the talks were scheduled to take place at 10am in Muscat on Friday (06:00 GMT), after reports earlier suggested the anticipated meeting was faltering amid disagreements over format and location.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4What would be the impact of a US attack on Iran?list 2 of 4‘Game is over’: Iran’s…
Critics claim AIPAC spending aims to intimidate candidates questioning unconditional US support for Israeli policies.Washington, DC – A super PAC linked to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC) has made its first major venture into the United States midterm elections.But this time around, the pro-Israel lobby group is not targeting a progressive candidate pushing to reset US-Israel policy, but a so-called “moderate” Democrat who tepidly questioned Washington’s unconditional military support amid the genocidal war on Gaza.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3After backing Israel, Iran’s self-styled crown prince loses supportlist 2 of 3AIPAC slams Trump ally Marjorie…
Israelis wonder whether the US will favour its own geopolitical priorities over Israel in a decision about an Iran attack.As the prospect of a conflict between the United States and Iran looms, analysts within Israel have questioned the country’s capacity to determine the outcome of a confrontation in a region that, just months ago, it had regarded itself as on the brink of dominating.“The [Israeli] opposition are accusing [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu of giving in to [US President Donald] Trump and ending the war on Gaza too soon,” said Israeli political analyst Ori Goldberg. “[Israel is] being hounded out…