New Delhi, Jan 21 (ANI): (File picture) Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will visit India to be a chief guest in the Republic Day celebrations and signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Egypt in areas ranging from agriculture and digital. (ANI Photo)
President Sisi underscored the vital need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to implement the relevant UN resolutions…reports Asian Lite News
Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al Sisi reiterated on Wednesday, the crucial importance of ending the ongoing war in Gaza, warning against any military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah.
During a phone call with Prime Minister of Netherlands, Mark Rutte, President Sisi said that any military operation in Rafah will have catastrophic consequences on the humanitarian situation in Gaza and on regional peace and security.
According to spokesman for Presidency, Ahmed Fahmy, the call focused on the situation in Gaza, and Egypt’s efforts to restore regional stability by reaching a ceasefire in the region and providing access for humanitarian aid.
President Sisi also underscored the vital need for the international community to assume its responsibilities to implement the relevant UN resolutions.
Sisi’s statement was after the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have deployed its elite Nahal Brigade in the Rafah region of the Gaza Strip.
This a clear message that the Rafah ground invasion is imminent even as the US and other Western allies of Israel are objecting to it.
Israel defence ministry sources told IANS that the Yuftah armoured brigade and Carmeli infantry brigade of the IDF, which were in Northern Gaza, have been deployed to Central Gaza to move the Nahal brigade into the Rafah region.
It may be recalled that the Nahal brigade was involved in the ground invasion of the Central Gaza Strip and also in the Khan Younis area –the stronghold of Hamas.
Sources told IANS that once the Israeli government takes a political decision regarding Rafah operations the Nahal brigade will lead the ground offensive.
The IDF has said that there are six remaining battalions of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, including four in Rafah. It has also informed the Israel war cabinet that it has conducted all necessary preparations to take Rafah and can launch an operation the moment it gets government approval.
Meanwhile, top Israeli officials, including IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, have reached Egypt and met the country’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel and Chief of Staff Osama Askar.
During the meeting held in Abu Dhabi, the two sides reviewed key regional and international developments and exchanged views on them…reports Asian Lite News
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan discussed with His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, King of Bahrain have called for calm in the Middle East in efforts to avoid military escalation while prioritising diplomatic solutions and resolving disputes through dialogue and negotiation.
During the meeting held in Abu Dhabi, the two sides reviewed key regional and international developments and exchanged views on them.
Both leaders also discussed the fraternal relations between the two countries and ways to strengthen ties in a way that achieves common interests.
In this regard, His Highness the President and His Majesty the King of Bahrain expressed their hope that the upcoming 33rd Arab Summit, hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on 16th May and headed by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, would produce constructive outcomes and decisions to strengthen Arab solidarity and unity.
The two sides also noted their hope that the summit would further develop the Arab world’s capabilities and political and economic potential, protect its national security, and meet its aspirations for progress and sustainable development.
On Middle East developments, the two sides also called upon the international community to assume its responsibilities towards implementing an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip to preserve civilian lives and provide them with vital humanitarian relief aid without obstruction.
They stressed the need for effective international action to pursue a genuine political horizon to achieve a just and comprehensive regional peace that enables the Palestinian people to obtain their legitimate rights and establish an independent state based on the two-state solution.
His Highness the President and His Majesty the King of Bahrain also stressed the importance of continuing consultation and coordination according to a unified strategic vision that seeks to serve the interests of both countries and their peoples, strengthen the ties of Gulf and Arab brotherhood, and foster international cooperation in spreading peace and the values of coexistence and human fraternity.
During his fraternal visit to the UAE, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa affirmed his pride in the close and distinguished historical ties that unite the leadership and peoples of the two countries. His Majesty wished the leadership, government, and people of the UAE continued progress and prosperity.
UAE welcomes independent review on UNRWA
The UAE has welcomed the report of the independent review panel on the performance of the United Nations Relief Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), which affirmed its crucial role in supporting relief and development efforts for the Palestinian people.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) reiterated the UAE’s unwavering position to support the agency and its endeavours, and stressed the country’s commitment to support humanitarian aid operations carried out by the United Nations in the Gaza Strip and other areas in need.
