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Biden likely to talk with Netanyahu; hostage deal ‘very close,’ security adviser says

President Joe Biden speaks in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP)
President Joe Biden speaks in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington, Friday, Jan. 10, 2025. (AP)
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Updated 12 January 2025
Reuters
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Biden likely to talk with Netanyahu; hostage deal ‘very close,’ security adviser says

Biden likely to talk with Netanyahu; hostage deal ‘very close,’ security adviser says
  • Biden getting daily updates on talks in Doha, where Israeli and Palestinian officials said since Thursday some progress made
Updated 12 January 2025
Reuters
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WASHINGTON: US President Joe Biden will likely talk with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu soon, his national security adviser said on Sunday, as US officials race to reach a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal before Biden leaves office on Jan. 20.
Jake Sullivan told CNN’s “State of the Union” program that the parties were “very, very close” to reaching a deal to halt the fighting in the enclave and free the remaining 98 hostages held there, but still had to get it across the finish line.
Biden was getting daily updates on the talks in Doha, where Israeli and Palestinian officials have said since Thursday that some progress has been made in the indirect talks between Israel and militant group Hamas, Sullivan said.
“We are still determined to use every day we have in office to get this done,” he said, adding that Biden “is likely, in the near term, to engage with Prime Minister Netanyahu, and we are not, by any stretch of imagination, setting this aside.”
He said there was still a chance to reach an agreement before Biden leaves office, but that it was also possible “Hamas, in particular, remains intransigent.”
Israel launched its assault in Gaza after Hamas fighters stormed across its borders in October 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.
Since then, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with much of the enclave laid to waste and gripped by a humanitarian crisis, and most of its population displaced.
Vice President-elect JD Vance told the “Fox News Sunday” program in an interview taped on Saturday that he expects a deal for the release of US hostages in the Middle East to be announced in the final days of the Biden administration, maybe in the last day or two.
President-elect Donald Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel, has strongly backed Netanyahu’s goal of destroying Hamas. He has promised to bring peace to the Middle East, but has not said how he would accomplish that.

Topics: War on Gaza Israel Palestine Gaza Hamas US President Joe Biden Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

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King Salman, crown prince donate $19m as Ehsan’s 5th national charity campaign launched

King Salman, crown prince donate $19m as Ehsan’s 5th national charity campaign launched
Updated 2 min 34 sec ago
Arab News
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King Salman, crown prince donate $19m as Ehsan’s 5th national charity campaign launched

King Salman, crown prince donate $19m as Ehsan’s 5th national charity campaign launched
  • Platform maximizes impact of charitable giving, with donations from citizens, residents during Ramadan
  • Chairman of platform’s supervisory committee praises Saudi leadership for unwavering support
Updated 2 min 34 sec ago
Arab News

JEDDAH: King Salman bin Abdulaziz and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman donated SR70 million ($19 million) to the National Campaign for Charitable Work via the Ehsan platform in its fifth edition on Friday.
King Salman on Friday approved the launch of the 5th National Campaign for Charitable Work, via the Ehsan platform, with donations continuing throughout Ramadan to enhance charitable giving and maximize its impact, reported the Saudi Press Agency.
As an extension of the leadership’s support for charitable work in the Kingdom, King Salman made a donation of SR40 million and the crown prince donated SR30 million.
SPA reported that the campaign aims to provide opportunities for all citizens and residents to participate in charitable acts and strengthen community solidarity during Ramadan.
Majid Al-Kassabi, chairman of the Ehsan platform’s supervisory committee, expressed his gratitude to King Salman and the crown prince for their unwavering support of the platform since its inception under a royal decree in 2021.
“The 5th National Campaign for Charitable Work follows the remarkable success of previous editions,” said Al-Kassabi.
The 2024 campaign attracted more than SR1.8 billion in donations through 15 million transactions, demonstrating the Kingdom’s leadership in charitable work and sustainable development.
Donors can digitally contribute to various charitable and development fields throughout the campaign. Additionally, donations can be made toward the Ehsan Endowment Fund.
All transactions are securely processed through the Ehsan app, https://ehsan.sa, or by calling the unified number 8001247000.

Topics: Ehsan charity King Salman

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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Layali October’ – Egyptian flavors in Madinah

AN photo by Nada Hameed
AN photo by Nada Hameed
Updated 39 min 33 sec ago
Nada Hameed
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Where We Are Going Today: ‘Layali October’ – Egyptian flavors in Madinah

AN photo by Nada Hameed
  • If you prefer a little sunlight, the balcony seating gives you a cozy indoor experience with a perfect street view
Updated 39 min 33 sec ago
Nada Hameed

If you are craving a little piece of Egypt right in Madinah, Layali October (October Nights) is the place to go. This cozy cafe on Zubairah Al-Roumiah Street is part of the city’s growing hub of trendy restaurants and cafes.

