Tag: Qatar

Categories
-Top News Arab News Qatar

QEF 2024: Global Leaders Due in Doha

2024 Qatar Economic Forum will gather more than 1000 global leaders, heads of state and international CEOs… writes Kaliph Anaz. Discussions at QEF will revolve around the topics like Geopolitics, Globalization, & Trade; the Energy Transition; Technology Innovation; Business & Investment Outlook and Sports & Entertainment

The oil rich Arab state of Qatar is gearing up to host the fourth edition of Qatar Economic Forum. The event will gather more than 1000 global leaders, heads of state and international CEOs. This year’s forum, under the theme ‘A World Remade: Navigating the Year of Uncertainty’, will provide a global platform for a comprehensive dialogue on the issues driving global boardroom conversations and financial markets.

The annual “Qatar Economic Forum, Powered by Bloomberg” (QEF), held in collaboration with Media City Qatar, will take place from May 14-16.  As the world continues to be shaped by major disruptions in technology, trade and politics, the events of 2024 have the potential to produce long-term consequences for the global economy. Discussions at QEF will revolve around the topics like Geopolitics, Globalization, & Trade; the Energy Transition; Technology Innovation; Business & Investment Outlook and Sports & Entertainment.

Current speakers include H.E. Abdulsalam Al Murshidi, President, Oman Investment Authority; Sheikha Hanadi N. Al-Thani, Chairperson, INJAZ Al Arab; Gerry Cardinale, Founder, Managing Partner & Chief Investment Officer, RedBird Capital Partners; Jim Coulter, Founding Partner, Executive Chairman & Director, TPG Inc.; Brandon Gardner, Partner, Co-Founder & President, Raine; Behdad Eghbali, Co-Founder & Managing Partner, Clearlake Capital Group, Bruce Flatt, CEO, Brookfield; Kenneth C. Griffin, Founder, CEO & Co-Chief Investment Officer, Citadel; Jin Liqun, President & Chair of the Board of Directors, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank; Jenny Johnson, President & CEO, Franklin Templeton; Jeffrey Katzenberg, Founding Partner, WndrCo; Cindy Lim, CEO, Infrastructure, Keppel Limited; General David H. Petraeus (US Army, Ret.), Partner, Chairman of the Global Institute, KKR.; Joey Wat, CEO, Yum China; Dina Powell McCormick, Vice Chairman & President of Global Client Services & Partner, BDT & MSD, Lei Zhang, Founder, Chairman & CEO, Hillhouse Investments, Todd L. Boehly, Co-Founder, Chairman & CEO, Eldridge Industries, Yimei Li, CEO, ChinaAMC with more to follow.

“Bloomberg is excited to be powering the fourth iteration of QEF, which has quickly become a highlight of the global investment calendar,” said Karen Saltser, CEO of Bloomberg Media. “With an exciting agenda developed by Bloomberg’s world class editorial team, we look forward to hosting important discussions with global leaders in business and government.”

H.E. Sheikh Ali bin Abdulla bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Chairman of the Higher Organizing Committee of Qatar Economic Forum said: “Through the Qatar Economic Forum, we have established a dynamic center for global business leaders to convene, connect, and catalyze partnerships. The forum has become the nexus where visionary leaders converge to shape the future”.

He added, “We are enthusiastic about the collaborative spirit that defines this platform, where ideas flourish, and alliances are forged, propelling us towards a future of shared success and prosperity”.

The current geopolitical landscape casts a shadow over the global economy, with conflicts in Ukraine, genocidal raids in Gaza, and China’s looming threat over Taiwan sending shock waves. As nearly half of the world’s population prepares to elect their leaders, economic uncertainties abound. While China grapples with maintaining economic growth and Europe teeters on the brink of recession, the resurgence of the Trump campaign adds another layer of volatility to the global ecosystem.

Amidst these headline-grabbing crises, a significant shift in the global economic order is underway. In a world reminiscent of 19th-century resource battles, there’s a growing emphasis on assertive economic statecraft and a quest for resilient and geopolitically neutral trade partnerships. This shift is elevating the economic nexus between the Gulf, India, and Southeast Asia to newfound prominence, poised to drive global growth and optimism into the next decade.

