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Biden in Non-Stop Talks to Avoid Middle East War

Biden had been hoping in his final months in office to end the Gaza war and work on clinching a landmark deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia….reports Asian Lite News



US President Joe Biden has engaged in urgent discussions regarding a potential Iranian counterattack on Israel, with his administration working tirelessly to prevent a full-scale war in the Middle East.

Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in frantic diplomacy to try to ease tensions sparked by a suspected Israeli attack that killed Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, KLAX-TV reported.

“We are engaged in intense diplomacy, pretty much around the clock, with a very simple message — all parties must refrain from escalation,” Blinken said after joining other top officials in a White House meeting.

“It’s also critical that we break this cycle by reaching a ceasefire in Gaza,” Blinken added, who has also spoken since Sunday with G7 counterparts and Iraq’s Prime Minister Mohammed Shia’ Al Sudani.

President Biden called King Abdullah II of Jordan, who helped shoot down Iranian drones and missiles in an earlier showdown in April, while Blinken called top officials in Qatar and Egypt, the key intermediaries seeking a ceasefire in the 10-month Israel-Hamas war.

On Monday, multiple US personnel were injured in a rocket attack on a base in Iraq, adding to the already heightened regional tensions.

Biden had been hoping in his final months in office to end the Gaza war and work on clinching a landmark deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia.

Instead, he has boosted the US military presence in the Middle East in a show of strength to Iran, KLAX-TV reported.

After staunchly backing Israel’s war against Hamas, Biden has made clear his frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the killing of Haniyeh, who was involved in the ceasefire negotiations.

Blinken, who has warned that Iran could strike soon, made a new pitch for Biden’s ceasefire plan that would freeze fighting in Gaza and return hostages seized in the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

A ceasefire “will unlock possibilities for more enduring calm, not only in Gaza itself but in other areas where the conflict could spread,” Blinken said as he met Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong.

In a veiled allusion to US frustrations, Blinken said, “What it really comes down to, really, is all parties finding ways to come to an agreement, not look for reasons to delay or to say no.”

ALSO READ: Biden hails prisoner exchange deal with Russia

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US Steps Up Military Presence in Middle East

Lloyd Austin is ordering the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to replace the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group…reports Asian Lite News

The US Defense Department will move a fighter jet squadron to the Middle East and maintain an aircraft carrier in the region, the Pentagon said, as President Joe Biden made good on his promise to beef up the American military presence to help defend Israel from possible attacks by Iran and its proxies and also safeguard US troops.

In a statement, the department said on Friday that Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin also ordered additional ballistic missile defence-capable cruisers and destroyers to the European and Middle East regions and is taking steps to send more land-based ballistic missile defence weapons there.

The shifts come as US leaders worry about escalating violence in the Middle East in response to recent attacks by Israel on Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, which triggered threats of retaliation.

Biden in a call on Thursday afternoon with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed new US military deployments to protect against possible attacks from ballistic missiles and drones, according to the White House.

In April, US forces intercepted dozens of missiles and drones fired by Iran against Israel and helped shoot down nearly all of them.

The assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday and senior Hezbollah commander Fouad Shukur in Beirut on Tuesday risk escalating the fighting into an all-out regional war, with Iran also threatening to respond after the attack on its territory.

Israel has vowed to kill Hamas leaders over the group’s October 7 attack, which sparked the war.

Lloyd Austin is ordering the Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to replace the Theodore Roosevelt carrier strike group, which is in the Gulf of Oman but scheduled to come home later this summer. This decision suggests the Pentagon has decided to keep a carrier consistently in the region as a deterrent against Iran at least until next year.

The Pentagon did not say where the fighter jet squadron was coming from or where it would be based in the Middle East. A number of allies in the region are often willing to base US military forces but don’t want it made public.

The White House in a statement said that Biden “reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security against all threats from Iran, including its proxy terrorist groups Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis”.

Earlier on Friday, Sabrina Singh, Pentagon Spokeswoman, told reporters that moves were in the works.

She said Austin “will be directing multiple” force movements to provide additional support to Israel and increase protection for US troops in the region.