The Ministry emphasised the importance of the international community providing support to the agency’s efforts and maintaining its ability to provide sustainable services and assistance to the Palestinian refugees in light of the critical conditions due to the ongoing Israeli violations.
Moreover, the Ministry reaffirmed the UAE’s steadfast commitment to closely collaborate with the United Nations and international partners to intensify efforts aimed at mitigating the humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
A ministerial committee is tasked with overseeing, assessing damages, and disbursing compensations in cooperation with the entities…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, allocated AED2 billion to address the damages suffered by citizens’ homes during the extreme weather conditions.
A ministerial committee has also been tasked with overseeing this file, assessing damages, and disbursing compensations in cooperation with other federal and local entities.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said, “Today, I chaired the UAE Cabinet’s meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi. We discussed the impacts of the recent extreme weather conditions the country experienced over the past few days. The situation was unprecedented in its intensity. We are a country that learns from every experience. The central operations rooms responded to more than 200,000 reports, with the joint effort of over 17,000 members from the security, emergency and interior entities, 15,000 members from the local authorities, and thousands of volunteers to manage the consequences of this exceptional weather event.”
Sheikh Mohammed added, “Thanks to the follow-up and support of my President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, life returned to normal quickly. His Highness issued his directives to conduct damages assessments, provide support for families, and immediately assess the status of the infrastructure, emphasising that the safety of citizens and residents is the top priority.”
“Additionally, in today’s Cabinet meeting, we formed a committee to assess the damage caused by floods and rain to infrastructure and propose solutions and measures at the national level. The committee is chaired by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and includes members from the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Interior, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and other federal entities, as well as representatives from all seven emirates.
“The exceptional weather event turned out to be a blessing for us. The dams filled up, the valleys flowed with rainwater, and the underground water reserves replenished. We learned significant lessons on managing heavy rains in our cities, identified areas for development, and enhanced our readiness and preparedness, making us better prepared for the future.”
His Highness added, “We extend our thanks and gratitude to everyone who has worked and is still working for our country, including emergency and crisis centres, security, military, and civilian entities, federal and local government entities, volunteers, and all citizens and residents who have demonstrated solidarity, cooperation, and profound love for the United Arab Emirates.”
UAE Tourism Strategy 2031
In its meeting, the Cabinet reviewed the achievements of the UAE tourism sector and updated the results of the UAE Tourism Strategy 2031. Figures indicated that, during the period from January to December 2023, the number of hotel guests increased to AED28 million guests, which reflects an increase of 11.3% compared to the same period of 2022.
Additionally, the number of hotel rooms reached 211 thousand, an increase of 3% compared to 2022, and the hospitality establishments’ revenue registered AED43.6 billion, an increase of 15% compared to 2022.
The tourism sector’s contribution to the national economy reached 9%, scoring AED165 billion in 2022, and is expected to reach AED180 billion in 2023. The national tourism sector also contributed to providing 751 thousand jobs in 2022, which is equivalent to 11.6% of the UAE labour market.
In 2022, the international tourism spending inside the UAE scored AED118 billion, while the domestic tourism spending scored AED47 billion. The UAE was ranked 25th globally and 1st in the Arab world and the MENA region by the Travel & Tourism Development Report of 2021, published by the World Economic Forum.
National efforts in the tourism sector have successfully led to the launch of several tourism initiatives and programmes through multiple collaborations between the federal government, the local governments, and the private sector, including the Unified National Tourism Identity, launching innovative marketing campaigns targeting all categories of domestic tourists, developing the tour guiding system in the country, and developing the programme for business leadership in the tourism sector, and launching the National Tourism Charter.
