UN expert urges states to cut Israel trade ties over ‘apocalyptic' Gaza situation
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Asharq Al-Awsat
5 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Hamas Seeks Ceasefire Guarantees as Scores More Are Killed in Gaza
Hamas is seeking guarantees that a new US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza would lead to the war's end, a source close to the group said on Thursday, as medics said Israeli strikes across the territory had killed scores more people. Israeli officials said prospects for reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal appeared high, nearly 21 months since the war between Israel and Hamas began. Efforts for a Gaza truce gathered steam after the US secured a ceasefire to end a 12-day aerial conflict between Israel and Iran, but on the ground in Gaza intensified Israeli strikes continued unabated, killing at least 59 people on Thursday, according to health authorities in the territory. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said that Israel had accepted the conditions needed to finalize a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, during which the parties will work to end the war. Hamas is seeking clear guarantees that the ceasefire will eventually lead to the war's end, the source close to the group said. Two Israeli officials said those details were still being worked out. In a statement early on Friday, Hamas said it was discussing the ceasefire proposal with other Palestinian factions and would submit its response to mediators once those talks conclude. Egyptian and Qatari mediators have been working to secure US and international guarantees that talks on ending the war would continue as a way of convincing Hamas to accept a two-month truce proposal, Egyptian security sources said. A senior Israeli official close to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said preparations were in place to approve a ceasefire deal. A separate source familiar with the matter said that Israel was expecting Hamas' response by Friday and that if it was positive, an Israeli delegation would join indirect talks to cement the deal. The proposal includes the staggered release of 10 living Israeli hostages and the return of the bodies of 18 more in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, an official familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday. Of the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza, 20 are believed to still be alive. Aid would enter Gaza immediately, and the Israeli military would carry out a phased withdrawal from parts of the enclave, according to the proposal. Negotiations would immediately start on a permanent ceasefire. "We sure hope it's a done deal, but I think it's all going to be what Hamas is willing to accept," US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Israel's Channel 12 on Thursday. "One thing is clear: The president wants it to be over. The prime minister wants it to be over. The American people, the Israeli people, want it to be over." Huckabee added that he would be taking part in talks next week at the White House, when Netanyahu is due to meet with Trump. 'WHAT CAN WE DO?' In Gaza, there was no sign of immediate relief on Thursday. According to medics at Nasser Hospital, at least 20 people were killed by Israeli fire en route to an aid distribution site. Further north, at least 17 people were killed in an Israeli strike at a school in Gaza City, according to medics. The Israeli military said it targeted a key Hamas gunman operating there and that it took precautions to reduce risk to civilians. "Suddenly, we found the tent collapsing over us and a fire burning. We don't know what happened," one witness, Wafaa Al-Arqan, who was among the people sheltering there, told Reuters. "What can we do? Is it fair that all these children burned?" The war began when Hamas fighters stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's subsequent military assault has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry, while displacing most of the population of more than 2 million, triggering widespread hunger and leaving much of the territory in ruins. Israel says it won't end the war while Hamas is still armed and ruling Gaza. Hamas, severely weakened, says it won't lay down its weapons but is willing to release all the hostages still in Gaza if Israel ends the war.
Asharq Al-Awsat
6 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Netanyahu on First Visit to Israeli Kibbutz Ravaged in Hamas Attack
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israel's Nir Oz kibbutz near the Gaza Strip on Thursday for the first time since Hamas fighters penetrated the border and killed or kidnapped nearly one in four residents nearly 21 months ago. Facing scrutiny over his government's failure to prevent the assault and mass protests demanding the return of hostages still held in Gaza, Netanyahu and his wife Sara were met with both loud protests and hugs but also deep concern from everyone. "I feel a deep commitment – first of all to ensure the return of all of our hostages, all of them. There are still 20 who are alive and there are also those who are deceased, and we will bring them all back," Netanyahu said. During a tour of the kibbutz devastation, he promised to help it rebuild. On Monday, Netanyahu will meet President Donald Trump at the White House to discuss a US-backed proposal for a 60-day ceasefire to the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas that would include a phased release of hostages. The October 7, 2023, raid on Israel by Palestinian gunmen of the group was the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust in World War Two. The gunmen crossed the Gaza border to attack Nir Oz and other targets. That day, Hamas fighters killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan was taken hostage and is believed to be alive in Gaza, had previously accused Netanyahu of choosing his own political survival over ending the war. On Thursday, she hugged him. Afterwards, she wrote on X that she had emphasized with him her concern for her son's worsening muscular dystrophy. "I stressed to him that he has a mandate from the people of Israel to reach a comprehensive agreement for the return of all 50 hostages, the living and the fallen. Now is the time for action," she wrote. Israel's military assault has since killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, the Gaza health ministry says, while displacing most of the enclave's more than 2 million people, triggering widespread hunger and leaving much of the territory in ruins.
