Hamas says it will allow aid for hostages if Israel halts airstrikes, opens permanent humanitarian corridors

Hamas said on Aug 3 it was prepared to coordinate with the Red Cross to deliver aid to hostages it holds in Gaza, if Israel meets certain conditions, after a video it released showing an emaciated captive drew sharp criticism from Western powers.

Hamas said any coordination with the Red Cross is contingent upon Israel permanently opening humanitarian corridors and halting airstrikes during the distribution of aid.

According to Israeli officials, 50 hostages now remain in Gaza, only 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Hamas, thus far, has barred humanitarian organisations from having any kind of access to the hostages and families have little or no details of their conditions.

READ MORE HERE

Turkey condemns Jewish prayer on Al-Aqsa compound

REUTERS

Ankara on Aug 3 blasted an Israeli government minister for conducting a Jewish prayer on the Al-Aqsa compound in east Jerusalem.

In a highly controversial move, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir publicly conducted on Aug 3 a Jewish prayer at the mosque’s compound, which is Islam’s third-holiest site, and sits on the Temple Mount, Judaism’s holiest place.

“We strongly condemn the raid carried out on the Al-Aqsa Mosque by certain Israeli ministers, under the protection of Israeli police and accompanied by groups of Israeli settlers,” the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

READ MORE HERE

Boeing’s St. Louis union workers reject latest offer, will strike Monday

AFP

Unionised workers who assemble Boeing’s fighter jets in the St. Louis area rejected Boeing’s latest contract offer on Aug 3 and will strike at midnight on Aug 4, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers union said.

“IAM District 837 members ... deserve a contract that reflects their skill, dedication, and the critical role they play in our nation’s defense,” the union’s Business Representative Tom Boelling said.

Boeing said it was ready for the action. “We are prepared for a strike and have fully implemented our contingency plan,” Boeing Air Dominance vice president and general manager Dan Gillian said in an email.

READ MORE HERE

Man dies after falling at Oasis gig in London

A man in his 40s has died after falling at an Oasis concert at London’s Wembley stadium, the police said on Aug 3.

Brothers Liam and Noel Gallagher, who brought the iconic Britpop band back together for a blockbuster world tour this year, told the BBC they were “shocked and saddened” by the fan’s death at the Aug 2 evening gig.

According to a spokesperson for the London Metropolitan Police, officers and medics were called to the scene after 10:00 pm (2100 GMT) following “reports that a person had been injured” at the packed stadium.

READ MORE HERE

Tottenham’s Son bids emotional farewell in South Korea, Maddison suffers knee injury

REUTERS

Tottenham Hotspur captain Son Heung-min played what is expected to be his final match for the club in front of 64,773 fans at the Seoul World Cup Stadium on Aug 3, and teammate James  Maddison was carried off with a knee injury.

The 33-year-old Son, who is under contract until 2026, is set to leave Spurs after a decade. He led Spurs to their first trophy in 17 years with their win over Manchester United in the Europa League final in May.

Aug 3’s friendly against Newcastle United ended 1-1, with Spurs forward Brennan Johnson scoring in the fourth minute and Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes equalising in the 38th. Son was substituted off in the 65th minute for new signing Mohammed Kudus.

READ MORE HERE