British tourist breaks neck during trip to France, faces huge medical bill after traveling without insurance

British tourist breaks neck during trip to France, faces huge medical bill after traveling without insurance
British tourist Guy Evans (Image: GoFundMe)

A British man was left unable to walk after breaking his neck while on holiday in France and facing huge medical bills because he traveled without insurance.Guy Evans, 30, suffered the life-changing injury on April 19 while visiting his father’s holiday home in the Loire Valley with his brother Stan.What started as a simple attempt to remove broken tree branches from the garden soon turned into a nightmare when Guy fell about 10 feet over a stone wall after a branch broke beneath him.

Briton ‘destroyed’ vertebra in strange accident

The freelance copywriter was taken to hospital, where doctors revealed he had a broken C6 vertebra in his neck.Describing the terrifying experience from his hospital bed, Guy said he had “wiped out” one of the vertebrae near the top of his spine.“Very fortunately I haven’t had my spine severed, which obviously would have been more or less curtains for me,” he said.Doctors performed a six-hour emergency surgery the day after the accident, reconstructing the damaged vertebra using bone taken from his left hip. A second operation took place a week later.

No travel insurance means families face huge costs

While Guy has returned to the UK for treatment at King’s College Hospital in south London, his family is struggling to cover rising medical and repatriation expenses because he did not take out travel insurance before the trip.Guy admitted his mistake, saying, “I’m a stupid, stupid guy. You always think these things won’t happen to you.”His younger brother Robbie Evans launched a GoFundMe page to help pay the rising costs of getting Guy back to the UK and support his rehabilitation.

GoFundMe donations flood in

The fundraising impressed people online and soon passed the £102,000 mark.In an update shared on the fundraising page, Robbie said the family is “completely overwhelmed” by the support they have been receiving from strangers.He explained that a portion of the money has already been used to fund Guy’s medical transfer back to the UK, while the remaining funds will help with his long recovery process and future living arrangements if he is unable to regain full mobility.

still unable to walk

Although Guy has regained some movement in his arms and hands, he is still unable to walk and now faces months of intensive rehabilitation.According to him, the first 18 months after such an injury are considered crucial for recovery.Despite the ordeal, Guy says he feels lucky doctors were able to save his spinal cord from more devastating damage.

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2,000-year-old stone labyrinth discovered in India could change what we know about ancient Roman relationships

2,000-year-old stone labyrinth discovered in India could change what we know about ancient Roman relationships

A mysterious circular stone structure discovered in the grasslands of Maharashtra is attracting the attention of archaeologists and historians around the world. Hidden in the Bormani grasslands of Solapur district, this structure is now considered to be India’s largest circular labyrinth, with experts estimating that it may be over 2,000 years old. The discovery is important not only because of its sheer size, but it may also reveal information about ancient trade routes connecting India with the Roman world.The Satavahana dynasty ruled large parts of the Deccan region between about 200 BC and 200 AD. During this time, India maintained extensive trade relations with Rome and other Mediterranean powers. Earlier excavations in Maharashtra have already revealed artefacts from the Roman world, including a bronze mirror and a figurine associated with the Graeco-Roman sea god Poseidon.Researchers say the labyrinth appears to share striking similarities with patterns seen in ancient Greek and Roman designs. That description has sparked renewed discussion about the deep commercial and cultural ties that existed between the civilizations of India and the Mediterranean during the Satavahana period.

India’s largest circular labyrinth has been hidden for centuries

The labyrinth is identified to be approximately 50 feet in diameter and consists of 15 circular circuits made of carefully arranged stone blocks. Archaeologists say this makes it the largest circular labyrinth ever discovered in India. While a large square labyrinth had previously been recorded in Tamil Nadu, no circular structure of this scale had been recorded before this discovery in Maharashtra.The site was identified in the Bormani grasslands of Solapur district, which is better known for wildlife conservation than archaeology. The labyrinth’s intricate design immediately stood out due to its unusual circular pattern and the precision of its stone layout. Researchers also found layers of soil between the stone rings, suggesting that the structure has remained largely untouched for hundreds, possibly thousands of years.

