Aid flotilla with Greta Thunberg set to sail for Gaza
The vessels will set off from the Spanish port city to "open a humanitarian corridor and end the ongoing genocide...Geostrategy
Israel army says Gaza City now ‘a dangerous combat zone’
The Israeli military, however, is gearing up to expand the fighting and seize Gaza City, with its Arabic-language spokesman saying:...Geostrategy
MENA faces economic turbulence due to Gaza conflict
The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.The Israel-Hamas conflict not only threatens regional stability but also poses significant economic challenges for MENA nations, says Fitch Ratings.
Egypt, Lebanon and Jordan remain the most affected countries as the conflict will potentially disrupt oil markets and economic growth, it adds.
Nearly 100 MPs barred from Indian parliament session
Nearly 100 opposition lawmakers have been temporarily barred from India's parliament for demanding a debate into last week's protest when...Six people were arrested after the December 13 protest, when one man jumped onto the floor of the lower house of parliament.
Official footage from the session showed one man shouting slogans and vaulting over tables between stunned lawmakers.
Oil prices rise following Red Sea attacks
Oil prices shot up three percent as more companies suspended shipping through the Red Sea following attacks on vessels by...Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels said on Monday that they had attacked two "Israeli-linked" vessels in the Red Sea..
Ships must travel through the Red Sea to use the Suez Canal, a key transit route for cargo and oil..
UAE issues federal decree on regulating electronic, digital media
ABU DHABI, UAE - The UAE Government has issued a federal decree which aims to regulate and organize media in...The decree aims to promote the UAE as a global media hub and establish an enabling environment for the growth and prosperity of the sector.
The provisions of the decree apply to individuals, organizations, media outlets, and free zones dedicated to the media in the UAE.
South Africa threatens citizens fighting for Israel with prosecution
"Such action can potentially contribute to the violation of international law and the commission of further international crimes, thus making...The government has previously said the State Security Agency (SSA) was tracking them down. South Africans need prior government approval to legally fight in Israel.
South Africa has long been a vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, with the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party often linking it to its own struggle against apartheid.
Egypt’s Sisi wins third term despite painful economic crisis
The outcome of the December 10-12 poll was widely expected after the former army chief with a fondness for infrastructure...His victory comes despite a painful economic crisis, marked by a currency plunge and runaway household prices
Sisi, a retired army field marshal, was first voted in as president after leading the overthrow of elected president Mohamed Morsi in 2013
Taiwan shipping giant Evergreen suspends Israel cargo services
Due to "escalation of war situation in recent days, Evergreen will temporary suspend Israel import and export service due to rising...Several of the world's largest shipping companies, including Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd, and energy giant BP have already suspended passage through the Red Sea.
Yemeni rebels have said they were targeting vessels near the strait to pressure Israel over its devastating onslaught on Gaza.
Israeli army shoot four Palestinians dead in West Bank
Israeli forces shot dead four Palestinians in a West Bank refugee camp, the Palestinian health ministry said. Mohammad Samir Milhem,...In a separate incident on Monday, a 27-year-old woman was wounded in "a shooting towards a car" north of Ramallah.
Health officials say 301 Palestinians have now been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank since the war in Gaza erupted
Algerian footballer to face trial in France over Gaza post
Nice, France - Algerian international footballer Youcef Atal goes on trial in France on Monday accused of inciting hatred after posting...The International League against Racism and anti-Semitism (Licra) and the Jewish Observatory of France have brought civil actions against the player.
His club quickly suspended him "until further notice" after the post, while the professional football league banned him for seven matches.
Maritime agencies report explosion off Yemen coast
Dubai, UAE - A "possible explosion" struck a key shipping lane off Yemen on Monday, two maritime agencies said, the latest...The British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations issued a warning of a potential explosion striking near a vessel passing through the Bab al-Mandeb strait.
"The captain reported... the 'explosion' occurring two nautical miles off one of the vessel's quarters while it was transiting," said maritime security firm Ambrey.
