Category: Arab News

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

UN chief calls for probe of mass graves in Gaza

The UN secretary-general also urged Israel against invading southern Gaza’s city of Rafah…reports Asian Lite News

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres has demanded an independent investigation into reports by Palestinian authorities of mass graves discovered in Gaza after bodies with hands tied or medical tubes attached to them were found in multiple sites, including two hospitals.

“It is imperative that independent international investigators with forensic expertise are allowed the immediate access to the sites of these mass graves to establish the precise circumstances under which the Palestinians lost their lives and were buried or reburied,” Guterres said on Tuesday.

The UN secretary-general also urged Israel against invading southern Gaza’s city of Rafah, the last refuge for more than 1.4 million Palestinians, after the Israeli prime minister said an offensive would go forward regardless of the outcome of truce talks with Hamas.

A military assault on Rafah would “be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee,” he told reporters.

He added that while there has been “incremental progress” towards averting “an entirely preventable, human-made famine” in northern Gaza, much more is urgently needed, including for Israel to follow through on its promise to open “two crossing points between Israel and northern Gaza, so that aid can be brought into Gaza from Ashdod port and Jordan”.

He cited the lack of security for aid workers and civilians as the major obstacle to distributing aid across Gaza. “I again call on the Israeli authorities to allow and facilitate safe, rapid and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid and humanitarian workers, including UNRWA, throughout Gaza,” he said.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told journalists on Tuesday that aid supplies into Gaza had improved in April, but listed a series of continuing difficulties including regular crossing closures “because they [Israel] are dumping released detainees or dumping sometimes bodies taken to Israel and back to the Gaza Strip.”

Juliette Touma, a spokesperson for the UN’s refugee agency for Palestinians, said that Israel had sent 225 bodies to Gaza in three containers since December that were then transported by the UN agency to local health authorities for burial, shutting the crossing temporarily.

She did not have details of the circumstances of their deaths and said it was not UNRWA’s mandate to investigate.

Palestinian authorities have previously said that Israel has returned bodies after confirming they were not hostages. They said they were trying to identify them and figure out where they were killed.

Israel’s allegations are being examined by UN investigators although a separate review found Israel has yet to provide evidence for accusations that hundreds of UNRWA staff are members of armed groups. More than 34,000 people have been killed in Israel’s war on Gaza since October 7, according to Palestinian authorities.

ALSO READ: Blinken Visits Israel for Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Categories
-Top News Arab News USA

US yet to see Israel’s plan for entering Rafah

United States has reiterated its stance regarding the situation in Rafah, emphasising the need for a credible plan from Israel…reports Asian Lite News

The United States has not seen Israel’s “credible plan” to enter Rafah that is set to address the “varying areas of concerns”, said a US State Department official on Tuesday.

As tensions persist in the ongoing conflict, the United States has reiterated its stance regarding the situation in Rafah, emphasising the need for a credible plan from Israel before any potential military operation.

Principal Deputy Spokesperson for the Department of State, Vedant Patel reaffirmed this position, stating, “That is correct, it continues to be the case that we have not seen a credible plan that would address the varying areas of concerns.”

Rafah, a region with over 1 million displaced individuals, remains a critical area for humanitarian aid distribution and a safe passage for foreign nationals. Patel underscored the significance of addressing the serious humanitarian concerns surrounding Rafah, highlighting the necessity for any operation to prioritise the well-being of the population in the region.

“Primarily the ability to address the serious humanitarian concerns surrounding again, Rafah is a region with more than 1 million people seeking refuge. It’s an area that continues to be an important conduit for humanitarian aid, as well as safe departure for foreign nationals,” he said.

While refraining from speculation on potential scenarios, Patel noted the ongoing engagement with Israeli counterparts to seek clarity on their plans concerning Rafah.

“So any kind of operation that does not address some of these key concerns would certainly be opposed by us,” he also said.

He stressed that any operation lacking measures to address humanitarian needs and ensure the safe departure of civilians would face opposition from the United States.

“I’m not going to get into any hypotheticals, but this is something we’re continuing to engage with our partners in Israel. Conversations continue to be happening at all levels, and we’ll continue to press forward on those conversations and ask what their plans may or may not be as it pertains to Rafah,” Patel added.

