UPDATED: Last Hamas-Israel prisoner swap under ceasefire 1st phase Saturday - Foreign Affairs
An informed Egyptian source told Al-Qahera News TV that the last batch in the exchange of prisoners under the first phase of the ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel will take place on Saturday.
The source said recent talks between Egyptian, Qatari, Israeli, and US delegations in Cairo sealed the deal.
"The remaining Israeli detainees and Palestinian prisoners under the agreement in the first phase of the ceasefire will be released on Saturday,' added the source.
Under the 42-day first phase of the three-stage ceasefire agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, which went into effect on 19 January, 33 Israeli captives held by Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip must be released in exchange for the release of 1,900 Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.
On Saturday, in the sixth prisoner swap under the ceasefire, Israel released 369 Palestinian prisoners, including 36 serving life sentences and 333 Gazans arrested after 7 October after Hamas released three Israeli captives.
In a statement on Tuesday afternoon, Hamas revealed the identities of some of the living Israeli captives and the remains of four dead ones it intended to release in the seventh prisoner swap with Israel under the first phase of the ceasefire deal.
'The release comes as a continuation of our ongoing efforts to make the first phase of the ceasefire agreement with the enemy a success and to prepare for engaging in the second phase, and in response to the efforts of the mediators,' noted Khalil Al-Hayya, a member of the Political Bureau and the head of Hamas in Gaza.
According to its statement, Hamas would hand over four bodies of Israeli captives killed during the 15-month Israeli carpet bombing of the strip, including the bodies of the Bebas family.
Hamas would also hand over six living Israeli captives, including Avera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed.
'These steps reflect the seriousness of the movement in implementing the terms of the agreement as stated, and in response to the efforts of the mediators,' noted Al-Hayya.
He said the release of living Israeli captives and the remains of those killed should be met by an Israeli release of Palestinian prisoners as agreed upon in the first phase of the ceasefire deal and would pave the ground for the start of negotiations for an end to the war during the second phase of the deal.
Seventh exchange
Meanwhile, informed sources revealed to Alghad Alarabi TV channel on Tuesday details of the seventh prisoner exchange agreement between Hamas and Israel.
Under the deal, Israel will release half of the women and children detained from Gaza after 7 October 2023, on the condition that they were not involved in subsequent events.
In return, Hamas will hand over the bodies of four Israeli captives on Thursday, according to the sources.
On Saturday, Israeli captives Hisham Al-Sayed and Avraham Mengistu are expected to be released in exchange for 46 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences.
These prisoners, who were previously freed in the Shalit deal but later rearrested, will be deported abroad as part of the agreement.
Additionally, Israel will release 444 Palestinian prisoners from Gaza arrested after 7 October, along with 48 serving life sentences — some facing deportation — and 60 others with long sentences, in exchange for four more living Israeli captives.
At the final phase of the arrangement, Israel will free the remaining Palestinian women and children detained from Gaza in return for Hamas handing over the bodies of four additional Israeli captives on the first of next month, the sources noted.
Also on Tuesday, Bulldozers, rubble-removal equipment and mobile homes for displaced Palestinians began entering the Gaza Strip through the Rafah crossing.
Tel Aviv had blocked the entry of the equipment and caravans in violation of the ceasefire agreement.
Hamas, in response, had threatened to postpone the scheduled release of three Israeli captives last Saturday unless Israel allowed the entry of the equipment and mobile homes.
Egyptian and Qatari mediators resolved the issue shortly before the swap took place on Saturday.
The ceasefire agreement mandates that Israel permit the entry of 60,000 temporary homes and 200,000 tents and rubble removal equipment to start the strip reconstruction process at the end of the 42-day first phase.
