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Media City Qatar and AlRayan Bank have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance financial accessibility for Media City Qatar’s licensed companies.The agreement aims to provide comprehensive banking support to the companies and professionals operating within Media City Qatar, ensuring efficient and tailored financial services that enable growth and collaboration.Under the agreement, AlRayan Bank will explore opportunities to establish banking services for more than 300 licensed companies operating within Media City Qatar. A dedicated point of contact will support companies and employees with onboarding and account-related matters.Beyond banking, both parties will collaborate on innovation and ESG initiatives, leveraging their industry expertise to contribute to knowledge and thought leadership within Qatar’s media and technology ecosystem.Engineer Jassim Mohamed al-Khori, CEO of Media City Qatar, said: “Our collaboration with AlRayan Bank reinforces Media City Qatar’s commitment to building the right infrastructure and enabling environment for our licensed companies and professionals to succeed.“Strengthening access to financial services is a vital step in empowering businesses to grow and innovate, while contributing to Qatar’s position as a regional hub for media, technology, and creative excellence.”Fahad bin Abdulla al-Khalifa, Group CEO at AlRayan Bank, added: “This agreement reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting Qatar’s economic development and fostering innovation across key sectors.“Through our partnership with Media City Qatar, we aim to enhance access to efficient and secure banking solutions, strengthen collaboration within the business community, and contribute to the country’s broader growth and diversification goals.”The partnership builds on Media City Qatar’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the financial and operational foundations of its growing ecosystem. By working with a range of financial institutions, Media City Qatar is ensuring that its licensed companies have access to banking solutions that address their diverse business needs.Media City Qatar continues to foster innovation, collaboration, and excellence across the media industry, contributing to the goals of Qatar National Vision 2030 and advancing the country’s position as a regional hub. 

The Film Committee at Media City Qatar has signed a landmark agreement with Company 3, the award-winning global post-production and visual effects powerhouse, to establish a dedicated post-production and VFX studio in Doha. This agreement — signed during the Doha Film Festival 2025 - marks a milestone in Qatar's creative industries development and underscores Qatar's growing reputation as the Middle East's emerging media capital, offering state-of-the-art infrastructure, world-class talent, and a progressive creative ecosystem.His Excellency Managing Director of the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy (SC) and Chairman of Qatar Film Committee, Hassan al-Thawadi, said that "this partnership embodies Qatar's vision to support the very best creators in Qatar, the region and the Global South." "With Company 3's world-renowned expertise in visual storytelling and our commitment to building advanced creative infrastructure, Doha is poised to become a destination for world-class post-production and visual effects," he added. As part of the agreement, the Film Committee and Company 3 will jointly research, explore, and evaluate the development of a post-production and visual effects studio operated by Company 3 in Qatar.This will be the first phase of a long-term partnership. Company 3 will provide technical, creative, and operational guidance to shape the foundation for a high-end post-production environment in the region. The Film Committee will support the collaboration through a structured funding and facilitation framework, reflecting Qatar's ambition to become the production and post-production hub for the Middle East and Africa.For his part, CEO of Company 3, Stefan Sonnenfeld, expressed his anticipation for cooperation, saying, "The Film Committee's forward-thinking approach to developing a sustainable creative ecosystem aligns perfectly with our mission to empower storytellers through technology and artistry." "This partnership represents the foundation for a new era of post-production excellence in the Middle East," Sonnenfeld added. Through this collaboration, the company will bring its global expertise and technical excellence to the region, helping to design creative workflows, develop local and regional talent, and provide access to world-leading infrastructure and tools.The Film Committee will coordinate with local stakeholders and government partners to ensure the project contributes to the nation's broader creative economy goals. Responsibilities include logistical coordination, operational support, and a funding framework for the exploration phase — ensuring that the partnership between QFC and Company 3 delivers meaningful outcomes across creative, technological, and training dimensions.The collaboration also includes consultation on the creation of a local production and post-production rebate scheme, part of Qatar's broader ambition to attract leading studios, streamers, and filmmakers to the country.

