Region

Gulf and Red Sea Regions

Stories under this heading cover the Gulf and the Red Sea regions, including the Arabian Peninsula, Iran and the countries bordering the Red Sea.

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Too little, too late, but Arabs hope UNSC resolution dents US-Israel relations

Too little, too late, but Arabs hope UNSC resolution dents US-Israel relations

The situation in Palestine continues to cast a shadow over the Ramadan festivities in the Arabian Peninsula and across the Arab and Moslem worlds. On Monday (26 March), the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) finally adopted resolution 2728, demanding an immediate ceasefire for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, which started on 10 March, leading to a “lasting sustainable ceasefire”. The resolution, which was put forward by the Council’s elected members, also demands the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and that the parties comply with their obligations under international law in relation to all persons they detain. Resolution 2728 emphasises the need to expand humanitarian assistance and reinforce the protection of civilians in the Gaza Strip. It also reiterates the Council’s demand to lift “all barriers to the provision of humanitarian assistance at scale”. Arab and Muslim governments have generally welcomed the adoption of UNSC resolution 2728. But amongst a wary public in the GCC and beyond, there is widespread frustration and cynicism, and many consider it as being too little, too late. Palestinian envoy to the UN, Riyad Mansour, speaking in New York yesterday, reflected this mood, saying it had taken “six months, over 100,000 Palestinians killed and maimed, 2 million displaced, and famine for this Council to finally demand an immediate ceasefire.” Palestinians have been killed “in their homes, in the streets, in hospitals and ambulances, in shelters, and even in tents,” he added. “This must come to an end now. There can be no justification for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.” Acceptance of any justification for such crimes would be a renunciation of humanity and destroy the rule of international law beyond repair, Mansour said.
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More than eight million people displaced in Sudan amid threat of widespread famine as a result of the ongoing conflict

More than eight million people displaced in Sudan amid threat of widespread famine as a result of the ongoing conflict

Sudan is suffering one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent history after nearly a year of war, the United Nations has warned. Fighting between the army, headed by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, since last April has killed tens of thousands of people, as the threat of famine looms amid international inaction. “By all measures – the sheer scale of humanitarian needs, the numbers of people displaced and facing hunger – Sudan is one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory,” Edem Wosornu, director of operations at the UN Office for the Coordination for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said on Wednesday (20 March). “A humanitarian travesty is playing out in Sudan under a veil of international inattention and inaction,” Wosornu told the UN Security Council on behalf of OCHA head Martin Griffiths. According to the UN, the conflict has led to more than eight million people being displaced. In early March, the Security Council called for an immediate ceasefire during Ramadan and urged better access to humanitarian aid. However, the ceasefire was not realised due to disagreements between the warring sides. More than 18 million Sudanese are facing acute food insecurity – 10 million more than at this time last year – while 730,000 Sudanese children are believed to be suffering from severe malnutrition.

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Hariri in Egypt to seek support for a solution to the Lebanese crisis

Hariri in Egypt to seek support for a solution to the Lebanese crisis

Lebanese Prime Minister-designate Saad al Hariri arrived in Egypt in a bid to help form a new government and end Lebanon's multifaceted crisis. In Cairo, Al Hariri met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, and General Intelligence Chief Abbas Kamel.
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Chinese, Egyptian archaeologists help restore Montu Temple in Luxor

Chinese, Egyptian archaeologists help restore Montu Temple in Luxor

A Chinese-Egyptian archaeological mission has been working to restore the once-abandoned Montu Temple in Luxor, according to a statement from Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The first Egyptian-Chinese archaeological mission in Egypt is the outcome of a protocol of cooperation signed between the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities and the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences
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GCC highlights its support for Iraq

GCC highlights its support for Iraq

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Nayef Al-Hajraf arrived in Baghdad on Monday where he iterated the GCC's support for Iraq in various fields. Al- Hajraf met with President Barham Salih, Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhimi and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein to discuss bolstering relations. 
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Terrorist attack in Mogadishu leaves nine dead

Terrorist attack in Mogadishu leaves nine dead

A suicide car bombing on Sunday evening killed at least nine people in Somalia's capital, Mogadishu. The bombing was followed by a shootout between Al Shabab militants and security forces at Hotel Afrik near the airport. A police spokesman said that fighting continued until the early hours of Monday. 
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Saudi Arabia unveils plan for a 'Riyadh Vision'

Saudi Arabia unveils plan for a 'Riyadh Vision'

Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday, its strategy for the 'Riyadh Vision'. The plan was revealed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and it aims to make Riyadh among the world's top 10 economic cities in order to drive forward the country’s economic, industrial and tourism growth in the upcoming years. 
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UAE affirms support for Gulf economic cooperation

UAE affirms support for Gulf economic cooperation

The UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade affirmed the UAE’s willingness to support joint Gulf action in various priority economic issues. Some of the expected changes is an amended consumer protection system, the adoption of the amended patent system, and continuing to support and encourage small and medium enterprises and institutions.