Latest news with #Abbas
Middle East Eye
14 hours ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Mahmoud Abbas says Hamas will not rule post-war Gaza during meeting with Tony Blair
Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas told reporters on Sunday that Hamas will not rule Gaza after Israel ends its 21-month-long war on the besieged enclave. During a meeting with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Jordanian capital, Amman, Abbas also said Hamas must hand over its weapons to the PA and "engage in political work under a unified legal system - one authority, one law, and one legitimate weapon". Abbas, 89, and his administration are deeply unpopular among ordinary Palestinians due to allegations of corruption and their close ties with Israel. Since the start of the year, PA security forces have intensified a crackdown on armed groups in the occupied West Bank, killing dozens of fighters opposed to Israel. Earlier this year, in a development first reported by Middle East Eye, Abbas visited Lebanon, where he agreed to a framework under which Palestinian factions would disarm. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters Palestinian groups have argued that bearing arms is essential due to threats posed by Israel and continued political marginalisation. At Sunday's meeting with Blair, Abbas said the only viable solution after the war was for a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, with the PA assuming full responsibility of the territory - supported by Arab countries and the international community. He also called for an international conference to be held in New York to implement a two-state solution based on the Arab Peace Initiative. In March, Arab states endorsed a 91-page proposal for the future of Gaza, with a $53bn budget for reconstruction over a five-year period. The initiative, led by Egypt, was presented as an alternative to a plan to forcibly expel Palestinians from Gaza proposed by US President Donald Trump. Cairo's plan states that for the first six months, the territory would be run by a non-partisan technocratic committee, overseen by the PA. Hamas, which has controlled Gaza since 2007, has reiterated in recent months that it is not interested in being part of any administrative structure in post-war Gaza. Tony Blair Institute mired in controversy The Palestinian president's meeting with the former UK premier comes just days after the Tony Blair Institute (TBI) was linked to a project widely condemned for proposing the ethnic cleansing of Gaza. The vision, outlined in a slide deck titled "The Great Trust", was created by a group of Israeli businessmen with support from consultants at Boston Consulting Group (BCG). BCG's plan assumed that at least 25 percent of Palestinians would leave "voluntarily", with most never returning. While it remains unclear whether Palestinians would have any choice in the matter, the proposal has been widely condemned as ethnic cleansing of Gaza's population. The project aimed to transform the enclave, which has been reduced to rubble by Israeli bombardment, into a lucrative investment hub. Central to the proposal were blockchain-based trade schemes, special economic zones with low taxes, and artificial islands modelled after Dubai's coastline. Although TBI insists it neither endorsed nor authored the slide deck, two of its staff members participated in discussions related to the initiative.
Malaysia Sun
19 hours ago
- Business
- Malaysia Sun
Daily World Briefing, July 14
Abbas urges Hamas to hand over weapons to Palestinian Authority Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday called on Hamas to hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority (PA). During his meeting with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair in the Jordanian capital Amman, Abbas said that "Hamas will not rule Gaza in the post-war era," the Palestinian official news agency WAFA reported. He stressed that the only viable solution for the Gaza Strip is Israel's complete withdrawal from the strip and the empowerment of the State of Palestine to assume its responsibilities with Arab and international support. Macron announces extra military spending over next two years French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Sunday an additional 6.5 billion euros (7.6 billion U.S. dollars) in military spending to be allocated over the next two years, aiming for annual defense expenditure to reach 64 billion euros by 2027. In an address to the nation's armed forces, Macron outlined France's military direction and strategic vision, and he noted that military spending "is and will continue to be a source of wealth for our gross domestic product, our economy, and our regions." The French president also revealed plans to explore the creation of a new national service initiative. (1 euro = 1.17 U.S. dollar) German finance minister urges EU to push back if tariff talks with U.S. fail German Vice Chancellor and Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil said on Sunday that the European Union (EU) must take firm action against the United States if tariff negotiations fail to ease the escalating global trade conflict, according to German newspaper Sueddeutsche Zeitung. Klingbeil's remarks are in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's threat on Saturday to impose a 30 percent tariff on imports from the EU on Aug. 1, after negotiations so far have failed to yield a deal. Urging an end to the escalating trade tensions, Klingbeil said "Trump's tariffs produce only losers. They threaten the American economy just as much as they harm businesses in Europe." Klingbeil was quoted by Sueddeutsche Zeitung as saying that EU doesn't "need new threats or provocations," but "a fair deal." Malaysia's forest park listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site The Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Forest Park Selangor, located 16 km northwest of Kuala Lumpur, has been officially listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry has said. The listing was made during the UNESCO's 47th session of the World Heritage Committee held from July 6 to 16 at the Paris headquarters, the ministry said in a statement. According to the statement, the listing was decided by the World Heritage Committee, following a nomination process that began in 2013. "The forest park is a unique site and represents one of the earliest large-scale tropical forest ecosystem restoration efforts through the replanting of trees in a former tin mining area," it said. 58 Palestinians killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza: sources At least 58 Palestinians were killed by Israeli airstrikes and gunfire across the Gaza Strip on Sunday, Palestinian sources said. Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, told Xinhua that at least 15 people, including a doctor and a child, were killed in an Israeli airstrike targeting a crowded market in central Gaza City. Basal added that 11 people, including a girl, were killed in separate Israeli airstrikes on the al-Shati refugee camp, and the neighborhoods of Tal al-Hawa, al-Zeitoun, and al-Sabra in Gaza City. Israeli drones attacked a water distribution point in al-Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip, according to eyewitnesses. In a press statement, Al-Awda Hospital said the bombing resulted in 10 deaths, including children, and 16 wounded. The hospital recorded another 10 deaths from a separate Israeli airstrike targeting a residential house in the same refugee camp, according to the statement. In the south, eight people were killed in the city of Khan Younis, Nasser Medical Complex said, noting that another four were killed by Israeli army fire outside the U.S.-backed aid center in the Shakoush area, north of Rafah.
