Tag: Saudi Arabia

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MBZ hails UAE’s response to rains

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed appreciated members of the national and local emergency and crisis teams in managing rescue and evacuation operations….reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has reaffirmed that the safety and security of citizens and residents is the top priority of the UAE government. The President also expressed his appreciation for the level of awareness and responsibility demonstrated by people during the adverse weather conditions witnessed recently across the country.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed has directed the concerned authorities to quickly work on studying the condition of infrastructure throughout the UAE and to limit the damage caused after the country witnessed its heaviest rainfall on record.

The UAE President also directed that the necessary support be provided to all families impacted by the severe weather, ordering the transfer of affected families to safe locations in cooperation with local authorities.

H.H. Sheikh Mohamed expressed his appreciation to members of the national and local emergency and crisis teams and various authorities in managing rescue and evacuation operations during the unprecedented conditions, which had a positive impact on preserving lives and property. The President also highlighted on the deep appreciation to the spirit of solidarity portrayed by the UAE community during the weather conditions, noting it to be a true essence of the UAE identity.

End of weather fluctuations

 The Ministry of Interior (MoI), in collaboration with the National Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, the National Centre of Meteorology, and strategic partners, has announced the end of the weather fluctuations, with rainfall stopping and weather conditions gradually improving.

MoI highlighted the efforts of the field teams that worked in a preventive manner and will continue to work diligently until full recovery. The Supreme Committee for Internal Security remained in constant session during the weather conditions to ensure rapid response and guarantee business continuity

All emergency response teams, including the civil defence, ambulance, rescue and Police patrol will continue to work to secure roads and areas with fast-moving streams, valleys and dam exits. The teams are working to manage traffic and clear the rainwater until full restoration of normal life in all civil facilities.

The Ministry expressed deep appreciation to the role of the concerned authorities in dealing with the weather fluctuations, highlighting their contribution in reducing the repercussions of the unusual weather conditions through a proactive and professional integrated response that ensured the protection of lives and properties and enhanced society’s stability and safety.

The Ministry praised the positive role of social responsibility reflected in the public’s awareness during the weather fluctuations as they put their trust in government bodies to deal with emergency weather conditions and received updates through official state channels. Emphasis was made on the importance of continuing to adhere to the instructions issued by the official authorities and staying clear from stream valleys and water accumulations.

Emirates extends DXB check-in suspension

Emirates is extending the suspension of check-in for passengers departing Dubai effective until 09:00 on 18th April, due to continued operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions, the Airline announced on its official X account.

Emirates had previously announced that it is suspending check-in for passengers departing DXB from 08:00 on 17th April until midnight, due to operational challenges caused by bad weather and road conditions.

Customers departing Dubai are advised to not travel to the airport until after 09:00 on 18th April, and only if they have a confirmed flight booking. “Do not come to the airport if you have a booking before this time, as you will be unable to check in,” the Airline stated.

DXB Terminal 1 entry

Dubai Airports urged travellers not to come to Terminal 1 at the airport before confirming their flight status with their airline.

In a post on its official X account, DXB said that due to crowding, access to DXB’s Terminal 1 is now strictly limited to guests with confirmed departures.

Re-booking facilities are not available on-site, the post added.

Zayed Airport fully operational

Zayed International Airport remains fully operational despite recent adverse weather. Abu Dhabi Airports is closely collaborating with airlines and service staff to continue serving passengers smoothly.

Passengers are advised to check their respective airlines’ websites, and social media feeds, ahead of arriving at the airport.

Within the last 24 hours, 21 flights, including one freighter and 20 passenger flights, were diverted from Dubai International Airport (DXB) to Zayed International Airport (AUH).

ALSO READ: UAE President receives phone call from Turkey’s Erdogan

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UAE President, Saudi Crown Prince discuss Middle East situation

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed meets Saudi Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman on the sidelines of G20 in Bali, Indonesia (Photo SPA)

The two leaders reviewed the situation in the Middle East and the grave threats it poses to regional security and stability…reports Asian Lite News

President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of Saudi Arabia, have discussed ways to strengthen bilateral ties and boost collaboration for the mutual benefit of the two nations. They also addressed key regional and international issues of common interest.

The two leaders reviewed the situation in the Middle East and the grave threats it poses to regional security and stability. They urged all parties to exercise maximum restraint and prevent the region and its people from suffering the consequences of a wider conflict.

