DOHA: Bruno Fernandes said he thought Cristiano Ronaldo had scored Portugal’s opener in their 2-0 win over Uruguay on Monday even though he was credited with the goal.
The Manchester United midfielder’s cross toward Ronaldo flew straight in but the veteran striker was a whisker away from making contact with the ball.
Fernandes added the second from the penalty spot late on after Uruguay were penalized for handball and he was chosen as man of the match.
The win guaranteed Portugal’s progress to the last 16 in Qatar.
“I celebrated as if it had been Cristiano’s goal, it seemed to me that he had touched the ball, my aim was to cross the ball for him,” Fernandes said.
“What’s important is that we were able to go to the next round and (secure) a very important win against a very tough opponent.”
Fernandes warned that Portugal would have to be at their best in their final group match on Friday against South Korea, with a point enough to guarantee them top spot in Group H.
“We know we will find a very organized team in front of us with a huge skill-set, as we’ve seen in their last matches,” added Fernandes.
“We’ve played at different times and that has allowed us to watch South Korea play. Our objective is to win every match, and we have one ahead of us.”
Portugal coach Fernando Santos chose to praise the whole team instead of focusing on Fernandes.
“I think it’s the result of the team’s work,” said Santos. “If the team does not play well then the player himself will not have a good performance.
“I think in the first two games, the team has played well. Diogo Costa (the Portugal goalkeeper) saved two important shots, so I don’t think we should be focusing on individual players.”
Fernandes believed Ronaldo had scored first goal against Uruguay
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Fernandes believed Ronaldo had scored first goal against Uruguay
- “I celebrated as if it had been Cristiano’s goal, it seemed to me that he had touched the ball, my aim was to cross the ball for him,” Fernandes said
- Portugal coach Fernando Santos chose to praise the whole team instead of focusing on Fernandes
Motorcyclist killed in Israeli strike near hospital in southern Lebanon
- Health Ministry denounces ‘full-fledged crime’ as health care workers, patients injured in drone attack
BEIRUT: An Israeli strike on Monday outside a hospital in south Lebanon killed one person, the latest deadly raid in the country’s south.
Victim, Ali Wizani, on a motorcycle at the hospital entrance, was heading for medical tests.
Fifteen other people sustained varying injuries, including seven civilians and eight health care workers at Salah Ghandour Hospital in the city of Bint Jbeil.
The hospital security guard, Hassan Jouni, underwent surgery due to severe injuries.
An Israeli combat drone carried out Monday’s attack during a peak time when patients were arriving at the hospital at the start of the week.
For the first time since the hostilities began in the southern Lebanon border area, the Israeli army targeted the vicinity of a hospital on Monday morning.
The Israeli military has increased its efforts in recent days to apprehend individuals using cars or motorcycles on the roads, resulting in the fatalities of Hezbollah members and civilians.
The Lebanese Ministry of Health condemned the brutal Israeli shelling that targeted the hospital.
The hospital “is the only one still operating in this area from which residents have been displaced due to Israeli attacks,“ its director, Dr. Mohammed Sleiman, told Arab News.
“When the drone carried out its attack on the hospital entrance, there were people gathered to enter, which caused injuries.”
He said: “The hospital staff quickly evacuated the patients from the damaged front floors.
“We found that the shells used contained nails or iron fragments that left traces in the hospital building.
“The hospital’s role is humanitarian. The Israelis know the hospital very well, and we follow all required instructions during wars.”
Dr. Sleiman added: “In the July 2006 war, the hospital was subjected to direct shelling, and after today’s attack, we resumed work normally.
“We receive all patients in addition to the wounded from Israeli attacks. We currently have 17 patients besides the war-wounded.
“We receive non-urgent surgeries, and we have a medical team residing in the hospital since the attacks began.
Ambulances operate normally, and the medical staff comes to the hospital as usual. After the attack, doctors and nursing staff who were off-duty came to the hospital to help.
“We do not suffer from any shortages of medicines and equipment, as the Ministry of Health supplies us with what we need.”
The Health Ministry described the hospital attack as a “full-fledged war crime and a new episode in the series of repeated and flagrant violations committed by Israel against health care facilities and health care workers in Lebanon, violating all human rights laws, the Geneva conventions, and all international laws and norms that stipulate the protection and respect of health care workers and the provision of safety for them during armed conflicts.”
Hezbollah retaliated against the Israeli assault on the hospital by “targeting and destroying the newly installed spy equipment at the Miskaf Am site.”
Media outlets in Israel reported that “firefighting crews are working to extinguish a massive fire that broke out in the settlement of Kiryat Shmona after rockets were launched from Lebanon.”
