Latest: Qatar and Jordan condemn Netanyahu's 'Greater Israel' remarks
Israeli attacks on Gaza killed 123 in 24 hours, says Health Ministry
Eight more Palestinians die of hunger
Israel's military approves 'main framework' for new Gaza offensive
At least 61,722 Palestinians killed and 154,525 wounded in Gaza since war began
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The National
an hour ago
- The National
More than 100 NGOs blast Israel for 'weaponising starvation' in Gaza
New Israeli legislation regulating foreign aid groups has prevented them from delivering much-needed supplies to Gaza as starvation in the enclave deepens, more than 100 NGOs said in a joint letter published on Thursday. 'Israeli authorities have rejected requests from dozens of NGOs to bring in life-saving goods, citing that these organisations are 'not authorised to deliver aid',' the letter said. According to the letter, whose signatories include Oxfam and Doctors Without Borders (MSF), at least 60 requests to bring aid into Gaza were rejected in July. In March, Israel's government approved a new set of rules for foreign non-governmental organisations working with Palestinians. 'Despite claims by Israeli authorities that there is no limit on humanitarian aid entering Gaza, most major international NGOs have been unable to deliver a single truck of life-saving supplies since March 2,' the groups said. Humanitarian groups have worked in the Gaza Strip for decades are now subjected to vetting, obstructing the delivery of aid. The law updates the framework for how aid groups must register to maintain their status, along with provisions that outline how their applications can be denied or registration revoked. Registration can be rejected if authorities deem that a group denies the democratic character of Israel or 'promotes delegitimisation campaigns' against the country. 'Oxfam has over $2.5 million worth of goods that have been rejected from entering Gaza by Israel, especially wash and hygiene items as well as food,' said Bushra Khalidi, policy lead at Oxfam. The supplies are now stuck in warehouses in Jordan and Egypt while the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave worsens. The groups said the restrictions were part of a broader strategy that includes the scheme operated by the US and Israeli-run Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which they described as 'militarised distribution'. The GHF sites have been mired in deadly violence since their inception. 'The militarised food distribution scheme has weaponised starvation and curated suffering,' Aitor Zabalgogeazkoa, MSF emergency co-ordinator in Gaza, said in the letter. 'Distributions at GHF sites have resulted in extreme levels of violence and killings, primarily of young Palestinian men, but also of women and children, who have gone to the sites in the hope of receiving food.' Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of stealing aid entering Gaza, and since May the government has relied on the GHF to distribute supplies. The groups called on Israel to end the weaponisation of aid through bureaucratic obstacles and demanded an unconditional opening of all land crossings. They said the enclave was the deadliest setting for aid workers, with Palestinian staff accounting for 98 per cent of those killed. Israel has also faced intense criticism from governments all over the world, including France, Germany, the UK and some factions within the administration of US President Donald Trump, for starving Gazans and killing civilians on their way to receive aid from the GHF. Israel announced it was easing aid access in July but delivery has remained severely constrained, with packages dropped in by plane. Famine was declared in the enclave by an international hunger monitor last month. Humanitarian groups have also previously published similar letters warning of the spread of mass starvation and calling for an end to the GHF scheme. Eight more Palestinians, including three children, died of malnutrition and starvation in Gaza on Wednesday, the Health Ministry said. This takes the number of hunger-related deaths during the conflict to 235, including 106 children, it added.
