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The National
12 minutes ago
- The National
Egypt calls Israel's war in Gaza 'systematic genocide'
Egypt has ratcheted up its criticism of Israel, branding its 22-month war in Gaza 'systematic genocide' and calling out the international community for not doing more to stop the conflict. The comments by President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, made separately, constituted Egypt's most scathing reprimand of Israel over the Gaza war. They are likely to accelerate the steady deterioration of relations between the two neighbours bound by a 1979 peace treaty. 'The war that's going on in Gaza is no longer waged to realise political objectives or free hostages, but rather a war for starvation, genocide and the liquidation of the Palestinian cause,' Mr El Sisi said on Tuesday after talks in Cairo with his Vietnamese counterpart. He accused Israel of attempting to hollow out the Palestinian cause and added: 'History will reflect for a long time before it holds to account and bring to justice many nations for their position on this war. 'The world's conscience will not be silent for much longer,' said Mr El Sisi, who spoke again on Gaza on Wednesday. On a visit to Greece on Wednesday, Mr Abdelatty said the world's response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza was shameful and he urged western powers to increase pressure on Israel. 'The international community should be ashamed of the tragic situation unfolding in Gaza and the devastating actions carried out by Israel,' he told reporters in Athens. 'What is unfolding is a human tragedy, and the suffering witnessed is a stain on the conscience of the international community.' Widespread reports of hunger in Gaza have heightened international concern over the devastating consequences of Israeli military operations launched on October 7, 2023, following a deadly attack by Hamas-led militants on southern Israeli communities. At least 61,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, according to authorities in Gaza. Most of the enclave's 2.2 million residents have been displaced, many more than once, and large swathes of its built-up areas razed. Echoing President El Sisi's comments, Mr Abdelatty described Israel's military action in Gaza as 'systematic genocide'. Egypt has been trying, along with the United States and Qatar, to broker a pause in the Gaza war and secure the release of the estimated 50 Israeli hostages held by Hamas, in return for the freedom of hundreds of Palestinians jailed in Israel. Egypt, which neighbours both Gaza and Israel, has criticised Israel's actions while repeatedly warning that it will not stand idly by if difficult living conditions created by Israel in the enclave force Palestinians to move into its Sinai Peninsula. Such action, Mr El Sisi has said, would undermine Egypt's national security and hollow out the Palestinian cause. While a traditional champion of Palestinian rights, Egypt has in recent weeks come under criticism from activists at home and abroad for not doing more to allow humanitarian supplies in through its border with Gaza. Mr El Sisi has sought to discredit these charges on at least three recent occasions, in a televised address to the nation, his comments on Tuesday and again on Wednesday when he spoke to cadets at the military academy. Israel, he argued, has occupied the Palestinian side of the border with Gaza, including the Rafah crossing, the only point of entry and exit for Gaza that is not controlled by the Israelis. Sending aid through the crossing requires advance co-ordination with Israel, he said. Egypt has, alongside other nations, taken part in air drops of supplies into Gaza, but the method has been described by UN experts as insufficient. Pro-government pundits suspect the Muslim Brotherhood, an Islamist group banned in Egypt since 2013, is behind the campaign over Egypt's perceived inaction to alleviate Gazans' suffering. Scores of Palestinians have died from famine or malnutrition-related ailments. 'Egypt is continuing to work towards pausing the war, the entry of humanitarian aid [into Gaza] and the release of the hostages … despite the campaigns of defamation and misinformation that target its vital role,' Mr El Sisi told the military cadets on Wednesday.
Khaleej Times
12 minutes ago
- Khaleej Times
Watch: Sheikh Mohammed waves at humanoid robot during live demonstration
When was the last time you saw a humanoid robot wave and walk towards you? Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, had an experience that not many residents get to have during a meeting with local dignitaries at the Union House in Dubai today, August 6. In a video posted by Wam, the leader could be seen waving back at the humanoid robot. The robot also showcased its speed by running inside the majlis as the dignitaries looked on. The robot was present as part of a live demonstration of the Unitree G1 by Dubai Future Labs. The lightweight, highly balanced robot mimics human movement and represents the latest in robotics and AI. Watch the clip below: It will soon be featured in the Museum of the Future's interactive displays, welcoming visitors and showcasing advanced technology, allowing residents and tourists to watch it in action too. The Unitree G1 is a humanoid robot that stands 130cm tall and weighs around 35kg. Its onboard computing includes an 8-core high-performance CPU, with sensory hardware like a depth camera, 3D LiDAR, microphone array, speaker, Wi‑Fi 6, and Bluetooth 5.2. The robot runs for about two hours on a 13‑string lithium battery. Meeting at Al Mudaif Majlis During the gathering, Sheikh Mohammed highlighted the UAE's continued progress in building a distinctive development model based on openness, competitiveness, and support for entrepreneurship. He noted that the country's success stems from ambitious goals, a people-centred approach, and strong public-private partnerships. The achievements of recent decades, he added, reflect a clear vision driven by planning, determination, and collaboration. He added that the UAE remains committed to being a land of opportunity, a hub for prosperity, and a welcoming home for all who contribute to its growth. He also said that at every stage, the UAE has set new benchmarks for progress and established a model economy rooted in innovation. The outcomes of this journey are evident today in the country's stability, social cohesion, and the resilience and growth of its economy. The Ruler also highlighted Dubai's vital role in the UAE's broader development journey, as it continues to strengthen its position as a leading global economic centre. Driven by investor confidence, market maturity, and its ability to attract top talent and opportunities, the emirate continues to advance the goals of Dubai Economic Agenda D33, he highlighted.
Khaleej Times
an hour ago
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Smart Nol card top-ups see 20% rise as less commuters rely on ticket machines
Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced a 20 per cent increase in nol card top-up transactions through digital channels during the first half of 2025, compared to the same period in 2024. This reflects ongoing efforts to advance digital transformation in public transport services and enhance customer satisfaction. The authority explained that the improvements included the provision of digital machines for ticket sales and top-ups, public awareness initiatives encouraging the use of digital channels such as the website and mobile payment applications, in addition to raising the minimum top-up amount for nol cards through machines and ticket sales offices. Statistics showed a 28 per cent decrease in the total number of top-up transactions via ticket vending machines, while digital transactions via these machines increased by 20 per cent. Meanwhile, cash transactions at ticket sales offices declined by 37 per cent, and digital transactions by six per cent, resulting in an overall 26 per cent drop in transactions at ticket offices. The RTA affirmed that this shift contributed to shorter queues and lower operating costs related to cash handling, along with an 80 per cent decrease in vending machine malfunctions due to fewer cash-based transactions.
