UN warns of Gaza famine risk as Security Council resolution faces vote

Update UN warns of Gaza famine risk as Security Council resolution faces vote
The vote has been delayed several times this week. (AFP)
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Updated 22 December 2023
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UN warns of Gaza famine risk as Security Council resolution faces vote

UN warns of Gaza famine risk as Security Council resolution faces vote
  • Resolution to boost aid to the Palestinian territory but not call for a ceasefire up for a vote
  • Separate diplomatic efforts are also under way for a fresh pause in the worst-ever Gaza war

GAZA STRIP, Palestinian Territories: The United Nations warned the Israel-Hamas war was pushing Gaza toward famine, ahead of an expected Security Council vote Friday on a resolution to boost aid to the Palestinian territory but not call for a ceasefire.

Separate diplomatic efforts were also under way for a fresh pause in the worst-ever Gaza war, which was triggered by an unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel in October.

With conditions deteriorating in the territory, the UN Security Council has been locked in negotiations on a resolution that would boost aid deliveries.

The latest draft seen by AFP, set to face a vote Friday, calls for “urgent steps to immediately allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access, and also for creating the conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities.”

It does not call for an immediate end to fighting.

Backed by its ally the United States, Israel has opposed the term “ceasefire.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Wednesday there would be no ceasefire in Gaza until the “elimination” of Hamas.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield, US ambassador to the UN, told reporters that Washington would support the resolution if it “is put forward as is.”

The war began on October 7 after Hamas militants broke through Gaza’s militarized border and killed around 1,140 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

Hamas also abducted about 250 people.

Vowing to destroy the group, Israel began a relentless bombardment of targets in Gaza, alongside a ground invasion, which the territory’s Hamas government on Wednesday said has killed at least 20,000, mostly women and children.

The entire population of Gaza faces “an imminent risk of famine,” according to a UN-backed global hunger monitoring system on Thursday, with more than half a million people facing “catastrophic conditions.”

“We have been warning for weeks that, with such deprivation and destruction, each day that goes by will only bring more hunger, disease and despair to the people of Gaza,” UN humanitarian chief Martin Griffiths posted on X, formerly Twitter.

The UN estimates 1.9 million Gazans are now displaced, out of a population of 2.4 million.

With their homes destroyed, they are living in crowded shelters and struggling to find food, fuel, water and medical supplies. Diseases are spreading, and communications have been repeatedly cut.

Displaced Gazans are pleading for a ceasefire.

“My message is to put an end to this humiliation,” said Fuad Ibrahim Wadi, who found refuge at a greenhouse in Rafah.

“This war does nothing but destroy. Enough is enough.”

After weeks of pressure, Israel approved the temporary reopening of the Kerem Shalom crossing on Friday to enable aid deliveries directly to Gaza, rather than through the Rafah crossing from Egypt.

On Thursday, an Israeli strike hit the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom, the crossings authority and the Hamas health ministry said.

Israeli officials did not immediately respond to requests from AFP for comment.

The UN secretary-general’s spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, was “unable to receive (aid) trucks” via Kerem Shalom following the “drone strike” and that the World Food Programme had suspended operations at the crossing.

Dujarric’s comments came after Israeli President Isaac Herzog said Israel could enable as many as “400 trucks a day” of aid and blamed the UN for failing to bring more.

According to the UN, the number of aid trucks entering Gaza is well below the daily pre-war average.

Diplomats visiting the region have called for more assistance to reach the territory.

Israel has repeatedly accused Hamas of using schools, mosques, hospitals and vast tunnel systems beneath them as military bases — charges the group denies.

On Thursday, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said Israeli troops have killed more than 2,000 Palestinian militants since a one-week ceasefire ended on December 1.

He did not elaborate on the source of his figures.

According to a tally on the Israeli military’s website, 139 soldiers have been killed since it began its ground assault in Gaza on October 27.

A strike on a house in Rafah on Friday killed five people, the Hamas health ministry said.

The United Nations human rights office in Ramallah said it had received reports that Israeli troops had “summarily killed” at least 11 unarmed Palestinian men in Gaza City’s Rimal neighborhood this week.

An Israeli official, speaking on condition of anonymity, rejected the allegations as “yet another example of the partisan and prejudiced approach against Israel” by the UN body.

Israel has been under increasing pressure from allies, including the United States, which provides it with billions of dollars in military aid, to protect civilians.

The UN rights office said “details and circumstances” of the killings in Rimal are still being verified but it “raises alarm about the possible commission of a war crime.”

The men were killed in front of their family members, it said.

Legal experts have previously said that both sides could be accused of committing war crimes.


Green initiative launched in Eastern Region

Green initiative launched in Eastern Region
Updated 4 min 26 sec ago
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Green initiative launched in Eastern Region

Green initiative launched in Eastern Region
  • Goal is to plant more than 500,000 trees and 3 million flowers throughout Dammam’s streets and parks
  • Scheme, in line with Vision 2030’s goal of increasing green spaces, also aligns with the broader national afforestation campaign

DAMMAM: The Eastern Region Municipality has announced a special initiative involving 30 volunteers to mark National Greening Season, launched by Minister of Environment, Water and Agriculture Abdulrahman Al-Fadley.

The goal is to plant more than 500,000 trees and 3 million flowers throughout Dammam’s streets and parks in a bid to improve air quality, reduce heat and enhance biodiversity, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

The scheme, in line with Vision 2030’s goal of increasing green spaces, also aligns with the broader national afforestation campaign under the Saudi Green Initiative, which aims to promote sustainable environmental development and enhance vegetation cover.

The municipality emphasized the initiative would help combat desertification and promote the achievement of environmental balance through the use of locally suitable plants. 

It highlighted how collaboration with various institutions will raise awareness about afforestation and support green infrastructure, thereby improving the quality of life in the Eastern Region.


Two Egyptian pilots killed in helicopter crash in Suez: army

Two Egyptian pilots killed in helicopter crash in Suez: army
Updated 22 min 6 sec ago
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Two Egyptian pilots killed in helicopter crash in Suez: army

Two Egyptian pilots killed in helicopter crash in Suez: army
  • The Egyptian air force operates aircraft from various countries

CAIRO: Two Egyptian air force officers were killed on Tuesday when a helicopter crashed during a training exercise, the military said.
The helicopter went down near a key air base in the town of Shalufa, in Suez province, “due to a technical malfunction,” military spokesman Gharib Abdel Hafez said in a post on his official Facebook page.
He did not specify the manufacturer or model of the aircraft.
The Egyptian air force operates aircraft from various countries, including France, Russia and the United States.
In November 2022, the military said a fighter jet had crashed during a military exercise but it reported no casualties.
In December 2019, an aircraft crashed during a training exercise. The pilot ejected safely.


Saudi Arabia, UAE invest $26.8m in Pakistan in Q1 of 2024

Saudi Arabia, UAE invest $26.8m in Pakistan in Q1 of 2024
Updated 30 min 7 sec ago
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Saudi Arabia, UAE invest $26.8m in Pakistan in Q1 of 2024

Saudi Arabia, UAE invest $26.8m in Pakistan in Q1 of 2024

 

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s foreign investment surged by 48 percent in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, according to state-run media reports on Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE contributed a total of $26.8 million during this period. In 2023, Pakistan established the Special Investment Facilitation Council, a joint civil-military body aimed at expediting foreign investment decisions in key economic sectors, including agriculture, mining, minerals, and tourism.

This initiative came amid Pakistan’s ongoing economic crisis, which had pushed the country to the brink of a sovereign default. The crisis was mitigated by a crucial $3 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last year, preventing further economic collapse.

According to a breakdown shared by Radio Pakistan, China led foreign investments in the first quarter with $404 million, followed by the UAE’s $25 million and Saudi Arabia’s $1.8 million. Other notable contributors included Hong Kong, with $98 million; the UK, with $72 million; and the US, with $28 million.

Radio Pakistan reported: “A significant increase of 48 percent has been seen in foreign investment in Pakistan in the first quarter of the current fiscal year, reflecting the effective strategies of the Special Investment Facilitation Council.”

During a recent visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with leaders from both nations to discuss boosting cooperation in trade, investment, and energy. Notably, in October, Pakistani and Saudi businesses signed 27 agreements and memorandums of understanding valued at $2.2 billion.

During Sharif’s visit to the Kingdom last week, the two countries agreed to increase this figure to $2.8 billion.

The UAE remains Pakistan’s third-largest trading partner, after China and the US, and serves as an important export market due to its proximity, which helps minimize transportation costs and facilitates trade exchanges.

In recent months, Sharif has been actively pursuing economic diplomacy in the region, focusing on securing investments, boosting trade, and improving regional connectivity.

Pakistan has sought to leverage its strategic position as a trade and transit hub, connecting landlocked Central Asian countries with the global market while promoting mutually beneficial economic partnerships with Gulf nations.


Saudi Arabia unveils major film production hub in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia unveils major film production hub in Riyadh
Updated 30 min ago
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Saudi Arabia unveils major film production hub in Riyadh

Saudi Arabia unveils major film production hub in Riyadh
  • Al-Hisn Big Time Studios to boost local, regional content creation with advanced production resources
  • Project area covers 300,000 sq. meters and includes a production village with metalworking and carpentry workshops, as well as costume design facilities

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia unveiled Al-Hisn Big Time Studios in Riyadh, a groundbreaking facility aimed at boosting the television and film production industry across the Middle East.

Chairman of the General Entertainment Authority Turki Al-Sheikh inaugurated the facility west of the Saudi capital.

Al-Hisn Big Time Studios, built in a remarkably short period of 120 days, features seven studio buildings covering an area of 10,500 sq. meters.

The total project area covers 300,000 sq. meters and includes a production village with metalworking and carpentry workshops, as well as costume design facilities.

Additional amenities include luxurious suites for VIPs, offices for film production, and fully equipped editing rooms, all creating an ideal work environment that enhances production efficiency.

Al-Sheikh said: “Al-Hisn Big Time Studios will become a stronghold for producing Arab and international content, particularly Saudi productions.”

He further emphasized the importance of local content consumption, saying: “Approximately 65 percent of the content consumed in the region is from Saudi Arabia.”

Al-Sheikh also highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, mentioning that productions will take place at various locations, including Diriyah Jax, Sony Studios, AlUla, and MBC Studios in Al-Nargis.

He added: “We constructed these state-of-the-art facilities in just four months, showcasing our commitment to rapid development.”

Minister of Information Salman Al-Dossary remarked on the opportunities presented by Al-Hisn Big Time Studios, saying: “You will not find a better place than this in the Arab world.”

He praised the integration of government agencies, stating: “Our collective efforts ensure the success of the project, positioning it as a beacon for the film industry.”

The studios aim to provide a comprehensive platform for film and television production, offering creative resources in one location.

“This integration will not only reduce costs and save time but also provide access to cutting-edge global technologies,” Al-Sheikh said, highlighting the studio’s potential to enhance competitiveness in the international market.

In the studios, visitors can explore a museum featuring vintage cameras alongside films shot with them. There are also costume rooms where fashion designers craft outfits for various productions.

Additionally, a dedicated building is set aside for pre-production work. The facility has several production studios, with many Saudi companies collaborating on site, from camera manufacturers to actors, all working together to bring creative visions to life.

Nawaf Almutairi, a founding partner of One Shot drone company, is one of the industry professionals using the studios. He expressed enthusiasm about the opportunities presented by Al-Hisn, saying: “This facility allows us to push the boundaries of aerial photography and filmmaking.”

His company has completed various projects in Saudi Arabia, notably contributing to the third installment of the film “Welad Rizk” with their custom-built drones.

Almutairi said: “We are excited to create innovative content that showcases the beauty of our country."

Abdulrahman Alnafisah, general manager and co-founder of Nebras Films, said: “Saudi Arabia has seen significant advancements in the media and film production sector, fostering growth both locally and regionally. In this transformative landscape, Nebras Films played a key role in the launch of Al-Hisn Big Time Studios, marking a pivotal moment in the evolution of Saudi cinema.

“This initiative underscores Nebras Films’ commitment to bolstering the Saudi film industry and nurturing local talent by creating a professional environment that aligns with international standards.”


Ford launches 2025 Taurus Hybrid in Middle East

Ford launches 2025 Taurus Hybrid in Middle East
Updated 34 min 4 sec ago
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Ford launches 2025 Taurus Hybrid in Middle East

Ford launches 2025 Taurus Hybrid in Middle East

The 2025 Ford Taurus Full Hybrid has arrived in the Middle East, bringing substantially greater fuel economy to one of the region’s favorite luxury sedans. With a 1.5 L engine available across all three trims, the Taurus is Ford’s first hybrid sedan to be released in the region.

Featuring a spacious interior, advanced safety and convenience technologies, as well as performance drive, the 2025 Ford Taurus Hybrid builds on this family-friendly sedan’s decades-long legendary status in the Middle East.

The Taurus Hybrid’s arrival in the region signals Ford’s commitment to meeting growing consumer demand for eco-friendly alternatives and aligns with the shift toward smart cities and renewable energy sources. The vehicle is part of Ford’s expansion roadmap for electrified vehicles, with key milestones and expansion plans through 2025.

Efficiency without compromise

The full-hybrid Taurus’ electric motor drive operates at low vehicle speeds and gives the engine an assist, enhancing fuel economy and providing a substantial efficiency advantage without compromising on the driving performance seen in a traditional combustion engine vehicle.

Depending on the driving conditions, and mostly in low-speed maneuvers — such as parking, idling and city traffic — the Taurus Hybrid automatically switches to Electric Drive Mode, which is charged either through the combustion engine or regenerative braking. The power output of the electric motor is 48 KW equivalent to 64 HP, complemented by the 1.5 L engine, which gives a net power of 138 KW equivalent to 185 Hp.

For drivers who prefer an internal combustion engine, the 2025 Taurus is equipped with Ford’s proven 2-liter EcoBoost engine mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 239 Hp and 382 Nm of torque. Offered with front-wheel drive and three driving modes — Eco, Normal and Sport — the ICE Taurus enjoys an impressive fuel economy reaching as high as 15.3 km/l.

Comfort on the inside 

Featuring premium leather, suede-lined power seats, dual-zone auto AC, a panoramic sunroof, and seven shades of ambient lighting, the Ford Taurus’s interior was crafted with comfort and convenience for the driver and passengers alike. Sound-muffling materials used in the Taurus’ manufacturing process minimize exterior noise, ensuring a quiet ride for all occupants.

With spacious headroom at the front and back and a large 520 L trunk, the sedan packs in plenty of practicality to match its comfort credentials.

Technology-powered safety and convenience

A range of standard and available technologies have been built into the 2025 Taurus to ensure the safety of all occupants is paramount.

Standard to every Taurus are six airbags built into the Taurus — two at the front, two at the sides, and two in the curtain zone. Available driver-assist tech in the Trend and Titanium trims include blind spot information system and forward collision mitigation systems, forward collision and lane keeping/ departure warnings, rear parking sensor, driver impairment monitor, and an emergency steering assist, which works with other safety systems to prep the Taurus for extra-responsive steering in moments of emergency.

The Taurus Titanium ups the safety and convenience ante further, with a reverse brake assist, bringing the sedan to a stop when detecting motion when the vehicle is exiting backwards out of a parking spot, and a 360 view camera giving drivers a complete picture of Taurus’ surroundings.

The Taurus also features available adaptive cruise control, which automatically slows the vehicle down when detecting traffic, before returning to the driver’s preset cruise speed after things clear up.

Central connectivity

At the heart of Taurus’ technology offering is a multifunctional 13.2-inch center touchscreen, which complements an impressive 8-inch digital instrument panel cluster. The state-of-the-art center screen comes loaded with Ford’s SYNC4 technology, providing drivers with easy access to communications, entertainment, and information through both voice and touch prompts.

Drivers and passengers can keep the Taurus clutter-free thanks to the available inductive wireless charging for smartphones, while music-lovers will appreciate the six-speaker sound system.

With its spacious interior, advanced safety features, and a powerful yet fuel-efficient engine, the 2025 Ford Taurus offers a smooth and enjoyable ride for both the driver and passengers. From daily commutes to weekend road trips, this sedan combines style, performance, and practicality for a family-friendly vehicle that doesn’t compromise.

“The 2025 Taurus brings hybrid technology to one of the region’s favorite sedans, giving drivers more efficient performance than ever before seen in this nameplate,” said Sreejith Govind, brand marketing specialist at Ford Middle East. “With the Hybrid Taurus available across all three trims of this sedan, we’re proud to be offering customers the highest efficiency advantage without compromising important vehicle attributes.”

Ford’s commitment to the future is evident in the launch of the first of its new electrified offerings, the Taurus Hybrid. This flagship model embodies Ford’s dedication to innovation, boasting cutting-edge sustainable technologies, superior performance, and a distinguished design. By leveraging its longstanding presence and trusted reputation in the Middle East, Ford is ushering in a new era of automotive excellence, where advanced technology and environmental responsibility go hand-in-hand. The road to electrification emerges as a symbol of Ford’s vision for a brighter, more sustainable future of mobility, setting a new standard for the automotive industry.

The 2025 Ford Taurus is available at authorized distributors in the Middle East.