Aboul Gheit stated that Israel’s incursions, violent assaults, and killings in northern West Bank cities, along with the destruction of infrastructure and hospital sieges, are part of a concerning effort to subjugate the Palestinian people….reports Asian Lite News
Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit has condemned the recent deadly Israeli military operation in northern West Bank.
The “raids, brutal attacks, and killings” conducted by Israel in the northern West Bank, coupled with the destruction of infrastructure and the besieging of hospitals there, represent a serious escalation that threatens to push the region to the brink of catastrophe, he said on Wednesday in a statement.
“This aggressive approach aims to subjugate the Palestinian people, undermine existing agreements, and further annex Palestinian territories as part of an extreme right-wing agenda,” he added.
Israel has been waging a “genocide war” against the Palestinians everywhere, with an aim to make their lives untenable, he said.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, Aboul Gheit said that Israel’s incursions, violent attacks, and killings in northern West Bank cities, as well as the destruction of infrastructure and the siege of hospitals, are part of a troubling trend to subjugate the Palestinian people, Xinhua news agency reported.
He added that this trend cannot be separated from the dangerous and totally unacceptable statements made by far-right Ministers in the Israeli government about the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Secretary-General of the Arab League accused Israel of conducting a war of extermination against Palestinians, asserting that the military operations in the West Bank are unrelated to the October 7 attacks.
He emphasised that the objective is to render life unbearable for Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza Strip, employing ongoing violence as a means of intimidation and advancing plans for displacement and the eradication of their cause.
Aboul-Gheit accused the US of failing to exert meaningful pressure on Israel and of yielding to Israeli maneuvers and procrastination, which has hindered efforts to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza.
He urged the US to take a clear stance on the recent Israeli military actions in the West Bank and to address the growing Israeli arrogance in the region.
According to Palestinian and Israeli sources, Israel on Wednesday carried out a large-scale military operation in the West Bank cities of Jenin, Tubas, and Tulkarm, as well as their camps, killing at least nine Palestinians, destructing local infrastructure, and imposing a siege on the three cities.
Israel has been carrying out almost daily raids in the West Bank since the Palestinian-Israeli conflict broke out on October 7, 2023.
According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, more than 660 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli attacks across the West Bank since the onset of the conflict.
Due to the ongoing situation in the Strip, a significant number of hospitals have gone out of service, hindering their ability to treat the wounded….reports Asian Lite News
The UAE, through its humanitarian arm Operation Chivalrous Knight 3, has delivered tons of medical supplies and medications to hospitals and healthcare facilities across Gaza Strip to address the catastrophic medical situation.
Due to the ongoing situation in the Strip, a significant number of hospitals have gone out of service, hindering their ability to treat the wounded.
This week, the Operation promptly delivered 20 tons of essential medical supplies and medications to Doctors Without Borders, the Red Cross, and Al Awda Hospital, among others. This aid is crucial for continuing medical services following the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, with total aid now exceeding 400 tons.
The medical aid includes medications for the elderly, such as those for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol; heart medications, pain relievers, antibiotics, respiratory and digestive system drugs; essential children’s medications; ointments for skin diseases, and various first aid supplies.
Previously, Operation Chivalrous Knight 3 has supported all Gaza hospitals with medical supplies, ambulances, and equipment, enhancing hospital capacity and service quality for displaced persons. This came after the entry of medical supplies was halted due to the dire conditions in the Strip.
This response highlights the UAE’s commitment to swiftly addressing the needs of the Palestinian people, reflecting its longstanding dedication to providing timely and necessary assistance.
The website was created by aides who previously organised a walkout on Capitol Hill protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress….reports Asian Lite News
A group of Washington staffers has launched a website called the Congressional Dissent Channel, allowing individuals to anonymously express objections and criticisms of the US government’s stance on Gaza. Modelled after the US State Department’s dissent channel established during the Vietnam War, this platform enables staffers to voice dissent without fear of retaliation.
The website was created by aides who previously organised a walkout on Capitol Hill protesting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to Congress. The same group also held a flower vigil outside the Capitol last November, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The group describes itself as composed of “congressional aides dedicated to changing the paradigm of US support for the genocide against Palestinians in Gaza being carried out by the state of Israel.”
