What is the Global Sumud Flotilla and why is it sailing to Gaza?
The Global Sumud Flotilla, an unprecedented civilian-led maritime convoy, is attempting to challenge Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza. Here’s what to know about the initiative, its origins, and its mission. Who is the Global Sumud Flotilla? The Global Sumud Flotilla (GSF), sometimes referred to as the Global Freedom Flotilla, is an international maritime initiative launched […]
Read MoreTony Blair’s return to Middle East diplomacy reopens old wounds and new doubts
When Tony Blair was first tasked with forging a lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians in 2007, the White House cautioned that the former British prime minister was not “superman” and “he doesn’t have a cape”. After failing to achieve much of note in that role, Blair is preparing once again to tackle one […]
Read MoreWomen in Gaza allege sexual exploitation amid aid crisis
As Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens, women say they have been exploited by men — some linked to aid groups — who promised food, medicine, supplies or work in exchange for sexual interactions. The Associated Press interviewed six women who described such incidents, speaking anonymously due to fear of retribution and cultural taboos around sexual violence. […]
Read MoreUN FAO Near East forestry talks held in Jeddah
JEDDAH: The 27th session of the Near East Forestry and Range Commission opened in Jeddah on Monday. Held by the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization, in coordination with the Saudi National Center for Vegetation Cover Development and Combating Desertification, it will run until Oct. 1 and marks the NEFRC’s 70th anniversary. With themes including integrated […]
Read MoreIn sweeping UN speech, Saudi FM demands end to Gaza genocide, lays out vision for regional peace
NEW YORK: Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister on Saturday called for immediate global intervention to stop the genocide in Gaza, defended the multilateral system, and outlined the Kingdom’s strategy for regional stability, environmental sustainability and economic growth. Prince Faisal bin Farhan told the 80th UN General Assembly that Saudi Arabia’s “is proud to be a founding […]
Read MoreObama slams Israel’s Gaza offensive, says it lacks ‘military rationale’
Former US president Barack Obama on Friday (26 September) publicly criticised Israel’s ongoing military action in Gaza, stating that there is no longer a “military rationale for continuing to pummel what is already rubble.” The rare comments come as global leaders gather in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, a meeting roiled by […]
Read MoreUAE foreign minister urges end to Gaza war in meeting with Netanyahu in New York
UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed stressed the urgent need for ending the Gaza war during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, UAE state news agency WAM reported on Saturday. It was Netanyahu’s first meeting with a senior Arab official since […]
Read MoreHamas says it has not received Trump plan as Israel expands Gaza City assault
CAIRO/RAMALLAH: Hamas has not received US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, the Palestinian group which runs the enclave said on Saturday as Israeli forces expanded their assault on Gaza City. The comments came after Israeli newspaper Haaretz cited sources saying Hamas had agreed in principle to release all the Israeli hostages it holds in […]
Read MoreHamas says it has not received Trump plan as Israel expands Gaza City assault
Hamas has not received US President Donald Trump’s Gaza ceasefire plan, the Palestinian group which runs the enclave said on Saturday (27 September) as Israeli forces expanded their assault on Gaza City. The comments came after Israeli newspaper Haaretz cited sources saying Hamas had agreed in principle to release all the Israeli hostages it holds […]
Read MoreWith US backing, Israel’s rising global isolation over Gaza is not a ‘game changer’
By Tom Hussain After two years of warfare with Hamas that the United Nations says has brought genocide and famine to Gaza, Israel finds itself more isolated than ever, as it remains intransigent in pursuing its goal of defeating the militant group and rejecting rising global support for Palestinian statehood. Many of its Western allies, […]
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