Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, the former Emir of Qatar, passed away on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 74. The announcement was made by the Emir's Diwan, marking the death of a significant figure in the contemporary history of the Gulf state. The Diwan, in a statement on social media, paid tribute to the man known in Qatar as "the Father Emir," invoking divine mercy and commending his service to the country. Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani came to power in 1995. Over nearly two decades, he oversaw a profound transformation of Qatar, driven by the exploitation of its substantial gas resources and an international investment strategy. Under his rule, Doha evolved from a small Gulf state into an influential regional and international player. Key developments included the launch of Al Jazeera in 1996, the expansion of Qatari diplomacy, and securing the hosting rights for the 2022 FIFA World Cup, all of which boosted the emirate's global visibility. In June 2013, Sheikh Hamad voluntarily transferred power to his son, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, a rare abdication among hereditary monarchies in the Gulf, intended to ensure a smooth political transition.
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Salmonella has been confirmed as the cause of a mass food poisoning incident that affected nearly 200 people after a wedding in the Talha region of El Mida, Ouedhref delegation, Gabes governorate. Ahmed Neji, regional coordinator for the National Food Safety Authority in Gabes, announced the confirmation on Saturday, July 11, 2026, on Mosa茂que FM, concluding investigations into the incident. Following the wedding meal, dozens of guests experienced abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and high fevers, leading to their admission to the local hospital in Mdhouref. Approximately 200 individuals received treatment before being discharged. Health inspectors faced a challenge as no food samples were available for analysis. They relied on victim testimonies to reconstruct the menu, with initial suspicions focusing on tajine and mechouia salad, dishes prone to spoilage in high temperatures if improperly stored. The appearance of symptoms approximately 24 hours after the meal had already led specialists to suspect salmonella. Subsequent analyses and investigations have now confirmed this hypothesis. Salmonella is a common cause of food poisoning, often linked to undercooked or improperly stored eggs, poultry, and their derivatives. High summer temperatures facilitate its proliferation, increasing risks at large gatherings. Ahmed Neji urged increased vigilance, especially at weddings and family events, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the cold chain, hygiene rules, and proper fo
Tunisia and Russia have expressed their commitment to further developing their partnership, marking 70 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations. On July 11, 2026, Tunisian Minister of Foreign Affairs Mohamed Ali Nafti and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, exchanged messages acknowledging the strong ties between their nations. They noted that relations began on July 11, 1956, when Tunisia established diplomatic ties with the Soviet Union. Both ministers emphasized that this cooperation, built on historical and economic links, has evolved over decades through mutual respect, dialogue, and shared interests. They also praised the continuous growth of bilateral relations across strategic sectors such as agriculture, economy, scientific research, culture, and technology. Nafti and Lavrov reiterated their intention to expand cooperation by exploring new high-value sectors and increasing exchanges. This anniversary occurs amid significant geopolitical shifts, including Russia's growing diplomatic and economic presence in Africa and Tunisia's desire to diversify international partnerships. The ministers also expressed their commitment to ongoing consultation and coordination within regional and international organizations.
The Ministry of Health has initiated discussions with representatives from the medical equipment sector to prevent a potential interruption in supplies to public hospitals, anticipated by August 31, 2026. This development follows an ultimatum issued by medical device suppliers due to years of unpaid invoices. Lotfi Ben Yedder, president of the Utica Medical Equipment Union Chamber, announced the talks on July 11, 2026, describing a recent meeting with the Minister of Health as "positive." The sector's representatives had previously warned that without payment of debts owed to over 600 companies before August 31, they would declare a "force majeure," risking suspension of deliveries and maintenance services. The Minister of Health, in coordination with the Ministry of Social Affairs, has committed to mobilizing funds in July and August to alleviate the companies' cash flow issues, though the exact amount is not yet specified. Both parties have agreed to continue meetings for the next three months and establish a joint commission to address outstanding issues, including bank guarantees and late payment penalties. The crisis stems from unpaid invoices by public health facilities accumulating since 2020, leading to severe liquidity problems for companies despite being profitable on paper. These companies are crucial for both supplying and maintaining medical equipment, and a disruption could impact daily hospital operations. Ben Yedder expressed confidence that the discussions an