Arab League endorses unified Gaza plan and Israel strikes Syria
On this episode of Trending Middle East:
Arab plan for Gaza: technocratic rule and $50bn reconstruction
Israel strikes Syrian air defence bases in latest wave of attacks
Saudi Arabia jobs: Your salary guide for 2025
This episode features Kamal Tabikha, Khaled Yacoub Oweis and Deepthi Nair.
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Middle East Eye
36 minutes ago
- Middle East Eye
Hamas denies US claims it offered to disarm in exchange for ceasefire
On Saturday, Steve Witkoff met with families of Israeli captives held in Gaza in Tel Aviv, according to Haaretz. Witkoff assured the families that the US would push for a single hostage deal. In a recording of the meeting, Witkoff can be heard saying that "Hamas has said that they are prepared to be demilitarised" and that "multiple Arab governments are now demanding Hamas demilitarise". "We are very, very close to a solution to end this war," he said. "We don't believe that Hamas speaks for the people... we believe that they have very little political support." Hamas hit back at Witkoff's comments, denying they had made any such proposal and said they would not lay down arms unless an independent Palestinian state was established. In a statement, the Palestinian movement said its "armed resistance... cannot be relinquished except through the full restoration of our national rights, foremost among them the establishment of an independent, fully sovereign Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital". Exclusive: Families of Israeli captives reach out to Hamas over fate of ceasefire talks Read More » Last week, the United States and Israel unexpectedly withdrew from ceasefire talks with Hamas, despite what mediators described as significant progress towards an agreement. According to the Times of Israel, both an Arab diplomat and a source involved in the mediation said that Hamas negotiators in Doha had made it clear they would not return to the negotiating table unless the starvation crisis in Gaza was resolved. In a statement on Thursday, Hamas said it was ready to "immediately re-engage in negotiations once aid reaches those in need and the humanitarian crisis and famine in Gaza are brought to an end", while Israeli sources indicated that the framework for a partial deal may be abandoned. In Israel, a senior official speaking at a media briefing said that "there will be no more partial deals", signalling a shift in the country's negotiating stance. Echoing this position, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told a far-right conference that the complete disarmament and exile of Hamas, along with the return of all captives, is the "only acceptable deal". These latest remarks suggest that Israel has abandoned the previously discussed phased ceasefire framework and is now working with the United States to pursue a comprehensive agreement.
Sharjah 24
6 hours ago
- Sharjah 24
APC honours media advocacy
The ceremony marked the conclusion of the second session of the Parliament's fourth term. This gesture expressed pride in the professional role played by the media in serving Arab children's issues and promoting the Parliament's messages and objectives. Media, APC partner After the national anthem was played, and in the presence of a number of media and institutional figures, His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout, Secretary-General of APC, delivered a speech in which he emphasised that the media was not only a transmitter of the Parliament's work, but an active partner in its journey. Al Barout said that APC honours those who believe that the voice of Arab children deserves to be heard, and those who have made their media platforms a place for childhood to grow, dream, and progress. Delivering APC message Al Barout added that this honour reflects APC deep appreciation for the noble efforts in delivering the parliamentary message to every Arab home. It also demonstrates APC belief in the role of the media in supporting a culture of dialogue and empowering children to express their opinions in an environment that respects their minds and embraces their ambitions. Al Barout noted that the tangible impact achieved in enhancing community awareness is the result of a true partnership with responsible and professional media, which has fulfilled its role with sincerity and dedication. Building a brighter future for Arab children The Secretary-General of APC extended words of thanks and gratitude to every media professional who carried out the message, every institution that embraced the Parliament's discourse, and every lens that faithfully captured and recorded the moment. He expressed that he hopes this fruitful cooperation will continue in the journey of building a brighter future for Arab children under APC umbrella, and under the generous patronage of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, and with the support of the Arab League, represented by its Secretary-General, His Excellency Ahmed Aboul Gheit. The ceremony featured a short presentation documenting the media's journey with APC. It reviewed the most prominent media coverage, meetings, and events that contributed to consolidating the Parliament's presence in Arab consciousness. The video powerfully conveyed the interaction and complementary role between the media and Parliament. His Excellency Ayman Othman Al Barout honoured a group of male and female media professionals and representatives of media institutions from various print, visual, and digital platforms, who contributed to covering the various sessions, events, and programmes organised by the Parliament since its inception.
Middle East Eye
15 hours ago
- Middle East Eye
Finland's president says he will recognise Palestinian state as Israel and Palestine have 'suffered'
Finland's president Alexander Stubb says he is ready to approve recognition of a Palestinian state if the Finnish government decides to make such a proposal in a post on X on Thursday. Stubb claimed that both Israel and Palestine were suffereing: "In Israel, there is a real threat of violence. Hamas, many other terrorist organizations, and several states still do not recognize Israel's existence. At the same time, the situation in Gaza is inhumane. Children are dying of hunger as food aid does not reach them. Civilians who have gone to collect food have been shot", he said. He said that it was important for Arab countries to recognise Israel, saying: "It is important that the Arab countries that have not yet recognized Israel do so. The Palestinian Authority has already recognized Israel. Hamas does not represent Palestine".
