Messages from Prisoners

A number of messages from the prisoners of the entity broadcasted by "Al-Qassam Brigades" through Arab satellite channels were followed by the entire world. These messages affected the official and popular global street to a certain extent, narrating what the world perceives as humanitarian tragedies for individuals with no fault of their own, imprisoned for 460 days in a relentless war of annihilation that continues nonstop.

 Casualties Among Prisoners

Among these prisoners are those who lost their lives due to the bombardment of their criminal army, which shows no regard for their presence, nor does it differentiate between a hospital, a residence, or a tent overwhelmed by rain, under which fall incendiary bombs killing women, premature infants, or elderly people who cannot carry themselves to safe places since, simply put, there is no safe place anywhere. Thus, those who are killed are killed, and those who are injured are injured, whether they are civilians or prisoners, without any care from the killers for the life of any human being, regardless of their religion, nationality, gender, or age.

 Layali Al-Bajj's Message  

At the beginning of this week, satellite channels aired a recorded video of the nineteen-year-old female soldier, Layali Al-Bajj, who stated that she had spent 450 days in captivity. In it, she delivered several powerful humanitarian messages to the entity’s Prime Minister—seemingly unaware of the current events, including the fact that he is bedridden receiving treatment following an urgent surgery, and that those managing the scene are the war council convening around the clock. She directed her message to the Prime Minister, whom she claimed to know personally, asking him to face her parents and inform them that she and her companions would not return. This message was aimed at pressuring the families of the prisoners and public opinion concerned about them and the events of the war, as well as exerting pressure on the entity's government and those involved in the negotiations that returned to the table to accept a deal to end the war, suggesting that there is no way for their rescue and return alive while the war continues.

 The Genius of the Image and the Choice of the Sender

The prisoner began her speech appearing in a state of severe psychological defeat, dressed in military attire—most likely the uniform she was captured in, which she clearly has not worn since her capture. "Al-Qassam" chose this outfit to inform the viewer that she is not an ordinary teenage girl, but a soldier who knows what she is saying and can understand the severity of her situation. She can also distinguish the type and magnitude of the bombardment and its source, recognizing that the missiles falling on them like raindrops in the harsh winter of Gaza are from the army she was conscripted into, which has shown no regard for their lives as soldiers or civilians, and continues its ethnic cleansing agenda regardless of the safety of its own soldiers.

 Psychological State of the Captive

The captive appeared to be in a state of severe psychological weakness despite her apparent physical strength; this suggests care that perhaps the children of Gaza, who are rising continuously around the clock, do not receive. However, her humanitarian words were sharp against her government’s leader and their army, as she directed direct accusations at them for being complicit in their killing as long as they pursued the same policy of continuing the war. She even accused them of intentionally sacrificing them.

 Distress Messages

She concluded her remarks by sending distress messages to her family and that of her injured colleague, who is awaiting certain death unless the war is immediately stopped through some form of agreement.

 Mobilizing the "Israeli" Street

The "Qassam" (the military wing of Hamas) excelled in choosing the person to carry these messages to mobilize the "Israeli" street against the daily genocide. They also timed the resumption of negotiations again to exert humanitarian pressure on the silent world, especially since the tragedy of the ongoing genocide against the Palestinians did not move them on two levels; the first is the war of the entity, and the second is the authority of Abbas, which is complicit in killing, arresting, tracking, and coldly handing over Palestinians. This authority even closes the "Al Jazeera" office to follow the same path as the entity in killing and liquidating the cause, making it another arm against the resistance and innocent landowners in their own land.

 Sympathy and Broader Perspective

Anyone who followed the brief talk of the captive might feel sympathy for her as she is a girl and appeared to be like a scared child – while I am certain that millions around the world sympathized with her as a humanitarian case – but if the same observer were to be fair and broaden their view of the overall scene, they would see crimes that cannot be forgiven or forgotten. They would see that on the other side of the event, there are massacres that will remain a stain on humanity, one that history will not forget for all who witnessed it and hesitated to support its people, even with a word.

 Living Messages of Pain Around the Clock

Ironically, on the day the controversial video of the entity's captive was released, considered the most impactful since the onset of the war, according to analysts, the Palestinian Ministry of Health announced the martyrdom of at least 60 Palestinians in a single day, along with dozens of injured, including children and women, due to airstrikes on the Gaza Strip since the dawn of Saturday, January 4. Media outlets broadcast scenes of mothers bidding farewell to their sons, including some who were saying goodbye to their only child with a stunned gaze, refusing to believe the news.

 Multiple Causes of Death

It is no longer solely the bullets of the occupation that are killing the children of Gaza; rather, the factors of death have multiplied, with many causes, including freezing to death due to the extreme cold. The world recently witnessed the heartbreaking scene of twins who died of cold and hunger not having reached ten days old! The world also saw the state of tents in Gaza that offer no shelter from rain, do not protect from cold, nor provide a place where a child can rest a little before death strikes at any moment. Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), stated that children in the Gaza Strip are freezing to death due to the cold weather and lack of shelter!

 Destruction of Shelters

They bombed the schools that were sheltering them, they bombed the hospitals where they sought refuge, and they bombed the mosques, leaving no standing wall for humans or animals to cling to. The message from the captive was painfully human, but there are hundreds of daily messages that come through the satellite channels that are more painful, more horrifying, and more intense, and they do not stop for a moment, day or night. Those piercing messages say: There is a people being exterminated in plain sight of the world, that there are doctors being kidnapped from their hospitals and tortured, that there are thousands of girls like “Liri” who have no refuge, no shelter, and no hope for life even until morning, and that there are thousands of families who cannot demonstrate or hold sit-ins in front of a church or in front of the prime minister's house to protect their children and work for their return. All of these are preoccupied with a tent to drain rainwater, or busy burying their loved ones who are being eaten by dogs in the disaster-stricken streets of Gaza, or occupied in carrying containers to seek some warm and non-existent meals that the children bring back, either returning empty-handed or not returning at all.

