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Israeli occupier attacks threaten historic Christian presence in West Bank town

In Taybeh, one of the few Palestinian communities with a Christian majority in the occupied West Bank, fears are growing that Israeli occupier attacks on farmland and property could push more families to emigrate, threatening the town’s demographic character and historic Christian presence. Local officials and clergy warned of the impact of rising violence by Israeli occupiers, which has coincided with worsening living and economic conditions in the town. Taybeh, east of Ramallah, is one of the few Palestinian towns in the West Bank that still has a Christian majority, according to church and local accounts. Residents say the town’s Christian roots go back thousands of years. Residents say the attacks have deepened fears in the town, even as they stress their determination to remain on their land. Also Read: Pakistan raises red flag over illegal settlements in West Bank, calls for Israel accountability In recent years, Israeli occupiers have established several ill...

Saudi Arabia deploys drones, AI to curb unauthorized Hajj pilgrims

Saudi Arabia has deployed advanced technologies, including drones and artificial intelligence, to intensify its crackdown on unauthorized Hajj pilgrims, Gulf News reported. The initiative aims to strengthen surveillance and enforcement ahead of this year’s Islamic pilgrimage. The Kingdom’s General Directorate of Public Security released footage showing drones equipped with high-resolution cameras tracking individuals and vehicles suspected of attempting to reach the holy sites without valid permits. Saudi Hajj Security Forces… – Modern technologies – Advanced security systems To enforce Hajj regulations and instructions, and to apprehend violators of the laws and regulations.#No_Hajj_Without_Permit#HajjSecurity#Hajj2025 pic.twitter.com/BVTm9A2N5x — Hajj News (@hajj1_ENG) May 23, 2025 In one instance, a drone detected a suspicious vehicle in a remote desert area and relayed its coordinates to ground patrols, who quickly apprehended the suspects. These drones are part of a sophisticated surveillance system that integrates artificial intelligence and thermal imaging, enabling authorities to identify and intercept violators in real time. The campaign, titled “No Hajj Without a Permit,” is central to the government's efforts to regulate the pilgrimage and ensure the safety of all participants. Read more: Saudi Arabia announces strict penalties for unauthorised Hajj pilgrims Several individuals have been arrested in recent days for illegally transporting undocumented pilgrims. The Ministry of Interior confirmed that special seasonal committees have issued administrative penalties, including prison terms, fines of up to SR100,000 per violator, deportation of expatriates after serving their sentences, a 10-year re-entry ban, and the judicial seizure of vehicles used in these violations. The ministry reiterated that performing Hajj requires a specific Hajj visa. Individuals on visit visas are strictly prohibited from undertaking the pilgrimage. International pilgrims must obtain Hajj visas through their respective Hajj Affairs offices in 80 countries or via the Nusuk Hajj platform, which facilitates applications from 126 nations. In addition, the Ministry has announced fines of up to SR20,000 for anyone caught performing or attempting to perform Hajj without official authorization. These stringent measures come amid concerns over foreign visitors overstaying their visas with the intent to join the pilgrimage illegally.

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