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The Civil Defence in the Gaza Strip announced that its operations have effectively been reduced by 50% due to the lack of fuel needed to run emergency vehicles and rescue equipment.Spokesperson for the Civil Defence, Mahmoud Basal, told Qatar News Agency (QNA) Monday that field teams have been struggling for weeks to secure the fuel required to operate the remaining essential vehicles and equipment, including fire engines, rescue and ambulance vehicles, as well as portable power generators that run on gasoline and are critical for removing hazards and retrieving trapped individuals.He stressed that these tools form the backbone of firefighting, rescue missions, evacuation operations, and emergency response for civilians enduring dire humanitarian conditions under Israeli attacks. He warned that rescue teams can no longer reach thousands of damaged and unstable buildings, and that search and recovery efforts are on the verge of being completely shut down.Basal noted that a significant portion of the Civil Defence's response to fires, explosions, and building collapses has already stalled, posing an immediate threat to civilian lives. Despite appeals to UN agencies and international organizations to supply the needed fuel, Israeli-imposed restrictions continue to block the entry of sufficient quantities, with distribution mechanisms falling far short of operational needs. This, he said, has caused a major paralysis in the Civil Defence's ability to fulfill its humanitarian duties.He called for lifting all restrictions on fuel delivery and ensuring immediate and full operational supply, with a transparent and consistent mechanism that aligns with the scale of the emergency in Gaza.Despite the lack of equipment, Basal emphasised that efforts to recover the bodies of Palestinians martyred in Israeli occupation airstrikes continue. However, operations are progressing extremely slowly due to severe equipment shortages. Currently, only one excavator is operating in central Gaza in co-ordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross and specialised teams to retrieve bodies from beneath the rubble.He said that once work is completed in the central and southern areas, the excavator will move to Gaza City and the northern region. Basal stressed that a single excavator is insufficient given the enormous number of bodies, and that additional heavy machinery is urgently needed to complete the process as quickly and safely as possible.Basal also noted that some international organisations have expressed willingness to support recovery efforts and bring in heavy machinery. Still, so far, no additional equipment has entered Gaza aside from the one excavator currently in use.He described the issue of missing persons as a profoundly humanitarian crisis, with families submitting daily pleas for help in recovering their loved ones. He estimated that around 10,000 bodies remain under the rubble, though obtaining precise figures is extremely difficult due to the conditions on the ground and the lack of comprehensive documentation.Specialised committees have been formed to document and assess families targeted by Israeli occupation attacks who require urgent intervention by Civil Defence teams.Basal concluded by noting that although Israeli aggression on Gaza ceased following the October ceasefire agreement, which according to official and UN reports, left around 92% of residential buildings fully or partially destroyed, the Israeli occupation continues to block the entry of reconstruction materials, rubble removal equipment, and essential humanitarian supplies for sectors including health and water. This ongoing obstruction, in violation of the humanitarian protocol annexed to the ceasefire agreement, is crippling local, municipal, and international efforts to provide basic services to war-stricken residents of the Gaza Strip. 

Assistant Undersecretary for Security Affairs at the Ministry of Interior (MoI) Sheikh Nayef bin Faleh bin Saud al-Thani met Monday with Commissioner for European Affairs, Export Control, Security and Defence Industry at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany, Dr Robert Dieter. During the meeting, the two sides discussed areas of security co-operation between the two friendly countries.They further discussed ways to enhance the exchange of expertise to contribute to developing the security work system and supporting joint efforts. 

The British Embassy in Doha hosted its annual King’s Birthday Party Thursday. The celebration brought together senior representatives from Qatar and the UK to mark the enduring friendship between the two nations, while looking ahead to future collaboration across a range of sectors, a statement said.The evening reflected on the strong history of UK–Qatar relations and highlighted opportunities to expand partnerships in trade, defence, culture, education, and innovation.In his remarks, British ambassador Neerav Patel underscored the depth of the UK-Qatar relationship and the importance of people-to-people ties in sustaining it.“These people-to-people connections are the beating heart of our relationship. Through our work, friendships, creativity and commitment, we all help make this relationship thrive. We are proud of the living bridge between our countries.”The ambassador praised the quintessential role of Qatar in international diplomacy and global development under the leadership of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and highlighted the great depth of cooperation with the UK across every major file.He also highlighted the launch of the British Community Foundation, a new non-profit initiative supporting the British community in Qatar and strengthening cultural exchange with Qatari society.This year’s theme invited guests to enjoy a journey 'From Tube to Tower,' showcasing iconic British motifs — from London red telephone boxes to classic fish and chips — bringing a slice of Britain to Doha, the statement added.