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The Middle East has woken to an unprecedented and perilous escalation on Friday, as Israel launched a large-scale military attack on Iran, targeting critical nuclear facilities, military installations, and even residential areas across the Islamic Republic, pushing Tehran to retaliate by hitting Tel Aviv. Related Iran retaliates to Israeli strikes by waves of missiles Iran's Foreign Ministry calls nuclear talks with US 'meaningless' after Israeli attacks Jordan says intercepted drones, missiles in its airspace Overnight, the conflict between Israel and Iran escalated significantly, as Tehran retaliated to Tel Aviv's attacks. Here's a brief rundown: Iranian Missile Barrages on Israel: Iran launched multiple waves of ballistic missiles at Israel through late Friday and into Saturday morning. Air raid sirens blared across Israel, with explosions reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. 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Esfahan nuclear facilities were targeted several times on June 13. No increase in off-site radiation levels has been reported as of now. The IAEA remains in close contact with Iran. — IAEA - International Atomic Energy Agency ⚛️ (@iaeaorg) June 14, 2025 12:00 Jordan's civil aviation authority said it reopened its airspace on Saturday, a day after suspending it as Israel and Iran traded fire. Ultra-Orthodox Jewish men look on at a site in Tel Aviv hit by a missile fired from Iran on. AFP 11:25 Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi emphasized the urgent need for the United Nations to take swift steps in response to Israel's aggression. In a telephone conversation on Friday with the U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Araqchi provided details about Israel's strikes on multiple sites inside Iran, including military bases, nuclear facilities, and residential buildings, Iran's official news agency, (IRNA) said. 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The local ISNA news agency shared a video showing columns of heavy smoke rising from the area of the airport in western Tehran while Mehr news agency reported a "blast" there. 01:24 Iran has launched a third wave of missiles on Israel. 01:00 One women died and at least 60 injured in Israel, according to Israeli media. Members of the Israeli security forces inspect a site hit by a missile fired from Iran, in Ramat Gan on the outskirts of Tel Aviv on June 13, 2025. AFP Friday 13 June 23:10 Iran's airspace will remain closed until Saturday after Israel launched a large scale attack that hit multiple cities, state media reported. "The Civil Aviation Organization... has announced in aviation notices (NOTAM) that the country's airspace will be closed until tomorrow, Saturday," the official IRNA news agency reported. 22:45 The US military is helping intercept missiles that Iran fired in retaliation at Israel, a US official says. The US has been moving assets nearer to Israel to assist in missile intercepts and to provide better protection of US bases in the region. 22:00 Israeli rescuers said that seven people were injured on Friday in the centre of the country, shortly after Iran fired a salvo of missiles at Israel. Speaking on Israel's Channel 12, Eli Bin, the spokesman for the Magen David Adom rescue service, said that seven people were lightly injured in central Israel. Images on Channel 12 showed what appeared to be a building hit by a missile. 21:30 The Israeli army says that dozens of additional missiles were launched toward Israel. 21:25 Iran's state news agency reported that Iran has fired hundreds of ballistic missiles toward Israel as part of its retaliation for Israel's Friday attack on Iranian nuclear and military sites. 21:19 Israel army says the country is under fire as Iran fires projectiles 🚨All of Israel is under fire as Iran fires projectiles🚨 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) June 13, 2025 20:44 The Israeli military said it struck on Friday Iran's nuclear facility in Isfahan as it pressed on with its strikes on the Islamic republic. "I can now confirm that we struck the nuclear facility in Isfahan. The operation is still ongoing," military spokesman Brigadier General Effie Defrin told journalists. 19:50 Israel's army chief on Friday said the military was keeping up "full force" to achieve its goals after launching a wave of strikes on military and nuclear sites in Iran. 18:30 Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources activated its pre-prepared emergency plan regarding priorities for natural gas supply following the escalating regional tensions and the halt in gas supplies from the East. 17:20 Egyptian Nuclear and Radiological Regulatory Authority affirmed that the radiological situation at Iran's Natanz nuclear facility remains under control, with no signs of radioactive leakage reported so far. 17:00 Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday he ordered the airstrikes on Iran six months ago, on 24 November, with the operation initially planned for late April but delayed for 'operational reasons.' 'Today's strike was no coincidence,' Netanyahu said in a televised address in Hebrew, claiming that Israel destroyed the Natanz nuclear facility and describing Iran's ballistic missiles as a 'strategic threat.' Netanyahu said Israel acted without US military backing but had briefed Washington beforehand. 'What the United States chooses to do now is up to them,' he said. He did not give a timeline for the operation's end but warned of further strikes, claiming Iran was 'in disarray' and expected to retaliate in 'severe waves.' 