Palestinians in Gaza, desperate to escape the ongoing conflict and destruction, are forced to pay exorbitant fees to enter Egypt through unofficial channels. The coordination fees, which have skyrocketed to $5,000-$7,500 per person, are paid to travel agencies with connections to Egyptian officials. Despite denials from both Gaza and Egyptian authorities, it is widely known that these fees are collected to facilitate swift border crossing. The practice, which dates back to at least 2015, has become a critical yet controversial means for Palestinians to seek medical treatment, education, or better opportunities abroad. The article highlights the plight of families like Alaa Shatila's, who are struggling to raise the necessary funds to escape the war-torn region.

A study conducted in Riyadh City, Saudi Arabia, in 2012 aimed to reduce reliance on private cars by developing travel demand management strategies and a public transport system. The study, which involved qualitative semi-structured interviews with Riyadh City public transport officers and thematic analysis using NVivo, found that the new public transport system would have significant environmental, social, and economic benefits. These include reduced greenhouse gas emissions, fewer traffic accidents, and increased economic opportunities. The study identified barriers to public transport utilization, such as social norms, a preference for private vehicles, and low fuel prices. It suggested that strategies like ensuring cleanliness, safety, gender segregation, and comfortable seating could encourage public transport use. The introduction of the new system is expected to alleviate traffic congestion and improve citizens' quality of life by reducing time wasted in traffic and enhancing air quality.

Palestinians in Gaza are paying exorbitant fees to travel agencies for permits to enter Egypt, as official channels remain closed or slow. The coordination fees, which have skyrocketed due to the ongoing conflict, are funneled through a network involving Egyptian officials and travel agencies. Despite denials from both Gaza and Egyptian authorities, the practice is an open secret. The article highlights the desperation of families trying to escape the war, the financial burden of the fees, and the scrutiny faced by the Egyptian government for its role in the crisis.

As many as 12 missiles were fired towards the U.S. consulate in Irbil, Iraq, from Iran, causing material damage but no casualties. The attack, condemned by U.S. and Iraqi officials, follows an Israeli strike in Syria that killed two members of Iran's Revolutionary Guard. The incident is under investigation by Iraqi and Kurdish authorities. The attack highlights ongoing tensions and threats from Iran and its proxies towards U.S. forces in the region, despite the U.S. shifting to a non-combat role in Iraq.

Iraqi forces face heavy resistance from ISIS militants in the town of Hit, with progress slowed by roadside bombs, car bombs, and mortar fire. The strategic town lies along an IS supply line linking Iraq and Syria. Despite airstrikes and a week-long operation, tens of thousands of civilians remain trapped. Commanders cite a shortage of engineering teams to clear explosives as a significant challenge. The offensive follows recent territorial gains by Iraqi forces, including the liberation of Ramadi.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt involving an explosives-laden drone targeting his residence in Baghdad's Green Zone. Seven security guards were injured. Suspicion fell on Iran-backed militias, though they denied involvement. The attack escalates existing tensions following disputed parliamentary election results. A top Iranian general denied Tehran's involvement, emphasizing Iran's neutrality regarding the next prime minister. President Joe Biden issued a statement on the incident.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt involving an explosives-laden drone targeting his residence in Baghdad's Green Zone. Seven security guards were injured. Suspicion fell on Iran-backed militias, though they denied involvement. The attack escalates tensions following disputed parliamentary election results. A top Iranian general denied Tehran's involvement, emphasizing Iran's neutrality regarding the next prime minister. President Joe Biden issued a statement on the incident.

Iraqi Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi survived an assassination attempt involving an explosives-laden drone targeting his residence in Baghdad's Green Zone. Seven security guards were injured. Suspicion fell on Iran-backed militias, though they denied involvement. The attack escalates tensions following disputed parliamentary election results. A top Iranian general denied Tehran's involvement, emphasizing Iran's neutrality regarding the next prime minister. President Joe Biden issued a statement on the incident.

Commodities showed mixed results at the end of Friday's trading on Wall Street. Crude oil prices fell, while gold also dropped. Retail numbers rose but did not reach previous highs, with Amazon reporting record numbers for Prime Day. U.S. stocks closed higher, alleviating fears of a large Federal Reserve rate hike. Benchmark U.S. crude oil for August delivery fell to $97.59 a barrel, while wholesale gasoline for August delivery rose slightly. Other commodities like heating oil, natural gas, silver, and copper saw increases. The dollar fell against the Japanese yen, and the euro rose against the dollar.

Commodities experienced mixed results on Wall Street with crude oil and gold prices falling, while other commodities like silver and copper saw increases. Amazon reported record numbers for its Prime Day, suggesting lower recession fears. U.S. stocks closed higher, alleviating concerns about a large Federal Reserve rate hike. Benchmark U.S. crude oil for August delivery fell to $97.59 a barrel, while wholesale gasoline and natural gas prices rose. The dollar fell against the Japanese yen, and the euro rose against the dollar.