Patel’s remarks come the same day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his military plans to enter Rafah city of Gaza and said that his military will undertake the operations regardless of a breakthrough in truce talks with Hamas.

“The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all its aims is not an option,” Netanyahu told the hawkish Gvura and Tikva forums, who represent families of slain soldiers and families of hostages held in Gaza, respectively, The Times of Israel reported.

“We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there — whether or not there is a deal — in order to achieve total victory,” Netanyahu added.

According to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office, the groups urged Netanyahu and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi to continue the war and to resist international pressures, The Times of Israel reported.

Netanyahu has faced pressure from his nationalist governing partners not to proceed with a deal that might prevent Israel from invading Rafah, which it says is Hamas’ last major stronghold. His government could be threatened if he agrees to a deal because hard-line Cabinet members have demanded an attack on Rafah.

But with more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million people sheltering there, the international community, including Israel’ top ally the US, has warned Israel against any offensive that puts civilians at risk.

It was not clear if Netanyahu’s comments were meant to appease his governing partners or whether they would have any bearing on any emerging deal with Hamas.

ALSO READ: Blinken Visits Israel for Gaza Ceasefire Talks

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Egypt, Qatar Pledge Action on Israel-Palestine Conflict

They discussed efforts to exchange hostages and detainees and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid …reports Asian Lite News

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani have pledged to resume efforts to end the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

During a phone conversation, the two leaders discussed the latest developments and joint efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Presidency said on Tuesday in a statement.

They also discussed efforts to exchange hostages and detainees and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid and relief in sufficient and adequate quantities into Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two leaders confirmed their commitment to continuing joint efforts and engaging with the various parties to end the war, protect the region from the ramifications of the expansion of the conflict, and restore security and stability in the region.

Egypt and Qatar, along with the US, are spearheading regional mediation talks to end the conflict and expedite humanitarian aid into the war-torn territory via Egypt.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza has risen to 34,535, the Hamas-run health authorities said in a press statement on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: CBUAE’s February balance sheet hits record Dh750b

Categories
-Top News Arab News USA

Blinken Visits Israel for Gaza Ceasefire Talks

This is the seventh visit of Blinken since the war between Hamas and Israel broke out on October 7, 2023….reports Asian Lite News

 The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, arrived in Israel where he will meet the country’s President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday to push forward the Gaza ceasefire deal .

This is the seventh visit of Blinken since the war between Hamas and Israel broke out on October 7, 2023.

The Israel Prime Minister’s office in a statement on Tuesday night said that the meeting with Herzog will be held in Tel Aviv while Blinken will interact with Netanyahu at the latter’s office in Jerusalem.

The Secretary of State will also meet Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi. Blinken will also meet the families of the hostages.

The top US diplomat arrived in the Middle East on Monday and had interactions with the Jordanian and Saudi officials regarding peace in the region.

Israel has agreed to the suggestion of the mediators for the release of 33 of its hostages (women, elderly, and those suffering from diseases) in the custody of Hamas in exchange for around 600 Palestinian prisoners languishing in Israeli jails. Many of these Palestinians kept in jails are accused in murder cases.

Blinken had earlier announced that he would not arrive in Israel during his present visit to the Middle East but sources in Israel Prime Minister’s office told IANS that there were some bottlenecks in the indirect mediatory talks being held at Cairo between Hamas and Israel.

The Secretary of State will be discussing with the Israeli leaders the issues leading to the blockade in mediatory talks.

Netanyahu had warned that if the mediatory talks being held at Cairo do not materialise, Israel would invade the Rafah region in the Gaza Strip.

ALSO READ: Blinken: Hamas received ‘extraordinarily generous’ truce offer

Categories
-Top News Arab News

Israel fears ICC might issue warrants against Netanyahu

According to Israeli media reports, the country’s proposal called for a deal to accept the release of 40 of the roughly 130 hostages believed to be still held in exchange for freeing Palestinian security prisoners jailed in Israel…reports Asian Lite News

Officials within the Israeli government fear that the Hague-based International Criminal Court (ICC) might be considering issuing an arrest warrant against Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, defence minister Yoav Gallant and other top officials. Tel Aviv has activated all diplomatic channels, along with the involvement of the country’s Foreign Ministry, to try and block the ICC from issuing arrest warrants against Netanyahu, Gallant and other military officials over war crimes, as per Israeli media reports.

