In a significant development following the recent Gaza ceasefire agreement, Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas convened with Israeli peace activists in Ramallah on Thursday. The meeting, held at the presidential palace in the occupied West Bank, focused on fostering long-term peace between the two sides. Abbas expressed his approval of the ceasefire and the subsequent release of hostages, stating, “I welcome the agreement signed today, the end of the war, and the release of the hostages.” He also reiterated the Palestinian commitment to establishing a state encompassing Gaza, the West Bank, and East Jerusalem, despite past challenges, including former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposals. The gathering included prominent figures such as Arab-Israeli Knesset member Ayman Odeh and Palestinian Authority Vice-President Hussein al-Sheikh. Abbas engaged warmly with the audience, sharing light-hearted moments and jokes. However, the event was briefly interrupted by two power outages, as reported by an AFP journalist. Among the attendees was Iddo Ilam, an activist who declined to serve in the Israeli army, receiving a thumbs-up from Abbas. Rula Daoud, co-director of the Israeli grassroots movement Standing Together, emphasized the need for a peaceful future between Jews and Palestinians. Notably, the specifics of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, which is expected to facilitate the release of remaining hostages and nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, were not discussed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the possibility of the Palestinian Authority governing post-war Gaza, despite al-Sheikh’s assertion on X that the PA is fully prepared to oversee Gaza’s reconstruction.
作者： admin
-
Funeral service for Allan ‘Skill’ Cole to be held Saturday at National Arena
David Cole, son of the legendary Jamaican footballer Allan ‘Skill’ Cole, cherishes countless memories of his father, but one culinary experience stands out vividly. ‘My fondest memory is when he took me to a spot to eat steamed fish with turn cornmeal and red peas…a recipe I’ll always remember,’ David shared with Observer Online. Allan Cole, widely regarded as Jamaica’s greatest footballer, passed away on September 9 at the age of 74 due to multiple organ failure at the University Hospital of the West Indies in St Andrew. Beyond his football prowess, Cole was a close friend and manager of reggae icon Bob Marley. Like Marley, who died in 1981, Cole’s funeral service will be held at the National Arena in Kingston on October 11. Preceding the funeral, events celebrating his life will take place at House of Dread in his hometown of Vineyard Town on October 9, followed by a tribute from the Twelve Tribes of Israel at their Hope Road headquarters on October 10. David anticipates a significant turnout at these events, given his father’s monumental contributions to sports, arts, culture, and mentorship. ‘He was a trailblazer, doing things way ahead of his time both on and off the field,’ David remarked. ‘He’s a natural mentor, nurturer, always seeking to steer individuals and entities to high standards and excellence.’ Allan Cole’s legacy extends beyond football. Born in Kingston, he was a prodigy who represented Jamaica at just 15 years old. He excelled as an attacking midfielder and striker for Vere Technical High School, Santos, and Boys’ Town in the Major League. Internationally, he played for the Atlanta Chiefs in the North American Soccer League and Nautico in Brazil. In music, Cole managed Bob Marley, including his final U.S. tour in 1980, and is credited as the writer of ‘War,’ a track from Marley’s 1976 album ‘Rastaman Vibration.’ David, a 53-year-old audio engineer who has toured with Grammy winner Damian ‘Junior Gong’ Marley, is the fourth of Allan Cole’s six children. His mother, Judy Mowatt, is a member of The I Three, Marley’s harmony trio.
-
Sean Paul, Koffee and Gyptian make Rolling Stone’s 250 greatest songs of the 21st century
Three legendary Jamaican musicians from different eras have earned a prestigious spot in Rolling Stone’s list of the 250 greatest songs of the 21st century. Koffee, Gyptian, and Sean Paul were recognized for their iconic tracks, which the renowned music magazine hailed as timeless masterpieces. Koffee’s 2019 hit, *Toast*, secured the 203rd position, praised by Rolling Stone as an “invigorating banger” with an unforgettable hook. The song, produced by IzyBeats, became a global sensation and even made it onto former U.S. President Barack Obama’s 2019 summer playlist. Koffee also made history that year as the youngest solo reggae artist to receive a Grammy nomination, ultimately winning for her debut album *Rapture*. Gyptian’s 2010 smash *Hold Yuh* claimed the 125th spot, described as a “contemporary classic” that blends sweetness and sensuality. Despite debates over its global success, Rolling Stone credited Gyptian’s passionate delivery as the defining factor. Sean Paul’s 2003 chart-topper *Get Busy* ranked 92nd, the only Jamaican track to break the top 100. The song, part of Steven “Lenky” Marsden’s Diwali rhythm, was celebrated as a dance floor anthem. Rolling Stone emphasized that its selections were based on musical brilliance and originality, not just popularity.
