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‘US doesn’t believe genocide occurring in Gaza’

Washington was using the internationally accepted term for genocide, which includes a focus on intent to reach this assessment, says Sullivan

The United States does not believe that genocide is occurring in Gaza but Israel must do more to protect Palestinian civilians, President Joe Biden’s top national security official said Monday.

As ceasefire talks stall and Israel continued striking the southern city of Rafah, White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan insisted that the responsibility for peace lay with militant group Hamas.

“We believe Israel can and must do more to ensure the protection and wellbeing of innocent civilians. We do not believe what is happening in Gaza is a genocide,” Sullivan told a briefing.

The US was “using the internationally accepted term for genocide, which includes a focus on intent” to reach this assessment, Sullivan added.

Biden wanted to see Hamas defeated but realized that Palestinian civilians were in “hell,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan said he was coming to the White House podium to “take a step back” and set out the Biden administration’s position on the conflict, amid criticism from both ends of the US political spectrum.

Biden has come under fire from Republicans for halting some weapons shipments to press his demands that Israel hold off a Rafah offensive, while there have been protests at US universities against his support for Israel.

The US president believed any Rafah operation “has got to be connected to a strategic endgame that also answered the question, ‘what comes next?’” Sullivan added.

This would avoid Israel “getting mired in a counterinsurgency campaign that never ends, and ultimately saps Israel’s strength and vitality.”

OCHA revises toll of women, children killed in Gaza

A United Nations agency tracking Gaza’s casualty figures reduced by half the number of women and children killed in the Strip since October 7, raising questions about conflict’s true death toll.

An infographic published by the UN’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) on May 8 indicated that 4,959 women and 7,797 children have been killed in Gaza since October 7. That was half the number indicated on a May 6 infographic which reported 9,500 women and 14,500 children had been killed.

Both infographics sourced the figures to “Gaza HMO” or Health Ministry officials. Gaza’s Health Ministry is run by the Hamas terror group.

OCHA did not offer any explanation for the dramatic revision. OCHA’s figures are widely sourced by international leaders, diplomats, the media and humanitarian aid organizations.

Israel’s war against Hamas is now in its eighth month and the casualty figures have not been independently verified.

Israelis have questioned the numbers, pointing out that the Gaza Health Ministry is run by Hamas, and has a record from previous conflicts of blurring distinctions between civilian and combatant casualties, or attributing natural deaths to Israeli operations.

More recently, critics have raised issues with statistical anomalies, pointing out that Hamas’s claim that 70 per cent of the victims are women and children is statistically impossible.

On April 6, the Hamas-run Health Ministry announced on its Telegram channel that it had “incomplete” data on one-third of the casualties. In response, experts told The Press Service of Israel that Hamas’s announcement needed to be treated with skepticism, and that the true number of Palestinian civilians killed in the conflict may never be known.

“The idea in psychological warfare is to get the enemy always on the worrying side, to shake its confidence and power. The Palestinians have lied all throughout the conflict with Israel. They lie about the number of Palestinians living in the West Bank, they lie about the Palestinians living in Gaza, they lie as a system,” Dr. Ron Schleifer told TPS-IL at the time.

Schleifer, who teaches communications at Ariel University said, “If you don’t want to call them liars, they’re inconsistent and dubious. But the idea is the same. You inflate your numbers depending on what image you want. You can lie to show weakness when weakness is the winning argument. That’s when they inflate the numbers of people killed. The inflated death toll is an element of psychological warfare.”

The revised figures also raise questions about OCHA. On Wednesday, TPS-IL exposed how the agency is republishing Hamas propaganda through reports written by Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, whose current and former directors have been identified as Hamas operatives.

The reports, seen by TPS-IL accuse Israel of “genocide,” organ theft, using banned thermal weapons, burying Palestinians in mass graves, massacring Palestinians in Gaza’s Shifa Hospital, deliberately using Palestinians as human shields, and sexually assaulting Palestinian women. These reports are published on Relief Web, an information portal overseen by OCHA and widely used by the international humanitarian community.