Congressional aides typically maintain low profiles and have limited avenues to express views differing from their employers, risking dismissal if they do. Michael Suchecki, spokesman for the Congressional Progressive Staff Association, emphasized the aides’ duty to represent alternative opinions, especially those reflecting the views of voters.
In the aftermath of the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack, a shift in attitudes occurred, leading to the formation of the Congressional Progressive Staff Association and the framework for an official workers’ union. Many aides have since focused on advocating for a ceasefire in Gaza, highlighting US arms shipments to Israel.
In a statement on the Congressional Dissent Channel’s webpage, staffers criticized current US foreign policy, highlighting the use of American-made bombs in Gaza and the marginalization of voices advocating for peace. The site, launched on Sunday, featured six memos from anonymous congressional aides by Monday morning, with provisions for submitting anonymous videos and memos for content evaluation and publication.
This initiative demonstrates the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and reaffirms the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting the people of Gaza amidst the catastrophic situation….reports Asian Lite News
As part of its unwavering humanitarian commitment to the brotherly Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, the United Arab Emirates, in partnership with World Health Organisation (WHO), has announced an urgent initiative to evacuate 85 sick and severely injured Palestinians, including cancer patients in need of extensive treatment, accompanied by 63 family members to Abu Dhabi from Ramon airport in Israel, via the Karam Abu Salem crossing.
This initiative demonstrates the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and reaffirms the UAE’s steadfast commitment to supporting the people of Gaza amidst the catastrophic situation. The UAE’s various lines of communication continue to facilitate the humanitarian efforts to assist the people of Gaza, and extend a helping hand during their time of need.
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah, on May 10, 2023.(Photo by Khaled Omar/Xinhua/IANS)
Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, said: “At this critical time, the urgency of our mission to evacuate injured Palestinians to Abu Dhabi cannot be overstated. This unprecedented route reflects the gravity of the situation and our resolute commitment to alleviating the suffering of the people of the Gaza Strip and to ensure the arrival and distribution of relief through all available means, including land, sea and air. This initiative stands as a testament to the UAE’s enduring and historic support for the Palestinian people, guided by our unwavering dedication to providing immediate relief and advancing peace in the face of immense adversity.”
She underlined that to date, the UAE has welcomed 709 patients from Gaza, along with 787 of their family members, to receive medical treatment. This follows the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, to provide care for 2,000 injured and cancer patients from Gaza.
“This significant scale-up in our efforts demonstrates our solidarity with the Palestinian people and our determination to alleviate their suffering and ensure urgent, sustainable, unhindered delivery of aid, at a wide scale and through all possible means. We remain resolute in our collaboration with international partners to ensure that our aid reaches those in desperate need,” she added.
“For his part, Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, said: “We are thankful to the UAE for supporting the evacuation of sick and injured people from Gaza to receive the urgent care they need. We hope this paves the way for the establishment of evacuation corridors via all possible routes, including the Kerem Shalom and Rafah crossings to Egypt and Jordan, and from there to other countries. We also call for evacuations to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to be restored. Thousands of sick people are suffering needlessly. Above all, and as always, WHO calls for a ceasefire.”
Notably to date, the UAE has provided over 40,000 tonnes of crucial aid, including food, relief, and medical items, through 8 aid ships, 337 flights, 50 airdrops, and 1,271 trucks. The fourth UAE relief ship arrived in Al-Arish this week, marking the eighth shipment of aid, which carried 5,340 tonnes of humanitarian supplies, and is the largest shipment since the launch of the relief operations.
Lazzarini said that when the conflict started nearly ten months ago, “no one thought we would reach this grim milestone…reports Asian Lite News
Nearly 200 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) workers have been killed in the Gaza Strip since October 2023, the head of the UN agency said.
“This is by far the largest loss of personnel killed in a single conflict or natural disaster since the creation of the United Nations — a reality the world must never accept,” the Commissioner-General of the UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, said on social media platform X on Saturday.
Lazzarini said that when the conflict started nearly ten months ago, “no one thought we would reach this grim milestone,” Xinhua news agency reported.
