UN: Besieged Syria area gets first aid in 5 years

A picture taken on July 30, 2017 shows aid packages from the UN and the Syrian Arab Red Crescent being delivered to locals in Nashabiyah in eastern Ghouta. (AFP)

A region besieged by the regime forces east of Syria’s capital on Sunday received UN aid for the first time in five years, a UN source said.

Al-Nashabiye is in the Eastern Ghouta region, a rebel-held area on the outskirts of Damascus that has been ravaged during the six-year conflict.

On July 22, the government declared a ceasefire in parts of the enclave, one of four proposed “de-escalation zones” designated in a deal reached by its allies Iran and Russia and rebel backer Turkey in May.

“This is the first time that a humanitarian convoy has entered Al-Nashabiye in five years,” a source involved in the UN aid delivery said.

The source said food and non-food aid was delivered to 7,200 needy people, days after further aid deliveries in Eastern Ghouta.
Russia said on Tuesday it had delivered more than 10,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid to the Ghouta area.

More than 330,000 people have been killed in Syria since its conflict broke out in March 2011 with anti-government protests.

Source: Al arabiya

Today's Devotion (Monday)

Believers’ Inheritance

GENESIS 25:1-11

Key Verse:

"And Abraham gave all that he had unto Isaac" (Genesis 25:5).

A rich man had only one child and many servants. He appointed a favoured servant among his numerous servants as the captain over all other servants, and put all his inheritance under the care of this servant. While on his dying bed, he invited his only child and asked him to pick just one thing out of all his inheritance. The young man, after much reflection, decided to pick the favoured servant. He was convinced that once he chose the favoured servant, he had inherited all his father’s riches. From the text today, we see how Abraham wisely settled his house before he passed on to glory. While he gave gifts to other children, he gave all that he had unto Isaac, through whom the Abrahamic covenant was to be fulfilled. He knew that, "Proverbs 13:22 A good man leaveth an inheritance to his children's children..." (Proverbs 13:22). Jesus is the only Son of God and He is the sum-total of God’s riches. We can now inherit the riches of God the Father, through His Son Jesus Christ, in whom we have obtained an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled. Jesus is the only Gateway through which we can have unrestricted access to the riches of God. To be a partaker of God’s inheritance through Christ, a sinner needs to confess and forsake his sins and plead for forgiveness. Grace is offered commonly to all mankind regardless of race and status. GRACE is God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense. You need this grace to make your life here on earth worthwhile and in the life to come, everlasting joy. You can appropriate this grace into your life now and become a member of God’s family, heir of the Father and joint-heir with the Son.

Thought for the day: Family inheritance is meant for children of the family, not strangers.

Bible Reading in one Year: PHILIPPIANS 1-4

Kurdish-led administration in northern Syria sets election dates

A civilian walks along a street during a dust storm in the northern Syrian town of al-Bab, Syria March 10 2017. (Reuters)

The Kurdish-led administration in northern Syria has set dates for local council and regional assembly elections, an official said on Saturday, in an apparent move to consolidate its growing autonomy.

Kurdish groups and their allies control swathes of northern Syria in areas held by the U.S.-backed Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), an alliance of militias spearheaded by the Kurdish YPG.

But formal self-government by the Kurds there alarms Turkey, which regards the YPG and the dominant Syrian Kurdish political party as extensions of the Kurdistan Workers Party or PKK which has waged a three-decade insurgency against Ankara.

Elections will be held in late summer for bodies running local communities, in November for bodies running larger areas and next January for the region as a whole, the Kurdish official said via a social networking feed.

The dates and rules for conducting the vote were agreed by a council set up in December to form governing institutions and prepare for elections.

The dominant Kurdish groups in northern Syria have carved out self-governing regions since early in the civil war, but they say they are not seeking independence from Damascus.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has tolerated Kurdish control over parts of the country but says he opposes the decentralized federal system they espouse and has described their ruling councils as "temporary structures".

Source: Al arabiya

Today's Devotion (Sunday)

Divine Escort

EXODUS 23:20-33

Key Verse:

"Behold, I send an Angel before thee, to keep thee in the way, and to bring thee into the place which I have prepared" (Exodus 23:20).