Ancient stone structure that may link India to the Roman world

Archaeologist Sachin Patil of Deccan College, Pune, believes that the labyrinth may have played an important role in guiding ancient traders traveling through western India. According to researchers, Roman traders were highly active in the Deccan region during the early century AD, and exchanged gold, wine, glass vessels and decorative objects in exchange for Indian spices, silk, beads and indigo dye.The areas around Kolhapur, Karad, Ter, Sangli, Satara and Solapur were reportedly part of a thriving inland trade network connected to India’s western ports. Historians have often described this route as an important commercial corridor that connected the Indian subcontinent to the Roman Empire through maritime trade in the Indian Ocean.The labyrinth resembles the design seen on ancient Cretan coins from the Roman period. International labyrinth expert Jeff Saward has reportedly described the Borramani structure as one of the most important labyrinth discoveries in India. He explained that the design relates to the classical labyrinth tradition but also includes features that appear distinctly Indian.

How can the ancient labyrinth be related to the Chakravyuh of Mahabharata?

This structure is also being linked to the concept of “Chakravyuh” described in the ancient Indian epic Mahabharata. In the Mahabharata, Chakravyuha refers to a complex circular military structure built to trap enemies within revolving defensive layers.Researchers say that the Borramani labyrinth shares visual similarities with these circular structures. In many Indian traditions, maze-like designs are associated with spirituality, meditation, fertility, and cosmic symbolism. Local communities reportedly refer to such patterns by names such as “code”, “manchakra” and “yamadwar”.

Discovery that revealed 2,000-year-old labyrinth

Interestingly, the ancient structure was not initially discovered by archaeologists. Members of a local conservation group reportedly noticed the unusual stone patterns while conducting wildlife surveys in the Boramani grasslands. The region is known for species such as the Great Indian Bustard and the Indian wolf.Researchers later confirmed that the labyrinth was likely ancient and historically significant. Archaeologists say the careful arrangement of the stones and the weathered conditions of the site strongly indicate that it dates back to the Satavahana era, which was known for intense trade activity and cultural exchange.

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8 killed, more than 20 injured when goods train collides with bus in Bangkok

वीडियो: बैंकॉक में मालगाड़ी के बस से टकराने से 8 की मौत, 20 से अधिक घायलAccording to Thai media reports, the accident occurred in the afternoon near an airport rail link station in the central part of the city. Bangkok’s emergency services agency, Erawan Medical Centre, confirmed the death toll and said several injured people had been taken for treatment.Thailand’s Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulakiat told reporters at the scene that all the recovered bodies were found inside the bus. He said officials were still trying to find out how many passengers were in the vehicle at the time of the accident.When Siripong was asked about reports that the bus may have stalled on the railway tracks and whether the crossing barriers were not properly lowered, Siripong said the circumstances surrounding the incident were still being investigated.Videos circulated on social media showed several vehicles stopped at the railway crossing moments before the collision. The goods train was then seen colliding with an orange public bus, dragging nearby vehicles onto the tracks. The bus caught fire after the collision.Some footage also showed motorcycles and riders thrown on the road after the collision. Video from the scene showed rescue workers entering the charred remains of the bus after firefighters brought the blaze under control.

Do you believe that the railway crossing barriers failed to function properly in this incident?

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Maduro’s ‘bag man’ sent to US, Venezuela deports Alex Saab in dramatic U-turn

Maduro's 'bag man' sent to US, Venezuela deports Alex Saab in dramatic U-turn
FILE – Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, left, and Alex Saab stand together during an event marking the anniversary of the 1958 coup that overthrew dictator Marcos Perez Jimenez in Caracas, Venezuela, on January 23, 2024. (AP Photo/File)

