UAE says reached deal with Israel to allow aid delivery to Gaza
TDT | Manama
The United Arab Emirates have reached an agreement with Israel to allow the delivery of "urgent humanitarian aid" to the besieged Gaza Strip, according to a statement released Wednesday on Emirati state media.
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister, "held a phone call with Gideon Saar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, which led to an agreement to allow the delivery of urgent humanitarian aid from the United Arab Emirates," the statement on official news agency WAM said.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Insider
a day ago
- Gulf Insider
UAE Exempts 222 Citizens From $39mn in Debts
The UAE's Defaulted Debts Settlement Fund has exempted 222 citizens from debts totalling more than AED 139.879 million, following directives from President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The initiative, which operates under the supervision of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Chairman of the Presidential Court, targets retirees and social support categories. The Fund cleared debts exceeding AED 86.476 million for 132 retirees, whilst exempting 90 citizens under the social support category from debts totalling more than AED 53.403 million. 'The initiative reflects the wise leadership's vision to ease the lives of citizens and ensure them a dignified and stable standard of living,' the Emirates News Agency (WAM) said in a statement. The programme contributes to social development by alleviating financial burdens, supporting retirees and social support beneficiaries, and fostering family stability, according to the statement. The initiative aligns with the UAE's national strategy for sustainable development and demonstrates commitment to social cohesion and prosperity, with attention focused on those who served the country and the community's most vulnerable members. The Fund emphasised that the programme embodies President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan's commitment to alleviating financial burdens on citizens. It highlights his vision to ensure a dignified life for Emiratis, promote their well-being, strengthen family and community stability, and uphold the values of cohesion and solidarity that characterise Emirati society. The debt relief initiative supports financial and social stability across the UAE, targeting citizens who require assistance to maintain their standard of living. Also read: UAE Eid Al Adha Weather Forecast: Rain and Humidity Expected
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
'Habibi, this is Bahrain,' says Talajić
TDT | Manama Bahrain's defining clash vs Saudi Arabia in 2026 qualifiers, tomorrow at 7PM Stād Al Bahrain Al Watanī (Bahrain National Stadium) in Riffa braces for a make-or-break match as Bahrain takes on Saudi Arabia in the FIFA World Cup 2026 Asian qualifiers. After a goalless draw in Jeddah in October, both sides step onto the pitch knowing that three points could shift the trajectory of their campaigns. Do-or-Die Tomorrow's game is Bahrain's final home fixture in the third round of Asian qualifiers, a stage where every result carries monumental weight. With Japan already qualified from Group C and Australia firmly in contention, the fight for third and fourth positions that offer a lifeline to the next round has intensified. Bahrain, currently fifth with six points, faces a Saudi side sitting third with 10. The margins are tight, and the outcome in Riffa could prove decisive. The atmosphere is charged with anticipation. Entry for Bahraini fans in the general stands is free, a gesture from the Bahrain Football Association (BFA) to pack the stadium with vocal support. VIP tickets, priced at BD20, and Category One tickets for Saudi supporters remain available. Preparation has been meticulous for Bahrain, guided by Croatian head coach Dragan Talajić. The squad has honed its tactics over recent weeks, culminating in a final training session last night at the National Stadium. Adding to the momentum, BFA Vice President Shaikh Khalifa bin Ali bin Isa Al Khalifa visited the team on Monday at Shaikh Ali Bin Mohammed Al Khalifa Stadium in Arad, offering encouragement that echoed through the camp. Talajić has instilled a sense of purpose in his players, applying tactical discipline with an understanding of the occasion. The team's resolve was evident in their last outing against Saudi Arabia, where they held strong defensively. Tomorrow, they'll need to be brave going forward and take the game to Hervé Renard's men. Voices from the Camp Talajić's pre-match press conference offered insight into his approach. "Big game is coming up against our big brothers, Saudi Arabia. Very difficult game for both of us, not just us, also them. They have great players, great coach, but habibi, they are coming to Bahrain," he said, acknowledging the quality of the opposition while subtly playing up the home advantage. His confidence was loud and clear: "We are in a situation where everything is in our hands, and I promise we will fight for our Kingdom." The coach reflected on past missteps: "I made some mistakes" but quickly pivoted to ambition. "We are aiming to win all the six points that are left, and I am proud of my players," he added. With Eid approaching, Talajić sees a win as a gift to the fans: "We want to celebrate together. We are Bahraini, we're always winners." Striker Mehdi Abduljabbar echoed this optimism. "We're going into the match with a positive attitude for the win. Our fans are hoping for a positive outcome, and we're going to do everything in our power to make them happy," he said. His belief in the team's potential was clear: "In the world of football, nothing is over." Group C Puzzle Group C has been a relentless challenge and full of twists and turns. Japan lead with an impeccable 20 points, their World Cup spot secured. Australia, with 13 points, are poised to join them. Saudi Arabia (10 points) and Indonesia (9 points) sit above Bahrain and China, both locked at six points but separated by goal difference. Tomorrow's result could reshape the standings, with third and fourth place offering passage to a fourth round group stage. There, group winners qualify directly, while runners-up face a playoff route to the global finals. Bahrain's path is narrow but not impassable. Victory over Saudi Arabia, followed by a result against China in Chongqing next Tuesday, could put them in contention. The numbers tell a story of struggle, but football thrives on moments of defiance. Fans' Role in the Fight The Bahraini faithful will be the heartbeat of tomorrow's effort. Free entry ensures a sea of red and white, a visual and vocal force that Talajić and his players are counting on. Abduljabbar highlighted their impact: "We know our fans will be there backing us from the opening whistle, and it will push us." The team's final home stand in this round carries an emotional weight and a chance to unite a nation in celebration before the Eid holidays. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, comes in with World Cup pedigree and purpose, and a win would solidify their grip on a qualification spot. But playing in Riffa, against a Bahrain side fuelled by desperation and home support, presents a tough challenge. One Last Push Tomorrow's 7PM kickoff is a testament to Bahrain's footballing spirit. The stakes are clear: a win keeps the World Cup dream flickering; a loss dims it significantly. They will also be keeping a close eye on Indonesia's clash with China at 4:45PM, as the result could have a direct impact on Bahrain's path in Group C. Talajić's men have prepared, the fans are ready, and the stage is set. Bahrain will be hoping to draw confidence from their 3-2 win over Saudi Arabia last December in the Gulf Cup and channel that belief into this qualifier. In a group led by giants like Japan and Australia, this match gives Bahrain a chance to shape their own narrative and keep the dream of a first-ever World Cup qualification alive.
Daily Tribune
2 days ago
- Daily Tribune
World Boxing Admits Error, Apologizes for Naming Khelif in Mandatory Sex Testing
TDT | Manama World Boxing has issued an apology after naming Algerian Olympic champion Imane Khelif in its announcement of mandatory sex testing for all competitors, acknowledging that her privacy was not adequately protected. The global governing body, recently granted provisional recognition to oversee boxing at the 2028 Olympics, now faces scrutiny over its handling of a sensitive issue. A Controversial Announcement Last week, World Boxing unveiled a new policy requiring all athletes over 18 to undergo a PCR genetic test to compete in its events. The test, which can be conducted via nasal or mouth swab, saliva, or blood, aims to standardise eligibility across the sport. However, the announcement drew attention for its specific reference to Khelif, stating that the Algerian Boxing Federation had been informed she 'may not participate in the female category' until complying with the testing requirement. The mention of Khelif, who won gold in the women's 66kg category at the Paris 2024 Olympics amid a gender eligibility controversy, sparked immediate backlash. The decision to single her out in a public statement raised questions about fairness and discretion in a sport already grappling with complex issues around gender and inclusion. An Apology from the Top In response, World Boxing president Boris van der Vorst took swift action. He personally wrote to Abdelkader Abbas, president of the Algerian Boxing Federation, to apologise for including Khelif's name in the announcement. A source confirmed that van der Vorst expressed regret, stating that the organisation should have taken greater care to safeguard Khelif's privacy. The apology reflects an acknowledgment that naming an individual in such a context risks amplifying personal and professional scrutiny. Efforts to reach Khelif and the Algerian Boxing Federation for comment were unsuccessful, leaving their perspective on the matter unclear. The Algerian federation, which joined World Boxing in September, is one of over 100 national bodies aligned with the organisation since its inception in 2023. Navigating a Sensitive Landscape The incident comes at a delicate time for boxing. Khelif's Olympic gold in Paris was a moment of pride for Algeria but was overshadowed by debates over gender eligibility, with some questioning her participation in the women's category. World Boxing's new testing policy appears designed to address such controversies with a consistent framework, but its implementation has stumbled out of the gate. The PCR test, described as a straightforward genetic screening process, is intended to ensure clarity and fairness in competition. Yet, by publicly linking the policy to Khelif, World Boxing inadvertently placed her back in the spotlight, reigniting discussions from the Paris Games. The organisation's apology signals an awareness of the need for greater sensitivity in handling such matters, particularly for athletes already navigating intense public scrutiny. A Test for Boxing's Future As World Boxing prepares to lead the sport into the 2028 Olympics, this episode highlights the challenges of balancing transparency, fairness, and respect for athletes' dignity. The organisation's provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee is a significant step toward unifying boxing's fractured governance, but incidents like this highlight the complexities involved. For Khelif, the focus remains on her achievements in the ring, where she proved her dominance in Paris. How World Boxing moves forward—ensuring policies are applied equitably while protecting athletes' privacy—will be critical to maintaining trust among federations and competitors alike. For now, the sport's governing body has learned a hard lesson: clarity in policy must be matched by care in communication.