“These are not numbers. These are our colleagues and our friends. They are teachers, doctors, nurses, engineers, support staff, technicians who spent their life supporting the community.”
Israel has been conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 taken hostage.
The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip has risen to 39,258, Gaza-based health authorities said on Saturday.
Al Hashimy added that as part of the UAE’s historic commitment to the Palestinians, the country continues to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and supplies to the Gaza Strip…reports Asian Lite News
Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, affirmed that the UAE believes that securing stability and peace in the region, can only be achieved through a sustainable and just solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, and a political path that leads to the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent Palestinian State, existing in security and peace alongside the State of Israel, in accordance with bilateral agreements and international law.
Furthermore, it is crucial that any solution enhances the humanitarian response to the ongoing tragic situation in the Gaza Strip.
Al Hashimy added that as part of the UAE’s historic commitment to the Palestinians, the country continues to provide urgent humanitarian assistance and supplies to the Gaza Strip, following the directives of its leadership. The UAE is steadfastly committed to extending a helping hand to the Palestinians and implementing humanitarian relief initiatives whether via land, sea, or air routes.
She also highlighted that during the past ten months, the UAE has dispatched 39,756 tonnes of urgent supplies to the Gaza Strip through 8 ships, 1,271 trucks, and 337 flights. Furthermore, Al Hashimy stated that the UAE will continue to extensively work – through its leading and pioneering role – with the UN and international partners to intensify necessary efforts to support all endeavours aiming to alleviate the humanitarian suffering.
Furthermore, Al Hashimy underscored that a return to the status quo before 7th October 2023 cannot achieve the desired sustainable peace for both the Palestinians, Israelis, and the wider international community. The UAE believes that the first step to achieve peace and security in the Palestinian Territory and the region is through an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of all hostages and detainees.
Al Hashimy stated that consolidating peace and security and ending the humanitarian suffering should begin by the deployment of a temporary international mission in Gaza with a formal invitation from the Palestinian government. A credible, and independent new Prime Minister must lead this government, ensuring transparent operations aligned with the highest global standards. Additionally, the government must commit to necessary reforms to address the challenges faced by Palestinians, fulfil their legitimate aspirations for independence and statehood, achieve growth and security, and also be able to take on the responsibility for rebuilding Gaza. This international mission will be responsible for efficiently responding to the humanitarian crisis the citizens in Gaza are facing, establishing law and order, laying the groundwork for governance, and paving the way to reunite Gaza and the West Bank under a single, legitimate Palestinian Authority.
In this regard, Al Hashimy stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, must do its part to achieve the vision of the international community according to international law and human rights principles. Gaza cannot recover if it continues to live under a blockade, or if the legitimate Palestinian Authority is not allowed to take on its responsibilities and to stop withholding its financing, highlighting the need to halt constructing settlements and violence in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Al Hashimy emphasised that the UAE believes in the importance of intensifying efforts by regional and international partners, as well as coordinating collective action to achieve a peaceful and prosperous future for Israelis and Palestinians and all nations in the region. She also affirmed the significance role of the United States within these endeavours, including rebuilding Gaza, and also promoting peace, together with the countries of the region. Critical elements for the success of the international mission is an American commitment to achieving the two-state solution, and Palestinian reforms.
Al Hashimy also affirmed that the UAE will continue its extensive humanitarian support for the brotherly Palestinian people, and stands ready to actively contribute as part of a sustainable endeavour that resolves the conflict in line with the two-state solution, in partnership with the regional and international community. The outcome we endeavour to achieve extends beyond the Gaza Strip and necessitates comprehensive cooperation. Moreover, establishing peace is to everyone’s advantage on a broader scale, benefiting the entire Middle East and the global community.
Yet Blinken expressed his anticipation for Hamas leaders in Gaza to provide a clear confirmation of their stance on the proposal…reports Asian Lite News
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described Hamas’ endorsement of a United Nations resolution supporting a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict as an encouraging development.
Blinken, currently on a visit to the Middle East to sell the ceasefire deal, made the remarks after Sami Abu Zuhri, a senior Hamas spokesman, said on Tuesday that the movement accepted the ceasefire proposal, according to a report by Israel’s state-owned Kan TV news.
