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Tag: Middle

  • India Budget 2025 key takeaways: Income tax cuts for salaried middle class


    NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government presented an annual budget to Parliament on Saturday that focused on wooing the salaried middle class with tax cuts and spurring economic growth by boosting agriculture and manufacturing.

    In her budget speech, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the government is focused on boosting private investment to strengthen growth, increasing funding in the agriculture sector and enhancing the spending power of India’s middle class.

    “The focus of the budget is taking everyone together on an inclusive path,” Sitharaman said, adding that the government is aiming for a fiscal deficit of 4.4% of India’s gross domestic product for the 2025-26 financial year.

    The world’s fifth-largest economy is expected to post its slowest growth in four years due to a sluggish manufacturing sector, persistent food inflation, stagnant job growth and weak urban consumption. The country’s chief economic advisor, in a report released on Friday, forecast India’s economy would grow 6.3% to 6.8% in the next fiscal year.

    Here are some takeaways from the budget:

    Income tax cuts for the salaried middle class

    Sitharaman said her government will initiate reforms in sectors like finance, power, urban development and mining, with “transformative reforms in taxation.” She raised the starting point for income tax to $14,800 from $8,074 and said the government will introduce a new income tax bill next week.

    “The new structure will substantially reduce the taxes of the middle class and leave more money in their hands, boosting household consumption, savings and investment,” Sitharaman said.

    Modi, who is now in his third term as the country’s prime minister, has been under pressure to allay discontent among the country’s middle class and generate more jobs to help sustain growth. Many economists had suggested his government make tax cuts on individuals’ income and implement job creation programs to mitigate rising unemployment.

    According to the Center for Monitoring the Indian Economy, youth unemployment was at 7.5% in January, underscoring the challenge of delivering jobs in a country of more than 1.4 billion people.

    Agriculture sector and gig economy gets a boost

    To boost productivity across the agriculture sector, the Indian government will launch a nationwide program to push high-yielding crops, focusing on the cultivation of pulses and cotton production. Sitharaman said the program will target at least 17 million farmers and raise the limit for subsidized credit offered to them from $3,460 to $5,767.

    The government also plans to formally register India’s gig workers and ease their access to health care. Sitharaman said the government will issue them identity cards and maintain a national registry that will ensure their inclusion in welfare initiatives.

    India’s gig economy could employ more than 23 million people by 2030, according to estimates by government think tank NITI Aayog.

    Investments in new startup funds and energy sector

    Sitharaman announced a new fund for startups and said the government will provide more money to promote innovation in partnership with the private sector and launch programs to push manufacturing and exports. The share of manufacturing in India’s economy is close to 17%, short of its aimed goal of 25%.

    The government will infuse more money to increase tourism-led employment in several Indian states and help with building infrastructure and boosting air connectivity to 120 new destinations over 10 years, Sitharaman said.

    She also announced the Nuclear Energy Mission to drive India’s transition toward clean energy, with a goal of developing at least 100 GW of nuclear power by 2047.





    The India Budget 2025 was recently announced and one of the key takeaways for the salaried middle class is the income tax cuts. The government has introduced new tax slabs and reduced the tax rates for individuals earning between Rs 5 lakh to Rs 15 lakh per year. This will provide much-needed relief to the middle class who have been facing the burden of high taxes.

    Additionally, the government has also increased the standard deduction for salaried individuals, which will further help in reducing the tax liability. The focus on reducing the tax burden on the middle class is a welcome move and will help in increasing disposable income for individuals.

    Overall, the India Budget 2025 has brought some positive changes for the salaried middle class by providing income tax cuts and increasing standard deductions. This will not only benefit individuals but also boost consumer spending and stimulate economic growth.

    Tags:

    India Budget 2025, key takeaways, Income tax cuts, salaried middle class, budget highlights, tax reforms, economic policies, government initiatives, financial updates.

    #India #Budget #key #takeaways #Income #tax #cuts #salaried #middle #class

  • Middle Age Renaissance: Body, Mind, And Spirit



    Middle Age Renaissance: Body, Mind, And Spirit

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    In the midst of our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of nurturing our body, mind, and spirit as we enter middle age. However, this period of life can actually be a time of great renewal and rebirth – a Middle Age Renaissance, if you will.