Doha Festival City released The Festival Edits: Qatar’s Retail Trends Report 2025, the first-of-its-kind, data-driven study providing insights into the evolving fashion, beauty, and retail landscape in Qatar, yesterday during a ceremony at Raffles Doha.**media[383896]**The report says that shopping remains the top reason for visits to Doha Festival City (46%), followed by dining (40%) and leisure/entertainment activities such as cinema, fitness, and events (30%). It also notes that among the Gen Z Qatari females, 40% prioritise makeup, followed by 25% fragrance, and 20% skincare as top beauty spends.The study revealed that Millennials and Gen Z are a significant part of the shopper base, drawn to streetwear, beauty, modest fashion, and jewellery. Younger visitors integrate malls into weekly life, visiting 1-2 times per week for around 2.7 hours, while Qatari nationals are particularly likely to engage in leisure activities such as cinema and events.The report also highlighted that AI in GCC retail is projected to grow from $5bn in 2023 to $31bn by 2028, with 97% of retailers increasing investment. Developed with research collaborators, cultural institutions, Ipsos data, and industry experts, the report blends quantitative survey data, qualitative analysis, and expert commentary to illuminate shifting consumer behaviour, market trends, and lifestyle priorities.The insights are from the Doha Festival City 2025 Consumer Survey, conducted both online with 2,010 responses and on-ground with 129 responses. Participants shared their shopping priorities, revealing how malls are increasingly becoming social, cultural, and community-focused spaces.Fashion trends include modest-meets-contemporary for 22% of Gen Z females, streetwear for 34% of shoppers, premium perfumery for 32%, and modest fashion for 28%. Among male shoppers, 32% prioritise high-end fragrances. Monthly fashion and beauty spend ranges from QR500-QR2,500 for the majority, reflecting a commitment to style as a lifestyle choice. Ambience, personalisation, and events outweigh convenience for half of shoppers, emphasising the experiential dimension of Doha Festival City.The report also highlights the future of retail in Qatar, including tech-driven innovations.“Malls have become venues for connection and curation as much as commerce. Festival Edits captures the spirit of this transformation, offering a credible, data-backed perspective on what defines style, innovation, and community in Qatar today – from perfume and makeup lovers to streetwear enthusiasts and esports audiences,” said, Mohamed ElSharkawy, associate director-Malls Leasing, Doha Festival City.There was also a panel fireside chat moderated by Areej Mohammed, and panellists including Hayssam Hajjar, executive director, Malls, Al-Futtaim Real Estate; Joseph Ibrahim, managing director, country management of Chalhoub Group; Bianca Brigitte Bonomi, director of Harper’s Bazaar Qatar, Esquire Qatar; and AlFtoon al-Janahi, content creator and entrepreneur.**media[383898]**The Festival Edits is informed by perspectives from leaders shaping Qatar’s fashion, beauty, and retail landscape. Featured voices include Sheikh Khalifa al-Thani (Intajat); Ahmed al-Meghessib (Qatar Esports Federation, Ukiyo); Bianca Brigitte Bonomi; Waad Ali (Waad Designs); Prakash Maroli (Ideas Unlimited); Stuart Henwood (New Balance); Michael Collins (Harvey Nichols Doha); Mariam Khairallah (MAC Cosmetics); Sara al-Rashid (Asteri Beauty); Atef Hassan (Jovoy Rare Perfumes); Erwin Creed (Creed); Michael Moles (Doha Festival City); AlFtoon al-Janahi; Shireen Obeidat (Earthna); Gills Manjulakshmi; Rumana Nazim (The Edit); Timothy Hufford (Elan Media); John P. Joseph (Blue Rhine Industries); and Dany Karam (Al-Futtaim Blue).

Media City Qatar and Qatar University hosted the second edition of the Euronews Academy Bootcamp, focused on digital and mobile journalism, which took place over the course of three days at St. Regis Marsa Arabia. The program offered training sessions designed to provide participants with practical skills and insights relevant to modern journalism. Students from Qatar University's College of Arts and Sciences, Department of Mass Communication, participated in a series of interactive workshops over the first two days. Sessions covered digital storytelling techniques, mobile reporting and editing, and strategies for using social media platforms to engage audiences. The final day brought together instructors and representatives from Qatar University, Media City Qatar, and Euronews for a dedicated session, allowing participants to consolidate their learning in a collaborative environment. Director of Strategy and Excellence at Media City Qatar, Tevfik Ergun affirmed Media City Qatar's commitment to fostering innovation and collaboration within the media sector. "Through our partnership with Qatar University and Euronews, the bootcamp provides opportunities for emerging talent to explore new ideas, gain exposure to industry standards, and contribute to shaping the next generation of media professionals. Initiatives like this support Qatar National Vision 2030 by nurturing a skilled, creative workforce that strengthens the country's media ecosystem." For her part, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences at Qatar University, Fatima Al Kubaisi said: "This program with Media City Qatar and Euronews provides our academic community with vital global media expertise. It encourages the critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving essential for building a diversified, knowledge-based economy, aligning with our mission to cultivate individuals who can make a positive impact within society." This year's bootcamp builds on their previous Euronews Business Media Training, reinforcing their shared commitment to preparing participants for careers in a fast-changing media environment and advancing Qatar's position as a regional media hub.