Earlier on Monday, Hamas announced in a statement sent via Telegram that it “welcomes” the UN Security Council resolution supporting a ceasefire in Gaza, a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, and a swap of Palestinian prisoners for hostages held in Gaza.
Yet Blinken expressed his anticipation for Hamas leaders in Gaza to provide a clear confirmation of their stance on the proposal, Xinhua news agency reported.
“That’s what counts, and that’s what we still lack,” he said.
He met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday night and said that the latter had “reaffirmed his commitment” to the ceasefire proposal.
Blinken met with Israeli officials on Monday and Tuesday after talks with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo on Monday, as the Israeli hostage rescue operation, which killed more than 200 Palestinians, clouded the prospects for the ceasefire agreement.
The ministers also called for the effective implementation of the UNSC resolution for an “immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire…reports Asian Lite News
The BRICS Foreign Ministers expressed “grave concern” regarding the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip that has led to mass civilian displacement, death and casualties, and destruction of civilian infrastructure.
The ministers also called for the effective implementation of the UNSC resolution for an “immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire” and the relevant UNGA resolutions and UNSC resolution for immediate safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance in Gaza.
The conflict escalated on October 7 after Hamas launched a massive terror attack on Israel killing over 1200 people and holding around 250 as hostages.
Following this, Israel launched a strong counteroffensive, carrying out military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip with the aim of “completely eliminating” Hamas. However, the operations have led to massive civilian casualties with over 37,000 Palestinians have been killed.
“The Ministers expressed grave concern at the deterioration of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in particular the unprecedented escalation of violence in the Gaza Strip as a result of the Israeli military operation that led to mass civilian displacement, death and casualties, and destruction of civilian infrastructure,” the joint statement of BRICS foreign ministers meeting read.
“In this regard, they called for the effective implementation of the relevant UNGA resolutions and UNSC resolution 2720 and for immediate safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance at scale directly to the Palestinian civilian population throughout the Gaza Strip. They also called for the effective implementation of the UNSC resolution 2728 for an immediate, durable, and sustained ceasefire,” it added.
The Foreign Ministers met at the BRICS Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Russia’s Nizhny Novgorod on Monday.
Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations), at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), led the Indian side at the meeting, in what was the first foreign assignment for India’s foreign policy under the historic third consecutive term of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The ministers also called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and civilians who are being illegally held captive, the joint statement read.
They further expressed grave concern by the increasing attacks by Israel on Rafah, which would compound the dire humanitarian situation. The ministers condemned the Israeli military operation in Rafah and its ramifications that directly impact civilian lives, especially in view of the “high density of Palestinian civilians in this location”, and the “humanitarian catastrophic” results due to the suspension of the Rafah crossing from the Palestinian side.
The ministers also reaffirmed their rejection of any attempt aiming at forcefully displacing, expelling, or transferring the Palestinian people from their land. Furthermore, they cautioned against the spillover effects of the escalation of tensions to the rest of the Middle East region.
They acknowledged the provisional measures of the International Court of Justice in the legal proceedings instituted by South Africa against Israel. The Ministers expressed serious concern at “Israel’s continued blatant disregard” of international law, the UN Charter, UN resolutions and Court orders.
“The Ministers reaffirmed their support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and reiterated their unwavering commitment to the vision of the two-state solution based on international law including relevant UNSC and UNGA resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative that includes the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine in line with internationally recognized borders of June 1967 with East Jerusalem as its capital living side by side in peace and security with Israel,” the statement read.
The ministers expressed serious concern over the prevailing conflicts and the continuing threats posed by terrorist organizations in various sub-regions of Africa and over remaining conflict potential in the Sahel region, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the Great Lakes Region, and in the Horn of Africa, particularly in Sudan as well as growing activity of numerous terrorist groups and insurgents.
The Ministers reiterated their call for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire and peaceful resolution of the conflict in Sudan and unimpeded access of the Sudanese population to humanitarian assistance, and the scaling up of humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighboring states.
The Foreign Ministers expressed serious concern with the ongoing deterioration of the security, humanitarian, political and economic situation in Haiti.