An Israeli government source said Netanyahu’s war cabinet planned to meet in the coming two weeks to authorize civilian evacuations, expected to take around a month…reports Asian Lite News
Israel’s military is poised to evacuate Palestinian civilians from Rafah and assault Hamas hold-outs in the southern Gaza Strip city, a senior Israeli defense official said on Wednesday, despite international warnings of humanitarian catastrophe.
A spokesperson for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government said Israel was “moving ahead” with a ground operation, but gave no timeline.
The defense official said Israel’s Defense Ministry had bought 40,000 tents, each with the capacity for 10 to 12 people, to house Palestinians relocated from Rafah in advance of an assault.
Video circulating online appeared to show rows of square white tents going up in Khan Younis, a city some 5 km (3 miles) from Rafah. Reuters could not verify the video but reviewed images from satellite company Maxar Technologies which showed tent camps on Khan Younis land that had been vacant weeks ago.
An Israeli government source said Netanyahu’s war cabinet planned to meet in the coming two weeks to authorize civilian evacuations, expected to take around a month.
The defense official, who requested anonymity, told Reuters that the military could go into action immediately but was awaiting a green light from Netanyahu.
Rafah, which abuts the Egyptian border, is sheltering more than a million Palestinians who fled the half-year-old Israeli offensive through the rest of Gaza, and say the prospect of fleeing yet again is terrifying.
“I have to make a decision whether to leave Rafah because my mother and I are afraid an invasion could happen suddenly and we won’t get time to escape,” said Aya, 30, who has been living temporarily in the city with her family in a school.
She said that some families recently moved to a refugee camp in coastal Al-Mawasi, but their tents caught fire when tank shells landed nearby. “Where do we go?“
Israel, which launched its war to annihilate Hamas after the Islamist group’s Oct. 7 attacks on Israeli towns, says Rafah is home to four Hamas combat battalions reinforced by thousands of retreating fighters, and it must defeat them to achieve victory.
“Hamas was hit hard in the northern sector. It was also hit hard in the center of the Strip. And soon it will be hit hard in Rafah, too,” Brig.-General Itzik Cohen, commander of Israel’s 162nd Division operating in Gaza, told Kan public TV.
But Israel’s closest ally Washington has called on it to set aside plans for an assault, and says Israel can combat Hamas fighters there by other means.
“We could not support a Rafah ground operation without an appropriate, credible, executable humanitarian plan precisely because of the complications for delivery of assistance,” David Satterfield, US special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issued, told reporters on Tuesday.
“We continue discussions with Israel on what we believe are alternate ways of addressing a challenge which we recognize, which is Hamas military present in Rafah.”
Egypt says it will not allow Gazans to be pushed across the border onto its territory. Cairo had warned Israel against moving on Rafah, which “would lead to massive human massacres, losses (and) widespread destruction,” its State Information Service said.
Israel has withdrawn most of its ground troops from southern Gaza this month but kept up air strikes and conducted raids into areas its troops abandoned. Efforts by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to broker an extended ceasefire in time to head off an assault on Rafah have so far failed.
Gaza medical officials say than 34,000 people have been killed in Israel’s military campaign, with thousands more bodies feared buried under rubble.
Hamas killed 1,200 people and abducted 253 on Oct 7, according to Israeli tallies. Of those hostages, 129 remain in Gaza, Israeli officials say. More than 260 Israeli troops have been killed in ground fighting since Oct 20, the military says.
H. A. Hellyer, a senior associate fellow in international security studies at the Royal United Services Institute, said he expected the assault on Rafah “sooner rather than later” because Netanyahu is under pressure to meet his stated objectives of rescuing hostages and killing all the Hamas leaders.
“The invasion of Rafah is unavoidable because of the way he has framed all of this,” he said. But it will not be possible for everyone to leave the city, so “if he sends the military into Rafah, there are going to be a lot of casualties.”
Local authorities reported uncovering 283 bodies in the mass grave within the courtyard of Nasser Hospital after the Israel Defense Forces withdrew from the area on April 7…reports Asian Lite News
An investigation by Sky News suggests Israel is likely responsible for the mass grave discovered at a hospital in Gaza’s southern city of Khan Younis over the weekend.