    Taking care of our bodies becomes increasingly important as we age. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and plenty of rest are essential for maintaining our physical health and vitality. It’s never too late to start a new fitness routine or make healthier choices when it comes to food and drink.

    Equally important is keeping our minds sharp and engaged. Learning new skills, challenging ourselves intellectually, and staying curious about the world around us can help prevent cognitive decline and keep our brains functioning at their best. Whether it’s taking up a new hobby, enrolling in a class, or simply reading more books, there are countless ways to keep our minds active and engaged.

    And let’s not forget about our spirits. Cultivating a sense of inner peace, purpose, and connection to something greater than ourselves can bring tremendous joy and fulfillment as we navigate the challenges and transitions of middle age. This could involve practices such as meditation, prayer, mindfulness, or simply spending time in nature and reflecting on our place in the world.

    So let’s embrace this Middle Age Renaissance as an opportunity to prioritize our well-being in body, mind, and spirit. By taking care of ourselves in these three key areas, we can not only improve our quality of life as we age but also discover new depths of creativity, wisdom, and joy that we may have never thought possible.
    #Middle #Age #Renaissance #Body #Mind #Spirit,ages 3+

  • Swope Middle School’s secured campus lifted after unfounded threat


    Swope Middle School was placed on a secured campus on Tuesday due to a potential threat that police determined was not credible, Washoe County School District (WCSD) officials say.

    The secured campus went into effect around 12:35 p.m. on Jan. 28 and was lifted at 1:21 p.m.

    Classes resumed as scheduled after the secured campus was lifted.

    The following message went out to families:

    Dear Swope Middle School Families-

    This message is being sent on behalf of Principal Eian Gilbert, with important information:

    We secured our campus today after we received a possible threat. WCSD School Police have investigated and determined the threat was not credible. The secured campus has been lifted and classes will continue be in session today as scheduled.

    As always, the safety of our students and staff is of utmost importance. If you have any questions or concerns, please call the school at 333-5330.

    You may report school and student safety concerns anonymously by contacting SafeVoice Nevada at 833-216-7233, via www.safevoicenv.org, or through the mobile app. Reports can be made 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

    Thank you.



    Swope Middle School’s secured campus lifted after unfounded threat

    After an unfounded threat was made against Swope Middle School, the campus was placed on lockdown and heightened security measures were put in place. However, after thorough investigation by authorities, it was determined that the threat was not credible.

    As a result, the secured campus status has been lifted and normal activities have resumed at Swope Middle School. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our top priority, and we are grateful for the swift action taken by law enforcement to ensure the campus was secure.

    We want to thank the students, parents, and staff for their cooperation and understanding during this time. It is important to always take threats seriously and follow proper protocols, even if they turn out to be unfounded. We appreciate everyone’s vigilance and commitment to keeping our school community safe.

    Moving forward, we will continue to prioritize safety and security at Swope Middle School and work together to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all. Thank you for your continued support.

    Tags:

    1. Swope Middle School
    2. Secured campus
    3. Unfounded threat
    4. School safety
    5. School security measures
    6. Middle school security
    7. Campus safety
    8. School threat response
    9. School emergency protocols
    10. School crisis management

    #Swope #Middle #Schools #secured #campus #lifted #unfounded #threat

  • The Bible Recap for Kids: A 365-Day Guide Through the Bible for Young Readers Ages 8-12―A Self-Led Scripture Reading Curriculum for Elementary School, Middle School, & Homeschool Children


    Price: $29.99 – $14.99
    (as of Jan 30,2025 19:20:23 UTC – Details)


    From the brand

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    The Bible Recap

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    TBR Knowing Jesus Series

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    Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bethany House Publishers (November 12, 2024)
    Language ‏ : ‎ English
    Paperback ‏ : ‎ 448 pages
    ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0764240358
    ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0764240355
    Reading age ‏ : ‎ 9 – 12 years
    Grade level ‏ : ‎ 3 – 4
    Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.59 pounds
    Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.06 x 0.86 x 9.46 inches


    Are you looking for a fun and engaging way to help your child dive into the Bible? Look no further than “The Bible Recap for Kids”! This 365-day guide is specifically designed for young readers ages 8-12, providing a self-led scripture reading curriculum for elementary school, middle school, and homeschool children.

