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Egypt, UAE Airdrop Second Batch of Aid in Gaza

The operation, which will run for several weeks, showcases the level of UAE-Egypt coordination to support the people of Gaza….reports Asian Lite News

The Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence has announced the completion of the second airdrop of humanitarian and relief aid by the UAE Air Force and the Egyptian Air Force in the northern Gaza Strip, as part of the “Birds of Goodness” operation. The operation aims to alleviate the suffering of the war-ravaged Palestinian people.

Joint teams from both countries carried out the operation using three aircraft carrying about 42 tonnes of food and medical aid, bringing the total to 78 tonnes since the operation was launched.

Operation “Birds of Goodness” is part of the “Gallant Knight 3” humanitarian operation, which was launched on 5th November 2023, in line with the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The operation, which will run for several weeks, showcases the level of UAE-Egypt coordination to support the people of Gaza. It also comes within the framework of Arab solidarity to help the Palestinian people in light of the dire circumstances in the Gaza Strip.

This humanitarian operation reflects the determination of the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt to provide all forms of humanitarian support to the Palestinian people and overcome the challenges to alleviate their suffering.

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UAE, Egypt Begin New Aid Operation in Gaza

Operation “Birds of Goodness” is part of the “Gallant Knight 3” humanitarian operation which was launched on 5th November 2023…reports Asian Lite News

The Joint Operations Command of the Ministry of Defence announced the launch of “Birds of Goodness” operation to airdrop humanitarian and relief aid by the UAE Air Force and the Egyptian Air Force in the northern Gaza Strip. The operation aims to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people due to the war and help them overcome the difficult circumstances they are facing.

Operation “Birds of Goodness” is part of the “Gallant Knight 3” humanitarian operation which was launched on 5th November 2023, based on the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The operation, which will last for several weeks, embodies the level of Emirati-Egyptian coordination to support the people of Gaza. It also comes within the framework of Arab and humanitarian solidarity to help the Palestinian people in light of the critical circumstances facing their children in the Gaza Strip.

Last night, joint teams from both countries carried out the operation using three aircraft carrying about 36 tonnes of food and medical aid. The aid was dropped in the areas of Jabalia and Beit Lahia using special boxes equipped with GPS technology to ensure that it reaches the designated locations at the appropriate times.

The GPS system used in the operation is a state-of-the-art technology used in airdropping aid, allowing for accurate and easy identification of target locations and ensuring that aid reaches those who need it most. It is considered one of the latest tools used in humanitarian and relief work during emergencies.

The operation is expected to accelerate the delivery of urgent aid to those in need in northern Gaza, with the aim of alleviating their suffering and providing them with the necessary support during these difficult times.

The people of northern Gaza expressed their thanks and appreciation for this humanitarian gesture, which reflects the determination of the United Arab Emirates and the Arab Republic of Egypt to provide all forms of humanitarian support to the Palestinian people and to overcome the challenges in order to alleviate their suffering.

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Key Biden Aide En Route to Israel, Egypt Talks

Brett McGurk, the senior most advisor to the US President, will reach Egypt to accelerate the ongoing peace talks…reports Asian Lite News

With the ceasefire mooted by the US, Egypt and Qatar in the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel not gaining traction, US President Joe Biden’s top advisor is scheduled to reach Israel and Egypt on Wednesday.

Brett McGurk, the senior most advisor to the US President, will reach Egypt to accelerate the ongoing peace talks for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the ongoing war.

The top US official will meet the Chief of Egyptian Intelligence, Abbas Kamal, and hold a series of meetings with him and other senior Egyptian officials. The Israel’s ground invasion of Rafah in Gaza Strip which shares the border with Egypt will also be a major point of discussion between the US official and Egyptians.

McGurk will then leave for Tel Aviv and will have meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The Israel war cabinet member and Minister without portfolio, Benny Gantz will also meet the visiting top US official.

A series of mediatory talks held in Europe, Cairo and Doha for a second ceasefire to the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel has not borne fruit till now.