Her Excellency Minister of State for International Cooperation Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad held a phone call with the Ministry of State at the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Welfare of the Republic of Sudan, Dr. Salma Ishaq Al Khalifa, who is also responsible for the issue of violence against women. The call discussed the humanitarian situation in Sudan, particularly the latest developments in El Fasher city, and the need to protect women and children.

Arsenal stretched their Premier League lead to four points as Eberechi Eze’s goal beat his former club Crystal Palace 1-0, while Manchester City lost 1-0 at Aston Villa Sunday.Bournemouth are now the Gunners’ closest challengers in second after they beat Nottingham Forest 2-0, while Tottenham climbed to third after a 3-0 win at Everton.After Liverpool’s latest defeat to Brentford on Saturday, Arsenal enjoyed the perfect weekend as both their title rivals fell further behind as they go from strength to strength.Eze left the Eagles to join Arsenal in a £60 million ($80 million) deal in August and his first Premier League goal was decisive as Mikel Arteta’s men were again able to lean on their set-piece prowess and a solid defence.The England international blasted in on the volley after Palace failed to clear Declan Rice’s free-kick six minutes before half-time.Arsenal again failed to hit top gear going forward, but didn’t need to as they kept a 10th clean sheet in 13 games in all competitions this season.“The technique from Eze is unbelievable. We needed something special,” said Arteta.“We didn’t score a second goal and when you don’t do that you are in danger, but we restricted them to very little.”The only concern for Arteta was the sight of Rice and William Saliba having to be replaced in the second half due to injury.Arsenal now lead fifth-placed City by six points and have a seven-point cushion over Liverpool in seventh.City appeared to be emerging as Arsenal’s biggest obstacle in the title race after a nine-game unbeaten run. But Pep Guardiola’s men lost at Villa Park for the third consecutive season as Erling Haaland’s 12-game scoring streak came to an end.Matty Cash’s stunning strike from outside the box on 19 minutes secured a fourth consecutive league win for Villa as Unai Emery’s men climb to seventh.Haaland had a late goal ruled out for offside, but City’s lack of goal threat other than the Norwegian finally cost the visitors. No City player other than Haaland has scored in the Premier League for a month.“We were not aggressive enough,” said a disappointed Guardiola. Spurs captain Micky van de Ven scored twice as Tottenham inflicted Everton’s first defeat at the new Hill Dickinson Stadium.Pape Mate Sarr added a third late on to continue Tottenham’s strong start under Thomas Frank.Bournemouth climbed up to second as Forest’s struggles continued despite a change in management. Sean Dyche got his reign off to a winning start against Porto in the Europa League on Thursday, but Forest remain in the bottom three after they were convincingly beaten on the south coast.Marcus Tavernier opened the scoring for the Cherries directly from a corner as the swirling wind caught out Matz Sels. Eli Junior Kroupi then blasted in his fourth goal in six Premier League games to double Bournemouth’s lead.Wolves remain bottom of the table after Burnley edged a 3-2 thriller in stoppage time at Molineux thanks to Lyle Foster.Zian Flemming’s double put the visitors 2-0 up inside 30 minutes but Wolves hit back before half-time through Jorgen Strand Larsen and Marshall Munetsi.Foster’s late strike propelled the Clarets five points clear of the relegation zone and left Wolves now six points adrift of safety.