16:00 The Israeli spy agency, the Mossad, alleges that the video below captures two agents inside Iran setting up precision-guided attack systems "developed to target and dismantle Iranian air defenses." The authenticity, date, and location of the videos remain unverified by independent sources. Last night, Israeli statements indicated that Mossad was working on the ground inside of Iran while the Israeli air force was striking Nuclear facilities and leadership. Turns out, they were. Mossad built a secret drone base inside of Iran near Tehran, using it to target Iran's… — FUNKER530 (@FunkerActual) June 13, 2025 15:45 Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation has confirmed a radiation leak inside the Natanz nuclear facility following Israeli airstrikes on the site. 'There is internal radioactive contamination at Natanz, but no external radiation has been detected and there is no cause for concern,' the agency said in a statement carried by Al Jazeera on Friday. It said decontamination was under way and damage would be assessed once cleanup was complete. The Natanz site is central to Iran's uranium enrichment programme and has been repeatedly targeted in sabotage operations widely attributed to Israel. The head of the UN nuclear watchdog, Rafael Grossi, said he was ready to travel to Iran to assess the situation. He confirmed that Iran's Fordow enrichment plant and another nuclear site in Esfahan were not hit. 'There are no elevated radiation levels,' Grossi said, likely referring to external emissions. He urged all sides to avoid further escalation and return to dialogue. File photo: A satellite image shows the Natanz nuclear facility in Iran. 15:30 A loud blast was heard Friday afternoon near a military airbase in Iran's western Hamedan province, Iran's state media reported, following a major Israeli attack on the country. "A few hours ago, a loud blast was heard near Hamedan," more than 300 kilometres (186 miles) from the capital Tehran, the IRNA state news agency said, adding that "it was heard near the Nojeh airbase". 14:15 President Masoud Pezeshkian said that Iran will make Israel "regret" its deadly attack which targeted multiple areas including nuclear sites. "The Iranian nation and the country's officials will not remain silent in the face of this crime, and the legitimate and powerful response of the Islamic Republic of Iran will make the enemy regret its foolish act," Pezeshkian said in a video statement aired on state TV. 13:55 Israeli forces sealed off Palestinian cities across the occupied West Bank and forcibly cleared worshippers from Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, hours after launching airstrikes on Iranian targets. Witnesses told the Palestinian news agency WAFA that Israeli police stormed the Al-Aqsa compound after dawn prayers on Friday, expelled worshippers and sealed the mosque's gates. Local sources said it was the first time the site had been fully emptied and closed by Israeli forces since the COVID-19 pandemic. 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'The time when the organisation bypassed the state in deciding to go to war is over,' Lebanese authorities were quoted as saying. 13:30 Airlines in the Gulf cancelled flights to many Middle East destinations on Friday as some governments closed their airspace following Israeli strikes on Iran. Emirates, the Middle East's largest airline, said it had cancelled flights to and from Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon and Iran after Israel launched the strikes. Several flights scheduled for Friday and one Tehran flight on Saturday were listed as cancelled on the airline's website. Qatar Airways, the country's national carrier and one of the Middle East's largest, said it had "temporarily cancelled flights to Iran and Iraq due to (the) current situation in the region". UAE airports warned of disruption, with Dubai posting on X that "some flights at @DXB and DWC - Al Maktoum International have been cancelled or delayed due to airspace closures over Iran, Iraq, and Syria". Abu Dhabi airport warned "flight disruptions are expected through today (Friday)" as a result of the Israeli strikes. Kuwait's civil aviation authority posted on X that "some flights at Kuwait International Airport have been diverted, cancelled and rescheduled." Earlier Friday, Jordan and Iraq, which both lie between Israel and Iran, announced they had closed their airspace and grounded all flights after Israel's strikes. Jordan's military said it intercepted drones and missiles that had violated the kingdom's airspace, after Iran vowed there would be "no limits" in its response to Israeli attacks. 13:20 US President Donald Trump urged Iran to "make a deal", warning that there will be more "death and destruction." "There has already been great death and destruction, but there is still time to make this slaughter, with the next already planned attacks being even more brutal, come to an end," Trump said on his Truth Social platform. "Iran must make a deal, before there is nothing left... JUST DO IT, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE," he said. 13:10 Israeli warplanes have reportedly destroyed Tabriz airport in north-west Iran in a fresh wave of strikes targeting Iranian air force assets, according to Israel's Channel 12. 13:00 A senior adviser to supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was wounded during Israel's deadly attack, state media reported. "Ali Shamkhani, an advisor to the supreme leader... was injured in today's attack by the Zionist regime," according to state TV. 12:55 A fresh round of explosions was heard in northwestern Iran, state television reported. "A few minutes ago, new explosions were heard in East Azerbaijan," the broadcaster said, as the Tasnim news agency said an earlier wave of strikes had hit 10 sites in the province, killing at least three people. A building damaged in an Israeli strike on Tehran on June 13, 2025. AFP 12:45 EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas called for all sides to "exercise restraint." "The situation in the Middle East is dangerous. I urge all parties to exercise restraint and prevent further escalation. Diplomacy remains the best path forward, and I stand ready to support any diplomatic efforts toward de-escalation," Kallas wrote on X. EU officials