UK urges Israel to reconsider decision to escalate onslaught on Gaza
"We urge it (Israel) to reconsider immediately," he said in a Downing Street statement. "This action will do nothing to bring an end to this conflict or to help secure the release of the hostages. It will only bring more bloodshed," he cautioned. "Every day the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens and hostages taken by Hamas are being held in appalling and inhuman conditions. "What we need is a ceasefire, a surge in humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages by Hamas and a negotiated solution," Starmer affirmed. "Together with our allies, we are working on a long-term plan to secure peace in the region as part of a two-state solution, and ultimately achieve a brighter future for Palestinians and Israelis.
"But without both sides engaging in good faith in negotiations, that prospect is vanishing before our eyes. "Our message is clear: a diplomatic solution is possible, but both parties must step away from the path of destruction," he added. (end) nbs.gb
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Kuwait News Agency
43 minutes ago
- Kuwait News Agency
Jordan to host multilateral meeting on Syria with Washington, Damascus
AMMAN, Aug 10 (KUNA) -- Jordan's Foreign Ministry announced Sunday that Amman will host a multilateral meeting on Tuesday with Syria and the United States to discuss the situation in Syria. The ministry said the talks aim to support reconstruction efforts based on principles that ensure Syria's security, stability, sovereignty, and meet the aspirations of its people. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Al-Safadi, Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Al-Shaibani, and US Special Envoy for Syria Thomas Barrack are set to attend, along with officials from the three countries. The meeting follows a previous round of talks held in Amman on July 19 focused on shoring up the ceasefire in Syria's southern Suwayda province. (end)
Kuwait Times
7 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
US plan sees Hezbollah disarmed by year-end, Zionist withdrawal
Lebanese cabinet discusses detailed US proposal for Hezbollah disarmament by year-end BEIRUT: The United States has presented Lebanon with a proposal for disarming Hezbollah by the end of the year, along with ending Zionist entity's military operations in the country and the withdrawal of its troops from five positions in south Lebanon, according to copy of a Lebanese cabinet agenda reviewed by Reuters. The plan, submitted by US President Donald Trump's envoy to the region, Tom Barrack, and being discussed at a Lebanese cabinet meeting on Thursday, sets out the most detailed steps yet for disarming the Hezbollah, which has rejected mounting calls to disarm since last year's devastating war with Zionist entity. The US State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Lebanese government ministers could not immediately be reached for comment. Hezbollah had no immediate comment on the proposal. Zionist entity dealt major blows to Hezbollah in an offensive last year, the climax of a conflict that began in October 2023 when the Lebanese group opened fire at Zionist positions at the frontier, declaring support for its Palestinian group Hamas at the start of the Gaza war. The US proposal aims to 'extend and stabilize' a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Zionist entity brokered in November. 'The urgency of this proposal is underscored by the increasing number of complaints regarding Zionist violations of the current ceasefire, including airstrikes and cross-border operations, which risk triggering a collapse of the fragile status quo,' it said. People inspect the damage at the site of an overnight Israeli strike in the southern Lebanese village of Deir Seryan, in the Nabatieh district, on August 7, 2025. Israeli strikes in south Lebanon killed two people on August 6, according to the Lebanese health ministry. (Photo by MAHMOUD ZAYYAT / AFP) Phase 1 of the plan requires the Beirut government to issue a decree within 15 days committing to Hezbollah's full disarmament by December 31, 2025. In this phase, Zionist entity would also cease ground, air and sea military operations. Phase 2 requires Lebanon to begin implementing the disarmament plan within 60 days, with the government approving 'a detailed (Lebanese army) deployment plan to support the plan to bring all arms under the authority of the state'. This plan will specify disarmament targets. During Phase 2, Zionist entity would begin withdrawing from positions it holds in south Lebanon and Lebanese prisoners held by Zionist entity would be released in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). During Phase 3, within 90 days, Zionist entity will withdraw from the final two of the five points it holds, and funding will be secured to initiate rubble removal in Lebanon and infrastructure rehabilitation in preparation for reconstruction. In Phase 4, within 120 days, Hezbollah's remaining heavy weapons must be dismantled, including missiles and drones. In Phase 4, the United States, Saudi Arabia, France, Qatar and other friendly states will organize an economic conference to support the Lebanese economy and reconstruction and to 'implement President Trump's vision for the return of Lebanon as a prosperous and viable country'. — Reuters
Kuwait Times
14 hours ago
- Kuwait Times
‘Partners for Yemen' conference kicks off with Kuwaiti support
KUALA LAMPUR: The second edition of the 'Partners for Yemen' conference began Saturday in Malaysia's capital, Kuala Lumpur, aiming to support education in Yemen. The event is sponsored and supported by Kuwait's International Islamic Charity Organization (IICO) alongside Kuwait's Rahma International Society. 'The people of Yemen are at the heart of our concerns,' Abdulrahman Al-Mutawa, Deputy General Manager for Projects at IICO, told KUNA on the sidelines of the conference. He emphasized that supporting education in Yemen 'is not a choice but a humanitarian duty' and an investment in Yemen's future. Al-Mutawa highlighted that IICO has worked extensively to support education especially in fragile conflict-affected areas, with Yemen being a top priority. 'Last year, our strategic initiatives led to the implementation of 126 education projects in 23 countries, in partnership with 56 local and international organizations,' he said. He added that these projects have benefited over 48,000 people, including more than 20,000 students receiving full sponsorship covering educational and developmental programs. Specifically in Yemen, IICO has carried out various education and humanitarian projects over the last five years worth nearly $11 million, collaborating with nine Yemeni organizations. These efforts have helped over 55,000 students inside Yemen and abroad. The projects include building three university colleges currently under construction, establishing and equipping 15 schools and technical institutes, implementing 27 higher education support projects, and 17 programs related to scholarships, sponsorships, and educational conferences. Al-Mutawa acknowledged that Yemen's educational needs still exceed current efforts. 'The scattered efforts need unification, coordination, and integration, which we hope this conference and real partnerships will achieve,' he said. Ghanem Al-Shaheen, Director of Programs and Projects at Rahma International, told KUNA this was the association's second time participating after the first conference in Istanbul. He noted Kuwait's charitable organizations and government institutions play a leading role in humanitarian support. 'We have contributed a lot to Yemen, especially in education, through our 'Tawasul' foundation there, which runs many educational projects in cooperation with the Yemeni International Development Agency organizing the conference,' he said. 'Kuwait, known as the 'Land of Humanity,' continues supporting humanitarian work worldwide.' Kuwait's Ambassador to Malaysia, Rashid Al-Saleh, said the conference reflects Kuwait's firm commitment to providing aid globally, especially in Yemen, which faces severe humanitarian challenges. He added that Kuwait's sponsorship and involvement in this conference demonstrate its belief in education as a pillar for community advancement. Yemen's Deputy Minister of Education Ali Al-Abab, praised the efforts of donor countries, including Kuwait, in supporting education and global humanitarian work. Al-Abab said the conference aims to mobilize funding specifically for education projects, considering education 'a key gateway to Yemen's progress and future.' He added the conference will discuss the challenges facing education and the humanitarian situation in Yemen and exchange ideas, experiences, and initiatives to confront these challenges. The opening ceremony included representatives from several regional and international institutions. Over two days, the conference sessions will address Yemen's worsening humanitarian crisis, one of the world's largest, highlighting the devastating impact of war on education, health, and the economy. Discussions will also focus on the limited international presence of Yemeni institutions, calling for new partnerships and ensuring the sustainability of humanitarian projects and efforts. — KUNA
