Rubio says meeting with China's Wang 'constructive and positive'
"I thought it was very constructive and positive meeting," Rubio told reporters after meeting Wang on the sidelines of ASEAN talks in Malaysia, and said there was a "strong desire" for a meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and his Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping.
AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Al Mayadeen
10 hours ago
- Al Mayadeen
BCG built Gaza 'relocation' model in secretive 'Aurora' project: FT
Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is facing mounting scrutiny following a Financial Times investigation that revealed the firm's involvement in a controversial and secretive effort to model the forced 'relocation' of Palestinians from Gaza. The plan, developed in coordination with Israeli and US officials, also included BCG's participation in a militarized humanitarian "aid initiative" now widely condemned by humanitarian agencies. Though BCG has attempted to distance itself from the project, insiders told The Financial Times that the firm's involvement spanned more than seven months and included over $4 million in contracted work. The initiative, codenamed 'Aurora', featured detailed cost estimates for relocating hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and laid out a blueprint for a postwar economic restructuring of Gaza. Human rights organizations have warned that the project's core proposals may violate international law and amount to a blueprint for ethnic cleansing. According to the FT report, BCG consultants, including senior staff from the firm's Washington defense and security division, developed a financial model projecting that over 500,000 Palestinians could be offered 'relocation packages' valued at $9,000 each, totaling $5 billion. The relocation scenario was framed as voluntary, with additional incentives such as subsidized housing and food assistance. However, BCG now claims the exercise was conducted without executive approval and in direct violation of internal directives. 'The lead partner was categorically told no, and he violated this directive. We disavow this work,' the company stated, confirming that it has terminated the two partners responsible. BCG initially joined the project on a pro bono basis in October 2024, helping to establish the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), an Israeli- and US-supported initiative aimed at distributing aid in Gaza. The project was also backed by Safe Reach Solutions (SRS), a private military contractor founded by former CIA officer Phil Reilly. Aid centers under the GHF banner, guarded by Israeli forces and staffed with US contractors, have been the site of harrowing massacres. Since its launch in May, more than 400 Palestinians have reportedly been killed attempting to access food aid, according to the Health Ministry in Gaza. The United Nations has condemned the initiative as a 'fig leaf' for military occupation, and major international NGOs have refused to cooperate with it. US President Donald Trump reportedly committed $30 million in funding to the GHF, amid broader speculation that his administration supports long-term depopulation of Gaza. Trump has previously referred to Gaza as the potential 'Riviera of the Middle East,' a remark critics widely interpreted as endorsing ethnic cleansing. The financial modeling of mass displacement appears to have triggered an internal crisis at BCG. When staff became aware of the full scope of the project in late May, concerns were raised over ethical violations and reputational risk. Documents obtained by the FT show that the project, initially framed as charitable, transitioned into a paid contract with fees covered by McNally Capital, a private equity firm that owns SRS' parent company, Orbis. Two senior BCG consultants, Matt Schlueter and Ryan Ordway, both US military veterans, led the Aurora project and maintained ties with the Israeli think tank Tachlith Institute. Internal reports flagged both the scope and intensity of the work, with consultants in BCG's Tel Aviv office logging over 70-hour weeks, triggering a 'Red Zone' warning, a corporate signal for ethical risk and overextension. Despite the project's growing notoriety, BCG continued advising SRS on procurement, logistics, and direct food delivery after NGOs pulled out. One BCG employee who questioned SRS's capacity to manage food aid logistics was removed from the project, according to FT sources. The situation came to a head following GHF's public launch in May, which coincided with its approval by the Israeli cabinet. On May 25, BCG's leadership ordered an immediate shutdown of the project and began withdrawing its consultants. That same day, GHF CEO Jake Wood resigned, citing a breakdown in humanitarian neutrality. Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a US firm hired to help design and run the business operations of the #Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), has withdrawn its team operating on the ground in "Israel" from the controversial aid initiative backed by the United States and "Israel."A… May 28, BCG global leadership confronted Schlueter and Ordway at a partner meeting in Vienna. Days later, both were placed on administrative leave and asked to resign. On June 4, BCG brought in law firm WilmerHale to conduct an independent investigation into what CEO Christoph Schweizer called 'serious process failures.'