    With “The Bible Recap for Kids”, your child will journey through the Bible in a way that is both educational and entertaining. Each day, they will read a passage of scripture and then engage with thought-provoking questions and activities that will help them better understand and apply the lessons found in the Bible.

    This guide is perfect for children who are just beginning to explore the Bible on their own, as well as those who have been studying scripture for years. It provides a structured and comprehensive way for kids to engage with the Word of God, helping them grow in their faith and deepen their understanding of the Bible.

    So why wait? Give your child the gift of a deeper relationship with God and a better understanding of His Word with “The Bible Recap for Kids” today!
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  • Pine Middle School to Temporarily Shut Down 2026-27 | Local News


    The Washoe County School Board has voted to approve a temporary closure of Pine Middle School as a part of the 2023 Facility Modernization Plan.

    The school will be shut down during the 2026-2027 school year for the purpose of reconstructing a pre-k through 5th grade facility at that location.

    “Tonight we presented the ultimate findings and recommendations basically for a variety of reasons,” said Adam Searcy, Chief Operating Officer of WCSD. “A traditional pre-k through 5th elementary school facility is recommended as best suited to be reconstructed on the current campuses.”

    Searcy says this facility will serve Smithridge Elementary, Dodson, Duncan Glenn, Lemelson Stem Academy, and other schools in that area.

    He tells us the next steps will be to return with design contracts and other necessities to prepare for reconstruction over the next few years.

    In the meantime, Vaughn Middle School is currently being reconstructed and is expected to be done before the closure to allow students of Pine to be rezoned and moved to Vaughn.

    The new elementary school would then open in 2028.

    “The primary benefit of this new facility is multifaceted. It creates learning environments that are more welcoming and more physically conducive to better outcomes, better attention,” Searcy explains.

    He says there’s also still an option to reconstruct the school into a pre-k through 8th grade facility. However, due to safety and social concerns from families and staff, that is not planned but it’s still in the air depending on community input during the designing process.



    Due to unforeseen circumstances, Pine Middle School will be temporarily shutting down for the 2026-27 school year. The decision was made in order to address safety concerns and ensure the well-being of all students and staff members.

    During this time, efforts will be made to address any necessary repairs and improvements to the school building. Alternative arrangements will be made for students to continue their education during the closure, with details to be provided in the coming weeks.

    We understand that this may cause inconvenience for families, but the safety and security of our students and staff are our top priority. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during this time.

    Please stay tuned for further updates on the situation. Thank you for your patience and support.

    Tags:

    Pine Middle School, school closure, temporary shutdown, local news, education updates, school news, community impact, student relocation, school district announcement

    #Pine #Middle #School #Temporarily #Shut #Local #News

  • Washoe County School Board approves major changes to Pine and Traner middle school


    RENO, Nev. (KOLO) – The Washoe County School Board of Trustees unanimously approved to close Pine and Traner middle schools to build two new PreK to 5th grade schools.

    This proposal stems from the 2023 Facility Modernization Plan. The District wants to modernize old buildings, limit gap years between elementary to middle school and improve English and Math scores.

    The new schools will house Smithridge, Dodson, Duncan, Lemelson and/or neighboring schools.

    The new school, that will be built where Pine is now, would be open in 2028.

    Concerns point to fewer course options, possible enrollment decline and teacher credential barriers.

    Shareholders heard from Principals, students, teachers, families and community members leading up to this decision. The public also gave feedback about the PreK-8 study.

    The district says this is a major step forward. “Change is scary and hard, and we respect the history of community and pine but this hopefully is met with a sense of enthusiasm that, hey, I want to be a part of writing the script of my future, for my students and my community,” said Adam Searcy with WCSD.

    More details about the PreK-8 study report and results can be found, here.

    To watch the live stream, click here.



    The Washoe County School Board has approved significant changes to Pine and Traner middle schools. These changes come as part of a larger effort to improve academic performance and overall student experience at both schools.

    One of the major changes approved by the school board is the implementation of a new curriculum focusing on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education. This will provide students with more opportunities to engage in hands-on, project-based learning that is relevant to real-world applications.

    Additionally, both schools will be receiving funding for updated technology and resources to support this new curriculum. This includes new computers, software, and equipment to enhance student learning and prepare them for future success in STEM-related fields.