As soon as you step inside, you will be instantly transported to a classic Egyptian street cafe, the kind you would find in the bustling alleys of Cairo or Alexandria: Picture neighbors gathered around a table, sipping black tea or coffee, playing cards, debating life, and maybe even having a good old-fashioned “friendly argument.”

The cafe’s black-themed aesthetic is effortlessly cool. Vintage wooden chairs and outdoor seating let you enjoy the evening breeze while listening to the legendary tunes of Abdel Halim Hafez, Umm Kulthum, and Farid Al-Atrash.

If you prefer a little sunlight, the balcony seating gives you a cozy indoor experience with a perfect street view.

Layali October serves up some of the most authentic Egyptian flavors in Madinah. Their signature chay talgimah is a must-try, a strong black tea loaded with sugar, meant to be slowly savored by true tea lovers.

I went for the authentic Egyptian breakfast tray; it was a feast! The large round tray was filled with smaller steel dishes of foul (fava beans), hummus, labneh with cucumber slices, fresh arugula leaves, Egyptian white cheese, tangy pickles, black olives, crispy falafel, and shakshuka eggs. Served with warm white and brown bread, it was the perfect way to start the day. You may pair it with milk tea.

For lighter options, the cafe offers sandwiches such as smoky tuna, grilled chicken, halloumi, and falafel wraps. It also serves iced lattes, Spanish lattes, cortados, lemonades, and more.

If you want to try something sweet, you should go for their cream brulee; it is cold, creamy, and absolutely on point. For more details, visit @octobercafe_sa on Instagram.

 

Topics: Layali October

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‘Women’s bodies have become a political battleground,’ UN chief warns

‘Women’s bodies have become a political battleground,’ UN chief warns
Updated 40 min 3 sec ago
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‘Women’s bodies have become a political battleground,’ UN chief warns

‘Women’s bodies have become a political battleground,’ UN chief warns
  • Speaking on the eve of International Women’s Day, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges world leaders to stand united in fight for gender equality and women’s rights
  • ‘Women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings and reshaped societies. Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile, and far from enough,” he says
Updated 40 min 3 sec ago
Ephrem Kossaify

NEW YORK CITY: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned on Friday, the eve of International Women’s Day, that “women’s bodies have become a political battleground.”
He urged global leaders to stand united in the fight for gender equality and the protection of women’s rights, as he reaffirmed his own commitment to tackling the persistent challenges females face worldwide and underscored the need for urgent and comprehensive action on the issue.
Guterres noted that this year marks the 30th anniversary of the historic Beijing Declaration, which enshrined the rights of women as human rights, and called for equality, development and peace for all women.
Since then, he said, progress has been made, including more girls in schools and more women in positions of power, but the path to true gender equality remains fraught with obstacles.
“Women have broken barriers, shattered ceilings and reshaped societies,” Guterres added. “Yet, these hard-fought gains remain fragile, and far from enough.”
He highlighted the effects that ongoing crises all around the world continue to have on women. From the scourge of gender-based violence to pervasive economic inequality, he painted a sobering picture of the challenges women still face.
Every 10 minutes, a woman is killed by a partner or family member, Guterres said. Meanwhile, 612 million women and girls live in areas affected by armed conflict, their rights often disregarded. Less than two-thirds of women worldwide participate in the labor market, and those who do earn much less than men.
Digital tools, though brimming with promise, also often silence women’s voices, amplify bias, and fuel harassment, he added.
“Women’s bodies have become political battlegrounds,” Guterres said. “And online violence is escalating into real-life violence. Instead of mainstreaming equal rights, we are witnessing the mainstreaming of chauvinism and misogyny. We cannot stand by as progress is reversed. We must fight back.”
Despite the setbacks, he said solutions are within reach. He pointed in particular to the UN’s “Spotlight Initiative,” launched in 2016, which he said has made significant strides in combating gender-based violence, prevented 21 million women and girls from experiencing violence, and helped to keep 1 million girls in school.
Its success demonstrates that when global organizations unite behind comprehensive strategies, real change is possible, Guterres added.
As part of the UN’s ongoing efforts to advance the cause of gender equality, he announced the launch of the “Gender Equality Clarion Call,” an initiative that aims to defend and advance the rights of women and girls. It is built around four priorities: unified leadership, action against pushbacks, coordinated impact, and protection for defenders of women’s human rights.
“The Clarion Call is a bold, urgent pledge to defend and advance the rights of women and girls,” Guterres said.
He also acknowledged the progress within the UN itself on gender parity, noting that since 2020 the organization has achieved gender balance in its senior leadership positions, including resident coordinators and international professional categories. This, he said, proves that systemic change is achievable through committed, concerted action.
However, Guterres warned that the work is far from done, as he called on governments, businesses and other organizations to take similar steps to advance gender equality.

