In a change of tone, Syria’s new leader urges US to pressure Israel for withdrawal
Julani’s appeal comes as Syria signals a shift in its diplomatic tone. Maher Marwan, Damascus’ new governor, told NPR that...Geostrategy
UN: Israel’s strikes on Gaza hospitals may constitute war crimes, urges independent probe
The UN's 23-page report, "Attacks on Hospitals During the Escalation of Hostilities in Gaza," documented 136 strikes on 27 hospitals...Geostrategy
S.Africa says Israel war undermining top UN court
South Africa's top diplomat accused Israel of setting a precedent for leaders to defy the top UN court, as she...South Africa has again petitioned the court in The Hague to order measures for Israel to stop "widespread starvation".
Israel hit out as the South African plea as "outrageous" and "morally repugnant," pointing to its initiatives, including humanitarian pauses in fighting.
UN says Israel may be using starvation as weapon of war
"The situation of hunger, starvation and famine is a result of Israel’s extensive restrictions on the entry and distribution of...The comments came after a UN-backed assessment determined that the war-torn Palestinian territory is facing imminent famine.
Meanwhile, Israel's spy chief left Doha but talks over a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release are continuing in Qatar's capital.
UAE investments abroad reach US$2.5trn in beginning of 2024, says UAEIIC
ABU DHABI, UAE – The United Arab Emirates has solidified its position as a leading regional and global player in...This robust financial footprint positions the UAE as a significant economic force with strong potential for continued expansion.
The focus on emerging markets and the creation of strategic partnerships further amplifies this momentum.
Blinken to visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt to discuss Gaza ceasefire: spokesman
Blinken will hold talks with Saudi leaders in Jeddah on Wednesday before travelling to Cairo on Thursday for talks with...During his visit, Blinken will discuss "a political path for the Palestinians with security assurances with Israel, and an architecture for lasting peace and security in the region
Blinken will also raise the imperative issue of ending attacks by Houthi rebels on commercial ships, to restore stability and security in the Red Sea, spokesman Matthew Miller said
Biden summons Israeli team in bid to avoid Rafah assault
The move is one of the clearest attempts yet by Biden to rein in the key US ally, amid fears...US president also "reiterated the need for an immediate ceasefire as part of a deal to free hostages, lasting several weeks, so we can get hostages home"
Biden has supported Israel since the October 7 attacks, sending billions of dollars in military aid, but has become frustrated by Netanyahu's failure to curb civilian deaths
US destroys Houthi missiles, drones in new Yemen strike
United States Central Command forces operated "in self-defense" when they engaged and destroyed the anti-ship missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles,...Iran-backed Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea region since November in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians during Israel's war against Palestinians in Gaza
The United States and Britain have launched repeated strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen in response but the attacks against the ships have not been deterred
China regulator to ban Evergrande chair from securities market for life
BEIJING, CHINA – Chinese regulators will ban the chairman of property giant Evergrande from the securities market for life on grounds...Unable to repay interest on its loans, China’s real estate firm Evergrande formally defaulted in 2021, sending shockwaves through the industry.
The company has struggled to repay creditors for years, defaulting in 2021 and becoming subject to a winding-up order by a Hong Kong court earlier this year.
Dubai approves rise in energy, water efficiency programs
DUBAI, UAE – Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum chaired the 81st...The Council reviewed updates of the demand side management strategy for 2030 and 2050.
This is part of the efforts to make Dubai a leading example in efficient energy and water demand management.
Shipping service connecting India, South East Asia with Saudi Arabia comes up
RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – VASI Shipping Pte Ltd has introduced a new shipping service IMS at King Abdulaziz Port in...This service aims to enhance its strategic partnerships with major international shipping lines, support the maritime sector.
This initiative represents a significant step in bolstering the role of King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam in enhancing the maritime transport sector.
Palestinians ‘need the bombs to stop,’ Irish PM says at White House
Varadkar has been one of Europe's most critical leaders over Israel's campaign in Gaza, which began when Hamas launched an...According to Irish PM Leo Varadkar, "the Irish people are deeply troubled about the catastrophe that's unfolding before our eyes in Gaza."
US has demanded a "clear and implementable plan" to protect civilians there, while Varadkar on Sunday called on Israel to abandon the planned incursion