At least 1,200 people were killed and 240 Israelis and foreigners were taken hostage in Hamas’s attacks on Israeli communities near the Gaza border on October 7. Around 30 of the remaining 132 hostages are believed dead.

ALSO READ: Indian UN Employee First Foreign Victim in Gaza Conflict

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Emirati Field Hospital continues to provide services in Gaza

Dr. Kaabi affirmed that the field hospital has provided care to 20,686 patients and has performed more than 1,752 surgeries….reports Asian Lite News

The Emirati Field Hospital in the Gaza Strip remains steadfast in delivering vital medical services to the residents despite the current significant challenges.

Dr. Sultan Al Kaabi, Hospital Director, highlighted Gaza’s critical medical situation, which is facing a severe shortage of supplies and equipment as several hospitals are out of service.

Despite these obstacles, Dr. Kaabi affirmed that the field hospital has provided care to 20,686 patients and has performed more than 1,752 surgeries.

Established under “Operation Chivalrous Knight 3”, the field hospital prioritises serving the most vulnerable, including children, women, and those with chronic diseases.

Furthermore, Dr. Kaabi emphasised the ongoing collaboration with officials of Gaza’s medical sector to ensure continued support and provide essential medical care to those in need.

UN staffer killed in Rafah

Israel army’s gunfire killed a UN staffer, an Indian, and injured another UN employee in the city of Rafah, southern Gaza, the Hamas-run media office said.

In a statement, the media office said on Monday that the UN staffers were travelling in a vehicle belonging to the UN and bearing UN flags and markings when they were hit, Xinhua news agency reported.

The death of the UN staffer was confirmed by the United Nations.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Monday in a statement that he was “deeply saddened to learn of the death of a United Nations Department of Safety and Security (DSS) staff member and injury to another DSS staffer when their UN vehicle was struck as they travelled to the European Hospital in Rafah this morning”.

Sending his condolences to the family of the fallen UN staffer, he condemned all attacks on UN personnel and called for a full investigation.

Meanwhile, Israeli public radio reported that the Israeli army is investigating the shooting incident at a United Nations vehicle, indicating that the source of the fire is unknown.

The Israeli army said in a statement that its forces continue their operations in three towns in the strip, including Rafah, Jabalia and Zeitoun, to stop Hamas from “reorganising its ranks”.

The health authorities in Gaza reported 57 deaths and 82 injuries in the besieged enclave on Monday, bringing the total death toll and injuries since the break of the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict, respectively, to 35,901 and 78,827.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip 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.

ALSO READ: Indian UN Employee First Foreign Victim in Gaza Conflict

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Emirates soars to record profits

The Group’s cash balance was AED47.1 billion (US$ 12.8 billion), the highest ever reported, up 11% from last year….reports Asian Lite News

The Emirates Group released its 2023-24 Annual Report, hitting new record profit, revenue, and cash balance levels. Both Emirates and dnata saw significant profit and revenue increases in 2023-24, as the Group expanded its operations around the world to meet strong customer demand for its high-quality products and services.

For the financial year ended 31st March 2024, the Emirates Group posted a record profit of AED18.7 billion (US$ 5.1 billion), up 71% compared with an AED10.9 billion (US$ 3.0 billion) profit for last year. The Group’s revenue was AED137.3 billion (US$ 37.4 billion), an increase of 15% over last year’s results.

The Group’s cash balance was AED47.1 billion (US$ 12.8 billion), the highest ever reported, up 11% from last year.

Combined Group profits for the last 2 years, at AED29.6 billion, surpass pandemic losses of AED25.9 billion during 2020-2022.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates airline and Group, said, “The Emirates Group has once again raised the bar to deliver a new record performance. Throughout the year, we saw high demand for air transport and travel related services around the world, and because we were able to move quickly to deliver what customers want, we achieved tremendous results. We are reaping the benefit of years of non-stop investments in our products and services, in building strong partnerships, and in the capabilities of our talented people.