A source within the Israeli government said that the US is also “part of the last-ditch diplomatic effort” to prevent the ICC from issuing the arrest warrants. The ICC, on the other hand, told NBC News that its independent investigation in connection to the situation in Palestine is currently ongoing.

The Hague-based court, however, did not comment on the arrest warrants it is considering against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant along with top Israeli officials. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday urged Hamas to accept Israel’s latest and “extraordinarily generous” proposal for a possible truce deal and secure the release of hostages amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

According to Israeli media reports, the country’s proposal called for a deal to accept the release of 40 of the roughly 130 hostages believed to be still held in exchange for freeing Palestinian security prisoners jailed in Israel. The second phase of the proposal of a truce consisted a ‘period of sustained calm’.

The ‘period of sustained calm’ refers to Israel’s compromise response to Hamas’ demand for permanent ceasefire. On Sunday, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz told the country’s embassies abroad to prepare for a severe antisemitic backlash if the Court takes any action.

Moreover, a senior Hamas source told Reuters the ceasefire talks in Cairo will take place between the group’s delegation and Qatari and Egyptian mediators. “Hamas has some questions and inquiries over the Israeli response to its proposal, which the movement received from mediators,” he said.

As Israel is facing pressure over its offensive in Gaza and Hamas’ demand of a ceasefire, a US State Department spokesperson said that Washington has found 5 units of the country’s forces responsible for gross violations of human rights.

ALSO READ-France Pushes for Peace Talks Amid Hezbollah-Israel Tensions

Categories
-Top News Arab News

‘Hamas must be removed from Gaza leadership’

Foreign Secretary David Cameron challenges Arab states to accept that the Hamas military leadership responsible for the attack on 7 October must leave Gaza…reports Asian Lite News

David Cameron has urged Hamas to agree to a deal for a sustained 40-day ceasefire in Gaza and the release of potentially thousands of hostages and prisoners.

The foreign secretary also challenged Arab states to accept that the Hamas military leadership responsible for the attack on 7 October must leave Gaza.

Speaking at a World Economic Forum event in Riyadh, he echoed the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, saying: “I hope Hamas do take this deal and, frankly, all the pressure in the world and all the eyes in the world should be on them today saying ‘take that deal’, accept the generosity of the offer of a ceasefire that has been negotiated with Israel.”

He added that for a “political horizon for a two-state solution”, with an independent Palestine co-existing with Israel, the “people responsible for October 7, the Hamas leadership, would have to leave Gaza and you’ve got to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in Gaza”.

By contrast, three Arab foreign ministers speaking at the same forum presented Hamas as an idea born out of a legitimate struggle for a Palestinian state, but suggested the group’s influence would fade if a path to the establishment of that state was set out.

The Saudi foreign minister, Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, also insisted there would be no normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia unless there was “a credible and irreversible path to a Palestinian state”.

Cameron was in Riyadh to hold talks with both western and Arab leaders on the progress of the hostage talks, and an as yet unpublished Arab plan for the administration of Gaza and the West Bank if a ceasefire is agreed. He said: “Hamas was an extremist organisation that believes in a very extremist interpretation of Islam and a particularly violent one as well.”

Cameron said peace and stability in the Middle East was unobtainable “unless you deal with the question of the future for the Palestinian people”, but added: “I don’t think we should be naive and think that all the problems will be solved if that were to happen.”

He claimed there was a variety of conflicts in the Middle East, “including a conflict within Islam between those who want to see Islam as a religion of peace that can exist in all sorts of different states, but in a stable way, and those who have an extremist version of Islam”.

“I don’t believe, even if there was a Palestinian state created tomorrow, that Iran and its leaders would say, ‘Well, that’s all fine, now it’s all sorted.’”

He said: “Iran believes fundamentally in the destruction of Israel as a state, and Iran, through its support for Hamas in Gaza, through its support of the Houthis in Yemen, through its support of Hezbollah in Lebanon, is a force of malign activity in this region, which is deeply destabilising, deeply troubling. We do need to have a tougher, more deterrent approach right across the board to what Iran has been doing.”

The former prime minister also said there needed to be “a change of thinking in Israel about the fact they should support a two-state solution, because it’s fundamentally in their long-term interest, but it also requires a change of thought amongst Palestinians and others about the nature of the future relationship with Israel”.