Topics: UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres International Women’s Day

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Israel army claims to have struck Hezbollah ‘military sites’ in south Lebanon

Israel army claims to have struck Hezbollah ‘military sites’ in south Lebanon
Updated 44 min 44 sec ago
AFP
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Israel army claims to have struck Hezbollah ‘military sites’ in south Lebanon

Israel army claims to have struck Hezbollah ‘military sites’ in south Lebanon
  • IDF alleges “weapons and rocket launchers” were identified
Updated 44 min 44 sec ago
AFP

JERUSALEM: Israel’s army said it conducted strikes on “military sites” belonging to Islamist group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Friday, where it said “weapons and rocket launchers” were identified.
“A short while ago, the IDF conducted intelligence-based strikes on military sites in southern Lebanon belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organization in which weapons and rocket launchers belonging to Hezbollah were identified,” the army said in a statement, adding that they “constituted a blatant violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon.”

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Haredi Jews enter Lebanese territory under Israeli army protection

Haredi Jews enter Lebanese territory under Israeli army protection
Updated 9 min 59 sec ago
NAJIA HOUSSARI
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Haredi Jews enter Lebanese territory under Israeli army protection

Haredi Jews enter Lebanese territory under Israeli army protection
  • Lebanese Army says Israel’s ‘continued aggression’ threatens the country’s stability
Updated 9 min 59 sec ago
NAJIA HOUSSARI

BEIRUT: In a provocative challenge to Lebanese sovereignty, around 250 Haredi Jews — followers of a strict branch of Orthodox Judaism — entered Lebanon to visit the Al-Ibad tomb on the outskirts of the Lebanese border village of Houla under the protection of the Israeli army, which characterized the visit as a religious pilgrimage.

Al-Ibad tomb is of religious significance to Muslims, who believe it contains the remains of Sheikh Al-Ibad, who lived as a hermit in the area around 500 years ago. Jews believe the site to be the tomb of Rabbi Rav Ashi, a Babylonian rabbi who lived in the fifth century and was the first editor of the Babylonian Talmud.

These contradictory accounts lead to recurring disputes over the identity and ownership of the site.

FASTFACT

The army said Friday’s incident ‘represents a blatant violation’ of the ceasefire agreement.

Al-Ibad Hill is one of five locations still occupied by the Israeli army after its withdrawal from Lebanese border villages under the ceasefire agreement. Lebanon has demanded the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the hills that overlook both the Lebanese border region and adjacent Israeli settlements.

Images and video footage showing the ultra-orthodox Jewish group performing religious rituals at the tomb were shared on social media.

The visit came on the anniversary of the birth and death of Prophet Moses in the Jewish calendar.

Media outlets had reported earlier on Thursday that the Israeli army was preparing to permit Jewish worshippers into the shrine after extremist religious groups had spent a week restoring it.

The controversial site has been treated by Israel as a Jewish shrine since 1972, at which time small groups began visiting it under the protection of the Israeli army.

The area was split into two sections following Israel’s withdrawal from southern Lebanon in 2000, after negotiations between the Israeli and Lebanese governments. Jewish visits to the shrine ceased with the outbreak of the July 2006 war.

Speaking to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on the sidelines of the extraordinary Arab summit in Cairo last Tuesday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun raised the issue of “the presence of Israeli forces on several hills within Lebanese territory and the lack of Lebanese army deployment in these areas.”

Aoun stated that the situation “hinders the achievement of stability and the implementation of UN Resolution 1701, as well as the ceasefire agreement that took effect on Nov. 27, 2024,” and was extended until Feb. 18.

Guterres expressed surprise at the continued presence of Israeli forces in several southern areas and said it “does not contribute to stability in the region.”

Aoun discussed developments in the south of the country with Nabih Berri, speaker of the parliament, on Friday.

According to Aoun’s media office, he briefed Berri on the outcomes of his meetings on the sidelines of the Arab summit in Cairo.

Aoun also followed up on developments in the south with Defense Minister Maj. Gen. Michel Menassa, particularly regarding the deployment of the Lebanese army in southern cities and villages.

Also on Friday, Israeli forces reportedly fired on Lebanese citizens returning to border areas, wounding three civilians near the border wall in Kafr Kila.

Lebanese Army Command issued a statement condemning ongoing Israeli violations in the south. The army said that Israeli troops continue to violate Lebanon’s sovereignty by land, sea, and air.

“The most recent violation involves operations targeting citizens in the south and Bekaa, alongside the continuous occupation of Lebanese territory and repeated breaches of the land borders,” the army stated, adding that Israel’s “ongoing aggression threatens Lebanon’s stability and negatively impacts regional stability, directly violating the ceasefire agreement.”

The army also announced that it is actively facilitating the return of residents to southern areas by clearing unexploded ordnance, removing debris, and reopening roads.

It added that the situation was being closely monitored, with necessary action being taken in coordination with the committee overseeing the ceasefire agreement and the UN Interim Force in Lebanon.

 

 

Topics: Battlefield Lebanon Lebanon Haredi Jews

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AN photo by Nada Hameed

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