Hezbollah targeted “a building used by enemy soldiers in the Margaliot settlement with appropriate weapons and achieved confirmed casualties.”
The group also “launched an intense fire attack on the Al-Malikiyah position with guided missiles and artillery shells, targeting its garrison, its equipment, and the positions of its soldiers.”
Hezbollah used “attack drones on targets inside the site and hit them accurately” in its retaliation.
The Israeli army said that “a Sky Rider drone fell inside Lebanese territory, and the incident is being investigated.”
The Israeli military said that it bombed a building where Hezbollah members were located in the Yaron border area on Sunday.
Additionally, the air force targeted Hezbollah members in Hula, hitting a weapons storage facility in Mays Al-Jabal and military infrastructure in Khiam.
The Israeli raid on the town of Yaron led to casualties.
The border villages have not been spared from continuous Israeli bombardment, which it is said, aims to destroy homes and properties and burn crops with internationally prohibited phosphorus bombs.
An Israeli army spokesman said, “The Israeli forces have increased their readiness for the war on Lebanon. Over the past weeks, the 146th Division and the 205th Reserve Armored Brigade conducted an exercise at the division and brigade level simulating ground maneuvers in Lebanon.”
The spokesperson said “the exercise simulated combat scenarios on the northern front, the rapid deployment of forces in the field, the role of division and brigade command centers, and the readiness of forces for attack.”
Also on Monday, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati discussed the security situation in the south with Gen. Aroldo Lazaro, the commander of UNIFIL Forces.
The talks included preparations to submit the periodic report to the UN Security Council about the implementation of Resolution 1701 and the coordination between UNIFIL and the Lebanese Army.
Saudi Arabia outlines steps to improve comfort for Hajj pilgrims
- Sun shields, marble flooring, mist fans among measures to protect worshippers from intense heat
RIYADH: Authorities in Saudi Arabia have outlined how they are making Hajj as comfortable as possible for pilgrims arriving in Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi Press Agency documented the arrival of pilgrims from various nationalities at the Prophet’s Mosque, highlighting the extensive care provided by the the General Authority for the Affairs of the Grand Mosque and the Prophet’s Mosque.
The measures include the provision of cold Zamzam water around the clock.
Managed by the Zamzam Water Department, the operation involves transporting 300 tons of Zamzam water daily from its source in Makkah to the Prophet’s Mosque.
The water undergoes rigorous testing in laboratories and is distributed to thousands of coolers placed throughout the mosque, SPA reported.
The Prophet’s Mosque courtyards are also equipped with 250 large sun shields, which are 15 meters high and weigh 40 tons each, to provide shade and protection for up to 228,000 worshippers.
They feature intricate gold-plated copper designs and are equipped with a water drainage system. To combat the intense heat, 436 mist fans have been installed, which mix cold air with water mist to create a cooler environment for pilgrims.
The floor of the mosque and its courtyards is covered with a rare type of white marble imported specifically for the Two Holy Mosques.
The flooring reflects sunlight and retains moisture, enhancing the comfort of worshippers. The marble pieces are precisely installed facing the Qibla, and are carefully maintained and reinstalled during expansion works.
Pakistan condemns Israeli attack on Rafah refugee camp, calls it ‘blatant defiance’ of ICJ ruling
- Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people on Sunday and ‘numerous’ others were trapped under debris
- Gaza’s Health Ministry said women and children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan condemns Israeli bombardment of tents for displaced Palestinians in the southern Gaza city of Rafah that killed dozens of people, the Pakistani Foreign Office said on Monday.
Palestinian health workers said Israeli airstrikes killed at least 45 people on Sunday and “numerous” others were trapped in flaming debris. Gaza’s Health Ministry said women and children made up most of the dead and dozens of wounded.
The attacks came two days after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to end its military offensive in Rafah, where more than half of Gaza’s population had sought shelter before Israel’s incursion earlier this month.
“Targeting of individuals who were displaced earlier because of Israeli bombardment and were sheltered in a refugee camp, is yet another breach of international humanitarian law by the Israeli occupation forces,” the Pakistani Foreign Office said in a statement.
“The attack is also a blatant defiance of the additional provisional measures of 24 May 2024 by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering Israel to immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah in conformity with its obligations under the Genocide Convention and the worsening humanitarian conditions faced by civilians.”
The case against Israel was initiated by South Africa in December 2023, where it labeled Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip as “genocidal,” asserting that they intended to destroy the Palestinian people in ways specified under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The war on Gaza broke out after Hamas attacks on Israel on October 7, which killed more than 1,100 people, in response to the deteriorating condition of Palestinian people living under Israeli occupation.