Huge credit is also due to the UAE’s visionary leaders, especially His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. It is thanks to their leadership and the nation’s progressive policies that the Emirates Group is able to flourish. Both Emirates and dnata have forged successful business models leveraging Dubai’s unique advantages, in turn generating enormous value for Dubai and the communities they serve around the world.”

Sheikh Ahmed added, “The Group’s excellent financial standing today places us in a strong position for future growth and success. It enables us to invest to deliver even better products, services, and more value to our customers and stakeholders.”

He said, “We enter our 2024-25 financial year on strong foundations for continued growth. Emirates will receive delivery of 10 new A350 aircraft in 2024-25, adding to our fleet mix and supporting the next phase of its network growth. dnata will continue to leverage synergies and scale across its business divisions to grow its footprint and capabilities. In tandem, we are investing resources to minimise our environmental impact, develop our people, look after our customers and the communities we serve.”

He added, “Looking further ahead, the Dubai government has announced plans to start the next phase of expansion at Al Maktoum International Airport, which will eventually be the new hub for Emirates and dnata’s operations. This AED128 billion (US$ 35 billion) investment will significantly expand and enhance Dubai’s aviation and logistics infrastructure, supporting the city’s growth, and Emirates’ and dnata’s growth.”

Emirates’ total passenger and cargo capacity increased by 20% to 57.7 billion ATKMs in 2023-24, recovering to near pre-pandemic levels.

The airline hit a new record profit of AED17.2 billion (US$ 4.7 billion) exceeding last year’s AED10.6 billion (US$ 2.9 billion) result, with an exceptional profit margin of 14.2%, marking it the best performance in the airline’s history.

Emirates carried 51.9 million passengers (up 19%) in 2023-24, with seat capacity up by 21%.

The cargo division reported a solid revenue of AED13.6 billion (US$ 3.7 billion), contributing 11% to the airline’s total revenue.

At the end of 2023-24, Emirates’ SkyCargo’s total freighter fleet stood at 11 Boeing 777Fs. The cargo division expects delivery of its 5 additional Boeing 777Fs on order from mid-2024.

Emirates continued to meet all its regular aircraft-related payment obligations and repaid an additional AED2.2 billion (US$ 596 million) from the AED17.5 billion (US$ 4.8 billion) borrowed during the COVID-19 crisis.

Emirates closed the financial year with its highest-ever level of cash assets at AED42.9 billion (US$ 11.7 billion), 15% higher compared to 31st March 2023.

dnata increased its profit by 330% to AED1.4 billion (US$ 387 million) in 2023-24, reporting solid results across its business divisions.

dnata’s total revenue increased by 29% to hit a new record of AED19.2 billion (US$ 5.2 billion), driven by increased flight and travel activity across the world.

ALSO READ: UAE Rejects Netanyahu’s Gaza Administration Proposal

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‘India committed to development of Chabahar port’

New Delhi’s Ambassador to Tehran Rudra Gaurav Shresth said India is committed to increasing capacity, efficiency, and development of equipment in the Iranian port…reports Asian Lite News

Before long, a new chapter of cooperation between New Delhi and Tehran will open to deploy advanced equipment in the port of Chabahar and increase the transportation of commodities, Ambassador of India to Iran Rudra Gaurav Shresth said while visiting Port of Shahid Beheshti in the southeastern city of Chabahar.

India Ports Global Limited (IPGL), a state-owned company, has signed a cooperation agreement with Iran to equip and operate the Shahid Beheshti Port in Chabahar recently.

India is committed to increasing capacity, efficiency, and development of equipment in the Iranian port, the ambassador noted.

Officials have developed port terminals, equipment, and facilities of Shahid Beheshti Port, which are effective in exporting and importing goods, he further noted.

In the mid-January, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian said that he and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar have had discussions over “strategic connections”, including the development of Iran’s Chabahar Port and the significance of the International North-South Transit Corridor (INSTC).

Iran to link Chabahar port to railway network

“Our entire effort is to complete the Chabahar-Zahedan rail section by the end of the year and put it in the service of the country’s transit development,” Mehrdad Bazrpash, Minister of Roads and Urban Development, said after signing a contract with India to develop the port of Chabahar.