-
‘Whisper’ Richards could play key role in World Cup qualifier against Curacao — McClaren
WILLEMSTAD, Curacao — In a last-minute roster adjustment, Dujuan ‘Whisper’ Richards has been called up to the Jamaican national football team, the Reggae Boyz, ahead of their pivotal Concacaf World Cup Qualifier against Curacao. Head coach Steve McClaren confirmed that Richards, a 19-year-old winger from Chelsea, could play a significant role in Friday’s match at the Ergilio Hato Stadium. Richards is set to arrive in Curacao later today after departing from London. His inclusion comes as a response to the injury of Demarai Gray, who sustained a groin injury during training and has returned to his club, Birmingham City. Despite limited preparation time with the team, McClaren emphasized Richards’ potential contribution, citing his recent performances for Chelsea’s under-21s, where he scored twice in six appearances. Richards, who last represented Jamaica in October 2023, is expected to start as a substitute. The Reggae Boyz, currently leading Group B with six points, aim to secure a victory against Curacao, who have four points, to strengthen their chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The match is scheduled for 7:00 pm local time (6:00 pm Jamaica time).
-
Manchester students benefit from Kicker’s Club shoe drive
In a heartwarming initiative aimed at supporting students in Manchester, Jamaica, the Friends of Porus (FOP) and Give Back Jamaica Inc (GBJ) recently joined forces to organize the Kicker’s Club Shoe Drive. This collaborative effort successfully raised over $500,000, which was used to purchase much-needed school shoes for students across the parish. The annual back-to-school shoe drive, which primarily benefits primary school students, expanded its reach this year to include Porus High School, following the discovery that several of its students were in dire need of support. Vassell Ogilvie, Vice President of FOP and board member of GBJ, highlighted the decision to include the high school, stating that it was made after discussions with Porus High’s principal, Marlene Murray. The initiative traces its origins to Dr. Eve Richardson, founder and CEO of Give Back Jamaica, who, inspired by her own childhood struggles, launched the Kicker’s Club Shoe programme in September 2021. Since its inception, the programme has grown significantly, thanks to the generous contributions of donors such as the Signature Society, Hudson Valley Dynamic Counselling, and other charitable entities. This year, the initiative benefited students from several schools, including Porus Primary, Broadleaf Primary, Ramble Primary, Harmons Primary, St Jago Primary, and Castle Primary. Ogilvie expressed gratitude to the Signature Society, particularly its CEO and president, Sephron Mair, for their continued support, which enabled 80 students to participate in the shoe drive. Additional donations were also received from various law offices and counseling services, further bolstering the programme’s impact.
-
Israel says ‘all parties’ signed phase one of Gaza deal
In a landmark development, Israel announced on Thursday that all parties have signed the first phase of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, marking a significant step toward ending the prolonged conflict. The deal, brokered in Egypt, follows a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump last month, aimed at resolving the crisis that began with Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel. The agreement includes the release of all hostages, both living and deceased, within 72 hours, with Israeli officials expressing hope that this will bring an end to the war. US envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed that President Trump will visit Egypt next week to celebrate the deal’s conclusion, though Trump noted that exact timing is still being finalized. Despite widespread international acclaim, critical issues remain unresolved, including Hamas’s disarmament and the establishment of an interim “Board of Peace” led by Trump to oversee Gaza’s administration. Hamas has already rejected the proposed transitional authority, with senior official Osama Hamdan stating that no Palestinian faction would accept such an arrangement. Trump assured that the disarmament of Hamas would be addressed in the second phase of the peace plan, alongside Israeli military pullbacks. The ceasefire is set to take effect within 24 hours of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s security cabinet meeting, scheduled for 1400 GMT. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized that the hostage release should signal the war’s end. The deal also includes the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages. Hamas has submitted a list of 1,950 prisoners it seeks to have freed, including high-profile figures like Marwan Barghouti, though Israel has ruled out his release. The agreement envisions a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where famine has been declared by the UN. However, the path to lasting peace remains fraught with challenges, as evidenced by continued strikes in Gaza even after the deal’s announcement. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi urged mediators to ensure de-escalation until the agreement is fully implemented. The deal comes amid mounting international pressure to end the war, which has claimed over 67,000 lives in Gaza, according to Hamas-run health ministry figures. The UN has accused Israel of genocide, a charge Israel denies, while Hamas faces allegations of war crimes. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres called for a permanent cessation of hostilities, echoing global sentiments for peace.