Media City Qatar and Euronews, Europe's leading news organisation, have announced the launch of four new original programs to be produced in Doha, facilitated by Media City Qatar. Building on their 2021 partnership, the productions represent the new step in contributing to Qatar's positioning as a hub for world-class content production and in expanding Euronews' coverage of the country and the wider region. The line-up of four original programs includes Qatar in Motion, which looks beyond headlines to spotlight people and progress in the State; Grand Voyager, a travel series blending bucket-list destinations with hidden gems; Cult, which captures the pulse of art, music, fashion, and entertainment; and Focus, offering in-depth reporting on business developments in Qatar and their global connections. Speaking on the occasion, CEO of Media City Qatar, Eng. Jassim Mohamed Al Khori said: "Over the past four years, we have worked closely with Euronews to bring world-class media expertise to Qatar. This step comes as an extension of our strategic partnership, where we produce original programs from Doha, showcasing stories and experiences from Qatar and the region that reach a global audience. Our collaboration is aligned with Qatar National Vision 2030, driving diversification through the creative industries while supporting the next generation of talent who will carry our media sector forward." For his part, Chairman of Euronews, Pedro Vargas David said: "The Middle East is a region of growing global importance, with stories that resonate far beyond its borders. Through our partnership with Media City Qatar, Euronews is deepening its presence here to ensure these perspectives are shared with international audiences. This collaboration allows us to showcase the richness, diversity, and innovation of Qatar and the wider region, strengthening our mission to connect cultures and bring global stories to life. Euronews is proud of its presence in Doha and counts itself as a partner in showcasing the present and the future of the State of Qatar" Since the start of the partnership in 2021, Media City Qatar and Euronews have co-produced five programs from Doha: The Exchange, Qatar 365, Scenes, Football Now, and The Dialogue. Together, these shows delivered 558 episodes, generating 11.3 billion TV impacts and 58 million views on YouTube, with audiences reaching 61 million viewers annually in their last year. With the conclusion of these productions, Media City Qatar and Euronews are building on this strong foundation to launch the next chapter of their collaboration. In October 2024, Media City Qatar also partnered with Qatar University to deliver the Euronews Business Media Training, which gave students practical experience in journalism, production, and broadcasting. Media City Qatar also continues to support an international internship program that connects students from Qatar with Euronews's global offices. Media City Qatar continues to advance its vision of building a vibrant media ecosystem that connects local talent with global platforms, fosters innovation, and strengthens Qatar's role in shaping the future of storytelling across the region and beyond.

Nottingham Forest have appointed Sean Dyche as their new head coach on a deal until 2027, the Premier League club announced. The 54-year-old former Burnley and Everton boss has replaced Ange Postecoglou after the Australian was sacked on Saturday following just 40 days in charge at the City Ground.Dyche, a Forest trainee under celebrated manager Brian Clough, becomes the club's third boss this season in what is his first job since the Englishman left Everton at the start of this year. Former Manchester City and Italy manager Roberto Mancini was reported to have held talks with Forest about the role, while Fulham boss Marco Silva was also linked to the vacancy.But Forest opted for Dyche, with the club saying in a statement: "A respected and experienced Premier League manager, Dyche brings the perfect blend of character, tactical acumen and proven achievement to guide the club through its next chapter."Dyche's first game in charge will be Thursday's Europa League tie at home to Porto, with his opening Premier League fixture away to Bournemouth on Sunday. His coaching staff will include two former Forest players in Ian Woan and Steve Stone.Postecoglou was sacked just minutes after Saturday's 3-0 loss to Chelsea, making him the shortest-serving permanent manager in Premier League history. Owner Evangelos Marinakis dismissed the former Spurs boss after no wins from his opening eight games.Postecoglou was appointed following the exit of Nuno Espirito Santo, who was himself sacked in September following the collapse of his relationship with Marinakis. Forest are in the Premier League relegation zone with just five points after eight games despite a squad bolstered by over £100mn ($134mn) of investment during the transfer window.Maradona's heirs sign deal with Swedish company to market brandThe five heirs to Argentinian football legend Diego Maradona, who died in 2020, have signed a deal with Swedish-Iranian businessman Ash Pournouri and his company Electa Global to market products under the Maradona name, the Swedish company said. The company said in a statement that under the long-term agreement "Electa will manage all aspects of product design, manufacturing, marketing, and retail, in close coordination with the family.""There aren't many official Maradona products," Pournouri said. Argentina's legendary number 10 died of a heart attack on November 25, 2020, at the age of 60.But while other football stars, such as Cristiano Ronaldo or Kylian Mbappe, have leveraged their names and stardom into brands, Maradona never did. "This is partly because it didn't happen during his lifetime, and since his passing, his family and children haven't wanted to undertake anything with anyone," Pournouri explained, adding that "it took some time to earn their trust.""Our father's name means so much to millions of people around the world," the heirs were quoted saying. They continued to say "it's not just about products." "It's about preserving who Diego was – his passion, his energy, and his love for people."Initially, high-end clothing, shoes, and accessories will be designed for the European market.