Venezuela has deported businessman Alex Saab, a close ally of former President Nicolas Maduro who faces multiple criminal investigations in the United States, in a dramatic reversal less than three years after he was pardoned by then-US President Joe Biden as part of a prisoner swap deal.Venezuelan immigration authorities announced the decision on Saturday, saying Saab’s removal was based on multiple ongoing criminal investigations in the US. Although the statement did not specify where Saab was sent, it referred to him only as a “Colombian citizen”, an apparent reference to Venezuelan laws that prohibit the extradition of Venezuelan citizens.Saab, 54, long considered Maduro’s “bag man” by US officials, could now become a key witness in cases involving Venezuela’s former leadership. Maduro himself is awaiting trial on drug charges in Manhattan after being captured in a US military raid in January.The deportation marks a sharp fall from grace for Saab, whose return to Venezuela in 2023 was celebrated by Maduro and senior officials as a diplomatic victory over Washington. Following his first arrest in Cape Verde in 2020 while refueling en route to Iran, Maduro and then-acting President Delcy Rodríguez claimed that Saab was a Venezuelan diplomat engaged in a humanitarian mission aimed at circumventing US sanctions.Rodriguez has distanced himself from SAB since taking power on January 3 following Maduro’s ouster. He removed him from his cabinet, stripped him of his role as liaison to foreign investors, and reportedly isolated him from the country’s political and business networks. For months rumors continued to spread that Saab was either under house arrest or in jail.His deportation is expected to deepen divisions within Venezuela’s ruling Chavista movement, which is named after former President Hugo Chávez. Rodriguez has sought closer engagement with Washington, including opening Venezuela’s oil and mining sectors to US investment, angering hardline allies who have long denounced the US as an “empire”.Those critics include Venezuelan Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, one of the most influential figures in Venezuela’s security apparatus and himself the subject of criminal charges in the United States.In February, US federal prosecutors spent several months investigating Saab’s alleged role in a bribery conspiracy involving Venezuelan food import contracts. The investigation stems from a 2021 US Justice Department case against Saab’s longtime associate Alvaro Pulido.The investigation centers on the CLAP program, a government-run plan created under Maduro to distribute food items such as rice, corn flour and cooking oil during Venezuela’s economic collapse and hyperinflation crisis.According to the indictment, Saab, identified as “Co-conspirator 1”, allegedly helped establish a network of companies used to bribe pro-Maduro governors who awarded inflated food import contracts from Mexico.Saab first came under US scrutiny in 2020 after his arrest in Cape Verde while traveling on a private jet to Iran. His extradition to the US at the time was met with outrage by Maduro’s government, which insisted that he have diplomatic status.Rodríguez described Saab’s eventual return to Venezuela in 2023 as a “resounding victory” against the US campaign of “lies and threats”. However, many Republicans criticized Biden’s decision to pardon Saab. Senator Chuck Grassley wrote to then-Attorney General Merrick Garland, saying that history should “remember (Saab) as a predator of the vulnerable.”Biden’s pardon was limited to a 2019 indictment that alleged Saab and Pulido secured contracts through bribes to build low-income housing projects in Venezuela that were never completed. The pardon was part of a broader agreement under which Venezuela released imprisoned Americans and returned fugitive defense contractor Leonard Francis, widely known as “Fat Leonard.”Saab may now become an important witness for US authorities. Court filings and closed-door hearings revealed that he had secretly cooperated with the US Drug Enforcement Administration before his first arrest, helping investigators probe corruption inside Maduro’s inner circle. As part of that cooperation, Saab seized more than US$12 million linked to illicit business transactions.Saab’s Miami-based lawyer Neil Schuster declined to comment, while the US Justice Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

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Candace Owens challenges Charlie Kirk succession story involving Erica Kirk and the future of TPUSA

Candace Owens challenges Charlie Kirk’s succession story involving Erica Kirk and the future of TPUSA (Image via Getty)

Candace Owens fight around, charlie kirkAnd Erica Kirk took another turn when political commentator Jamels shared a lengthy post online defending Turning Point USA’s leadership decision. Gemels wrote that people should stop treating TPUSA like “public property” and argued that Charlie Kirk built the organization himself and trusted the people around him before his death. The post quickly gained attention after a direct response from Candace Owens and raised questions about whether Charlie Kirk really wanted Erica Kirk to take over the organization.Candace Owens pointed to past public comments where Charlie Kirk and Erica Kirk both reportedly spoke out against women climbing the corporate ladder. Because of that, he said it was hard to believe that Charlie Kirk would suddenly change his position shortly before his death. He also questioned the claims of an alleged video message related to the leadership announcement.In her response to X, Candace Owens wrote:“Charlie has repeatedly spoken out against women climbing the corporate ladder, even those with a surviving spouse. Erica repeatedly reinforced this position in his favor in multiple appearances.Can we believe that just weeks before he died he suddenly pulled a sharp 180?You don’t understand why it matters? Because if Charlie didn’t legally put her in charge via his documents and corporate will – plus he lied about the existence of an authentic video, instead switching to AI-generated audio of her gracefully admitting her position, we might be seeing the seeds of a motive.The comments immediately sparked debate online, with supporters and critics alike reacting strongly to Owens’s claims.