While Hamas want a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of the IDF from Gaza, Israel has agreed for a temporary four week ceasefire wherein Hamas would release 35 hostages in its capacity with Israel reciprocating by releasing Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails almost three times the number of Israeli hostages released.

Since the war commenced on October 7, 2023 a one week ceasefire between November 24 and December 1 saw the release of 105 Israeli hostages in exchange of 324 Palestinians who were lodged in Israeli jails.

The families of hostages in Hamas custody has been demanding Israeli authorities to work for a ceasefire deal and to release their dear one’s from the captivity of Hamas terror group.

ALSO READ: Biden assures Zelensky of renewed military aid

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Egyptian Wall Construction Near Gaza Border Raises Tensions

The images show cranes, trucks and what appear to be precast concrete barriers being set up along the road….reports Asian Lite News

 Egypt is building a wall and is levelling land near its border with the Gaza Strip ahead of a planned Israeli offensive targeting Rafah city, satellite images showed on Thursday as quoted by media reports.

Egypt hasn’t publicly acknowledged the construction but has warned Israel not to forcibly expel the Palestinians now displaced in Rafah into Egypt, The Times of Israel reported.

But the images from the Egyptian side of the border in the Sinai Peninsula suggest Cairo is preparing for just that scenario, something that could threaten its 1979 peace deal with Israel.

Cairo officials did not respond to requests for comment on Friday from media reports.

The satellite images, taken Thursday by Maxar Technologies, show construction ongoing on the wall, which sits along the Sheikh Zuweid-Rafah Road nearly 3.5 km (2 miles) west of the border with Gaza.

The images show cranes, trucks and what appear to be precast concrete barriers being set up along the road.

ALSO READ: Egypt Opens Rafah for Gaza Aid

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Egypt Opens Rafah for Gaza Aid

Egypt has opened the Rafah crossing to enable the flow of humanitarian aid…reports Asian Lite News

The Egyptian presidency, in response to US President Joe Biden’s statement, has said that Egypt has opened the Rafah crossing to enable the flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip since “the first moment” of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“Egypt has mobilised massive humanitarian aid and relief from itself and other countries,” the presidency said on Friday, adding that the persistent bombing of the Palestinian side of the crossing by Israel four times obstructed the aid delivery process, Xinhua news agency reported.

On Thursday, speaking to reporters, Biden said, “Initially, the president of Mexico, Sisi, did not want to open the gate to (allow) humanitarian material to get in,” mistakenly calling Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi the leader of Mexico.

“Egypt endured immense pressure and challenges to smooth the inflow and increase the amount of aid to Gaza,” the statement stressed, adding that 80 per cent of the aid provided to Gaza came from the Egyptian government, people and civil societies.

The statement reiterated the Egyptian efforts to reach a ceasefire and protect the civilians.

Israel has been waging a massive military campaign against Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023, after the movement’s surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people.

The Israeli blockade and bombardment of Gaza have so far killed nearly 28,000 Palestinians, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said on Friday.

The aid trucks first entered Gaza through the Rafah crossing on October 21, 2023, while wounded people and foreign passport holders have been entering the Egyptian side since the beginning of last November.

ALSO READ: Biden to host King Abdullah to discuss Gaza

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Blinken heads to Egypt to seek end to Gaza war

Blinken is scheduled to met Egyptian President, the day after he held talks in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman…reports Asian Lite News

Secretary of State Antony Blinken was due to fly to Egypt on Tuesday as part of a Middle East crisis tour seeking a new truce and “an enduring end” to the Israel-Hamas war.

In Cairo, Blinken is scheduled to met Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the day after he held talks in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

The trip, Blinken’s fifth to the region in the nearly four-month-long war, will later include stops in Israel and Qatar.

Blinken’s diplomatic push has been given fresh urgency with Israeli forces pressing further south toward Rafah, a Palestinian city on the southern border with Egypt where more than half the population of the Gaza Strip has taken shelter.

Israel has been advancing toward Rafah in its campaign to eradicate Hamas after the militants’ October 7 attack triggered the war.