Al Mayadeen
10 hours ago
- Al Mayadeen
Details of Qatari negotiations framework for Gaza ceasefire revealed
Qatari mediators put forward a negotiation framework to secure a lasting ceasefire deal between the Palestinian Resistance in Gaza and the Israeli occupation. The Qatari proposal outlined the ceasefire's terms and phases of implementation, though officials clarified that the published document was unofficial. The proposed agreement calls for a 60-day ceasefire that would temporarily halt all military operations by both sides and includes a guarantee from US President Donald Trump that "Israel" will adhere to the truce throughout the agreed-upon period. The Qatari proposal states that all Israeli offensive military operations in Gaza will cease when the agreement takes effect, with the occupation's aerial activities (both military and reconnaissance) halting daily for 10 to 12 hours during prisoner exchange days. Additionally, the proposed terms outline "Israel's" military redeployment in Gaza, specifying that on Day 1 after releasing 8 living Israeli captives, occupation forces will withdraw from northern areas and the Netzarim corridor to positions defined in previous agreement maps, with minor mutually agreed adjustments to be finalized later. On day seven, following the release of 5 Israeli bodies, the occupation forces will redeploy in southern areas to positions previously agreed upon in the same past agreement maps, with minor adjustments to be finalized later. The proposed deal includes a prisoner exchange provision under which 10 living Israeli captives and 18 bodies from the previously agreed list of 58 would be released according to a phased schedule, with releases taking place on days 1, 7, 30, 50, and 60 following the ceasefire's implementation. The agreement outlines a specific release schedule, with 8 living Israeli captives to be released on the first day, 5 bodies to be returned on day 7, another 5 bodies on day 30, 2 living prisoners on day 50, and finally 8 bodies to be released on day 60 of the ceasefire period. The proposal stipulates that "Israel" will simultaneously release Palestinian prisoners through a prearranged mechanism in exchange for both living Israeli captives and remains, with the process conducted discreetly without public displays or ceremonial events. Ten days after the ceasefire takes effect, Hamas will provide complete documentation, including proof of life, medical reports, or death certificates, for all remaining Israeli captives. In return, "Israel" will provide complete records of Palestinians detained in Gaza since October 7, 2023, along with the number of deceased Gazans held in Israeli custody. The Qatari proposal notes that Hamas is committed to ensuring the health, safety, and security of the captives throughout the ceasefire period. Moreover, Qatar supports continuing negotiations to establish the necessary arrangements for reaching a permanent ceasefire within 60 days while stipulating that upon reaching such an agreement, all remaining Israeli captives (both living and deceased) from "Israel's" list of 58 individuals would be released. The proposal states that the temporary ceasefire may be extended if permanent ceasefire terms aren't finalized in the given period. The proposal affirms that negotiations mediated and guaranteed by international parties will begin on the first day to work out terms for a permanent ceasefire. The negotiations will cover several key areas, including the terms for releasing all remaining Israeli captives in exchange for an agreed number of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, the issues surrounding Israeli troop redeployment and withdrawal, along long-term security arrangements in Gaza. Additionally, the talks will cover post-war governance and reconstruction plans for Gaza that either party may propose, and announce a permanent ceasefire. The document points out that Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani is "serious about both parties' commitment to the ceasefire agreement, and insists that the negotiations during the temporary ceasefire period, if successfully concluded through an agreement between the two sides, should lead to a permanent resolution of the conflict." Mediators, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, will ensure the ceasefire holds throughout the 60 days and will guarantee that serious discussions take place regarding arrangements for a permanent ceasefire. The mediators will also ensure negotiations continue seriously for an extended period until both parties reach an agreement and maintain all measures outlined in this framework. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff will arrive in the region to finalize the agreement and will lead the negotiations. Meanwhile, Trump announces a ceasefire, and the document states that the United States and President Trump are committed to working toward ensuring that fair negotiations continue until a final agreement is reached. Regarding humanitarian aid, the proposal stipulates that assistance will be delivered to Gaza immediately upon Hamas' acceptance of the ceasefire agreement, specifying that the delivery mechanism will align with the provisions outlined in the January 19th agreement. The aid package covers rebuilding water, power, and sewage systems, restoring hospitals and bakeries, providing equipment for rubble clearance, and reopening the Rafah crossing for travelers, patients, and trade. The Qatari proposal emphasized that humanitarian aid would be distributed to Gaza's population through the United Nations and its agencies, along with the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Al Mayadeen