Having delivered the Israelites from the hand of Pharaoh, the Lord kept on leading them through Moses towards the Promised Land. This time around, He decided to lead them by His Angel. He promised to send His Angel to lead and keep Israel through the wilderness into the land of Canaan, the land He had promised and prepared for them. The Lord warned them not to provoke the Angel. For us, believers, we are not to grieve the Holy Spirit. Provoking the Angel of the Lord, would bring great punishment on Israel. The Lord also forewarned them not to serve the idols of the inhabitants of Canaan. They were to serve Him only, the true and living God. After the warning, He promised them that He would bless their bread and water, prevent all forms of epidemic from visiting them, give them good health and healing as well as fruitfulness both in body and spirit. He also laid bare His security plan for them. He would make them conquer and subdue their enemies not by their own weapons, but by the terror He would lay on the enemies’ hearts and by sending hornets to scare them away. God told them the reason why He would not drive out all their enemies at once, but gradually. It was to preserve the nation of Israel from the beasts of the land that might gather themselves together to exterminate them. A loving God indeed we have, who will never leave His people alone on their journeys in this wilderness called life. His Holy Spirit has been appointed to lead and comfort us. We must make sure that we do not grieve His Spirit. Sin grieves the Holy Spirit; therefore avoid it like a dreaded plague.

Thought for the day: If God be for us, who can be against us?

Bible Reading in one Year: EPHESIANS 4-6

Qatar confirms its anti-terror stance at UN amid doubts

Qatar has turned to the United Nations to be included in the counter-terrorism scheme, after the four boycotting countries accused Doha of supporting terrorism. (Shutterstock)

Qatar has turned to the United Nations to be included in the counter-terrorism scheme, after the four boycotting countries accused Doha of supporting terrorism, reported Al Arabiya on Saturday.

Qatar representative at the United Nations Alya bint Ahmed Al-Thani expressed Doha’s will to cooperate with various UN organizations combating terrorism and to support its efforts.

She affirmed her country's condemnation of terrorism in all its forms, regardless of its justifications.

UAE and boycotting countries have doubts

UAE ambassador in Washington, Youssef Al-Otaiba, revealed that the four countries have conclusive evidence sufficient to condemn Doha of its support of armed militias and internationally listed groups.

Al- Otaiba said in an interview on PBS, if Doha continues its policy, the four countries have the right to continue their boycott as well as take measures that preserve their security.

The UAE ambassador pointed out that the basis of the dispute with Qatar is the lack of commitment to the agreements and treaties that were made in Riyadh in 2013 and 2014 to stop supporting and financing terrorist groups.

Yousef al-Otaiba, UAE Ambassador to the US on Charlie Rose show, July 26, 2017. (Screengrab)

Al-Otaiba stressed that the Gulf States and Egypt cannot agree to the policies of Doha, which oppose the future scope of the Gulf States and regional countries.

“If you ask the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, what kind of a Middle East they want to see from now, it will be fundamentally opposed to what I think Qatar wants to see ten years from now,” he said.

“What we would like to see is more secular, stable, prosperous, empowered, strong governments. What we have seen Qatar do for the last ten to fifteen years is support groups like the Muslim Brotherhood, Hamas, Taliban, Islamist militias in Syria, Islamist militias in Libya. Exactly the opposite direction we think our region needs to go,” Al-Otaiba added.

Al-Otaiba said “Our disagreement is about what the future of the Middle East should look like, and that’s not something we have been able to square with the Qataris for a long time.”

He pointed out that the Washington-led international coalition against ISIS could triumph, but that would not be possible without putting an end to funding terrorism.

Source: Al arabiya

Neymar to PSG deal done next Monday, he will be offered €300m by PSG (Mundo Deportivo)

According to Spanish media Mundo Deportivo, Neymar will officially join Paris Saint-Germain next Monday.

It is reported that Qatar Sports Investment, a company owned by Paris Saint-Germain, will appoint Neymar as the company's ambassador of 2022 Qatar World Cup. By becoming Qatar Sports Investment's World Cup ambassador, Neymar will earn 300 million euros.

In this way, Neymar will be able to pay his release clause of 220 million euros inserted in his contract with Barcelona, and also tax. Therefore, PSG will avoid breaking UEFA's FFP rule.

Source: All Football

Neymar informs Barca teammates that he is going to PSG (Spanish media)

The Brazilian informed his closest teammates of his intentions on Thursday, according to Roger Torello, reporter from Mundo Deportivo.

"There is no way back. Neymar will leave the club as soon as PSG pay its release clause next week. This was communicated by the player himself to his closest friends last Thursday, the same day he had the friction with Nélson Semedo during training held at the facilities of Barry University in Miami," writes Torello on Mundo Deportivo.

