Day: March 16, 2024

The Water Authority announced today, Saturday, that it had succeeded in bringing 5,000 liters of fuel into the Gaza Strip, to be used to operate several water wells in Gaza City and Jabalia, north of the Strip, according to the Palestinian News Agency, “Wafa”.

The Water Authority said in a statement that introducing fuel to operate water wells comes as part of its ongoing efforts to try to provide water to the people of the Gaza Strip, in recognition of the dire need for water, especially in the northern Strip.

It added: “The introduction of this amount of fuel comes as an important step towards operating as many water facilities as possible in Gaza to provide quantities of water to citizens, in response to the difficult water and humanitarian situation there.”

It explained that the wells that were operated today are estimated to supply approximately 175,000 people with quantities of water, while efforts will continue in the next few days to provide additional quantities of fuel to operate more wells, whi
ch will contribute to providing additional quantities of water to citizens, as the per capita share of water suitable for human use per day does not exceed a few liters and is constantly decreasing due to the ongoing Israeli occupation targeting of infrastructure and the complete blackout of electricity.

Source: National News Agency-Lebanon

NEW YORK: Noura Al Kaabi, Minister of State, led the United Arab Emirates’ delegation to the 68th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW). The priority theme for CSW68 is ‘Accelerating the achievement of gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls by addressing poverty and strengthening institutions and financing with a gender perspective’.

The UAE’s delegation included Mona Al Marri, Vice President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, Hanan Ahli, Managing Director of the UAE Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Center, and representatives from the UAE Ministry of Community Development and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Delivering the UAE’s national statement in the CSW68 General Debate, Minister Al Kaabi emphasised the need to protect Palestinian women and girls. She stressed the need to strengthen and develop national institutions, social protection systems, and public services to ensure that women and girls have access to quality education and put them at th
e forefront of efforts to finance climate action.

‘With projections that by 2030, 575 million people will still live in extreme poverty, we are finding ourselves in a race against time to achieve sustainable development and the 2030 Agenda,’ said Noura Al Kaabi. ‘We know all too well the detrimental impact this has had on the progress gained globally for gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls.’

Minister Al Kaabi added, ‘Today’s frameworks to advance gender equality and women’s empowerment ring hollow in the face of the war on Gaza, which is killing Palestinian women and girls. Our commitment to the promotion and protection of women and girls worldwide must extend to them, too.’

Minister Al Kaabi also participated in a Ministerial Roundtable on mobilizing financing for gender equality and the empowerment of all women and girls, specifically policies and strategies to end women and girls’ poverty. She highlighted that UAE has supported the launch of the joint UN Women and International Trade
Centre’s Global Campaign on Gender-Responsive Public Procurement, which aims to reduce barriers that women entrepreneurs face when competing for public tenders to promote their empowerment, as well as their full, equal, and meaningful participation.

On the sidelines of CSW, Al Marri met with Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. In line with the longstanding partnership between the UAE and UN Women, HE Al Marri reaffirmed the UAE’s full support for the Executive Director and the agency, and new ways to continue working together.

She also met with Pedro Conceição, Director of the Human Development Report Office at the UN Development Programme. In this year’s report, the UAE’s now ranks in the top 10 countries worldwide in advancing gender equality domestically in the Gender Inequality Index.

Al Marri also delivered the UAE’s national statement at the UN Security Council Arria-formula meeting on leveraging the synergies between the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against W
omen and the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

The UAE, the UK, UN Women, DROPS, and ODI co-hosted a high-level panel discussion on reframing security from the perspective of women and girls living under the Taliban in Afghanistan. Participants heard from Ambassador Lana Nusseibeh, Assistant Minister for Political Affairs and Permanent Representative of the UAE to the UN, Lord Ahmad of Wimbledon, UK Minister of State for the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia and the UN, and Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women. The panel included Ambassador Mitsuki Shino, Deputy Permanent Representative of Japan to the UN, Ayesha Khan, Senior Research Fellow at ODI, Mariam Safi, Executive Director of DROPS, and a civil society representative from Afghanistan.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The 13th group of wounded Palestinian children and cancer patients arrived in the UAE on early Saturday in response to the directives of President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to provide medical treatment for 1,000 wounded children, and 1,000 cancer patients from the Gaza Strip, in the UAE’s hospitals.