Israel launched a retaliatory offensive, widely viewed as disproportionate, in which more than 35,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have lost their lives, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
“Pakistan reiterates its demand for immediate and unconditional implementation of the orders of the ICJ of 24 May 2024. Measures must be taken to fully protect civilians in Gaza and the Israeli occupation forces must be held accountable for the Gaza genocide,” the Pakistan Foreign Office said further.
“We call on the UN Security Council to play its role in preventing Israel from any further attacks against the civilians in Rafah and taking effective measures to protect the people of Gaza.”
Pakistan does not recognize the state of Israel and calls for an independent Palestinian state based on “internationally agreed parameters” and the pre-1967 borders with Al-Quds Al-Sharif as its capital.
In recent months, the South Asian country has repeatedly raised the issue of Israel’s war on Gaza, launched last October, at the United Nations through its permanent representative, Ambassador Munir Akram.
Social responsibility forum fosters partnerships for positive impact
- The forum included development workshops designed to cultivate a culture of social responsibility and foster innovative initiatives geared toward societal advancement and enhancing services for pilgrims
JEDDAH: The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development branch in Makkah on May 26 organized a social responsibility forum with the theme, “Social Responsibility to Serve the Pilgrims.”
The forum featured dialogue sessions covering topics such as developing a social responsibility strategy, introducing a program to assist visitors to the Holy Mosques and identify development opportunities, discussing social responsibility in the private sector, exploring the role of social responsibility in domestic pilgrim companies, and showcasing the Sustainable Camp Initiative.
Kholoud Al Thagafi, a faculty member at King Abdulaziz University, addressed the topic of social responsibility in the private sector by discussing the key priorities for directing initiatives and programs, highlighting the essential pillars of success, and identifying obstacles that hinder the effectiveness of social responsibility programs.
“Social responsibility in the private sector is not just a duty but a pathway to sustainable success. By prioritizing contributions, focusing on key pillars of achievement, and overcoming obstacles, we pave the way for impactful change and a brighter future for all,” she said.
She also provided insights into companies that have made significant contributions to community service.
The forum included development workshops designed to cultivate a culture of social responsibility and foster innovative initiatives geared toward societal advancement and enhancing services for pilgrims. An accompanying exhibition showcased various best practices in social responsibility, emphasizing their effects in the region. The exhibition also highlighted the efforts of institutions and sectors in carrying out social responsibility initiatives to cater to the needs of the pilgrims.
During the forum, the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development branch signed six cooperation agreements with key entities in the private sector, including the General Administration of Social Responsibility and Voluntary Work at the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah, the Royal Commission for Makkah City and Holy Sites, the Jeddah Development Authority, the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in Jeddah, Nestle Arabia Company, and Saudi Arabian Marketing and Agencies Company.
These partnerships aim to bolster social responsibility initiatives in various sectors in the region and work toward realizing the objectives of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.
Abdulrahman Alrefaie, assistant director of human resources at the Ritz-Carlton, shared his thoughts on the partnership agreement with the ministry, saying: “By collaborating with the ministry, we are reaffirming our dedication to making a positive impact on society. This partnership will enable us to align our initiatives with national goals, ensuring that our efforts contribute to the greater good.
“We will be working closely with the ministry to implement and promote sustainable practices within the hotel and the community. This includes initiatives focused on environmental conservation, education, and health and well-being.”
In emphasizing the initiative’s broader impact, Alrefaie expressed a hope to inspire other businesses and organizations to embrace social responsibility, aiming to inspire a ripple effect of positive change throughout Saudi Arabia.
“The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development’s remarkable initiative showcases their steadfast dedication to fostering social responsibility and community development, which is truly commendable. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future through this valuable partnership,” he added.
Eight killed as jeep plunges into ravine in northwest Pakistan
- The incident occurred in the northwestern Shangla district after the driver lost control of the vehicle
- Road crashes are common in Pakistan, where traffic rules are rarely followed, roads are in poor condition
ISLAMABAD: Eight people, including women and children, were killed after a jeep plunged into a ravine in Pakistan’s northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, rescue officials said.
The incident occurred in KP’s Shangla district, when the driver lost control of the vehicle and it fell into the ravine, according a spokesperson of the Rescue 1122 service.
As a consequence, four women and three children were killed on the spot, while one person was injured who was shifted to the district headquarters hospital.
“A rescue team recovered bodies of the victims and handed them over to relatives,” the Rescue 1122 spokesperson said in a statement.
The spokesperson said the injured person later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
Road accidents are common in Pakistan, where traffic rules are rarely followed and roads, particularly in many rural areas, are in poor condition. In the country’s mountainous north, such tragedies are frequently reported.
In March, at least 20 people were killed and over a dozen others were injured after a bus plunged into a gorge in the northern Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) region.