Roya News
a day ago
- Politics
- Roya News
Abbas says Hamas won't govern Gaza once ceasefire begins
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday that Hamas will not be allowed to govern the Gaza Strip in the post-war period, stressing that the group must disarm and commit to the political program of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). 'Hamas must hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority and engage in political work under a unified legal system, one authority, one law, and one legitimate weapon,' Abbas said during a meeting with former British Prime Minister and ex-Quartet envoy Tony Blair in Amman, Jordan. The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza, with Abbas reiterating the need for an immediate halt to hostilities, the release of all captives and detainees, and the unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave. President Abbas emphasized that the only viable solution is a full 'Israeli' withdrawal from Gaza and the empowerment of the Palestinian state to assume full responsibilities in the territory with strong Arab and international support. He also called for an end to all unilateral 'Israeli' actions, including settlement expansion, annexation attempts, and repeated assaults on Islamic and Christian holy sites. Abbas renewed his call for a serious political process based on international legitimacy and the Arab Peace Initiative, advocating for the convening of an international peace conference in New York to implement the two-state solution. At the conclusion of the meeting, the two sides agreed to continue coordination and engagement with relevant parties to end the war and promote regional peace and stability.
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- Health
- The Irish Sun
I'm a pharmacist – here's 10 easy ways to stop sweating (and yes, you can wear grey again)
IT looks like this week is set to be a scorcher. But warmer weather doesn't just mean beach days and barbecues - it can also be a total sweat-fest. Heat like this usually means sticky foreheads, clammy hands, and underarm stains for many of us. Advertisement 4 Warmer weather can lead to a total sweat-fest Credit: Getty Some parts of And with temperatures like that, it's no wonder we all wish we could just switch our sweat glands off! But 'As the body's internal temperature starts rising, the hypothalamus – a small region in your brain – tells eccrine sweat glands all over your body to begin cooling you down by producing sweat,' says Abbas Kanani, a pharmacist from Advertisement READ MORE ON SWEATING But there are ways to live with perspiration, without becoming a hot mess… What causes excess sweating? We all have a similar number of sweat glands (2-4 million, in fact!), but some have more active ones than others, for a range of reasons. SIZE & WEIGHT 4 Two people who may have the same body weight could have very different sweat rates Credit: Getty 'People who are bigger tend to generate more heat and sweat more. Advertisement Muscle mass also produces more heat than fat, so two people who may have the same body weight could have very different sweat rates,' says Abbas. Most read in Health HORMONES Fluctuations can be to blame (for example, during pregnancy or perimenopause). 'One example is hot flushes, where a dip in oestrogen can cause glands to release higher amounts of other hormones that affect the brain's thermostat and cause body temperature to fluctuate and sweat,' says Abbas. In pregnancy, as well as hormone shifts, there's also an increase in blood supply to the skin to contend with. Advertisement POOR FITNESS 4 Improving fitness levels can cut down on how much you sweat Credit: Getty - Contributor Sweating during exercise is natural, but people with lower fitness levels may actually sweat more because they use more energy to complete a task than a fitter person. Try gradually increasing how much you exercise – the Nike Training Club app can help you build up your fitness ( ILLNESS You may sweat more when you're unwell, as your immune system fights disease or infection. Advertisement HYPERHIDROSIS 4 See your GP if you've suffered excessive sweating for more than six months Credit: Getty - Contributor Around 1 per cent of Brits suffer from excessive sweating, AKA 'This is the result of over-stimulation of sweat glands,' says Hazim Sadideen, consultant plastic surgeon at Cadogan Clinic. 'Patients with primary hyperhidrosis, which is more common, are thought to have a higher than normal basal level of sweat production. Advertisement 'It has no known cause. 'Secondary hyperhidrosis occurs due to underlying medical conditions, such as hormone disorders or use of certain medications.' See your GP if you've suffered excessive sweating for more than six months. They may prescribe tablets or, in severe cases, surgery to remove sweat glands could be an option. HOW TO KEEP YOUR COOL These expert-approved tips should see you through summer, no sweat! These expert-approved tips should see you through summer, no sweat! 1 Drink up It might seem counterintuitive to drink more to avoid sweating, but fluids help keep your body cool, so it doesn't have to sweat as much to release extra heat. 