Local authorities reported uncovering 283 bodies in the mass grave within the courtyard of Nasser Hospital after the Israel Defense Forces withdrew from the area on April 7.
Israel’s military dismissed claims of burying bodies there as “baseless” but confirmed that it had “examined” some bodies during a two-week operation at the hospital.
Analysis of satellite imagery and social media indicates that Palestinians buried their dead in mass graves during Israel’s siege of Nasser Hospital and that the IDF bulldozed these graves after taking control. Prior to the Israeli army’s takeover of the hospital compound in its full-scale operation in February, staff had been forced to bury hundreds of bodies in makeshift graves near the hospital’s main building due to the impossibility of reaching nearby cemeteries.
The IDF began exhuming and examining bodies buried in the compound based on intelligence sources indicating the presence of bodies belonging to Israeli hostages.
The army said the examination “was carried out respectfully while maintaining the dignity of the deceased. “Bodies examined, which did not belong to Israeli hostages, were returned to their place,” the IDF added.
However, Sky News’ Data and Forensic team discovered evidence indicating extensive damage to the sites caused by the army’s examination. Footage uploaded a few days after the IDF left Nasser Hospital showed significant destruction at the southeastern corner of the complex, where some of the mass graves had been dug.
Another video revealed that bulldozer operations in the area caused an arm to be visible, partially buried in a mound of earth.
Satellite images confirmed that the damage occurred while Israeli forces were occupying the complex between Feb. 15 and 22. The UN’s human rights chief expressed horror at the discovery and announced an investigation into claims that some of the bodies had their hands bound and were stripped of clothing.
Earlier last week, other mass graves were found at Al-Shifa, the largest medical facility in the coastal enclave. The discovery led the Hamas-run government to accuse Israel of digging the graves “to hide its crimes.”
Since the conflict began, with retaliatory acts toward Hamas fighters killing and kidnapping 1,200 Israelis, Tel Aviv has launched a bloody, full-scale operation into the Gaza Strip that has resulted in the deaths of over 34,000 people, mostly women and children.
UN demands investigation
The United Nations has called for an “independent, effective and transparent investigation” into the discovery of mass graves at two Gaza hospitals that were besieged and raided by Israeli troops this year.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said in a statement he was “horrified” by the scenes reported from both the Nasser and Al Shifa medical complexes in the besieged enclave.
“Given the prevailing climate of impunity, this should include international investigators,” Türk said. “Hospitals are entitled to very special protection under international humanitarian law. And the intentional killing of civilians, detainees, and others who are hors de combat is a war crime,” he added, referring to non-combatants.
A mass grave with 324 bodies was uncovered this week at the Nasser Medical Complex in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis by Gaza Civil Defense workers following the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the area.
Palestinian health workers recover buried bodies from a mass grave at the Nasser Medical Hospital compound in Khan Younis, Gaza, on April 21.
Col. Yamen Abu Suleiman, Director of Civil Defense in Khan Younis, alleged that some of the bodies had been found with hands and feet tied, “and there were signs of field executions. We do not know if they were buried alive or executed. Most of the bodies are decomposed.”
Previously, a Khan Younis Civil Defense spokesman and head of the search mission, Raed Saqr, told CNN that they are searching for the bodies of another 400 missing people after the Israeli military left on April 7.
“During the IDF’s operation in the area of Nasser Hospital, in accordance to the effort to locate hostages and missing persons, corpses buried by Palestinians in the area of Nasser Hospital were examined,” the Israeli military said, adding that the examination was done “exclusively in places where intelligence indicated the possible presence of hostages.”
Once it was determined that the bodies didn’t belong to the Israeli hostages, they “were returned to their place,” it said.
Hamas-led militants kidnapped more than 250 people from Israel during their attack on the country on October 7. There are 133 hostages from Israel in captivity there now, 35 of whom are believed to be dead.