    Furthermore, Pine and Traner middle schools will be implementing new extracurricular programs and clubs to further engage students outside of the classroom. This will provide students with a well-rounded educational experience that fosters their interests and talents.

    Overall, these changes are aimed at creating a more dynamic and engaging learning environment for students at Pine and Traner middle schools. The school board is confident that these improvements will have a positive impact on student achievement and help prepare them for success in high school and beyond.

    Tags:

    1. Washoe County School Board
    2. Pine Middle School
    3. Traner Middle School
    4. School board approval
    5. Education updates
    6. Washoe County schools
    7. Middle school changes
    8. School board decisions
    9. Educational reforms
    10. Washoe County education

    #Washoe #County #School #Board #approves #major #Pine #Traner #middle #school

  • Conor McGregor Stops By Bucks Bench to Size Up Brook Lopez in the Middle of a Game


    Conor McGregor was on a business trip to Utah this week, but all work and no play probably makes the former UFC champion unhappy so he decided to take in a local sporting event which is how he found himself courtside as the Jazz hosted the Milwaukee Bucks.

    During the second quarter McGregor was walking around court-side. His trip included walking on the floor and in front of the Bucks’ bench—both of which are probably no-no’s for normal people. Instead of hurrying to his seat as play continued after a Damian Lillard free throw, McGregor stopped, turned around and walked up to Milwaukee’s 7’1″ center Brook Lopez who was as tall seated as McGregor was standing. McGregor asked him to stand up and, well, turns out the 16-inch height difference is very noticeable.

    Since there was a basketball game going on, the braodcast went back to the action before the camera person had a chance to zoom out enough for both athletes’ heads were in the same frame.

    Lopez discussed the meeting in the locker room after the game, explaining that it went down exactly how it looked.

    “He asked me how tall I was,” said Lopez. “I let him know. He asked me to stand up and I did. And I knew at that point once I got up I had had to size him up. You know, I had to do a little something. I’ve seen the face-offs before so I had to do my part.”

    Maybe if the two ever meet again they can discuss their issues wish mascots. While McGregor greeted the Jazz bear as a friend last night, he did once send the Miami Heat mascot to the hospital during the NBA Finals.

    Considering Brook Lopez’s brother Robin has a longstanding feud with mascots they must have a lot to discuss about either an escalation of force or perhaps maybe even the concept of restraint.





    Conor McGregor Stops By Bucks Bench to Size Up Brook Lopez in the Middle of a Game

    In a surprising turn of events during a recent Milwaukee Bucks game, UFC superstar Conor McGregor made a guest appearance courtside to size up Bucks center Brook Lopez. McGregor, known for his brash personality and fighting prowess, couldn’t resist the opportunity to check out the 7-footer in action.

    As Lopez dominated in the paint, McGregor could be seen nodding approvingly and exchanging a few words with the Bucks players on the bench. The Irish fighter seemed intrigued by Lopez’s size and skill, perhaps even considering a potential matchup in the octagon.

    Fans were left wondering what McGregor’s presence meant for the future of Lopez’s career, and whether a crossover into the world of MMA could be in the cards. Only time will tell if this unexpected encounter will lead to any further developments, but one thing’s for sure – McGregor’s interest in Lopez has piqued the curiosity of basketball and fighting fans alike. Stay tuned for more updates on this intriguing story.

    Tags:

    Conor McGregor, Brook Lopez, Bucks bench, NBA game, celebrity sighting, sports news, athlete encounter, Conor McGregor news, Brook Lopez news, basketball rivalry, UFC fighter, Milwaukee Bucks, Brooklyn Nets, game disruption, unexpected guest, Conor McGregor in NBA.

    #Conor #McGregor #Stops #Bucks #Bench #Size #Brook #Lopez #Middle #Game

  • Dog Diaries: Happy Howlidays: A Middle School Story – Hardcover – GOOD



    Dog Diaries: Happy Howlidays: A Middle School Story – Hardcover – GOOD

    Price : 3.98

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    Looking for the perfect holiday gift for the dog lover in your life? Look no further than “Dog Diaries: Happy Howlidays: A Middle School Story”! This heartwarming tale follows the adventures of a group of middle school students and their lovable canine companions as they navigate the ups and downs of the holiday season.

    Written in diary format, this hardcover book is perfect for young readers who love dogs and enjoy stories about friendship, family, and the magic of the holidays. With charming illustrations and a lovable cast of characters, “Dog Diaries: Happy Howlidays” is sure to become a treasured favorite for years to come.

    So why wait? Pick up a copy of “Dog Diaries: Happy Howlidays” today and spread some holiday cheer to the dog lovers in your life!
    #Dog #Diaries #Happy #Howlidays #Middle #School #Story #Hardcover #GOOD,ages 3+

  • I Totally Funniest: A Middle School Story (I Funny) – Hardcover – VERY GOOD



    I Totally Funniest: A Middle School Story (I Funny) – Hardcover – VERY GOOD

    Price : 3.98

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    Are you looking for a hilarious and heartwarming middle school story? Look no further than “I Totally Funniest: A Middle School Story (I Funny)”! This hardcover book is in VERY GOOD condition and will have you laughing out loud from start to finish.

    Follow the adventures of Jamie Grimm, a middle schooler with a passion for comedy, as he navigates the ups and downs of school life. From dealing with bullies to perfecting his stand-up routine, Jamie’s journey is sure to entertain readers of all ages.

    Whether you’re a fan of the “I Funny” series or just looking for a good read, “I Totally Funniest” is a must-have addition to your bookshelf. Grab your copy today and get ready for a wild and wacky ride through middle school!
    #Totally #Funniest #Middle #School #Story #Funny #Hardcover #GOOD,ages 3+

  • Middle East crisis live: displaced Palestinians blocked from returning home as Trump suggests ‘we just clean out’ Gaza | Israel-Gaza war


    Trump wants Jordan and Egypt to accept more Palestinian refugees and suggests plan to ‘clean out’ Gaza

    US President Donald Trump has indicated that he would like to see Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations increase the number of Palestinian refugees they are accepting from the Gaza Strip.

    Speaking to reporters on Air Force One yesterday, Trump, an ally of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said: “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know, it’s over.’”

    Trump also told reporters that he had call earlier in the day with King Abdullah II of Jordan and would speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday.

    Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels from Las Vegas to Miami on January 25 2025.
    Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels from Las Vegas to Miami on January 25 2025. Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

    The newly inaugurated Republican president said he complimented Jordan for having successfully accepted Palestinian refugees and that he told the king: “I’d love for you to take on more, cause I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess. It’s a real mess.” For context,Jordan is already home to more than 2.39 million registered Palestinian refugees, according to the UN.

    Trump added:

    I don’t know, something has to happen, but it’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything’s demolished and people are dying there, so I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing in a different location where I think they could maybe live in peace for a change.

    Trump said that the potential housing “could be temporary” or “could be long-term”. During Israel’s 15 month war on Gaza, more than two-thirds of buildings have been destroyed or damaged by one of the most intensive bombardments in modern times. It has sparked a refugee crisis as large parts of the territory are now uninhabitable.

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    Key events

    Here are some of the latest images being sent to us over the newswires from Gaza, where thousands of Palestinian people are waiting to be allowed to return to their homes in the north:

    Displaced Palestinians in central Gaza wait to be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza. Photograph: Hatem Khaled/Reuters
    Palestinian people gather with their belongings near a roadblock on al Rashid Street in central Gaza. Photograph: Jehad Alshrafi/AP
    A drone view shows displaced Palestinians waiting to be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza. Photograph: Reuters
    People gather with their belongings gather near a roadblock on Salah al-Din Street as Israeli forces delay reopening access to the north of the Gaza Strip. Photograph: Abdel Kareem Hana/AP
    Many Palestinians are waiting anxiously for any breakthrough between Israel and Hamas that could allow them to return home. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters
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    Trump resumes sending 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, undoing Biden pause

    As a reminder, Donald Trump said yesterday that he had instructed the US military to release a hold on the supply of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel imposed by former president Joe Biden.

    “We released them. We released them today. And they’ll have them. They paid for them and they’ve been waiting for them for a long time. They’ve been in storage,” Trump told reporters.

    Biden put the hold on the delivery of those bombs due to concern over the devastating impact they could have on the civilian population, particularly in Gaza’s Rafah, during Israel’s war on the Palestinian territory, which has now killed over 47,200 people, according to the health ministry. One 2,000-pound bomb can rip through thick concrete and metal, creating a wide blast radius.

