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Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine Unite Against Israeli Plans

Noting Israel’s hostilities in the West Bank, as well as its violations of Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem, the leaders warned that such actions could escalate tensions in the region…reports Asian Lite News

Jordan, Egypt and Palestine have stressed their rejection of any Israeli plans to displace Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The rejection was reiterated on Wednesday during a trilateral summit held in Jordan’s Aqaba, where King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also called for international condemnation of and actions against such plans, Xinhua news agency reported.

They stressed the need for continuing pressure on Israel to stop its aggression on Gaza and protect the innocent civilians in the strip, according to a statement by Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian President called for “a decisive stance” from the international community to push for a ceasefire in the besieged enclave and explained the efforts made by Egypt to open dialogue with all concerned parties to reach a truce agreement in Gaza.

The leaders also expressed complete rejection of any attempts to liquidate the Palestine issue and to separate Gaza and the West Bank, both of which are integral parts of the Palestinian state, the statement added.

At the summit, the three leaders reiterated the importance of ensuring sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave.

King Abdullah II, Sisi and Abbas also voiced “complete rejection of any attempts to reoccupy parts of Gaza,” stressing the necessity of “enabling the people of the Gaza Strip to return to their homes”.

Noting Israel’s hostilities in the West Bank, as well as its violations of Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem, the leaders warned that such actions could escalate tensions in the region.

The three heads of state agreed to continue working together in coordination with Arab and influential countries to find a political horizon for resolving the Palestine issue to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, which entails restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ensuring the establishment of their independent and sovereign state on the 1967 border and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Before the summit, the Jordanian king held separate meetings with the Egyptian and Palestinian Presidents to discuss efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Aqaba summit was held while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a tour in the Middle East over the conflict in Gaza. He has so far visited Turkey, Greece, Jordan,

Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank and Bahrain, and is expected to conclude his trip with a stop in Cairo on Thursday.

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7 Arab Nations Excel in Achieving SDG Targets

The ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ highlighted that UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets…reports Asian Lite News

Seven of the 22 Arab countries – specifically, the UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco – have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets in the journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.

This key achievement was highlighted in a report by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, in partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The report – ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ – aligns with the Year of Sustainability and building on the recent COP28 discussions.

This pivotal report is a key resource for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders, offering a comprehensive means to track and measure progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, it identifies key implementation challenges and data gaps, providing a solid foundation for developing actionable strategies.

Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said, “The report reflects MBRSG’s dedication to empowering governments with innovative and proactive policies to meet various challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances at local, regional, and global levels,” he added.

Dr. Al Marri explained, “The report sheds light on the various development challenges confronting the Arab region, particularly its least developed countries. By adopting a data-driven approach, it offers a practical tool for targeted interventions aimed at fostering positive transformations across the region in relation to all Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of the Policy Research Department at MBRSG and co-author of the report, stated, “The index, with its data-driven insights, underscores significant regional challenges and priorities. It calls for concerted efforts in the upcoming years to expedite development across diverse regional paths.” He also highlighted the importance of leveraging COP28 outcomes for unified regional progress towards a sustainable future.

Despite some regional advancements, the report highlights substantial ongoing obstacles in various developmental sectors within the Arab region. It calls for intensive efforts and the adoption of regional strategies to bridge existing gaps and foster progress towards a more sustainable future.

The report particularly highlights challenges in achieving gender equality (SDG 5), where all Arab countries have shown low performance, and the impact of conflicts on realising SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). It calls for increased collective efforts to enhance gender equality policies, strengthen institutions, and tackle conflict-related issues.

Additionally, the report notes advancements in SDG 3 (good health and well-being) in some Arab countries, especially in basic health outcomes like neonatal and under-five mortality rates, and improvements in sectors related to SDG 4 (quality education).

Lama Zakzak, Principal Researcher at MBRSG and co-author, stressed the importance of the report’s findings on SDG 13 (climate action). She pointed out that while some countries have made progress in climate action, the least developed are still vulnerable to climate disasters and require significant support for climate-related goals, including adaptation measures.

Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of the UN SDSN, commented, “This updated report offers a renewed assessment of the SDG progress and challenges in the Arab region, based on transparent and internationally recognized data.” He stressed the urgency of developing long-term investment strategies and ambitious plans with effective monitoring systems to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

The report also identifies the ongoing challenge of data availability, especially in monitoring SDGs related to poverty eradication and inequality reduction. It includes 113 indicators for the 17 SDGs, each with a score, colour-coding for performance levels, and trend arrows.

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Jordan minister doubts Israel can wipe out Hamas

The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, added: “It’s quite understandable that without the freedom of the hostages, nothing can be solved.”…reports Asian Lite News

Jordan’s foreign minister said on Saturday that he did not understand how Israel’s goal of obliterating the Palestinian militant group Hamas it is fighting in Gaza could be achieved.

“Israel says it wants to wipe out Hamas. There’s a lot of military people here, I just don’t understand how this objective can be realized,” said Ayman Safadi.

He warned Jordan would do “whatever it takes to stop” the displacement of Palestinians, amid heavy Israeli bombardment of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip in retaliation for an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and other Islamist militants.

“We will never allow that to happen, in addition to it being a war crime, it would be a direct threat to our national security. We’ll do whatever it takes to stop it” said Safadi at the IISS Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain.

The Israel-Hamas war has reawakened long-standing fears in Jordan, home to a large population of Palestinian refugees and their descendants. They fear that Israel could expel Palestinians en masse from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians have surged since Oct. 7 attack.

“This war is not taking us anywhere but toward more conflict, more suffering and the threat of expanding into regional wars,” said Safadi.

Israel did not immediately respond to Safadi’s comments, which included a call for an immediate ceasefire and end to the fighting.

However, on hand was Brett McGurk, the White House’s National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East, who said that “a release of large number of hostages would result in a significant pause in fighting … and a massive surge of humanitarian relief.”

“There’s no returning to Oct. 6. That’s true for Israel. It’s true for Palestinians,” McGurk said. “No country can live with the threats of terror like what we saw from Hamas unleashed, on Oct. 7 on their border. And at the same time, Palestinians deserve need and require safety and self-determination.”

The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, added: “It’s quite understandable that without the freedom of the hostages, nothing can be solved.”

Safadi later offered a sharp retort to that: “Israel is taking 2.3 million Palestinians hostage.”

Top foreign policy adviser to the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Saturday that statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a longer term presence in Gaza were worrying.

“We hear now from the Israeli prime minister and indeed the Israeli president about the sort of longer term Israeli connection to Gaza. They are very worrying,” Anwar Gargash said at the Manama summit.

“This indicates that perhaps the lesson that we as the majority of people in region are taking away from the Gaza crisis which is the need to go back to the two state solution, we need to go back to an Israeli and Palestinian state living side by side. That lesson has perhaps not been the same.”

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Jordan Envoy Sees India as Key in West Asia Peace

Last month, India refrained from voting at the UN General Assembly on a resolution led by Jordan. Notably, this resolution did not mention Hamas. Its aim was to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to the conflict-affected area….reports Asian Lite News

The Jordanian envoy to India explained that every country makes its own decisions based on its interests, in response to India’s abstention from voting on a UN resolution led by Jordan, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Ambassador Mohamed Salam Jameel A.F. El-Kayed said that his country respects India’s decision and will not interfere in it. The envoy also stated Amman’s stance in this conflict and added that it “is very clear” that Jordan calls for a ‘ceasefire’.

“It is India’s decision. We respect that. We don’t interfere in that. India has decided to abstain from that resolution. And it’s up to India. We don’t interfere. Each country takes its own stand according to its interests,” Mohamed Salam Jameel A.F. El-Kayed told ANI in an interview.

“Jordan’s position is very clear for everybody. We call stopping the war right away. We call for a ceasefire to be put on to save the civilian casualties. We also stand for releasing all hostages. That’s the Jordanian position that has been articulated by His Majesty King Abdullah II…and to stop the bombing of the civilian people. We’ve seen over 10,000 people have been killed, including children, women, elderly. So we need this war to be stopped right away…”, the envoy said.