In addition, a US official said that two US Navy destroyers that are currently in the Middle East will be heading north up the Red Sea toward the Mediterranean Sea. At least one of those could linger in the Mediterranean if needed. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss troop movements.

ALSO READ: US Embassy in Beirut Advises Evacuation

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India, Russia express deep concern on Middle East situationĀ 

The two nations affirmed their support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and reiterated their commitment to the principle of the two-state solution…reports Asian Lite News

India and Russia have expressed “deep concern” on the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza and called for immediate and unconditional release of all hostages.

The joint Statement following the 22nd India-Russia Annual Summit said the two sides called for the effective implementation of the relevant United Nations General Assembly resolutions and United Nations Security Council resolution 2720 and for immediate safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance in the Gaza Strip.

In the joint statement, India and Russia said, “The Sides expressed deep concern on the situation in the Middle East, with a particular focus on Gaza. 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 a lasting and sustainable ceasefire. They equally called for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages as well as humanitarian access to address their medical and other humanitarian needs,” it added.

The two nations affirmed their support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and reiterated their commitment to the principle of the two-state solution.

The joint statement reads, “They reaffirmed their support for Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations and reiterated their unwavering commitment to the principle of the two-state solution according to internationally accepted basis.”

The conflict in Gaza escalated after the October 7 attack by Hamas, where about 2,500 terrorists breached the border into Israel from the Gaza Strip, leading to casualties and the seizure of hostages.

Israel has since, characterised its Gaza offensive as targeting Hamas’ infrastructure with the goal to eliminate the entire terror group while making efforts to minimize civilian casualties.

The statement was issued after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in Moscow.

India and Russia agreed to strengthen joint efforts to build an architecture of equal and indivisible regional security and to intensify consultations on complementarities between integration and development initiatives in Greater Eurasian space and the regions of the Indian and Pacific oceans.

The joint statement further said, “The Sides underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation within various regional fora, aimed at deepening regional peace and security, including East Asia Summit, ASEAN Regional Forum on Security (ARF), ASEAN Defence Ministers Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus).”

The two nations noted the importance of expanding efforts to combat climate change and achieving the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.

The joint statement reads, “The Sides noted the importance of expanding efforts to combat climate change and achieving the goals of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) and the Paris Agreement.”

“In this regard, the Sides agreed to develop cooperation in the field of preventing climate change and adapting to it, including the exchange of experience on the organization and operation of greenhouse gas emission quota systems, the implementation of joint Russian-Indian investment projects in the field of low-carbon development, as well as sustainable and “green” financing,” it added.

The two nations agreed to continue interaction within G20, BRICS, and Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) on key issues like increasing the sustainability and developing resiliency of international supply chains, compliance with free and fair trade rules and climate change, according to the joint statement.

India and Russia welcomed the launch of the BRICS Contact Group on Climate Change and Sustainable Development within the framework of the Environment Working Group under the Russian Chairship in BRICS in 2024.

During his visit to Russia, PM Modi held talks with Russian President Putin. The two leaders also visited the Rosatom Pavilion at the VDNKh Exhibition Centre in Moscow.

PM Modi was ceremoniously presented with the Order of St Andrew the Apostle the First-Called, Russia’s highest civilian honour, by Putin.

Notably, the award was bestowed on PM Modi in 2019, but he received it physically on Tuesday. The Prime Minister was presented with this award for his distinguished contribution to the development of a privileged strategic partnership between Russia and India and friendly ties between the two countries. (ANI)

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President lauds India-Middle East-Europe-Economic-Corridor

In her speech, the President said that global order is taking a new shape in this third decade of 21st century…reports Asian Lite News

Noting that India’s vision has given shape to the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday said that the planned corridor will prove to be one of the biggest gamechangers of 21st century.

Addressing a joint sitting of the two Houses of Parliament today, President Murmu said that India has strengthened its relations with the neighbouring countries.

She said India is the first responder in any crisis due to its human-centric approach.