India has been developing Chabahar on Iran’s southeastern coast along the Gulf of Oman to facilitate the transfer of goods to Iran, Afghanistan and central Asian countries, as an alternative to the port of Karachi and Gwadar in rival Pakistan.

Additionally, Bazrpash said he proposed a plan to Indian officials to launch a joint shipping company between Iran and India to expand transit routes in the region. “This proposal will be officially presented soon,” he added.

The minister noted that the transit container line between Iran, China and India is running regularly, and its transit volume grew by more than 154% last calendar year.

“With the development of the Chabahar port, we hope to see an even greater increase in this transit volume,” he said.

Speaking about the joint project, Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Mehdi Safari also said that the Chabahar deal is “good news for exporters, importers and transit in Iran and other Central Asian countries such as Uzbekistan, Russia and the Caucasus”.

He said that measures have been taken to facilitate transit of goods from Iran to Central Asia and the Caucasus until the Chabahar-Khash railway becomes operational.

“In this regard, 150 trucks are transporting cargo through this route to Central Asia and the Caucasus,” he said.

India takes one more step to develop Chabahar port.

New transit corridor outside of Persian Gulf

This 10-year long-term lease agreement further strengthens the bilateral ties between the two countries while bolstering confidence and boosting trust among trading communities in the region.

The Chabahar Port is an India-Iran flagship project that serves as an important transit port for trade with Afghanistan and Central Asian countries, which are landlocked countries. India has been a key player in the development and operation of Chabahar Port.

The Indian government has invested in the port’s infrastructure and has been involved in upgrading its facilities to make it a viable transit route for Indian goods bound for Afghanistan and Central Asia.

In August 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in Johannesburg on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

Both leaders discussed the pending long-term Contract on Chabahar, and gave a clear political direction to finalise and sign the long-term Term Contract.

‘Pathway for bigger investments’

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar asserted that the possible signing agreement between India and Iran will pave the way for bigger investments and will connect India to Central Asia.

“On the Chabahar agreement, my understanding is my cabinet colleague Sarbananda Sonawalji is today going to Iran and it is expected that we would see the long-term agreement between India and Iran on Chabahar. We’ve been running it on the basis of ad hoc arrangements. This is not because of any problem on the Indian side. The issue was really there was a lot of problems as to exactly who the combination of partners would be in Iran,” he said during a media interaction in Mumbai.

“So we believe that as and when a long-term arrangement is concluded, it will clear the pathway for bigger investments to be made in the port. Right now, the port has not grown because actually we didn’t, you know, if you don’t have a long-term agreement, it’s very difficult to invest in a port. So the very clear expectation is that the Chabahar port, at least that part of the Chabahar port that we are involved in, that will definitely see more investments,” he added.

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Indian UN Employee First Foreign Victim in Gaza Conflict

The victim was identified as Col. Waibhav Anil Kale, who had started working a month ago as a security coordinator for the UN in Gaza…reports Arul Louis

An Indian working for the United Nations in Gaza has become the first non-Palestinian staffer to be killed during the current Gaza conflict when his vehicle was attacked on its way to a hospital in Rafah.

The victim was identified as Col. Waibhav Anil Kale, who had started working a month ago as a security coordinator for the UN in Gaza, according to The Washington Post, which quoted unnamed informed sources.

Kale, who worked for the UN Department of Safety and Security (DSS) joins the roster of more than 200 Indians who have died in the service of the UN.

The majority of them – 179 – are peacekeepers but many other Indian civilians, who like employees of the DSS are not peacekeepers, have died working for the UN in various capacities in trouble spots.

Earlier, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s Spokesperson Farhan Haq, who announced the death, did not identify him pending notification to his family and government.

Haq said that Guterres condemned the attack and called for a full investigation.

Another UN employee was injured in the Monday attack, he said.

The blame for the attack has not been fixed because the situation remains murky in Rafah.

Haq did not say who carried out the attack.

Al Jazeera broadcast clips showing windows with bullet holes on the attacked vehicle flying UN flags and bearing large UN markings.