He accepted it was going to be very hard to persuade Israel that its security rested on a two-state solution, but said it was hugely helpful that Saudi Arabia was looking at normalising relations with Israel as part of a political solution where the Palestinians would have the prospect of a Palestinian state. Saudi Arabia is seeking more bankable assurances about Israel’s commitment to a two-state solution before it will normalise relations.

The Saudi foreign minister said the bilateral work on a deal with the US was “very very close; we have the broad outlines of what we need to happen”. He said it might take 15 years to remove the rubble from Gaza and 30 years to reconstruct the strip.

The Jordanian foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, said: “Israel is run by a prime minister that is driven by an ideology that does not believe in a two-state solution,” adding that this represented a challenge for the international community, which had so far paid lip service to a Palestinian state, but taken no real action to stop Israeli settlements and land grabs.

ALSO READ-Blinken: Hamas received ‘extraordinarily generous’ truce offer

Categories
-Top News Arab News USA

Biden talks with leaders from Qatar, Egypt on Gaza truce

The White House confirmed Biden’s commitment to working with Egypt and Qatar to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire proposal’s terms….reports Asian Lite News

US President Joe Biden engaged in separate phone conversations with the leaders of Qatar and Egypt, discussing a proposal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. The discussions with Qatari Emir Tamim Bin Hamad al-Thani and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi centred on a potential deal to secure the release of hostages along with an immediate and sustained cessation of hostilities in Gaza.

The White House confirmed Biden’s commitment to working with Egypt and Qatar to ensure the full implementation of the ceasefire proposal’s terms. These conversations followed Egypt’s announcement of a new truce proposal for Gaza during a meeting of the World Economic Forum in Saudi Arabia.

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, facilitated by Egypt and Qatar, aim to reach an agreement encompassing a prisoner exchange. Tel Aviv estimates that over 130 Israelis are held in Gaza, while Israel detains approximately 9,100 Palestinians.

During the phone calls, Biden urged Qatar and Egypt to intensify efforts to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, emphasizing that this remains the primary obstacle to an immediate ceasefire and relief for the people of Gaza. Additionally, the leaders discussed ongoing initiatives to increase humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza’s civilian population.

Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, which commenced following a cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The conflict has led to a humanitarian crisis, with a large portion of Gaza’s population displaced and essential services severely disrupted.

The United Nations has reported extensive damage to Gaza’s infrastructure and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Amid allegations of genocide, the International Court of Justice issued an interim ruling directing Israel to cease genocidal acts and ensure the provision of humanitarian assistance to Gaza’s civilians.

US opposes World court probe

The United States declared its opposition to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) investigation into Israel’s actions in Gaza, amid concerns within Israeli circles about potential arrest warrants being issued by the Hague-based tribunal. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly discussed this matter with US President Joe Biden during a recent call.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre reiterated the US stance, stating that they do not support the ICC investigation and question its jurisdiction. Reports suggested that Netanyahu himself might face charges, with the court also considering allegations against Hamas leaders.

Jean-Pierre declined to confirm whether Netanyahu had urged Biden to intervene to prevent the issuance of warrants during their call, emphasizing that the focus was on securing a ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza.

There were also reports that the US had reached out to the ICC, warning that arrest warrants could disrupt efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. Israeli officials vehemently opposed any ICC action, asserting their country’s right to self-defense against terrorism.

ICC’s arrest warrants would probably be considered a humbling moral rebuke, particularly to Israel, as the nation has faced backlash over its military action in Gaza, including from US President Joe Biden, who described it “over the top.”

The arrest warrants could impact Israel’s policies as the country continues to conduct its counter-offensive against Hamas. The Israeli and foreign officials said they did not know about the stage of the process.

Any warrants would need approval from a panel of judges and would not necessarily lead to a trial or even the target’s immediate arrest. ICC’s chief prosecutor Karim Khan has previously said that his team is carrying out investigation into incidents during the war, The New York Times reported.

Earlier on April 26, Netanyahu said that any intervention by the ICC “would set a dangerous precedent that threatens the soldiers and officials of all democracies fighting savage terrorism and wanton aggression,” The New York Times reported. Although he did not mention what prompted his statement.