“No place is safe, no place at all, where shall we go?” Palestinian Mohamad Kozaat said after six members of his family, including his daughter, where injured in an Israeli strike on the border town.

Blinken is hoping to shore up support for a truce deal hashed out in Paris in January, but not yet signed off on by either Hamas or Israel.

Blinken spoke with the Saudi crown prince about “the urgent need to reduce regional tensions,” according to State Department spokesman Matthew Miller.

A surge in attacks across the region by Iran-backed Hamas allies has triggered counterattacks by the United States and its partners.

They also discussed “regional coordination to achieve an enduring end to the crisis in Gaza.” But Israel has vowed to press on with its retaliatory offensive, pushing as far into the Palestinian territory as needed to root out high-ranking Hamas officials.

The military “will reach places where we have not yet fought… right up to the last Hamas bastion, which is Rafah,” Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said Monday.

In recent weeks the Israeli military has pounded Khan Yunis, southern Gaza’s main city and the hometown of Hamas’s Gaza chief, Yahya Sinwar.

Gallant said Sinwar was “moving from hideout to hideout,” without elaborating on his presumed current location.

Israel accuses Sinwar of masterminding the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.

Militants also seized around 250 hostages. Israel says 132 remain in Gaza — including 28 believed to have been killed, according to updated figures from the prime minister’s office.

Israel’s campaign has killed at least 27,478 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said “a complete victory will deal a fatal blow” not just to Hamas but also to other Iran-backed militant groups across the region.

The truce Blinken is hoping to seal proposes a six-week pause to fighting as Hamas frees hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and more aid enters Gaza, according to a Hamas source.

Netanyahu, who has faced divisions within his cabinet and public fury over the fate of the remaining hostages, said Israel “will not accept” demands made by Hamas for an exchange.

The premier’s Likud party quoted him as saying the terms “should be similar to the previous agreement,” which saw a ratio of captives exchanged for Palestinian prisoners during a November truce.

As Gazans suffer dire humanitarian conditions, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, is facing a major controversy after accusations that 12 staff members were involved in Hamas’s attack.

More than a dozen countries, led by top donor the United States, suspended their funding to the aid agency after the claims surfaced.

Spain however said it would give an additional 3.5 million euros ($3.8 million) “so that UNRWA can maintain its activities in the short term,” said Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres announced the creation of an independent panel to assess UNRWA and “whether the agency is doing everything within its power to ensure neutrality,” a UN statement said.

Jordan’s King Abdullah II urged donors to maintain support for the agency “to allow it to provide its vital humanitarian services… particularly in light of the tragic humanitarian situation in Gaza,” a royal statement said.

In a meeting with Emirati President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Amman, the two leaders urged the protection of civilians in Gaza and called to intensify efforts toward a lasting ceasefire and a “political solution” to the conflict, the statement said.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne, on his first visit to the region since taking office, urged the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian peace talks “without delay.”

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in a phone call told Netanyahu that “only a negotiated two-state solution would open up the prospect of a sustainable solution to the Middle East conflict.”

In Riyadh, Blinken also discussed “building a more integrated and prosperous region,” spokesman Miller said, alluding to negotiations cut off by the Gaza war for a landmark Saudi normalization with Israel.

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Hamas Leaders Discuss Truce in Cairo with Egyptian Officials

The discussions, according to sources in Egypt, are centered around the peace talks that have been underway at Paris during last week in which Qatar, Egypt, the US and Israeli officials had participated…reports Asian Lite News

A delegation of senior leaders of Hamas, led by its political head Ismael Haniyeh, has reached the Egyptian capital of Cairo for peace talks to end the ongoing war with Israel in Gaza strip.

The delegation, also comprising senior leaders Moosa Abu Marzook and Khalil al Hayya, reached Cairo on Thursday and held meetings with the Egyptian officials led by its intelligence chief, Major General Abbas Kamel.

The discussions, according to sources in Egypt, are centered around the peace talks that have been underway at Paris during last week in which Qatar, Egypt, the US and Israeli officials had participated.