said Kallas spoke to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in the "early hours" of Friday following the strikes. European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen added her voice to the calls for calm, urging "all parties to exercise maximum restraint, de-escalate immediately and refrain from retaliation". "A diplomatic resolution is now more urgent than ever, for the sake of the region's stability and global security," von der Leyen wrote on X. 12:35 Iran says Israel's deady strikes on its military and nuclear facilities were a "declaration of war" and called on the UN Security Council to act. In a letter to the United Nations, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the attack as a "declaration of war" and "called on the Security Council to immediately address this issue," the ministry said. 12:25 Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei swiftly appointed new Revolutionary Guards and armed forces chiefs to replace those killed in targeted Israeli strikes on Friday. In separate decrees, Khamenei named Mohammad Pakpour to replace Hossein Salami as commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, and Abdolrahim Mousavi to replace Mohammad Bagheri as chief of the armed forces general staff. 11:45 'Avoid escalation': World reacts to Israel strike on Iran World leaders urged restraint on Friday after Israel pounded Iran, striking 100 targets including nuclear and military sites, and killing senior figures, including nuclear scientists and the armed forces chief of staff. Here is a roundup of key reactions: 'Cannot have nuclear bomb': United States US President Donald Trump, told Fox News he was aware Israel was going to conduct strikes on Iran before it happened and said: "Iran cannot have a nuclear bomb and we are hoping to get back to the negotiating table. We will see." Fox News also reported that "Trump noted the US is ready to defend itself and Israel if Iran retaliates." 'Maximum restraint': UN UN chief Antonio Guterres asked "both sides to show maximum restraint, avoiding at all costs a descent into deeper conflict, a situation that the region can hardly afford," according to a spokesperson. Guterres was "particularly concerned" by Israel's strikes on nuclear installations amid the ongoing US-Iran negotiations. 'Deeply worried': China "The Chinese side... is deeply worried about the severe consequences that such actions might bring," foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said, calling "on relevant parties to take actions that promote regional peace and stability and to avoid further escalation of tensions". 'Reasonable reaction': Czech Republic Czech Republic Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky said Iran "is supporting so many players, including the Hezbollah and Hamas movements, with the intention to destroy the state of Israel, and also seeking a nuclear bomb", that "I see that this was a reasonable reaction from the state of Israel towards a possible threat of a nuclear bomb". 'Avoid any escalation': France - "We call on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid any escalation that could undermine regional stability," France's foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on X. 'Dangerous escalation': Hamas "This aggression constitutes a dangerous escalation that threatens to destabilise the region," said the Iran-backed, Palestinian militant group, whose October 2023 attack on Israel sparked the Gaza war. No 'battleground': Jordan "Jordan has not and will not allow any violation of its airspace, reaffirming that the Kingdom will not be a battleground for any conflict," a government spokesperson told AFP after Jordan closed its airspace. 'Dangerous approach': Oman Nuclear talks mediator Oman said "calls on the international community to adopt a clear and firm position to put an end to this dangerous approach, which threatens to rule out diplomatic solutions and jeopardise the security and stability of the region". 'Strong condemnation': Qatar Gaza mediator Qatar expressed "its strong condemnation and denunciation of the Israeli attack," the Gulf state's foreign ministry said, adding that the "dangerous escalation threatens security and stability of the region and hinders efforts to de-escalate and reach diplomatic solutions". 'Aggressive actions': Turkey "Israel must put an immediate end to its aggressive actions that could lead to further conflicts," Turkey's foreign ministry said in a statement. 'Reduce tensions urgently': UK British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said in a statement: "The reports of these strikes are concerning and we urge all parties to step back and reduce tensions urgently. Escalation serves no one in the region." 'Legitimate right to defend itself': Yemen's Houthi rebels Tehran-backed Huthi rebels said on Telegram they backed "Iran's full and legitimate right to... develop its nuclear programme" and that "we strongly condemn the brutal Israeli aggression against the Islamic Republic of Iran and affirm its full and legitimate right to respond by all possible means". 11:20 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on Friday said it was "crucial" for allies of Israel to work to de-escalate tensions, after Israel struck some 100 targets in Iran, including Tehran's nuclear and military sites. "I think it is now crucial for many allies, including the United States, to work, as we speak, to de-escalate. I know that they are doing that and I think that is now the first order of the day," Rutte told reporters at a press conference in Stockholm. "This was a unilateral action by Israel," Rutte said, speaking alongside Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, while noting it was "obviously a rapidly evolving situation". 