Latest news with #Qatar
Fox News
13 hours ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Ex-Israeli official offers bold 2-pronged strategy as 'the only way' to free hostages from Hamas
A former Israeli official has offered a two-pronged strategy as "the only way" to free the remaining hostages captured by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. "Today, in my estimation, Israel must declare that it is no longer willing to negotiate as it has been. Then, it must do two things simultaneously," Yossi Amrusi, a former senior Shin Bet official, told Israeli outlet Maariv, a sister publication to The Jerusalem Post. "First, push as much as it can for separating Gazans from Hamas through designated humanitarian zones," he said. "That will also lead to control over humanitarian aid, so that it doesn't reach Hamas. And second, since it is estimated that hostage locations are known – we must conduct local negotiations with those holding the hostages. Offer money and their lives in exchange for the hostages." Amrusi argued that Hamas benefits from the prolonged negotiations and questioned whether anyone remaining in Gaza has the authority to make decisions. "A clever Persian trader once told me in the market: 'You'll win the deal when you're willing to lose it.' And why? For several reasons," he reportedly said. "One, Hamas benefits from dragging things out. It continues to hold the key to its survival, and in the meantime, who knows what could happen? European pressure, a false starvation campaign, Trump might flip on Israel, internal pressure on the government. All of these, and each on its own, are good for them." He also voiced skepticism about Qatar's effectiveness as a negotiating party. "I'm not sure that Qatar, the mediator, even has the ability to decide anything. And it's not even certain they have communication with Hamas's internal leadership for consultations and decision-making," Amrusi said. "It's important to ask: is there anyone in Hamas' Gaza who can make decisions? Who has control over those holding the hostages? Do they even know where they are, and what condition they're in? After all, some of the hostages aren't even in their hands." "I've always said Hamas will release the hostages when we force them to release them," he continued, "but we don't know how to do that. Military pressure isn't being applied to its full extent, and our soldiers' hands are pretty tied. We're bringing in humanitarian aid that gives Hamas life – oxygen, fuel, and money." "Government constraints and fears are holding back the opening of immigration offices and the establishment of humanitarian zones. We simply don't know how to win," Amrusi added. The U.S. and Israel pulled their negotiating teams from Doha, Qatar, on Thursday. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff said Friday that the decision came after Hamas' latest response "clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza." "While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith," Witkoff wrote on X. "We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza." In a statement released by his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Witkoff, saying, "Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal." "Together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas's terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and our region," he said. Egypt and Qatar, which are mediating the talks alongside the United States, said the pause was only temporary and that talks would resume, though they did not say when. Meeting with President Donald Trump at his golf course in Scotland on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer came determined to press the U.S. to take a larger role in helping quell what he called a "desperate situation" amid increasing reports of starvation in Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war rages. Trump at first lamented that the U.S. had not gotten enough credit for previously providing food aid. He shifted his tone when reporters questioned him about images of emaciated children from Gaza. When asked if he agreed with Netanyahu's recent remarks about concerns of mass starvation in Gaza being overstated, he replied, "I don't know. I mean, based on television, I would say not particularly because those children look very hungry." Starmer added, "I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they are seeing on their screens." Trump said Israel "has a lot of responsibility" for what's happening but is hampered by what its actions might mean for the prospects of Israeli hostages Hamas has been holding since it attacked Israel in 2023. "I think Israel can do a lot," Trump said, adding of Netanyahu, "I want him to make sure they get the food." Israel, meanwhile, has maintained that it is doing what it can to get humanitarian aid to Gazans. The country's foreign ministry shared a video on Tuesday of what it says is Hamas "violently looting" aid, keeping it from civilians. The foreign ministry also called out major media outlets for sharing an image of an emaciated Palestinian child, implying that the boy's condition is the result of starvation. Israel identified the boy as Osama al-Raqab, who suffers from cystic fibrosis. The ministry said Israel enabled him to go to Italy for treatment, while the media used his appearance to demonize the Jewish state. "This is what a modern blood libel looks like," the ministry said.
Yahoo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Pete Hegseth's Secret Deal to Get Trump His Free Qatari Jet Is Leaked
The U.S. has formally received Qatar's 'unconditional donation' of a $400 million 747-8 Boeing jet for the Trump administration to use as Air Force One. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and his Qatari counterpart earlier this month signed a memorandum of understanding which also allows Trump to use the plane once he leaves office, ABC News reported Monday. That document describes the plane as a 'bona fide gift' to the Defense Department, with the U.S. paying nothing for it. 'This donation is made in good faith and in the spirit of cooperation and mutual support between the parties,' it states. 'Nothing in this [memorandum of understanding] is, or shall be interpreted or construed as, an offer, promise, or acceptance of any form of bribery, undue influence, or corrupt practice.' The memo adds that the plane is 'not connected or otherwise related to any governmental decision and, as such, is not made, offered, promised or accepted because of any past, present or future official act or decision and is not intended to obtain or retain any improper advantage or to influence any official decision.' The White House did not immediately respond to an inquiry from the Daily Beast. The Defense Department declined to comment. When the 'gift'–which was previously used by the Qatari royal family–was first announced in May, lawmakers, commentators on the right and left, and Trump's former vice president, Mike Pence, were critical. Some questioned whether the arrangement was really 'free' given Trump's transactional approach to the presidency. The cost of renovations was also a point of concern, given how aviation experts estimated a minimum price tag of $1 billion. The Defense Department recently transferred nearly that much for a classified projected, The New York Times reported Sunday. Air Force officials told the outlet that some of the money would be spent on renovating the aircraft that has been called a 'flying palace.' After Trump leaves office, ownership of the plane will transfer to the Trump presidential library foundation, Hegseth confirmed during a June Senate Appropriations Committee hearing. But that didn't sit well with some lawmakers. 'Why would we ask the American taxpayer to spend upwards of $1 billion on a plane that would then only be used for a handful of months and then transfer directly to the president?' Connecticut Sen. Chris Murphy asked. 'That doesn't sound like a wise use of taxpayer dollars.'
