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A vehicle used by the late Pope Francis during a visit to Bethlehem more than a decade ago has been transformed into a mobile health clinic that Christian leaders hope will soon be used to provide care to Palestinian children in Gaza.The initiative was blessed by Francis before he died in April and was entrusted to the Catholic organisation Caritas, which oversaw the project to convert the vehicle unveiled Tuesday."We're pleased that we have here a serious contribution towards the healthcare of children in Gaza," Caritas Secretary-General Alistair Dutton told a press conference in Bethlehem.Francis had used the vehicle, a converted Mitsubishi pick-up that was donated by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, during his visit to Bethlehem in 2014.The open platform at the back of the vehicle, where the Pope once stood as he travelled through Bethlehem, has now been enclosed and converted into the children's treatment area."This vehicle stands as a testimony that the world has not forgotten the children of Gaza," said Cardinal Anders Arborelius of Stockholm, who had approached Francis before his death about Caritas' idea of converting the former popemobile into a mobile paediatric clinic.Caritas Sweden Secretary-General Peter Brune said that the mobile clinic was capable of treating around 200 children a day.But it was unclear when the vehicle would enter Gaza, where a ceasefire still formally holds despite frequent Israeli airstrikes on the territory battered by two years of war."As soon as we possibly can," Dutton said, declining to comment further. Cogat, the Israeli government agency responsible for co-ordinating the entry of aid into the enclave, declined to comment when asked about the request.Father Ibrahim Faltas said he hoped the vehicle would be moved to Gaza in the "near future", telling Reuters the popemobile-turned-clinic was ready to help children in Gaza.The United Nations children's agency Unicef said on Friday that at least 67 children have been killed in what it called conflict-related incidents since the ceasefire went into effect.The Israeli military has said that it was targeting fighters who have posed a threat to its soldiers occupying half of Gaza.Francis frequently spoke out about the war in Gaza and in January called the humanitarian situation there "shameful".He was also known to speak by phone with Gaza's small Christian community every evening during the war. "We know how much Pope Francis loved the people of the Holy Land, the people of Bethlehem and especially the people of Gaza," said Father Faltas, representative of the Franciscan Friars to the State of Palestine.

The three-storey Child Health Department of the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital in Ghana's capital Accra is a place with hushed corridors, laboured breathing and parents clutching on to hope. But on Friday, the gloom gave way to shrieks of joy as children with drips taped to their arms sat upright for the first time in days.Others, too weak to stand, managed faint but determined smiles. Nurses paused mid-rounds, phones raised in the cancer ward. Even exhausted mothers lit up. The reason was nearly six feet seven inches (2.03-metre) tall, dressed in the iconic blue-and-red Superman suit and cape. In real life Leonardo Muylaert is a lawyer specialised in civil rights who needs reading glasses to work. Muylaert — known worldwide as the "Brazilian Superman" — was rounding up his one-week maiden visit to Ghana, his first trip to Africa, and the cancer ward erupted into life. Everywhere he walked, children reached for his hands. Parents scrambled for selfies.Medical staff crowded the hallways. "He moved from bed to bed, giving each child attention," a nurse whispered. "For some of them, this is the first time we've seen them smile in weeks." For 35-year-old Regina Awuku, whose five-year-old son is battling leukaemia, the moment was miraculous. "My son was so happy to see Superman. This means a lot to us," she said. "You saw my son lying quietly on the bed, but he had the energy to wake up as soon as he saw him.""I chose Ghana to visit for my birthday," Muylaert, who studied in the US on a basketball scholarship, said. "I feel I identify with the culture, with the heritage, with the happiness."'BROUGHT SUCH POSITIVE CHANGE'His sudden fame began in 2022 at the Comic-Con convention in Sao Paulo when a stranger surreptitiously shot a cell phone video of him, amazed at his resemblance to Superman film star Christopher Reeve. "Am I seeing Clark Kent?" asked the star-struck comic book fan, in a clip that soon racked up thousands of views on TikTok — unbeknownst to Muylaert, who did not even have a social media account at the time. Weeks later, Muylaert learned through friends that he had become an online sensation. "It was funny and crazy to read that so many people think I look like Superman," he told AFP then.That's when an idea took root in the back of his mind, he said: get a Superman suit and try the alter ego on for size. He ordered an old-fashioned costume online, and started travelling around Brazil as Superman. Muylaert visits hospitals, schools and charities, poses for pictures with commuters on random street corners, and generally tries to be what he calls a symbol of kindness and hope — all free of charge. He now visits vulnerable people worldwide. In Accra, after leaving the hospital, he went to a prosthetics workshop on the city's outskirts, where amputee children screamed "Superman! Superman!" as he joined their football match.For Akua Sarpong, founder of Lifeline for Childhood Cancer Ghana, the impact was immediate. "It has been a fun-filled day," she said. "I have seen so many children smiling and happy, even children undergoing treatment sitting up that I haven't seen in a long time. He has brought such positive change." Muylaert said the visit reinforced his belief in small acts of kindness. "Everybody can be a hero... you don't need a cape," he said. "The smile on their faces changes the world." As he prepared to fly back to Brazil, he said "the idea is to spread happiness all over.". "Maybe we won't change the whole world, but as long as we inspire one person, that person inspires the other."