11:10 UN nuclear watchdog head Rafael Grossi said on Friday that nuclear facilities "must never be attacked" and called "on all parties to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation" following Israeli strikes on Iran. "This development is deeply concerning... I reiterate that any military action that jeopardizes the safety and security of nuclear facilities risks grave consequences for the people of Iran, the region, and beyond," Grossi, who heads the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said in a statement to board members. 11:00 Iran sharply criticised the UN nuclear watchdog on Friday, accusing it of "silence" over Israel's strikes on its nuclear facilities and scientists. In a statement, Iran's Atomic Energy Organisation said it considers the "silence" from the International Atomic Energy Agency "as a form of cooperation with the Zionist regime," adding that the Israeli attack was a "defeat for the IAEA resulting from its unjustifiable shortcomings". Shortly afterwards, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi issued a statement saying nuclear facilities "must never be attacked". What We Know So Far: In the early hours of Friday, June 13, Israel launched a large-scale military operation, "Operation Rising Lion," targeting various sites across Iran. Targets: Confirmed targets include Iran's main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, as well as other military installations and residential areas in Tehran and other cities like Tabriz and Isfahan. Scale: The Israeli military reported using over 200 aircraft, dropping more than 330 munitions on approximately 100 targets. Israeli operations were confirmed to be ongoing throughout the morning. Justification: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed the strikes were preemptive, aimed at preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and removing an "existential threat." Iranian Casualties: Top Military Officials Killed: Iranian state media confirmed the deaths of the head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Scientists Killed: At least six Iranian nuclear scientists, including Fereydoun Abbasi and Mohammad Mehdi Tehranchi, were reported killed. Civilian Casualties: Reports from Iran indicate civilian casualties, including women and children, in residential areas struck in Tehran, with dozens injured. Iranian Response: Drone Launches: Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel in retaliation. Interim Leadership: Iran quickly appointed interim replacements for its fallen military leaders: Habibollah Sayyari as temporary commander of the Armed Forces and Ahmad Vahidi as temporary IRGC commander. Vowed Retaliation: Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has warned Israel of a "bitter and painful fate" and promised a "harsh response."Airspace Closures and Travel Disruptions: Nuclear Talks Halted: Iran has declared it will not participate in scheduled nuclear negotiations with the United States or any future talks "until further notice." Regional Closure: Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan have all closed their airspace to commercial flights. Flight Cancellations/Diverted: Major international airlines have canceled or rerouted flights, causing widespread travel disruptions. Drone Interceptions: Both Israeli and Jordanian air forces are actively intercepting incoming Iranian drones, with some interceptions occurring outside Israeli territory. International Reactions: IAEA Monitoring: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed the Natanz site was hit but reported no increase in radiation levels. It also confirmed that the Fordo and Isfahan nuclear sites were not impacted. US Stance: The United States confirmed it had advance notice of the strikes but stated it was not directly involved in the operation. President Donald Trump reiterated that Iran "cannot have a nuclear bomb." Calls for Restraint: Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, the UK, and other nations have condemned the escalation and urged immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Economic Impact: Global oil prices have surged by as much as 13% due to heightened tensions in the critical oil-producing region. Codenamed "Operation Rising Lion" by Tel Aviv, these audacious strikes, which commenced in the early hours of Friday, June 13, 2025, have profoundly reshaped the decades-long covert conflict between the two regional adversaries. The ramifications are already stark and immediate. Iranian state media has confirmed the tragic loss of top military figures, including the commander-in-chief of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), Hossein Salami, and the Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, Maj. Gen. Mohammad Bagheri. Additionally, at least six prominent nuclear scientists are reported among the dead, alongside confirmed civilian casualties in residential districts of Tehran. In a swift and direct response, Iran launched over 100 drones towards Israel, prompting widespread airspace closures across the region, including Israel, Iraq, Iran, and Jordan, causing significant global air travel disruptions. While Israeli air defense systems are actively intercepting these drones, some reportedly outside Israeli territory, Jordan's air force is also engaged in downing threats in its airspace. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has framed the offensive as a preemptive strike, vital to neutralize an "imminent threat" of Iran acquiring nuclear weapons, vowing to continue the operation "as long as it takes." Meanwhile, Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has promised a "harsh response" and a "bitter and painful fate" for Israel, with Tehran quickly appointing interim military leaders and formally halting scheduled nuclear negotiations with the United States. The international community is gripped by alarm, with urgent calls for de-escalation emanating from global powers and regional players alike. While the IAEA confirms the Natanz facility was hit, it reports no increase in radiation levels and states other key Iranian nuclear sites remain untouched. The United States, while acknowledging advance notice, has distanced itself from direct involvement, reiterating its stance against an Iranian nuclear bomb. As the world watches with bated breath, fears of a broader, more devastating conflict are mounting. Oil prices have surged, and both nations are on heightened alert, bracing for further retaliation. Ahram Online begins its live coverage now, bringing you real-time updates as this critical situation unfolds. Stay with us for the latest developments, analyses, and reactions from across the globe. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