The Organising Committee of the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference (Dimdex 2026) has signed a co-operation agreement with Barzan Holdings, under which the company will serve as the Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor of the prestigious event for the fourth consecutive edition. Held under the patronage of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, and hosted and organised by the Qatar Armed Forces, the ninth edition of Dimdex will take place from Jan 19-22, 2026, at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The event will be held under the theme: "A Global Hub for Defence Innovations: Invest in Possibilities to Shape a Secure Tomorrow." The enduring partnership between Dimdex and Barzan Holdings underscores the commitment of national entities to supporting major events hosted by Qatar. It further reflects the notable advancement of the country's defence industries, while providing Barzan Holdings with a unique platform to present its innovations to global markets and to engage with the wealth of expertise the event attracts. The signing ceremony was held at the Qatar Ministry of Defence in the presence of HE Chief of Staff of Qatar Armed Forces Lt. Gen. (Pilot) Jassim bin Mohammed al-Mannai and Chief Investment Officer at Barzan Holdings Mohammed Ahmad al-Mulla. The agreement was officiated by Chairman of the Dimdex Organising Committee Staff Brigadier (Sea) Abdulbaqi Saleh al-Ansari and Chief Commercial Officer at Barzan Holdings Omar Fahad al-Qadi. In this regard, al-Mannai said: "The Qatari Armed Forces takes great pride in organising and hosting the Doha International Maritime Defence Exhibition and Conference, which serves as a platform that reflects our commitment to excellence in the military field. Our partnerships with national bodies and institutions play a vital role in the success of this event and in enhancing its international impact. By combining expertise, innovation, and strategic vision, we work together to strengthen Qatar's position across various security and defense sectors, and to build partnerships that contribute to fostering security and achieving sustainable development." For his part, al-Ansari said: "Our longstanding partnership with Barzan Holdings represents a cornerstone in delivering another exceptional edition of Dimdex. The company's pivotal role in advancing the defence industry and introducing cutting-edge technologies to the State of Qatar is fully aligned with our aspirations to build a future defined by sustainable security for generations to come. Dimdex continues to serve as a premier platform for showcasing these innovations, fostering dialogue between government decision makers, industry leaders and exhibitors, and enabling the establishment of strategic partnerships that shape the future of defence and security regionally and globally." Group Chief Executive Officer of Barzan Holdings Eng. Mohammed bin Bader al-Sadah said: "As long-time partners of Dimdex, Barzan Holdings is proud to return as a Strategic Partner and Gold Sponsor for the 2026 edition. Over the years, our collaboration has been central to advancing Qatar's defence and maritime security goals. One of our main objectives in this edition is to showcase our capabilities, products and services to the international market, and Dimdex provides us with a strategic avenue to achieve that. Dimdex remains a vital platform for us to connect with industry leaders, showcase our latest technologies, and explore new partnerships that drive innovation and contribute to regional security. Together, we are shaping a safer and more secure future through collaboration, technology, and shared expertise." The Barzan Holdings pavilion at Dimdex 2026 is anticipated to be a focal point of interest for visitors, where the company will present its most recent achievements and contributions to the maritime defence sector. As a national leader in the defence and security sector, Barzan Holdings serves as a key gateway for defence industry trade in Qatar. The company actively fosters global co-operation and influential partnerships aimed at advancing knowledge-sharing and investment in innovative defence technologies, thereby consolidating Qatar's position at the forefront of opportunities in the current and future defence markets. Dimdex reaffirms Qatar's commitment to providing a world-class platform to showcase advanced defence innovations, strengthen long-term partnerships, and create new business opportunities. The event further contributes to supporting local economic growth by attracting thousands of participants and visitors in alignment with Qatar National Vision 2030. (QNA)

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Tuesday he discussed his country's air defence needs with his Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb after recent Russian strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Zelenskiy, who is due to meet Donald Trump in Washington on Friday, also said it was important that the U.S. president had managed to stop the war in Gaza. "Of course, the right steps by America could also work to end Russia's war against Ukraine. We have a vision for this," Zelenskiy said, adding that he and Stubb were "coordinating" their positions.