Arab News
9 hours ago
- Arab News
A new chapter in impactful digital cooperation
When the Digital Cooperation Organization was established in 2020 on the sidelines of the G20, with its headquarters in Riyadh, it marked a significant milestone for the region. It was a bold step by Saudi Arabia, alongside four additional founding members, to anchor a global multilateral platform focusing on the digital economy to enable digital prosperity for all. Today, the DCO unites 16 member states across the Middle East, Africa, Asia and Europe, collectively representing over 800 million people and a gross domestic product of $3.5 trillion. The organization was created with a clear purpose — to ensure that no country is left behind in the digital economy. It exists to help governments design and implement forward-looking digital policies, build foundational infrastructure and align on responsible innovation. It is action-oriented, member-led and impact-focused. The DCO is already making a difference. Over the past four years we have launched key tools, including the Digital Economy Navigator, which helps member states assess their digital readiness and align policy frameworks. We have built strategic partnerships with the UN, the International Telecommunication Union and other global institutions. And we have supported digital upskilling, cross-border regulatory collaboration and startup ecosystem development, all tailored to the needs of our members. Now, we are entering a phase of intensified execution, guided by the Four-Year Agenda, a roadmap co-developed with member states that sets out strategic priorities and measurable goals. Our focus will be on accelerating inclusion, promoting digital trust and enabling investment in infrastructure, people and innovation. The DCO Four-Year Agenda is aimed at enhancing cooperation among member states to boost digital economic resilience and foster social prosperity. It is focused on building a modern, integrated digital economy. Central to this effort is the digital enablers pillar, which aims to establish a unified policy framework, accelerate regulatory harmonization and enhance resilience through resource sharing. The organization was created with a clear purpose — to ensure that no country is left behind in the digital economy. Hajar El Haddaoui The agenda also emphasizes digital corridors, integrating the digital economies of member states by strengthening cross-border digital trade and mobility. This includes promoting secure data exchange and cultivating a skilled, mobile workforce. To support innovation, the digital business and innovation pillar empowers startups and small and medium-sized enterprises by fostering innovation ecosystems and expanding access to capital, driving growth in digital enterprises. Finally, the digital society pillar champions digital inclusion, accessibility and environmental sustainability, ensuring equitable digital access and minimizing environmental impact. This comprehensive strategy focuses on advancing digital maturity across the region, recognizing the critical role that digital technologies play in today's economy. At a time when digital regulation, artificial intelligence and data governance are reshaping the global landscape, the DCO continues to help member states lead, not just adapt. Whether it is helping a government harmonize its data policies, supporting the rollout of artificial intelligence frameworks or enabling small enterprises to connect to global markets, we are committed to practical, inclusive solutions. The reappointment of Secretary-General Deemah Al-Yahya to a second four-year term, announced during a visit to Kuwait — the member state currently holding presidency of the organization — reflects a clear vote of confidence in her leadership. Over the past four years, the DCO has moved from concept to implementation. Under the secretary-general's stewardship, we are already delivering real value to member states. The next chapter will be about delivering more, scaling our work, deepening our impact and turning vision into long-term outcomes that benefit people and economies. This is also a moment of pride. While Saudi Arabia submitted the nomination for her reappointment, it was endorsed by the DCO council — a powerful reflection of the Kingdom's growing leadership in multilateral diplomacy and digital policy. Our member states may span diverse geographies, cultures and economies, but they are united by a shared belief in the power of cooperation. The power of partnership. That belief is the foundation of everything we do. As director general of DCO, I am honored to work alongside our secretary-general, member states, observers and partners to realize the organization's full potential. The next four years will be defined by action, alignment and achievement. Together, we are building a future where the digital economy works for all. • Hajar El Haddaoui is director general of the Digital Cooperation Organization