See - Sada Elbalad
2 hours ago
- See - Sada Elbalad
Al Mashat Announces Egypt's Selection to Benefit from CIF's Industrial Decarbonization Program with $1 Billion Funding
Basant Ahmed Dr. Rania A. Al-Mashat, Minister of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, announced Egypt's selection among 7 countries out of 26 applicants to benefit from the Climate Investment Funds (CIF) Industrial Decarbonization Program. This program is the first global development financing initiative dedicated to reducing harmful emissions in the industrial sector of developing countries, with a value of $1 billion. Dr. Al-Mashat pointed out that the Ministry of Planning, Economic Development and International Cooperation, in its role of fostering economic relations with international institutions and development partners, submitted Egypt's proposal in collaboration with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the World Bank, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), and the African Development Bank (AfDB). This submission was based on Egypt's ambitious vision for transitioning to a green economy, reducing emissions, robust institutional capabilities, and the active participation of both domestic and foreign private sectors, particularly through development financing. Minister Al-Mashat added that Egypt's selection among the 7 countries underscores the international community's confidence in the national strategies and efforts exerted to enhance climate action. This selection also represents a significant step towards boosting the competitiveness of the Egyptian economy and attracting more climate investments. She highlighted that the Egyptian government is working to integrate national policies and development goals with climate objectives, aiming to advance the implementation of green transformation-incentivizing policies in cooperation with international institutions. Dr. Al-Mashat emphasized that Egypt has intensified its climate action efforts, particularly since hosting COP27 in November 2022. During this conference, Egypt launched the "NWFE" program country platform, a pioneering initiative that has received unprecedented international support and continuous commendations for its role in encouraging climate investments through partnerships among the government, international institutions, and the private sector. The CIF confirmed that the 7 selected countries (Egypt, Brazil, Mexico, Namibia, South Africa, Turkey, and Uzbekistan) were chosen based on an independent expert team's assessment. The program aims to support low-emission industrial transformation and create green jobs, thereby enhancing the long-term economic competitiveness of participating countries and qualifying them to benefit from the global market for eco-friendly goods, which is projected to reach $2 trillion by 2030. This program is part of the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) under the CIF, which has a total value of $9 billion. It leverages the CIF's private capital mobilization mechanism, which is the first of its kind in mobilizing private capital to support countries' sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development priorities. Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO of the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), stated, "The global race to decarbonize the industrial sector has begun, and emerging markets are leading the way. Decarbonizing industry is not just about cutting emissions, it is also about securing long-term prosperity and future jobs. It is vital to produce the low-carbon industrial inputs the world urgently needs to scale renewable energy capacity and power the global economy." It is worth noting that in November 2022, during the COP27 climate conference in Sharm El Sheikh, H.E. Dr. Rania Al-Mashat announced that Egypt's bid ranked first among countries in the North Africa and Europe region in the CIF's Nature, People, and Climate Investment initiative. Through this initiative, CIF provides $500 million in support for implementing projects in developing member countries. Technical discussions are underway between the Ministry, relevant entities, and CIF to leverage this initiative by funding a number of projects under the "NWFE" program in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness and agricultural finance, coastal ecosystem restoration, and stimulating private sector participation as a common pillar. The seven selected countries are expected to collaborate with multilateral development banks and private sector partners to develop investment plans for approval by the CIF board. These plans will enable countries to access highly concessional financing to scale up the adoption of clean technologies, such as green hydrogen and low-carbon industries, to achieve a global energy transition. The program provides developing countries with access to development financing, attracts investments for climate transformation projects, and creates green job opportunities. This program is part of the Clean Technology Fund (CTF) under the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), which has a total value of $9 billion. It relies on the fund's private capital market mechanism, which is the first of its kind in mobilizing private capital to support countries' sustainable, inclusive, and resilient development priorities. 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