    Israel’s foreign minister Gideon Saar has today thanked Trump for authorising the release of the shipment of 2,000-pound bombs.

    In a post on X, he wrote:

    Thank you, President Trump, for yet another display of leadership by releasing the crucial defence shipment to Israel.

    Washington says it is helping Israel defend itself against Iran-backed militant groups like Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen. But Israel has been accused of genocide and war crimes in Gaza, charges Israel denies. The US has undoubtedly fuelled Israel’s military assault through providing it with arms and giving Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration diplomatic cover on the international stage.

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    Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad says Trump’s idea of relocating Palestinians encourages ‘war crimes’

    Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which fought alongside Hamas in the war against Israel, has reacted to Donald Trump’s idea of possibly relocating Palestinian people to Egypt and Jordan, both of which border Gaza (see post at 08.54 to read the US president’s comments). It said: “This proposal falls within the framework of encouraging war crimes and crimes against humanity by forcing our people to leave their land.”

    A senior Hamas official, meanwhile, told the Agence France-Presse (AFP) news agency: “As they have foiled every plan for displacement and alternative homelands over the decades, our people will also foil such projects,” Bassem Naim, a member of Hamas political bureau, said.

    Israel’s war on Gaza displaced almost the entire 2.3 million people in Gaza, many of them multiple times (through a combination of forced evacuation orders and relentless airstrikes across the territory). Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has previously rejected the idea of a forced displacement of Palestinians into the Sinai peninsula, amid concern that those displaced may never be able to return.

    Shortly after the Hamas-led 7 October attack on southern Israel, Jordan’s King Abdullah warned against trying to push Palestinian refugees into Egypt or Jordan, saying that the humanitarian situation must to be dealt with inside Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

    As we mentioned in a previous post, Jordan is already home to millions of registered Palestinian refugees.

    Israeli forces kill three people in south Lebanon as residents try to return home after deadline for Israeli withdrawal expires

    Israeli forces killed three people and injured at least 31 others trying to return to homes in south Lebanon where Israeli troops remained on the ground after a deadline for their withdrawal passed on Sunday, Lebanon’s health ministry has said.

    A 60-day truce that went into effect at the end of November between Hezbollah and Israel halted a two-month-old Israeli ground assault and more than a year of cross-border aerial attacks that drove tens of thousands of people in both countries from their homes.

    As my colleagues Bethan McKernan and Quique Kierszenbaum note in this story, the US/France-brokered ceasefire was supposed to become permanent when it expired on Sunday – but just a day before the deadline, neither side had fulfilled their obligations.

    The deal stipulated that Israeli forces should withdraw from the south as the Iran-backed Hezbollah’s weapons and fighters were removed from the area and the Lebanese army deployed.

    Israel has, however, said the terms have not been fully enforced by the Lebanese state, while Lebanon’s US-backed military on Saturday accused Israel of procrastinating in its withdrawal.

    Locals gather with flags in Burj al-Muluk, near the southern Lebanese village of Kfar Kila, where Israeli forces remained on the ground despite the deadline for their withdrawal having passed. Photograph: Karamallah Daher/Reuters

    The Lebanese health ministry has said one person was killed in the Lebanese village of Houla, another in Aitaroun, and a third person in Blida as a result of Israeli attacks on citizens while they were trying to enter their still-occupied towns.

    Dozens of Lebanese people have also reportedly been injured by Israeli forces who remain on the ground despite the terms of the agreement.

    Israel has not said how long its forces would remain in the south, where the Israeli military says it has been seizing Hezbollah weapons and dismantling its infrastructure.

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    Trump wants Jordan and Egypt to accept more Palestinian refugees and suggests plan to ‘clean out’ Gaza

    US President Donald Trump has indicated that he would like to see Jordan, Egypt and other Arab nations increase the number of Palestinian refugees they are accepting from the Gaza Strip.

    Speaking to reporters on Air Force One yesterday, Trump, an ally of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, said: “You’re talking about probably a million and a half people, and we just clean out that whole thing and say, ‘You know, it’s over.’”

    Trump also told reporters that he had call earlier in the day with King Abdullah II of Jordan and would speak with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday.