 A Call to Humanity

The world that followed yesterday's message and sympathized with one of them must listen with another ear to these painful cries and see with both eyes before all of humanity pays a heavy price for its disgraceful silence about what is happening. It truly was a painful message humanly, but it was also a brilliant message to be added to the genius of “Al-Qassam” in everything it offers. Will it bear fruit in stopping the senseless slaughter and give an entire people the chance to grieve as befits humanity, to gather their wounds and bury their martyrs? Or will it pass like its predecessors to messages without awakening the conscience of the oblivious world?

As the "Israeli" genocide against the Gaza Strip continues for 463 days, the "Israeli" bombing of Palestinian homes in various areas of the region persists, intensifying its targeting of displaced persons in shelters and tents, while firefighting and rescue vehicles in the central and southern governorates of the Gaza Strip have come to a halt due to the lack of necessary equipment to recover the martyrs and the injured.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza issued an update on the number of martyrs of the genocide war, after adding approximately 499 martyrs to the cumulative statistics, whose data were completed and approved by the judicial committee monitoring the notifications and missing persons file. The total number of victims documented by the ministry has now reached 46,237 martyrs and 109,571 injured.

The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the "Israeli" occupation army committed five massacres within 48 hours, resulting in 32 martyrs and 193 injuries upon their arrival at hospitals.

Medical sources confirmed that 16 Palestinians were killed since the morning of Saturday, January 11, 2025, due to "Israeli" airstrikes targeting various areas of the Strip.

With the ongoing campaign of extermination and forced displacement in northern Gaza for over three months amid tight military siege and brutal massacres, the occupation army continues to demolish residential buildings with air strikes and artillery.

This afternoon, 8 Palestinians were killed and more than 30 injured, including 19 children, due to "Israeli" aerial bombardment targeting Zainab Al-Wazir School, which houses displaced persons in Jabalia.

Additionally, the past hours witnessed intensive strikes launched by the occupation on Gaza City, one of which resulted in the martyrdom of three Palestinians and injury to others after the occupation bombed a residential apartment on the fifth floor of the “Zubda” building adjacent to Al-Kanz Mosque in the Al-Rimal neighborhood west of Gaza City.

The Civil Defense reported that it recovered one martyr and three wounded after bombing a residential building in the Zeitoun neighborhood in southeastern Gaza City.

In the central Gaza Strip, the occupation army fired from its vehicles west of Al-Nusairat camp and conducted an air raid east of Al-Bureij camp.

In another targeting in the central governorate, a number of Palestinians were injured due to gunfire and bombs from "Israeli" drones on a school housing displaced persons west of the new camp in Al-Nusairat.

In southern Gaza, the "Israeli" army bombed a tent housing displaced persons west of the Attar area in "Mawasii" Khan Younis, resulting in several injuries.

A medical source reported the martyrdom of a young Palestinian and injuries to two others in an aerial bombardment targeting a gathering of Palestinians, which struck a displacement tent in "Mawasii" in Khan Younis, while the Rafah governorate is witnessing intensive artillery bombardment.

The number of martyr journalists rises to 203.

In a related context, the government media office documented the increase in the number of journalists and media activists who have been martyred in Gaza to 203, following the martyrdom of journalist Saeed Abu Nibhan yesterday, Friday, since the start of the genocide war on the Strip on October 7, 2023.

For its part, the Palestinian Journalists' Protection Center (PJPS) condemned in the strongest terms the crime of killing the journalist "Saeed Nibhan" while covering the events of the "Israeli" war in central Gaza.

He renewed his strong condemnation during a brief statement regarding the targeting of Palestinian journalists, expressing that this rises to the level of "systematic crimes" that constitute a blatant violation of international law principles. He held the "Israeli" government and its supporting countries, such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, fully responsible for the crimes of killing and targeting journalists. He confirmed that the ongoing support of these countries for "Israel" contributes to the repetition of violations considered part of the genocide policy facing the Palestinian people in Gaza. He also called for the formation of an independent international commission of inquiry to investigate the war crimes committed against journalists in Gaza.

Civil Defense announces the suspension of its vehicles

At this time, the Civil Defense Agency stated in a brief statement today, Saturday, January 11, that fire and rescue services in Gaza, the Middle Area, and Khan Younis have stopped working due to the lack of spare parts and maintenance devices necessary to repair and operate them. The Civil Defense confirmed that the occupation, during its ongoing aggression, has destroyed most of the equipment, devices, and repair parts that were available in the local market and which minimally met the maintenance requirements of their vehicles. It also destroyed the Civil Defense’s stockpile of this equipment. The Civil Defense urged all international, regional, and Arab humanitarian organizations to urgently deliver this equipment and maintenance parts to the Gaza Strip before more firefighting and rescue vehicles become non-operational, warning of the worsening crisis that has been ongoing for months, which greatly limits their crews’ ability to respond to citizens' calls.

 Additionally, the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza stated that it received notification from UN institutions about the entry of fuel quantities into the Strip and efforts to continue supplying it to ensure that a crisis does not occur in the near term. The ministry said in a statement: "After exceptional and diligent efforts concerning the fuel crisis that hospitals in the Gaza Strip suffered from days ago, which nearly affected the hospitals, we were informed by UN institutions that they succeeded in bringing in quantities of fuel and working on continuity in supply to ensure that a crisis does not occur in the near term."