In the Gulf region, countries like Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE are seizing this opportunity. Flush with oil and gas revenue from the energy crisis, the region’s sovereign wealth funds are vying to fill the $3 trillion liquidity gap left by Wall Street’s retreat. With global supply lines being rerouted and the epicentre of growth shifting eastward, the Gulf states are accelerating reforms and embracing openness to engage with the world on their own terms.

Against this backdrop, the fourth Qatar Economic Forum emerges as a beacon, spotlighting the burgeoning south-to-south economy and the fresh growth opportunities it offers to the global business community. By amplifying established viewpoints and emerging voices from diverse corners of the globe, the Forum aims to uncover the latest economic trends shaping a new global growth narrative.

ALSO READ: UAE Rebukes Netanyahu’s Gaza Administration Proposal

Categories
-Top News UK News

Hamas accepts ceasefire proposal of Egypt, Qatar

The Israeli military said it was conducting “targeted strikes” against Hamas in eastern Rafah. The nature of the strikes was not immediately known, but the move appeared aimed at keeping the pressure on as talks continue…reports Asian Lite News

Hamas announced its acceptance Monday of an Egyptian-Qatari ceasefire proposal, but Israel said the deal did not meet its “core demands” and that it was pushing ahead with an assault on the southern Gaza town of Rafah. Still, Israel said it would continue negotiations.

The high-stakes diplomatic moves and military brinkmanship left a glimmer of hope alive — but only barely — for an accord that could bring at least a pause in the 7-month-old war that has devastated the Gaza Strip. Hanging over the wrangling was the threat of an all-out Israeli assault on Rafah, a move the United States strongly opposes and that aid groups warn will be disastrous for some 1.4 million Palestinians taking refuge there.

Hamas’s abrupt acceptance of the ceasefire deal came hours after Israel ordered an evacuation of some 100,000 Palestinians from eastern neighborhoods of Rafah, signaling an invasion was imminent.

Israel’s War Cabinet decided to continue the Rafah operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said. At the same time, it said that while the proposal Hamas agreed to “is far from meeting Israel’s core demands,” it would send negotiators to Egypt to work on a deal.

The Israeli military said it was conducting “targeted strikes” against Hamas in eastern Rafah. The nature of the strikes was not immediately known, but the move appeared aimed at keeping the pressure on as talks continue.

President Joe Biden spoke with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and reiterated US concerns about an invasion of Rafah. US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said American officials were reviewing the Hamas response “and discussing it with our partners in the region.” An American official said the US was examining whether what Hamas agreed to was the version signed off to by Israel and international negotiators or something else.

It was not immediately known if the proposal Hamas agreed to was substantially different from one that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pressed the militant group to accept last week, which Blinken said included significant Israeli concessions.

Egyptian officials said that proposal called for a ceasefire of multiple stages starting with a limited hostage release and partial Israeli troop pullbacks within Gaza. The two sides would also negotiate a “permanent calm” that would lead to a full hostage release and greater Israeli withdrawal out of the territory, they said.

Hamas sought clearer guarantees for its key demand of an end to the war and complete Israeli withdrawal in return for the release of all hostages, but it wasn’t clear if any changes were made.

Israeli leaders have repeatedly rejected that trade-off, vowing to keep up their campaign until Hamas is destroyed after its Oct. 7 attack on Israel that triggered the war.

Netanyahu is under pressure from hard-line partners in his coalition who demand an attack on Rafah and could collapse his government if he signs onto a deal. But he also faces pressure from the families of hostages to reach a deal for their release.

Thousands of Israelis rallied around the country Monday night calling for an immediate agreement. About a thousand protesters swelled near the defense headquarters in Tel Aviv, where police tried to clear the road. In Jerusalem, about a hundred protesters marched toward Netanyahu’s residence with a banner reading, “The blood is on your hands.”

Israel says Rafah is the last significant Hamas stronghold in Gaza, and Netanyahu said Monday that the offensive against the town was vital to ensuring the militants can’t rebuild their military capabilities.

But he faces strong American opposition. Miller said Monday the US has not seen a credible and implementable plan to protect Palestinian civilians. “We cannot support an operation in Rafah as it is currently envisioned,” he said.

The looming operation has raised global alarm. Aid agencies have warned that an offensive will bring a surge of more civilian deaths in an Israeli campaign that has already killed 34,000 people and devastated the territory. It could also wreck the humanitarian aid operation based out of Rafah that is keeping Palestinians across the Gaza Strip alive, they say.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday called the evacuation order “inhumane.”