Convoys face challenges reaching north Gaza due to war damage, border road closuresFamine conditions persist in Gaza City area, massive aid influx needed, says UN'To turn the tide on this famine..., it is very important to get these openings,' WFP spokesperson saysThe UN said on Friday aid convoys were struggling to reach famine-hit areas of north Gaza due to war-damaged roads and the continued closure of key routes into the enclave's north despite a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.Around 560 metric tons of food had entered the Gaza Strip per day on average since the US-brokered halt to two years of devastating war but this was still well below the scale of need, according to the UN World Food Programme.With famine conditions in the Gaza City region, UN humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher said this week thousands of aid vehicles would have to enter weekly to tackle widespread malnutrition, homelessness and a collapse of infrastructure."We're still below what we need, but we're getting there... The ceasefire has opened a narrow window of opportunity, and WFP is moving very quickly and swiftly to scale up food assistance," WFP spokesperson Abeer Etefa told a news briefing in Geneva.But the WFP said it had not begun distributions in Gaza City, pointing to the continued closure of two border crossings, Zikim and Erez, with Israel in the north of the enclave where the humanitarian debacle is most acute."Access to Gaza City and northern Gaza is extremely challenging," Etefa said, saying the movement of convoys of wheat flour and ready-to-eat food parcels from the south of the territory was being hampered by broken or blocked roads."It is very important to have these openings in the north, this is where the famine took hold. To turn the tide on this famine..., it is very important to get these openings."Global medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) said many relief agencies had not fully returned to the north, where hospitals are barely functioning, leaving many Gaza civilians still unable to access regular care.Jacob Granger, MSF emergency coordinator in Gaza, described the case of a Gaza City woman with a shrapnel wound suffered during the war who was unable to get to a medical facility to change her dressings for five days earlier this month. When she managed to see an MSF nurse and her dressing was unfolded, the wound was infected with worms and maggots, Granger said.Though small amounts of nutrition products have reached the north - the area of heaviest and most devastating fighting between Israel and Hamas - relief convoys were still unable to move significant quantities of food there.Around 950 trucks entered south and central Gaza on Thursday via the Kerem Shalom and Kissufim crossings with Israel, the UN's humanitarian coordination agency said, citing figures from Israel's military aid agency COGAT presented to mediators.That followed around 715 trucks that rolled into Gaza on Wednesday, including 16 bearing fuel and gas, OCHA said.

Erling Haaland carried Manchester City to within three points of Premier League leaders Arsenal with the only goal at Brentford, while Crystal Palace's 19-game unbeaten run was ended by a 2-1 defeat to Everton.The Norwegian maintained his sensational early season form to score his 18th goal for club and country in just 11 appearances this season. Haaland showed his strength to bully his way through the Brentford defence from Josko Gvardiol's long ball and fire home on nine minutes.Victory came at a cost for Pep Guardiola's men as Rodri was forced off in his latest injury setback since returning from an anterior cruciate ligament tear that saw him miss most of last season. The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner was in tears when he had to be replaced with an apparent hamstring problem midway through the first half. Despite a less than sparkling performance, City held out to haul themselves up to fifth and right back into the title race.Palace missed the chance to go second after suffering a European hangover at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Eagles were dominant in the first 45 minutes but were left to rue not adding to Daniel Munoz's finish from Ismaila Sarr's pass. However, their UEFA Conference League exertions in winning away to Dynamo Kyiv on Thursday took their toll in the second half.Iliman Ndiaye equalised from the penalty spot after Maxence Lacroix clumsily upended Beto as Everton fought back to avoid a first defeat at their new home. Jack Grealish then got fortunate for his first Everton goal as Munoz's attempted clearance rebounded off the Manchester City loanee into the roof of the net. "I thought Crystal Palace should have been out of sight, they should have been 3-0 up, but we stuck at it," said Everton boss David Moyes.Ange Postecoglou's wait for a first win as Nottingham Forest manager goes on after a 2-0 defeat at Newcastle. The Australian is the first Forest boss in over 100 years to fail to win in his first seven games and now faces an anxious wait to see if club owner Evangelos Marinakis decides to make another managerial change over the international break. "I knew it was a big challenge walking in. That's what it is and there's nothing wrong with that," said Postecoglou.Newcastle had only won one of their opening six Premier League games. But Bruno Guimaraes led the Magpies to victory with a brilliant strike from outside the box to break the deadlock on 58 minutes. Guimaraes then won a penalty after robbing former team-mate Elliot Anderson inside the Forest box.Nick Woltemade smashed the resulting spot-kick into the top corner for his fourth Newcastle goal since joining from Stuttgart last month. Forest slip to 17th, the same league position that saw Postecoglou sacked by Tottenham at the end of last season despite winning the Europa League.After a slow start to the season, Aston Villa beat Burnley 2-1 to secure a fourth win in the last 11 days. Donyell Malen was the Villa match-winner with his first goals since April. The Dutch forward opened the scoring after racing onto Boubacar Kamara's brilliant through ball to slot into the far corner.Morgan Rogers was the creator for the second that Malen controlled before drilling confidently into the far corner. Lesley Ugochukwu pulled a goal back but Burnley remain in the relegation zone. Wolves are still rooted to the foot of the table after conceding a late equaliser to draw 1-1 at home to Brighton.