Warnings of communication outages

This comes at a time when the Ministry of Communications warned of the potential interruption of communication services in the Gaza Strip due to fuel depletion. Palestinian Communications Minister Abdul Razak Al-Natsha stated in a statement: "Communication services (fixed and mobile) and the internet in the Gaza Strip will be affected starting from Friday evening due to the lack of fuel, which exacerbates the humanitarian disaster and deprives citizens of their right to connect with emergency and relief services." Al-Natsha explained that "extensive outages in fixed communication services will begin on Friday evening in the central and southern areas of the Gaza Strip, and will later extend to include fixed and mobile services in the other areas over the next two days, if the crisis continues." He noted that the northern Gaza Governorate has been experiencing a complete interruption of communication services for about 100 days due to the occupation's prevention of fuel reaching those areas, adding that "Israel's obstruction of fuel convoys exacerbates the crisis of scarcity in the quantities allocated for relief, health, and service institutions."

The Israeli occupying forces continue to commit the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip for the 462nd consecutive day, conducting dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation due to the blockade and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.

Correspondents reported that the occupying forces' aircraft and artillery continued their violent bombings on Friday across various parts of the Gaza Strip, targeting homes, displaced persons' gatherings, and streets, resulting in dozens of martyrs and injuries.

The occupation forces have continued their ground invasion of extensive neighborhoods in Rafah since May 7, conducting multiple operations in Gaza amid aerial and artillery bombardment and committing horrific massacres, along with the demolition of citizens' homes in the Jabalia camp.

For the 98th consecutive day, northern Gaza has been under Israeli siege and starvation amid intense aerial and artillery bombardment, completely isolating the northern governorate from Gaza.

The occupying forces have continued, for the 78th consecutive day, to forcibly disrupt the work of civil defense in northern Gaza due to ongoing Israeli targeting and aggression, leaving thousands of citizens there without humanitarian and medical care.

Seven martyrs have fallen, and others have been injured in an Israeli bombardment targeting a gathering in the Al-Bureij camp in central Gaza.

The child Kareem Wisam Al-Ghura (a displaced person from the Sabra neighborhood) was martyred due to the explosion of a suspicious object in the Al-Sumoud camp west of Khan Yunis.

Fire broke out in several citizens' homes due to the continuous Israeli bombardment on houses west of the new camp north of Al-Nussairat camp.

Israeli warplanes targeted a group of citizens at Al-Shuja'iyya roundabout east of Gaza City.

The occupation aircraft carried out an airstrike on Abasan east of Khan Yunis.

Samira Khaled Rashid Amer was martyred after being affected by an Israeli bombardment that targeted a residential apartment near Al-Amal Hospital west of Khan Yunis city.

Salem Mustafa Abu Stah was martyred due to injuries sustained in a previous Israeli bombardment east of Rafah city.

The occupation authorities released Dr. Mahmoud Abu Shahada after an 11-month detention in the occupation prisons.

Civilian Shadi Omar Sahaloul was martyred, and two others were injured in the Israeli shelling on civilians west of Khan Yunis city.

Occupation forces carried out demolitions of houses in northern Gaza.

Two girls, Tala and Najwa, and their father, Muhammad Bassam Abu Kharouf, were martyred, and their mother was injured due to the occupation's bombing last night on Al-Nussairat camp in central Gaza.

Israeli occupation forces continue to commit acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip, for the 461st consecutive day, by launching dozens of airstrikes and artillery shelling, while committing massacres against civilians, amidst a catastrophic humanitarian situation due to the siege and the displacement of more than 95% of the population.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday that the number of casualties from the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip has risen to 46,006 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and 109,378 injuries, since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023.

Israel kills 70 Palestinians and injures 104 in 24 hours.

The Ministry stated in its daily statistical report on war casualties that Israeli occupation forces killed 70 Palestinians and injured 104 others, confirmed to have reached hospitals in the past 24 hours on the 461st day of the war on the Gaza Strip, affirming that there are a number of victims under the rubble and in the streets that ambulance and civil defense crews cannot reach.

The Ministry urged the families of the victims and the missing to complete their data to fulfill all information needs through the Ministry of Health records.

Two citizens, including a child, were killed and several others were injured due to the bombing of an Israeli aircraft targeting the home of the Abu Khrof family near the agency clinic in the Al-Nusairat camp market in the central Gaza Strip, early Thursday morning, according to our correspondent.

The occupation army resumed its aggression on the Gaza Strip on Friday, December 1, after a seven-day humanitarian truce.

Since the beginning of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip, 45,885 citizens have been martyred, while the number of injured has reached 109,196. Additionally, 72% of the victims are women and children, according to the Ministry of Health.

With the continuation of the brutal aggression, most hospitals and health centers have stopped operating, either due to bombing or fuel depletion.

Meanwhile, Israeli military estimates indicate that more than 1,500 Israelis have been killed since the fighting began, including more than 700 officers and soldiers, in addition to about 10,000 injured.

An Israeli minister calls for "not to be afraid" of his occupation  

According to eyewitnesses and medical sources, the airstrikes targeted residential areas and civilian facilities, resulting in entire families being killed and homes being destroyed over their occupants.

In the north of the Gaza Strip, Israeli occupation aircraft bombed a house in Jabalia, resulting in the martyrdom of 8 Palestinians and the injury of others. The attacks extended to the areas of Al-Sudaniya, the intelligence headquarters, and Al-Karama in northwestern Gaza, in addition to artillery shelling that targeted the Al-Saftawi area. The occupying forces continued to demolish residential buildings in Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, and the Zeitoun neighborhood.

