Latest news with #HaniElShaer
Egypt Today
26-04-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Hamas delegation in Cairo to discuss vision for ceasefire in Gaza
Destructions caused by Israeli shelling on the Gaza Strip after the end of the 7-day truce- the photo by Photojournlist Hani El Shaer from Gaza CAIRO- 26 April 2025: A delegation from Hamas leaders arrived in Cairo at dawn on Saturday, led by Muhammad Darwish, Chairman of the Hamas Leadership Council, the movement announced in a statement. The delegation includes other council members, among them Khaled Meshaal, Khalil al-Hayya, Zaher Jabarin, and Nizar Awadallah. The delegation members begun meetings with Egyptian officials to present Hamas's vision for a ceasefire, an end to the war, and a prisoner exchange, all within the framework of a comprehensive agreement that includes a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the reconstruction of the Strip. The delegation will also address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, focusing on the consequences of the ongoing blockade and the urgent need to deliver food, medicine, and other essential aid to the population of the strip. In addition, discussions will cover efforts to establish a community-based support committee to help administer Gaza, as well as internal Palestinian issues and strategies for addressing them, the statement added. Egypt continues to play a central role as a mediator between Hamas and Israel, with Cairo working closely with regional and international partners to broker a lasting truce and facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Hamas' vision for permanent ceasefire A Palestinian resistance leader told Al-Mayadeen that Hamas has put forward a comprehensive vision for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza, which includes a full prisoner exchange deal. The proposed framework is presented as a single package, encompassing a permanent ceasefire, a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the lifting of the blockade, and the reconstruction of the territory. Hamas is prepared to commit to a long-term ceasefire lasting five years, backed by regional and international guarantees, the source added. Once a framework agreement is reached, the situation will revert to the conditions prior to March 2. Military operations will cease, Israeli forces will withdraw, and humanitarian aid will be delivered in accordance with agreed-upon protocols. The vision also calls for the establishment of a local administrative body composed of independent technocrats to govern Gaza, with full powers and responsibilities. This proposed administration would be modeled on the Egyptian initiative for a Community Support Committee. Additionally, Hamas' plan includes steps toward building national consensus, in line with previous intra-Palestinian reconcilation agreements, most recently the Beijing Agreement. A total of 51, 495 Palestinians have been killed and 117, 524 others have been injured by Israeli nonstop genocidal war against the Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, said the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza on April 26, 2025. Over the past 24 hours, a total of 56 people killed and 108 others were injured by the Israeli forces in the Strip. Israel is applying tremendous pressure on Hamas to achieve Gaza war objectives, including the return of all captives and the dismantling of Hamas' governing and military capabilities. On 18 March, Israel shattered a two-month Gaza ceasefire brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, resuming one the century's bloodiest conflicts. Since then, 2,111 martyrs have been killed and 5483 others injured.
Observer
26-02-2025
- Science
- Observer
Oman Climate Week came at the right time, say experts
Muscat, Feb 26 As Oman Climate Week came to a close, officials, experts, speakers and researchers reflected on the importance of the event, which sparked discussions on various aspects of climate change impact. In an exclusive interview with the Observer, Dr Hani El Shaer, IUCN Regional Director for West Asia, emphasised the impact of climate change on biodiversity. He stated, "We are losing biodiversity, habitats and species. We are witnessing the shifting of ecosystems, so it is crucial for countries to come together to decide on necessary actions. We appreciate Oman's leadership in bringing together experts, institutions, countries and international organisations to discuss and agree on measures needed to address climate change." Dr El Shaer described Oman Climate Week as one of the most successful conferences in the region. He highlighted the urgency of the climate crisis, citing examples from hurricanes to floods and the disappearance of species. He mentioned that last year alone, the West Asia region experienced 70 droughts, prompting the IUCN to focus on restoration, reforestation, livelihood enhancement and resilience-building efforts in collaboration with governments, NGOs and the business sector. Dr El Shaer emphasised the need for transformative action from countries and individuals to address the impacts of climate change. He explained that Oman is taking steps towards large-scale actions such as restoration, reforestation and combating coral bleaching. The country is also collaborating with the IUCN on initiatives like the Green List, aimed at protecting biodiversity effectively. Dr El Shaer expressed optimism that Oman could have sites declared on the Green List in the near future and highlighted efforts to protect other species through the Red List. Dr Earl Goetheer, a chemical engineer from the Netherlands, spoke at Oman Climate Week on carbon capture. Reflecting on his experience, he praised the students of Oman for their forward-thinking approach to solving future problems. Hannah Woodley from the British Embassy commended the event for its diverse panels covering topics such as biodiversity, climate resilience and climate finance. Ruba Abdelqader Al Zubi from the UK FCDO Levant Region Climate Energy & Environment Lead also spoke at the event, praising Oman's potential to lead in climate action and highlighting the importance of resilience-building and accessible funding for vulnerable countries in the Middle East and North Africa region against extreme weather conditions and climate impacts.
