Latest news with #Emirati-backed
Shafaq News
6 days ago
- Health
- Shafaq News
Heartbreaking images: Relief turns to chaos at Gaza site amid aid shortage
Shafaq News/ On Wednesday, a crowd surge at a newly opened US-backed aid center in southern Gaza disrupted food distribution, according to Arab media outlets, raising concerns over humanitarian coordination and delivery. Thousands of Palestinians pushed through the gates of a Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) site near Rafah, seeking access to limited supplies. GHF said it had distributed 8,000 food boxes so far, each designed to sustain 5.5 people for 3.5 days. Israeli forces reportedly fired warning shots outside the compound to control the crowd, claiming that the situation was "contained" and operations would resume as scheduled. The incident sparked criticism from other aid groups, including Jose Andrew, founder of the Emirati-backed World Central Kitchen (WCK), who accused GHF of mismanagement. 'The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation has left Palestinians without food. The people that created it are selfish.' The United Nations also condemned the scenes. 'These images are heartbreaking,' said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for Secretary-General António Guterres. Israel rejected UN criticism, blaming delays on logistical failures. 'The UN has avoided fulfilling its role and continues spreading false information,' asserted Maj. Gen. Ghassan Alian, head of COGAT, the Israeli agency managing civil affairs in the Palestinian territories. GHF stated that operations at the Rafah distribution center have since returned to normal. The holdup comes as Gaza's health system nears collapse. The Strip's Health Ministry warned that oxygen supplies have become critically strained, with 25 out of 34 oxygen stations destroyed during Israeli incursions into hospitals. Only nine stations remain partially operational, insufficient to meet patient needs in intensive care, neonatal units, operating rooms, and emergency wards. The Israeli war has killed 54,084 Palestinians, including 3,924 following the ceasefire breakdown in March, and injured 123,308 others since October 2023, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump Whines About How He's 'Not Thrilled' With Gift From UAE
Donald Trump complained about a gift he received from the UAE by making a joke Friday morning during his visit to the country. Trump's hosts presented the president with a plaque containing a drop of the country's oil, and while accepting the present, Trump said, 'This is the highest quality oil on the planet and they only gave me a drop of it, so I'm not thrilled, but it's better than no drop, can you imagine?' The joke was met with laughter from onlookers and Trump's UAE hosts, but carries a more negative tone in the context of the president receiving a much bigger gift ahead of his Middle East tour: a luxury airplane from Qatar that is being described as a bribe. Trump has bristled from criticism over the jet, which he claims is free but will probably cost U.S. taxpayers millions of dollars to modify for presidential standards. The airplane gift was preceded by Trump's businesses cutting a deal to build a luxury golf resort in Qatar earlier this month. In the UAE, the Trump family has also cut a number of recent deals, with an Emirati-backed firm recently spending $2 billion on Trump's stablecoin to the unveiling of Trump International Hotel & Tower Dubai last week. And in Saudi, two Trump Towers are in the works. It seems the president should have little to complain about with all of the money he's making, not to mention the deals that he claims to be cutting in the Middle East for U.S. industries.