The initiative is a clear embodiment of the UAE’s steadfast humanitarian approach to standing by its brothers and extending a helping hand to them in various circumstances.

Departing from Al Arish International Airport, a plane landed at the Zayed International Airport, carrying 98 Palestinians, including 40 children in need of urgent medical assistance for severe injuries and burns, as well as cancer patients requiring intensive treatment. They were accompanied by 58 family members.

With the arrival of this new group of wounded and injured people, the total number of patients and companions received by hospitals in the United Arab Emirates has reached 1,154. This includes 585 w
ounded children and cancer patients, as well as 569 companions.

This initiative is part of the UAE’s ongoing multi-level efforts to provide relief to the brotherly Palestinian people and to strengthen the response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Dr. Maha Tayseer Barakat, Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Medical Affairs and Life Sciences, affirmed that the UAE is committed to alleviating the humanitarian suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza. In this context, Dr. Barakat said the wise leadership has directed that all forms of support be provided in the field of healthcare. The UAE has established a field hospital in Gaza and a floating hospital in the Egyptian city of Al Arish, in addition to providing the hospitals in the Gaza Strip with ambulances, equipment, medicines, and medical supplies, she added.

She praised the efforts of the work teams, medical professionals, and volunteers working in the treatment and care of the Palestinian brothers in the field hosp
ital in Gaza, the floating hospital in Al Arish, and the hospitals in the UAE that have received the wounded and cancer patients.

She also lauded the medical team responsible for transferring them from Gaza to the UAE in accordance with the health protocol followed in medical evacuation operations and commended the professionalism and dedication of all those involved in carrying out their humanitarian duty and in extending a helping hand to the brotherly Palestinian people in the difficult circumstances they are currently going through.

Dr. Barakat also valued the cooperation of the Egyptian authorities, who have provided all possible support and facilitation for the UAE’s humanitarian initiatives.

Upon the arrival of the plane, the medical teams began the process of transferring the wounded and injured patients whose cases required immediate transfer to hospitals for medical care. The remaining cases and companions were transferred to the Emirates Humanitarian City, where they will be staying.

For her pa
rt, Dr. Noura Khamis Al Ghaithi, Undersecretary of the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, stated that the UAE continues its humanitarian role based on the principles of giving, tolerance, and charity, following in the footsteps of the founding fathers.

In light of the circumstances facing Gaza and in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership, the medical facilities have provided comprehensive care and specialized medical and health services to the cases that have arrived from Gaza since the arrival of the first group in November of last year. She affirmed that the health sector in the emirate is fully prepared to receive and treat the cases in implementation of the directives of the wise leadership in this regard, she said.

Dr. Al Ghaithi noted the improvement in the health condition of the cases currently receiving treatment in the medical facilities, which are sparing no effort in providing the best means of treatment and supporting them in their journey towards recovery, including providing
mental health services.

This has had a positive impact on the Palestinian patients receiving care, she added.

For his part, Mubarak Al Qahtani, the official spokesperson for the Emirates Humanitarian City, indicated that as part of the process of classifying the cases arriving from the Gaza Strip, facilities have been allocated in the city for cases that do not require hospitalization and their companions. He stressed that the city meets the highest standards of security and safety to ensure maximum comfort for the guests of the UAE.

Al Qahtani added that the city includes a preventive health centre equipped with the latest medical equipment. It has been designed to the highest standards, taking into consideration the privacy and providing comfort and psychological support for the guests. In addition, the city administration has provided a nursery for children and specialized programs for school and university education so that the Palestinian students can continue their academic studies.

He also pointed
out that the city provides various recreational programs for all age groups in the outdoor facilities and indoor halls equipped with advanced entertainment facilities. The city also organises social interaction activities on a regular basis in cooperation with its partners, as part of the psychological support and to provide an environment and community that enjoy comfort, containment, and stability.