“Gazans continue to be hit with bombs, disease, and even famine. And today, they have been told that they must relocate yet again,” he said. “It will only expose them to more danger and misery.”

ALSO READ-Netanyahu Firm: No Ceasefire with Hamas Amid Hostage Demands

Categories
-Top News Arab News Asia News

Egypt, Qatar Pledge Action on Israel-Palestine Conflict

They discussed efforts to exchange hostages and detainees and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid …reports Asian Lite News

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani have pledged to resume efforts to end the current Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

During a phone conversation, the two leaders discussed the latest developments and joint efforts to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian Presidency said on Tuesday in a statement.

They also discussed efforts to exchange hostages and detainees and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid and relief in sufficient and adequate quantities into Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two leaders confirmed their commitment to continuing joint efforts and engaging with the various parties to end the war, protect the region from the ramifications of the expansion of the conflict, and restore security and stability in the region.

Egypt and Qatar, along with the US, are spearheading regional mediation talks to end the conflict and expedite humanitarian aid into the war-torn territory via Egypt.

Israel launched a large-scale offensive in Gaza to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and more than 200 were taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks on Gaza has risen to 34,535, the Hamas-run health authorities said in a press statement on Tuesday.

ALSO READ: CBUAE’s February balance sheet hits record Dh750b

Categories
-Top News Asia News Nepal

Bilateral Pacts Strengthen Nepal-Qatar Relations

The two countries sealed the deals, two agreements and six memorandums of understanding…reports Asian Lite News

The governments of Nepal and Qatar on Wednesday reached agreements on bilateral cooperation in various sectors.

The two countries sealed the deals, two agreements and six memorandums of understanding, after an hour-long meeting between the delegations led by Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Nepali Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal, according to Amrit Bahadur Rai, spokesperson for Nepal’s Foreign Ministry.

Media, business, culture and arts, education, scientific research and youth and sports are the areas on which the two countries agreed to focus their cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported.

The emir arrived in Kathmandu on Tuesday for a two-day state visit.

ALSO READ: Nepal Kalinga Literary Festival Strengthens Regional Ties

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

Qatar reviews achievements of Emiratisation in UAE

The two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries in the fields of human resources development and labour..reports Asian Lite News

Dr. Abdulrahman Al Awar, Minister of Human Resources and Emiratisation, received Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Minister of Labour of Qatar, who headed a delegation from the Qatari Ministry of Labour on a visit to the UAE.

During a meeting, the two sides discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries in the fields of human resources development and labour.

The Qatari delegation was briefed on best practices implemented in the UAE labour market, in the presence of Khalil Al Khoori, Undersecretary for Human Resources Affairs at the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE); Ayesha Belharfia, the Ministry’s Undersecretary for Emiratisation Affairs; Ghannam Al Mazrouei, Secretary General of the Emirati Talent Competitiveness Council; Sheikha Najwa Al Thani, Assistant Undersecretary for Migrant Labour Affairs at the Qatari Ministry of Labour, and officials from both ministries.

The Qatari delegation reviewed the various initiatives of the Nafis programme, as well as the range of legislation and decisions to support Emiratisation efforts in the private sector, and the unprecedented record results of enhancing Emirati professionals’ competitiveness in the labour market.

The meeting also highlighted processes and practices of UAE labour market monitoring, raising awareness, and inspection, in addition to the social protection system and the programme for protecting workers’ entitlements in the private sector.

The delegation also examined the procedures used for settling labour disputes in the UAE, in addition to the latest results of the continuous efforts to upgrade and develop the UAE labour market’s legislative ecosystem and elevate its attractiveness to both international talent and Emirati professionals.

ALSO READ: India requests Saudi to increase Haj quota

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE, Iraq, Türkiye, Qatar ink deal on ‘Development Road Project’

The MoU focuses on collaboration for the strategic ‘Development Road’ project…reports Asian Lite News

The United Arab Emirates, Iraq, Qatar and Türkiye, have signed a quadrilateral Memorandum of Understanding for cooperation on the Development Road project. Iraq’s PM Muhammed S. Al-Sudani and President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdoğan witnessed the signing ceremony on Monday

“This MoU focuses on collaboration for the strategic ‘Development Road’ project. The event was attended by members of the four signatory countries,” according to a PM Media Office statement received by the Iraqi News Agency.