In the central Gaza Strip, 4 people from the same family were martyred due to an airstrike in Al-Nuseirat, including a father and his three children. In Deir al-Balah, the bombing of a family home resulted in the martyrdom of 5 individuals, among them victims who succumbed to their injuries. Another air raid targeted a tent for displaced people inside a school in Al-Nuseirat, but no injuries were reported. Areas in eastern Khan Younis and Rafah were also shelled.

In the south of the Gaza Strip, Israeli artillery bombarded areas in eastern Khan Younis and Rafah, with heavy gunfire and naval shelling targeting residential areas, exacerbating the suffering of residents amid the ongoing siege and famine.

On the political front, extremist Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich vowed to escalate attacks on Gaza, stating that Israel is "preparing hell" for the Strip. The extremist minister called for a radical change in the management of the war, emphasizing the need to fully occupy Gaza and rebuild the settlements there. Smotrich also rejected any negotiations for a prisoner exchange with Hamas, considering the release of Palestinian prisoners to be a "catastrophic surrender."

International Criticism 

These statements come at a time when Israel is facing international criticism, as it ignores arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court against Israeli officials for committing war crimes and crimes against humanity. Since October 7, 2023, the war has resulted in the martyrdom and injury of more than 155,000 Palestinians, most of them children and women, amid widespread destruction and devastating famine, which is considered one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world. Israeli massacres in Gaza continue with American support, while calls grow louder to put an end to this escalation that threatens regional stability and deepens the humanitarian tragedy in the Strip.

Kuwait is striving to achieve sustainable development in the field of artificial intelligence through a comprehensive strategy aimed at enhancing innovation and economic growth using modern AI technologies. This strategy represents an important step towards realizing Kuwait's Vision 2035, as it seeks to build an advanced digital infrastructure and enhance competitiveness through these advanced technologies. 

1. Promoting Responsible Artificial Intelligence in Kuwait

 The Strategy:

The Kuwaiti government considers artificial intelligence a significant responsibility that requires an organized approach to ensure the development of this technology in a safe and responsible manner. One of the government's goals is to implement regulatory and security frameworks to ensure that AI technology is used safely and effectively across all sectors. 

The measures taken include enhancing human oversight of intelligent systems, integrating security and resilience measures to ensure no negative impact on critical infrastructure. 

 Future Directions:  

Kuwait aims to ensure that artificial intelligence remains a tool for promoting sustainable growth, while ensuring ongoing collaboration between the government, industry, and civil society to achieve the best outcomes. 

2. Enhancing Data Management and Technological Infrastructure to Support AI

 Improving Data Management:

Data is the primary engine of artificial intelligence technology; therefore, Kuwait is focusing on improving methods for data collection, organization, and security. This includes enhancing centralized data storage systems while ensuring quality and security, as well as developing secure platforms for data sharing between government entities and companies. 

 Enhancing Digital Infrastructure:   

Kuwait aims to improve communication networks and increase storage capacity to support artificial intelligence technology, while developing cybersecurity systems to ensure the secure integration of modern technologies. 

3. Coordinating Stakeholders for AI Governance

 Coordination of Collaboration:  

To ensure the effective implementation of the national AI strategy, the Kuwaiti government has launched a steering committee comprising representatives from various government entities, the private sector, and the academic community. This committee aims to ensure coordination between different parties and identify the best ways to use artificial intelligence across vital sectors.

4. Empowering the Workforce in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Skill Development:

Kuwait will offer specialized training programs to meet the growing workforce needs in the field of artificial intelligence. This includes updating academic curricula and providing training courses to empower youth and professionals to acquire the necessary skills to work in this evolving field.

Awareness:

Public awareness campaigns will also be organized to educate citizens about the benefits of artificial intelligence and how to leverage it in their daily lives.

5. Building a Comprehensive Artificial Intelligence Ecosystem

Supporting Innovation and Entrepreneurship:

Kuwait aims to promote innovation by establishing incubators and centers for developing startups in the field of artificial intelligence. These initiatives aim to attract local and international investments and provide financial and technical support to emerging companies.

International Collaboration:

Kuwait will work to build partnerships with other countries and international organizations to exchange knowledge and enhance innovation in this field.

6. Kuwait’s Roadmap for Artificial Intelligence

Short-term Opportunities:

• Launching the national artificial intelligence strategy.
• Initiating pilot projects across multiple sectors.

Medium-term Opportunities:

• Expanding pilot projects and broadening the scope of artificial intelligence applications.
• Improving digital infrastructure.

Long-term Opportunities:

• Ongoing investment in skill development.
• Adopting new technologies to stimulate innovation and sustainable growth.

7. Monitoring the Implementation of the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy

Continuous Evaluation:

The progress of implementing the artificial intelligence strategy is monitored by identifying key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly collecting data to assess the effectiveness of the measures taken. Regular reports on the progress made will be presented, and efforts will be independently evaluated to ensure adaptation to future challenges.

Kuwait’s strategy in the field of artificial intelligence is a key step toward achieving Kuwait Vision 2035, which seeks to build an advanced digital economy. By enhancing infrastructure, developing the workforce, and integrating artificial intelligence across various sectors, Kuwait will strive to become one of the leading countries in this field.