Since the beginning of the crisis, the UAE has been quick to provide urgent humanitarian, relief, and aid supplies to the Gaza Strip. These initiatives are a continuation of the UAE’s efforts to alleviate the suffering of the civilians in the Gaza Strip at an accelerated and coordinated pace in response to the deteriorating humanitarian situation, and to work to mitigate its negative effects.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The UAE has strongly condemned a terrorist attack that targeted a hotel in Somalia’s capital, Mogadishu, which resulted in a number of deaths and injuries to innocent people.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) affirmed that the UAE expresses its strong condemnation of these criminal acts and its permanent rejection of all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at undermining security and stability in contravention of international law.

The Ministry expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the government and people of the Federal Republic of Somalia, and to the families of the victims of this heinous crime, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for all the injured.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: The Friends of Cancer Patients (FOCP) has called on individuals and institutions to contribute generously to its annual Zakat initiative, which extends assistance to financially burdened cancer patients during the holy month of Ramadan.

Themed ‘Their Journey Continues with You’, the annual campaign underscores FOCP’s commitment to collective effort in combating cancer and easing the burdens on patients and their families.

This year, the campaign harnesses social media platforms to showcase the valiant struggles of cancer patients, disseminating inspiring stories of resilience and hope to engage a broader community audience.

FOCP urged the public to participate in the campaign and contribute generously to help cancer patients and their families during Ramadan.

Individuals can donate via https://www.focp.ae/zakat/ and leverage the calculator to determine the Zakat amount. Donations can also be made via bank transfers to FOCP’s Sharjah Islamic Bank account no: 0011-364854-002, IBAN: AE44041000001136
4854002. Donations can also be made by sending an SMS with the word ‘Zakat’ to the following designated Etisalat numbers to contribute: 6447 to donate AED20; 4426 to donate AED50, 4467 to donate AED200; or 2308 to donate AED500.

The campaign focuses on three main pillars: addressing the psychological fear associated with cancer, correcting misconceptions about the disease, and highlighting the transformative impact of Zakat donations.

Aisha Abdulla Al Mulla, Director of FOCP, stressed that the annual campaign aligns with the association’s commitment to mobilising the community against cancer. In addition to the support and care provided for patients and their families, it also plays a crucial role in elevating awareness about the disease, underscoring the critical importance of early detection to mitigate suffering and save lives. Al Mulla highlighted the Emirati community’s unwavering dedication to transforming its noble values and rich cultural heritage into comprehensive support for those battling cancer
.

She said, ‘This year, our ambition is not just to meet but to exceed the milestones set in 2023 in terms of the volume of donations and the number of patients we reach out to support. Our faith lies in the strength of the UAE community – individuals, institutions, citizens, and residents alike – who have consistently been integral to our journey. They are the cornerstone upon which the success of our programs and initiatives rests, driving us forward in our mission to combat cancer effectively.’

In 2023, the Zakat Campaign raised more than AED5.1 million, benefiting approximately 100 patients. The campaign included distributing around 300 food boxes to low-income families of cancer patients, that included food parcels and essential items, embodying FOCP’s vision of highlighting the Emirati community’s values of solidarity and cooperation.

Source: Emirates News Agency

SHARJAH: The emirate of Sharjah reinforced its status as a beacon of Arab culture, supporting Emirati and Arab authors and publishers, and highlighting its array of initiatives and programmes to advance the publishing industry during Sharjah Book Authority’s (SBA) participation in the London International Book Fair (LIBF) 2024, which concluded recently, leading a delegation representing the emirate’s cultural pillars.

At the international event, which annually attracts over 1,000 exhibitors and publishers worldwide, SBA showcased the latest strides and milestones achieved in Sharjah’s cultural project, born from the vision of H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, to support the publishing sector, libraries, and the broader creative industries, and create a nurturing environment for networking, exchanging expertise, and forging partnerships and deals between Emirati publishers and their global counterparts.

The Sharjah delegation at the London Internation
al Book Fair included key cultural entities, such as Al Qasimi Publications, the Department of Culture, Sharjah Publishing City, Kalimat Group, Arab Children’s Book Publisher Forum, as well as the Etisalat Award for Arabic Children’s Literature, and Turjuman Award affiliated with SBA. At the emirate’s pavilion, each entity showcased its projects, initiatives, and vision, presenting an opportunity to highlight the significance of culture, specifically books, in the UAE’s developmental journey and fostering cultural cooperation between Sharjah and the cities around the world.

