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France 24
28-06-2025
- Politics
- France 24
'We only have one exit': Life under blockade in West Bank villages
There are currently nearly 900 movement obstacles in the West Bank, including checkpoints, concrete roadblocks, earthmounds, and, notably, iron gates locked at the entrances to Palestinian villages. The UN's humanitarian agency OCHA recorded 205 of these gates in May 2025, with most being closed or intermittently controlled by the Israeli army. This policy of closure has intensified since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023, and further, with the Israel-Iran war, making daily life for Palestinians even more challenging. In August 2023, OCHA documented 645 permanent obstacles across the West Bank, including 118 iron gates. In January 2025, the Israeli army erected 18 new gates, obstructing access to major roads from Palestinian urban areas, according to The Wall and Settlement Resistance Commission. 'Here, in Ras Karkar, we only have one entry and exit point' The FRANCE 24 Observers team spoke with Hatem Nofal, head of the local emergency commission: The gates are locked. The army moves from the gate of Dar Ammar to that of Khartbatha, and then elsewhere. These are constant patrols. Here, in Ras Karkar, we only have one entry and exit point, with no alternative routes. This road is very difficult and dangerous: the army can shoot, arrest, or leave you stranded for hours in your car. Since the start of the Israel-Iran war, the gates have been completely closed. For instance, there is a total blockade at the Al-Askar gate. Cars cannot pass through. Only pedestrians are allowed to cross on foot. Within a 500-metre radius of Ras Karkar, five gates are closed, including at Ras Karkar, Deir Ammar, and Kharbatha Bani Harith. Residents have to walk between these gates, sometimes as far as 400-500 metres, and then get a car to go to Ramallah or to work. The Palestinian villages of Ras Karkar and Al-Janiya, home to an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 residents combined, are surrounded by seven to nine Israeli settlements. These settlements include Talmon B, Dolev, Nerya, Harsha, Kerem Reim, and Zayit Raanan. The entrance gate to Al-Janiya has been closed for over 15 years, because it is located less than 100 metres from an Israeli settlement. The Israeli army maintains that this close proximity poses a risk of friction with settlers. The only remaining access for Al-Janiya residents is through Ras Karkar, which itself faces severe restrictions. Colonial pressure significantly reduces the buildable land for Palestinians. Nofal says that out of 20 square kilometres, Israeli authorities have authorised only 600 square metres for construction. In late May 2025, Israel announced the legalisation of 22 new outposts in the West Bank. At least two of them – Harsha and Zayit Raanan – directly impact the Ras Karkar region, being both located in the immediate vicinity of the village. Their regularisation tightens the grip around Ras Karkar and intensifies movement restrictions. 'We have four ambulances prepared to be dispatched wherever there's a need' With his group of volunteers, Nofal is working tirelessly to organise the delivery of food to Ras Karkar, as well as the transport of the sick to Ramallah hospital: We've formed an emergency commission to support the population in times of need. In each village, we have groups of 10 to 30 people, depending on its size. We're connected by radio, ready to intervene in any emergency. We have four ambulances prepared to be dispatched wherever there's a need, such as in case of a fire or a medical issue. We work with local councils, Palestinian authorities, and sometimes even with the Israelis to allow the passage of essential goods like food, medicine, gas, and fuel. Getting to Ramallah: an obstacle race The nearest public hospital to Ras Karkar is in Ramallah, located 14 kilometres away. But getting there means walking 400 to 500 metres between several closed gates, then hoping to find a vehicle whenever possible. Before, it would take barely 15 minutes to get to Ramallah hospital. Now, you have to walk between the gates, sometimes for 400 to 500 metres, and then find a car. It takes at least 45 minutes, sometimes longer if the army blocks the road or confiscates car keys. Since vehicles cannot pass through the gates, Nofal says the goods must be transferred from vehicle to vehicle or carried by hand. Residents are at the mercy of the soldiers to allow essential supplies to pass. We transfer food, medicine, and gas by hand, from one gate to another. Sometimes, we have to cross roads reserved for Israeli settlers, which is forbidden for us. The case of Ras Karkar is emblematic of the fragmentation of the West Bank, where 900 obstacles – including over 200 locked iron gates – have been documented, and colonial expansion continues despite international condemnation.