“Following the Neighbourhood First policy, India has strengthened its relations with the neighbouring countries. Leaders of seven neighbouring countries participated in the swearing-in ceremony of the Union Council of Ministers on June 9,” the President said.

“Whether it is East Asia or the Middle East and Europe, my government is giving a lot of importance to connectivity. The vision of India has started giving shape to the India-Middle East Economic Corridor. This corridor will be one of the biggest game changers of the 21st century,” she added.

India, the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Germany, Italy and the European Union had signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor during the New Delhi G20 Summit held in September last year.

“We have worked on the IMEC, which is going to be a big game changer like the Silk Route was a game changer. There was a positive and proactive role of the Gulf countries. India got an opportunity to play a good role. The US and Europe were with us. And everyone thought that there would be a concrete, positive outcome. So we used to meet on that,” Prime Minister Narendra Modi told in an interview earlier.

In her speech, the President said that global order is taking a new shape in this third decade of 21st century.

“Due to the efforts of my Government, Bharat is giving a new confidence to the world as a Vishwa-Bandhu. Due to its human-centric approach, India today is the first responder in any crisis and has become a strong voice of the Global South. India has been at the forefront in safeguarding humanity be it the Corona crisis or an earthquake or a war,” she said.

President Murmu said that India has united the world on many issues during its G20 presidency.

She said that the African Union was made the 27th member of the grouping under India’s Presidency, and noted that the move has strengthened the “trust of the African continent as well as the entire Global South.”

“How the world’s view of India has changed, we have all experienced this in the G7 Summit held in Italy. India has united the world on many issues during its G20 presidency. It is during India’s presidency that the African Union has been made the 27th member of G20. This has strengthened the trust of the African continent as well as the entire Global South,” the President said.

A breakthrough was achieved on the first day of the New Delhi Summit G20 Summit as there was consensus on”Ukraine paragraphs” with shift in position by some countries. The New Delhi Declaration was adopted unanimously. (ANI)

Oppn slams Presidentā€™s address to Parliament

Opposition leaders slammed the government over the President’s address with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge alleging that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is trying not to accept the message of Lok Sabha polls “which was against him”.

He said people rejected PM Modi’s slogan of “400 paar” and kept BJP away from the majority mark of 272.

In his remarks on the President’s address, PM Modi said it was comprehensive and presented a roadmap of progress and good governance.

“It covered the strides India has been making and also the potential that lies ahead. Her address also mentioned some of the major challenges we have to collectively overcome to ensure a qualitative change in the lives of our citizens,” the Prime Minister said in a post on ‘X’.

In her speech, the President said about 64 crore voters performed their duty with enthusiasm and zeal in the Lok Sabha polls and EVM has passed every test, from the Supreme Court to the people’s court, in the last few decades.

“Women cast their votes in huge numbers this time also. A very heartening aspect of this election emerged from Jammu and Kashmir. The Kashmir Valley broke all records of voter turnout of many decades. In the last four decades, we had witnessed low voter turnout amidst shutdowns and strikes in Kashmir. Enemies of India continued to spread false propaganda at global forums, projecting it as an opinion of Jammu and Kashmir. But this time the Kashmir Valley has given a befitting reply to every such element within the country and outside,” she said.

The President said the whole world is talking about the Lok Sabha elections.

“The world is witnessing that the people of India have elected a stable Government with clear majority, consecutively for the third term. This has happened after six decades. At a time when the aspirations of people of India are at their highest ever, people have reposed faith in my Government for the third consecutive term. The people of India have full faith that only my Government can fulfil their aspirations,” she said.

“Therefore, this election of 2024 has been an election of trust in policy, intention, dedication and decisions – trust in a strong and decisive government, trust in good governance, stability and continuity, trust in honesty and hard work, trust in security and prosperity, trust in government’s guarantees and delivery, trust in India’s resolve to be Viksit Bharat…

“It is a stamp of approval for my Government’s mission of service and good governance undertaken in the past 10 years. It is a mandate that the work of making India a developed nation continues uninterrupted and India attains its goals,” she added.

The President said along with major economic and social decisions, many historic steps will also be seen in the budget likely to be presented during the monsoon session of parliament.