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Source: Central Agency for Information Technology

Amir hails Gulf Cup success

Sheikh Meshal thanks Kuwaiti people and officials, congratulates winners Bahrain

  HH the Amir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah extended his sincere appreciation and gratitude to the Kuwaiti people for their hospitality and good deeds towards Gulf Cup fans that contributed to the success of Khaleeji Zain 26. This came in a speech by HH the Amir during his reception of the supreme organizing committee of the Gulf Cup Tuesday in the presence of HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, HH the Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Sabah and First Deputy Prime Minister, Interior Minister and Defense Minister Sheikh Fahad Al-Yousef Al-Sabah.

In the speech, HH the Amir thanked Minister of Information and Culture, Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Chairman of the Supreme Organizing Committee of the Gulf Cup Abdulrahman Al-Mutairi, President of Kuwait Football Association and Vice Chairman of the Supreme Committee Sheikh Ahmad Yousef Saud Al-Sabah and the committee members for their efforts. HH the Amir also extended appreciation to HH the Prime Minister and all the concerned ministers, officials and volunteers for their tireless efforts, which culminated in the success of this sporting event that reflected the readiness of Kuwait to organize such tournaments.

HH the Amir congratulated Bahrain on winning the cup, extending appreciation to all participating teams, wishing them success in upcoming events. Furthermore, HH the Amir affirmed full support for the continuation of the development renaissance witnessed by Kuwait in various fields, especially sports, and the ambition of hosting the Asian Football Cup in the near future.

Minister of Information Al-Mutairi, and on behalf of the supreme committee members, thanked HH the Amir for this reception and the kind sentiments. “Your generous sponsorship of this sporting event was not just a support for sports, but rather a noble message that reflects your constant keenness to consolidate the values of brotherhood and fraternity among the peoples of the Arabian Gulf and to embody Kuwait’s pioneering role as a center of love and peace in the region,” said Al-Mutairi. The meeting was attended by senior state officials. — KUNA

Namaa provides winter relief aid to Gaza and Yemen

Kuwait’s Namaa Charity Society continues its extensive humanitarian campaigns, bringing aid to vulnerable populations in Gaza and Yemen. In the northern Gaza Strip, Namaa Charity launched a winter relief campaign to support forcibly displaced. The initiative included the distribution of leather and nylon tarps, winter clothing, tents and food supplies to those in need.

“This campaign is part of our ongoing humanitarian response to alleviate the suffering of our people in the Gaza Strip, who endure difficult conditions, especially during the winter season,” said Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Namaa Charity’s Executive Vice President. Al-Kandari highlighted that this aid is part of a series of relief projects designed to improve the living conditions of families facing severe hardships. He also expressed deep gratitude to the people of Kuwait for their unwavering generosity, describing their support as a source of hope for refugees.

Marwan Muhaisen, President of the Wafa Association for Development and Capacity Building, praised Kuwait’s leadership, government and people for their vital contributions to Gaza. “The distribution of leather and nylon tarps addresses the urgent need to protect refugee families from harsh winter conditions, where rain and floods pose a direct threat to their lives,” he said. Muhaisen emphasized that Kuwaiti aid significantly alleviates the suffering of refugees living in camps with inadequate infrastructure

Simultaneously, Namaa Charity has extended its winter relief efforts to Yemen, where harsh winter conditions also threaten vulnerable communities. In Yemen’s Marib and Ibb governorates, the organization distributed blankets and winter clothing to more than 1,000 individuals, including children and the elderly.

Jamal Al-Faqih, Director of the Heteen Foundation, which executed the project, expressed his gratitude to Kuwait’s leadership, government and people, as well as to Namaa Charity, for their ongoing support. “This campaign aims to alleviate the winter hardships faced by Yemeni families by providing essential supplies to ensure warmth and protection,” he said.

Al-Faqih commended Kuwait’s longstanding commitment to supporting Yemen, noting that the country has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership in global humanitarian and relief efforts. Namaa Charity’s campaign in Yemen has been running for 10 years. Last week, the organization distributed winter essentials to around 5,000 individuals across various Yemeni governorates. — KUNA

 Namaa Charity and the General Secretariat of Awqaf Announce Beneficiaries of the "University Student Support" Project

• Al-Kandari: "Supporting University Students" embodies Namaa's vision of investing in people and fulfilling the aspirations of youth.
• Al-Khadr: The General Secretariat of Awqaf continues to implement the wishes of donors to support students and achieve sustainable development.
• Al-Bassam: Our partnership with the General Secretariat of Awqaf is a model for enhancing human development and empowering youth.

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Namaa Charity, affiliated with the Social Reform Society, announced during a press conference attended by Abdulaziz Al-Kandari, Deputy CEO of Namaa Charity, and Nasser Al-Khadr, representative of the General Secretariat of Awqaf, the beneficiaries of the "University Student Support" project for the first semester of the current academic year. The number of beneficiaries during the first semester of this academic year reached approximately 816 male and female students, while around 3972 students have benefited from the project since its inception. This pioneering project is considered a model of strategic partnership between charitable and governmental institutions, aiming to support university students who are financially unable to continue their education.

Abdulaziz Al-Kandari began by stating that the "University Student Support" project is a practical embodiment of Namaa Charity's vision to invest in people, noting that it is impossible to build an advanced society without education. He emphasized that Namaa Charity not only provides financial support to students but also offers them the opportunity to realize their academic dreams and contribute to the development of their community. Education is the foundation for building nations, and this project aims to bridge the educational gap that prevents young people from achieving their ambitions.

He added that since the project began in the academic year 2020-2021 until now, a total of 3972 students have benefited from it, with a total amount exceeding 1,998,053 Kuwaiti Dinars. Just in the first semester of this year, 816 students were supported. He indicated that these figures reflect the impact of the project on the lives of beneficiaries and their families.

