Blinken in Israel as under-pressure Netanyahu blames ‘obstinate’ Hamas
Making his ninth trip to the Middle East since the Gaza war began when Hamas attacked Israel in October, the...Geostrategy
40,000 and counting: the struggle to keep track of Gaza deaths
Palestinian Territories -- With Gaza largely in ruins after more than 10 months of war, the Hamas-run territory's health ministry...Geostrategy
Israeli settler violence ‘must stop’: French FM
French minister denounced anti-Palestinian rhetoric and "even calls to commit war crimes" by Israeli officials, after some Netanyahu allies have...Since the October 7 attack triggered war between Israel and Hamas, at least 381 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank
The French Minister called for "a comprehensive political solution, with two states living in peace side by side", urging the resumption of the peace process "without delay"
UAE and Jordan leaders discuss boosting economic, investment ties
Amman, Jordan-- The UAE and Jordan have explored opportunities for collaboration in the fields of economy, investment, food security, renewable...The two leaders explored new opportunities for collaboration to support the development goals of both countries
They discussed regional and international issues with a specific focus on the Middle East, in particular the Gaza Strip
Blinken heads to Egypt to seek ‘enduring end’ to Gaza war
Palestinian Territories - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was due to fly to Egypt on Tuesday as part of...In Cairo, Blinken is scheduled to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the day after he held talks in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman
Blinken's diplomatic push has been given fresh urgency with Israeli forces pressing further south towards Rafah, a Palestinian city on the southern border with Egypt
China, Russia blame US for stoking Middle East tensions
The US forces targeted many positions in Syria and Iraq in retaliation for a drone attack on a base in...Russian ambassador said US attacks are aimed to stoke the conflict
China's ambassador said US actions will worsen the "tit-for-tat violence in the Middle East"
WW3 may begin before US President Biden’s term ends, Trump says
NEW YORK, US - World War III may break out before US President Joe Biden leaves office, former US president...Trump alleged that that Biden's policy had turned the world into hell and was leading the United States to a bloodbath.
The US presidential election will be held in November and incumbent Joe Biden said that he would seek re-election.
Russian foreign minister to speak at Valdai Middle East Conference
MOSCOW, RUSSIA - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will take part in the 13th Middle East Conference of the Valdai...The 13th conference is taking place at a time when the region is under the microscope amid the escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict.
Experts are likely to discuss ways to come to a comprehensive settlement in the Middle East, the legacy of colonial policy.
Spain to increase UNRWA funding after donors suspend aid
MADRID, SPAIN - Spain said on Monday that it would give an additional US$$3.8 million (3.5 million euros) in aid to...Over a dozen countries, including the US, Germany, Britain and Sweden, have suspended their funding to UNRWA.
There are accusations that 12 UNRWA staff members were involved in the October 7 attacks in Israel by Hamas.
Investment in Qatar free zones reaches US$1.3bn, says QFZ chairmanÂ
DOHA, QATAR - Minister of State and Chairman of Qatar Free Zones Authority (QFZ) Dr. Ahmad bin Mohammed Al Sayed...The QFZ chairman held a meeting with a delegation led by First Vice-Chairman of Qatar Chamber Mohamed bin Ahmed bin Twar Al Kuwari.
The delegation paid a field tour to the Ras Bufontas Free Zone to explore the investment benefits and business opportunities within the free zones.
Gaza situation ‘indescribable’ as Blinken starts another Mideast tour
On his fifth trip to the region since the war broke out, Blinken will visit Saudi Arabia, Israel and mediators...At least 128 people were killed in Israeli strikes overnight to Monday, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-ruled territory.
UN chief Antonio Guterres announced the creation of a panel to assess UNRWA and "whether the agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality".
Saudi, UAE ‘prior’ countries for Russia’s inbound tourism push
Moscow, Russia -- China, India, Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia will become prior countries for Russia...In 2024, attention will be given to five prior countries: China, India, Iran, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, said Director General of the Center for Strategic Research Pavel Smelov.
"It is expected that by 2030 the implementation of the concept presented will result in the annual flow of 16 million foreign tourists," he said.