Al Arabiya
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
Israeli FM says military pressure in Gaza effective but ready to use diplomacy
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that military pressure in Gaza is effective but it is the not only option, adding that Israel is ready to also use diplomacy. Egypt and Qatar, which mediate Gaza ceasefire talks, said that there has been progress in the talks, but the latest round of negotiations in Doha broke off last week without a deal in sight.
Zawya
16 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Qatar: Public Beaches Development Project to boost tourism
Doha: The recently announced second phase of Public Beaches Development Project seeks to enhance both domestic and international tourism in Qatar, according to a senior official at the Ministry of Municipality. The initiative focuses on upgrading public beaches across the country with world-class facilities, cultural and sports activities, and environmentally sustainable infrastructure to attract visitors and improve the overall quality of life. Senior Quality Projects Engineer at the Ministry of Municipality Eng Issa Muqbil explained that the initiative is built on three strategic goals: improving public well-being, promoting local tourism through cultural and sports activities at the beaches, and attracting foreign tourists by providing world-class beach infrastructure in coordination with Qatar Tourism. Speaking to Qatar TV recently, he said that the project is being implemented in two phases. The first phase, which has been completed, involved the development of eight public beaches across various municipalities. This included the provision of essential services such as signage, walkways — designed to be accessible for people with disabilities — shaded seating, beach furniture, children's playgrounds in family areas, kiosks, sand levelling, and various other amenities to ensure a high-quality visitor experience. The second phase, currently underway, will see the development of an additional 18 beaches across the country. Muqbil emphasized that environmental sustainability is a top priority throughout the project. The Ministry collaborates closely with the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change at all stages — from selecting suitable beaches and developing initial and detailed designs, to implementing eco-friendly construction practices. The project features solar-powered lighting systems to reduce environmental impact and a dual-bin waste management system — grey bins for organic waste and blue bins for recyclable materials — to support sustainable waste disposal practices. The selection of the eight beaches for phase one was based on several criteria. These included environmental sustainability, geographical distribution across municipalities to ensure easy public access, and existing infrastructure such as road connectivity and nearby utility networks. Looking ahead, the Ministry is working to incorporate smart technology into beach services. For example, an electronic booking system is being launched for 974 Beach, which has seen significant footfall — particularly on ladies-only days, with attendance reaching 2,800 visitors, and weekend averages of about 800 daily. The Ministry has implemented multiple channels to monitor visitor satisfaction and collect feedback. A dedicated team monitors social media comments and suggestions, while visitors can also submit their feedback via the unified Ministry contact number or the 'Oun' mobile app. Additionally, field teams regularly visit beaches to assess service quality and gather feedback directly from beachgoers. All feedback is carefully reviewed and acted upon promptly. Private sector involvement is central to the initiative. In the first phase, beach development was carried out by private companies, and 974 Beach is currently operated by a private company to ensure high-quality service delivery. Opportunities for private investment will expand further in the second phase, where 18 more beaches are slated for development. Muqbil confirmed that beach development will remain an ongoing effort, with plans to explore new beach locations not included in the current project phases. The findings of the final study for the upcoming development phase are expected to be announced soon. © Dar Al Sharq Press, Printing and Distribution. All Rights Reserved. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
ABC News
16 hours ago
- Politics
- ABC News
Federal Court says Australian women can sue Qatar Airways over airport body searches
The Law Report speaks to one of the Australian women who won the right to sue Qatar Airways after being subjected to invasive searches at a Doha airport in 2020. And what does the International Court of Justice say about Australia's responsibility to combat climate change? Guests: Anna (pseudonym), one of the five Australian women taking legal action against Qatar Airways Damian Sturzaker, Partner, Marque Lawyers Prof Margaret Young, Director, Institute for International Law and the Humanities, Melbourne Law School Full Federal Court decision summary: DHI22 v Qatar Airways Group QCSC (No 1) [2025] FCAFC 91 (24 July 2025) DHI22 v Qatar Airways Group QCSC (No 2) [2025] FCAFC 92 (24 July 2025) ICJ: Obligations of States in respect of Climate Change - ADVISORY OPINIONS Vanuatu ICJ Initiative