Source: All Football

Saudi envoy to the United Nation: Saudi Arabia increased efforts to combat extremism

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Maalami, said that Saudi Arabia has made incessant efforts to counter extremism. (Supplied)

Saudi Arabia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Abdullah Al-Maalami, said that Saudi Arabia has made incessant efforts to counter extremism, reported Al Arabiya.

In a speech before the General Assembly of the UN, Al-Maalami said that Saudi Arabia wholeheartedly condemns all acts of terrorism, stressing that the fight against terrorism is a shared international responsibility that requires intensive and sustained efforts.

The foreign ministers of the four anti-terrorism countries; Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Egypt, will hold a meeting at the Bahraini capital Manama on Saturday to discuss the latest developments of Qatar crisis.

The two-day meeting reflects the interest of the four countries in coordinating their positions and affirming their demands from Qatar.

The ministers will assess the updates concerning Qatar crisis to stop its support of terrorism as well as its negative interference in the internal affairs of their countries.

Source: Al arabiya

Today's Devotion (Saturday)

He Hears!!!

PSALM 116:1-6

Key Verse:

"I love the LORD, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications" (Psalm 116:1).

A popular children story named "The giving tree" speaks of the life of an apple tree and a boy with the uncanny capacity to communicate with each other. In the story, the boy only came to the giving tree always because of what he could get at any stage of his life and after which he would leave the tree to itself. The tree gave her apples, branches and trunk until she had nothing to give. And lastly the boy, now old; came once more to the tree because he had need of some place to rest and the giving tree still gave her stump to him, because that was all she had left. Many so called Christians today love the Lord because of what He has done or what He is doing or what they can get from Him. This is further made worse when supposed gospel preachers tell their followers that God is a goody-goody kind of giving tree. Like the boy in the tree story, some people love the Lord and come to Him as long as He is hearing their prayers. What if the Lord delays answers? The point God wants us to learn from this is that our love must be unconditional. He wants us to love Him for who He is, because He loved us that same way too. Many people find it hard to comprehend God’s love story, partly because they see His love from their point of view and not His. God’s love through Christ, is conveyed to us without limitations. If you can search and find a reason you love God other than the fact that He loves you and have saved you, then your love may not be a perfect one. Remember how Satan accused Job thinking that Job’s love for God was because of the blessings and hedges God built around him. But he found out otherwise. Be sure that your love will always be tested to see what sort it is. We must grow in our walk with God to the point that we find every reason to love and appreciate Him for who He is.

Thought for the day: The measure of true love is in its commitment with no strings attached.

Bible Reading in one Year: EPHESIANS 1-3

King Salman asserts Palestinians' right to enter Al Aqsa mosque

King Salman also expressed his sincerest condolences to the country and the victims of the attack, where he wished the injured a quick recovery. (SPA)

Saudi King Salman had a conversation over the phone with US authorities to resolve Al- Aqsa clashes with regard to the security measures issued last week.

King Salman asserted in the call the rights of Palestinian muslims to access Al Aqsa Mosque, reported Al Arabiya.

Israel overnight removed all security infrastructure it had put in place this month at Muslim entrances to the Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, stepping up its efforts to diffuse political and religious tension.

Source: Al arabiya

Today's Devotion (Thursday)

Grateful Heart

LUKE 17:11-19

Key Verse:

"And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God" (Luke 17:15).

The story is told of one Allen Gardiner, a missionary who drowned in a boat accident as he rowed out for a missionary journey. His body was found near his capsised boat along the seashore. The entries in his diary revealed a catalogue of the miseries he experienced all through the journey – hunger, deprivations, suffering and persecutions. Yet, his last entry read thus: "I am overwhelmed with a sense of the goodness of God". Now that is a gorgeous heart focusing on God’s blessings exclusively. Sadly, today such hearts are in short supply. Ostracised, the ten lepers had no choice but to flock together. Desperate, determined and in dire need of restoration, they pleaded passionately for attention when the Saviour showed up. They received healing in a dramatic reversal of rules by the Master. Nine of them, all Jews obviously in a celebratory frenzy headed home thoughtlessly. Only one, a Samaritan returned to worship God in a stunning show of brokenness and gratitude. Christ took notice, confirmed and perfected his healing. Sin, like leprosy of old, still isolates man from having fellowship with God and his saints. All sinners must desist from transgression. Just like the ten lepers, they should passionately call on God and plead for mercy. Christ is the solution to Satan’s nature of sin. Forgiveness is offered by His mercy. Those who have been cleansed must constantly guard against contamination from the present evil world. Salvation comes at a huge cost, but Christ picked up the bill. We must constantly reflect that light of God in us. Soul-winning is vitally necessary as proof of our appreciation of God’s tender mercies towards us. A daily life of praises and thanksgiving garnishes our relationship with God in no small measure.

