Saudi Crown Prince calls for immediate end to Israel’s military aggression in Gaza, Lebanon
Riyadh: At the opening of a summit in Riyadh on November 11, 2024, Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) demanded that Israel halt its military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Addressing leaders from the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), MBS condemned the violence against Palestinians and Lebanese, calling it a “massacre.” He urged Israel to stop all acts of aggression and called on global nations to recognise Palestinian statehood.
Ahmed Aboul Gheit, the Secretary-General of the Arab League, also criticised Israel's actions, stating that the violence was undermining peace efforts in the region. Lebanon's Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, highlighted the "unprecedented" existential crisis faced by Lebanon as Israel escalates its military operations against Hezbollah.
Iran’s First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref condemned Israel's targeted killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders as "organised terrorism." Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were among other prominent leaders in attendance.
In a joint statement, the summit leaders strongly condemned Israel's actions in Gaza, describing them as genocide and ethnic cleansing, particularly in northern Gaza. The statement reaffirmed Palestinian sovereignty over East Jerusalem and rejected Israeli measures aimed at consolidating its occupation.
The summit also reflected concerns over the recent election of Donald Trump as US president, with regional leaders signalling their stance on US engagement in the Middle East, urging for dialogue and de-escalation.
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Former India hockey coach Michael Nobbs dies
Melbourne (PTI): Former Australian hockey player Michael Nobbs, who coached the Indian men's team at the 2012 London Olympics, has died after a prolonged illness.
He was 72 years old and is survived by his wife Lee Capes, a former Australian women's international and daughter Kaitlin, who is a current Hockeyroos star.
"Hockey Australia extends its deepest condolences to Michael’s family, friends, former teammates, players and all those whose lives and careers were shaped by his contribution to hockey. He will be remembered as a proud Kookaburra, a respected professional, and a servant of the sport," Hockey Australia said in a statement.
Nobbs represented Australia as a defender, playing across the half-back line and at fullback, and was renowned for his reliability, fitness and professionalism. He earned 76 international caps for Australia between 1979 and 1985, scoring one goal, and was a member of one of the strongest eras in Australian men’s hockey, said Hockey Australia on its website in its tribute.
Nobbs was an integral part of the Australian teams that competed at the 1981 Hockey World Cup in Bombay and the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics.
While part of a generation widely regarded as one of Australia’s finest, he consistently held his place through hard work, discipline and trust earned from teammates and coaches, Hockey Australia wrote.
Nobbs took over the coaching of the Indian men's team in 2011 after it had failed to qualify for the Beijing Games in 2008. While India were brilliant in the qualifiers, the team finished last at the London extravaganza which also expedited the Australian coach's sacking.
Apart from India, Nobbs also coached Japan.
