Israel PM and defence minister clash over Gaza hostage deal
"When Gallant adopts the anti-Israel narrative, he harms the chances of reaching a hostage release deal," Netanyahu said, adding that...Geostrategy
Israel faces anger over Gaza school strike rescuers say killed 93
Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the civil defence agency, said 11 children and six women were among the 93 who died...Geostrategy
Iran says diplomats in Saudi for Organization of Islamic Cooperation posts
Iranian diplomats are in Saudi Arabia to start work at a global organization representing Muslims, a first since the two...The two regional rivals have so far held four rounds of talks since April aimed at improving relations.
Iran said it is "ready to open its embassy" but that depends on what "practical steps" Saudi Arabia takes.
UAE warns of reprisals for ‘Houthi attack’ on Abu Dhabi
The United Arab Emirates threatened reprisals against Yemen's Houthi rebels after suspected drone strikes killed three people in Abu Dhabi...Preliminary investigations suggest that the cause of the fires are small flying objects
The competent authorities have launched an extensive investigation into the cause of fire
UN’s new envoy of W.Sahara meets with Polisario head in Algeria
The Polisario Front took up arms in the 1970s to seek independence in the disputed Western Sahara while demanding an...The Polisario chief explained to Mistura that his organization 'guarantees the Sahrawi people's right to self-determination and full national independence'
Algiers broke off diplomatic ties with Rabat in August, citing 'hostile' actions by Morocco, which the kingdom denies
Iraq says almost 4,000 repatriated from Belarus borders
Baghdad has repatriated almost 4,000 of its citizens stuck on the Belarus borders with European Union members Poland, Lithuania and...Since November 18, the Iraqi government has organized "10 flights from Baghdad to Belarus" to repatriate its citizens.
The West has accused Belarus of luring the migrants to the border as revenge for sanctions against President Alexander Lukashenko's regime.
GCC seeks closer ties with EU to achieve common interests
During the visit, the secretary-general of the GCC will meet a number of senior officials of the European Union.The secretary-general expressed his aspiration for this visit to contribute to strengthening Gulf-European relations
The two sides will also discuss the importance of strengthening and developing economic and investment relations
South Korean leader hails country’s soft power impact on Mideast trip
South Korea's soft power matches its economic achievements, President Moon Jae-in said on Sunday at the start of a Middle...Moon talked up the Korean pop music, TV and film that has become wildly popular in many countries across the globe, including in nations in the Middle East.
On Tuesday, Moon will meet Saudi Arabia's Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, as well as Yasir Al-Rumayyan, the head of oil giant Aramco.
UAE and Algeria to explore ways to boost ties
The UAE and Algeria will work to further strengthen ties between the two countries, and both have shown appreciation for...During the meeting, which took place at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, the sides discussed means of enhancing ties between their countries
They also exchanged views a number of regional and international issues of common interest, developments in the region
License of Al Jazeera live TV unit revoked in turmoil-hit Sudan
Sudan has revoked the license of Al Jazeera Mubasher, part of the Qatar-based network, accusing it of "unprofessional" TV coverage...Sudan has been gripped by political turmoil since top military leader General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan launched a coup on October 25.
Al Jazeera has given prominent coverage to the demonstrations and late last year also aired an interview with Burhan.
Israel PM ‘relieved’ after US synagogue hostage situation resolved
Israel’s Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took to Twitter on Sunday, January 16, to say he was “relieved and thankful” that...The Colleyville Police said a now-dead gunman on Saturday held four people hostage and demanded the release of one Aafia Siddiqui
The Pakistani-origin neuroscientist is serving an 86-year sentence in a Texas prison for firing at US soldiers and officials in Afghanistan
Passport strength: Where do Arab countries stand?
The Henley Passport Index ranks 199 passports, based on how many countries and territories their holders can travel to without...Japan and Singapore tied for first place of the best international passports
Germany and South Korea came in second place: Their residents can visit 190 countries without a visa