Thought for the day: A grateful heart is a glorious haven.

Bible Reading in one Year: EXODUS 37-38

Today's Devotion (Wednesday)

Saluting God In Song

EXODUS 15:1-11

Key Verse:

"Who is like unto thee, O LORD, among the gods? who is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders?" (Exodus 15:11).

Bible scholars have reserved a singular place in history for Moses’ hymn in worship of the Lord after He miraculously parted the Red sea to deliver the Israelites from the threatening Egyptian forces. Moses, the servant of God, appointed to lead Israel, burst into an epic poem which some say is the oldest recorded song in the world, coming ahead of the great songs written by King David, Asaph his choirmaster and Solomon the son of David. The focus of Moses’ praise is God Himself. It is no wonder therefore, that this humble man of God mentions the majestic name of God "the LORD" ten times in this presentation of worship. Moses alludes to the greatness of God and says He alone will be His God, to whom alone he will give praise. According to him, prodigiousness of God’s power manifested in the phenomenal arrest of nature, namely the roaring sea and the destruction of the army of a world power.

Thought for the day: Praises move God’s hands to do more

Bible Reading in one Year: EXODUS 33-36

Today's Devotion (Tuesday)

Beauty Of Self-Restraint

JOB 32:13-23

Key Verse:

"I said, I will answer also my part, I also will shew mine opinion" (Job 32:17).

When there is an argument or intense discussion and there is someone who considers he has more valid contribution to make, or that others are simply missing the point, the discreet one must restrain himself with difficulty from interrupting. Yet, if he must wade in, he must do so with careful study and observation. The text deals with a situation in which Elihu, who had held his peace while the others were talking, now had to come in strongly in putting across his own views and feelings. His youthfulness had precluded him from speaking all the while, but he reasoned that God had given him special understanding, regardless of his age. Elihu considered that Job had not been clever in his responses to his friend’s arguments, hence, his stepping forward to speak. It is often considered that one who keeps quiet while others are talking, does so more intelligently and reasonably when he chooses to speak, having been studying the trend of the arguments of the others. Despite his youthfulness, he boldly made his contribution, thus making himself an arbitrator and a fourth party. Self-restraint, in the face of provocation and temptation is a virtue that every believer must prayerfully cultivate. The scriptural credo of "swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath" should undergird the comportment of heaven-bound saints. A believer who has no rule over his spirit but speaks impulsively, acts irrationally, has needless leakages to his spiritual life. He cannot go far with Christ.

Thought for the day: Wisdom discretion sets the believer apart from others.

Bible Reading in one Year: EXODUS 30-32

Today's Devotion (Monday)

God’s Word, The Ultimate

PSALM 119:149-160

Key Verse:

"Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever" (Psalm 119:152).

Arlington Nation of Cemetery boasts of stunning mementoes, one of which is the so-called eternal flame. An innovative feat of burning gas constantly aglow amidst profuse adornment, it is quite thought-provoking. Designed in memory of JFK, the 35th President of United States of America (USA), slain in Dallas Texas in 1963. It was a fallout of the national angst and anguish that trailed his senseless assassination. Still, any mischief maker or a natural disaster can wreck it, putting out the fire. It is really not eternal. David recognised a flame that is genuinely eternal: the flame that the word of God lights up in our hearts. Wrestling in prayer day and night, he averred that prayers are answered, if he trusted in the word. For him, the hope of victory over moral weaknesses and the mischief of his adversaries remains a forlorn one but for his dependence on the word. The word for him was an elixir for all of life’s challenges. The Bible is the word of God. It does not change. It reveals God: His character, works and eternal essence to any sincere seeker. The call has gone out to fallen man to rise in salvation and righteousness, ready for fellowship with him in time and eternity. The end-time battle rages on and the devil is digging deep, fighting fast, furious and dirty. Faith and obedience to his unchanging word are veritable panaceas for all of life’s challenges. Do not be a scoffer. Doubt not its veracity. Repent and receive forgiveness. God is mighty to save.

