First cruise ship of new year arrives at New Mangalore Port
Mangaluru (PTI): The first cruise ship of the new year, ‘M S Riviera’ arrived at New Mangalore Port (NMP), the port authorities said.
This is the fourth cruise vessel docking at the port here during the current season. The Marshall Islands-flagged ship docked along berth No. 04, with 980 passengers and crew members on Wednesday.
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The vessel arrived enroute from the ports of Dubai, Mumbai and Mormugao. The overall length of the ship is 239 metre with a carrying capacity of 66,172 Gross tonnage and a draft of 7.60 metre.
The cruise passengers were given a warm welcome to the melody of Mangalore’s brass brand and by Yakshagana artistes. The tourists were overjoyed to see the various cultural attractions made available for them in the cruise lounge, the release said.
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Netanyahu defends expanded Gaza offfensive; Israeli strike kills five Al Jazeera journalists
Tel Aviv: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended a fresh military offensive in the Gaza Strip, calling it “more sweeping than previously announced” and asserting that Israel “has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.”
Speaking amid mounting condemnation at home and abroad over the 22-month conflict, Netanyahu said the security cabinet had directed the dismantling of Hamas strongholds not only in Gaza City but also in the “central camps” and Muwasi. These areas, according to UN estimates, shelter more than half a million displaced people and had not been mentioned in Israel’s earlier announcement on Friday.
A source familiar with the operation, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Israel’s plans to extend military action to both areas. Netanyahu maintained that “safe zones” would be established, though such areas have been bombed in previous strikes.
The announcement came as heavy bombardment was reported in Gaza City late Sunday. Shortly before midnight, Al Jazeera confirmed the killing of its correspondent Anas al-Sharif in a targeted Israeli strike. The attack hit a tent for Al Jazeera journalists outside the main gate of al-Shifa Hospital, an area known for hosting medical personnel.
Shifa Hospital’s administrative director, Rami Mohanna, said the strike killed five Al Jazeera journalists, including Sharif, whom Israel accused of leading a Hamas cell responsible for orchestrating rocket attacks. Sharif was killed moments after posting a video showing intense bombardment in Gaza City.
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