The phone call also addressed efforts being made to enhance the response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of intensifying endeavours to bring about an immediate ceasefire, provide full protection to civilians in accordance with the rules of international humanitarian law, and ensure the sustainable and unimpeded flow of sufficient humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza.

Their Highnesses stressed the need for determined international action to prevent further regional escalation of the conflict. They also highlighted the importance of establishing a clear political pathway towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution, to ensure the security and stability of the region’s countries and people.

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Pakistan Welcomes High-Level Saudi Delegation

Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif meets with Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia Prince Mohammed bin Salman. (Photo: Twitter@PakPMO)

The visit also holds great importance for Islamabad as it looks towards the privatisation of its assets and invites investments from Saudi Arabia…reports Hamza Ameer

As Pakistan moves ahead towards privatisation of its assets including the Islamabad International Airport and the National Flag carrier airline the Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) along with other major projects; a high-level delegation from Saudi Arabia will land in Islamabad on Monday to materialise the agreements done between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.

Pakistan’s Foreign Office confirmed the visit stating that the high-level Saudi delegation would be led by Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah, who will be accompanied by a team of important and esteemed figures from the business community.

Saudi delegation comprises important government dignitaries including Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Alkhorayef, Minister of Water and Agriculture Engineer Abdul Rahman Abdul Mohsen Al-Fadley, Deputy Minister of Investment Badr AlBadr, Head of Saudi Special Committee Mohammad Mazyed Al Towaijri and other senior officials from Saudi Fund for General Investments and the Ministery of Energy.

The delegation will be in Islamabad on 15 and 16 April with an objective to take the agreements done between Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman during the recent meeting in Makkah.

Sources said that the Saudi delegation is scheduled to have important meetings with key figures from various ministries of Pakistan. Meetings are also scheduled with President Asif Ali Zardari, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and the APEC Committee of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC).

The Saudi visit is part of the important commitment made by PM Shehbad and Muhammad Bin Salman, in which, both sides assured a commitment to expediting the first phase of Saudi investment of $5 billion in Pakistan.

The visit also holds great importance for Islamabad as it looks towards the privatisation of its assets and invites investments from Saudi Arabia. Other than PIA and Islamabad International Airport, Islamabad is also looking towards a major investment by Saudi Arabia in the Gwadar project and also the Reko Diq.

The investment opportunities will be put forward to the Saudi delegation in other sectors also and will be done as part of the Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC), a special platform spearheaded by Army Chief General Syed Asim Munir and being formally authenticated by the political government.

The Saudi delegation would also explore business opportunities in the agriculture, energy, privatisation and other sectors and is expected to inject a much-needed investment pivotal to Islamabad’s crippling economy and growth.

ALSO READ: 28 Million Out of School: Pakistan in Throes of a Education Crisis

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Blinken calls up Turkish, Egyptian, Jordanian, Saudi counterparts

In conversation with Turkish leader, Secretary Blinken thanked him for his efforts to prevent further escalation in the region….reports Asian Lite News

Amid rising tensions in West Asia, US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken on Sunday spoke with his Turkish counterpart, Hakan Fidan to discuss the ‘blatant’ and ‘unprecedented’ attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel, US Department of State spokesperson Mathew Miller said.

In conversation with Turkish leader, Secretary Blinken thanked him for his efforts to prevent further escalation in the region.

“@SecBlinken spoke with Turkish Foreign Minister @HakanFidan about yesterday’s blatant and unprecedented attack by Iran and its proxies on Israel. He thanked him for his efforts to prevent further escalation in the region,” Miller posted on X.

US official also spoke with his counterparts in Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia following Iran’s attacks in Israel.

During his phone calls, Blinken emphasised the importance of avoiding escalation in the region and the importance of “a coordinated diplomatic response.”

In his conversation with his counterparts in Jordan and Egypt, Blinken also underlined the significance of achieving an “enduring end to the crisis in Gaza.”

Spokesperson Miller shared details about Secretary Blinken’s conversation with Saudi Foreign Minister, Faisal bin Farhan, saying, “@SecBlinken spoke with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince @FaisalbinFarhan to discuss last night’s unprecedented air attack against military facilities in Israel and to coordinate on a diplomatic response.”

“@SecBlinken and Jordanian Foreign Minister @AymanHsafadi discussed Iran’s unprecedented air attack on Israel and the importance of regional de-escalation,” he added.