The MOU was signed by Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, Iraq’s Minister of Transport, Razzaq Muhibis, Türkiye’s Abdulkadir Uraloğlu, and Qatar’s Minister of Transport, Jassim bin Saif Al Sulaiti.

“The outlines for the framework of implementing the Development Road project aim to stimulate economic growth and enhance regional and international cooperation through economic integration. It seeks to create a sustainable economy bridging East and West, increase international trade, facilitate movement and commerce, establish a new competitive transport route, and bolster regional economic prosperity,” added the PM Office statement.

ALSO READ: UAE, Oman solidify ever-strengthening strategic ties

Categories
-Top News Arab News

Israel to Send Delegation to Qatar for Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations

The meeting “will be held as part of the negotiations in Doha, and its purpose is to advance the efforts to return the hostages,” the office added…reports Asian Lite News

Israel is set to send a delegation to Qatar for negotiations on a Gaza ceasefire deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said in a statement.

The delegation, led by head of the Israeli Mossad intelligence agency, David Barnea, will depart for Qatar on Friday, his office said on Thursday.

The talks include head of the US Central Intelligence Agency William Burns, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian Intelligence Minister Abbas Kamel, Xinhua news agency reported.

The meeting “will be held as part of the negotiations in Doha, and its purpose is to advance the efforts to return the hostages,” the office added.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is expected to arrive in Israel for talks with senior officials on Friday, said on Wednesday in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, that negotiations to secure an immediate truce in the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza were “getting closer” to a deal.

ALSO READ-US unveils draft UN resolution seeking Gaza ceasefire

Categories
-Top News Arab News UAE News

UAE, Qatar Stress Unified Approach in Gaza

The UAE Foreign Minister visited Doha, on a working visit, and met with Emir His Highness Sheikh Tamim and Qatari Prime Minister….reports Asian Lite News

Emir of Qatar His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani yesterday welcomed UAE Foreign Minister H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurrahman bin Jassim Al Thani.

The UAE Top Diplomat conveyed the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his best wishes to the State of Qatar and its people for more prosperity and progress. His Highness Sheikh Tamim reciprocated the greetings.

During the meeting, which was held as part of the UAE Foreign Minister’s working visit to Doha, the fraternal relations and ways to support and develop bilateral cooperation were reviewed, in addition to discussing a number of regional and international issues of common interest.

H.H. Sheikh Abdullah affirmed the depth of the fraternal UAE-Qatar relations and the two countries’ continuous efforts to invest in all available opportunities to expand the paths of bilateral cooperation in a way that achieves their mutual interest and the higher good of their peoples.

Sheikh Abdullah also expressed his thanks and appreciation to the Emir of Qatar for the warm welcome, expressing his best wishes to Qatar and its people for more progress and prosperity.

Later, Sheikh Abdullah also met with Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdurrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, who is also the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar.

The two ministers also discussed the latest developments in the Middle East region, especially in the Gaza Strip.

They reviewed the efforts to reach a sustainable ceasefire, especially with the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and the urgent need to intensify the regional and international efforts made to provide sufficient humanitarian assistance to the brotherly Palestinian people, in a way that would contribute to alleviating their suffering.

They touched on the outcomes of the recent ministerial meeting on the maritime corridor initiative aimed to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza and the importance of such initiatives in opening humanitarian corridors to transport aid at a sufficient and sustainable pace and without obstacles to civilians in the Gaza Strip.

Sheikh Abdullah pointed out during the meeting that the Middle East region is going through exceptional difficult circumstances and many challenges that, he stressed, necessitate the need to intensify cooperation and multilateral work at all levels to end extremism, tension and escalating violence in the region and reach a sustainable ceasefire.

The UAE FM added that a ceasefire, securing the safety of all civilians and bolstering the humanitarian response to the brotherly Palestinian people is an urgent priority.

“To ensure the success of these endeavours, a unified approach combining all available efforts is imperative,” Sheikh Abdullah stressed.

He also appreciated the continuous efforts made by Qatar to reach a ceasefire that would contribute to meeting the urgent humanitarian needs of civilians in Gaza. He reiterated the importance of finding a serious political horizon to resume negotiations with the aim of achieving comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

The Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Qatar hosted an Iftar banquet in honour of Sheikh Abdullah and his accompanying delegation.