The daily death toll in the ongoing Israeli bombardment of the Gaza Strip since dawn Friday has risen to 60.Medical sources in Gaza hospitals reported that 17 martyrs arrived at Al Shifa Hospital, 20 at Al Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital, two at Al Awda Hospital, 20 at Nasser Hospital, and one at Al Aqsa Hospital.The Israeli army has continued its comprehensive aggression on the Gaza Strip since Oct 7, 2023, resulting in the martyrdom of tens of thousands of Palestinians, the majority of whom are children and women.A number of victims remain under the rubble, unable to be reached by ambulances and rescue teams amid an unprecedented humanitarian disaster.The death toll from the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip has risen to 66,288, in addition to 169,165 injuries.In a statement Friday, the Ministry of Health in Gaza said the death toll since March 18, when the occupation violated the ceasefire agreement, has reached 13,420, in addition to the injury of 57,124 persons.Meanwhile, the UN Children’s Fund (Unicef) confirmed Friday that there are no safe places for Palestinians forcibly displaced from Gaza City by Israeli forces. The areas designated for them in the southern Gaza Strip are nothing more than places of death, the organisation warned.Speaking to journalists in Geneva, Unicef spokesperson James Elder stated that the idea of a safe zone in the south is a farce.Reporting from Deir Al Balah in central Gaza, Elder described the situation as dire, bombs fall from the sky at a terrifyingly predictable pace. Schools designated as temporary shelters are routinely reduced to rubble, and tents are systematically incinerated by airstrikes.Israeli forces have compelled Palestinians to relocate to what they call a humanitarian zone in Al Mawasi along the coast, claiming it would provide aid, medical care, and infrastructure. However, repeated airstrikes on the area, despite its designation as a safe zone, reveal a deliberate targeting of civilians, Elder said.He emphasised that issuing a blanket evacuation order does not strip those who remain of their right to civilian protection, adding that so-called safe zones are also places of death.Al Mawasi, he noted, has become one of the most densely populated areas on Earth, grotesquely overcrowded and stripped of the basic means of survival.Elder recalled that the UN began debunking the notion of unilaterally declared safe zones in late 2023, stressing that the law is very clear.As the occupying power, he added, Israel is responsible for ensuring that any safe zone includes all essentials for survival: food, shelter, sanitation. None of these are adequately available.Initially, the UN assumed these zones would not be bombed. Yet over the past 18 months, Elder stressed, they have been hit dozens of times, with displaced people in tents subjected to air strikes.In a related context, Elder highlighted the dire conditions facing mothers and newborns in Gaza, amid severe shortages of medical supplies and overcrowding at Nasser Medical Complex in the south.He underscored that the situation for mothers and newborns in Gaza has never been worse, and at Nasser Hospital, they see hallways packed with women who have just given birth.Since Israel’s intensified bombardment of Gaza began in August ahead of its ground offensive, the military has continued to pressure Palestinians to move south, despite the lack of safety or protection in those areas.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Wednesday that Israeli forces had killed at least 46 people, including 36 in Gaza City, which Israel's defence minister has told residents to flee.Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the rescue agency operating under Hamas authority, said several deaths resulted from attacks in the north of the territory, to the west of Gaza City.Drone strikes also killed two people in Al-Zawayda and two people at a camp in Nuseirat, both in central Gaza, Bassal added.Two aid seekers were killed by Israeli gunfire southwest of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, he said.Media restrictions in the territory and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defence or the Israeli military.The strikes come as Defence Minister Israel Katz warned the military was tightening its encirclement of Gaza City, telling residents to flee south, as Hamas weighs US President Donald Trump's plan to end nearly two years of war in the Palestinian territory.