After two daughters joined Islamic State they had no idea their family story would vie for an Oscar award
The real-life story of Hamrouni and her children is the focus of “Four Daughters,” an Academy Award nominee for best documentary feature film. On camera, there are many layers to Kaouther Ben Hania’s film: It’s about the radicalisation of two teenage girls; an intimate portrait of a chaotic and often dysfunctional family life; and reflections on generational trauma, patriarchy, motherhood and adolescence.
UAE, Kenya seal comprehensive trade deal that covers food, mining and technology
UAE state news agency WAM quoted Kenya’s trade minister Rebecca Miano as saying the deal would play an important role in enabling Kenyan exports to reach important markets in Asia and the Middle East
Most promising Gaza ceasefire talks underway in Paris despite Israel, Hamas hardline positions
Two Egyptian security sources earlier confirmed that Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel would head on Friday to Paris for the talks with the Israelis, after wrapping up talks with Haniyeh on Thursday. Israel has not publicly commented on the Paris talks, which are expected to continue through the weekend.
MSF boss shocks UN, US with revelations that children as young as five in Gaza prefer to die
The US has vetoed three UN Security Council resolutions since the start of the current fighting on October 7, most recently blocking on Tuesday a demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire as it instead pushes council to call for a temporary ceasefire linked to the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Israel bombards Gaza’s Rafah bringing death toll to about 30,000 despite pressure for ceasefire
About 1.5 million people are estimated to be crammed into Rafah, on the southernmost fringe of the enclave close to the border with Egypt, most of them having fled their homes further north to escape Israel’s military onslaught.
Somalia announces deal with Turkey to counter Ethiopia’s MOU with breakaway Somaliland state
Turkey is a key player in Somalia, one of several Gulf Arab states jockeying for influence in a country that lies on the shores of the Indian Ocean and the Gulf of Aden – a pathway to the Red Sea.
Israeli missile attack hits high-security district in Syrian capital, no casualties reported
Witnesses heard several back-to-back explosions. The blasts scared children at a nearby school and ambulances rushed to the area, the witnesses told Reuters. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military.
Aid agencies warn of deepening crisis in eastern Congo as Gaza, Ukraine wars get more attention
The new fighting could lead to an escalation of regional tensions and involve more countries. As the UN winds down its 25-year peacekeeping mission in eastern Congo, a multi-national force under the southern African regional bloc is set to step in. That force will include soldiers from regional power South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania. They will help the Congo army forces, but it might put them in direct conflict with Rwanda.
South African animal rights activists up in arms after ship with 19,000 cattle causes a big stink in Cape Town
The National Council of the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals sent a veterinary consultant onboard the ship to assess the welfare of the animals, it said. The SPCA’s council said it was strongly opposed to the export of live animals by sea.
Gaza war enters new phase as US pushes UN to back temporary ceasefire, oppose Rafah assault
Until now, Washington has been averse to the word ceasefire in any UN action on the Israel-Hamas war, but the US text echoes language that President Joe Biden said he used last week in conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