Time of India
17-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
At least 45 Palestinians killed while waiting for aid trucks in Gaza, health officials say
Live Events (You can now subscribe to our (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel At least 45 Palestinians were killed in the Gaza Strip while waiting for U.N. and commercial trucks to enter the territory with desperately needed food, according to Gaza's Health Ministry and a local witnesses told The Associated Press that Israeli forces had fired on the crowds. The military did not immediately respond to a request for did not appear to be related to a new Israeli- and U.S.-supported aid delivery network that rolled out last month and has been marred by controversy and Nofal, an eyewitness, said he saw many people motionless and bleeding on the ground after Israeli forces opened fire. "It was a massacre," he said, adding that the soldiers continued firing on people as they fled from the Abu Qeshfa said he heard a loud explosion followed by heavy gunfire and tank shelling. "I survived by a miracle," he say Israeli forces have repeatedly opened fire on crowds trying to reach food distribution points run by a separate U.S. and Israeli-backed aid group since the centers opened last month. Local health officials say scores have been killed and hundreds those instances, the Israeli military has acknowledged firing warning shots at people it said had approached its forces in a suspicious says the new system is designed to prevent Hamas from siphoning off aid to fund its militant activities.U.N. agencies and major aid groups deny there is any major diversion of aid and have rejected the new system, saying it can't meet the mounting needs in Gaza and that it violates humanitarian principles by allowing Israel to control who has access to aid. Experts have warned of widespread famine in U.N.-run network has delivered aid across Gaza throughout the 20-month Israel-Hamas war, but has faced major obstacles since Israel loosened a total blockade it had imposed from early March until mid-May. U.N. officials say Israeli military restrictions, a breakdown of law and order, and widespread looting make it difficult to deliver the aid that Israel has allowed military campaign since October 2023 has killed over 55,300 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Its count doesn't distinguish between civilians and launched its campaign aiming to destroy Hamas after the group's Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, in which militants killed around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking another 251 hostage. The militants still hold 53 hostages, fewer than half of them alive, after most of the rest were released in ceasefire agreements or other deals.
The Star
27-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Why smart brands are already talking to Generation Alpha
While many brands are still trying to figure out how to authentically engage with Millennials and Gen Z, Penquin, a leading brand and communications agency, is urging marketers to shift their attention to the next wave of consumers: Generation Alpha. Co-Managing Director of Penquin, Ryan Nofal,, said this digitally native generation, born from 2010 onwards, is already shaping household purchasing decisions and redefining what it means to be brand-loyal. 'Generation Alpha may still be in school, but don't underestimate their power,' says Nofal. 'They are the most tech-immersed generation we've seen. Their exposure to content, trends, and information is unprecedented and that means their influence is real, even at a young age,' he said. With access to devices from early childhood, Gen Alpha has grown up interacting with brands on YouTube, TikTok, and gaming platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. This means their expectations for content are high – and their tolerance for inauthenticity is low. 'Brands that want to stay relevant in the next five to ten years need to understand how to speak Gen Alpha's language now. They crave experiences, they value creativity, and they're incredibly brand-aware – often more than we give them credit for,' Nofal added. According to Penquin, engaging with Gen Alpha requires a future-focused approach: investing in immersive storytelling, interactive platforms, and authentic brand values that reflect their worldview. 'They've grown up watching their older siblings challenge the status quo and advocate for social issues. So Gen Alpha comes pre-programmed with a voice – and they're not afraid to use it. If brands don't start paying attention, they risk losing a generation before the race has even begun,' he said. However, with this awareness comes an important responsibility: marketing to children must be handled with care. Penquin stresses that brands should avoid exploitative tactics and instead focus on ethical, age-appropriate communication. 'Just because you can reach a young audience doesn't mean you should do it without intention and integrity. We have a responsibility as marketers to protect young minds while also engaging them. That means transparency, honesty, and respecting their developmental stage,' he said. Penquin encourages brands to take a values-led approach, prioritising education, empowerment, and positive messaging when engaging with Gen Alpha audiences. 'This generation is growing up fast, but that doesn't mean they're ready for adult messaging. Responsible marketing isn't just good ethics—it builds long-term brand trust with both the kids and their parents. Penquin encourages brands to think beyond traditional advertising and start crafting strategies that include co-creation, gamification, and digital-first content tailored for this savvy, socially-conscious audience. Generation Alpha isn't just the future – they're the now. Smart marketers won't wait for them to grow up. They'll start building relationships today,' Nofal concluded.