According to the Paris discussions, a broader framework for release of hostages in the custody of Hamas has been agreed under which 35 hostages would be released in the first step that include old, sick and women prisoners. While the Hamas wanted a permanent stoppage of the war, Israel had rejected the proposal outrightly.

The Israel side, according to sources in Israel Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), has agreed for a six week truce in the first step wherein 35 hostages would be released.

While Hamas wanted a large number of Palestinians in Israel prisons to be exchanged for the Israeli hostages, Israel has not agreed.

Israel, according to officials, has said that it would release three times the number of Israeli hostages who will be released.

In a one week peace truce between Israel and Hamas from November 24 to December 1, 105 hostages held by Hamas were released.

A total of 324 Palestinian prisoners, including women and children ,were released from Israeli prisons as exchange for the Israeli hostages.

ALSO READ-Israel Defense Minister Announces Operation to Eliminate Hamas Units at Rafah Border

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Egypt Rejects Israeli Influence in Philadelphi Corridor

The Philadelphi Corridor is a 100-metre wide, 14-km-long buffer zone along the Egypt-Gaza border….reports Asian Lite News

Any Israeli attempt to control the Philadelphi Corridor along the border between Egypt and the Gaza Strip is “unacceptable,” an Egyptian high-ranking official said.

“No new arrangements have been discussed with Israel regarding the Philadelphi Corridor on the border, and any Israeli unilateral moves in this regard are unacceptable,” the unnamed Egyptian official was quoted on Tuesday as saying by Egypt’s Al-Qahera News TV.

The remarks came a week after Diaa Rashwan, the chairman of Egypt’s State Information Service, warned that Israel’s retaking control of the Philadelphi Corridor would violate its 1979 peace treaty with Egypt, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Philadelphi Corridor is a 100-metre wide, 14-km-long buffer zone along the Egypt-Gaza border.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently expressed his desire to retake control of the corridor to ensure future demilitarisation of Gaza and prevent the alleged smuggling of weapons into Gaza through border tunnels.

Rashwan also denied last week the Israeli claims about the weapon smuggling from Egypt to Gaza.

The Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza has been a major lifeline to provide humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in the war-ravaged enclave, which has witnessed relentless Israeli bombings and a massive military offensive since October 7 last year.

The Israeli attacks in Gaza have so far killed 26,751 Palestinians and wounded 65,636 others, according to data released by Gaza’s Health Ministry on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: UN Warns of Gaza Shutdown Without Funding

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Egypt exploring possibility of issuing bonds in AED, INR

The Minister stated that these issuances contribute to diversifying the debt portfolio to include different markets and currencies…reports Asian Lite News

The Egyptian government is mulling over the possibility of issuing bonds for the first time denominated in Emirati dirhams, Indian rupees, and Hong Kong dollars. The move is part of the ministry’s pursuit of a diversified financing strategy, encompassing multiple markets, investors and financing tools.

In a statement to the Emirates News Agency (WAM) on the sidelines of the Asian Financial Forum in Hong Kong, the Egyptian Minister of Finance Dr. Mohamed Maait highlighted ongoing talks with Christopher Hui, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, with regard to prospects for issuing bonds in Hong Kong dollars.

The Minister stated that these issuances contribute to diversifying the debt portfolio to include different markets and currencies and attracting worldwide investors at low financing costs. He underscored the recent issuance of green bonds worth $750 million and sovereign sukuk worth $1.5 billion.

Minister Maait emphasised the Egyptian government’s keenness to boost cooperation with the UAE, especially in taxation, economic, financial, and investment fields, across all sectors.

He added that the Egyptian Ministry of Finance is also committed to smoothing any tax or customs hurdles Emirati businesses might face in Egypt. This effort is designed to encourage Emirati entrepreneurs to expand their businesses, invest more, increase productivity, and make the most of the competitive advantages offered by available opportunities.

Regarding the size of Emirati investments in Egypt, Maait stated that more than 1,700 UAE companies are investing around $29 billion (AED106.5 billion) in projects covering various sectors, including wholesale and retail, transport, storage, logistics services, financial sector, insurance, information and communication technology, real estate, construction, tourism, agriculture, and food security.