From the nature of the damage, it did not appear to have been an air or heavy artillery attack.

He said that Monday’s victim was the first international employee of the UN killed in Gaza since October 7, although 188 Palestinian employees of the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the UN arm for humanitarian services for Palestinians, have been killed.

“We will be working with the authorities on the ground to get restitution for all of those who have been killed,” Haq declared.

The Post said that according to its sources, Kale was a 46-year-old father of two teenage children.

Other media reports said that he had earlier worked for the Indian Army.

Israel Defense Forces said that according to an initial inquiry, Monday’s attack happened in an active combat zone and that it was not made aware of the vehicle’s movement.

Haq said that the DSS staffers were in the vehicle with clear UN markings that was in a convoy engaged in “their regular work [for which] they go to different locations to assess security conditions. And this was the European Hospital in Rafah”.

Asked what the UN was doing to seek justice for the UN employees killed in the conflict, Haq said, “In all cases, we are going to set up measures for accountability”.

“A lot of that, as you know, requires ultimately for an end to the conflict so that we can work these out,” he said.

Guterres reiterated his call for a humanitarian ceasefire and the release of the hostages taken by Hamas, which sparked the conflict with an attack on Israel in which about 1,200 people were killed and 128 were kidnapped.

Israel’s retaliation on Gaza, from where Hamas launched the attack, has killed about 34,000 Palestinians, most of them women, children or the aged.

Last month, four foreigners and three Palestinians working for a non-profit organisation, were killed in Gaza.

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Iran Open to Direct Talks with US

Official representatives of the government have not yet made a statement…reports Asian Lite News

Iran has shown itself to be open to direct talks with the US and appears to be ready for a change of course in its policy towards its arch-enemy.

“The Americans describe diplomacy as the best option… We are of the same view and are also ready to return to negotiations,” Kamal Kharazi, foreign policy adviser to Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, said on Sunday, according to state news agency ISNA.

According to Kharazi, Iran should also be prepared to resume the nuclear negotiations broken off under then-US president Donald Trump.

“Then we could also talk about a nuclear-free region (in the Middle East),” said the country’s high-ranking adviser and former foreign minister.

The arch-conservative government of President Ebrahim Raisi has until now vehemently and consistently rejected direct contact with the US, which it frequently refers to as the “Great Satan,” since coming to power in Iran in 2021.

According to the Foreign Ministry in Tehran, diplomatic contact with the US only takes place via third countries such as Qatar and Oman and, in some cases, via the European Union. Kharazi’s statements, therefore, indicate a change of course on the part of the Islamic Republic.

However, official representatives of the government have not yet made a statement.

As recently as Thursday, Kharazi had threatened both the US and Israel with a revision of Iran’s nuclear doctrine. Although he justified this again, he added that Iran still does not want to build or use nuclear weapons.

ALSO READ: Arab stock exchanges thrive

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‘Israel’s Rafah offensive would not eliminate Hamas’

Secretary of State Antony Blinken says an Israeli offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah would provoke “anarchy”…reports Asian Lite News

An all-out Israeli offensive on the Gaza city of Rafah would provoke “anarchy” without eliminating Hamas, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Sunday, as Washington stepped up a pressure campaign against such an assault.

Separately, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan emphasized Washington’s concerns about an offensive in a call with his Israeli counterpart, Tzachi Hanegbi.

“Mr. Sullivan reiterated President Biden’s longstanding concerns over the potential for a major military ground operation into Rafah, where over one million people have taken shelter,” a White House readout of the phone call said.

It said Hanegbi “confirmed that Israel is taking US concerns into account,” but did not elaborate.

Israeli bombardment in the eastern parts of Rafah have already sent 300,000 Gazans fleeing.

The United States and other countries, as well as top UN officials, have warned that a full-out assault on Rafah could have a disastrous impact on the refugees driven there by fighting elsewhere in Gaza, many of them living in desperate conditions.

Israel has said it is attempting to keep civilian casualties to a minimum.