IOL News
27-05-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Why smart brands are already talking to Generation Alpha
'Generation Alpha may still be in school, but don't underestimate their power,' says Nofal. 'They are the most tech-immersed generation we've seen. Their exposure to content, trends, and information is unprecedented and that means their influence is real, even at a young age,' he said. While many brands are still trying to figure out how to authentically engage with Millennials and Gen Z, Penquin, a leading brand and communications agency, is urging marketers to shift their attention to the next wave of consumers: Generation Alpha. Co-Managing Director of Penquin, Ryan Nofal,, said this digitally native generation, born from 2010 onwards, is already shaping household purchasing decisions and redefining what it means to be brand-loyal. Influencers are constantly reinventing staples like cargo pants, baby tees, and butterfly clips, making sure the trend stays fun and updated. Picture: Freepik With access to devices from early childhood, Gen Alpha has grown up interacting with brands on YouTube, TikTok, and gaming platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. This means their expectations for content are high – and their tolerance for inauthenticity is low. 'Brands that want to stay relevant in the next five to ten years need to understand how to speak Gen Alpha's language now. They crave experiences, they value creativity, and they're incredibly brand-aware – often more than we give them credit for,' Nofal added. According to Penquin, engaging with Gen Alpha requires a future-focused approach: investing in immersive storytelling, interactive platforms, and authentic brand values that reflect their worldview. 'They've grown up watching their older siblings challenge the status quo and advocate for social issues. So Gen Alpha comes pre-programmed with a voice – and they're not afraid to use it. If brands don't start paying attention, they risk losing a generation before the race has even begun,' he said. However, with this awareness comes an important responsibility: marketing to children must be handled with care. Penquin stresses that brands should avoid exploitative tactics and instead focus on ethical, age-appropriate communication. 'Just because you can reach a young audience doesn't mean you should do it without intention and integrity. We have a responsibility as marketers to protect young minds while also engaging them. That means transparency, honesty, and respecting their developmental stage,' he said. Penquin encourages brands to take a values-led approach, prioritising education, empowerment, and positive messaging when engaging with Gen Alpha audiences. 'This generation is growing up fast, but that doesn't mean they're ready for adult messaging. Responsible marketing isn't just good ethics—it builds long-term brand trust with both the kids and their parents. Penquin encourages brands to think beyond traditional advertising and start crafting strategies that include co-creation, gamification, and digital-first content tailored for this savvy, socially-conscious audience. Generation Alpha isn't just the future – they're the now. Smart marketers won't wait for them to grow up. They'll start building relationships today,' Nofal concluded.
Tahawul Tech
28-04-2025
- Business
- Tahawul Tech
NTT DATA appoints Hani Nofal as Regional Head for Technology Solutions
NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and technology services, recently announced Hani Nofal's appointment as Regional Head for Technology Solutions, Middle East and Africa (MEA), effective May 1, 2025. In this strategic leadership role, Nofal will drive NTT DATA's Technology Solutions growth in the MEA region, collaborating with local teams to define and implement a growth strategy aligned with global objectives. 'We are thrilled to welcome Hani to the NTT DATA family', said Alan Turnley-Jones, CEO of NTT DATA for Middle East and Africa. 'His exceptional leadership in building high-performance teams, extensive expertise in digital, security, cloud, and networking solutions, and impressive track record in business transformation make him the ideal person to drive our Technology Solutions business forward across the region'. With over 27 years of experience, Nofal is a seasoned technology executive and thought leader with a distinguished background in the information technology industry. Prior to joining NTT DATA, he held executive roles across both global and regional technology organizations. Most recently, he launched and led Advance Solutions Corp.'s operations across EMEA. He also held senior leadership roles at Gulf Business Machines (GBM), including General Manager – Head of Technology and Board Member of Coordinates ME, where he shaped technology strategy, drove innovation, and built strategic alliances. His leadership and vision contributed significantly to the company's growth and success. Earlier in his career, he held positions at Cisco Systems, 3Com, Digital Equipment Corporation, and Compaq. 'Our region is leading the wave of AI investment, driving the next phase of digital and economic transformation', said Nofal. 'This is the time for NTT DATA, a world leader in digital and AI infrastructure, to deliver innovation and impact. I'm proud to join the team to help clients across Middle East and Africa turn AI potential into meaningful outcomes'. Nofal is recognized for his high-performance leadership philosophy, which emphasises a culture of respect and accountability. He has received numerous industry honours, including Technology Innovation Leader of the Year and multiple partner recognitions. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Electrical and Communication Engineering from the University of Jordan and completed Leadership and Sustainability Studies at MIT Professional Education. Image Credit: NTT DATA
