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Five people were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, including a young girl, according to medics
Palestinian officials said that Israeli attacks on Sunday killed at least five people, including a nine-year-old child. Medical personnel said Israeli gunfire was directed at an encampment of a 'tent' on the eastern edge of the Al-Bureij Refugee Camp in central Gaza, killing Tala Abumatar. The Israeli military didn't immediately comment on Tala Abu Matar's death. Four people were killed in an airstrike on a metal foundry located in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City. Three Israeli missiles were reported by witnesses to have struck the site. Israel's military claimed to have struck "terrorist infrastructure" without providing any further details. Despite the fact that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire in October 2025, it failed to stop Israeli attacks which have killed over 1,000 Palestinians in Gaza since its implementation. In the same time period, militants have killed four Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Hamas leaders are in Cairo to continue discussions about implementing the second phase U.S. president Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan. According to sources familiar with the talks, there are discussions about Hamas disarmament, and Israeli army withdraws. However, they add that a breakthrough has not yet occurred. Hamas controls a small strip of land on the coast where nearly all of Gaza's two million residents, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times, live. According to Israeli statistics, Hamas-led militants killed 1,200 people during their cross border attack into Israel on October 7, 2023. Gaza's health ministry reported that more than 73,000 Palestinians had been killed on the territory since. Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Editing by Helen Popper
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Three people were killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, including a young girl, according to medics
Palestinian officials reported that Israeli attacks on Gaza Strip killed three people, including a nine-year-old child. Medical personnel said that 'Israeli gunfire was directed at a tent camp on the eastern side of Al-Bureij Refugee Camp in central Gaza, killing 9-year-old Tala Abmatar. The Israeli military didn't immediately comment on Tala Abu Matar's death. Two people were killed in an airstrike on a metal foundry located in Gaza City's Sabra neighborhood. Three?Israeli rockets were reported by witnesses to have hit the site. Israel's military claimed to have struck "terrorist infrastructure" without providing further details. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in October 2025 halted major combat in the enclave. However, it failed to stop Israeli attacks which have killed more than 1,000 Palestinians since its implementation. In the same time period, militants have killed four Israeli soldiers in Gaza. Hamas leaders are in Cairo to continue discussions on the implementation of phase two of President Donald Trump's Gaza Peace Plan. According to sources familiar with the talks, there are discussions about Hamas disarmament, and Israeli army withdraws. However, they add that a breakthrough has not yet occurred. Hamas controls a small strip of land on the coast where nearly all of Gaza's two million residents, many of whom have already been displaced multiple times, live. According to Israeli statistics, Hamas-led forces killed 1,200 people during their cross-border attack on israel on October 7, 2023. Gaza's health ministry reported that more than 73,000 Palestinians had been killed on the territory since. Reporting by Nidal Al-Mughrabi, Editing by Helen Popper
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Iraqi Prime Minister to Visit Washington on Monday, Oil and Gas Deals Expected
Iraq's Prime Minister will visit Washington, D.C. on Monday to strengthen strategic ties. Oil and gas deals are expected to be signed as part of an broader push towards economic, trade, and investment cooperation. Iraq is trying to maintain a balance between its relations with Iran, its neighbour, and the U.S. Haider al Aboudi, a government spokesperson, said that the agreements will include memorandums?of understanding in the oil and natural gas sector. Iraq is preparing to bring in various U.S. firms to provide a boost to oil production. Al-Aboudi of Iraq's State News Agency said that the planned oil and gas deals would also create alternative export outlets in order to reduce Iraq’s exposure to disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz. Iraq has also suffered a decline in oil revenues, as have other Gulf oil producers due to the closure of the crucial shipping route during the U.S. - Iran war. Al-Aboudi stated that strengthening Iraq's military forces will also be discussed in Washington. The relationship between Iraq and the U.S. has been strained at times over the presence of U.S. soldiers in Iraq, Baghdad’s ties with Iran, and U.S. pressuring Iraq to curb the influence Iran-backed armed group. Ali al-Zaidi, however, received 'congratulations' from U.S. president Donald Trump after he was nominated to the premiership in April. Trump said that he hoped Baghdad would work more closely with Washington. Reporting by Muayad?Hameed. Eman Abouhassira wrote the article. David Goodman, Mark Potter and Mark Potter (Editing)
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OBITUARY - Former Qatar ruler Sheikh Hamad has died. A moderniser, who took power, Hamad was a former leader of Qatar.
Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani died aged 74. He was a moderniser and a powerful leader who took power in 1995, but broke tradition by handing it over to his son, 18 years later. The Amiri Diwan in Qatar, Qatar's top government body, announced on Sunday that Sheikh Hamad died. The cause of death was not mentioned. It did not mention?the cause of his death. Sheikh Hamad presided in one of the most significant periods of history of the country, driving a fast transformation of the small desert state, which reshaped the economy, global status and political ambition. He was a strong, independent personality who explained in his 2013 speech marking his abdication that he wished for a new generation to take charge "with their innovative thoughts and active energies". Sheikh Hamad was responsible for Qatar's efforts to develop its LNG infrastructure, which allowed the country to export its vast reserves of gas to the global market. This made Qatar one of the largest exporters in the world and laid the foundations of its immense wealth. He founded the?media network Al Jazeera which gave Qatar a voice that was unmatched in Arab politics, and extended its influence beyond the Gulf. He also led the successful bid for the 2022 "soccer World Cup", a move which firmly placed Qatar on the international stage, and accelerated the decade-long infrastructure construction that transformed the capital Doha. LAYING THE GROUNDWORK OF QATAR'S PART AS A PEACE BROKER In his foreign policy, he carved out a role as a peace broker for Qatar. He mediated talks in conflicts ranging from Lebanon to Yemen to Darfur and maintained ties with both the United States - which hosts U.S. Central Command - and?Iran as well as groups that aligned themselves with it. This balancing act laid a foundation for Qatar's role today in the negotiations between the United States, Iran and its allies. Qatar, under Sheikh Hamad, played a prominent role in the Arab Spring of 2011, using its resources and influence to support revolutionary movements and Islamists groups throughout the region. Doha's policy was portrayed as a support for the popular demand for political change. However, critics accused Doha -- and Sheikh Hamad - of backing only factions that aligned to its interests, notably groups connected?to?the Muslim Brotherhood. Sheikh Hamad was at odds with other Gulf monarchs, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. They viewed these movements negatively and as a threat against regional stability and monarchical authority. Qatar's activism raised its regional profile, but it also?deepened the tensions with neighbours. It left a legacy which continues to influence Gulf politics. COUP AND ATTEMPTED COUNTER COUP Sheikh Hamad abdicated to "ensure a smooth transition" and minimise any discord in a family that has a history of palace intrigue. In 1995, he took power in a bloodless revolution from his father. He survived a counter-coup attempt that analysts attributed to his dad, who had seized power in a similar manner in 1972, by ousting his own cousin. Sheikha Hamad bint Nasser was one of Sheikh Hamad’s most influential partners in Qatar’s modernisation effort. She developed a profile public that was unusual for the wife of a Gulf leader. Sheikha Moza’s influence was boosted by his efforts to reposition Qatar at home and abroad. Sheikh Hamad's political and economic reforms, which reshaped the trajectory of the country, were accompanied by parallel initiatives in education, social development, and research. The emir was 44 when he took over as the leader of the region. He was seen as being less distant than other Gulf Arabs leaders and would often be found in his favourite café at Doha's souq talking to the customers. (Writing by Michael Georgy, Andrew Mills and Emelia Sithole Matarise; Editing by Emelia S. Sithole Matarise)
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Former emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa al Thani, has died at the age of 74
The nation's Amiri Diwan (its top government body) announced on Sunday that Qatar's former emir had died at the age of 74. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Qatar's former ruler from 1995 until 2013, abdicated to his son Sheikh Tamim. Sheikh Tamim is now the current leader of this gas-rich Gulf nation. The Amiri Diwan has announced the death of HH Father Amir Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani. The Diwan stated that Allah would have mercy on him and give him the best reward possible for his achievements for 'his homeland and nation. Sheikh Hamad has raised Qatar's profile globally through the Al Jazeera TV network and its successful bid for the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament. This?U.S. allied state, which has more than 2.5million people, is a small country, but it is the largest?exporter in the world of liquefied gas. It is also a major player in Middle East diplomacy, international media, and global investment. In June '2013, Sheikh Hamad abdicated power to his son, the crown prince at that time, in an unusual move by a hereditary Gulf Arab leader to "ensure a smooth succession". He had himself overthrown his own father in 1995 in a bloodless revolution.
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Toronto police report that 2 people have died and 5 others were injured in an active shooter incident.
According to an emergency alert posted by the police on X, two people were killed and five injured in a shooting incident that occurred in Toronto 'on Saturday. Five people were found with gunshot injuries by police officers. Two victims were declared dead on the spot. It was not immediately clear what the conditions were of the other victims. CTV News reports that the shooting took place in Midtown Toronto, during the Salsa on St. Clair Festival, an annual Latin festival. The authorities urged the public to avoid the area, and to follow the directions of the police as the investigation and response continued. In a X.com post, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his "horror" at the shooting. He also said that the police have his full backing in their efforts in apprehending those responsible. He said: "My prayers go out to the families who are grieving, those in critical condition, and all who have been affected by this horrible event." Toronto Police declined to give 'additional information beyond that posted on the department's official feed?on X. The police said that updates would be given 'as new information becomes available. No details were immediately released about the suspect, motive, or arrests. (Writing and reporting by Wa Lone, Additional reporting by Disha in Bengaluru. Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus).
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Police say that 2 people were killed and 5 injured in an active shooter incident in Toronto.
According to an emergency alert posted by the Toronto police on X,?five people were injured and two were declared dead?after an active shooter incident?incident?in Toronto?on Saturday. Five people were found injured with gunshots, according to the police. Two victims were declared?dead on the spot. It was not immediately clear what the condition of?the other victims' were. CTV News reports that the shooting took place?in Midtown Toronto, during a Latin festival called 'Salsa on St. Clair. Police urged people to avoid the area, and to follow the police's instructions as they continue their investigation. A 'Toronto Police spokesperson refused to 'provide a?additional detail beyond the information that was posted on the official X feed of the department. The police?said that updates would be given as soon as new information was?available. There were no immediate details about the suspect, arrests or motive.
