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Qatar Tribune
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Qatar Tribune
Gaza massacres, West Bank raids continue as attention shifts to Iran
On Thursday, Israeli troops killed at least 16 Palestinians trying desperately to get food in Gaza. On Wednesday, it was at least 29 Palestinians. The day before, at least 70 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces as they gathered at a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) aid distribution site in Khan Younis. They were gunned down by drones, machine gun fire and tanks, according to survivors. On Monday, at least 38 were killed in a similar manner while trying to get food, mostly in Rafah. And on Sunday, at least 17 were killed in southern and central Gaza. The GHF is an Israeli and United States-backed body staffed by private security contractors. Israel set it up in May to replace United Nations-led relief operations, yet dozens of Palestinians have been gunned down on at least eight occasions at GHF sites. 'This happens to some extent every day. It's becoming a routine,' said Yasser al-Banna, a journalist in Gaza. 'Now that Israel has started a war with Iran, everyone here in Gaza is scared that the world is going to forget about them,' he told Al Jazeera. Since Israel began attacking Iran on June 13, global attention on the plight of Palestinians in the occupied territory has faded from the headlines. But Israel has continued to attack Palestinians in Gaza, while conducting deadly raids in the West Bank. After the latest attack on Palestinians desperate for food, analysts and human rights monitors told Al Jazeera that they believe Israel is likely to commit more 'massacres', while prioritising the welfare of Israelis as the war with Iran drags on. 'Israel is using the diverted attention away from Gaza to continue to carry out atrocious crimes against starving civilians,' said Omar Rahman, an expert on Israel and Palestine for the Middle East Council on Global Affairs think tank. 'We have also seen a lot of military and settler activity in the West Bank in recent days,' he told Al Jazeera. Israel's violence against helpless Palestinians at the GHF site on Tuesday resulted in the highest single death toll at any GHF site since the controversial organisation began operations last month. It has been lambasted for what opponents have called the militarisation of humanitarian aid relief. Yet Israel's chokehold siege on the enclave has pushed Palestinians to make an impossible choice: Whither away from hunger or risk their lives to obtain a food parcel. 'Israel's whole GHF scheme is just a way to increase the humiliation of Palestinians,' said Ibrahim Nabeel, a Palestinian medic who has treated victims of the GHF attacks. Along with sustaining its genocidal war in Gaza, Israel has also tightened its occupation over the West Bank since it began attacking Iran. Several Palestinians told Al Jazeera that it is 'impossible to move' from one village or town to another. The entrances to Palestinian villages and cities have been blocked off by Israeli forces, and the number of military checkpoints has increased. (Agencies)
Time of India
2 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Sula Vineyards charts path to 100% sustainable winemaking amid climate pressures
Climate change is affecting nearly every region in the world. Nashik, known as the wine capital of India, is also feeling the heat. In the last 15 years, almost 50 seasons have been affected by climate change, according to Anil Ghanwat , President, Shetkari Sanghatana, a Maharashtra-based farmers' union. 'Sometimes there are heavy rains, sometimes there is a drought, sometimes the temperature drops below zero degrees in some areas,' he said. Excessive heat is resulting in overripe grapes and unbalanced wines, while increased temperature raises the risk of fungal diseases in grapevines. 'This calls for active efforts needed to be taken by farmers,' he emphasised. Sula Vineyards , a major winery in Nashik, is working on mitigating the impacts of climate change on its grape farms. Given the frequent droughts and water scarcity in the region, CEO Rajeev Samant said that they are focusing on water management. Sula has employed advanced water recycling, considering India's monsoon-dependent climate, and it aims to reduce water usage per bottle produced. Not just water management, Sula is also working on energy conservation. 'The methane that is captured during the treatment of wastewater is transformed into clean electricity. This reduces the reliance on natural resources that are subject to fluctuations and enhances the climate resilience of the operation as a whole,' Samant said. Sula works with over 2,800 acres of contracted vineyards and has processed more than 11,000 tonnes of grapes in FY25. According to the company, it is committed to achieving net zero emissions by 2050. The company is a member of the International Wineries for Climate Action and also part of the United Nations-led 'Race to Zero' global campaign. Live Events Samant claimed that Sula Vineyards has incorporated sustainability into every aspect of winemaking. Samant claimed that Sula Vineyards has incorporated sustainability into every aspect of winemaking. In FY25, Sula relied on solar power for 65% of its energy needs; this number, as per Samant, is likely to increase to 75% in FY26. Power-saving initiatives, such as the Burkert temperature control system, have already resulted in a saving of 37% of power in the cellar, and further growth is anticipated, he said. According to him, Sula consumed 5% less water per case in FY25. The company aims to bring it down by 6% in FY26, as it looks to utilise 20% recycled water, he said. 