The Houthi group has been controlling much of northern Yemen since the Yemeni civil war erupted in late 2014….reports Asian Lite News
Yemen’s Houthi group has claimed responsibility for launching three attacks, targeting two US ships in the Gulf of Aden and an Israeli ship in the Indian Ocean.
“In support of the Palestinian people in Gaza, and in response to the American-British aggression against our country (Yemen), our naval forces carried out a military operation targeting the American ship (MAERSK YORKTOWN) in the Gulf of Aden, with a number of suitable naval missiles, and the hit was accurate,” Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV on Wednesday.
“We also carried out other two military operations using bomb-laden drones, one of which targeted an American warship in the Gulf of Aden, with a number of drones, and the other operation targeted the Israeli ship (MSC VERACRUZ) in the Indian Ocean with a number of drones. Both operations achieved their goals successfully,” he said without specifying the date of those attacks.
“We confirm that we will continue to prevent Israeli ships or any ship heading to Israel from transiting the Red Sea, Arabian Sea, and the Indian Ocean until the Israeli aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza is stopped and the siege is lifted,” Sarea said, vowing that his group would take more actions in the coming days.
Earlier in the day, the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported an explosion near a ship in the Gulf of Aden, which it said caused no damage or casualties, Xinhua news agency reported.
The Houthi group has been controlling much of northern Yemen since the Yemeni civil war erupted in late 2014.
After the Israel-Hamas conflict broke out on October 7, 2023, the Houthi group declared its support for Hamas and began attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea in November.
In response to the Houthi attacks, the US and UK launched a joint military operation in January, conducting air raids and missile strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen.
Following the military action by Washington and London, the Houthi group vowed retaliation and expanded its targeting to include US and British ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.
Discriminations with minorities common phenomenon in Pakistan, Iran (Opinion).
Observers believe that a female pitch invader at a match last week is a reason for the latest decision by the FA…reports Asian Lite News
A stadium ban for women is to be reintroduced in Iran, multiple local news reports said on Wednesday.
The reports said that the Iranian FA has ordered the ban to be imposed in the north-western city of Tabriz in the wake of “repulsive incidents” at a home game of local top flight club Tractor-Sazi.
It was not clear whether the stadium ban only applies in Tabriz or for all matches. Tractor-Sazi is one of the most popular clubs in Iran, with a large fan base including many women.
Observers believe that a female pitch invader at a match last week is a reason for the latest decision by the FA.
A woman ran onto the pitch during the Pro League match between Tehran club Esteghal and Aluminium Arak and embraced Esteghlal and national team goalkeeper Hossein Hosseini.
Hosseini was fined around $7,500 and suspended for one match after he reportedly briefly held her. In Iran, it is forbidden to touch women who are not a part of the close family.
Iran’s arch-conservative clergy has argued that women had no business in stadiums with fanatical male fans.
Under pressure from the world governing body FIFA, the ban was relaxed somewhat in recent years, with a certain number of women allowed to attend matches.
Visiting on the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, President Raisi is scheduled to inaugurate the much-delayed Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project…reports Susitha Fernando
Amid the tension in the Middle East, Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi arrived in Sri Lanka following his three-day visit to Pakistan.
Tight security was imposed across the country, especially closing all roads where the Iranian President is scheduled to travel during the one-day visit to the island nation.
Police spokesman and Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Nihal Thalduwa said that additional security personnel from Army, Navy, Air Force and the police elite force, Police Special Task Force (STF) have been deployed to provide extra security for the visiting dignitary.
“The security programme will cover areas where the Iranian President is due to travel to,” Thalduwa said, adding that multiple roads would be closed to provide special security to the Iranian President.
Visiting on the invitation of his Sri Lankan counterpart Ranil Wickremesinghe, President Raisi is scheduled to inaugurate the much-delayed Uma Oya Multipurpose Development Project (UOMDP), one of the largest irrigation and hydro-electricity projects in Sri Lanka.
