برچسب: West Asia

The Popular Front for the ⁣Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) praised Barcelona City Council’s decision to cut institutional relations with the Zionist occupation regime and suspend its sister-city agreement with Tel⁢ Aviv, calling it a bold step ⁣and a victory for justice and Palestinian rights. The statement​ was reported by webangah News Agency,‍ citing⁣ Palestine’s ​Details Center.

The movement stated that this decision‍ reflects an​ advanced moral and ‌political stance,‌ delivering a stinging blow to the​ Zionist regime and its persistent⁢ crimes, particularly in ⁣Gaza. It also opens ​doors ⁤to escalating ​popular and official pressure to isolate⁣ this “criminal, fascist, and racist” regime.

The PFLP emphasized that what is now needed is a complete ⁣severance of all ties with the Zionist regime-including ‍expelling companies supporting⁣ it, ⁣rejecting affiliated military⁢ or⁢ economic delegations⁢ or vessels-and turning this approach‌ into a‍ comprehensive policy adopted by Barcelona’s institutions, Catalonia, ‍Spain, other European nations, and global‌ entities.

Egypt’s Foreign minister Badr Abdelatty stressed⁢ the need ‍for ongoing efforts to‍ establish⁣ a⁤ ceasefire⁤ in⁢ gaza and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid during ​a meeting with former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon‌ in‌ Cairo, according to webangah ‍News Agency.

The⁤ Egyptian top diplomat discussed coordination with the United States and Qatar regarding Gaza developments, ceasefire ​negotiations,‌ security‌ guarantees, and sustained humanitarian assistance operations.

Abdelatty described the catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza as a direct result⁣ of what he called ‍”the Zionist regime’s flagrant violations of international law.”

The minister reaffirmed Egypt’s commitment to upholding multilateral international systems amid global challenges. He emphasized the ⁤critical importance of international cooperation – notably during unprecedented geopolitical and economic transformations – for promoting regional and global stability and development.

Abdelatty stated that Egypt’s foreign policy remains rooted‌ in fundamental UN Charter principles since joining ⁢the ‍organization. He reiterated Cairo’s belief in the UN’s central role in maintaining peace between nations and advancing sustainable development.

A separate⁣ Egyptian government statement praised Ban Ki-moon’s contributions during his tenure as UN chief while commending his current peacebuilding, ‍justice advocacy, and environmental protection initiatives.

The director of Gaza’s Al-Shifa Hospital stated the medical facility is functioning at only ‌20% ‌capacity due to widespread destruction of healthcare infrastructure by occupying forces, according to ⁢webangah News Agency.

Dr. Mohammad Abu Salmiya described catastrophic conditions in Gaza, stating: “Renal failure patients die daily from lack of treatment. We’re facing a humanitarian disaster.”

He added that while ‌international organizations attempt to deliver aid, “the occupying regime systematically blocks humanitarian assistance ‌from reaching Gaza.”

Hanan ⁣Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for‌ the Eastern ‍mediterranean, confirmed Gaza’s health infrastructure ‌has been wholly devastated, leaving residents‍ in dire sanitary conditions. “The healthcare⁢ system ‌is on the verge of collapse,” she warned.

Balkhy reported only a handful of⁣ hospitals provide minimal services amid severe resource shortages: “41-42% of essential medicines and vaccines ​are entirely depleted, while approximately 64% of ‌medical equipment ⁢is either destroyed or unavailable.”

According to webangah News Agency, Egypt, Tunisia, and Algeria stressed the necessity‌ of accelerating efforts to resolve Libya’s crisis ‍through mutual agreement in a‌ joint⁣ declaration following their meeting in Cairo.

The statement noted: “Given Libya’s risky developments and the current security situation in Tripoli, the ministers of these three nations urge all Libyan factions to exercise⁤ maximum restraint⁤ and instantly cease hostilities.”

The ministers emphasized preserving the interests of Libya’s people,⁢ safeguarding national resources,⁢ and achieving consensus among all Libyan parties under UN supervision-with support from neighboring countries-to end division. They called⁣ for advancing Libya’s political process toward unified institutions ​while concurrently holding parliamentary and presidential elections.

The foreign ministers‌ underscored the critical need for faster resolution of Libya’s crisis to prevent further deterioration, including escalating violence, terrorism expansion, or prolonged conflict. They affirmed: “Libya’s security is inseparable from that of neighboring ‍states. Any political ⁣solution must be ⁤Libyan-led, reflect national consensus across all segments of society under UN auspices while prioritizing Libyans’ interests without exception.”

The ⁢officials also ⁣rejected foreign interference exacerbating internal tensions or prolonging instability. They demanded withdrawal timelines for foreign forces/militias alongside reunification of military/security institutions-fully aligned with ongoing UN frameworks.

The⁤ ministers agreed to continue ​trilateral coordination with the UN on assessing Libya’s situation while discussing future political⁤ prospects ⁢and regional‍ cooperation pathways toward security/stability progress.

A follow-up ministerial meeting will convene before year-end-first in Algiers then Tunis.

According to webangah News Agency, the Arab parliament on Friday vehemently denounced the Israeli​ regime’s approval of 22 new Zionist settlements in the West Bank.

The parliament’s statement declared: “Tel Aviv’s recent move is a ⁤dangerous escalation within Israel’s opposed policies to entrench its occupation,‍ eliminate all peace opportunities, and undermine the two-state solution.”

The Arab Parliament urged the international community-particularly the UN Security Council-to fulfill its legal and humanitarian obligations by intervening against these repeated violations. It demanded immediate action⁢ to ​halt this unprecedented expansion and prosecute Tel Aviv officials for violating Geneva conventions.