Meanwhile, the hours-long Israeli war cabinet meeting ended Sunday night without a decision on how Israel will respond to Iran’s missile and drone attack, CNN reported citing an Israeli official.

The cabinet is determined to respond but has yet to decide on the timing and scope and the official said the military has been tasked with coming up with additional options for a response.

In its first direct attack on Israel on Saturday night, Israel launched more than 300 drones and missiles from its territory towards the Jewish state, triggering air raid sirens throughout Israel on Sunday morning as the country’s advanced air defence intercepted and disabled the projectiles that came its way, the Times of Israel reported.

Notably, Iran and its proxies operating out of Yemen, Syria and Iraq launched more than 300 projectiles at Israel on Saturday night, including dozens of ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Biden Mobilises G7 Allies in Support of Israel After Iran’s Attack

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Joint Saudi-Pakistan Statement Calls for Bilateral Resolution on Kashmir

Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman.(photo:instagram)

The joint statement urged Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues through dialogue…reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia appears to support India’s stance on Jammu and Kashmir in a joint statement with Pakistan. It urged India and Pakistan to resolve their “outstanding issues” bilaterally.

The two nations issued a joint statement after the meeting between Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud and Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

The joint statement reads, “The two sides stressed the importance of dialogue between Pakistan and India to resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries, (especially the Jammu and Kashmir dispute) to ensure peace and stability in the region.”

During the meeting, the two leaders also exchanged views on regional and global developments of mutual interest, including the worrying situation in Gaza.

Saudi Crown Prince and Pakistan PM called for international efforts to halt Israeli military operations in Gaza, mitigate humanitarian impact and underscored the importance for the international community to pressurise Israel to cease hostilities, adhere to international law, and facilitate unhindered humanitarian aid access to Gaza, according to joint statement.

India has repeatedly told Pakistan that Jammu and Kashmir “was, is and will always” remain an integral part of the country. Ministry of External Affairs has said India wants to have normal relations with all neighbouring nations, including Pakistan in an environment “free of terror, hostility and hostility.”

Earlier in 2019, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi urged the United States to use its influence to persuade India to come to the table for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue, Pakistan-based Geo News reported. He made the remarks after then-US President Donald Trump offered to mediate between Pakistan and India on the Kashmir dispute.

However, Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar conveyed to the then-US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo that any discussion on Kashmir would be done only with Pakistan and bilaterally.

“Have conveyed to American counterpart @SecPompeo this morning in clear terms that any discussion on Kashmir, if at all warranted, will only be with Pakistan and only bilaterally,” Jaishankar had posted on X. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Saudi, Jordan stress political solution to Gaza crisis

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Burjeel Expands Network in Saudi Arabia

PhysioTherabia enters into a strategic partnership with Tawuniya, a leading insurance company in Saudi Arabia, expanding its reach to a broader clientele through health insurance coverage….reports Asian Lite News

Burjeel Holdings PLC, a leading super-specialty healthcare services provider in the MENA region listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, has unveiled eight new PhysioTherabia centers in Riyadh and four other cities, marking a significant scaling of its geographical footprint across the Kingdom.

The new state-of-the-art facilities are strategically located in Ghadeer Fitness Time, Shafie Fitness Time and Al Nada Men’s Gym in Riyadh, Yanbu’s Waterfront Fitness Time, Al Salehiyah Male Gym in Jeddah, Al Faisaliah Fitness Time in Dammam, Al Olaya Fitness Time & Golden Belt Fitness Time in Al Khobar.

Last year, Burjeel in partnership with Leejam Sports Company, launched the first four PhysioTherabia centers in Riyadh, a cutting-edge physiotherapy, rehabilitation and wellness network to promote holistic health and wellbeing within the community. These new centers offer unparalleled services within Leejam’s Fitness Time facilities, tailored to meet diverse wellness needs. It furthers the goal of integrating preventive rehabilitation and fitness through a unique gym-based model.

PhysioTherabia has also embarked on a strategic partnership with Tawuniya, a leading insurance company in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration strengthens PhysioTherabia’s ability to provide high-quality services and expands its reach to a broader clientele, particularly within the insurance market. The partnership is expected to drive revenue growth and solidify PhysioTherabia’s position as a key player in the sector.

