UK reestablishes diplomatic ties with Syria as Lammy visits Damascus
"There is renewed hope for the Syrian people. The UK is reestablishing diplomatic relations because it is in our interests to support the new government to deliver their commitment to build a stable, more secure and prosperous future for all Syrians," Lammy said in a statement.
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Israeli airstrikes in Gaza kill 33 Palestinians
DEIR Al-BALAH, Gaza Strip: Israeli airstrikes killed at least 33 Palestinians in Gaza, hospital officials said on Sunday, as Israel's military said it has struck over 100 targets in the embattled enclave in the past fighting came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was preparing to fly to Washington for talks at the White House aimed at pushing forward ceasefire Donald Trump has floated a plan for an initial 60-day ceasefire that would include a partial release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for an increase in humanitarian supplies allowed into Gaza. The proposed truce calls for talks on ending the 21-month war strikes dozens of targetsTwenty people were killed and 25 wounded after Israeli strikes hit two houses in Gaza City, according to Mohammed Abu Selmia, the director of Shifa Hospital that services the southern Gaza, 13 Palestinians were killed by strikes in Muwasi, an area on Gaza's Mediterranean where many displaced people live in tents, officials at Nasser Hospital in neaby Khan Younis said. Five of the dead belonged to the same family according to the Israeli military had no immediate comment on the individual strikes, but said it struck 130 targets across the Gaza Strip in the last 24 said the strikes targeted Hamas command and control structures, storage facilities, weapons and launchers, and that they killed a number of militants in northern war began when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people and taking 251 others responded with an offensive that has killed over 57,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health ministry, which is under Gaza's Hamas government, does not differentiate between civilians and combatants. The UN and other international organizations see its figures as the most reliable statistics on war deal being discussedThe strikes occur as efforts to reach a ceasefire deal appeared to gain momentum. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 's office said his government will send a negotiating team to talks in Qatar on Sunday to conduct indirect talks, adding that Hamas was seeking 'unacceptable' changes to the planned talks in Qatar comes ahead of Netanyahu's planned visit on Monday to Washington to meet US President Donald Trump to discuss the deal. It is unclear if a deal will be reached ahead of Netanyahu's White House has sought guarantees that the initial truce would lead to a total end to the war and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Previous negotiations have stalled over Hamas demands of guarantees that further negotiations would lead to the war's end, while Netanyahu has insisted Israel would resume fighting to ensure the militant group's destruction.


Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Pakistan says focusing on agriculture, health care investments on World Rural Development Day
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said on Sunday his government is focusing on improving the lives of citizens in rural areas through 'targeted investments' in agriculture, health and education initiatives, as the international community marks World Rural Development Day today. According to Pakistan's latest population census, about 64 percent of the country's population resides in rural areas. These areas often lack health, education, clean drinking water, sanitation, Internet and other facilities. Governments, civil society, international organizations and academic institutions are invited on July 6 every year to conduct concrete policy dialogues and grassroots initiatives to elevate rural voices and galvanize development efforts for people in the most remote places worldwide. 'Our government continues to prioritize inclusive rural development as a key pillar of national progress,' Sharif said in a message released by his office. 'In line with the Sustainable Development Goals, we are focusing on transforming rural livelihoods through targeted investments in agriculture, education, health care, infrastructure, skills training, and environmental sustainability,' he added. Sharif noted Pakistan's villages and farmlands uphold the region's centuries-old values of resilience, cooperation and tradition, hailing their 'invaluable contributions' to various sectors. 'Significant strides have been made from expanding rural road networks and improving water and sanitation access, to empowering women and promoting climate-smart farming practices,' the Pakistani premier said. He added that such efforts by the government reflect its resolve to ensure 'no part of Pakistan is left behind.' 'On this day, we renew our pledge to uplift our rural citizenry; supporting them as equal partners in shaping a stronger, more equitable, and prosperous Pakistan,' Sharif concluded.


Arab News
3 hours ago
- Arab News
Hezbollah chief says will not surrender under threat from Israel
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