The Al Jaber Lusail Twin Tower is seen lit in the colours of Pakistan flag to mark the Pakistan Defence Day Saturday.

Ministry of Sports and Youth concluded its 2025 summer activities with wide participation exceeding 43,000 participants, through more than 750 sports and youth events organized across various regions of the country.The Ministry confirmed in a statement that the success of these activities was due to the combined efforts of partners from various governmental and private sectors, notably the Ministry of Interior, Ministry of Education and Higher Education, Ministry of Public Health, Ministry of Municipality, Ministry of Social Development and Family, Qatar Sports for All Federation, National Cyber Security Agency, Education City, Qatar Museums, alongside numerous sports clubs, media channels, and other entities.The ministry emphasized the continuation of its community and youth programs throughout the year to reinforce the role of sports in society, supporting Qatar National Vision 2030 in building a conscious and active generation. In this context, the Ministry of Sports and Youth, in co-operation with the Ministry of Interior, launched several summer programmes and activities to raise awareness and develop skills among youth. The most prominent of these was the awareness programme 'Aware Generation' which benefited 1,163 young men and women across 28 centers and youth organizations under the supervision of five trainers. Additionally, the Hina Salma Farm saw the participation of 4,686 young men and women from youth and girls’ centers, with an average daily participation of 158 attendees per center.In the field of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), the Qatar Scientific Club and the Qatar Society of Engineers organised the summer program STEM 2025 with the participation of more than 141 students. Meanwhile, the summer data camp, organized in co-operation with the National Planning Council, Qatar Scientific Club, and Microsoft, hosted over 100 students competing in 20 teams to develop skills in analysis and artificial intelligence. Furthermore, 1,800 young men and women participated in events organized by the Programs and Activities Department at the Public Works Authority (Ashghal).The programmes varied between sports, recreational, and awareness activities, including events held at Lusail Sports Arena, Education City Stadium, Al Furjan playgrounds, and races in various public parks. Other specialised programs included 365 Days of Activity, Self-Defence Program, Steps Challenge, as well as dedicated events for youth and girls at youth centers.

Hundreds killed in Sweida bloodshed in JulySuspects filmed several killingsSome later confessed, committee saysDruze deaths spark calls for justiceSyria has interrogated and detained members of its defence and interior ministries suspected of committing abuses against civilians in the predominantly Druze province of Sweida in July, the committee investigating the violence has said.Hundreds of people were killed in Sweida in violence that began between tribes and Druze factions but which worsened after Syrian troops were dispatched to the area. Bereaved relatives accused government forces of committing execution-style killings on camera.Syria appointed a committee to investigate the violence on July 31. Its spokesperson Ammar Izzedin told Syrian and regional media outlets on Tuesday night that members of both the interior and defence ministries had been questioned and referred to the judiciary over their suspected involvement in abuses.Izzedin declined to say how many personnel were detained, but said they were Syrian nationals who carried out the atrocities in an individual capacity.He told regional broadcaster Al-Hadath the committee had confronted the suspects with "the video footage in which they were seen" committing abuses without specifying what they were.Izzedin said the footage was "enough" as evidence since the fighters had filmed themselves, but that several had also confessed to committing the abuses after being shown the videos."They were detained by the interior and defence ministries to be transferred to the judiciary when the investigations are concluded to be publicly tried for the crimes they committed against Syrians," Izzedin said.He told local outlet Syria TV that the committee was keen to act swiftly to arrest the suspects even as it continued its investigative work. He did not immediately respond to Reuters requests for additional comment.Amnesty International urged Syrian authorities on Tuesday to hold members of government forces accountable for extrajudicial executions of Druze men and women on July 15 and 16 in Sweida.In March, Syria's military was accused of mass killings of members of the Alawite minority, to which much of ousted Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's ruling elite belonged.A Syrian government fact-finding committee said in July that 1,426 people had died in March in attacks on security forces and subsequent mass killings of Alawites, but concluded that commanders had not given orders for the revenge attacks.It said 298 suspects were linked to violations against Alawites and 265 involved in the initial attack on security forces, and said they had been referred to the judiciary.