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Gaza cancer patients face rising death rate due to Israeli control

Gaza cancer patients are dying at two to three ​times the pace they did before the start of the genocide in the territory, as Israel blocks many from travelling for treatment after destroying the only ‌local specialised facility. Israel blew up Gaza's specialised cancer hospital last year after claiming that troops found a tunnel used by Hamas running beneath it, a claim that they have yet to substantiate. That means that an estimated 17,000 Gazans with cancer have no local option for chemotherapy or other advanced therapy. Practically no Palestinians can afford to travel for treatment, and those who can face Israeli restrictions. The military imposes strict caps on daily crossings to Egypt, despite a 2025 Israel-Hamas ​"ceasefire" deal that requires free movement in and out. Asked for comment, COGAT, the Israeli military agency that controls access to Gaza, said it coordinates medical evacuations with the ​World Health Organisation. To depart, Gazans mus...

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports reach record $137b in 2024

Saudi Arabia’s non-oil exports rose to an all-time high of 515 billion riyals ($137.29 billion) in 2024, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported, as the kingdom pressed ahead with its economic diversification plans. The world’s largest oil exporter is pursuing Vision 2030, an economic strategy designed to reduce reliance on hydrocarbons and expand sectors including tourism, sports, and manufacturing. Non-oil exports increased by 13% compared to 2023 and have surged more than 113% since the launch of Vision 2030, SPA said. Abdulrahman Althukair, chief executive of the Saudi Export Development Authority, credited the growth to “the kingdom’s sustained efforts in economic diversification,” according to SPA. Separately, Saudi Arabia reported attracting 77.6 billion riyals ($20.69 billion) in foreign direct investment during 2024, as detailed in its latest Vision 2030 annual report. The government aims to secure $100 billion annually in foreign investment by the end of the decade as part of efforts to transform its economy and create new industries. Re-exports surged to 90 billion riyals, marking a 205% increase since 2016, with mobile phones accounting for a major share. Services exports also hit a record 207 billion riyals, rising 14% year-on-year, driven largely by the travel and tourism sector. Over 180 countries imported Saudi goods, re-exports, and services in 2024, with the UAE, Bahrain, Iraq, and Spain among those posting record import volumes. Travel and tourism contributed 74% of total service exports, supported by approximately 30 million international tourist arrivals in 2024. Saudi Arabia reported a 148% rise in tourism revenues compared to 2019 and led the G20 in tourism growth. Transportation services made up 12% of service exports, showing a 5% annual increase.

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