Gaza ceasefire: Egypt, Qatar still working on truce between Hamas, Israel
In a joint statement carried by Egypt's Foreign Ministry, the two countries called on all parties to support mediators' efforts to end the war.
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The National
34 minutes ago
- The National
UN calls for investigation into Palestinian deaths near Gaza aid site as Israel pushes back
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for an independent investigation into the killing and wounding of Palestinians near an aid distribution point run by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 31 Palestinians died and more than 170 were injured after Israeli troops opened fire at the distribution site in the southern city of Rafah, with medics and witnesses corroborating the reports. Israel's army first said it was unaware of casualties, then said its troops did not fire at civilians "near or within" the food bank in the south of Gaza, and that "reports to this effect are false". Mr Guterres did not assign blame for the deaths. "I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday. It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food," the UN chief said. "I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable." Another three Palestinians were killed early on Monday near an aid centre west of Rafah in the south, medical sources told The National. The UN has criticised the aid distribution plan, which also cuts usual aid providers such as Palestinian relief agency UNRWA out of the loop. Little is known about the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and aid groups say it endangers rather than helps civilians by delivering food through narrow, militarised corridors. "Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid," Mr Guterres added. Israel's foreign ministry called the statement by the UN chief a "disgrace" and criticised him for not mentioning Hamas. Gazans have accused Israel of engineering a humanitarian catastrophe with its new aid operations, saying supplies are being restricted to the south of the enclave in an effort to displace people from the north through starvation. Israel has faced mounting international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN has warned the entire population faces famine. It imposed an aid blockade on the besieged strip in March and has only relaxed it in recent days. Aid is now trickling in after Israel partially lifted its blockade, but the UN has reported looting of its lorries and warehouses. The wrangling over aid comes as US President Donald Trump' s special envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday said Hamas had submitted a 'totally unacceptable' response to a US-backed ceasefire plan signed off by Israel. The 60-day truce proposal was presented to Hamas on Thursday and now appears to be in the balance. Hamas had given a conditional agreement to the plan, sources told The National, with the group's reservations focused on assurances it seeks on Israel's withdrawal from the Palestinian territory and the distribution of aid.
The National
39 minutes ago
- The National
UN calls for probe into killings near Gaza aid site as Israel pushes back
UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for an independent investigation into the killing and wounding of Palestinians near an aid distribution point run by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Gaza's civil defence agency said at least 31 Palestinians died and more than 170 were injured after Israeli troops opened fire at the distribution site in the southern city of Rafah, with medics and witnesses corroborating the reports. Israel's army first said it was unaware of casualties, then said its troops did not fire at civilians "near or within" the food bank in the south of Gaza, and that "reports to this effect are false". Mr Guterres did not assign blame for the deaths. "I am appalled by the reports of Palestinians killed and injured while seeking aid in Gaza yesterday. It is unacceptable that Palestinians are risking their lives for food," the UN chief said. "I call for an immediate and independent investigation into these events and for perpetrators to be held accountable." Another three Palestinians were killed early on Monday near an aid centre west of Rafah in the south, medical sources told The National. The UN has criticised the aid distribution plan, which also cuts usual aid providers such as Palestinian relief agency UNRWA out of the loop. Little is known about the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, and aid groups say it endangers rather than helps civilians by delivering food through narrow, militarised corridors. "Israel has clear obligations under international humanitarian law to agree to and facilitate humanitarian aid," Mr Guterres added. Israel's foreign ministry called the statement by the UN chief a "disgrace" and criticised him for not mentioning Hamas. Gazans have accused Israel of engineering a humanitarian catastrophe with its new aid operations, saying supplies are being restricted to the south of the enclave in an effort to displace people from the north through starvation. Israel has faced mounting international criticism over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where the UN has warned the entire population faces famine. It imposed an aid blockade on the besieged strip in March and has only relaxed it in recent days. Aid is now trickling in after Israel partially lifted its blockade, but the UN has reported looting of its lorries and warehouses. The wrangling over aid comes as US President Donald Trump' s special envoy Steve Witkoff on Saturday said Hamas had submitted a 'totally unacceptable' response to a US-backed ceasefire plan signed off by Israel. The 60-day truce proposal was presented to Hamas on Thursday and now appears to be in the balance. Hamas had given a conditional agreement to the plan, sources told The National, with the group's reservations focused on assurances it seeks on Israel's withdrawal from the Palestinian territory and the distribution of aid.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
TK Elevator snaps up key Kuwait International Airport contract
Kuwait - TK Elevator (TKE) has announced that it has been awarded a major package (Package 3) covering the aircraft aprons and taxiways and service buildings at the Kuwait International Airport (KWI). The scope of work includes the supply, delivery, installation, and a two-year maintenance contract of 55 passenger boarding bridges. This agreement reinforces TKE's position as a premier infrastructure partner in the Middle East, thus leveraging its long-standing relationship with KWI, said TKE in a statement. The new Terminal 2, under construction by Limak Insaat and overseen by the Kuwait Ministry of Public Works, features an iconic design by Foster + Partners, and is set to become a major hub in the Gulf region. Covering 750,000 sq m with a roof area of 315,000 sq m, it will significantly increase Kuwait International Airport's capacity to handle 25 million passengers annually, it stated. TKE said its solutions will enable seamless passenger flow and play a vital role in enhancing operational efficiency and ensuring a seamless passenger experience, thus contributing to Kuwait's growing position as a key regional air hub. TKE's 55 custom-designed PBBs, featuring a unique steel and glass design and tailored width specifications, will seamlessly accommodate all aircraft types – from Code C (for example A320 or B737) to code F (eg A380 or B 747-8), it stated. On the key contract win, Ignacio Madinah, the CEO of Airport Solutions at TK Elevator, said: "Our reputation for service and product excellence, customisation capabilities and maintenance expertise combined with our extensive experience in large-scale infrastructure projects, makes us a trusted partner." "We are proud to support Kuwait Airport in their expansion, realizing Kuwait's new airport development project's ambition to become a key hub in the Middle East," he stated. This contract highlights TKE's commitment to excellence and innovation in the airport equipment sector. It builds on a longstanding relationship with Kuwait Airport, including previous PBB installations at the Amiri Terminal, Terminal 4, and Terminal 5. TKE's ongoing contributions demonstrate its dedication to enhancing operational efficiency and passenger experience, aligning with Kuwait Airport's strategic vision. Copyright 2024 Al Hilal Publishing and Marketing Group Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