Last month, India abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly on a Jordan-led resolution that had no mention of Hamas in it. The resolution sought a ceasefire in Gaza and “unhindered” humanitarian access to the war-ravaged region.

The Jordan-drafted resolution titled ‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations’ was adopted with 120 nations voting in its favour, 14 against it and 45 abstaining. India, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the UK abstained from voting.

Speaking further on the conversation between New Delhi and Amman, the Jordanian envoy stated that India is an emerging power and that it can play a role in that situation in order to solve the problem.

“Yes, the conversation took place and the Honorable Prime Minister has talked to His Majesty about so many issues, of course, security and arrangements and humanitarian aid as well. In this regard, India is an emerging power in the world & is getting involved in many international issues and has already sent aid”, said the envoy.

“I think India can play a role in that situation in order to solve the problem and to save the lives of people who are killed there”, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier held a crucial telephonic conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan to address the escalating situation between Israel and Hamas. The leaders shared their concerns over terrorism, and the loss of civilian lives in the war.

Both leaders underscored the need for concerted efforts to achieve an early resolution to the security and humanitarian challenges that have arisen as a result of the war.

“Spoke with His Majesty @KingAbdullahII of Jordan. Exchanged views on the developments in the West Asia region. We share concerns regarding terrorism, violence and loss of civilian lives. Concerted efforts needed for early resolution of the security and humanitarian situation,” posted PM Modi on X.

Since the war broke out last month, several countries,including Jordan, have recalled their ambassadors to Israel.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the Jordanian ambassador would only return to Tel Aviv if Israel halted its war on the enclave and ended “the humanitarian crisis it has caused”.

“We’ve submitted the resolution for the General assembly… We withdrew our ambassador from there. It was a clear sign that we condemn all this bombardment and all this killing of young and children and actually the Palestinian nation as a whole”, said the envoy.

On Monday, Jordan’s King Abdullah II said that his country’s air force had airdropped “urgent medical aid” to a field hospital operated by the kingdom in Gaza Strip. The Jordanian envoy, while mentioning this said that his “country cannot stay silent”.

In a post on social media, the king said it was “our duty to aid our brothers and sisters injured in the war on Gaza.”

“The Israeli forces are bombarding hospitals, schools, everything. So, Jordan cannot stay silent. Yesterday Royal Force Aircraft dropped aid to the Jordanian Hospital, field Hospital. It was the first country to do so. And this is a clear message about Jordan’s position toward this war and this genocide that is going on in the Gaza Strip,” added the envoy.

When asked what role Jordan can play in resolving the conflict and what repercussions the conflict have on the West Asia region, the envoy ‘hoped that no spillover or repercussion will happen’ and that Jordan has always ‘tried to push peace process’.

“We support two-state solution. Because we think that Palestinians deserve to have their own state”, said the envoy.

“Jordan has always tried to push peace process. Always have a Good Diplomatic relations with everybody. Trying fo help Palestinians . Jordan is major a player in that arena”, he added.

Meanwhile, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Wednesday said it has killed one of the top figures in Hamas’s weapons manufacturing apparatus in an overnight airstrike.

The military and Shin Bet have called Muhsin Abu Zina “one of the leaders of weapons production” for Hamas, who specialised in manufacturing “strategic weapons and rockets,” according to a Times of Israel report.

The IDF has called him the head of Hamas’s “industries and weaponry” division.

Taking to X, Israeli Defence Forces stated, “IDF fighters continue to operate deep in the Gaza Strip, eliminating terrorists and directing aircraft to attack terrorist infrastructure. An IDF fighter jet, guided by the intelligence of the Shin Bet and Amman, destroyed the Abu Zina warehouse, which served as the head of the Industries and Weapons Department at the Hamas production headquarters.” (ANI)

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Jordan Rejects Post-Conflict Talks for Gaza

Safadi stressed on Jordan’s unwavering position against any “fragmented solutions” to the Gaza crisis…reports Asian Lite News

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has declined any potential talks on post-conflict scenarios in Gaza, describing such discourse as “unrealistic and unacceptable,” the media reported.

He made the remarks on Wednesday during a seminar attended by journalists and writers in the capital Amman, where he reaffirmed Jordan’s priority of calling for an immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Xinhua news agency reported.