“The pace of reforms will be further accelerated in tune with the aspirations of people of India for rapid development. My Government believes that there should be healthy competition among the states to attract investors from all over the world. This is the true spirit of competitive cooperative federalism. We will continue to move ahead with the belief that the development of the country lies in the development of the states,” she said.

She said India is the fastest growing economy in the world and in 10 years, the country has risen to become the fifth largest economy from being the 11th ranked economy.

“From 2021 to 2024, India has grown at an average rate of 8 percent annually. And this growth has not been achieved under usual circumstances. This has been made possible due to reforms and major decisions undertaken in the national interest in the last 10 years. Today, India alone is contributing 15 percent of the global growth. The government is striving to make India the 3rd largest economy in the world. Achieving this goal will also strengthen the foundation of a developed India.” She said along with the traditional sectors, sunrise sectors are also being promoted in mission mode and the government is also making continuous efforts to reduce the cost of logistics.

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Blinken Set To Visit Middle East In Latest Attempt For Truce

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Qatar from Monday to Wednesday

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to travel to the Middle East next week, in his latest attempt to push for an end to the ongoing Gaza war.

Blinken will visit Egypt, Israel, Jordan and Qatar from Monday to Wednesday, the State Department said on Friday.

“The Secretary will discuss with partners the need to reach a ceasefire agreement that secures the release of all hostages,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The planned trip comes after US President Joe Biden laid out a new three-phase plan to end the months-long war in Gaza between Israel and Palestinian extremist group Hamas.

Blinken would “emphasize the importance of Hamas accepting the proposal on the table, which is nearly identical to one Hamas endorsed last month,” according to the statement.

“The Secretary will discuss how the ceasefire proposal would benefit both Israelis and Palestinians. He will underscore that it would alleviate suffering in Gaza, enable a massive surge in humanitarian assistance, and allow Palestinians to return to their neighbourhoods.”

Neither Israel nor Hamas have so far agreed to the latest proposal, which envisages a complete and unrestricted ceasefire lasting six weeks. This is to lead to a permanent ceasefire in a second phase.

Qatar, the US and Egypt have been mediating between Israel and Hamas for months to achieve a ceasefire and an exchange of hostages kept by the militant group for Palestinian prisoners. Following the Middle East trip, Blinken is scheduled to accompany Biden at the G7 leaders’ summit in Italy from June 13-14

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Integrate Middle East highlights innovation, collaboration

The event hosted over 10,000 visitors from more than 75 nations, as well as 250+ exhibitors…reports Asian Lite News

Integrate Middle East, the flagship event convening technology leaders and integrated solution buyers across diverse industries, successfully concluded after three eventful days marked by groundbreaking innovation and collaboration.

Co-located with CABSAT 2024, the eventā€™s success underscores the growing prominence of the Pro AV technology industry within the MENA region.

The event hosted over 10,000 visitors from more than 75 nations, as well as 250+ exhibitors who showcased their cutting-edge products and services, making it an ideal platform for networking.

The summit boasted an exemplary array of speakers from leading brands such as HL Group UAE, Theatre of Digital Art, JLL Technologies, Epson, Nuevo Design UAE, Oasis Enterprises LLC, Channel Media Europe, FinesseTech IT Solutions, Elevision Media, Shure UAE, MORE UAE, Warner Music MENA, MassiveMusic, and Mubert Inc., among others.

The speakers led pertinent discussions centred around diverse topics such as the future potential of mixed realities, AI in built environment, AI integration in music and virtualisation, the future of workplace design, digital signage, power of Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH), projector mapping, digital installation, and advanced Pro AV innovation. This gave visitors the unique opportunity to learn about relevant trends directly from industry experts.

