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Feast of faith - Thousands join largest communal iftar at Jogokariyan Mosque in Indonesia

Feast of faith - Thousands join largest communal iftar at Jogokariyan Mosque in Indonesia

"Thousands of worshippers and residents gathered at the historic Jogokariyan Mosque in Indonesia's Yogyakarta on the ninth day of Ramadan for the city’s largest communal iftar. Footage shows local neighbourhood women's groups, known as Dasawisma, cooking and distributing meals, with residents later gathering to break the fast. "This is an annual event that we hold every month of Ramadan. Alhamdulillah, this year we are able to host this event once again for the 22nd time," said Muhammad Fallah Akbar, the executive chairman of Kampoeng Ramadan Jogokariyan. The mosque committee distributed 3,800 free meals on the day as part of the long-running initiative. "We also hope the benefits felt by the community become more widespread and impactful. Additionally, we hope the number of volunteers grows so that the positive reach of this event continues to expand," he noted. The tradition began in 2004 and has since grown into one of Yogyakarta's most anticipated community events during the holy month. Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar calendar and considered one of the holiest months for Muslims. During Ramadan, fasting is observed from dawn until sunset, and it is one of the five pillars of Islam. This year's Ramadan began on February 17 and continues until March 19."

Sirens and explosion heard in Tel Aviv as Iran launches strikes in response to Israel-US attacks

Sirens and explosion heard in Tel Aviv as Iran launches strikes in response to Israel-US attacks

"Sirens wailed across Tel Aviv, and an explosion was heard on Saturday after Israel and the United States launched attacks on Iran. US President Donald Trump confirmed 'major combat operations' in Iran in a video posted on his Truth Social: "To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard, the armed forces and all of the police, I say tonight that you must lay down your weapons and have complete immunity - or in the alternative, face certain death."  Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said it was a joint operation to "remove the existential threat posed by the terrorist regime in Iran". He later called on the Iranian people to 'take their fate into their own hands'. The Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps then reported the 'first wave' of 'widespread missile and drone and attacks' against Israel was underway. Iran's Foreign Ministry stated: "History bears witness that Iranians have never bowed their heads in submission to foreign aggression". It comes following three rounds of talks between the Iranian and American sides, one in Muscat and two in Geneva in recent weeks."

'We will not tolerate humiliation' - Thousands flood Aden's Al Arood Square in show of support for STC

'We will not tolerate humiliation' - Thousands flood Aden's Al Arood Square in show of support for STC

"Thousands flooded the Al Arood Square in Yemen's Aden on Friday to join 'Million March of Steadfastness and Decision,' reaffirming their support for the STC and its president, Aidaroos Al Zubaidi. Footage captures demonstrators chanting as they wave People's Democratic Republic of Yemen flags and hold up photos of Al Zubaidi. "What happens in the south reaffirms that the Al Maashiq government or the so-called legitimate government is categorically rejected," said Mustafa Muhammad, a demonstrator. "The southern people and STC should be taken into account. What happens across the squares reinforces the vital and influential role of the STC in the society of the south," he added. Another demonstrator, Qassem Al Malki, asserted that the Yemeni government's decisions do not reflect the interests of the country's southern people. "The southern people will not tolerate guardianship, humiliation or insults. They will constantly advocate for the independence of their state," he said. In a statement published on the STC's website, the group reaffirmed its full "confidence in Al Zubaidi to lead the [region's] next phase," stressing that the Southern Transitional Council serves as 
"the political framework that reflects the aspirations of the people of the South". Clashes took place in Aden near the Maashiq Presidential Palace between supporters of the Southern Transitional Council (STC) and the security forces of the incumbent government. As a result, one person was killed and 21 others were injured, local media reported.      The rally comes amid ongoing demonstrations across several southern governorates in recent days, held in support of the Transitional Council and its political demands."