Macron, Putin discuss Iran, Ukraine in first talks since 2022
One week after a ceasefire ended Israel's 12-day war with Iran, the two men also discussed Tehran's nuclear programme, with...Geostrategy
Gaza rescuers say Israeli forces kill 48 as ceasefire calls mount
The swift resolution of Israel's 12-day war with Iran has revived hopes for a halt to the fighting in Gaza,...Geostrategy
India, US at loggerheads over WTO reform at Abu Dhabi talks
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates -- A US-led push to reform the World Trade Organization's embattled dispute settlement system sparked divisions...Washington's push for reform has angered India, which accused the US on Wednesday of bringing the WTO to a "standstill".
India threatened to hold off on any new deals before progress is made on the appellate body, which could imperil agreements on fisheries subsidies and agriculture.
Israel minister says Arab trade ties unfazed by Gaza war
In January, Israel's cabinet approved an additional 55 billion shekels ($15 billion) to meet the cost of the war, while...When asked about Israel's economic losses due to the war, Barkat said it could add "anywhere between 150 to 200 billion shekels ($42-55 billion)" to the country's national debt
Barkat said Gaza war could help Israel boost sales of military technology, noting there is "high interest" from many countries, without specifying if Arab states were among them
US, Qatar hope for Israel-Palestine truce within days
Netanyahu has faced increasing public pressure over the fate of the remaining hostages. Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's far-right national security...A Hamas source, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the proposed 42-day truce could potentially be "renewed" and would see one Israeli hostage released every day
Instead of a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza - a demand rejected by Netanyahu - the source said the military may leave "cities and populated areas"
US envoy blames Iran, Hizbollah for aiding Houthi attacks
The US special envoy for Yemen, Tim Lenderking, told a Senate subcommittee that Iran was "equipping and facilitating" the Huthi...He believes the Yemeni people don't want the Iranians in their country
The US envoy acknowledged that the rebels have not been deterred
Tunisian president emphasizes need to bolster security in Arab societies
Tunis, Tunisia--Tunisian President Kais Saied on Monday stressed the need to reach an approach that contributes to enhancing the security...The president spoke at the the 41st session of the Arab Interior Ministers Council launched in Tunis, calling for efforts to deal effectively with all security challenges
Saudi interior minister said the regularly scheduled council meetings "reflects the common awareness of the importance of coordination to confront all the challenges
Israel’s triple crisis: War, politics and economy
Israel grapples with escalating uncertainty as the Gaza conflict persists, stirring military, political, and economic turmoil alongside rising fears of...Israel grapples with escalating uncertainty as the Gaza conflict persists, stirring military, political, and economic turmoil alongside rising fears of financial instability.
Israel's vital high-tech sector risks losing international investments, while Moody's historic downgrade reflects heightened political risk and eroding state institutions.
Qatar says hopeful for Gaza truce before month of Ramadan
Doha, Qatar - Qatar is "hopeful" of a Gaza war ceasefire and is pushing for an agreement before Ramadan, its foreign...Egyptian, Qatari and US mediators met in Doha for talks also attended by Israeli and Hamas representatives.
Qatar has been a key mediator in negotiations involving the Palestinian fighters, Israel, the United States and Egypt.
Israeli troops kill 3 Palestinians in West Bank’s refugee camp
Tubas, Palestinian Territories - Israeli troops killed three Palestinians in an overnight raid in a refugee camp in the occupied West...The Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah said the three men were killed "by Israeli occupation bullets" during clashes in the Faraa refugee camp.
One of the three men killed was a fighter, a Palestinian official said, while the other two were civilians "in their homes and were killed by snipers deployed in the camp".
Zelenskyy in Saudi Arabia to discuss war; meets Mohammed bin Salman
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy and his accompanying delegation arrived here on Tuesday.The Ukrainian President was...At the Royal Terminal in King Khalid International Airport, Zelenskyy was received by the Deputy Governor of Riyadh Region and other senior officials.
The 10th Saudi relief plane operated by King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSrelief) reached a Polish airport, close to the Ukrainian border.
UAE announces US$2,722 penalty for late corporate tax registration
ABU DHABI, UAE – The Ministry of Finance on Tuesday announced the issuance of Cabinet Decision No. 10 of 2024...A penalty of US$2,722 (AED10,000) will be imposed on businesses that do not submit their Corporate Tax registration applications on time.
The penalty was implemented to prompt taxpayer compliance with laws through timely corporate tax registration.