Thought for the day: God’s word is the road map for all pilgrims.

Bible Reading in one Year: EXODUS 26-29

Gang Of Five Caught On CCTV Robbing A Petrol Station In South Africa

CCTV footage has emerged of a gang of robbers attacking a petrol station store in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The footage, filmed on July 8, shows an unmasked gang of five carrying out the robbery attack at the store. In the footage, an armed man is seen confronting a terrified female cashier who is ordered onto the floor as other gang members search the store for cash. A petrol attendant who is also seen entering the store from the back door is also confronted with a gun to his face. Luckily for him, he escaped alongside with another male cashier, as the two of them barricade themselves into a room behind the counter, leaving the female cashier with the gunmen. The whole robbery operation is said to have taken only a few minutes. Watch the footage below..

Deparadigm

Syrian warplanes strike near Damascus despite ceasefire

Smoke billows following a reported air strike in the rebel-held parts of the Jobar district, on the eastern outskirts of the Syrian capital Damascus, on June 21, 2017. (AFP)

Syrian government warplanes carried out several air strikes in the Eastern Ghouta area east of Damascus on Sunday, a day after the Syrian military declared a cessation of hostilities in the area, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.

The British-based monitoring group said Saturday had been relatively calm after the ceasefire took effect with isolated incidents of shellfire.

On Sunday, six air strikes hit the towns of Douma and Ain Terma in rebel-held Eastern Ghouta, it reported. 

Source: Al arabiya

OFFICIAL: Manchester City sign Real Madrid full-back Danilo on 5-year deal

Manchester City have completed the signging of Real Madrid full-back Danilo on a five-year contract

Danilo began his career with América Mineiro before moving to Santos, where he scored the goal that won the 2011 Copa Libertadores. In January 2012 he moved to Porto, where he won consecutive Primeira Liga titles, and signed a six-year contract with Real Madrid for €31.5 million in 2015.

Danilo made his Real Madrid debut on 23 August and scored his first goal for the team in October. Danilo contributed with seven appearances in the 2015/16 edition of the Champions League, as the tournament ended in win. 

In 2016/17, Danilo contributed with 17 games and one goal as the club was crowned La Liga champions for the first time in five years. However, Danilo still didn't get many chances throughout the season compared to his teammate Carvajal.

Danilo was first capped by the senior Brazil team in 2011, also winning the 2011 FIFA U-20 World Cup and a silver medal at the 2012 Olympic tournament.

Welcome to Man City! Danilo’s goals, skills and assists!

Club statement

City are delighted to announce signing of Danilo from Real Madrid.

The 26-year-old has signed a five-year deal and has now join his new teammates on the Club’s pre-season tour of America.

“I am very, very happy to be joining Manchester City,” Danilo told mancity.com after agreeing personal terms and passing his medical.

“There has been strong interest from other Clubs, but it has always been my ambition to play for Pep Guardiola. As soon as I heard of his interest, I knew immediately I wanted to be a City player.

“I can’t wait to get started and I’m looking forward to getting to know my new teammates over the coming weeks.”

City’s Director of Football, Txiki Begiristain, says he is delighted to have landed the Brazilian. “Danilo is a fine player who offers great versatility to our squad,” he said. “He can operate in several different roles in both defence and midfield, increasing Pep’s options ahead of the new season. 

“We feel he has all the attributes needed to succeed at City and we look forward to helping him develop during his time here.”

Danilo, whose move is subject to receiving his work permit, began his senior career began at America Mineiro where he played a key role in their promotion from Serie C, before signing for Santos in 2010 where he spent two successful seasons.

Alongside Neymar and Alex Sandro, he was a revelation, and in 2011 he helped them win the Brazilian title and the Copa Libertadores, playing 37 matches in all competitions.

He played in both legs of the Copa Libertadores final - the first in central-midfield and the second at right-back - and scored the winning goal in the 2-1 win over Penarol that saw them lift the most coveted trophy in South American football.

After playing in the 2012 FIFA Club World Cup, he moved to Europe, signing for Porto, and within two years had won back-to-back Primeira Liga titles, with his energy and industry from full-back making him one of the most sought-after players in the Portuguese top flight.  

He soon began attracting the attention of Europe’s biggest Clubs, and in the summer of 2015 he moved to Real Madrid for €31.5 million, signing a six-year deal.

