JERUSALEM: Israel signalled openness on Sunday to allowing the return of Palestinians displaced from the northern Gaza Strip as part of truce talks, an apparent accommodation of a core Hamas demand. The warring sides have stepped up negotiations, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, on a six-week suspension of Israel’s offensive in return for the proposed … Read more
President Vladimir Putin basked in an election victory that was never in doubt, as officials said Monday that he had won his fifth term with a record number of votes, underlining the Russian leader’s total control of the country’s political system. After facing only token challengers and harshly suppressing opposition voices, Putin was set to … Read more
DUBAI: There will be no truce in Sudan in the holy month of Ramadan unless the Rapid Support Forces, also known as RSF, paramilitary group leaves the homes and sites of civilians, senior Sudanese armed forces Gen. Yasser Al-Atta said on Sunday. The statement follows an appeal by the UN Security Council for a truce. The … Read more
On eve of Ramadan, Jerusalem’s Old City offers little festivity as Gaza war rages JERUSALEM: On the eve of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, Jerusalem’s Old City bears few of its usual hallmarks of festivity.Nearly half of the grotto-shaped gift shops are sealed behind metal shutters. The narrow streets that run toward Al-Aqsa Mosque, … Read more
DUBAI: With the war in Gaza heading toward its sixth month, some are wondering if there is any end in sight to the Israeli occupation of Palestine. What is certain, however, is that Israel carries out a policy of dehumanization of Palestinians to justify its occupation, according to one of Israel’s most famous journalists. “Israel systematically, … Read more
DOHA: Hamas has proposed a ceasefire plan that would quiet the guns in Gaza for four-and-a-half months, during which all hostages would go free, Israel would withdraw its troops from the Gaza Strip and an agreement would be reached on an end to the war. The militant group’s proposal — a response to an offer … Read more
How to strike back after deadly drone attack? US has many options, but must weigh consequence WASHINGTON: President Joe Biden has made it clear the US will strike back after a deadly drone attack killed three service members and wounded more than 40 at a small base in Jordan over the weekend. What isn’t yet … Read more
How South Africa’s genocide case against Israel could influence the course of Gaza war DUBAI: Whichever way the UN’s highest court rules in the case lodged by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza, the high-profile proceedings alone may well be enough to change the course of the conflict, experts claim. An interim ruling … Read more
WASHINGTON: Dozens of President Joe Biden’s fellow Democrats signed a letter on Friday urging his administration to reaffirm that the US strongly opposes “the forced and permanent displacement” of Palestinians from Gaza. The letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, led by US Representatives Ayanna Pressley and Jamie Raskin, was signed by 60 Democratic House … Read more
OTTAWA: The number of study permits Canada issued to Indian students fell sharply late last year after India ejected Canadian diplomats who would process the permits and fewer Indian students applied due to a diplomatic dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada, a top Canadian official told Reuters.Immigration Minister Marc Miller … Read more