Qatar Charity (QC), through the support of donors in the country, has distributed 45,000 school bags to children in Gaza as part of its campaign 'Labbeh Gaza: Commitment and Solidarity'.The project, titled “Back to Class,” also focuses on rehabilitating damaged classrooms to create a safe learning environment and offering incentives to teachers to improve their living conditions.Some 25% of the targeted classrooms have been completed out of a total of 60 scheduled for rehabilitation, and the next phase will see the distribution of teacher incentives. Ultimately, thousands of students and educators are expected to benefit from this project.According to international estimates, more than 650,000 children in Gaza remain deprived of their basic right to education. Reports from Unicef and UNRWA reveal that 95% of schools in Gaza have been destroyed or severely damaged, leaving nearly 500 out of 564 schools unusable.QC continues its humanitarian interventions in Gaza. Recently, it delivered shelter tents and essential supplies through the Qatari humanitarian bridge via Rafah crossing.Under the same campaign, it has distributed 26,000 food baskets benefiting 130,000 displaced people and is steadily supplying 2.4mn litres of safe drinking water across various areas of Gaza.QC continues to urge donors to support its ongoing 'Labbeh Gaza' campaign. Contributions can be made via the organisation’s website and mobile app, through its home collection service, by dialing 44290000, or by visiting its branches and representatives in commercial centres.

Al Jazeera Media Institute (AJMI) concluded a new training programme titled 'Little Entrepreneur' for 14 boys and girls. The participants experienced the process of establishing their own projects from the idea to launching phase in a journey aimed at instilling in them initiative and innovation spirit. They were introduced to the world of entrepreneurship through stories, games, and interactive discussions, while learning key concepts such as: entrepreneur, product, customer, and service. The children moved on to selecting project ideas that match their interests and satisfy customer needs. The programme ended with presenting the projects at a business exhibition. Among the standout projects was 'Key Craft,' which produces 3D keychains featuring personalised names or logos. Course instructor Dr Rania El Jammal noted that the experience goes beyond theoretical introduction to entrepreneurship to offer children the chance to live it in practice. The closing exhibition featured Snoonu CEO Hamad al-Hajri, who toured projects and reviewed participants’ work models, expressing his admiration for the quality of their efforts. AJMI will offer several training courses for youth in December, including another round of 'Entrepreneurship for Youth' course.

The Ministry of Interior (MoI) is participating in the second edition of the Kids Expo, which opened Tuesday at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center under the theme “Our Children are a Trust.” The opening ceremony was attended by Director General of Civil Defence Major General Hamad Othman al-Duhaimi, and a number of department directors and officers from the Ministry of Interior.This five-day expo is a specialised event for children and a distinguished platform that brings together those interested and working in the field of raising awareness among children and youth, and promoting children’s rights in all aspects of life.Director of the Public Relations Department at the Ministry of Interior Major General Abdullah Khalifa al-Muftah stated on this occasion that the Ministry of Interior’s participation in and sponsorship of the expo comes as part of its national commitment to enhancing community awareness, especially regarding children, instilling values ​​of security and safety, guiding the younger generations towards safe behaviours, and protecting them from risks. He added that the ministry dedicates a significant portion of its annual awareness plans to children, which are implemented by the Public Relations Department in co-ordination with the relevant departments.He said the Ministry of Interior is participating through a series of field awareness events targeting children, recognising the importance of providing greater care, attention, and awareness to this vital segment of society. Participating departments within the Ministry are working to promote positive values, deepen national identity, and instil a spirit of loyalty and belonging in children, while also educating them on various security and safety issues appropriate to their age group.He clarified that raising awareness among children is crucial for building a safe and cohesive society, and it is a shared responsibility among relevant institutions, families, schools, and the community.Major General al-Muftah stated that modern technology has provided various avenues for interaction among individuals, making all types of social interaction possible. Undoubtedly, crime is one such type of interaction, as children and young people spend a significant amount of time online through their mobile phones, which connect them to the digital world. This may expose them to cybercrimes or lead them to adopt behaviours that, intentionally or unintentionally, result in the commission of cybercrimes.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has confirmed that it is currently operating more than 70 shelters across the Gaza Strip, housing tens of thousands of forcibly displaced people.In a statement on Sunday, the Agency noted widespread destruction throughout the territory, including unstable structures and unexploded ordnance. It stressed that its teams continue working tirelessly to keep the shelters operational and to help children continue learning and playing.UNRWA also reported that more than 25,000 Palestinian children have joined the agency’s temporary learning spaces, either in person or online, with plans underway to expand the number of these facilities.The Agency further stated that it provides online lessons for around 300,000 children in the Gaza Strip, emphasizing that literacy and education serve as vital tools to combat despair and psychological trauma — made possible through the dedication of thousands of UNRWA teachers.

Twenty-three people, including children, were killed late Saturday in a fire that broke out at a store in the city of Hermosillo, in northwestern Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of the victims in a post on the X platform, noting that she had ordered the immediate deployment of support teams to assist the victims' families and those injured in the incident.The city's fire chief said that the cause of the blaze has not yet been determined, as investigations continue.In a similar incident last September, at least three people were killed and 70 others were injured when a tanker truck overturned, caught fire, and exploded on a highway southeast of Mexico City.

The Diabetes Qatar (DQ), with support from Dolphin Energy, hosted the 'Tahadi Camp' over three days with the participation of 24 diabetic children aged 12 to 16. The camp aimed to equip participants with essential skills to manage diabetes confidently and independently. Through hands-on workshops, the children learned how to monitor blood sugar levels, respond to fluctuations, and accurately calculate food and carbohydrate intake.These practical lessons were designed to strengthen their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle and take control of their condition, a statement said. The camp also fostered a supportive environment where participants could connect with peers who share similar experiences. This helped reduce feelings of isolation and encouraged a sense of belonging and optimism. The programme featured educational sessions, sports activities, and group competitions that blended fun with valuable learning.DQ executive director Dr Abdullah al-Hamaq, said: “This camp is part of our ongoing efforts to provide children and youth living with diabetes the life skills and medical knowledge they need to manage their condition with confidence. We believe that psychological and social support is just as vital as medical care in the journey toward positive diabetes management.”

Palestinian medical sources announced Wednesday that the total number of dead in the Gaza Strip has risen to 68,643, the majority of whom are children and women, since the start of the Israeli occupation offensive on Oct. 7, 2023. The medical sources added that the number of injured has increased to 170,655 since the beginning of the assault. Many victims remain under the rubble, and ambulance and rescue teams are unable to reach them. They indicated that 104 dead (including 46 children and 40 women) and 253 injured (including 78 children and 84 women) arrived at Gaza Strip hospitals. Meanwhile, the total number of dead and injured since the cease-fire agreement on October 11 has reached 211 dead and 597 injured, and 482 bodies have been recovered.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed that more than 25,000 Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip have joined the temporary learning spaces established by the agency.UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that with the ceasefire in place, the agency is stepping up its “Back to Learning” program in Gaza, both in person and online. He emphasized that UNRWA will continue to expand the number of these learning locations.Lazzarini added that the agency is also providing online classes aimed at reaching approximately 300,000 children in the Gaza Strip.“Literacy and education are an antidote to despair and trauma,” Lazzarini posted on his official X account, noting that none of this would be possible without the dedication of thousands of UNRWA teachers.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued an appeal on the humanitarian situation in Gaza. In a series of statements, the UN agency painted a grim picture of life for Gaza's children, saying that although the latest ceasefire had offered a brief window of survival, current aid levels remained vastly insufficient to meet the scale of destruction and need.UNICEF reported devastating statistics on the impact of the conflict, stating that more than 64,000 children have been killed or injured, while over 56,000 have lost one or both parents.The UN agency said Israel had caused widespread destruction across the territory.While acknowledging a slight increase in the flow of humanitarian aid, UNICEF insisted that the current assistance remains far from enough. The agency urged Israeli authorities to open all crossings immediately and unconditionally to ensure that humanitarian supplies can enter Gaza freely.Beyond emergency relief, UNICEF said it is working to preserve Gaza's future by supporting education.

The Gulf Health Council has underscored the pivotal role of parents as the cornerstone in building health awareness among children and adolescents, stressing that eating habits and physical activity begin at home, where parents serve as key role models in preventing obesity and fostering self-confidence and a positive outlook.As part of its #Wazenha awareness campaign, the Council highlighted that prevention begins with family behavior by encouraging children to follow a balanced and varied diet, establishing regular meal and sleep schedules, reducing prolonged screen time, and incorporating physical activity into the family's daily routine.The Council noted that obesity may manifest through early, easily noticeable signs such as abnormal weight gain, fatigue during exertion, or joint pain, emphasizing that early family intervention helps reduce long-term health complications.It also stressed the importance of addressing the psychological aspects of childhood and adolescence, warning that obesity or negative remarks about physical appearance can lead to low self-esteem, emotional eating, or social withdrawal.The Gulf Health Council further pointed out that the messages children receive from their parents and communities regarding body image and appearance significantly influence their future self-perception. It called for adopting positive and encouraging communication about food, health, and body image, while avoiding criticism or comparison, and promoting values of natural beauty as well as psychological and physical balance.The Council concluded by reaffirming that family awareness forms the foundation for building a generation that enjoys balanced physical and psychological well-being. It urged parents to review the guidelines and educational materials available on the "Your Health Guide" platform as part of the #Wazenha campaign.