But Blinken, when asked on CBS’s “Face the Nation” whether the US concurred with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s statement that Israeli forces had killed more civilians than Hamas militants since the war began, replied simply, “Yes, we do.”

Blinken said a full-scale invasion could come “potentially at an incredibly high cost” and that even a massive assault on Rafah was unlikely to end the Hamas threat.

“Israel’s on the trajectory, potentially, to inherit an insurgency with many armed Hamas left, or if it leaves, a vacuum filled by chaos, filled by anarchy and probably refilled by Hamas,” he said.

Blinken also confirmed that the hold President Joe Biden has placed on weapons to Israel — as the US continues pressing it to better protect civilians and avoid an all-out invasion of Rafah — is limited to 3,500 “high-capacity” bombs.

He said the United States was continuing to press Israeli leaders to provide a plan for Gaza once the war is finally over, telling NBC’s “Meet the Press” that “we’ve been talking to them about a much better way of getting an enduring result.”

The US diplomat said Hamas militants had already returned to certain areas of northern Gaza that Israel had “liberated.”

Blinken also spoke Sunday with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, insisting again the United States opposed a major Israel ground operation in Rafah, the State Department said.

“The Secretary underscored the urgent need to protect civilians and aid workers in Gaza and urged the Minister to ensure assistance can move into Gaza and help address distribution challenges inside of Gaza as Israel pursues Hamas targets,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.

Israel struck Gaza on Sunday and troops battled militants in several areas of the Hamas-run territory, where the health ministry said the death toll in the war had exceeded 35,000 people.

More than seven months into the war, UN chief Antonio Guterres urged “an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, the unconditional release of all hostages and an immediate surge in humanitarian aid.”

Asked about a State Department report issued Friday that said Israel likely has violated norms of international law in its use of US weapons, Blinken said there was still too little evidence to warrant ending all military support.

The chaotic and dangerous conditions of an ongoing war, he said, made it “very difficult” to determine exactly what was happening, or what weapons were used, in any specific action.

Republicans have been sharply critical even of Biden’s limited halt to providing bombs.

Senator Tom Cotton, who serves on the Armed Services Committee, told CBS that the State Department report “was very clear: there is no evidence that Israel is violating international law.”

He said Israel “is doing more than any military in history to prevent civilian casualties.”

Meanwhile, President Joe Biden finds himself at the centre of bipartisan criticism from Capitol Hill regarding his recent ultimatum to Israel, warning of a halt in some US weapons shipments in response to a potential major Israeli offensive in Rafah, CNN reported.

In a televised interview with CNN’s Erin Burnett, Biden’s declaration drew swift rebuke from lawmakers across the political spectrum. Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio questioned the coherence of Biden’s approach, pointing out the contradiction between expressing concern for Palestinian civilian casualties and withholding weapons designed to minimise such casualties.

“On the one hand, they’re saying too many Palestinian civilians have been killed. With the other hand, they’re depriving us of the precision-guided weapons that actually cut down on civilian casualties,” Republican Senator JD Vance of Ohio told CNN though Biden specifically mentioned withholding bombs and artillery shells deemed by the administration as indiscriminate and imprecise.

“So if you’re worried about Palestinian casualties, the stated policy here actually doesn’t make a ton of sense,” Vance said, as reported by CNN.

The administration’s decision extends beyond mere rhetoric, with a review underway regarding the sale or transfer of munitions like Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) kits to Israel. However, these potential transfers remain pending, according to a US official.

Biden’s public announcement marks a significant shift in US-Israeli relations since the conflict between Israel and Hamas erupted seven months prior. Despite the administration’s assertion that Israel had been forewarned, the move has stirred controversy, particularly among Republicans.

ALSO READ: Israel strikes Gaza as more Rafah evacuations ordered

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Arab stock exchanges thrive

The Arab Monetary Fund (AMF) says the market cap of Arab stock exchanges exceeded $4.361 trillion at the end of April 2024…reports Asian Lite News

The market cap of Arab stock exchanges exceeded $4.361 trillion at the end of April 2024, according to the Arab Monetary Fund (AMF).