Candace Owens raises questions about Erica Kirk, TPUSA Leadership And the alleged AI audio controversy

Candace Owens continued her response by arguing that the reported change made no sense based on Charlie Kirk’s past beliefs and family situation.she wrote:“Furthermore, the premise is absolutely ridiculous. No rational person in the world would say, ‘If I die on the job and leave my wife and children behind, please give my widowed wife an 80-hour-a-week job, which is the same dangerous position I previously lived in, leaving my children effectively orphaned.'”The debate quickly spread across political social media circles, with many users discussing whether the organization had officially shown legal proof of Charlie Kirk’s wishes before Erica Kirk’s public appearance tied to the announcement.So far, no public legal documents related to the succession discussion have been released. There is also no independently verified evidence proving the claims of AI-generated audio made by Candace Owens. TPUSA has not publicly responded in detail to Owens’ latest comments at the time of writing.The exchange has now turned into one of the largest online political debates around Turning Point USA as questions about its future leadership surface for the first time.

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Did Candace Owens’ producer and manager quit? Ben Shapiro appears to confirm rumors of staff exit

Did Candace Owens' producer and manager quit? Ben Shapiro appears to confirm rumors of staff exit
Rumors about Candace Owens gained momentum after a viral post claimed that her top producer and manager had quit. Speculation intensified when Ben Shapiro referenced the alleged departure while discussing online influence in conservative media. His comments sparked widespread debate on social media, with users questioning the sustainability and institutional power of major political commentary brands driven by massive Internet audiences.

Conservative commentator Candace Owens is once again at the center of online discussion after social media users began speculating about possible internal changes involving her media team. The discussion intensified after a viral post claimed that several staff members, including a top producer and manager, had recently left Owens’ operation.The rumors were further strengthened when podcast host and political commentator Ben Shapiro appeared to reference the situation during a recent discussion. His comments quickly spread throughout X, with users analyzing every line and debating whether cracks were beginning to appear behind the curtain of conservative digital media.

Candace Owens staff rumors send social media into a frenzy

The viral post that fueled the controversy is as follows:“🚨 Candace’s employees are quitting 🚨Several of Candace Owens’ employees have recently quit, including a top producer and her manager! 😯”That alone was enough to trigger thousands of reactions online. Some users questioned whether the departures were related to creative disagreements, while others suggested that speculation about the engagement was being exaggerated.Nevertheless, the attention intensified after Ben Shapiro addressed the broader conversation about online personalities and their influence. During his remarks he said:“Look, the thing is, if Candace Owens had a top producer and her manager quit, or if Megyn Kelly quit, there’s no national media coverage. youtube The account starts losing thousands of subscribers per month, or if Tucker Carlson’s traffic comes disproportionately from Pakistan. We all have our own fan base. Well, all these things actually happen, but nobody really cares much about it because yes, those guys have significant viewership, but they don’t have any real institutional influence.”This quote immediately went viral as many listeners interpreted it as a direct acknowledgment that the employee exit had indeed occurred. Others focused on his observations about audience influence and the changing power structure within digital-first political media.

Ben Shapiro’s comments spark debate conservative media Effect

Online reactions immediately fell into two camps. Owens’ supporters said that Internet celebrities often face too much scrutiny when athletes change teams. But critics said the situation reflects broader tensions within independent conservative media brands that rely too heavily on personality-driven audiences.The debate also reignited the argument over who really holds long-term power in contemporary political commentary. Critics say creators like Candace Owens, Tucker Carlson and Megyn Kelly still have large online followers, but viral reach doesn’t always translate into institutional power.Candace Owens or her representatives have not publicly confirmed the rumors at this time. But the topic remains trending on social platforms due to growing interest in the allegations, especially as people continue to analyze Ben Shapiro’s unusually harsh comments.

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When Queen Elizabeth II smiled at Prince Harry, her reaction said it all

'वह शरमाना बंद नहीं कर सके': जब महारानी एलिजाबेथ द्वितीय प्रिंस हैरी को देखकर मुस्कुराईं, तो उनकी प्रतिक्रिया ने सब कुछ कह दिया

Queen Elizabeth made Prince Harry smile at a military parade in 2006.