Safadi stressed on Jordan’s unwavering position against any “fragmented solutions” to the Gaza crisis.

He warned that dealing with issues in Gaza separately from that in the West Bank would “play into Israel’s hands,” which could potentially undermine the Palestinian cause and the Palestinians’ aspirations for statehood.

The Minister called for a comprehensive approach to the Palestinian cause, advocating for a political and just peace that ensures Palestinian rights and the establishment of their sovereign state based on the two-state solution.

Safadi reiterated the kingdom’s firm rejection of any forced displacement of Palestinians from their lands, equating it to “declaring war against Jordan that would be forcefully countered”.

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UAE, Jordan Expand Investment Ties

The UAE Ministry of Investment identified potential opportunities worth over US $2 billion in Jordan….reports Asian Lite News

The Ministries of Investment of the UAE and Jordan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at creating a framework for investment cooperation in key areas including infrastructure and development projects, while further strengthening the two countries’ enduring strategic partnership.

The UAE Ministry of Investment identified potential opportunities worth over US $2 billion in Jordan.

The agreement was signed by Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE’s Minister of Investment; and Zeina Toukan, Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation.

ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, also announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership agreement to create a joint investment fund with Jordan Investment Fund, marking a milestone in ADQ’s commitment to advancing sustainable development initiatives in Jordan and the region.

By bringing together their collective expertise, resources, and technical capabilities, ADQ and Jordan Investment Fund aim to enhance infrastructure development, boost export industries and promote innovation that aim to create a sustainable impact on Jordan’s economy.

Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE’s Minister of Investment, said, “We are committed to strengthening collaboration with our partners to ensure collective growth and economic prosperity. This agreement reflects our desire to promote cooperation and investment in Jordan, demonstrating the depth of the strategic relations between the UAE and Jordan. We look forward to working together with Jordan to explore new opportunities and create a prosperous future and growth for both nations.”

Zeina Toukan, Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, stated, “This MoU is an opportunity for us to build on the deep, historic ties between both nations. It signifies our mutual commitment to enhancing our countries’ economic landscapes. Through collaboration and sharing of expertise, we hope to pave the way for innovation and growth that will benefit the people of Jordan and the UAE.”

The MoU signed between the Ministries also enables the UAE and Jordan to explore opportunities to boost bilateral investments and enhance both nations’ GDP, through investment in multiple sectors such as renewable energy, industrial projects, manufacturing, transport, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

The two ministries will work together to build closer relationships with relevant government agencies, regulatory authorities, and private-sector enterprises in their respective countries.

The event marks a significant step towards realising the full potential of both countries and contributing to the economic growth of the region.

Order of Zayed Conferred Upon Jordan King

UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has conferred upon His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan the Order of Zayed, the highest decoration bestowed by the UAE upon heads of states, royalty, and presidents.

This prestigious accolade recognises King Abdullah’s dedicated efforts to strengthen the deep-rooted ties of cooperation between the two nations, as well as his substantial contributions to the growth of these relations at every level.

During the ceremony at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi, the Jordan King conveyed his sincere gratitude to Sheikh Mohamed, expressing immense pride in being honoured with an order carrying the name of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, a figure revered worldwide for his humanitarian efforts. Sheikh Zayed’s enduring legacy, characterised by relationships grounded in partnership and respect, has been instrumental in strengthening ties with Arab nations and fostering friendship with countries around the world.

Sheikh Mohamed stated that conferring the Order of Zayed upon King Abdullah II reflects his enduring respect, personal admiration, and high esteem, highlighting appreciation for His Majesty’s outstanding efforts to bolster ties and advance cooperation across diverse areas.

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UAE and Jordan Sign MOU to Strengthen Investment Cooperation

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE’s Minister of Investment; and Zeina Toukan, Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministries of Investment of the UAE and Jordan have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at creating a framework for investment cooperation in key areas including infrastructure and development projects, while further strengthening the two countries’ enduring strategic partnership. The UAE Ministry of Investment identified potential opportunities worth over US $2 billion in Jordan.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE’s Minister of Investment; and Zeina Toukan, Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation.