ALSO READ: UAE President, World Central Kitchen CEO discuss boosting Gaza aid

Categories
Lite Blogs Travel Travel & Tourism

Discover Qatar: Where Tradition Meets Innovation

Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts of all ages. Immerse yourself in Qatar’s rich sporting heritage, uncovering captivating exhibits and interactive displays that celebrate the nation’s athletic achievements on the global stage…reports Asian Lite News

A dazzling desert oasis in the heart of the Middle East, every corner of Qatar tells a story of the meeting of old and new. Nestled along the Arabian coastline, the country captivates visitors with its rich and diverse cultural landscape and stunning views across the Persian Gulf.

While thrill-seekers are drawn to the Inland Sea’s exhilarating adventures, The Pearl-Qatar invites with its pristine beaches for a luxurious escape. Whether your heart beats for avant-garde architecture, or the timeless charm of traditional districts, this country offers something for all kinds of travellers, promising unforgettable adventures in every season.

With an assorted array of experiences to suit every taste, here are neighbourhoods you simply cannot miss while exploring Qatar.

Dive into The Pearl-Qatar for a splash of glitz and glamour

Just north of the city centre, set amidst the coastal shores of the Arabian Gulf, is Qatar’s upscale island district – The Pearl. Indulge in the lavish lifestyle of The Pearl, where impressive yachts line the jetties and fine dining awaits at every turn. Named after its former pearl diving site, this Mediterranean-inspired area boasts fancy villas, elite hotels, and designer boutiques. The island is home to modern dining spots like the Nozomi which serves up Japanese cuisine or the Toro Toro which offers a full Latin experience. The famous Medina Centrale particularly stands out for its Mediterranean charm and aura with its public plazas, colourful houses, and inviting cafés. Whether you seek luxury or simply wish to stroll along the canals and admire the picturesque surroundings, a visit to The Pearl is an absolute must.

Embrace Qatar’s history at Al Jasra

Step into history at Al Jasra, Doha’s significant centre that is steeped in tradition. Named after the Arabic word for “bridge,” this neighbourhood features iconic landmarks like the Old Well and the bustling Souq Waqif, Qatar’s largest marketplace. Dating back to the late 19th to early 20th centuries, this area used to be a gathering place where Bedouins and locals would trade a variety of goods including falcons and camels. Now, you can wander through its narrow passageways that are lined with stalls selling antiques, handicrafts, spices, artefacts and much more. Stroll further to the falcon souq where you can pose with a falcon perched on your arm or head to the camel pen to see these doe-eyed creatures.

Get your game on in Al Baaya

Experience the charm of Al Baaya (also known as Al Waab), a suburban haven just a stone’s throw away from Doha’s busy city centre. Popular among multi-generational families this neighbourhood boasts the expansive Aspire Park, home to the thrilling Jungle Zone indoor theme park and the iconic Aspire Lake. Dive into luxury at the prestigious Villagio Mall, offering upscale boutiques, a cinema, and a dreamy Italian-themed canal complete with gondolas. But the real gem of Al Baaya is the 3-2-1 Qatar Olympic and Sports Museum, a must-visit destination for sports enthusiasts of all ages. Immerse yourself in Qatar’s rich sporting heritage, uncovering captivating exhibits and interactive displays that celebrate the nation’s athletic achievements on the global stage.

Step into the future at Lusail

Palm trees swaying gently in the breeze and yachts bobbing in the turquoise water, streets lined with perfectly designed Lego block-like buildings, Lusail is a blend of innovation and sustainability. Lusail is often hyped as Qatar’s “City of the Future” and claims to be the most technologically advanced city in the region, if not the world. Whether it’s taking a break from the hustle and bustle and immersing oneself in Crescent Park’s eco-friendly beauty that is inspired by the serene Qatari desert or indulging in some upscale shopping at the Paris-inspired leisure hub – Place Vendôme or visiting Lusail Stadium that held the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ finale, it’s a city that pulsates with vibrancy.