The monthly bulletin data of the AMF said that the market value of the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange reached $754.7 billion, while that of the Dubai Financial Market was valued at $193.4 billion, and the market value of the Saudi Stock Exchange was $2.87 trillion.

The market value of the Qatar Stock Exchange was $155.4 billion, the Kuwait Stock Exchange was about $135.6 billion, the Casablanca Stock Exchange was $68.9 billion, the Muscat Stock Exchange was $63.2 billion, and the Egyptian Stock Exchange was $34.9 billion.

The market value of the Amman Stock Exchange was $23.4 billion, the Bahrain Stock Exchange was $21.2 billion, the Beirut Stock Exchange was $17.2 billion, the Tunis Stock Exchange was $8.1 billion, the Damascus Stock Exchange was $5.9 billion, and the Palestine Stock Exchange was $4.3 billion.

AIM CONFERENCE

The 13th edition of AIM Congress (Annual Investment Meeting) concluded with resounding success after three days of dynamic discussions, innovative exhibitions, and fruitful networking sessions at ADNEC. With the support of UAE Industry of Advanced Technology and the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development as lead partners, AIM Congress 2024 convened global investors, entrepreneurs, and policymakers to explore and leverage new opportunities.

Under the theme “Adapting to a Shifting Investment Landscape: Harnessing New Potential for Global Economic Development”, AIM Congress 2024 provided a robust platform for delegates to delve into the evolving dynamics of investment across distinctive pillars: FDI, FPI, SMEs, Startups, Future Cities and Digital Economy.

Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of State for Foreign Trade, said, “The resounding success of the Annual Investment Meeting is a testament to the UAE’s steadfast commitment to fostering a dynamic and inclusive business environment. This event underscores the UAE’s position as the preferred business hub for the world, offering unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and growth.”

He added, “The participation of esteemed international organisations such as the World Health Organisation (WHO), the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UN Tourism), the World Association of Investment Promotion Agencies (WAIPA), World Economic Forum, and others highlights the pivotal role AIM Congress plays in contributing to global economic development.”

“Their presence reflects the significance of AIM in facilitating meaningful dialogue, knowledge exchange, and partnership-building initiatives that transcend borders and propel sustainable growth. Together, we can leverage the insights and partnerships forged at AIM Congress 2024 to navigate the complexities of the global economy and build a brighter future for generations to come,” he concluded.

Reflecting the event’s significance, 138 high-level dignitaries graced AIM 2024, joining 12,427 visitors hailing from 179 countries. The congress featured a staggering 412 dialogue sessions, offering a comprehensive exploration of investment trends, challenges, and opportunities. With insights from more than 927 speakers, including industry pioneers, policymakers, and thought leaders, AIM Congress 2024 fostered a rich exchange of ideas to drive sustainable economic growth on a global scale.

Dawood Al Shezawi, President of AIM Global Foundation and AIM Congress, said, “As we close AIM Congress 2024, I extend heartfelt appreciation to all participants, speakers, and organizers whose unwavering dedication contributed to the remarkable success of this event. It has been a privilege to witness the vibrant exchange of ideas, insightful presentations, and groundbreaking innovations that have defined these past few days.

“AIM continues to serve as a pivotal platform, uniting leaders from diverse sectors to address pressing challenges and seize emerging opportunities in business, finance, and governance. From navigating challenges to embracing the latest trends in investments, technology, and innovation, our discussions have illuminated pathways towards a future of sustainable economic development.”

He added, “As we embark on the journey ahead, I am confident that the partnerships formed will fuel economic growth and foster new avenues of prosperity worldwide. Let us remain steadfast in our commitment to collaboration and innovation, as we strive to build a more resilient, sustainable, and inclusive global economy.”

In line with AIM’s tradition of catalyzing strategic partnerships, AIM 2024 witnessed the signing of 43 memoranda of understanding (MoU) among governmental entities, financial institutions, and private sector firms. These agreements spanned diverse sectors, from finance and technology to healthcare and education, underscoring the role of the congress in fostering cross-border cooperation and investment.

