International
UN chief condemns killings of civilians in Gaza

UN chief condemns killings of civilians in Gaza
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday condemned the “continued and widespread” loss of life across Gaza, including Israeli strikes on a residential block in Beit Lahiya.
Israeli strikes on a residential block in Beit Lahiya on Saturday killed dozens, according to the Gazan health ministry.
UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq, briefing reporters in New York said this at a news conference at UN headquarters in New York.
“Civilians must be respected and protected at all times” and the UN chief “remains deeply alarmed by the rapidly deteriorating situation for civilians in northern Gaza, including mass displacement and the lack of essentials for survival.
The UN chief called for immediate and unhindered access for humanitarian and rescue teams to allow them to continue their lifesaving work.
“The recent attacks that have hit hospitals in North Gaza are exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis and placing the lives of tens of thousands at grave risk,” he said.
Guterres, however, called for combatants to protect patients and medical staff.
“The violations of international humanitarian law that we are witnessing in Gaza by all parties to this conflict are unacceptable.
“Accountability for any international crimes that have been committed by any party is essential,” Haq said.
He added that the Secretary-General reiterated his calls for an immediate ceasefire and the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages in Gaza.
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The UN human rights office, OHCHR, earlier expressed growing alarm over Israel’s military operations in northern Gaza, saying that life has become “impossible” for civilians trapped in the north amid repeated orders to move and severely limited access to essential humanitarian supplies.
Meanwhile, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has said that the dire situation in Gaza has left many on the brink of starvation.
“While the Israeli military has demanded that all civilians leave north Gaza, it has continued to relentlessly bomb and attack the area, especially in and around Jabalya Camp.
“These attacks have made it extremely dangerous for civilians to flee.”
It also reported fears among Palestinians that leaving could mean they wiould never be allowed to return to their homes.
Israeli forces have destroyed homes and schools serving as shelters, leaving many civilians with no refuge as winter approaches.
The suffering has deepened further as hospitals struggle with critical shortages of fuel and medical supplies, and rescue teams report being blocked or attacked while attempting lifesaving operations.
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“Hospitals have been hit and are left without power while injured people are left without care,” Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) said on social media.
“Denying and weaponising humanitarian assistance to achieve military purposes is a sign of how low the moral compass is…no one should beg to assist or to be assisted,” he added.
UN relief coordination office, OCHA, urged Israeli authorities to allow immediate access to rescue dozens still trapped under rubble.
“Every minute counts…previously, delayed approvals resulted in rescue teams only recovering dead bodies,” it said in a post on X.
Internet access has been disrupted and at least three Palestinian journalists killed, limiting the flow of information from the region.
The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, also condemned the continuing attacks.
“The nightmare in Gaza is intensifying. Horrifying scenes are unfolding in the northern Strip amidst conflict, relentless Israeli strikes and an ever-worsening humanitarian crisis,” Tor Wennesland said in a statement on Sunday.
He called for the immediate end of the war, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and an end to forced displacement.
He emphasised the need to protect civilians and allow unimpeded humanitarian aid.
“The path ahead will require courage, political will and renewed dialogue. We owe it to the families suffering in Gaza and Israel. The war must stop now.”
UN chief condemns killings of civilians in Gaza
(NAN)
International
Gaza: Iran begins talks with S’Arabia, Egypt as Israel renews attacks

Gaza: Iran begins talks with S’Arabia, Egypt as Israel renews attacks
Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday exchanged views with his Saudi Arabian and Egyptian counterparts on Israel’s renewed attacks on Gaza.
In a phone conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, Araghchi strongly condemned Israel’s attacks in Gaza, and urged other countries in the region to take collective action, said the Iranian Foreign Ministry in a statement.
For his part, Faisal reaffirmed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation of Israeli aggressions and emphasized regional coordination to prevent further escalation.
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In a separate phone call with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Araghchi condemned Israel’s renewed attacks on Gaza as well as obstruction of humanitarian aid delivery to the Palestinian coastal enclave “in flagrant violation” of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
The Egyptian foreign minister underscored the need for consultations and diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Both Egyptian and Iranian ministers agreed to maintain consultations on regional developments.
Gaza: Iran begins talks with S’Arabia, Egypt as Israel renews attacks
Xinhua
International
Three killed,15 injured in U.S. park shooting

Three killed,15 injured in U.S. park shooting
Three people were killed and 15 others injured in a shooting at Young Park in Las Cruces, New Mexico, on Friday night, police said.
The violence erupted during an unauthorised car show that had drawn around 200 people.
Las Cruces Police Chief, Jeremy Story, said officers arrived at the scene around 10 p.m. to find chaos, with 50 to 60 shell casings, all from handguns, scattered across the park.
The shooting involved multiple weapons and appeared to stem from an ongoing conflict between two groups, Story said, adding that several bystanders were caught in the crossfire.
The deceased were identified as two 19-year-old men and a 16-year-old boy. The names of the victims, including those injured, have not yet been released.
The wounded, ranging in age from 16 to 36, were either treated at the scene or taken to area hospitals.
Las Cruces Fire Chief Michael Daniels said seven victims were treated at the spot, including two who died due to their injuries.
Eleven others were transported to hospitals in Las Cruces or the University Medical Center of El Paso, a regional trauma center. By Saturday, four had been released, while seven remained hospitalised. The conditions of the remaining four were unclear.
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The police are working with the New Mexico State Police, Doña Ana County Sheriff’s Office, FBI, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives to investigate the incident.
Authorities are asking for eye witness accounts and any video footage to help identify the suspects.
“This horrendous, senseless act is a stark reminder of the blatant disregard for law and order,” Story said, while vowing to find and hold all perpetrators accountable.
Story acknowledged that illegal car shows at Young Park have been a recurring issue and that police presence had been greater in the past. However, due to staffing shortages, there were “no units available for most of the night” on Friday.
The city has purchased surveillance technology for all its parks as part of a real-time crime center, but it has not yet been installed.
Las Cruces City Councilor and Mayor Pro Tem Johana Bencomo, expressed her grief over the tragedy.
“A tragedy like this feels like a nightmare just waiting to come true at any possible moment,” she wrote on Instagram.
Las Cruces, located along the Rio Grande in southern New Mexico, is about 40 miles north of the U.S.-Mexico border.
Police remained at the scene Saturday, keeping the area closed to traffic as the investigation continued.
The incident has intensified discussions about crime and gun violence in New Mexico.
New Mexico Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham recently signed legislation imposing harsher penalties for crimes like vehicle theft and fentanyl trafficking while also banning devices that convert guns into automatic weapons.
The state also expanded its red-flag gun law and increased funding for addiction and mental health treatment.
The New Mexico Senate held a moment of silence late Friday in response to the tragedy.
Three killed,15 injured in U.S. park shooting
International
Canada offers cybersecurity training with job placements for immigrants

Canada offers cybersecurity training with job placements for immigrants
The Canadian government, in collaboration with private sector partners, is offering a cybersecurity training programme in Calgary designed to support immigrants in securing employment in the growing tech industry.
The initiative provides hands-on learning and job placement opportunities in one of 16 entry-level cybersecurity roles. Participants will earn industry-recognized micro-credentials, equipping them with the skills needed to launch their careers.
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Funded by the Alberta Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade, the programme is delivered in partnership with ReTrain Canada and Manpower Canada. The 12-week training session, scheduled for March, will run Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Through this initiative, participants will gain expertise in cybersecurity fundamentals, encryption techniques, and applied penetration testing—all at no cost—while also receiving practical work experience to enhance their employability.
Canada offers cybersecurity training with job placements for immigrants
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