CNBC
15-05-2025
- Business
- CNBC
The Trump franchise is expanding in the Middle East — and so are ethical concerns
President Donald Trump brushed off questions Wednesday over ethical concerns about the growing Middle East footprint of his family business, as his trip in the region takes him to three countries with Trump-branded ventures. On Wednesday, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he didn't know how an Emirati-backed firm had struck a deal with the Trump family company's digital coin for $2 billion. "I really don't know anything about it," Trump said, adding that he is a big cryptocurrency fan and if the U.S. doesn't lead in crypto and AI, China will. Zach Witkoff, a co-founder of the World Liberty Financial crypto venture and the son of the president's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, announced the investment at a conference in Dubai earlier this month. Asked if the Saudi-financed and Trump-linked LIV Golf tour came up during his conversations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the last two days, Trump said it had not. "We didn't discuss that," he added. He also sidestepped Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's threat to block his nominees until there are more answers on a high-priced jet that Qatar has offered as a gift and instead mused that there was "just something wrong" with Schumer, a New York Democrat. The Trump Organization, led by the president's two oldest sons, has also significantly expanded its Middle East footprint, with new ventures in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. These include a Trump International Hotel & Tower in Dubai, a golf resort in Doha with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund's real estate arm, a Trump Tower in Jeddah, and a hotel under construction in Muscat. The projects are partnered with Dar Global, a developer linked to the Saudi government. It's unclear how long the projects will take to complete. The Trump-branded projects have drawn scrutiny in Washington from the president's political opponents and even some allies, who point out that the president has not divested from the Trump Organization and continues to profit from — and personally promote — these business ventures in his second term. The company has said that Trump handed over management of his assets to his family before returning to office and has no day-to-day role. "The Trump Organization developments in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates raise serious conflict of interest questions, as President Trump meets with top officials of all three countries this week," said Meghan Faulkner, communications director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, an advocacy group and watchdog focused on issues of public integrity and affiliated with Democrats. "The American people should not have to wonder if Donald Trump is prioritizing their interests or his own bottom line while he is making foreign policy decisions, but his business ties make that an unavoidable question." The White House did not return a request for comment. Trump's affinity for the Middle East is well known, with the president finding fertile ground in the region as he works to carve out an image as a global peacemaker and the leader of a country that is open for business. On Tuesday in Riyadh, he announced plans to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria and offered Iran "a new, hopeful path" toward a better future. During a state visit with Qatar's emir on Wednesday, Trump praised the warming Qatar-Saudi Arabia relationship, lavishing flattery on his host. "We just came from Saudi Arabia, where we have another great man over there that's a friend of yours," he said. "You guys get along so well and like each other. You sort of remind me a little bit of each other, if you want to know the truth. They're both tall, handsome guys who happen to be very smart." This marks a shift from his first term, when a Saudi-led coalition blockaded Qatar over alleged terrorism support. And Trump has defended as "a great gesture" the Qatari jet gift, saying before leaving Washington that turning it down would be foolish. "I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane,'" Trump said, adding that it would go to his presidential library foundation once he leaves office. Qatar, however, appeared to temper the announcement. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's media attaché to the U.S., clarified that the transfer is "under consideration" by Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, with no final decision having been made. Democrats in Washington are capitalizing on the controversy, with the Democratic National Committee announcing plans to fly a banner that reads "Qatar-a-Lago" over Trump's Mar-a-Lago club on Wednesday. Some Republican allies of the president have also raised concerns about the jet: Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson called the gift a "very odd offer," and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said the plane could bring "significant espionage and surveillance problems." At a news conference Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dismissed concerns about the Trump family's foreign business dealings, claiming he did not have expertise on the matter and stressing that Trump has been transparent. "President Trump has nothing to hide," Johnson said. "He's very upfront." He stressed that ethics oversight is in place and emphasized that his focus is on leading the House. And he said Qatar's gift of the plane was "to the country," not Trump personally. Refitting the plane could cost $1 billion and take years to complete, more than twice the plane's reported value, NBC News reported. The cost, likely to come at taxpayers' expense, raises questions about the practical implications of a gift to a president who may no longer be in office at the time it's ready to use.