An old royal photo of the Queen is in the news again due to the emotional warmth captured in the image. The heartwarming moment is said to have taken place when Prince Harry graduated from his military training school in 2006.During the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, Surrey, England, on 12 April 2006, the Queen was seen smiling proudly at Prince Harry as he inspected the troops. The young man was in full military uniform, with a sword in his hand and an embarrassed smile on his face.This picture is appearing again and again on social media and is touching many hearts. Royal fans commented on how the photo depicted the Queen’s sweet relationship with Prince Harry.A moment that showed one proud grandmotherRoyal enthusiasts have hailed the photo as one of the most heart-touching conversations between the Queen and Prince Harry. However, despite the formality, the image was extraordinary because of the warmth evident between them.According to royal historians, Queen Elizabeth II had a unique relationship with her grandchildren, including encouraging them to serve the public as they wished. Various royal correspondents have said in previous interviews that the Queen had a “soft spot” for Harry, appreciating him for his sense of humor and character.Body language experts also spoke about the image in earlier media reports, stating that the Queen’s smile indicated “pride and affection”. Additionally, according to them, Harry’s body language seemed relaxed and youthful even in a strictly formal military environment.

Queen Elizabeth II's proud look made this photo of Prince Harry unforgettable

Queen Elizabeth II’s proud look made this photo of Prince Harry unforgettable

Prince Harry’s military service was important to himOfficial website of the royal family Prince Harry’s career in the military is mentioned, including his training at Sandhurst and active duty in Afghanistan. He attended schools including Wetherby School, Ludgrove School and Eton College before joining the army. He attended officer training school at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and served in the British Army for ten years.During his service he made two tours to Afghanistan. Britain’s Defense Ministry says he first deployed to Helmand province in 2007 and then returned in 2012 as an Apache helicopter pilot.Harry has been repeatedly recognized by military experts for his dedication to military personnel and veterans. This ultimately resulted in the establishment of the Invictus Games in 2014, an international athletic competition for wounded and injured soldiers. Various studies state that this phenomenon has helped countless individuals recover physically and mentally. A study published in one more It was also found that recovery through sports can help veterans cope emotionally and socially.Why royal fans can’t get enough of this photo?First of all, there is nothing more special to any family than a photo of a happy grandmother embracing her grandson. In fact, the fact that this image includes some elements of royal life does not detract from the genuine human touch.While royal news focuses mostly on scandals and speculation, the memory associated with the photo is valued by fans. The honest conversation was an unusual opportunity to see the royal family from a less formal perspective. Even years later, the photo reminds royal enthusiasts of a fleeting but very human connection.

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The surprising reason Joan Kroc’s record-breaking Salvation Army gift still changes lives today

जोआन क्रोक के रिकॉर्ड तोड़ने वाले साल्वेशन आर्मी उपहार का आश्चर्यजनक कारण आज भी जीवन बदल देता है

What happened after John Croke left the Salvation Army, one of the largest charities in history? Image credit – Wikimedia

John Croke’s donation was noted for its magnitude. Guinness World Records says it has become the largest single charitable donation of its kind ever. However, what makes this phenomenon relevant and interesting so far are its practical implications. This particular donation was not directed to any remote fund nor was it used to name just a few. Rather, the money made it possible to build community centers that are being used by many people across the United States.The impact of Joan Kroc’s gift is present in swimming pools, fitness rooms, classrooms, theaters and various programs for youth running across the country. Often, these centers have become places of civic gatherings in communities lacking the resources to develop such facilities.according to Guinness World Records and other sources related to the Salvation Army, the total amount of John Kroc’s inheritance that supported the organization amounted to several billion dollars after his passing in 2003. This bequest enabled the development of a network of Ray and Joan Kroc Core Community Centers or Kroc Centers.San Diego will set enterprise standardsBefore the national rollout, Joan Kroc had already invested heavily in a community center in San Diego. According to information received from salvation ArmyHe pledged $90 million in 1998 to establish a facility that would emphasize entertainment, arts, education and social services for residents.This became an example of how this initiative could be scaled up. Rather than building exclusive facilities for culture or private clubs, the concept involved the creation of centers that would cater to the general public. Kroc centers combined sporting, educational, artistic and other community services into one structure.Later, the Salvation Army replicated the same model to create Kroc Centers across the country. Ultimately, this made the philanthropic enterprise tangible to experience rather than merely theoretical, as seen in various financial statements.Why were centers important at the local level?One reason Kroc Centers became important was the range of services they provided. Based on information from Kroc Centers and the Salvation Army, many centers offered swimming lessons, youth sports activities, fitness classes, after-school programs, music education, and family programs. They also introduced various aid programs related to health, education or spirituality.Diversity ensured that the centers became an important part of community life. A young person can go to the basketball court after school hours, while a retired person can join fitness classes. Parents can enroll their children in art classes or participate in summer programs.There is evidence showing the important role played by such community spaces for both urban planners and public health researchers. According to a report released by National Recreation and Park AssociationCommunity recreation facilities can help promote social interaction, youth development and health benefits. Thus, this gift remains evident even decades later. Donations enabled the creation of real community facilities rather than symbolic ventures.