“A highlight of President Raisi’s visit will be the signing of five memorandums of understanding (MoUs), aimed at bolstering bilateral relations between Iran and Sri Lanka,” the President Media Division (PMD) announced.
Originally started in 2008, the project is aimed to provide irrigation water to about 4,500 hectares of new land and 1,500 hectares of existing agricultural land in the Monaragala district and three districts getting 39 million cubic meters (MCM) of water for drinking and industrial purposes and also to generate 290 GWh of electrical energy annually to the National Grid.
The total $514 million contract became effective on March 15, 2010. Initially, the Export Development Bank of Iran (EDBI) was to fund USD 50 million until 2013, but due to international sanctions against Iran, funds could not be provided. However, the project was continued with Sri Lankan funds and with the Iranian contractor Farab Company.
Due to financial challenges, disruptions caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic and protests due to environmental damages, the completion date was changed to March 2024 from March 2015.
The historical ties between Sri Lanka and Iran date back centuries with interactions between the two nations being primarily centered on the Strait of Hormuz during the Persian era. Formal diplomatic relations were officially established in 1962 and Iran established its mission in Colombo in 1975, while Sri Lanka established its mission in Tehran in January 1990.
Iran has provided development assistance to Sri Lanka with loans focusing on enhancing infrastructure, irrigation, and power sectors. Sri Lanka has already repaid over $19 million to Iran, with a remaining gross payable amount of around $35 million.
The PMD stated that the two countries have collaborated closely with the United Nations and its affiliated agencies, offering mutual support on matters of shared concern. Both nations are active members of various international and regional organisations, including the Asian Cooperation Dialogue (ACD), the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA).
To facilitate much-needed tourists from Iran, Sri Lanka has approved Mahan Air flights between the two countries. In 2022, Iran ranked 27th among countries with the highest international tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka. By June 2023, Sri Lanka had welcomed 5,973 Iranian tourists.
Following tensions in West Asia, where Iran launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel on April 14 in a tit-for-tat to a suspected Israeli airstrike on April 1 that targeted a compound at its Consulate in Damascus, Syria, there were doubts about the visit of Iranian President to Sri Lanka, but an Iranian official had confirmed his visit.
Palestinian civil defence teams in Gaza reported that a mass grave with 283 bodies was located near the Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis….reports Asian Lite News
The bodies discovered in a mass grave in the Gaza Strip were not buried by Israeli soldiers but by Palestinians, according to Israel’s embassy in Geneva.
“The claim that the (Israel Defense Forces) buried Palestinian bodies is baseless and unfounded,” said an embassy statement released on Tuesday evening.
Soldiers only examined the bodies in the grave in search of Israeli hostages, the dignity of the deceased was respected, and the bodies of Palestinians were returned to the same place, it added.
“The examination was conducted in a careful manner and exclusively in places where intelligence indicated the possible presence of hostages,” the embassy said.
Palestinian civil defence teams in Gaza reported on Monday that a mass grave with 283 bodies was located near the Nasser Hospital in the southern city of Khan Younis.
According to the office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, which cited the civil defence, some bodies had bound hands.
Turk on Tuesday said he was “horrified” at the reported discovery of mass graves near hospitals in Gaza and called for an independent investigation into the causes of the deaths.
There have also been reports in recent weeks of bodies found at the Al-Shifa medical complex in Gaza City.
Under international humanitarian law, hospitals are entitled to special protection.
In his remarks, Turk noted that “the intentional killing of civilians, detainees, and others who are hors de combat (out of action due to injury) is a war crime”.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights also criticised the recent attacks by Israeli forces in Rafah in the Gaza Strip due to the high death toll among women and children.
“The latest images of a premature child taken from the womb of her dying mother, of the adjacent two houses where 15 children and five women were killed — this is beyond warfare,” said Turk, warning of possible war crimes.