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The Tour de France stage nine will be shortened due to the heatwave.
The organisers of the race announced on Saturday that Sunday's stage nine will be reduced by 30 km due to heat risks. However, it will still have its original start and finish locations. In a press release, the organizers announced that the stage from Malemort, originally planned for 185.5km, will now be a 155.5km route. The statement said that Meteo-France had placed the Department of?Correze under red alert because of an intense heatwave. "In light of that... the race is going to?divert the original route in the neutral area, taking the D921 from Brive-la-Gaillarde and heading straight to Lanteuil 147.8km from the finish at Ussel." Western Europe has experienced the warmest June in?record. This led to an increase in deaths due to heat. The heat forced French nuclear reactors to reduce output on Friday. The organisers stated that "all government offices, local authorities and security forces as well as emergency and health services and accredited civil protection organisations, volunteers, and other stakeholders are fully committed to making sure this stage runs smoothly." After the eighth stage, the four-time Slovenian champion,?Tadej Pogacar, is leading. (Reporting by Vincent Daheron; Writing by Chiranjit Ojha in Bengaluru)
China's run of robust thermal coal imports might alleviate: Russell
Among the standout commodity stories up until now this year has actually been China's. demand for thermal coal, with the world's largest importer. seeing record deliveries showing up in the first half.
China's imports of thermal coal from the seaborne market,. utilized generally to produce electrical power, were 168.73 million metric. loads in the first six months of the year, up 8.5% from 155.51. million in the exact same duration in 2023, according to information put together. by product analysts Kpler.
This was the greatest very first half in China's history and. puts the world's second-biggest economy on track for another. record year for coal imports in 2024.
However there are some signs that China's cravings for seaborne. thermal coal may be alleviating, raising the possibility that the. 2nd half of 2024 will be weaker than the first.
July's seaborne imports of thermal coal are anticipated by. Kpler to be 29.66 million tons, slightly greater than June's. 29.44 million, but weaker by 2.5% on a per day basis.
The growth rate for the very first seven months of the year is. expected to slip to 7.1% from the 8.5% seen in the very first half.
The concern becomes what are the elements that might drive a. small amounts in China's need for seaborne thermal coal.
The main chauffeur is a healing in China's domestic output,. which had been softening amidst continuous mine safety evaluations in. crucial coal-producing areas.
China's coal production rebounded in June, with output of. all grades of the fuel leaping to a six-month high of 405.38. million heaps, which was also 3.6% above the very same month in 2023,. according to main information released on July 15.
The soft start to 2024 indicated year-on-year production was. still down 1.7% in the first half, however this was an enhancement. on the 3.0% drop tape-recorded in the very first 5 months of the year. over the very same duration in 2023.
Another aspect is that coal's share in China's electrical power. production is slipping, with official data revealing thermal. generation fell for a 2nd straight month in June, dropping. 7.4%, contributing to the 4.3% decrease in May.
Thermal generation does include some percentages of. natural gas-fired power, however it is generally coal.
Coal's share in China's electrical energy mix is being eroded by. hydropower, which is rebounding from a weak, drought-affected. 2023, and also by increasing output from renewables such as wind and. solar.
Hydropower rose 44.5% in June following a boost of 21.4%. in May, while wind output acquired 10.4% in the very first half of 2024. from the exact same period a year earlier and solar jumped 39.4% over. the exact same period.
If hydropower can keep its recent strength and renewable. release continues at rate, it increases the likelihood of. coal-fired generation declining in the second half of the year.
This in turn suggests China may be less dependent on imported. thermal coal, especially if domestic output continues its upward. pattern.
RATE TREND
Going one action even more, the concern becomes whether lower. Chinese need will lead to significantly softer prices for. Asia's primary seaborne thermal coal grades.
The response is not always, as any coal not taken by. China tends to be purchased by other nations, specifically if there. is some retreat in costs.
Indonesia is China's most significant provider of thermal coal, and. the popular 4,200 kilocalories per kg grade,. as evaluated by commodity cost reporting firm Argus, has been. in a decreasing trend in recent weeks.
It ended at $52.72 a heap in the week to July 19, which was. partially up from the prior week's $52.70, however that was the. most affordable rate since September in 2015, and the grade is down. 9.4% from its peak up until now this year of $58.17 in early March.
The softer price, which has been mirrored in competing. Australian coals, has actually caused other Asian nations increase. imports of seaborne thermal coal.
Vietnam's imports for the very first seven months of 2024 were. 26.48 million loads, up 44% from the same duration in 2015,. according to Kpler information.
India, the world's second-biggest coal importer, saw. arrivals of thermal coal of 104.81 million loads in the very first. 7 months of this year, up 14.9% from the exact same period last. year.
Japan, the third-biggest buyer, saw thermal coal imports. leap in July to 10.89 million tons, up from June's 7.05 million. and the highest since January, according to Kpler.
The viewpoints expressed here are those of the author, a columnist. .
(source: Reuters)