'We have also installed a methane capture facility that generated 35,000 power units in FY25 and aims to increase by 44% in FY26. We also have a localised glass bottle supply chain, which reduces its carbon footprint and supports local economies. The company increased its use of rewash bottles by 24% in FY25 and aims to do so to an even greater extent,' he said. Low-alcohol wines The wine manufacturer has also dabbled in low-alcohol wines, which offer a sustainable and healthier alternative to health-conscious consumers and have considerably less environmental impact. Sula's Source Moscato and Chenin Blanc Reserve are known for lighter, refreshing profiles. 'There is a shift towards light, approachable wines that seem to be gaining traction. Moving towards lower-alcohol wines can be good for consumers, especially from a health and wellness standpoint, as well as from an environmental sustainability perspective. These wines need fewer resources to be put into fermentation and greatly more freedom regarding harvesting and ripening of the grapes,' he said. Sula has also dabbled in low-alcohol wines, which offer a sustainable and healthier alternative to health-conscious consumers and have considerably less environmental impact. However, he highlighted the challenges of sustaining these green efforts due to the high upfront costs of technologies like solar panels, methane capture systems, and EV fleet conversion. 'Scaling these efforts while maintaining cost-efficiency and consistent product quality can also be complex,' he said. 'Moreover, as climate change intensifies, managing grape quality and yield sustainably remains a long-term challenge,' he added. Nevertheless, Sula maintains an optimistic outlook for the future. In FY26 and the following years, the company aims to reduce power consumption per case sold by an additional 11%, increase its EV fleet share from 45% to 55%, achieve a 6% reduction in water usage per case while enhancing water recycling to 20%, and realise a 44% increase in electricity generation from methane capture. 'These actions will aid Sula in becoming a pioneer in sustainable innovation while also assisting in meeting the set target of achieving carbon net-zero by 2050,' he said.
Arab Times
02-06-2025
- Business
- Arab Times
UK latest country to back Morocco's plan in disputed Western Sahara
RABAT, Morocco, June 2, (AP): The United Kingdom on Sunday became the latest country to back Morocco's position on the disputed Western Sahara, calling its plan to keep the territory under Moroccan control "the most credible, viable and pragmatic' way to resolve the decades-long conflict. At a joint press conference in Morocco's capital, British Foreign Minister David Lammy said the United Kingdom was changing its position to support Morocco's plan to offer the area limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. He and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita lauded the two countries' ties on security and trade, noting Morocco's role as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. "The time for a resolution and to move this issue forward is long-overdue, and would strengthen the stability of North Africa," Lammy said. He also reiterated support for the United Nations-led process and called on Morocco to "expand on details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail for the region.' Western Sahara is a strip of coastal desert rich in phosphates and fish that the United Nations has considered a "non-self-governing territory' throughout almost 50 years of dispute. It's claimed by both Morocco and Polisario, a pro-independence group that operates out of refugee camps in southwestern Algeria. The shift fulfills one of Morocco's primary foreign policy objectives and makes the United Kingdom the third permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to back its position, following France and the United States. Since 1991, the United Nations has administered a peacekeeping mission designed to hold a referendum to determine the status of the disputed territory, all of which is under Morocco's control except for a small sliver near the Algerian border. After years of conflict, the area has recently emerged as a hotspot for investment, drawing European and American firms interested in fishing, agriculture and infrastructure projects that would allow for the transmission of wind and solar power. As negotiations have stalled, Morocco has invested heavily in the region and sought support from trade partners. Polisario has taken its fight to international courts, arguing that Morocco does not have the right to trade resources belonging to the Sahrawi people while the conflict remains unresolved. The countries exchange billions of dollars worth of cars, fruits and vegetables. The two are partnering on XLinks, a renewable energy storage and transmission project whose backers hope will power millions of British homes. The British shift angered Algeria, Morocco's regional rival, which in a statement on Sunday blasted Morocco's plan as "empty of content and incapable of contributing to a serious and credible settlement of the conflict.' Polisario Front representatives didn't respond to questions about the United Kingdom's stance.