ADQ, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and holding company, also announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership agreement to create a joint investment fund with Jordan Investment Fund, marking a milestone in ADQ’s commitment to advancing sustainable development initiatives in Jordan and the region. By bringing together their collective expertise, resources, and technical capabilities, ADQ and Jordan Investment Fund aim to enhance infrastructure development, boost export industries and promote innovation that aim to create a sustainable impact on Jordan’s economy.

H.E. Mohamed Hassan Alsuwaidi, UAE’s Minister of Investment, said: “We are committed to strengthening collaboration with our partners to ensure collective growth and economic prosperity. This agreement reflects our desire to promote cooperation and investment in Jordan, demonstrating the depth of the strategic relations between the UAE and Jordan. We look forward to working together with Jordan to explore new opportunities and create a prosperous future and growth for both nations.”

H.E. Zeina Toukan, Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation, said: “This MoU is an opportunity for us to build on the deep, historic ties between both nations. It signifies our mutual commitment to enhancing our countries’ economic landscapes. Through collaboration and sharing of expertise, we hope to pave the way for innovation and growth that will benefit the people of Jordan and the UAE.”

The MoU signed between the Ministries also enables the UAE and Jordan to explore opportunities to boost bilateral investments and enhance both nations’ GDP, through investment in multiple sectors such as renewable energy, industrial projects, manufacturing, transport, pharmaceuticals, and food processing.

The two ministries will work together to build closer relationships with relevant government agencies, regulatory authorities, and private-sector enterprises in their respective countries.

The event marks a significant step towards realizing the full potential of both countries and contributing to the economic growth of the region.

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Jordan Recalls Ambassador to Israel in Protest of Gaza Attacks

Jordan also asked Israel’s Foreign Ministry to inform its ambassador to Jordan, Rogel Rochman, who is presently in Israel due to security threats in Amman, not to come back…reports Asian Lite News

Jordan on Wednesday recalled its envoy to Israel in protest to the attacks carried out by the Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.

Jordan’s Foreign Ministry in a statement on Wednesday said that the country’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi asked Ambassador Rasan Al-Majali to return back to Amman from Israel. “This was in protest to the raging war carried out by Israel in the Gaza Strip leading to the death of several innocent citizens and unprecedented human rights issues in the area.”

Jordan also asked Israel’s Foreign Ministry to inform its ambassador to Jordan, Rogel Rochman, who is presently in Israel due to security threats in Amman, not to come back.

It may be recalled that Colombia, Chile and Bolivia have also recalled their ambassadors to Israel.

Slamming Chile and Columbia, Israel’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Lior Haiat said: “Citizens of Chile, Columbia and other Latin American countries are also amongst the victims of the heinous crimes of October 7. The state of Israel is fighting a war that was imposed on it. This is a war against a terrorist organization that is using the citizens of the Gaza Strip as human shields.”

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Biden, Jordanian King discuss aid to Gaza

Besides discussions on latest developments, the leaders spoke on the facilitation of the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza…reports Asian Lite News

As the Israel-Hamas war enters day 26, President Joe Biden in a call with King Abdullah II of Jordan, agreed that it is critical to ensure that Palestinians are not forcibly displaced outside of Gaza.

Apart from discussions on the latest developments there, the leaders spoke on the facilitation of the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza.

“President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. spoke today with His Majesty King Abdullah II of Jordan. The leaders discussed the latest developments in Gaza and their shared commitment to facilitating the increased, sustained delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza and the resumption of essential services,” the White House said, quoting the readout of President Biden’s Call with King Abdullah II of Jordan,

As Israel defends its citizens and fights terrorists, Biden emphasised the significance of upholding international humanitarian law and preserving civilian life.

“They also agreed that it is critical to ensure that Palestinians are not forcibly displaced outside of Gaza. The leaders discussed urgent mechanisms to stem violence, calm rhetoric, and reduce regional tensions,” the readout added.

Biden, in his call with the Jordanian King, affirmed the commitment to “work together” for a durable and sustainable peace in the Middle East.