John Sunil, Chief Executive Officer of Burjeel Holdings, said: “We are delighted to expand PhysioTherabia centers to more parts of Saudi Arabia, marking a significant milestone in our commitment to providing advanced physiotherapy services in the Kingdom. It underscores our dedication to empowering individuals on their journey to optimal health and wellness, while strengthening our presence in key regions. We reiterate our target to establish 60 such centers within and outside Leejam Sports’ gyms across the Kingdom by the end of 2025.”

Aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals, PhysioTherabia promotes optimal physical recovery and overall wellness for patients of all ages. Specialized offerings at PhysioTherabia include musculoskeletal rehabilitation, neurological rehabilitation with robotics, pediatric rehabilitation, sports injury rehabilitation, spinal and back rehabilitation, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT). The centers also aim to champion Saudi Arabia as the region’s hub for all-encompassing sports performance training, management and care for individuals and teams, complementing efforts to integrate the Kingdom into the Exercise is Medicine Global Health Network, managed by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM).

Founded in 2007, Burjeel Holdings is one of the leading private providers of world-class healthcare services in the UAE and Oman, operating a growing specialized healthcare segment in Saudi Arabia. With a network of 76 assets, including 16 hospitals and 38 medical centers, as well as 15 pharmacies and other allied services the Group collectively provides a premier offering in the Gulf region. Burjeel Holdings’ brands include Burjeel, Medeor, LLH, Lifecare, PhysioTherabia and Tajmeel. It has 13 JCI-accredited facilities, with a total 1,708 patient beds across its operations in the UAE and Oman and holds a leading position in the UAE.

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Saudi Warns of ‘Consequences’ if Israel Attacks Rafah

Prince Faisal criticised the perceived double standards of some nations towards the crisis in Gaza and reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabi’s Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan issued a stark warning at the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council, cautioning against the “catastrophic consequences” of any Israeli attack on Rafah, south of Gaza. He emphasised Rafah as a crucial refuge for civilians displaced by the Israeli army.

Prince Faisal criticised the perceived double standards of some nations towards the crisis in Gaza and reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire. He urged the international community to fulfill its responsibility in halting the conflict, protecting innocent civilians, and facilitating a credible peace process.

Highlighting the staggering toll of nearly 30,000 Palestinians killed in Gaza since the conflict began, Prince Faisal underscored the absurdity of pursuing institutional dialogue while ignoring the dire situation in Palestine. He questioned the legitimacy of discussions on rights amid Gaza’s devastation and the suffering of its people.

Expressing dismay over the Security Council’s failure to produce tangible outcomes despite the ongoing crisis, Prince Faisal called for immediate action to address the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in Gaza. He emphasised the urgent need for security, access to basic services, and humanitarian aid for Gaza’s population.

“He reiterated the Kingdom’s demand to implement Security Council Resolution No. (2720) and activate the humanitarian mechanism accordingly, and lift restrictions on the entry of relief trucks and humanitarian aid, to alleviate unjustified human suffering. He renewed the Kingdom’s call for an immediate ceasefire, paving the way for a serious, just, and comprehensive peace process,” Saudi Press Agency reported.

The Kingdom’s delegation included the Head of the Human Rights Commission, Dr. Hala bint Mazyad Al-Tuwaijri, the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs, Dr. Saud Al-Sati, and the Kingdom’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Ambassador Abdulmohsen Majed bin Khothaila.

ALSO READ: Biden Anticipates Gaza Ceasefire by March 4th

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Saudi Arabia Targets 7.5M Indian Tourists by 2030

Witnessing increasing demand for travel from India to Saudi Arabia for spiritual and leisure purposes, Riyadh aims to attract 7.5 million Indian visitors by 2030, as articulated by Alhasan Aldabbagh, President – Asia Pacific, Saudi Tourism Authority, during the prominent SATTE 2024 travel show.

Expressing enthusiasm about Saudi’s third participation in SATTE, Aldabbagh marked the occasion of Saudi’s founding day, commemorating three centuries since its establishment. Emphasising India as a pivotal market, he highlighted a substantial 50 per cent growth in Indian visitors to Saudi Arabia last year, outlining plans to achieve the 2030 vision.

In a conversation with ANI, Aldabbagh said, “We’re thrilled to be at SATTE. It’s our third participation, and it’s one of the most distinguished trade shows in South Asia. Today holds significance as we celebrate the Saudi founding day.”

When queried about the Indian market’s role in Saudi Arabia, Aldabbagh asserted, “India is a priority market for Saudi. Last year alone, we welcomed 1.5 million visitors from India, presenting a remarkable 50 per cent growth. Looking ahead, our objective is to attract 7.5 million visitors from India to Saudi Arabia as part of our vision for 2030.”