ALSO READ: Blinken arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss post-war Gaza

Categories
-Top News Arab News USA

Blinken: Hamas received ‘extraordinarily generous’ truce offer

Blinken reiterated this stance during his Riyadh visit, emphasising the US’ reluctance to support such an offensive in the absence of a concrete plan to protect civilians…reports Asian Lite News

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed on Monday a proposal for a ceasefire presented to Hamas by Israel, characterising it as “extraordinarily generous,” CNN reported.

“In this moment the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas,” he told World Economic Forum (WEF) President Borge Brende in the Saudi capital Riyadh. “They (Hamas) have to decide and they have to decide quickly,” he said. “I’m hopeful that they will make the right decision.”

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, also present in Riyadh, shared a similar sentiment, expressing optimism about the proposal’s acceptance by both Israel and Hamas.

“There is a proposal on the table, up to the two sides to consider and accept but certainly the objective is a ceasefire, a permanent ceasefire and dealing with the humanitarian conditions,” Shoukry told a panel at the WEF in Riyadh on Monday, according to CNN.

He also said that he is hopeful “the proposal has been taken into account” and that “we are waiting to have a final decision.”

Israeli officials signaled willingness to engage in negotiations aimed at restoring lasting peace. A source familiar with the discussions, as cited by CNN, disclosed Egypt’s suggestion of a one-year ceasefire, contingent upon Israeli forces withdrawing from Gaza and the release of hostages and deceased individuals. This proposal illustrates efforts toward a comprehensive resolution to the conflict.

Hamas has maintained that a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal are prerequisites for any agreement. Conversely, Israel has affirmed its commitment to continue its operation in Gaza until Hamas is eradicated. However, Israel has recently agreed to Hamas’s demand for unrestricted movement of Palestinians to northern Gaza, a concession pivotal in advancing negotiations.

Yet, the possibility of an Israeli military offensive in Rafah looms, with Israeli officials framing ongoing negotiations as the last opportunity to prevent such action. Notably, the US, along with other allies of Israel, has cautioned against a major military operation in Rafah without adequate safeguards for civilians.

Blinken reiterated this stance during his Riyadh visit, emphasising the US’ reluctance to support such an offensive in the absence of a concrete plan to protect civilians: “We have not yet seen a plan that civilians can be effectively protected.”

Meanwhile, White House National Security Council communications adviser John Kirby echoed these sentiments, revealing Israel’s assurance that no invasion of Rafah would occur until concerns raised by the Biden administration were addressed.

“I think we have to have a better understanding from the Israelis about what they want to do as a matter of fact, we’ve had several staff talks with them, we intend to do that more,” he said on ABC. “They’ve assured us that they won’t go into Rafah until we’ve had a chance to really share our perspectives and our concerns with them.”

In a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden emphasised the need for increased humanitarian assistance and reiterated opposition to a potential Israeli invasion of Rafah, as outlined in a White House statement. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the death toll from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza continues to rise, underscoring the urgency of reaching a ceasefire agreement.

The casualties include infants and toddlers, highlighting the devastating impact of the conflict on innocent civilians, CNN reported. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Blinken arrives in Saudi Arabia to discuss post-war Gaza

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

CBUAE’s February balance sheet hits record Dh750b

On a monthly basis, the central bank’s balance sheet increased by 1.8 percent or AED13 billion, compared to AED734.61 billion in January 2024….reports Asian Lite News

The balance sheet of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) reached the AED750 billion mark at the end of last February, marking a historic milestone, as per the balance sheet report for February 2024 released yesterday.

The report highlighted a notable 32.5 percent annual surge in the Central Bank’s general budget, reaching AED747.62 billion by the end of last February, compared to approximately AED564.25 billion in February 2023, reflecting a substantial increase of AED183.4 billion.

On a monthly basis, the central bank’s balance sheet increased by 1.8 percent or AED13 billion, compared to AED734.61 billion in January 2024.

According to the statistics, allocations of the Central Bank’s balance sheet assets included AED321.21 billion for cash and bank balances in February, approximately AED219.75 billion in investments, AED174.27 billion in deposits, AED1.83 billion in loans and advances, and AED30.56 billion in other assets.

On the liabilities and capital side, the balance sheet comprised AED318.46 billion for current and deposit accounts, around AED257 billion for Treasury bills and Islamic certificates of deposit, AED139.36 billion for issued banknotes and coins, AED16.98 billion for capital and reserves, and AED5.82 billion for other liabilities.