“The President and King Abdullah affirmed their commitment to work together and with other regional partners to set the conditions for a durable and sustainable peace in the Middle East to include the establishment of a Palestinian state,” said the readout.

“The President expressed appreciation to the King for Jordan’s role in promoting regional stability, reaffirmed Jordan as a critical ally, and confirmed unwavering US support for Jordan and His Majesty’s leadership,” it added.

White House National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby on Monday (local time) said that he thinks Israel is “certainly” making an effort to minimize humanitarian casualties in Gaza.

While addressing a press briefing on Monday, he said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has spoken about the efforts that they are making to try to avoid civilian casualties. He noted that there have been civilian casualties amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and added that the Israel Defence Force’s goal is to go after Hamas and not after civilians.

Asked whether President Joe Biden feels that Israel abides by the rule of war, Kirby said, “Without getting into, reacting to events on the ground in real-time, which we are just not going to do, this is a conversation we consistently have had with our Israeli counterparts. As you rightly know, that was part of the discussion yesterday with the prime minister, and you heard the prime minister today speaking in Tel Aviv about the efforts that they’re undertaking to try to avoid civilian casualties, and I think that they certainly are making that effort.”

“It doesn’t mean that there haven’t been civilian casualties tragically, there have been many, thousands of them, but unlike Putin in Ukraine, and unlike what Hamas did on October 7, killing civilians is not a war aim of the Israeli Defence Forces. Their war aim is to go after Hamas that are using innocent Palestinians as human shields,” he added.

John Kirby’s remarks come after Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu pushed back on criticism about civilian casualties and said Hamas was preventing civilians from moving to the safe zone in southern Gaza.

While addressing a press briefing, Netanyahu said, “Not a single civilian has to die. Hamas has to merely let them go to the safe zone.” He noted, “Hamas is preventing them from leaving, keeping them in the areas of conflict.” He said the question should be directed to Hamas and added that Israel is “going out of our way” to avoid civilian casualties.

Israel deploys missile boats to Red Sea

Israel bolstered its naval presence in the Red Sea area on Wednesday following repeated missile and drone attacks by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Israel Defense Forces said that missile destroyers were deployed “in accordance with the assessment of the situation, and as part of the increased defence efforts in the region.”

On Tuesday, Israel’s Arrow air-defence system intercepted a missile launched at the Jewish state from the “Red Sea area.”

A spokesperson for Yemen’s Ansar Allah, the official title of the Houthi movement, confirmed the terror group had launched ballistic and cruise missiles at Israel, as well as drones.

Early on Wednesday, the IDF intercepted another incoming threat near Israel’s southernmost city of Eilat. The military has multiple layers of air defences in the Red Sea area to defend against Houthi attacks.

On Friday, the IDF said that a fighter jet had intercepted an “aerial threat” over the Red Sea, which came hours after a drone attack on the Egyptian resort town of Taba in the Sinai Peninsula that wounded six people.

On Oct. 19, the USS Carney, a U.S. Navy destroyer, shot down missiles and drones from Yemen that could have been aimed at Israel, the Pentagon said. (ANI/TPS)

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UAE President Receives Jordan King

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II upon his arrival at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi….reports Asian Lite News

His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan arrived in the UAE on Tuesday for a state visit set to commence today.

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan welcomed His Majesty King Abdullah II upon his arrival at Al Bateen Executive Airport in Abu Dhabi.

His Highness Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Court; and Humaid Obaid Khalifa Obaid Abushibs, President of the Supreme Audit Institution, were also present at the reception.

Accompanying His Majesty King Abdullah II is His Royal Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of Jordan. The delegation also includes Dr. Bisher Al-Khasawneh, Prime Minister of Jordan, along with a number of ministers and high-ranking officials.

As the Jordanian King’s plane entered UAE airspace, it was escorted by fighter jets in a ceremonial gesture of welcome and celebration of His Majesty’s visit.

His Majesty King Abdullah II’s visit to the UAE comes in response to an invitation from His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and underscores their mutual commitment to continue strengthening the two countries’ deep-rooted and historic relations and strategic cooperation.

The visit also aims to realise their vision for sustainable development and prosperity in both nations and fulfil the aspirations of their peoples for a more prosperous future.

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