The UN, the Palestinians, Israel and a stalled two-state solution
Ever since the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states in 1947, the United Nations has been inextricably linked...
Geostrategy
Paris demands ‘explanation’ from airline over removal of Jewish teens
Paris, France - France's foreign minister has called the CEO of Spanish airline Vueling to demand an "explanation" after dozens...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Saudi-Israel normalization still long way off
Israeli journalist Yoav Limor's freindly experience in Saudi hints at changes in Saudi public opinion that officials hope could one...
- There is little chance of Riyadh shifting its focus to ties with Israel "while ignoring the Palestinian issue", Harvard University fellow said
- Israeli praised Mohammed al-Issa, a Saudi cleric who travelled to Poland in 2020 for events marking 75 years since liberation of the Nazi death camp Auschwitz
Geostrategy
Russia and Ukraine near grain deal in first talks since March
Russia and Ukraine on Wednesday made substantive progress in their first direct talks since March on a deal to relieve...
- Ukraine is a vital exporter of wheat and grains such as barley and maize, and has supplied nearly half of all the sunflower oil traded on global markets
- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the talks had provided a "ray of hope to ease human suffering and alleviate hunger around the world"
Geostrategy
Melilla migrants likely died of ‘suffocation’: Moroccan probe
At least 23 migrants who died last month in a mass attempt to enter the Spanish enclave of Melilla from...
- The United Nations, the African Union and independent rights groups have denounced the use of excessive force by Moroccan and Spanish security personnel
- The CNDH defended Moroccan forces' actions, saying such cases were "isolated" and citing the danger posed by "the large number of migrants" carrying sticks and stones
Geostrategy
Biden vows to advance Israel’s integration into Middle East
Air Force One will make a first direct flight from Israel to Saudi Arabia amid efforts to build ties between...
- Biden, 79, will also meet Palestinian leaders angered by what they describe as Washington's failure to curb Israeli aggression.
- The persistent frustrations of Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy are nothing new for Biden, who first visited the region in 1973 after being elected to the Senate.
Geostrategy
Diversifying economy focus of UAE’s plans: President
The UAE will continue to strengthen cooperation and enable positive, respectful dialogue between countries to achieve stability and prosperity for...
- Sheikh Mohamed said more than 200 nationalities are actively participating in the growth and development of the country’s economy.
- UAE’s priorities include strengthening people’s capabilities in science and technology, and develop it further to benefit all economic areas and the society, he said.
Economy
Supply risks still haunt market despite high oil prices: IEA
The Paris-based agency cautioned that the global economic recovery could be derailed unless governments take measures to reduce consumption and...
- The IEA now expects oil demand to rise this year to 99.2 million barrels per day (mbd) and to 101.3 mbd next year.
- Meanwhile, supply climbs to 100.1 mbd this year. But even if it hits an expected record of 101.1 mbd next year, it will fall below demand.
Geostrategy
Beirut port blast victims file $250m lawsuit against US firm
Victims of Lebanon's deadly 2020 port blast have filed a quarter-billion-dollar lawsuit against a US firm for its suspected links...
- Accountability Now said in a statement that the claim was filed this week in Texas against US-Norwegian geophysical services group TGS.
- The blast -- described as one of the largest non-nuclear explosion in recent history -- killed more than 200 people, wounded thousands and ravaged entire neighbourhoods.
Economy
Libya’s National Oil Corporation lifts force majeure at key terminals
Force majeure is a legal measure allowing companies to free themselves from contractual obligations in light of circumstances beyond their...
- Its latest such move had been in late June, when the NOC said Libya had foregone some $3.5 billion due to a blockade of eastern oil facilities since mid-April.
- The blockade on the oil facilities was enforced by groups demanding Dbeibah's departure and a handover to the rival administration of Fathi Bashagha.
Geostrategy
Biden’s visit may spur start of Saudi-Israeli diplomatic ties
Israel hopes US President Joe Biden's Middle East tour will hail the start of diplomatic ties between the country and...
- Israel expanded its regional reach with US backing in 2020 when it formalized ties with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Morocco
- Amid the normalization deals with Arab nations, Israeli media reported then prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled to Saudi Arabia for secret talks
Geostrategy
Israel to laser in on Iranian drone threat as Biden visits
Moments after US President Joe Biden touches down in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, the Israeli military will show him new...
- This month, the Israeli military said it had intercepted a total of four unarmed drones headed for an offshore gas rig
- As concerns mount over drone warfare, Israel hopes the new "Iron Beam" system will secure its skies
Most Read
Revenue from Saudi cinema may exceed $1bn by 2030KSA, UAE play well as e-gaming trends across GCCExclusive: Middle East’s retail sector rides on AR and hybrid shopping to become $600bn digital economyTECOM Group profit soars 13%UAE startups eye Saudi Arabia for growth, expansionSaudi Arabia leads GCC AI healthcare raceDisparity remains as Saudis, Emiratis see wealth gains
The UN, the Palestinians, Israel and a stalled two-state solution
Ever since the partition of Palestine into Jewish and Arab states in 1947, the United Nations has been inextricably linked...
Geostrategy
Company News
Latest News
Gaza ceasefire could start by next Monday: Joe Biden
A deal between Hamas and Israel could include the exchange of dozens of hostages for several hundred Palestinian civilians held...
Geostrategy
Hizbollah fires rockets after deadly Israeli strikes on east Lebanon
Hizbollah announced several other attacks on Israeli sites and troops on Monday, with local media also reporting Israeli strikes on...
Geostrategy
Two Hizbollah members killed by Israeli strike in Lebanon
Baalbek, Lebanon - Israeli strikes near the Hizbollah-dominated city of Baalbek killed two group members on Monday, two security sources told...
Geostrategy
Most Read
Yemen rebels announce first civilian death in US-UK strikes
The Houthis, who control war-torn Yemen's most populated areas, have previously reported the death of 17 of their fighters in...
- One person was killed and eight wounded, the Houthis' official news agency said late on Sunday, a day after US and British forces said they fired on 18 targets across the country
- US-British strikes were in response to dozens of Houthi drone and missile attacks on Red Sea shipping since November, which the rebels say are in solidarity with Palestinians
Attack on Rafah would be ‘nail in coffin’ of Gaza aid: UN chief
Speaking before the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Antonio Guterres said that Gaza's southernmost city, where more than 1.4...
- UN chief lamented that despite his urgent calls for the UN Security Council to take all measures to "end the bloodshed in Gaza and prevent escalation", it had failed to act
- The comments of UN chief came after Netanyahu on Sunday reiterated that his country was intent on a ground invasion in Rafah, in its bid for "total victory" over Hamas
Geostrategy
Qatar ruler to arrive in Paris for discussions on Gaza
The gas-rich country has emerged as the key player in mediation between Israel and Hamas to agree a truce in...
- It will be his first state visit to France since he became emir of the hugely influential emirate in 2013
- The discussions between the two leaders will focus on "ongoing efforts to obtain a ceasefire in Gaza"