The pregnant woman was fatally injured in an Israeli attack on a residential building a few days ago, according to a UNHCR spokeswoman.
Rescue workers had taken her to a hospital where the baby had survived after a caesarean section on its dying mother and was now fighting for its life.
The UN office documented three military strikes in Rafah since April 19, in which at least 30 women and children were killed.
The UNHCR now estimates that there are still 1.2 million displaced persons in Rafah. This is down from the earlier estimate of 1.7 million due to many people leaving Rafah for fear of the offensive to the north announced by Israel.
Such an offensive could lead to further violations of international law, as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity, UNHCR said.
According to Palestinian authorities, more than 34,000 people died since Israel launched a military operation in retaliation for the massive terrorist attack in the south of the country on October 7 that killed nearly 1,200 people.
Turk also demanded the immediate release of the remaining hostages taken from Israel during last year’s attack.
Meanwhile, southern Israeli border areas came under renewed rocket fire from Gaza early Tuesday.
Four rockets were intercepted by Israel’s missile defence system, local media said, with one warehouse in the border town of Sderot being hit by fragments and setting on fire. There were no reports of casualties.
According to Israeli figures, more than 16,000 rockets have been fired at Israel by the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas and other groups since October 7.
Red Cross says Rafah evacuations ‘impossible’
The situation in Gaza remains tense and precarious as concerns grow over a potential Israeli assault on the city of Rafah. Amid these fears, plans to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah, “would be impossible,” according to Red Cross, media reported.
Fabrizio Carboni, a Red Cross official, expressed doubts about the feasibility of such evacuations given the lack of suitable shelter and essential services elsewhere, AFP reported.
Israeli media reports suggested preparations for a military operation in Rafah, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has long advocated. However, concerns have been raised about the humanitarian consequences of such an operation, particularly given Gaza’s already dire conditions.
The prospect of civilian evacuations prompted discussions about potential international assistance, including the possibility of setting up tent cities with international support. Yet, aid workers remain uncertain about how to mitigate the impending crisis, with little information provided by Israeli authorities or international donors.
Jan Egeland, head of the Norwegian Refugee Council, described the situation as a countdown to catastrophe, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian action, AFP reported.
Sheikh Hamdan commended the efforts of government and emergency response teams…reports Asian Lite News
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, praised Dubai’s ability to overcome challenges and emphasised that the emirate – under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai – will continue to strengthen its standing as a global role model in every respect notwithstanding situations like the extreme weather events it experienced earlier in April.
Chairing a meeting of The Executive Council of Dubai today, Sheikh Hamdan commended the efforts of government and emergency response teams, including the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai, chaired by H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, in facing up to the testing situation brought on by the severe weather conditions.
Sheikh Hamdan also praised businesses, the wider community and volunteers for their cooperation and solidarity. “Dubai has once again demonstrated the strength and cohesiveness of its society; one that is based on unity, solidarity and readiness to face and overcome challenges. Dubai is blessed with its people and, on behalf of the leadership, we say: thank you.”
The meeting at Emirates Towers was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, First Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council; and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Chairman of The Executive Council.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan affirmed that Dubai is on track to realise the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to be among the world’s most prepared, resilient and agile cities, capable of turning challenges into opportunities.
Sheikh Hamdan expressed his confidence in Dubai’s ability to address extreme weather events, given the competence displayed by teams who worked tirelessly before, during and after the heavy downpours to restore normalcy. He acknowledged the spirit of preparedness, oneness and cooperation amongst Dubai’s community, government and businesses that helped limit the impact of the extreme weather situation. He added that the experience serves as an opportunity to further enhance the emirate’s emergency responses in the future.
During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan directed government entities to develop a comprehensive proactive plan to deal with extreme weather events. The Council also reviewed Dubai’s efforts to deal with the adverse weather situations that have impacted the region. More than 25,000 personnel and volunteers participated in the emergency response, in addition to around 5,000 security patrols, emergency vehicles, tankers, buses, and water pump operators.