ALSO READ: Arab Health spotlights UAE at helm of health innovation

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India-Egypt Military Drill to Include Hostage Rescue Ops

The first edition of the exercise was conducted last year in India…reports Asian Lite News

A Indian Army contingent, comprising 25 personnel, has reached Egypt to take part in the 2nd edition of India-Egypt Joint Special Forces Exercise ‘Cyclone’, the Defence Ministry said on Monday.

According to a ministry official, the exercise, being conducted at Anshas from January 22 to February 1, will focus on tactical interactions, improvised explosive device and hostage rescue scenarios.

The first edition of the exercise was conducted last year in India.

The Indian contingent is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces) and the Egyptian contingent, also comprising 25 personnel is being represented by Egyptian Commando Squadron and Egyptian Airborne Platoon, the official said.

As per the official, the aim of the exercise is to acquaint both sides with each other’s operating procedures against the backdrop of special operations in desert/semi-desert terrain under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter.

Exercise Cyclone is designed to develop bilateral military cooperation and strengthen bond between two armies through conduct of discussions and rehearsal of tactical military drills, the official said, adding that the exercise will involve planning and execution of special operations in sub-conventional domain and conducted in three phases.

While the first phase will include military exhibitions and tactical interactions, the second will focus on training on IEDs, counter-IED, and combat first aid.

The third and final phase will encompass a joint tactical exercise based on fighting in built-up area and hostage rescue scenarios.

The exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond and share best practices, the official

said, adding that will also act as a platform to achieve shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations between two friendly nations.

Exercise ‘Khanjar’ Commences in Himachal Pradesh

The 11th edition of India-Kyrgyzstan Joint Special Forces Exercise Khanjar started at the Special Forces Training School in Himachal Pradesh’s Bakloh. The exercise is being conducted from January 22 to February 3.

The exercise will provide an opportunity for both sides to fortify defence ties while addressing common concerns of international terrorism and extremism. It will also provide an opportunity to showcase the capabilities of cutting-edge indigenous defence equipment. The exercise is an annual event conducted alternately in the two nations.

The Ministry of Defence stated in an official release, “The exercise will provide an opportunity for both sides to fortify defence ties while addressing common concerns of international terrorism and extremism.”

“The exercise will also accord an opportunity to showcase capabilities of cutting edge indigenous defence equipment besides achieving shared security objectives and foster bilateral relations,” it added.

The Indian Army contingent, comprising 20 personnel, is being represented by troops from The Parachute Regiment (Special Forces), according to the press release. Meanwhile, the Kyrgyzstan contingent comprising 20 personnel is represented by the Scorpion Brigade.

The Khanjar exercise is aimed at exchanging experiences and best practices in Counter Terrorism and Special Forces operations in built-up areas and mountainous terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter. The exercise will emphasise developing Special Forces skills and advanced techniques of insertion and extraction, according to the release by the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Earlier, in October, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar visited Bishkek to attend the 22nd Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Heads of Government (CHG) to be held under the chairmanship of Kyrgyzstan. During the visit, he met Kyrgyzstan President Sadyr Zhaparov and conveyed India’s support for the successful Kyrgyz SCO Presidency. The two leaders discussed cooperation in banking, energy, health and pharma.

“Delighted to call on President Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyz Republic. Conveyed the personal greetings of PM @narendramodi. Discussed cooperation in banking, energy, health and pharma, defence, agriculture and investments. Conveyed India’s support for the successful Kyrgyz Presidency of SCO Council of Heads of Government,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter).

Jaishankar also held talks with his Kyrgyzstan counterpart, Zheenbek Kulubaev about strengthening India-Kyrgyz cooperation in the fields of trade, economy and developmental projects.

“Good to see my old friend FM Zheenbek Kulubaev in Bishkek. Spoke about strengthening India-Kyrgyz cooperation in the fields of trade and economy, development projects, health and education. Also exchanged views on Afghanistan, West Asia and connectivity,” he added on X. (ANI)

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