10 hours ago
- Al Mayadeen
60-day Gaza truce hinges on Hamas disarmament, says Israeli official
A senior Israeli official said Wednesday that a potential ceasefire and captive exchange between "Israel" and Hamas could be reached 'within one or two weeks,' though not 'in just a day,' amid ongoing talks and high-level meetings in Washington. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Reuters that if both parties accept a proposed 60-day truce, "Israel" would use that window to push for a permanent ceasefire, "conditioned on Hamas agreeing to disarm." 'If Hamas refuses, we'll proceed' with military operations in Gaza, the official warned. The comments coincided with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington, where he met with US President Donald Trump for the second time on Tuesday. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said that the sides are 'moving closer' to a US-brokered agreement after more than 21 months of war. Trump initially predicted a breakthrough 'this week" but revised his expectations Wednesday, saying a deal was 'very close' and could happen 'this week or even next, though not definitely.' Indirect talks in Qatar between Hamas and "Israel" have now entered their fourth day, but key points of disagreement remain unresolved, according to sources familiar with Hamas' negotiating position. The proposed framework includes the release of 10 living captives held in Gaza, as well as the remains of nine others, the Israeli official confirmed, without offering further detail. Netanyahu's visit follows a dramatic escalation earlier this month, when President Trump ordered airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in support of "Israel" during the recent 12-day Israeli war on Iran. Trump later mediated a ceasefire between the two sides. During his visit, Netanyahu publicly thanked Trump for 'joining with Israel in striking Iran.' In a related context, the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas confirmed Wednesday evening that its leadership is continuing 'intensive and responsible' efforts to ensure the success of ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a comprehensive ceasefire agreement to end the Israeli regime's devastating war on Gaza. In an official statement, Hamas stressed its commitment to reaching an agreement that would guarantee the urgent and sustained flow of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, alleviate the worsening humanitarian crisis, and bring an end to the genocide that began on October 7, 2023. The group affirmed it has been 'working seriously and positively' with mediators to overcome obstacles in the talks, despite what it described as the intransigence of the Israeli occupation. Hamas emphasized that it had shown the 'necessary flexibility' in pursuit of a successful outcome, including agreeing to release 10 Israeli captives held in Gaza as part of a broader agreement. However, the movement made it clear that key issues remain under negotiation, particularly the permanent and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid, the full withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of a complete and lasting ceasefire. A senior Palestinian official speaking to Al Mayadeen revealed that the issue of Israeli withdrawal continues to stall progress in the Doha negotiations. 'The withdrawal point is still unresolved, and it is directly linked to the aid mechanism, and vice versa,' the official said. The source added that the Israeli military refuses to withdraw from several strategic areas, including Rafah, eastern Khan Younis, eastern Gaza City, and Tal al-Zaatar in the northern part of the Strip. Furthermore, "Israel" insists on maintaining control over the aid entry points it has established during the war, a mechanism the Palestinian resistance unequivocally rejects. Hamas announced on Saturday that it has completed wide-ranging consultations with fellow Palestinian factions and submitted a joint response to mediators on the latest ceasefire framework aimed at halting the Israeli occupation's war on the Gaza Strip. In a statement issued by its National Relations Office, Hamas said it held 'an extensive series of contacts' with leaders of national and Islamic factions to coordinate and agree on a single position regarding the proposal's terms and the mechanisms for implementation. The talks, described as 'serious and practical,' produced what the movement called a 'unified national consensus' backing the stance of the Palestinian Resistance. 'All factions welcomed this unified reply,' the statement noted, adding that the response was forwarded to mediators 'in a positive spirit and with full unanimity' after both internal and external consultations were finalized. Hamas stressed that the joint effort reflects 'responsible Palestinian leadership' seeking to preserve the achievements of the Palestinian people and ensure a united front to end the genocide being waged against our people in Gaza. An Israeli official told Israeli media on Saturday that an Israeli delegation will travel to Doha in the coming days 'to complete the deal,' indicating that indirect negotiations are poised to resume in the Qatari capital. The response follows the unveiling of what Trump labeled a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire, an initiative reportedly rooted in the Witkoff Plan and coordinated with Qatar, Egypt, and the US administration. This unfolds as a new horrific war crime takes place: "Israel" bombed a queue of women and children waiting for food supplements in Deir al-Balah, amid a worsening starvation crisis, as Gaza's death toll surpasses 57,000 and relentless bombardment continues.