'Dehydration can also lead to more sweating, as your body is working harder to stay functioning properly,' says personal trainer Tom Penn of F45 Training. 2 Cut The Fat 'Foods high in fat can cause your insides to warm up as your body processes it, resulting in increased sweat,' says Abbas. This includes chips, crisps, cakes and processed meats. Prioritise 'good fat' olive oil, which is rich in antioxidants, easy to digest, boosts metabolism and helps regulate sweat levels. 3 Swerve spice As you'd imagine, hot, spicy dishes can make you perspire more. Cool down with yoghurt, and go big on fruits and vegetables with a high water content instead. Try watermelon, grapes and broccoli to boost hydration. Caffeine can also increase sweat, so give decaf a go. 4 Wear deo at night 'Antiperspirants work by blocking the sweat ducts so sweat can't reach the surface of our skin,' explains Tom. 'For best results, apply this to clean, dry underarms before bed. The ingredients need time to create the block over the sweat duct and most people sweat less when in bed. Be patient with this method – it may not work immediately, but after a few nights you should start to see results the next day.' You could also speak to a pharmacist about trying stronger deodorants, such as Driclor and Perspirex. 5 Get a good kip Some studies have found links between sleep deprivation and heat regulation in the body being disrupted. 'If poor sleep is affecting hormone levels, and vice versa, it may trigger symptoms such as hot flushes, sweating and night sweats,' says Abbas. Aim to get seven to nine hours of kip a night by implementing a calming bedtime routine. Have a bath, dim the lights, avoid screens and write down anything that may be troubling you, so it's out of your mind. Hazim says night sweats could be serious if they are related to certain medical conditions (such as tuberculosis, some cancers or bone infections), so if you suddenly experience new night sweats, speak to your GP. 6 Check stress levels Stress can cause your body temperature to rise, triggering sweat glands to kick in – hence why you might get sweaty palms and feet when scared or overexcited. 'Taking slow, deep breaths, holding the breath in for a few seconds and then releasing it, can help slow your heart rate and calm you down,' says Abbas. Download brain-training app Personal Zen, designed to reduce stress and build resilience ( 7 Opt for cotton Wear loose-fitting, breathable clothes and avoid synthetic fabrics, which can make sweating worse. 'Nylon isn't breathable and will trap moisture and heat, making you more likely to sweat. Polyester-based clothing has water-resistant properties, meaning it does not absorb moisture – therefore sweat may remain trapped on your body and clothes,' says Hazim. Tom adds that lighter colours help to reflect the sun rather than absorb it, so wearing white and cream can also keep you cool and dry. 8 Quit smoking If you needed another reason to quit the cigarettes or vapes, here it is. 'Nicotine tells your body to release the chemical acetylcholine, which turns on the sweat glands. It also raises your body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure,' says Abbas. 9 Try vinegar Often, there's some truth behind old wives' tales. 'There are home remedies you could try, such as soaking a cotton ball in apple cider vinegar and applying it to your problem areas at night,' says Tom. 10 Block with botox 'Botox can be used to prevent the hyperstimulation of sweat glands, when there is no medical reason behind the sweating,' says Hazim. He says that by blocking or interrupting this chemical pathway, Botox minimises or even stops any sweating where it has been injected. 'This is not a cure, but it does help control excessive sweating and is effective for six to 12 months. Some patients with milder symptoms also like this treatment to help them enjoy the summer more. "Common areas people choose to have treated are the armpits, groin and face.'
Hans India
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
90s heartthrob Abbas Ali makes a stylish comeback
Abbas Ali, the beloved star of 1990s blockbusters like Prema Desam, VIP, and Pooveli, is creating buzz once again—this time with a stunning transformation that signals a possible return to the silver screen. Last seen in the 2015 Malayalam film Pachakkallam, the actor had been away from the limelight for nearly a decade. Now, at 50, Abbas is turning heads with a sleek, rejuvenated appearance that has fans excited for his next move. Taking to Instagram, Abbas recently shared a set of photos that show him in a sharp blue-and-white checked shirt paired with crisp white trousers. Sporting a well-groomed salt-and-pepper beard, he exudes charm and maturity—perfect for intense villain roles or emotionally grounded character parts. The transformation not only highlights his fitness but also his readiness to step back into cinema with renewed energy. Fans, who still remember him as the romantic lead from his heyday, are thrilled at the prospect of his return. Many are expressing hope that he will team up with today's top stars or take on meaty roles that showcase his range. Whether it's a calculated comeback or just a quiet re-entry into the industry, one thing's clear—Abbas is back, and he's making style statements while doing it.