“They stressed that the current crisis requires a Haitian-led solution that encompasses national dialogue and consensus building among local political forces, institutions and the society and called on the international community to support the Haitian endeavours to dismantle the gangs, enhance the security situation and put in place the foundations for long-lasting social and economic development in the country,” the statement read.
The Ministers also emphasized the need for an urgent peaceful settlement in Afghanistan in order to strengthen regional security and stability.
They advocated for Afghanistan as an independent, united and peaceful state free from terrorism, war and drugs. They urged for more visible and verifiable measures in Afghanistan to ensure that the territory of Afghanistan is not used by terrorists.
“They further stressed the need to provide urgent and uninterrupted humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and to safeguard the fundamental rights of all Afghans including women, girls, and different ethnic groups. They emphasized the primary and effective role of regional platforms and neighbouring countries of Afghanistan and welcomed the efforts of such regional platforms and initiatives to facilitate the Afghan settlement,” the statement added.
This is the first meeting of foreign ministers since the expansion of BRICS in 2023. The 10 full members of the association include Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa with new members Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia joining the grouping in 2023.
Russia took over the chairmanship of BRICS on January 1, 2024. (ANI)
The temporary harbour had been damaged in rough seas at the end of May, just a few days after its completion….reports Asian Lite Nws
The US military said that the delivery of urgently needed humanitarian aid for Gaza residents has resumed after a temporary pier on the territory’s coast was repaired.
The temporary harbour had been damaged in rough seas at the end of May, just a few days after its completion. Due to strong waves, four US military ships anchored in the area broke free from their moorings.
The regional command Centcom on Saturday said in a statement that at about 10:30 am local time (0730 GMT), it “began delivery of humanitarian assistance ashore in Gaza.”
“Today, a total of approximately 492 metric tonnes (1.1 million pounds) of much-needed humanitarian assistance was delivered to the people of Gaza. To date, USCENTCOM has assisted in the delivery of more than 1,573 metric tonnes (3.5 million pounds) of humanitarian aid,” the statement continued.
The regional command stressed that “no US military personnel went ashore in Gaza.”
The humanitarian pier facility, including its equipment, personnel, and assets were not used in the operation to rescue hostages today in Gaza. An area south of the facility was used by the Israelis to safely return the… pic.twitter.com/Eg7BNE8Phf
“This ongoing effort in support of the US Agency for International Development (USAID) to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza is entirely humanitarian in nature and involves aid commodities donated by several countries and humanitarian organisations,” Centcom said.
Under the provisional arrangement, freighters will initially bring aid supplies from Cyprus to a floating platform a few kilometres off the coast of the Gaza Strip.
The goods are then loaded onto smaller ships that can sail closer to the coast. These then dock at the temporary pier attached to the coast. There, the supplies are received by aid organisations and then distributed in the Gaza Strip by lorry.
Iran blamed the US and certain European countries for providing arms to Israel and backing it in its offensive…reports Asian Lite News
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Nasser Kanaani has strongly condemned deadly Israeli airstrikes on the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Ministry, Kanaani denounced Israel’s killing of hundreds of Palestinian civilians during the attacks as a “horrendous and shocking crime”.
The “crime” perpetrated by Israel was a consequence of the “inaction” of governments and relevant international organisations in the face of eight months of “war crimes and violations of all international laws and regulations as well as international humanitarian law” by Israel in Gaza, said the Spokesman.
He blamed the US and certain European countries for providing arms to Israel and backing it in its offensive, Xinhua news agency reported.
At least 210 Palestinians were killed and more than 400 others injured in the Israeli airstrikes on Saturday in central Gaza.
Khalil Al-Dakran, director of Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah city in central Gaza, told Xinhua that a large number of wounded Palestinians were sent to the hospital due to intense Israeli bombing on the Nuseirat camp and the city, some of whom have been confirmed dead.
The Israeli army has been waging a large-scale offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out an unprecedented attack on the Israeli towns adjacent to the strip, killing nearly 1,200 people.
The Palestinian death toll from the ongoing Israeli attacks in the enclave has risen to 36,801, with 83,680 people injured, as updated by the health authorities in Gaza on Saturday.