In total, he played 55 times for Los Blancos, winning one La Liga title, two Champions Leagues, a UEFA Super Cup and a FIFA Club World Cup.

His squad number at City is yet to be confirmed but will be announced in due course.

Everyone at City is delighted to welcome Danilo to the Club and look out for his first CityTV interview, coming soon.

Source: All Football

Today's Devotion (Sunday)

Retribution Against Sin

EZEKIEL 16:44-52

Key Verse:

"Thou also, which hast judged thy sisters, bear thine own shame for thy sins that thou hast committed more abominable than they: they are more righteous than thou: yea, be thou confounded also, and bear thy shame, in that thou hast justified thy sisters"

With man, in various institutions or works of life as in every generation, is the tendency and possibility of partiality in judgement. With man we find favouritism, hypocrisy and miscarriage of justice in favour of the rich, wealthy and influential, as against the poor. However, with God there is no tendency or possibility of partiality or miscarriage of justice in judgment. God is always faithful and gives the right judgement to every man according to their works. From the text, we can see that Jerusalem, God’s people at this time, had given themselves over to iniquity and evil deeds, which were more in proportion to the iniquity of Sodom and Samaria. And because God is impartial and would not overlook the sin of the unrepentant, judgment came upon them. From here, we learn that to sin with impunity is dangerous. No child of God should take God or His word for granted. If God did not spare sin in the sinner or sinful nations who failed to repent, neither will He overlook sin in the believer or righteous nation who departs from righteousness and lives in hardness of heart. The right thing to do when sin comes in is to repent immediately and sincerely. God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance". It is dangerous to live in sin. Repent and live, or refuse and perish. It is even more damning to think that God will wink at sin. He never does! Instead, God punishes unrepentant sinners.

Thought for the day: Whatever a man sows is what he shall reap.

Bible Reading in one Year: EXODUS 23-25

Paul Pogba on Real Madrid: We want to beat the best

The Reds have so far beaten MLS teams LA Galaxy and Real Salt Lake on Tour 2017, presented by Aon, as well as Premier League rivals Manchester City in Thursday's match in Houston, Texas.

The next big challenge is the International Champions Cup encounter with La Liga champions and UEFA Champions League winners Real Madrid at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday.

Pogba is unlikely to start that game after playing the full match against Pep Guardiola's Blues, as Jose Mourinho plans to rotate his squad to give everybody fitness-building minutes in the US.

Whichever players are selected to face Zinedine Zidane's kings of Europe, Pogba believes United will step up and relish the challenge of competing against the best.

"The big games keep on coming," Pogba told MUTV following the comfortable victory in the Manchester derby this week. "The players in the next team want to play against the best. We want to play against the best, we want to beat the best and we want to become the best.

"Those games are very important for us because it is not like the game against Real Salt Lake when they want to prove themselves against Manchester United. You try to play but mentally it is different. Now it is a big team, as big as Manchester United. You don't want to lose against them."

Source: All Football

Three Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli forces in Jerusalem

Palestinians react following tear gas that was shot by Israeli forces after Friday prayer on a street outside Jerusalem's Old city July 21, 2017. (Reuters)

The Palestinian Ministry of Health reported three Palestinians were killed by live bullets fired by the Israeli forces in clashes erupting on Friday after the prayers in Jerusalem.

Twenty Palestinians were reported wounded and four arrested in the clashes between the Israeli forces and the Palestinians, reported Al Arabiya.

An Israeli police spokesman says police are banning Muslim men under the age of 50 from Al Aqsa mosque ahead of feared mass protests over the installation of metal detectors there.

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The Israeli army provided reinforcements to the police to handle protests in Jerusalem.The clashes between the Israeli occupation forces and Palestinian protesters erupted in Qalandiya.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said Friday that reinforcements are being deployed in and around Jerusalem’s Old City, where the walled shrine is located. He says: “Police and border police units mobilized in all areas and neighborhoods.”

Muslim leaders have called for mass protests at Friday noon prayers. They urged worshippers to pray outside the shrine rather than submit to security procedures. Muslim leaders allege Israel is trying to expand its control there by installing the security devices.

Palestinians clash with Israeli forces after Friday prayer on a street outside Jerusalem's Old city July 21, 2017. (Reuters)

Jordan and UAE call for opening Al-Aqsa mosque

The United Arab Emirates and Jordan have called on the Israeli authorities to open Al Aqsa mosque to worshipers in Jerusalem and to respect the existing state of affairs in the city, an official Jordanian source said Friday.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi and UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan agreed in a phone conversation Thursday evening that the Al-Aqsa Mosque should be opened immediately to worshipers.