Paul Hadfield, Sales Director of Area Four Industries Middle East – Provision AVL General Trading LLC, said, ā€œOver the years, the Middle Eastā€™s Pro AV market has undergone rapid growth, with an increasing demand for premium Pro AV technologies in the broadcast and entertainment sector. In light of the evolving market conditions, we have addressed the audience on ā€˜Safe Rigging Methods and Installation in the Entertainment Sectorā€™, which highlights key safety protocols and practices for rigging structures in our industry. Aligned with our companyā€™s vision, we were excited to provide valuable insights on the challenges and transformation of the regionā€™s broadcast and entertainment sector, and ultimately helping to create a safer working environment for us all.ā€

Su Piow Ko, Vice President of AET Display Limited, said, ā€œOur participation at Integrate ME 2024 allowed us to showcase our state-of-the-art Micro Mavel–NX COB Series, which is of a standard cabinet size and boasts a 16:9 aspect ratio for enhanced clarity. Visitors were also able to have a practical, hands-on experience of our innovative 138 all-in-one display solution, which is a powerful tool for both broadcasters and audiences. By synergising semiconductor materials, cutting-edge core chips, illuminating light sources, high-density carrier boards, intricate driver IC, and nuanced image processing, we offer services across R&D, production, and sales of Mini and Micro LED technology to our clients.ā€

Integrate Middle East 2024 provided exhibitors an avenue to showcase innovative offerings in digital signage, command and control rooms, and live event solutions. The cutting-edge innovations offered a glimpse into the future of the Pro AV industry, bolstered by advanced technologies that cater to diverse business needs. The event served as a point of convergence for thought-provoking ideas, collaborations and opportunities while underscoring the role of Pro AV technology in facilitating immersive experiences. As the event draws to a close, its ripple effect is poised to pioneer innovation across the industry at large.

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Germany’s Bold Call: No Sides in Mideast Conflict

Baerbock emphasised that human dignity must be regarded as inviolable….reports Asian Lite News

Germany’s Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock has stated that it is not about taking sides in the conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Middle East.

Baerbock said at an election campaign event on Thursday evening that she was doing everything she could to ensure that humanitarian aid reached Gaza, in a situation where Hamas had attacked Israel.

“That is not a contradiction for me,” she said.

According to Baerbock, a child in Gaza whose mother had died suffered just as much as a child whose mother had been abducted to Gaza by Hamas.

“I don’t have to decide whether I have more sympathy for one child or the other,” she added.

Baerbock emphasised that human dignity must be regarded as inviolable.

According to Baerbock, Holocaust survivor Margot Friedlander, who was also present at the celebration of 75 years of Germany’s Basic Law in Berlin on Thursday, put it in a nutshell by saying there was no Jewish blood, no Muslim blood and no Christian blood.

“There is only human blood,” Baerbock said.

Around 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage in the Gaza Strip during the Hamas attacks in the Israeli border area on October 7.

The terrorist attack was the trigger for Israel’s military offensive in Gaza, in which, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 35,500 people have been killed so far.

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UN Emergency Session on Middle East to Resume

The US on April 18 vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have recommended to the General Assembly Palestine’s full UN membership….reports Asian Lite News

The UN General Assembly will resume its 10th emergency special session (ESS) on May 10, after Palestine’s UN membership bid was blocked by the US at the Security Council in April.

UN General Assembly President Dennis Francis has informed member states that he will convene a plenary meeting of the ESS on May 10, said Monica Grayley, his spokeswoman, on Wednesday.

In a letter dated April 26, Francis told member states that the resumption of the ESS was requested by Saudi Arabia, Mauritania, and Uganda, in their respective capacities as chair of the Arab Group, chair of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Group, and chair of the Coordinating Bureau of the Non-Aligned Movement, Xinhua news agency reported.

The US on April 18 vetoed a Security Council draft resolution that would have recommended to the General Assembly Palestine’s full UN membership.

Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of Palestine to the United Nations, expressed the hope that the General Assembly would ask the Security Council to reconsider the issue at the ESS.

“We will now bring the matter for consideration by the General Assembly on May 10 in a resumed 10th emergency special session and trust that this body representing the international community will unequivocally support the admission of Palestine to the UN and call on the Security Council to reconsider our application for admission favourably,” he told a General Assembly meeting on Wednesday on the use of the veto by the US.

Under UN rules, the admission of new members has to be recommended by the Security Council before a vote in the General Assembly.