Where sand meets the sea at Khor Al Adaid

Prepare to be enchanted by Khor Al Adaid, a breathtaking landscape where the desert meets the sea in a spectacle unlike any other. Here, the turquoise waters of the sea gracefully merge with the golden sands, forming an Inland Sea, which is as mesmerizing as it is extraordinary. As the day unfolds watch in awe as the beach transforms into a resort-like oasis with water gently lapping onto the desert shores. As evening approaches, witness the magic of the desert sunset, as the dunes take on a warm, golden hue that casts a spellbinding glow over the landscape. Amidst the towering dunes, one can encounter an abundant variety of fauna, ranging from desert foxes and antelopes to migratory birds like ospreys and pink flamingos, making it a paradise for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.

ALSO READ-Qatar Tourism Targets Core Markets at OTM Mumbai 2024

Categories
-Top News Arab News USA

NSA Sullivan, Qatar PM Discuss Gaza Hostage Release

The United States affirmed this dialogue in an official statement, indicating ongoing communication between Sullivan and Al Thani….reports Asian Lite News

White House National Security Adviser, Jake Sullivan, and Qatari Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, convened on Tuesday to explore prospects for a ceasefire in Gaza, coupled with the release of hostages.

The United States affirmed this dialogue in an official statement, indicating ongoing communication between Sullivan and Al Thani.

Meanwhile, senior Hamas leader Osama Hamaden has said that the outfit will release the remaining 134 hostages only when the permanent ceasefire is in place and Israelis completely withdraw from Gaza.

Hamadan in a statement in Beirut on Tuesday said that in the past two days the organisation had clearly presented this view before the Qatari and Egyptian mediators.

He said that Hamas had reaffirmed its position that a permanent ceasefire was possible only after a full pull out of the IDF from Gaza Strip and return of displaced Palestinian families to their homes.

The tough position taken by Hamas has almost derailed the US President Joe Biden’s optimism that a temporary six week ceasefire would be reached before March 10 – the commencement of the Holy month of Ramadan.

However, the US state secretary Antony Blinken is in continuous discussions with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed Al -Thani and the Egyptian mediator Major General Abbas Kalam. The US leader is also in communication with Israeli minister, Benny Gantz who is on a visit to the US.

Highly placed sources in the Israel defence ministry told IANS that if the Hamas backs out of truce talks then Israel will have to go for an all-out attack to release and rescue its hostages. It may be noted that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has been restrained from an all-out ground invasion in Rafah border after an appeal from mediators, including the US ,Qatar and Egypt.

US Airdrops More Aid into Gaza

Amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the US for the second time, airdropped humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, The New York Times reported.

US Air Force cargo planes, in a joint operation with the Jordanian Air Force dropped 36,800 ready-to-eat meals “to provide essential relief to civilians affected by the ongoing conflict,” according to US Central Command statement.

In a statement, US Central Command said that army troops trained in aerial delivery were part of the airdrop. The US forces further said that they were planning more such missions. However, the Pentagon said on Tuesday that the US did not intend to send its troops into Gaza to strengthen the aid distribution process.

While addressing a news conference, Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder said, “At this time, there are no plans to put U.S. forces on the ground in Gaza,” The New York Times reported.

The US’ operation on Tuesday comes days after the first round of airdrops on Saturday. US airdropped the first round of humanitarian aid into Gaza, two days after more than 100 Palestinians were killed as Israeli forces opened fire around a convoy of aid trucks in northern Gaza. Doctors at Gaza hospitals said the majority of casualties were from gunfire.

The Israeli military said the majority of the victims were trampled as they attempted to take control of the cargo. Israeli officials, however, admitted that troops had fired on some people who they said had threatened them, according to The New York Times report.

Following the convoy casualties in Gaza, US President Joe Biden said the US would find new ways to provide aid to Palestinians in desperate need due to Israel’s counter-offensive against Hamas, which began after the terrorist group’s attack on October 7.

On Sunday, US Vice President Kamala Harris called for an “immediate ceasefire” in Gaza, which she stressed must last for at least the next six weeks. Terming the conditions in Gaza as “inhumane,” Harris said that people in the region were “starving.”

Harris, who was in Alabama’s Selma, to commemorate the 59th anniversary of Bloody Sunday, said, “The threat of Hamas poses to the people of Israel must be eliminated. And given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table.”

The US Vice President noted that the ceasefire will allow the release of hostages and aid will enter Gaza. She stressed that Hamas needs to agree to that deal. (ANI)

ALSO READ: US Bill demanding ByteDance to divest TikTok introduced