Decades later, the hidden legacy behind John Kroc's huge donation

Decades later, the hidden legacy behind John Kroc’s massive donation. Image credit – Wikimedia

This gift changed the Salvation ArmyThe bequest also resulted in a change in the Salvation Army’s strategy regarding community engagement efforts. While continuing to organize charity events, the organization began building community infrastructure through Kroc Centers. Salvation Army literature tells of endowment-supported centers planned decades ahead of time.This was important because some community facilities face problems with the cost of maintaining their structures, or sometimes lack consistent funding. The Kroc model attempted to incorporate the ability to simultaneously construct and operate the facility into its funding plan.As it is commonly said, sustainable philanthropy requires as much reach and maintenance as the initial investment or donation. In the case of Kroc Daan, not only physical facilities were created in the community, but efforts were also made to maintain them.Because of the lasting memory of the storyMany large donations are often made but soon forgotten. What makes John Croke’s donation so memorable is that he actually built something permanent with his money.Plus, the tangible results of their donations have allowed their actions to impact real people’s lives, giving them a facility they can use, such as kids learning to swim, families getting together, and other community activities provided through these locations.

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Israel says Hamas military chief involved in planning October 7 attacks killed in Gaza

इज़राइल का कहना है कि 7 अक्टूबर के हमलों की योजना बनाने में शामिल हमास के सैन्य प्रमुख गाजा में मारे गए

Izz al-Din al-Haddad (Image credit: x@idf)

Israeli forces killed Izz al-Din al-Haddad, the head of Hamas’s military wing and one of the last senior commanders linked to planning the October 7 attacks on Israel, in a targeted airstrike in Gaza City, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).In a post on Saturday.Israel said Haddad had taken over the role after Mohammed Sinwar was killed. The forces also said, “Haddad was involved in holding a number of Israeli hostages in Hamas captivity and managed Hamas’s hostage capture system by surrounding himself with hostages in an effort to prevent their elimination.”Israeli forces also said they killed two Hamas activists, Hamer Iyad Muhammad Almatuq and Khaled Muhammad Salem Joudeh, in separate operations. The IDF accused both men of infiltrating Israel during the October 7 attacks and said they had recently attempted to carry out attacks against Israeli troops operating in the area.According to the Israeli Security Agency (ISA), cited by AP, Haddad was one of Hamas’s longest-serving commanders and joined the organization during its initial founding in the 1980s.He maintained close ties to the Hamas leadership and held several senior positions, including commander of the Gaza City Brigade and other units. He was also a member of Hamas’s Military Council, one of the group’s top command bodies, which played a key role in planning the October 7, 2023 attacks on Israel.According to Israeli data, the October 7 attacks killed about 1,200 people in Israel, while more than 250 were taken hostage in Gaza.At least seven Palestinians, including Haddad, were killed and dozens injured in two Israeli airstrikes that targeted a residential building and a civilian vehicle in Gaza City on Friday. Israel’s military chief described the killing as an “important operation” and said the country would continue to pursue its enemies to hold them accountable.Haddad’s death joins a growing list of senior Hamas military commanders killed during the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Israel’s retaliatory attacks have killed more than 72,700 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry. The ministry is part of Gaza’s Hamas-run government, but is staffed by medical professionals who maintain and publish detailed records that are generally considered credible by the international community.The killing comes at a time when the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile, with key issues such as Hamas’ disarmament preventing progress in talks. Despite a ceasefire that took effect in October, there have been almost daily Israeli attacks on Gaza, with more than 850 people reported killed since then, according to Gaza’s health ministry.Both Israel and Hamas have accused each other of repeated violations since the ceasefire began.