-
Shein’s Paris store kicks up a storm in France
The decision by Asian e-commerce giant Shein to establish its first permanent physical store in Paris has ignited a wave of controversy in the fashion capital. The store, set to open in November at the historic BHV Marais department store, has drawn sharp criticism from local brands and trade unions. BHV Marais, an iconic building opposite Paris City Hall since 1856, has already been struggling with tenant departures due to late payments. Shein’s announcement prompted several French brands, including Aime cosmetics, to exit the department store, with co-founder Mathilde Lacombe expressing deep shock over the deal. Trade unions have called for strike action, warning of a ‘short-term threat to the survival of the department store.’ Critics argue that Shein’s ultra-competitive pricing and fast-fashion model, which has disrupted traditional retail globally, could further harm French stores already facing layoffs and closures. The company, founded in China and now based in Singapore, has faced international scrutiny over environmental and labor concerns. The French ready-to-wear women’s clothing association, FFPAPF, condemned the move, fearing a flood of disposable products in the market. Meanwhile, the European Commission is investigating Shein for illegal product risks, and EU lawmakers recently approved legislation to curb fast fashion’s environmental impact. Former French environmental transition minister Christophe Bechu criticized Shein’s arrival as contrary to the country’s convictions. Despite the backlash, Shein framed its entry as a tribute to Paris’s status as a fashion hub. Executive Chairman Donald Tang stated, ‘By choosing France as the place to trial physical retail, we are honouring its position as a key fashion capital and embracing its spirit of creativity and excellence.’
-
La Nina is back, but impact may be limited— US agency
The United States National Weather Service (NWS) confirmed on Thursday that La Nina, a natural climate phenomenon, has re-emerged. However, its weak intensity is expected to minimize its cooling effect on global temperatures and its influence on Atlantic hurricane activity. La Nina, characterized by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, typically alters atmospheric wind patterns, leading to increased hurricane activity in the Atlantic basin and reduced activity in the Pacific. This cyclical pattern oscillates between La Nina, its counterpart El Nino, and neutral phases. After a brief La Nina episode from December 2024 to March 2025, neutral conditions prevailed until the recent resurgence of La Nina in September 2025. The NWS predicts that La Nina will persist through the winter, with a 55% chance of transitioning back to neutral conditions between January and March 2026. Despite its historical impact on global weather, this La Nina event is expected to be too weak to significantly affect conventional winter weather patterns. The 2020–2023 La Nina was notable for its unprecedented duration, marking the first ‘triple-dip’ event of the 21st century. While La Nina typically cools global temperatures, it failed to counteract the trend of record-breaking heat observed over the past decade. The Atlantic hurricane season, which runs from June 1 to November 30, has been slightly below average so far, with no storms making landfall in the United States. Nevertheless, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) continues to forecast an above-normal hurricane season.
-
Police kill two in operations linked to Commodore mass shooting
In a series of intense incidents in St Catherine, Jamaica, two men were fatally shot on Thursday during alleged confrontations with law enforcement officers investigating Sunday’s quintuple murder in the Commodore district. The police reported that two illegal firearms were recovered during these encounters.
-
Young Jamaica dismisses PNP concerns over ‘leaked’ IC reports
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The youth arm of the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP), Young Jamaica, has countered allegations made by the People’s National Party (PNP) regarding the premature release of Integrity Commission (IC) reports to a specific media outlet before their formal presentation in Parliament. The PNP, represented by Zuleika Jess and Nekeisha Burchell, recently voiced concerns over what they described as a recurring pattern of leaks, asserting that such actions undermine parliamentary authority, erode public trust, and suggest a potential breach in the official handling of sensitive documents.