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Trump franchise is expanding in the Middle East — and so are ethical concerns
DOHA, Qatar — President Donald Trump brushed off questions Wednesday over ethical concerns about the growing Middle East footprint of his family business, as his trip in the region takes him to three countries with Trump-branded ventures. On Wednesday, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he didn't know how an Emirati-backed firm had struck a deal with the Trump family company's digital coin for $2 billion. 'I really don't know anything about it,' Trump said, adding that he is a big cryptocurrency fan and if the U.S. doesn't lead in crypto and AI, China will. Zach Witkoff, a co-founder of the World Liberty Financial crypto venture and the son of the president's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, announced the investment at a conference in Dubai earlier this month. Asked if the Saudi-financed and Trump-linked LIV Golf tour came up during his conversations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the last two days, Trump said it had not. 'We didn't discuss that,' he added. He also sidestepped Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's threat to block his nominees until there are more answers on a high-priced jet that Qatar has offered as a gift and instead mused that there was 'just something wrong' with Schumer, a New York Democrat. The Trump Organization, led by the president's two oldest sons, has also significantly expanded its Middle East footprint, with new ventures in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. These include a Trump International Hotel & Tower in Dubai, a golf resort in Doha with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund's real estate arm, a Trump Tower in Jeddah, and a hotel under construction in Muscat. The projects are partnered with Dar Global, a developer linked to the Saudi government. It's unclear how long the projects will take to complete. The Trump-branded projects have drawn scrutiny in Washington from the president's political opponents and even some allies, who point out that the president has not divested from the Trump Organization and continues to profit from — and personally promote — these business ventures in his second term. The company has said that Trump handed over management of his assets to his family before returning to office and has no day-to-day role. "The Trump Organization developments in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates raise serious conflict of interest questions, as President Trump meets with top officials of all three countries this week,' said Meghan Faulkner, communications director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, an advocacy group and watchdog focused on issues of public integrity and affiliated with Democrats. 'The American people should not have to wonder if Donald Trump is prioritizing their interests or his own bottom line while he is making foreign policy decisions, but his business ties make that an unavoidable question.' The White House did not return a request for comment. Trump's affinity for the Middle East is well known, with the president finding fertile ground in the region as he works to carve out an image as a global peacemaker and the leader of a country that is open for business. On Tuesday in Riyadh, he announced plans to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria and offered Iran 'a new, hopeful path' toward a better future. During a state visit with Qatar's emir on Wednesday, Trump praised the warming Qatar-Saudi Arabia relationship, lavishing flattery on his host. 'We just came from Saudi Arabia, where we have another great man over there that's a friend of yours,' he said. 'You guys get along so well and like each other. You sort of remind me a little bit of each other, if you want to know the truth. They're both tall, handsome guys who happen to be very smart.' This marks a shift from his first term, when a Saudi-led coalition blockaded Qatar over alleged terrorism support. And Trump has defended as 'a great gesture' the Qatari jet gift, saying before leaving Washington that turning it down would be foolish. 'I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane,'' Trump said, adding that it would go to his presidential library foundation once he leaves office. Qatar, however, appeared to temper the announcement. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's media attaché to the U.S., clarified that the transfer is 'under consideration' by Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, with no final decision having been made. Democrats in Washington are capitalizing on the controversy, with the Democratic National Committee announcing plans to fly a banner that reads 'Qatar-a-Lago' over Trump's Mar-a-Lago club on Wednesday. Some Republican allies of the president have also raised concerns about the jet: Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson called the gift a "very odd offer," and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said the plane could bring "significant espionage and surveillance problems." At a news conference Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dismissed concerns about the Trump family's foreign business dealings, claiming he did not have expertise on the matter and stressing that Trump has been transparent. 'President Trump has nothing to hide,' Johnson said. 'He's very upfront.' He stressed that ethics oversight is in place and emphasized that his focus is on leading the House. And he said Qatar's gift of the plane was 'to the country,' not Trump personally. Refitting the plane could cost $1 billion and take years to complete, more than twice the plane's reported value, NBC News reported. The cost, likely to come at taxpayers' expense, raises questions about the practical implications of a gift to a president who may no longer be in office at the time it's ready to use. This article was originally published on