The event also hosted 8,130 B2B meetings, allowing delegates to forge valuable connections, explore potential collaborations, and catalyze business opportunities across diverse sectors and geographies.

Additionally, the congress hosted 3 high-level roundtable meetings, facilitating focused discussions on critical investment themes and strategies. Through these deliberations, participants explored avenues for collaboration and innovation to navigate the complexities of the contemporary investment landscape.

The exhibition segment of AIM Congress 2024 showcased cutting-edge innovations, products, and services from a global array of 352 exhibitors from 71 countries. Through interactive displays and demonstrations, participants gained firsthand insights into the latest advancements shaping the future of various industries. The Investment Destination presentations highlighted burgeoning regions across the globe, while Startups and Unicorns highlighted the future of technology across different fields such as finance, agriculture, medicine, and others.

As AIM Congress 2024 draws to a close, the lasting impact of this year’s congress is evident in the relationships cultivated, agreements solidified, and insights exchanged. Looking forward, AIM Congress is poised for an even greater impact in 2025. With a steadfast commitment to sustainable economic development, AIM is committed to elevating the platform, empowering stakeholders to embrace emerging opportunities and navigate the ever-evolving investment landscape with renewed vigor. AIM Congress 2025 promises to be bigger, better, and bolder, as it continues the journey towards shaping a more prosperous and inclusive global economy.

ALSO READ: Rafah: Egypt, Jordan warn against humanitarian catastrophe

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 ‘Operation Chivalrous Knight 3’ gives ambulance

The Palestinian Ministry of Health expressed its gratitude to the UAE for its continuous support, which includes the provision of medical equipment, supplies, and medicines….reports Asian Lite News

“Operation Chivalrous Knight 3” has delivered an X-ray machine and a fully-equipped ambulance to the Al Marwani Field Hospital in the Gaza Strip. This donation is part of the UAE’s ongoing efforts to improve the quality of medical services provided to Palestinian families.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health expressed its gratitude to the UAE for its continuous support, which includes the provision of medical equipment, supplies, and medicines. This support is essential for keeping hospitals in the Gaza Strip operational, especially in light of the recent closures of several facilities due to the difficult conditions in Rafah city and other governorates in the Gaza Strip.

The UAE’s commitment to supporting the health sector in the Gaza Strip is unwavering, especially during these critical times faced by hospitals and healthcare institutions. The UAE continues to provide medical services to the injured and wounded at the Emirati field hospital in Rafah city, where medical teams are operating normally.

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Egypt to support of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at ICJ

Egypt called on Israel, as the occupying power, to comply with its obligations…reports Asian Lite News

 Egypt announced its intention to officially intervene in support of South Africa’s genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The ministry stated that Egypt’s decision to intervene in the lawsuit comes in light of the escalating severity and scope of Israeli attacks against Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip.

 “These attacks include deliberate targeting of civilians, infrastructure destruction, forced displacement, and creating unbearable living conditions, leading to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza. These actions constitute a flagrant violation of international law, humanitarian law, and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949 regarding the protection of civilians during wartime,” the ministry said.

Egypt called on Israel, as the occupying power, to comply with its obligations, the statement said.

“This includes implementing interim measures issued by the International Court of Justice to ensure adequate access to humanitarian aid that meets the needs of Palestinians in Gaza and to refrain from committing any violations against the Palestinian people, who are protected under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.”

Furthermore, Egypt reiterated its call to the UN Security Council and influential international parties to take immediate action to halt the violations in Gaza and military operations in the Palestinian city of Rafah and to provide necessary protection for Palestinian civilians,the statement said.

UAE’s Gaza Role

 The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, commended the UAE’s honourable position in support of the Palestinian cause and the country’s rejection of the statements made by the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, in which he had suggested that the UAE could participate in the civil administration of the Gaza Strip, under Israeli occupation.

In a statement, the Council emphasised its full support for the UAE’s courageous stance purporting the Israeli Prime Minister lacks legitimate authority to implement this step, or take any similar measures.

The statement also commended UAE’s rejection of being involved in any plan aimed at providing cover for the Israeli presence in the Gaza Strip.

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