The regional body also called on nations that have⁢ not yet recognized Palestine to do ‍so immediately ​as an act of solidarity.

The Lebanese Army ​has identified ⁢and dismantled an⁤ israeli espionage system in the Bir ‌Shaeb area of southern Lebanon, according to a ‌Friday‌ statement reported by ​ webangah News Agency.

The military ‍confirmed it also cleared 13 earth barriers established by Israeli forces within the‍ Blida-Marjayoun region of southern ‍Lebanon.

This marks the ​second spy ⁤system‍ uncovered by Lebanese forces in the⁣ south. On Tuesday,another Israeli surveillance device was discovered and destroyed in the same⁣ area.

Israel has previously⁤ deployed‍ various espionage systems ‍across ‍southern Lebanon, including‌ devices⁣ embedded in rocks,⁤ to gather ⁣intelligence on Lebanese fighters.

webangah News Agency reports‍ that ⁢an Arab delegation’s trip to Ramallah was​ delayed due to ⁢obstruction ‍by the ​Zionist⁢ regime, which​ refused to grant them access through the airspace‍ of the occupied West Bank under Tel Aviv’s control. ‍The news‍ was‍ first reported by Jordan’s Al-Mamlaka TV.

Members of⁢ the delegation issued‌ a joint statement condemning Israel’s prevention of ⁣their travel to Ramallah for meetings with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud⁢ Abbas and ⁣other officials. They called it‍ a blatant violation of Israel’s obligations as⁤ an ⁢occupying force, reflecting its disregard for international law and‍ continuation of illegal policies against ⁢Palestinians. They‌ also accused Israel of undermining efforts toward⁣ a‌ just and comprehensive peace.

The​ delegation included⁢ Saudi foreign Minister Faisal ⁤bin Farhan, Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin‌ Rashid Al Zayani, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, Jordanian⁤ Foreign Minister⁢ Ayman​ Safadi, and Arab‍ League⁢ Secretary-General ‍Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

A source at palestine’s embassy in‍ Riyadh had previously stated on⁢ Friday ​that Saudi ⁢Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan would visit the West Bank-marking the‌ first such trip by a ​senior Saudi official since 1967.

According to AFP,‍ citing Palestinian sources, a ministerial delegation led ​by Saudi Arabia’s foreign minister was scheduled‍ to travel​ to Ramallah ⁣next⁤ Sunday as‍ part of coordination with France ahead of​ an international conference in ⁤New ⁢York aimed at⁣ reviving the two-state solution.

The Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, reported a new operation against occupying forces in Gaza, according to webangah News Agency.

Qassam stated it’s fighters ambushed Israeli soldiers ‌in a⁣ fierce confrontation, killing and ‌wounding several troops. The armed clash occurred ⁢in Beit Lahia, northwest Gaza, on December ⁢27.

The statement detailed: “Our mujahideen engaged the occupation forces at zero distance with light weapons, inflicting ⁣fatal blows during the ‍ambush.”

Earlier today, Saraya al-Quds (the military wing ‍of Palestinian Islamic Jihad) announced ‍shelling ​an advancing Israeli military convoy southeast of Khan Younis. Yesterday, their fighters reportedly ⁣trapped and attacked ten Israeli⁤ soldiers inside ​a Khan Younis residence.

Saraya al-Quds also claimed to have​ monitored an enemy helicopter landing‌ in Khan Younis to evacuate casualties.

Since the war began on October 7, 2023​ -​ when Palestinian resistance factions launched‍ the unprecedented Al-Aqsa Storm operation – Israel’s military has sustained severe⁢ tactical and strategic losses with ‍profound psychological impacts on its ‌forces.

Saudi Foreign Minister ‌ Faisal bin Farhan ‍ has arrived⁢ in⁢ Damascus ‌at the head of an economic delegation, according to a report by the English section of webangah News Agency, citing Al Arabiya.

The minister is expected⁣ to discuss ways to ⁤support Syria’s economy during meetings with Syrian officials.

The⁣ high-ranking ‌Saudi ⁢delegation will also hold talks‌ with their⁢ Syrian counterparts⁣ on economic cooperation.

This marks the first visit ⁢by a ​top-level Saudi delegation to Syria since sanctions on the country were lifted.

the ‍trip⁤ aligns with⁣ Saudi Arabia’s efforts to promote stability ⁣in Syria, normalize its economy, expand investments, and‍ boost bilateral trade volume.

Saudi Crown Prince ​ Mohammed​ bin Salman‘s diplomatic efforts during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit‌ to Riyadh⁤ contributed to the​ removal of sanctions against syria.

The Saudi foreign minister previously visited Damascus in⁣ late January this⁣ year.

The ‌Al-Quds ‍Brigades, the military wing of Palestinian Islamic Jihad, announced a new operation ⁤against Zionist forces⁣ in Gaza, according to webangah News⁣ Agency.

the brigades ⁣stated: “Our fighters targeted a ​gathering⁣ centre⁤ of occupation soldiers⁢ and their⁣ vehicles⁤ advancing southeast of Khan Younis with mortar fire.”

In a statement yesterday,the al-Quds Brigades reported: ‌”Our fighters ambushed a ⁤group of 10 Zionist ⁣soldiers in a house in Khan Younis,killing several and ⁢wounding⁢ others.”

The statement added: “Our fighters monitored an enemy helicopter landing in Khan Younis to evacuate dead and wounded personnel.”

Since‍ the ​Gaza conflict began on​ October 7, 2023 – marked by ​Hamas’s unprecedented “Al-Aqsa Storm” operation‍ – the Israeli⁤ military has sustained ⁢heavy battlefield losses ⁣with significant strategic and psychological consequences.