If the Security Council does not recommend the application or postpones its consideration of the application, the Council then must submit a special report to the General Assembly, which in turn could ask the Council to reconsider.

The 10th ESS on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory was convened for the first time in April 1997.

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UAE pushes for swift de-escalation in Middle East

Convened on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, the six-party Arab Ministerial meeting alongside US Secretary of State delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East region…reports Asian Lite News

The UAE has underscored the pressing challenges confronting the Middle East, emphasising the need for heightened regional and international collaboration in bolstering the comprehensive peace process based on the two-state solution.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs, participated in the six-party Arab Ministerial meeting alongside US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken.

The meeting also included His Highness Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar; Ayman Al Safadi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan; Sameh Shoukry, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Arab Republic of Egypt; and Hussein Al-Sheikh, Palestinian Minister of Civil Affairs, Secretary-General of the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) Executive Committee.

Convened on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Riyadh, the session delved into the evolving situation in the Middle East region, particularly focusing on the Gaza Strip, its humanitarian and security implications, endeavours to secure a lasting ceasefire, and strategies to uphold regional and international peace and security.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed emphasised the imperative of achieving a sustainable ceasefire and preventing the escalation of conflict in the region, highlighting the paramount importance of countering extremism, mitigating tensions, curbing escalating violence, safeguarding civilian lives, and facilitating the unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza Strip through secure corridors.

Moreover, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed reiterated the UAEā€™s steadfast commitment to advancing regional and global peace and stability, as well as its earnest endeavour to foster cooperative ties with diverse nations to foster development and prosperity for all peoples.

The meeting was attended by Dr. Anwar Gargash, Diplomatic Adviser to the UAE President; Lana Zaki Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Saif bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, UAE Ambassador to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Talks in Cairo continue

The indirect talks between Hamas and Israel are progressing in Cairo with Egyptian and Qatari mediators taking the lead.

The talks that commenced on Monday are continuing on Tuesday. According to sources in the Israeli Defence Ministry, the negotiations are on a positive path. After Israel reduced the number of hostages to be released from 40 to 33, the possibility of a six-week ceasefire is high.

The Hamas side has demanded the release of around 600 Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Some of the Palestinian prisoners whose names figure in the list of prisoners submitted by Hamas are charged with serious offences, including murder.

Israel has already publicly stated that if Hamas backs out of this discussion in Cairo, it would lead to an Israeli ground offensive in the Rafah region of the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has maintained that a permanent ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal are prerequisites for any agreement. Conversely, Israel has affirmed its commitment to continue its operation in Gaza until Hamas is eradicated. However, Israel has recently agreed to Hamas’s demand for unrestricted movement of Palestinians to northern Gaza, a concession pivotal in advancing negotiations.

Around 1.3 million Palestinians inhabit the Rafah area. Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi had expressed his concern about an Israeli military action in Rafah and the possibility of a huge exodus of refugees to the Sinai region that borders Rafah.

Egyptian intelligence head Major General Abbas Kamel during his recent visit to Israel had expressed concern about a Rafah operation.

Meanwhile, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Saudi Arabia yesterday, is overseeing the mediatory talks between Hamas and Israel.

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Egypt Appeals for Peace in Middle East

Egypt expressed deep concern over the continued mutual escalation between Israel and Iran…reports Asian Lite News

Egypt has urged Iran and Israel to exercise restraint and avoid plunging the region into conflict, a foreign ministry statement said.

Egypt expressed deep concern over the continued mutual escalation between Israel and Iran and warned of the consequences of expanding the conflict in the region and its dangerous impact on the safety and security of its people.

Oman, meanwhile, has condemned an suspected Israeli attack on the Iranian province of Isfahan as well the repeated Israeli attacks in the region, a foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement.

The Gulf state urged the international community to address the roots of tension and conflict through dialogue, diplomacy and political solutions. It also called for focusing on ceasefire efforts in Gaza and reaching “a just and permanent solution for the Palestinian cause in order to restore security, stability and comprehensive peace in the whole region.”

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