    Donald Trump speaks to reporters aboard Air Force One as he travels from Las Vegas to Miami on January 25 2025. Photograph: Mark Schiefelbein/AP

    The newly inaugurated Republican president said he complimented Jordan for having successfully accepted Palestinian refugees and that he told the king: “I’d love for you to take on more, cause I’m looking at the whole Gaza Strip right now, and it’s a mess. It’s a real mess.” For context,Jordan is already home to more than 2.39 million registered Palestinian refugees, according to the UN.

    Trump added:

    I don’t know, something has to happen, but it’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything’s demolished and people are dying there, so I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations and build housing in a different location where I think they could maybe live in peace for a change.

    Trump said that the potential housing “could be temporary” or “could be long-term”. During Israel’s 15 month war on Gaza, more than two-thirds of buildings have been destroyed or damaged by one of the most intensive bombardments in modern times. It has sparked a refugee crisis as large parts of the territory are now uninhabitable.

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    Palestinians blocked from returning to northern Gaza by Israeli military

    Hello, and welcome to the Guardian’s live coverage of the developments in the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel and the crisis in the Middle East more widely.

    Under the terms of the ceasefire agreement, people displaced from their homes in Gaza should now be allowed to move freely around the Palestinian territory.

    But thousands of displaced Palestinian people are reportedly being blocked from returning to their homes in northern Gaza as Israel accuses Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, from not honouring the terms of the ceasefire deal.

    On Saturday, armed members of Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad handed over four Israeli soldiers to the Red Cross as part of the agreement. The freed soldiers are Karina Ariev, 20, Daniella Gilboa, 20, Naama Levy, 20, and Liri Albag, 19, who served with the Israel Defense Forces.

    Palestinians wait in the central Gaza strip to be allowed to return to their homes in the north after being displaced by Israeli bombardments during the war. Photograph: Mohammed Salem/Reuters

    However, a dispute broke out when the German-Israeli citizen Arbel Yehoud, aged 28 at the time of her capture, was not included in the swap, even though Hamas was expected to free more non-military hostages.

    Yehoud is one of the last female civilians held in Gaza. She is reportedly held by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, Gaza’s second largest armed faction, rather than Hamas, which led the 7 October 2023 on southern Israel, complicating her potential handover and release.

    Hamas insisted Yehoud is alive and will be freed next week. But Israel has responded by delaying the planned withdrawal of some of its troops from Gaza, which would have allowed Palestinians to return to the devastated northern areas of the strip, which include Beit Hanoon, Beit Lahiya and Jabalia.

    Al Jazeera is reporting this morning that thousands of Palestinian people are waiting for a permit by the Israeli military to access northern Gaza, much of which lies in rubble after the renewed Israeli assault on it last autumn.

    The Israeli military has warned people that they cannot move north past the Netzarim Corridor – which divides the territory – as planned. We will bring you the latest on this throughout the day.

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    The ongoing crisis in the Middle East has reached a critical point as displaced Palestinians are being blocked from returning to their homes amid escalating tensions between Israel and Gaza. To make matters worse, former President Donald Trump has suggested a drastic solution to the conflict by saying “we just clean out” Gaza.

    The Israel-Gaza war has resulted in widespread destruction and loss of life, with reports of civilians being caught in the crossfire. The blockade of Palestinians from returning to their homes only adds to the humanitarian crisis in the region, leaving many without access to basic necessities and shelter.

    Trump’s inflammatory remarks have been met with condemnation from world leaders, who have called for a peaceful resolution to the conflict through dialogue and negotiation. The international community must come together to address the root causes of the crisis and work towards a lasting peace in the region.

    As the situation continues to deteriorate, it is more important than ever for global leaders to step up and take action to protect the lives and rights of all those affected by the conflict. The world is watching, and the time to act is now. #MiddleEastCrisis #IsraelGazaWar #PalestinianRights

    Tags:

    1. Middle East crisis
    2. Displaced Palestinians
    3. Trump
    4. Gaza
    5. Israel-Gaza war
    6. Middle East conflict
    7. Humanitarian crisis
    8. Displacement
    9. Middle East news
    10. Political tensions

    #Middle #East #crisis #live #displaced #Palestinians #blocked #returning #home #Trump #suggests #clean #Gaza #IsraelGaza #war

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