When asked about support for students in general education stages, Al-Kandari stated that Namaa Charity has not overlooked school students, as it implements the "Teach Me, and You Will Be Rewarded" project, which supports underprivileged students and orphans at various educational levels. Since 2017, 8,538 students have benefited from the project, including 1,000 beneficiaries in the first semester of this year. He explained that the project aims to combat educational dropouts and provide equitable educational opportunities, focusing on outstanding students to ensure the continuity of their education.

Al-Kandari clarified that the "University Student Support" project and the "Teach Me, and You Will Be Rewarded" project embody the commitment to the motto of Namaa Charity, "We Care for People." Education is the key to building a bright future, and we are continuing to fulfill our mission to ensure sustainable education that opens doors of opportunity for everyone in need.

"Furthermore, Al-Kandari concluded his statement by saying: We extend our gratitude to the General Secretariat of Awqaf for their continuous support of these humanitarian projects, which enhance Kuwait's position as a beacon of charitable and humanitarian work. Through our strategic partnerships, we continue to empower youth to achieve their academic dreams so that they can be part of a bright future that contributes to the development of the nation and society.

For his part, Nasser Al-Khudher, Director of the Endowment Projects Department at the General Secretariat of Awqaf, stated that the General Secretariat of Awqaf plays a pivotal role in managing the endowment funds dedicated to supporting education, in accordance with the conditions stipulated by the endowers in the endowment deeds. This partnership is not just cooperation; it is a model of integrated work that serves the vision of Kuwait 2035 and the sustainable development goals. Thanks to this partnership, we contribute to empowering youth, enhancing social solidarity values, and building a conscious and educated generation capable of uplifting their community.

Al-Khudher confirmed that this partnership has resulted in the acceptance of 816 students who met the required criteria. He noted that the project reflects our commitment to implementing the endowment deeds and the allocations specified therein, especially those designated to support scientific development. He explained that the project ensures support for students studying at universities accredited by the Ministry of Higher Education in Kuwait, whether inside or outside the country, praying to Allah the Almighty that these students will aid in the development and construction of the nation.

Al-Khudher added that the General Secretariat of Awqaf works to fulfill the endowers’ conditions and direct endowment funds to support eligible students. We hope that this project contributes to building a conscious generation capable of contributing to the sustainable development of our beloved country.

In turn, Walid Al-Bassam, Head of the Projects and Development Sector at Nama Charity, expressed his pride in this partnership aimed at enhancing human development, pointing out that Nama Charity operates under the slogan “We Care for Humanity,” inspired by the saying of the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him: “Whoever walks a path seeking knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise.”

Al-Bassam confirmed that this is the eighth season of the project, during which 3,972 students have been supported over the past four years through 8 academic semesters, with a full commitment to the endowers' conditions and directing aid to cover tuition fees. Al-Bassam concluded with a prayer, saying: We ask Allah to grant success to the students and guide their steps so that they become effective members in serving their nation and community."/Al-Mujtama

Kuwait unveils digital platform to improve local charity work

Central database to prevent duplicated aid, ensure timely assistance

  The Ministry of Social Affairs has launched a central digital platform designed to improve coordination among charitable organizations and ensure the fair and efficient distribution of aid. This initiative is part of the ministry’s broader efforts to modernize charitable work and digitize related processes.

In a statement published by KUNA on Sunday, the ministry said a new “central aid program” aims to establish a central database that consolidates all applicants for various types of assistance. This will simplify the process of identifying deserving cases while minimizing the risk of duplicate aid distributions.

Efforts to organize sector

The ministry has recently launched efforts to better organize the charitable sector. Last November, Minister of Social Affairs Dr Amthal Al-Huwailah issued several ministerial decisions to dissolve 15 charities following inspection visits to assess the adherence of charities to the regulations governing charitable work and to determine their effectiveness in delivering community services. The investigations revealed that some of the foundations had not been actively engaged in any real activities for years. Additionally, their bank accounts had been closed for an extended period, and they had failed to submit required budgets or financial reports.

In September, the ministry temporarily suspended the financial accounts of five organizations due to their failure to submit the necessary reports. It stressed that any charity that fails to submit reports on time will face a temporary suspension of its financial accounts until the required documentation is provided. This measure is aimed at ensuring transparency, in line with ministerial resolutions.

How the platform will work

The platform’s main advantage, said the ministry, is that it will streamline coordination between charitable organizations and foundations, enhancing transparency in the aid request process and preventing duplicate distributions.

The program is integrated with the Mobile ID application, which includes the digital version of people’s civil ID. Charities will be able to access preliminary information about beneficiaries, such as the type of assistance requested and the number of household members that need assistance. Although the platform will carry sensitive information about a beneficiary, such as their civil ID number and address, the ministry assures that personal data will be protected until it’s needed by a charity after it begins processing a request.

The platform will alert both charity associations and the ministry if requests remain open for more than two weeks without a response. This will facilitate the redirection of requests to other associations to ensure timely assistance for beneficiaries. The platform will generate daily or monthly analytical reports on the types, values, and number of beneficiaries receiving assistance, thus empowering the ministry and the charities to make data-driven decisions and maximize community benefits.

The Foreign Ministry database

As a UN humanitarian center, Kuwait takes pride in its relief efforts, which have been a lifeline for communities in distress both locally and globally. While the Ministry of Social Affairs’ initiative to digitize charitable work in Kuwait is the first of its kind, other government agencies have implemented similar systems. For instance, the foreign ministry maintains a database to track the country’s charitable activities abroad, ensuring transparency and preventing misuse of funds in activities such as terrorism and money laundering. This database also requires foreign charitable organizations to register with Kuwaiti missions abroad before being authorized to collect donations in the country.