01-06-2025
- Politics
UK latest country to back Morocco's plan in disputed Western Sahara
RABAT, Morocco -- The United Kingdom on Sunday became the latest country to back Morocco's position on the disputed Western Sahara, calling its plan to keep the territory under Moroccan control 'the most credible, viable and pragmatic' way to resolve the decades-long conflict. At a joint press conference in Morocco's capital, British Foreign Minister David Lammy said the United Kingdom was changing its position to support Morocco's plan to offer the area limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. He and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita lauded the two countries' ties on security and trade, noting Morocco's role as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. "The time for a resolution and to move this issue forward is long-overdue, and would strengthen the stability of North Africa," Lammy said. He also reiterated support for the United Nations-led process and called on Morocco to 'expand on details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail for the region.' Western Sahara is a strip of coastal desert rich in phosphates and fish that the United Nations has considered a 'non-self-governing territory' throughout almost 50 years of dispute. It's claimed by both Morocco and Polisario, a pro-independence group that operates out of refugee camps in southwestern Algeria. The shift fulfills one of Morocco's primary foreign policy objectives and makes the United Kingdom the third permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to back its position, following France and the United States. Since 1991, the United Nations has administered a peacekeeping mission designed to hold a referendum to determine the status of the disputed territory, all of which is under Morocco's control except for a small sliver near the Algerian border. After years of conflict, the area has recently emerged as a hotspot for investment, drawing European and American firms interested in fishing, agriculture and infrastructure projects that would allow for the transmission of wind and solar power. As negotiations have stalled, Morocco has invested heavily in the region and sought support from trade partners. Polisario has taken its fight to international courts, arguing that Morocco does not have the right to trade resources belonging to the Sahrawi people while the conflict remains unresolved. The countries exchange billions of dollars worth of cars, fruits and vegetables. The two are partnering on XLinks, a renewable energy storage and transmission project whose backers hope will power millions of British homes. The British shift angered Algeria, Morocco's regional rival, which in a statement on Sunday blasted Morocco's plan as 'empty of content and incapable of contributing to a serious and credible settlement of the conflict.' Polisario Front representatives didn't respond to questions about the United Kingdom's stance.
San Francisco Chronicle
01-06-2025
- Business
- San Francisco Chronicle
UK latest country to back Morocco's plan in disputed Western Sahara
RABAT, Morocco (AP) — The United Kingdom on Sunday became the latest country to back Morocco's position on the disputed Western Sahara, calling its plan to keep the territory under Moroccan control 'the most credible, viable and pragmatic' way to resolve the decades-long conflict. At a joint press conference in Morocco's capital, British Foreign Minister David Lammy said the United Kingdom was changing its position to support Morocco's plan to offer the area limited autonomy under Moroccan sovereignty. He and Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita lauded the two countries' ties on security and trade, noting Morocco's role as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup. "The time for a resolution and to move this issue forward is long-overdue, and would strengthen the stability of North Africa," Lammy said. He also reiterated support for the United Nations-led process and called on Morocco to 'expand on details of what autonomy within the Moroccan State could entail for the region.' Western Sahara is a strip of coastal desert rich in phosphates and fish that the United Nations has considered a 'non-self-governing territory' throughout almost 50 years of dispute. It's claimed by both Morocco and Polisario, a pro-independence group that operates out of refugee camps in southwestern Algeria. The shift fulfills one of Morocco's primary foreign policy objectives and makes the United Kingdom the third permanent member of the United Nations Security Council to back its position, following France and the United States. Since 1991, the United Nations has administered a peacekeeping mission designed to hold a referendum to determine the status of the disputed territory, all of which is under Morocco's control except for a small sliver near the Algerian border. After years of conflict, the area has recently emerged as a hotspot for investment, drawing European and American firms interested in fishing, agriculture and infrastructure projects that would allow for the transmission of wind and solar power. As negotiations have stalled, Morocco has invested heavily in the region and sought support from trade partners. Polisario has taken its fight to international courts, arguing that Morocco does not have the right to trade resources belonging to the Sahrawi people while the conflict remains unresolved. The countries exchange billions of dollars worth of cars, fruits and vegetables. The two are partnering on XLinks, a renewable energy storage and transmission project whose backers hope will power millions of British homes. The British shift angered Algeria, Morocco's regional rival, which in a statement on Sunday blasted Morocco's plan as 'empty of content and incapable of contributing to a serious and credible settlement of the conflict.'