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Trump is facing sharp questions on Taiwan and trade

गुलाब और लाल रेखाएं: ट्रम्प को ताइवान और व्यापार पर कांटेदार सवालों का सामना करना पड़ता हैTOI correspondent from Washington: US President Donald Trump returned to the White House on Friday and, despite claims to the contrary, brought with him the seeds of discord from Beijing. Xi Jinping’s promise of Chinese rose seeds for the White House Rose Garden, meant to be a diplomatic bouquet, instead highlighted the increasingly prickly relationship between the world’s two biggest powers, as their 36-hour summit was dominated not by trade or tariffs, but the explosive question of Taiwan.Although Trump declared his visit to Beijing a “tremendous success” and a “historic moment” in brief comments to reporters (in contrast to his normally staid engagement), the US foreign-policy establishment is concluding that the summit has exposed the changing balance of power in which Taiwan has become the central fault line. US-China relations. In the podcast, Trump’s former communications director Anthony Scaramucci bluntly said that Trump had “given up his hand” in Beijing, and former US Ambassador Chas Freeman, who as a young diplomat served as a translator during Richard Nixon’s successful visit to China, said that Americans are underestimating Beijing’s growing influence and regime change. Now it turns out that the trip that was ostensibly focused on trade, Iran and economic stabilization quickly turned into an intense conversation on Taiwan, with Xi reportedly warning Trump that mishandling the “Taiwan question” could jeopardize “the entire relationship” between Beijing and Washington.Trump went home from the summit with far more ambiguity than many Taiwan supporters in Washington expected. Speaking aboard Air Force One, he repeatedly declined to say whether the US would defend Taiwan militarily in the event of a Chinese attack. In an interview on Fox News, he was even more frank about his reluctance to become involved in the conflict on the island.“I will say this: I don’t want anyone to become independent,” Trump said, referring to Taiwan. “And, you know, we have to travel 9,500 miles to fight a war. I’m not looking for that. I want them to calm down. I want China to calm down.”The remarks sparked concern among supporters of both parties in Taiwan, who fear Trump is moving away from Washington’s long-standing posture of “strategic ambiguity,” what some critics call strategic capitulation. The US President also revealed that he discussed arms sales to Taiwan “at length” with Xi and declined to commit to a pending $14 billion arms package for Taipei. Critics said discussing a potential Taiwan arms transfer with Beijing risked undermining one of President Reagan’s “Six Assurances” to Taiwan, which promised that Washington would not consult China on such matters.The summit also underlined why Taiwan has become the center of global geopolitics. The island dominates advanced semiconductor manufacturing, producing many of the world’s most sophisticated chips needed for artificial intelligence, military systems and global technology supply chains. Trump himself highlighted the issue and urged Taiwanese companies to make chips in the US. Xi, meanwhile, appeared to use the summit to reinforce Beijing’s long-standing position that Taiwan represents China’s last red line, while disdainful of the US offer to sell Nvidia H-200 chips. US analysts from across the ideological spectrum described a US president who appeared eager for deliverables while Xi calmly set the terms.The optics of the summit ultimately reinforced the perception in Washington that China now holds the stronger hand. Trump nevertheless insisted he had won a major business victory. “We made very good deals. We made very good trade deals,” he declared, despite skepticism about the benefits of the trip in Washington, where prominent people outside the MAGosphere trust what comes from Beijing and Tehran more than what comes from the White House. Trump claimed that China would order 200 Boeing planes, with the purchase eventually reaching 750 planes. Yet Beijing issued no formal confirmation, and Boeing shares fell sharply as investors expected a large immediate order of more than 500 planes. Similarly vague were Trump’s claims that China would buy large quantities of American soybeans, corn and agricultural products. Analysts said there were few specifics, no signed agreement and no detailed outline on the tariffs. Notably, Trump acknowledged that tariffs “did not come up” in talks with Xi despite trade tensions being at the center of the visit.Trump also appeared unable to secure Chinese cooperation on Iran or extract concessions from jailed Hong Kong media tycoon Jimmy Lai. During the 2024 campaign, Trump claimed that it would be “easy” to secure Lai’s release, in the same spirit as he claimed that he would end the Russia–Ukraine war on day one. “I raised Jimmy Lai (with Xi). I will say the reaction to that was not positive,” Trump said in a rare admission of failure.Even the final fantasy of the trip reflects the deep distrust underlying the diplomatic choreography. As the US delegation boarded Air Force One, White House security personnel reportedly threw Chinese-issued phones, commemorative gifts, pins and souvenirs into a bin near the plane’s stairs amid spying fears.

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