The big picture

The ministry said the program represents an important step towards enhancing transparency and improving charitable work mechanisms, in line with Kuwait’s developmental vision (New Kuwait 2035). It explained that the system is a chance for cooperation between charitable organizations and government institutions, offering a unified platform under one umbrella to enable charitable organizations to carry out their operations more efficiently. The ministry reaffirmed its commitment to further developing the charitable work environment, contributing to achieving sustainable development goals, and enhancing social solidarity within Kuwaiti society. — Agencies

Hofath: Registration Open for the Second Semester in 57 Quranic Centers

The Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Service of the Holy Quran and Its Sciences (Hofath) announced the opening of registration for Quranic circles of all types for the second semester through 57 Quranic centers in the governorates of Kuwait.

The treasurer of the association and member of the board, Adel Al-Draiban, stated that registration in the “Hofath” circles for the second semester is available for all ages from 4 years old and above; for boys, girls, men, and women, to study in the “Hofath” centers, which number more than 57 Quranic centers across various regions of Kuwait, featuring 789 circles with over 7,000 students. These centers are supported by a distinguished educational and supervisory team and specialized members of the association in teaching memorization and Quranic sciences and readings.

He added that the Kuwaiti Charity Association for the Service of the Holy Quran and Its Sciences (Hofath) invites parents to enroll their children in the Quranic centers, where regular sessions will be held in mosques, taking place twice a week in the evening. In addition to memorizing the Holy Quran, these sessions will include teaching Islamic values and etiquette, as well as various cultural and recreational activities.

Al-Draiban explained that the association has launched the educational framework “Our Enjoyable Arabic Language Series,” which is a specialized educational curriculum designed to facilitate the teaching of Arabic letters and reading from the Quran for students in the Quranic circles. This curriculum aims to teach reading and writing in Arabic for students in the foundational stages aged 4-6 years, in addition to specialized memorization circles for memorizing and perfecting the entire Holy Quran. It targets all students from various segments of society. To register in "Hofath" centers and circles, you can contact the hotline at 65621281./ Al-Mujtama

IICO: Over 6.4 million Beneficiaries from Our Projects at a Cost Exceeding $73.5 Million in 2024

The International Islamic Charity Organization revealed significant humanitarian and developmental achievements during the year 2024, having implemented 9,214 diverse projects in social, educational, developmental, and cultural fields in 56 countries, with a total cost of $73,554,590, benefiting 6,449,423 individuals.

Ibrahim Khalid Al-Badr, the Deputy Director-General for Institutional Communication, confirmed in a press statement that these achievements were made possible thanks to the efforts of the organization's working teams, which consist of 33 volunteer teams and initiatives with 711 volunteers, alongside operations through 15 branches within Kuwait and 11 offices abroad, in cooperation with many local and global partner organizations.

Al-Badr highlighted that the charity works according to a strategic vision extending to the year 2026, focusing on building and empowering individuals across various educational, cultural, social, and economic fields to improve the living conditions of the most needy communities.

He explained that the organization managed to achieve outstanding results in social projects, having implemented 276 projects at a cost of $26,523,836, benefiting over 5,648,769 individuals in 34 countries, which included projects for breaking the fast during Ramadan, animal sacrifices, winter clothing, shelter, home renovations, Zakat al-Fitr, support for needy families, patients and individuals with disabilities, orphan sponsorship, relief projects, building and equipping health centers, providing medical care, and performing surgical operations.

Regarding educational projects, Al-Badr indicated that they received special attention, as the authority implemented 102 projects in 21 countries at a cost of $27,778,880. These projects benefited 46,929 individuals, including students, teachers, and administrators. The initiatives included the construction and equipping of schools, payment of tuition fees, sponsorship of students and teachers, and provision of school buses.

In the realm of cultural projects, Al-Badr explained that the authority accomplished 177 projects valued at $11,810,686. These projects included building mosques and Islamic centers, scientific conferences, sponsorship of preachers, supporting Quran projects, and Shafi'i projects, benefiting 58,102 people in 43 countries.

On the topic of sustainable development projects, which represent a pioneering model in empowering communities and achieving economic development, Al-Badr emphasized that the charitable authority places significant importance on development and economic empowerment projects due to their role in transitioning vulnerable groups from reliance on aid to a space of work and productivity. The authority implemented 8,659 projects at a cost of $7,441,187 in 29 countries, benefiting 695,623 individuals, with initiatives ranging from water, energy, and agriculture projects to programs aimed at rehabilitating underprivileged groups, and small and micro enterprises.

Al-Badr pointed out a unique project, celebrated for completing its phases in December 2024, which addresses learning difficulties among Syrian refugee and displaced students in Jordan, Turkey, and Lebanon. This project aims to tackle educational deficits resulting from displacement conditions through compensatory programs, educational materials, and specialized curricula. The initiative seeks to provide sustainable solutions to the learning difficulties faced by about 15,000 students, benefiting over 2,000 teachers, in addition to supporting numerous educational and academic institutions. He emphasized the uniqueness of this project, which is the first of its kind, as it establishes a detailed methodology for diagnosing and treating learning difficulties, developed by 22 academic, technical, and administrative teams, involving 164 experts from 12 Arab universities.

Al-Badr added that the authority launched the "Sanda" initiative to enhance humanitarian interventions and early recovery in the Gaza Strip in coordination with the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The initiative was part of the ninth Effective Partnership Conference under the slogan "Humanitarian Partnership," with the participation of 147 organizations from 48 countries. The value of the announced programs to support shelter, health, education, and economic empowerment within the initiative approached two billion dollars.