Dh203b increase in foreign assets

The total foreign assets of the Central Bank of the UAE (CBUAE) surpassed the AED700 billion mark at the end of February 2024, for the first time in its history, with an increase of AED203 billion over the past year according to the latest statistics from the bank.

The statistics released indicate that the foreign assets of the Central Bank increased by 2 percent on a monthly basis from AED 695.04 billion in January 2024 to AED708 billion at the end of February 2024, representing an increase of AED13 billion.

The foreign assets of the Central Bank increased annually by 40.2 percent, compared to AED505.1 billion in February 2023, with an increase of approximately AED202.9 billion over 12 months. Moreover, they increased by about 4 percent or AED27 billion since the beginning of the current year, compared to approximately AED681.15 billion at the end of 2023.

The Central Bank’s statistics attributed the increase in foreign asset volume to the rise in current account balances & deposits with banks abroad, with an annual increase of 51 percent to AED467.56 billion at the end of last February, compared to around AED 309.9 billion in February 2023.

Foreign investments within the Central Bank’s foreign assets amounted to approximately AED189.37 billion at the end of last February, marking a year-on-year increase of about 28.9 percent from AED146.9 billion in February 2023, representing an increase equivalent to AED42.5 billion.

The Central Bank’s statistics further indicated that other foreign assets reached AED51.12 billion at the end of last February, growing by approximately 5.8 percent annually compared to about AED48.31 billion in February 2023, with an increase equivalent to AED 2.8 billion.

The Central Bank noted that its foreign assets excludes CBUAE’s Reserve Tranche Position (RTP) & SDR Holdings with the IMF.

ALSO READ: UAE, Kuwait focus on accelerating trade growth

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE pushes for swift de-escalation in Middle East

Convened on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, the six-party Arab Ministerial meeting alongside US Secretary of State delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East region…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has underscored the pressing challenges confronting the Middle East, emphasising the need for heightened regional and international collaboration in bolstering the comprehensive peace process based on the two-state solution.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the six-party Arab Ministerial meeting alongside US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

The meeting also included His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar; Ayman Al Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt; and Hussein Al-Sheikh, Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee.

Convened on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, the session delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East region, particularly focusing on the Gaza Strip, its humanitarian and security implications, endeavours to secure a lasting ceasefire, and strategies to uphold regional and international peace and security.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised the imperative of achieving a sustainable ceasefire and preventing the escalation of conflict in the region, highlighting the paramount importance of countering extremism, mitigating tensions, curbing escalating violence, safeguarding civilian lives, and facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza Strip through secure corridors.

Moreover, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed reiterated the UAE’s steadfast commitment to advancing regional and global peace and stability, as well as its earnest endeavour to foster cooperative ties with diverse nations to foster development and prosperity for all peoples.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Talks in Cairo continue

The indirect talks between Hamas and Israel are progressing in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators taking the lead.

The talks that commenced on Monday are continuing on Tuesday. According to sources in the Israeli Defence Ministry, the negotiations are on a positive path. After Israel reduced the number of hostages to be released from 40 to 33, the possibility of a six-week ceasefire is high.

The Hamas side has demanded the release of around 600 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Some of the Palestinian prisoners whose names figure in the list of prisoners submitted by Hamas are charged with serious offences, including murder.

Israel has already publicly stated that if Hamas backs out of this discussion in Cairo, it would lead to an Israeli ground offensive in the Rafah region of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has maintained that a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal are prerequisites for any agreement. Conversely, Israel has affirmed its commitment to continue its operation in Gaza until Hamas is eradicated. However, Israel has recently agreed to Hamas’s demand for unrestricted movement of Palestinians to northern Gaza, a concession pivotal in advancing negotiations.

Around 1.3 million Palestinians inhabit the Rafah area. Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had expressed his concern about an Israeli military action in Rafah and the possibility of a huge exodus of refugees to the Sinai region that borders Rafah.

Egyptian intelligence head Major General Abbas Kamel during his recent visit to Israel had expressed concern about a Rafah operation.

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Saudi Arabia yesterday, is overseeing the mediatory talks between Hamas and Israel.

ALSO READ: UAE, Kuwait focus on accelerating trade growth