No let-up in Gaza war despite UN ceasefire resolution
The resolution demanding an "immediate ceasefire" was adopted Monday after Israel's closest ally the United States abstained. Washington insisted that...Geostrategy
UN adopts resolution on immediate Gaza truce as US abstains
All 14 other members voted in favor of the resolution which "demands an immediate ceasefire" for Ramadan. The resolution calls...Geostrategy
Tunisia opposition calls for unity after tepid election turnout
Following a similar turnout in December's first-round vote, Sunday's poor participation was another blow to Saied, who has stripped the...Electoral board chief said 887,638 out of more than 7.8 million registered voters had taken part in the Sunday's poll, which followed December's widely boycotted first round
The National Salvation Front said the low turnout exposed "the total failure" of Saied's project, and said it would not recognize the new parliament
Israel to penalize attacker’s family as violence rages
Israeli government announced that the home of a 13-year-old boy who shot two Israelis would be sealed off even though...Israeli government is planning to rescind the rights to social security benefits of attackers' relatives and has also considered easing access to guns for Israeli civilians
Emmanuel Macron urged all parties to avoid feeding a "spiral of violence" during a telephone call on Sunday with Israeli Prime Minister
Lebanon’s offshore exploration agreement supports the country’s economic development, says Qatar’s minister
"This very important commitment gives us the opportunity to support Lebanon’s economic development, at this critical juncture. And I want...Qatar had entered a consortium to explore for offshore gas in waters near Israel, following a historic border deal last year between the two rivals
The agreement green-lights Lebanon's exploration of its southern Qana, or Sidon, reservoir following the signing of the landmark accord last October
Air strikes hit convoy crossing into eastern Syria from Iraq
A convoy of trucks driving into eastern Syria from Iraq on Sunday was hit by air strikes, destroying all the...Iran provides military support to its ally Damascus in Syria's civil war, including through armed factions
In the past a US-led coalition fighting the remnants of the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria has carried out strikes on pro-Iran fighters in Syria.
Pope condemns surge in Middle East violence, urges peace
Francis, 86, cited 10 Palestinians, including a woman, killed in an Israeli army raid on a refugee camp in the..."The death spiral that increases day by day only closes the few glimmers of trust that exist between the two peoples," said the pope
"Since the beginning of the year, dozens of Palestinians have been killed in clashes with the Israeli army," said the pope
Blinken seeks to lower tension during Middle East trip
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Egypt at the start of a Middle East trip on which he...The United States, with its close relationship to Israel, has historically taken a lead on Middle East diplomacy.
Blinken will meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas
GCC Standardization Organization announces Training Plan for 2023
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA - The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Standardization Organization (GSO) has announced its training plan for 2023 in...The 2023 training plan aims at contributing to developing cadres in the national standardization agencies in the member states.
He said that the GSO will organize 15 training programs and workshops in a number of the cities in the GCC.
Jordan, EU sign two financing agreements worth US$69m
AMMAN, JORDAN - Confirming its role as one of Jordan’s main supporters, the European Union (EU) on Sunday signed two...The first is financing a US$42 million program in support of Jordan's Ministry of Justice, Judicial Council, Judicial Institute and Public Security Directorate.
The second US$27 million contributes to the "Green Growth" program from the Food and Resilience Facility.
Israel seals home of Palestinian behind Jerusalem shooting
Israel announced a slew of steps late Saturday, including revoking the rights to social security of "the families of terrorists...Israel already demolishes the homes of Palestinians who kill Israelis, although they ought to be given prior notice be given to families and the chance to appeal the decision.
Israel's security cabinet said there will also be a discussion Sunday over a bill to revoke Israeli identity cards from the relatives of attackers.
UAE climate talks should focus on action, not visions: Ban Ki-moon
The South Korean diplomat, who co-chairs the Ban Ki-moon Centre for Global Citizens, was in the UAE this weekend to...The last UN climate talks held in Egypt agreed on a landmark deal to create a "loss and damage" fund to cover the costs that developing countries face from climate disasters.
Ban urged the COP28 presidency to consider "harmonization" between adaptation and loss and damage.