Palestine sees 3.7% economic shrink amid conflict

• The World Bank reports a severe economic downturn in Palestinian economy due to Israel-Hamas conflict, with Gaza's economic contribution falling from 36% to 17% since 2005.
• Despite the conflict in Gaza causing job losses, infrastructure damage, and rising poverty, the Palestinian banking sector has shown resilience amidst the ongoing crisis, it adds.

World unites at COP28 to shift away from fossil fuels

• Nearly 200 countries in Dubai have collectively endorsed an agreement to move away from fossil fuels, marking a significant step in addressing climate change.
• EU climate chief Wopke Hoekstra lauds the historic deal targeting a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030 as a significant breakthrough after decades of discussions.

UNGA strongly endorses ceasefire in Gaza conflict

• The UN General Assembly passes a resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting the Security Council's inaction and putting pressure on Israel and the US.
• The resolution, supported by an overwhelming majority, underscores the growing global concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for urgent peace efforts.

MSF demands immediate, sustained truce in Gaza as toll rises to 15,899

• MSF UAE's Executive Director, Dr. Khalid El Sheikh, highlights severe violence in Gaza.
• Israeli military operations in Gaza criticized for impacting civilians and medical facilities.

Presight AI, Samruk-Kazyna launch JV

• Revealed at COP28, the venture aims to deploy advanced AI and big data solutions.
• Energy, public services, and transport in Kazakhstan to benefit from big data analytics.

ICC pledges to intensify war crime investigations in Israel and Gaza

• ICC stresses the need for adherence to international humanitarian law despite conflict complexities.
• Both Hamas and Israel face the possibility of war crime charges, according to legal experts.

$656 million committed to Loss & Damage Fund so far

• The fund signifies a pivotal moment in climate diplomacy, reflecting a growing acknowledgment of the need for tangible support for those most vulnerable to climate change.
• This initiative by the UAE and Germany at COP28 marks a new era of responsibility and cooperation among nations, setting a hopeful tone for the remainder of the conference.

UAE President announces $30bn Global Climate Fund at COP28 meet

• The fund, designed to address the critical gap in climate financing, aims to enable affordable access to climate finance.
• The UAE President highlighted the global urgency of addressing climate change and its pervasive impacts on life.

Act now as climate crisis has reached critical point

• Earth's vital signs are failing with record emissions and extreme weather events, signaling a climate emergency.
• UN makes an urgent call for global leaders to prevent a planetary catastrophe by meeting Paris Agreement goals.

COP28 offers a chance to rethink, reboot and refocus