Category: Politics

Caretaker Minister of Information, Engineer Ziad Makary, on Monday received in his office at the Ministry, a delegation from the International Committee of the Red Cross in Lebanon, which included: Roy Chidiac from the ICRC’s Press Office, and the ICRC Lebanon’s Political Advisor, Shawki Amine Eddine.

On emerging, Eddine explained: “The visit came at the request of the Minister of Information, with the aim of coordinating preparations that are in line with the national emergency preparedness plan in Lebanon.’

He pointed out that they have identified 3 points that will be worked on in the future, including holding courses with the journalistic body in Lebanon with the aim of training them on international humanitarian law, how to protect themselves when covering armed conflicts on the ground, as well as their safety obligations.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Former Prime Minister, Tammam Salam, on Monday welcomed at his Mousaitbeh residence, Saudi Ambassador to Lebanon, Walid Al-Bukhari.

The visit was an occasion during which the pair discussed the distinguished bilateral relations between the two brotherly countries and the overall current developments that Lebanon is witnessing politically and economically, especially the presidential file, as well as the developments in the occupied territories and the attacks on the Gaza Strip, in addition to a number of issues of common interest.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

Major General Abbas Ibrahim, on Monday received at his Beirut office, Brazilian Ambassador to Lebanon, Tarcisio Costa, accomapnied by the Embassy’s Second Secretary.

Discussions reportedly touched on the latest developments on the regional and international arena, as per a statement by Maj. Gen. Ibrahim’s press office.

Source: National News Agency – Lebanon

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region, received at Al Nakheel Palace today, President João Lourenço of the Republic of Angola, and discussed with him bilateral relations and ways to enhance them.

During the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan welcomed the guest president, who is visiting the country to participate in the ongoing United Nations Climate Change Conference of the Parties (COP28) in Expo City Dubai. He conveyed to him the greetings of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and his best wishes to the Republic of Angola and its people for continued stability and prosperity.

The meeting reviewed opportunities to develop existing bilateral cooperation between the UAE and Angola, especially in the economic and development fields, in a way that serves the two countries’ vision for a sustainable society and a prosperous future.

The two sides also touched on the importance of COP 28 in finding solutions to achieve sustainability and advance global cli
mate action.

Sheikh Hamdan praised the friendly and cooperative relations between the UAE and Angola, and stressed the importance of supporting and strengthening them for the benefit of the two friendly countries and peoples.

They also exchanged views on regional and international developments and a number of issues of interest to both countries.

Source: Emirates News Agency

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said the resumption of the Israeli military operation and its expansion further in southern Gaza is repeating horrors from past weeks.

“The number of civilians killed is rapidly increasing. Civilians, including men, women, children, older persons, the sick and people with disabilities are the most to suffer.’

‘Israeli forces’ bombardment is ongoing following another evacuation order to move people from Khan Younis into Rafah. The order created panic, fear and anxiety. At least an additional 60,000 people were forced to move to already overcrowded UNRWA shelters, with more asking to be sheltered. Many have already been displaced more than once fleeing the war in other parts of Gaza, he said in a press release.

‘The evacuation order pushes people to concentrate into what is less than one-third of the Gaza Strip. They need everything: food, water, shelter, and mostly safety. Roads to the south are clogged, said the release.

‘Access to water is limited, as the Is
raeli operation has prevented access to the largest desalination plant in Gaza that previously provided drinking water for 350,000 people. The largest hospital in southern Gaza with over 1,000 in-patients and sheltering 17,000 displaced people may cease to operate due to lack of supplies and insufficient personnel.’

He stressed that claims that the UN has thousands of tents and plans to open new refugee camps in Rafah are false.

‘We have said it repeatedly. We are saying it again. No place is safe in Gaza, whether in the south, or the southwest, whether in Rafah or any unilaterally so-called ‘safe zone’.

‘The latest developments are further strangling the humanitarian operation, with limited supplies going in and complex logistical and coordination arrangements that slow down and at times obstruct the flow. The Israeli Authorities continue to restrict the flow of humanitarian supplies, including fuel, forcing the UN to only use the ill-equipped crossing point with Egypt.

‘We call on the State of Israel to
reopen Kerem Shalom and other crossings and facilitate the unconditional, uninterrupted and meaningful delivery of lifesaving humanitarian assistance. The failure to do so violates international humanitarian law.’

‘The end of the humanitarian pause has already brought further suffering, loss and grief to civilians wherever they are. We call for a humanitarian ceasefire,’ he concluded.

Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA