Palestinian PM Mustafa forms cabinet, calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Palestinian PM Mustafa forms cabinet, calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
President Mahmoud Abbas, who has led the PA for nearly two decades and remains in overall control, announced the new government in a presidential decree on Thursday. None of the incoming ministers is a well-known figure. (WAFA/File)
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Updated 28 March 2024
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Palestinian PM Mustafa forms cabinet, calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Palestinian PM Mustafa forms cabinet, calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza
  • He was also assigned to lead the relief and rebuilding of Gaza and performs double-duty as foreign minister, replacing Riyad Al-Maliki
  • Abbas appointed the new government in a demonstration of willingness to meet international demands for change in the administration

RAMALLAH: Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa formed a new cabinet on Thursday in which he will also serve as foreign minister, making an immediate ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza a priority, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.
Mustafa, an ally to President Mahmoud Abbas and a leading business figure, was appointed premier this month with a mandate to help reform the Palestinian Authority (PA), which exercises limited self-rule in the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
He was also assigned to lead the relief and rebuilding of Gaza, which has been shattered by more than five months of war, while he performs double-duty as foreign minister, replacing Riyad Al-Maliki who had served in the position since 2009.
Abbas, who as president remains by far the most powerful figure in the PA, appointed the new government in a demonstration of willingness to meet international demands for change in the administration.
He approved Mustafa’s cabinet with financial expert Omar Al- Bitar as finance minister, and Muhamad al Amour, who served as the president of the Palestinian Businessmen Association, as economy minister. He kept Ziad Hab Al-Reeh, former chief of the PA’s internal intelligence agency, as interior minister, WAFA said.
The new cabinet, which includes eight ministers from Gaza, will also include a state minister for “relief affairs.”
Mustafa said in a statement addressed to Abbas that the first national priority was an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the enclave, in addition to allowing humanitarian aid to enter in large quantities and reaching all areas, WAFA reported.
“In order to enable the launch of the recovery process and preparation for reconstruction, stop the aggression and settlement activities, and curb settlers’ terrorism in the West Bank,” Mustafa added.
Hamas, the Islamist movement that controlled Gaza until Israel’s invasion in the wake of the Oct. 7 attack on southern Israel, has criticized the appointment of Mustafa but it had no immediate reaction to the naming of his new cabinet.

STRAINED
The PA, controlled by Abbas’ Fatah political faction, has long had a strained relationship with Hamas and the two factions fought a brief war before Fatah was expelled from the territory in 2007.
However it has repeatedly condemned the Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip and has insisted it must play a role in running Gaza after the war, a position supported by the United States.
For the moment, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected PA involvement in Gaza, and for months his hard-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has refused to hand over tax revenues due to the Authority, which still funds health and some other services in the enclave.
For months, thousands of Palestinian public sector employees have gone unpaid or received only a part of their salary as a result of the standoff. Mustafa said the government was taking office at a time of “unprecedented financial crisis.”
He said salary arrears owed to public sector employees now totalled $745 million with another $1.3 billion owed to private sector suppliers and $3 billion more in pension arrears, while revenues in January were down 30 percent compared to before the war.


Lebanon not battleground for ‘wars of others,’ president tells Iran delegation

Lebanon not battleground for ‘wars of others,’ president tells Iran delegation
Updated 3 sec ago
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Lebanon not battleground for ‘wars of others,’ president tells Iran delegation

Lebanon not battleground for ‘wars of others,’ president tells Iran delegation
  • Aoun says Lebanon paid heavy price in defense of Palestinian issue, expresses hope for just solution
  • Massive crowds mourn Hezbollah’s slain leader Nasrallah

BEIRUT: Lebanon “is tired of others’ wars on its soil,” its President Joseph Aoun told an Iranian delegation in Beirut on Sunday.

The delegation was in Lebanon to attend the funeral of slain Hezbollah leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Hashem Safieddine.

They were killed around five months ago in devastating Israeli airstrikes targeting the group.

On Sunday, hundreds of thousands of supporters of Hezbollah and its allies, along with delegations from Iran, Iraq, Yemen, and other countries, participated in the delayed funerals of Nasrallah and Safieddine.

The funeral ceremony took place from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

It was attended by Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammed Bagher Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, along with an Iranian delegation that arrived in Beirut in the morning on a private Iranian aircraft.

Before the funeral, the Iranian delegation met with Aoun at the presidential palace.

Aoun said at the meeting: “I agree with you that countries should not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries, and the best way to confront any loss or aggression is through the unity of the Lebanese.”

According to the presidency’s media office, Aoun referenced the Iranian constitution, which stipulates in Article Nine that a country’s freedom, independence, territorial integrity, and security are inviolable.

He said: “The constitution asserts that the government and all citizens bear the responsibility to preserve them, and no individual, group, or official has the right to inflict any harm on the political, cultural, economic, or military independence of the country nor to undermine the territorial unity of the nation under the pretext of exercising freedom.”

Aoun called attention to the outcomes of the recent Riyadh summit in which Iran participated, especially the “affirmation of the two-state solution regarding the Palestinian issue, and that the Palestinian Authority is the legitimate representative of the Palestinians.”

He said that “Lebanon paid a heavy price in defense of the Palestinian issue,” expressing his hope for “a just solution to it.”

Ghalibaf affirmed the “unity of Lebanese territory, its integrity, and the sovereignty of the state over it,” expressing his country’s “readiness to collaborate with Arab and Islamic nations in the reconstruction of what has been destroyed by Israeli aggression against Lebanon.”

He emphasized his nation’s “desire to see Lebanon as a stable, secure, and prosperous country,” noting that Iran “supports any decision made by Lebanon away from any external interference in its affairs.”

The funeral ceremony took place at the Sports City, near the southern entrance of Beirut.

Nasrallah was buried in a shrine constructed for him on a vast plot of land purchased by Hezbollah on the old airport road, parallel to Beirut’s southern suburb.

The land had previously belonged to the American Life Insurance Co. before Lebanon’s civil war in the 1970s. Safieddine will be buried Monday in his hometown in southern Lebanon.

After his death on Sept. 27, Nasrallah was temporarily buried next to his son Hadi in a cemetery in Beirut’s southern suburb.

Hadi was also killed during a confrontation with the Israeli army in 1997.

Violations of Lebanese sovereignty accompanied the event on Sunday as Israeli warplanes conducted multiple airstrikes in the south and Bekaa and flew twice at a very low altitude over the mourners within the premises of the Sports City.

In the morning and during Nasrallah’s funeral, Israeli planes carried out a series of airstrikes on the outskirts of Hermel and Bouday in northern Bekaa and on southern villages in the Tyre district, injuring a Syrian girl.

They also targeted Jabal Al-Rayhan in Jezzine, with reconnaissance planes flying over Beirut and its southern suburb throughout the day.

The Israeli army claimed that it targeted “military sites that contained rockets and weaponry in Baalbek and southern Lebanon, where Hezbollah activities were detected.”

It noted that Hezbollah’s operations “are a violation of the ceasefire agreement and pose a threat to Israel and its citizens. We will continue working to eliminate any threats.”

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that these warplanes’ flyovers “send a clear message: Whoever threatens and attacks Israel will seal their fate.”

Hezbollah Secretary-General Sheikh Naim Qassem, who appeared onscreen and did not attend the funeral in person, said: “Today we are facing an occupation and aggression. Be assured that the resistance is present and strong in numbers, resources, and popular support.

“We will not allow America to dominate our country. We have reorganized ourselves, and our heroic fighters have stood firm along the borders.”

Qassem added: “We agreed to the ceasefire (with Israel) in light of a lack of political field prospects.

“Today, we enter a new phase with different tools, methods and approaches.

“We will participate in building a strong and just state under the framework of the Taif Agreement, under three pillars: swiftly implementing the rescue plan, ensuring the state assumes responsibility for liberating the land, and following up on the state’s moves to expel the occupation through diplomatic means, then building on the results accordingly.

“We are discussing the defense strategy, as we believe in the army’s crucial role in defending Lebanon.”

Qassem emphasized the state’s role in securing “the release of prisoners and rebuilding what has been destroyed.”

He stated: “For us, Lebanon is a final homeland for all its children, and we are its children.

“Inside Lebanon, there is no winner or loser. Let us compete for the benefit of our people.”

From the early hours of dawn, mourners flocked to the sports stadium amid freezing temperatures that dropped to less than 7 degrees Celsius. They had already filled the stands by 6 a.m., even though the funeral was scheduled for 1 p.m.

Despite the stadium’s 60,000-seat capacity, the crowd overflowed the sports stadium as men, women, and children filled the surrounding squares, where an additional 50,000 chairs were set up.

The masses extended to the highways connecting Beirut’s southern suburb to the city’s airport.

At the event, Hezbollah reassured its supporters regarding the strength of the party and its refusal to accept the occupation and addressed national partners about the need to rebuild the state.

 

 


Japan provides $8.7 million grant for SCADA water supply system in Ma’an, Jordan

Japan provides $8.7 million grant for SCADA water supply system in Ma’an, Jordan
Updated 23 February 2025
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Japan provides $8.7 million grant for SCADA water supply system in Ma’an, Jordan

Japan provides $8.7 million grant for SCADA water supply system in Ma’an, Jordan
  • A SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system monitors and controls water systems using sensors and devices

AMMAN: The Jordanian and Japanese governments on Sunday signed agreements for a grant worth 1.334 billion Japanese yen (about $8.7 million) to support the establishment of a SCADA water supply system in the kingdom’s Ma’an governorate.

The funding will be provided through the Japan International Cooperation Agency, t according to a report by Petra, the Jordan News Agency.

A SCADA (supervisory control and data acquisition) system monitors and controls water systems using sensors and devices.

The agreements were signed by Jordan’s Minister of Planning and International Cooperation Zeina Toukan, and the Japanese ambassador to Amman, Asari Hideki.

A separate grant agreement was signed by JICA Jordan’s chief representative, Morihata Shingo, in the presence of Minister of Water and Irrigation Raed Abu Soud.

According to a statement from Jordan’s Ministry of Water, the project will improve the operational and management efficiency of water supply facilities in Ma’an, while enhancing water supply services in the southern governorate and addressing water loss reduction.

Toukan expressed appreciation for Japan’s ongoing support, highlighting its alignment with Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision. She highlighted the strong bilateral relations between Jordan and Japan and their shared commitment to expanding cooperation across various sectors, Petra reported.

Hideki reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to supporting Jordan through financial and technical programs, noting that these initiatives will help strengthen the kingdom’s water sector. He also praised Jordan as a regional model for economic and political reforms, Petra added.

Shingo underscored the significance of the project, particularly given Jordan’s status as one of the most water-scarce countries in the world.

He also noted that JICA is currently implementing a technical cooperation project to enhance water-loss management in the southern governorates, focusing on capacity building for engineers and technicians.


Syrian national dialogue to begin on February 25

Syrian national dialogue to begin on February 25
Updated 23 February 2025
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Syrian national dialogue to begin on February 25

Syrian national dialogue to begin on February 25

DAMASCUS: Syria’s new authorities will hold a national dialogue conference starting on February 25 to discuss a new path for the nation after the overthrow of Bashar Assad in December, two members of its preparatory committee said on Sunday.
Foreign capitals will be closely watching the conference as part of a political process in Syria that they say needs to be inclusive of its ethnically diverse and multi-religious population as they consider suspending sanctions on the country.
Holding the conference has been a key pledge of former Al Qaeda affiliate Hayat Tahrir Al-Sham (HTS) which took control of Damascus on December 8 in a stunning offensive that prompted then-president Assad to flee to Russia, ending more than 50 years of his family’s autocratic rule.
The preparatory committee’s seven members consulted with some 4,000 people across Syria over the last week to gather views that would help shape a constitutional declaration, a new economic framework and a plan for institutional reform, the committee told reporters on Sunday.
HTS-appointed President Ahmed Sharaa has said the conference was part of an inclusive political process to draft a constitution, which he said could take up to three years, and then hold elections, which he said could take four years.
The conference is scheduled for two days but could be extended if necessary, committee member Hassan Dugheim said, and a new government expected to be formed next month would also benefit from the conference’s recommendations.


Russia’s top diplomat to visit Turkiye Monday: sources

Russia’s top diplomat to visit Turkiye Monday: sources
Updated 23 February 2025
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Russia’s top diplomat to visit Turkiye Monday: sources

Russia’s top diplomat to visit Turkiye Monday: sources
  • Sergei Lavrov will hold talks in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan
  • Turkiye wants to play a leading role in bringing an end to Russia-Ukraine hostilities

ISTANBUL: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will visit Turkiye on Monday, which marks the third anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Turkish diplomatic sources said Sunday.
Lavrov will hold talks in Ankara with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan, the source said, adding that the men will discuss the war in Ukraine, among other things.
Turkiye, a member of NATO, wants to play a leading role in bringing an end to hostilities, as it tried to do in March 2022 by twice hosting direct negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
Receiving his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan asserted that his country would be an “ideal host” for talks on Ukraine involving Moscow, Kyiv and Washington.
Moscow and Washington have already begun a direct dialogue in recent weeks, against a backdrop of rapprochement between US President Donald Trump and Russia’s Vladimir Putin.
Russian and American officials met in Saudi Arabia on Tuesday to begin rebuilding their relations, a meeting denounced by Zelensky, who fears an agreement on Ukraine reached without him at the table.
Lavrov, who last visited Turkiye in October, is also expected to visit Russian ally Iran.


Hamas says Israel’s claim on hostages’ handover ceremony is pretext to evade Gaza truce obligations

Hamas says Israel’s claim on hostages’ handover ceremony is pretext to evade Gaza truce obligations
Updated 23 February 2025
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Hamas says Israel’s claim on hostages’ handover ceremony is pretext to evade Gaza truce obligations

Hamas says Israel’s claim on hostages’ handover ceremony is pretext to evade Gaza truce obligations
  • Israeli says waiting to deliver Palestinian prisoners "until release of next hostages has been assured"
  • Hamas has made hostages appear on stage, sometimes speak before handing them over to Israel 

DUBAI: Hamas on Sunday condemned Israel’s decision to postpone the release of Palestinian prisoners and detainees, saying its claim that the hostages’ handover ceremonies are “humiliating” was false and a pretext to evade Israel’s obligations under the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin “Netanyahu’s decision reflects a deliberate attempt to disrupt the agreement, represents a clear violation of its terms, and shows the occupation’s lack of reliability in implementing its obligations,” Ezzat El Rashq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, said in a statement.

Israel said earlier it was delaying the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners it had planned to free the day before until Hamas met its conditions, underscoring the fragility of the Gaza ceasefire accord.

Netanyahu’s office released a statement in the early hours of Sunday saying that Israel was waiting to deliver the 620 Palestinian prisoners and detainees “until the release of the next hostages has been assured, and without the humiliating ceremonies.”

Hamas’ El Rashq said the ceremonies do not include any insult to the hostages, “but rather reflect the humane and dignified treatment of them,” adding that the “real insult” is what the Palestinian prisoners are subjected to during the release process.

The Palestinian militant group official cited the hands’ tying of the Palestinian prisoners and detainees and their blindfolding and threatening them not to hold any celebrations for their release as examples of their humiliation at the hands of Israeli authorities.

Hamas has made hostages appear on stage in front of crowds and sometimes speak before they were handed over. Coffins with hostage remains have also been carried through crowds.

Israel’s announcement, which also accused Hamas of repeatedly violating the month-old ceasefire, came after the Palestinian militant group on Saturday handed over six hostages from Gaza as part of an exchange arranged under the truce.

The six hostages freed on Saturday were the last living Israeli captives due to be handed over during the first phase of the ceasefire. The bodies of four dead Israeli hostages were to be released next week.