US-Israeli genocide
Several Palestinians, including a child, have been killed after Israel struck different locations across the Gaza Strip. The child was among three people killed after civilians were targeted in the southern city of Khan Yunis. Gaza City, and the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza were attacked as well. Nearly 40,300 Palestinians have lost their lives since Israel launched its war there in Gaza in early October. The number of the injured is above 93,000. The war has caused a dire humanitarian situation that continues to worsen due to repeated Israeli evacuation orders. The UN says mass evacuations severely constrain aid operations. The world body also says 90% of the Gaza population are now displaced.
Palestinian prisoners plight
Israel has freed over 40 Palestinian prisoners, with some of them showing signs of torture and diseases. Those released are from the occupied West Bank and completed their sentences. That’s according to the Palestinian Prisoner's Society. It says some of the released prisoners suffer from skin diseases. Others show severe impacts of torture including systematic starvation. The Palestinian Prisoner's Society says some of the newly-freed detainees had been held under administrative detention. That allows Israel to indefinitely keep Palestinians behind bars without charge or trial. The total number of Palestinians in Israeli jails has topped 9,900. The regime is widely criticized for mistreating the prisoners in violation of international humanitarian law.
Arbaeen march
Millions of pilgrims from across the world are converging on the Iraqi holy city of Karbala for the annual commemoration of Arbaeen processions. The pilgrims, many of them from Iran, are making the journey toward the holy city on foot. Karbala houses the shrine of Imam Hussein (AS), the third Shia imam and the grandson of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The pilgrimage is one of the largest religious congregations in the world. This year, Arbaeen falls on August 24. The event marks the 40th day after the martyrdom anniversary of Imam Hussein on Ashura. The imam and dozens of his companions were martyred on Ashura during the Battle of Karbala nearly fourteen centuries ago.