Al-Badr concluded his statement by affirming that the accomplishments achieved by the charitable authority came through God's grace, followed by the support of political leadership for charitable work, the generosity of donors, and the dedication of the authority's workers and volunteers. He praised the role of local and international partners in translating the authority's goals into reality and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to supporting its humanitarian and developmental projects./ Al-Mujtama

The war in "Israel" and the crime of genocide being carried out by the occupying forces against Palestinian families, civilians, and displaced people in the Gaza Strip entered its 460th consecutive day today, Wednesday, coinciding with ongoing bombings and targeting of inhabited homes, and the commission of new massacres.

The toll from the continuous Israeli military aggression on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has risen to 45,885 martyrs, in addition to 109,196 injured with varying degrees of wounds, some of which are critical.

For the 96th day, the occupation army continues its military operation in northern Gaza through airstrikes, artillery shelling, destroying homes, and enforcing a policy of starvation and blockade.

On Tuesday, the Ministry of Health warned of a real disaster besetting hospitals, oxygen stations, medicine refrigerators, and incubators in all remaining health facilities operating in the sector due to fuel shortages.

Medical sources reported the martyrdom of 49 Palestinians from yesterday morning until midnight tonight (Tuesday/Wednesday) in various areas of the Strip.

Latest Developments

Early Wednesday, three citizens were martyred due to the bombing of the al-Banna family's house in Deir al-Balah city, including Ahmad Nabil al-Banna, 17 years old, Hudaifa Nabil al-Banna, 22 years old, and Wahba Muhammad Salman al-Banna (al-Hajj), 48 years old.

Five martyrs and several injuries arrived early today at the Baptist Hospital after targeting the "Barghout" family's house near Bilal Mosque in the al-Zeitoun neighborhood in southern Gaza City.

Israeli war boats opened fire west of al-Nuseirat in the middle of the Gaza Strip.

The occupation aircraft also launched an Israeli airstrike on an apartment in Deir al-Balah city early today.

The occupation army demolished residential buildings in the al-Nazla area of Jabalia in northern Gaza.

Several citizens were martyred and injured in an Israeli air raid targeting a house in al-Bureij camp in the central Gaza Strip.

Seventeen citizens were martyred last night, Tuesday, due to the Israeli bombardment on Khan Younis city in southern Gaza, including 8 children and 5 women.

Among the martyrs identified after the occupation's bombing of the Muhaireb family home in Khan Younis camp were Rahaf Muhammad Zakaria Muhaireb, Wissam Nadi Zakaria Muhaireb, and Wissam Iyad Abdul Halim Al-Qazzaz.

The occupation forces have continued their aggression against the Gaza Strip by land, sea, and air since October 7, 2023, resulting in the martyrdom of 45,854 citizens, the majority of whom are women and children, and the injury of 109,139 others, while thousands of victims remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes.

The Israeli occupation forces continue their aggression on the Gaza Strip on the 459th day of the genocide, causing more casualties, most of whom are children and women.

The Palestinian news agency reported the martyrdom of citizens and the injury of others due to the bombing of the occupation’s aircraft on the home of the Al-Obaid family near the Ain Jalout towers, south of Al-Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip. It was added that four citizens were martyred after the occupation’s aircraft targeted the home of the Sawahil family on Hamid Street in the Al-Shati refugee camp in the west of Gaza Province.

Journalistic sources reported injuries to a number of citizens due to the bombing of the occupation’s aircraft on a tent for displaced persons belonging to the Ismail family near the entrance to Al-Maghazi in the central Gaza Strip.

Israeli warplanes targeted a house belonging to the Abdul Hadi family in the Al-Bureij camp in the central sector last night, resulting in the martyrdom of four citizens, including children, and the injury of 13 others with varying degrees of wounds, according to the Al-Awda Hospital in Al-Nuseirat.

Earlier today, a citizen was martyred by the fire of an Israeli drone, a "quad copter," which targeted him in the Al-Maqousi area in the northwest of Gaza City.

Two children were also martyred this morning in the bombing of occupation warplanes in the town of Al-Shawka east of Rafah.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) announced an increase in child deaths in the Gaza Strip due to cold and lack of shelter to seven, amid the continued Israeli genocide against the sector.

UNRWA added in a statement issued tonight that “the cold weather and lack of shelter are causing the deaths of newborns in Gaza, while 7,700 newborns lack life-saving care.”

As of now, reports indicate “the deaths of at least seven children due to the cold in the sector.”

The statement pointed out that “the World Health Organization condemned the assaults by the Israeli army, which has rendered the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza out of service.”

The UN agency reported that “it has been confirmed that Israel has carried out 50 attacks on Kamal Adwan Hospital and the surrounding areas since October 2024.”

The WHO also called for the release of the director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, Hussam Abu Safiya.

Displaced persons are living in tents made of cloth and nylon under harsh humanitarian conditions due to the shortage of essential life supplies such as water and food, as well as a severe lack of clothing, blankets, and heating supplies during the winter.

The occupation army admitted the killing of military personnel, one of whom is an officer with the rank of captain, and the injury of two others seriously in their battles with the Palestinian resistance in the northern Gaza Strip.

Al-Qassam Brigades fired a barrage of rockets from the town of Beit Hanoun toward "Sderot"; they also announced targeting “two Zionist 'Merkava' tanks with explosive devices east of the Safatawi junction, west of the Jabalia camp in the northern sector.”

The occupation forces continue their aggression by land, sea, and air against the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, resulting in the martyrdom of 45,854 citizens, the majority of whom are women and children, and the injury of 109,139 others, while thousands of victims remain trapped under the rubble of destroyed homes.