NBC News
14-05-2025
- Business
- NBC News
The Trump franchise is expanding in the Middle East — and so are ethical concerns
DOHA, Qatar — President Donald Trump brushed off questions Wednesday over ethical concerns about the growing Middle East footprint of his family business, as his trip in the region takes him to three countries with Trump-branded ventures. On Wednesday, Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he didn't know how an Emirati-backed firm had struck a deal with the Trump family company's digital coin for $2 billion. 'I really don't know anything about it,' Trump said, adding that he is a big cryptocurrency fan and if the U.S. doesn't lead in crypto and AI, China will. Zach Witkoff, a co-founder of the World Liberty Financial crypto venture and the son of the president's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, announced the investment at a conference in Dubai earlier this month. Asked if the Saudi-financed and Trump-linked LIV Golf tour came up during his conversations with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman over the last two days, Trump said it had not. 'We didn't discuss that,' he added. He also sidestepped Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's threat to block his nominees until there are more answers on a high-priced jet that Qatar has offered as a gift and instead mused that there was 'just something wrong' with Schumer, a New York Democrat. The Trump Organization, led by the president's two oldest sons, has also significantly expanded its Middle East footprint, with new ventures in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Oman. These include a Trump International Hotel & Tower in Dubai, a golf resort in Doha with Qatar's sovereign wealth fund's real estate arm, a Trump Tower in Jeddah, and a hotel under construction in Muscat. The projects are partnered with Dar Global, a developer linked to the Saudi government. It's unclear how long the projects will take to complete. The Trump-branded projects have drawn scrutiny in Washington from the president's political opponents and even some allies, who point out that the president has not divested from the Trump Organization and continues to profit from — and personally promote — these business ventures in his second term. The company has said that Trump handed over management of his assets to his family before returning to office and has no day-to-day role. "The Trump Organization developments in Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates raise serious conflict of interest questions, as President Trump meets with top officials of all three countries this week,' said Meghan Faulkner, communications director for Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington, an advocacy group and watchdog focused on issues of public integrity and affiliated with Democrats. 'The American people should not have to wonder if Donald Trump is prioritizing their interests or his own bottom line while he is making foreign policy decisions, but his business ties make that an unavoidable question.' The White House did not return a request for comment. Trump's affinity for the Middle East is well known, with the president finding fertile ground in the region as he works to carve out an image as a global peacemaker and the leader of a country that is open for business. On Tuesday in Riyadh, he announced plans to lift U.S. sanctions on Syria and offered Iran 'a new, hopeful path' toward a better future. During a state visit with Qatar's emir on Wednesday, Trump praised the warming Qatar-Saudi Arabia relationship, lavishing flattery on his host. 'We just came from Saudi Arabia, where we have another great man over there that's a friend of yours,' he said. 'You guys get along so well and like each other. You sort of remind me a little bit of each other, if you want to know the truth. They're both tall, handsome guys who happen to be very smart.' This marks a shift from his first term, when a Saudi-led coalition blockaded Qatar over alleged terrorism support. And Trump has defended as 'a great gesture' the Qatari jet gift, saying before leaving Washington that turning it down would be foolish. 'I could be a stupid person and say, 'No, we don't want a free, very expensive airplane,'' Trump said, adding that it would go to his presidential library foundation once he leaves office. Qatar, however, appeared to temper the announcement. Ali Al-Ansari, Qatar's media attaché to the U.S., clarified that the transfer is 'under consideration' by Qatar's Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense, with no final decision having been made. Democrats in Washington are capitalizing on the controversy, with the Democratic National Committee announcing plans to fly a banner that reads 'Qatar-a-Lago' over Trump's Mar-a-Lago club on Wednesday. Some Republican allies of the president have also raised concerns about the jet: Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson called the gift a "very odd offer," and Texas Sen. Ted Cruz said the plane could bring "significant espionage and surveillance problems." At a news conference Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., dismissed concerns about the Trump family's foreign business dealings, claiming he did not have expertise on the matter and stressing that Trump has been transparent. 'President Trump has nothing to hide,' Johnson said. 'He's very upfront.' He stressed that ethics oversight is in place and emphasized that his focus is on leading the House. And he said Qatar's gift of the plane was 'to the country,' not Trump personally. Refitting the plane could cost $1 billion and take years to complete, more than twice the plane's reported value, NBC News reported. The cost, likely to come at taxpayers' expense, raises questions about the practical implications of a gift to a president who may no longer be in office at the time it's ready to use.