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
Global Health Exhibition 2025 expands footprint amid rising global interest
Image: Supplied The Global Health Exhibition (GHE) will return to Riyadh from October 27–30, 2025, under the patronage of Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Health and supported by Vision 2030 and the Kingdom's Health Sector Transformation Program. Organised by Tahaluf, the event will take place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre and is set to be the largest edition to date. Unprecedented global interest and investment momentum Driven by Saudi Arabia's expanding influence in global healthcare and investor confidence in its transformation agenda, GHE 2025 will feature more than 2,000 exhibiting brands and 500 speakers. Global healthcare leaders such as Zimmer Biomed, GE HealthCare, Novo Nordisk, Paxera Health, Davita, and Samsung are confirmed to participate. His Excellency Fahad bin Abdulrahman Aljalajel, Minister of Health of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, stated: 'With one of the world's fastest growing health markets, Saudi Arabia has emerged as the natural home for the world's fastest growing health exhibition. Setting the global health agenda, the Global Health Exhibition is where visionary investors, pioneering startups, and technology leaders convene to reimagine the future of health and then build it.' Faisal Al-Khamisi, Chairman of the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP) and Co-Chairman of Tahaluf, added: 'This year's edition features an unprecedented level of international participation, where global leaders across the healthcare ecosystem convene at the Global Health Exhibition to engage in strategic dialogue, form fruitful partnerships, and drive investment. The event also provides a significant opportunity to showcase the latest innovations, facilitate knowledge transfer, and connect with stakeholders shaping the future of the health sector. 'This exhibition reflects the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia's position as a hub for innovation and investment in the healthcare sector. It embodies the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and supports the Kingdom's efforts to enhance the quality of health services.' To accommodate growing international demand, GHE 2025 has increased its floor space by 40 per cent, adding three new exhibition halls. The event will host 20 international pavilions, up from 12 in 2024, with participation confirmed from the USA, China, Germany, the UK, South Korea, and others. Commenting on the ROI and networking value, Ronald Boueri, Vice President and Managing Director, Medical Systems Division, Olympus META, said: 'Olympus is pleased to participate in the Global Health Exhibition, which brings together key voices from across the healthcare sector. The event provides an important opportunity to share our latest innovations, exchange ideas, and engage with stakeholders who are shaping the future of healthcare in Saudi Arabia. We are committed to supporting the Kingdom's ongoing efforts to enhance healthcare delivery and outcomes.' Spotlighting real-world transformation at the Leaders Summit The 2025 edition will host the Leaders Summit, uniting global healthcare stakeholders—from ministers and regulators to Fortune 500 executives and VCs—to discuss policy implementation and digital innovation. Some of the speakers include: Dr. David Rhew , Global Chief Medical Officer and VP of Healthcare, Microsoft (USA), an authority in clinical AI and health innovation. Baroness Nicola Blackwood , Chair, Genomics England and Former UK Minister of Health, known for shaping NHS data and digital transformation policies. Dr. Katharina Grimm , Head of Medical, FIFA, spearheading global athlete health and performance medicine initiatives. New in 2025: VIBE, powered by LiveWell Launching alongside GHE is VIBE, powered by LiveWell, a dedicated wellness event aligned with the Ministry of Health's LiveWell initiative. With Saudi Arabia's wellness economy valued at $19bn, VIBE will promote personalised, preventative care and lifestyle solutions through business collaboration and community engagement. With national investment accelerating across digital health, regulation, and public-private partnerships, the Global Health Exhibition is fast emerging as a global hub for healthcare innovation and investment. To register, please click For more information, visit
Gulf Business
an hour ago
- Gulf Business
Here's how Sharjah is using AI to care for the elderly
Image credit: Getty Images Sharjah is strengthening its reputation as an age-friendly city by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and smart care technologies to enhance support for senior citizens. This initiative is in line with the humanitarian vision of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. Read- The emirate has already launched several AI-based tools. The Virtual Social Advisor connects seniors with service providers through interactive audio and video channels, while the Virtual Companion facilitates daily contact with healthcare and support teams via smart screens. The Complementing these platforms are mobile clinics that deliver home-based medical care, the Mishwar transport service that assists seniors in reaching health centres, and the Sharjah also promotes active ageing through cultural, social, and sports programmes. Digital literacy training helps older adults build confidence in using smart technologies, ensuring they stay connected and independent. These integrated initiatives reflect a comprehensive smart care ecosystem designed to preserve dignity, promote independence, and improve the quality of life for Sharjah's senior citizens, positioning the emirate as a leading model in elderly care for the digital era.