Addressing visa facilitation, Aldabbagh mentioned, “Recognising India’s importance, we have streamlined access to Saudi. With 10 VFS offices in India, we plan to expand further this year. We’ve introduced a stopover program, offering a 96-hour free visa for those travelling through Saudi Airlines or flynas (a private Saudi low-cost airline). Additionally, individuals holding a US, UK, or Schengen visa are eligible for e-Visa or visa on arrival.”

Regarding the enduring relationship between India and Saudi Arabia, Aldabbagh said, “The mutual goodwill between India and Saudi Arabia has consistently expanded. This growth spans not only in the tourism sector but also in economic, social, and cultural exchanges. We eagerly anticipate our planned activations in India this year, further solidifying our flourishing relationship.”

India and Saudi Arabia enjoy cordial and friendly relations reflecting the centuries-old economic and socio-cultural ties.

SATTE (South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange) offers a comprehensive platform to domestic and international buyers and professionals from across the travel, tourism and hospitality industry along with National and State Tourism Boards (NTOs and STOs).

SATTE is well-supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, National and International Tourism Boards, Indian and International travel and trade associations and organisations amongst others, according to SATTE’s official website. (ANI)

ALSO READ: Israel’s Actions ‘Indefensible’: Saudi at ICJ

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Israel’s Actions ‘Indefensible’: Saudi at ICJ

Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Ziad Al-Atiyah, strongly condemned Israel’s actions in the occupied Palestinian territories as legally indefensible….reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia has condemned Israel’s actions in Palestinian Territories as ‘legally indefensible,’ echoing a sentiment shared by South Africa, which urged the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to issue a non-binding legal opinion on the matter.

Representatives from both nations addressed the ICJ, seeking legal recourse against Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories. Alongside them, Algeria, the Netherlands, Bangladesh, and Belgium presented preliminary arguments in what is considered the largest case at the ICJ, the Arab News reported.

The focus of the hearings centred on a request by the UN General Assembly for an advisory opinion on the legality of the occupation. Palestinian representatives, who articulated their stance on Monday, emphasised the illegality of Israel’s occupation and called for its immediate cessation.

Israel, however, abstained from the hearings, expressing concerns that an advisory opinion could impede conflict resolution efforts. Despite Israel’s absence, the testimonies outlined the ongoing violations of international law, including Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements and its deprivation of Palestinian rights.

Ziad Al-Atiyah, Saudi Arabia’s ambassador to the Netherlands, emphasized the gravity of Israel’s actions, condemning its treatment of civilians in Gaza and its disregard for international law. Al-Atiyah accused Israel of dehumanising Palestinians and called for accountability from the international community.

Saudi Arabia criticised Israel’s violations of UN resolutions and its obstruction of Palestinian self-determination. The Kingdom urged the ICJ to assert its jurisdiction and issue a legal opinion, emphasising the urgency of addressing Israel’s ongoing aggression and disregard for international obligations.

Meanwhile, Palestine has rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s remarks about Israel’s security control over the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, considering it a challenge to international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, the spokesperson of the Palestinian presidency, said on Tuesday in a press statement that these Israeli policies “do not bring security and stability to anyone here or in the region,” warning against the continuation of this “destructive approach that will lead matters to a complete explosion”.

“Palestine rejects this Israeli policy that challenges the world,” he added.

Abu Rudeineh called on the US government to “force” Israel to stop the conflict first “because the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people is a red line”.

Netanyahu said on Monday that Israel will maintain its security control over the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Xinhua news agency reported.

He added in a video statement, “In recent days, we have witnessed pressure on us unilaterally to impose the establishment of a Palestinian state that would endanger the existence of the State of Israel.”

“The recognising a Palestinian state at this stage would be a “reward for terrorism” and would undermine the chances of a lasting peace deal,” he said.

Meanwhile, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh arrived in Cairo to hold talks with Egyptian officials on the Gaza truce.

Hamas said on Tuesday in a brief statement sent to Xinhua news agency that Haniyeh arrived in Cairo at the head of a delegation from the movement’s leadership.

It added that the talks will focus on the political and on-the-ground situation in light of the aggressive conflict in Gaza and the efforts made to stop the aggression, provide relief to citizens, and achieve the goals of the Palestinian people, Xinhua news agency reported.