Source: Al arabiya

From Valdes to Ibrahimovic: the best XI of out of contract players in this market

Transfer fees have been on the rise on virtually an annual basis since the inception of the Premier League back in 1992 but this summer English clubs have been particularly lavish.

Manchester City made Kyle Walker the most expensive defender in history when buying him for £50m from Tottenham while they also splashed out £35m on Ederson, an uncapped Brazilian goalkeeper.

Jordan Pickford and Michael Keane set Everton back £60m between them while Romelu Lukaku could end up costing Manchester United around £90m if certain clauses are met.

Plenty of managers have bemoaned the lack of value in the transfer market in recent weeks with clubs abroad hiking up their valuations of players to get the best deal possible.

Yet even in this hyper-inflated transfer market, there are still bargains to be found. There are numerous players still on the lookout for new clubs after being released at the end of last season including this XI.

Goalkeeper: Victor Valdes

Now 35 and nearing the end of an illustrious career, Victor Valdes is on the lookout for a new club after having his contract with Middlesbrough ‘mutually terminated’ in May following their relegation.

While Boro endured a wretched season their veteran ‘keeper was one of their better performers.

Right Back: Bacary Sagna

Pep Guardiola clearly didn’t fancy his full-backs last season much with three of them being released and the fourth, Aleksandar Kolarov, on the verge of a move away to Roma.

Both Pablo Zabaleta (West Ham) and Gael Clichy (İstanbul Başakşehir) have found new employers, but Bacary Sagna remains on the market. Despite being 34, the Frenchman surely has a year or two left in him at the top level.

Centre Back: Martin Caceres

Martin Caceres has barely kicked a ball in the last two years and managed just one appearance for Southampton in the Premier League after joining to provide cover for the injured Virgil Van Dijk.

The Uruguayan is still only 30, though and capable of playing in any position across the back four.

Centre Back: Chico Flores

He of being laughed at by Sam Allardyce fame, Chico Flores is out-of-contract after seeing out a (presumably lucrative) three-year deal at Qatari club Lekhwiya.

Left Back: Benoit Tremoulinas

Released by Sevilla after over a year out injured due to a torn meniscus, Benoit Tremoulinas will have to prove his fitness to any prospective club this summer.

Centre Midfield: Jan Kirchoff

The German was a revelation in Sunderland’s midfield as they avoided relegation under Sam Allardyce but for whatever reason found it difficult to force his way into David Moyes’ plans last season.

Centre Midfield: Joe Ledley

Looking for a solid central midfielder who can double up as a dressing room entertainer? Well, you’re in luck as Joe Ledley is on the market following his release by Crystal Palace.

Right Wing: Jesus Navas

Another player ruthlessly discarded to the scrap heap by Guardiola, Jesus Navas is also yet to sign for anyone following four inconsistent years in Manchester.

Sure, his end product is somewhat lacking with his last competitive goal coming circa 2007, but he remains lightning quick and has piercing blue eyes. What more do you want?

Attacking midfield: Wesley Sneijder

Wesley Sneijder’s move from Inter to Galatasaray in 2013 caused shockwaves across Europe as he was still in the peak years of his career and after three and a half largely unfulfilled years in Istanbul, the Dutchman is looking for a new club.

Although he’s now 33 and approaching the end of his playing days, Sneijder remains a fixture of the Netherlands squad and will be looking to join a club soon to maintain his place.

Could a long overdue reunion with Jose Mourinho be on the cards, we wonder…

Left Wing: Rachid Ghezzal

Surprisingly let go by Lyon after progressing through their youth ranks, Algeria international Rachid Ghezzal should have no shortage of suitors this summer.

Still only 25, Ghezzal impressed as Lyon reached the semi-finals of the Europa League and has been linked with a potential switch to the Premier League or Serie A.

Striker: Zlatan Ibrahimovic

Who else? Zlatan Ibrahimovic is arguably only a free agent because he’s currently sidelined with a knee injury as he certainly did enough to earn an additional year at Manchester United last season.

Many wrote Ibrahimovic off after he sustained an anterior cruciate ligament injury at the age of 35 but if his social media posts are anything to go by, he is making remarkably quick progress.

A return to United on a short-term deal has been mooted while there is also supposedly interest in his services from the MLS.

Source: All Football