The Hamas leader on Saturday accused Israel of impeding efforts to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, saying that they “showed full flexibility in dealing with these issues, but it is clear so far that Israel continues to procrastinate in the negotiations”.

Israel has been fighting with Hamas in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, after the group launched a surprise attack on southern Israel that killed about 1,200 people. Israel has so far killed more than 29,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza-based Health Ministry.

The Palestinian-Israeli conflict has shown no sign of abating in recent years, as direct peace talks between the two sides stalled in 2014 following disputes over Israeli settlements and the recognition of a Palestinian state.

ALSO READ: 14-Truck UAE Aid Convoy Enters Gaza Strip

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India, Saudi Arabia conduct first joint military exercise

The 12-day joint exercise started on January 29, aiming to achieve interoperability between the two forces …reports Asian Lite News

The Indian Army and the Royal Saudi Land forces completed their first joint military exercise, ‘Sada Tanseeq’, in which soldiers from both countries participated under the UN mandate, an official statement said on Thursday.

The 12-day joint exercise started on January 29, aiming to achieve interoperability between the two forces and acquaint each other with operational procedures and combat drills under the UN mandate. The exercise was performed on semi-deserted terrain.

According to the statement, the name ‘Sada Tanseeq’ was given by both nations jointly, with ‘Sada’ given by the Indian Army, meaning forever, and ‘Tanseeq’ an Arabian word for coordination, given by the Saudi contingent.

The exercise aimed at better coordination between the armed forces of both countries in maintaining global peace.

Every exercise was performed in the ‘buddy phase’, which means 50 per cent Indian and 50 per cent Saudi personnel, the release informed, adding that the Indian contingent from the 20th battalion of the Brigade of Guards regiment and the Saudi Arabian contingent, comprising 45 soldiers of the RSLF, took part in the joint military drills.

“The exercise was conducted in two phases. The first phase focused on combat conditioning and tactical training. The second phase culminated in physical exercises and validation. Both the contingents jointly took part in the validation phase, which included the creation of a temporary operating base, establishing an intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) grid, establishing Mobile Vehicle Check Post, carrying out Cordon and Search Operations in a hostile village, Heliborne Operations and conduct of House Intervention Drills,” the release added.

“The validation phase also witnessed platoon battle drills in which everything was performed as it happens in a battle field. ALS WSI provided the real-time location and information of the target to which the others followed. With the firing of Infantry Combat Vehicles (ICVs) and various weapons,” read the statement further.

The target was engaged aerially with the help of cannons, rockets and missiles. The weapons used by the Indian Army are six AU rifles and snipers, and the weapons used by Saudi includes AK 47, pistol 9 mm, snipers etc, it added.

The exercise was conducted at the Mahajan Field firing range, where both contingents performed all the exercises in the ‘buddy phase’.

Along with the exercise, a showcasing of weapons and artillery was also conducted, where an indigenous product, a four-wheeler multi-role carrier known as the Rhino, grabbed a lot of attention.

Rhino, a four-wheeler multi-role carrier, has been designed and manufactured by an Indian startup for use during combat.

According to the official statement, it is a light-weight, compact machine that can carry upto 600 kgs at a time and is remote controlled. The purpose of this product is to help in reducing the weight carrying and excursion of the soldiers in the battleground.

The indigenous product clearly demonstrates that India is becoming ‘Atmanirbhar’ (self-reliant), the release added.

Many other weapons and artillery were showcased during the joint drills. These included a range of guns, rifles, drones, tanks, trucks, and many more.

Speaking about the Rhino, Sehjit Singh from D town robotics was quoted as saying in the release, “We make agricultural drones and robots for Army. This is a robot in ugv category and it is called Rhino. It can carry up to 600 kgs. This can be used to lift weights during Wars either on mountains or in the deserts. It’s endurance is up to 6 hours. If any soldier gets injured during the war this can even be used to place a stretcher on it and then help to lift the soldier.”

“It can even be used to send to a sensitive areas and with its help, explosives can also be deployed. With this help, the physical activity for the soldiers can be reduced as they can carry heavy weights. It can work on every kind of terrain, and it even has bullet-proof tyres and a body. It can climb at an inclination of 30 degrees. This is the latest version number 2 that has been launched in the year 2024 and for the first time it was launched in the year 2023. It is under trials in the army and has also been recommended,” he added. (ANI)

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