Commenting on the event, Ahmed bin Rakkad Al Ameri, CEO of SBA, emphasised Sharjah’s pivotal role in enriching global culture and international initiatives due to the emirate’s extensive journey envisioned by H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, founded on nurturing and upskilling humans as a cornerstone for sustainable progress and development for nations worldwide.

He added, ‘Under
the patronage and guidance of Sheikha Bodour bint Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairperson of SBA, and in partnership with the emirate’s cultural institutions, our participation this year showcased a diverse programme to foster partnerships with global cultural hubs and forge stronger ties with leading figures in the book industry. This will stimulate the cultural scene, enhance support for publishers and translators, and underscore the critical role of creativity and innovation in propelling the influence of books in realising the aspirations of societies worldwide.’

During the book fair, SBA highlighted the unique opportunities stemming from participation in its events, such as the Sharjah International Book Fair, Publishers Conference, Sharjah International Library Conference, and Sharjah Booksellers Conference, which have been instrumental in bolstering the publishing sector and fostering translation activities across varied cultures.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: The Muslim Council of Elders, led by His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Al-Sharif, has welcomed the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution on combating Islamophobia and the appointment of a special envoy to the United Nations tasked with combating Islamophobia. This coincides with the world’s celebration of the International Day for Combating Islamophobia, which is annually observed on March 15th.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, Judge Mohamed Abdelsalam, affirmed that the UN resolution is a significant step in the right direction to encourage the efforts of the international community towards eliminating the phenomenon of Islamophobia and building a world that is more just and peaceful. He emphasised the importance of all members of society being respected and dignified, regardless of their religion or beliefs. He pointed out that Islam is a religion of mercy and peace, based on values of tolerance, justice, and benevolence, promo
ting peaceful coexistence among people of different religions and cultures.

Abdelsalam explained that combating this dangerous phenomenon is a responsibility that falls on everyone and requires concrete and effective measures, including the enactment of binding legislation, to eliminate all forms of hatred, bigotry, and Islamophobia. This would contribute to achieving international peace and security. He further affirmed that freedom of belief is one of the fundamental principles underlying human rights.

The Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders praised the statement of the United Nations Secretary-General, António Guterres, in which he affirmed that Muslims represent the wonderful diversity of the human family. Mr. Guterres highlighted the significant contributions made by Muslim scholars in culture, philosophy, and science. He emphasised that Islam, embraced by nearly two billion people, represents a pillar of common human history. Mr. Guterres called for an end to the shameful exploitation of
hatred against Muslims and exclusionary policies aimed at political gain. He described Islamophobia as a “plague” and a malignant epidemic.

The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on Friday condemning any call for religious hatred and incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence against Muslims. The resolution urges member states to take necessary measures to combat religious bigotry, negative stereotypes, hatred, and incitement to violence against Muslims, and to ban incitement to violence and its practice based on religion or belief.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI: Ahmed bin Mohamed Al Jarwan, President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace, commended the United Nations General Assembly’s adoption of a resolution aimed at combating Islamophobia.

In a statement, Al Jarwan lauded the international resolution, noting its potential to foster love, tolerance, and respect among peoples, raise awareness and accountability regarding the respect for religions, beliefs, and sanctities, ease tensions in culturally diverse regions, and facilitate further cooperation among people worldwide, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

The resolution calls for concrete actions, including those by the United Nations, to address Islamophobia, denounces incitement to discrimination, hostility, or violence against Muslims, and condemns the desecration of sacred texts.

The President of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace affirmed that the Council collaborates with its diverse partners and members worldwide to promote principles of tolerance, coexistence, and
peace, and to endorse crucial international resolutions such as this one.

Source: Emirates News Agency

The Islamic Resistance issued a communique this afternoon, indicating that its fighters, in support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip, targeted at 3:30 pm today the enemy’s al-Malikiyah post using mortar shells and ahcieving direct hits.

Source: National News Agency-Lebanon

DUBAI: The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) announced it will contribute AED 20 million to the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to honor mothers by establishing a AED 1 billion endowment fund that will support the education of millions around the world.

Coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan, the campaign promotes the values of honoring parents, kindness, compassion and solidarity in the community, and solidifies the UAE’s humanitarian role by establishing a sustainable endowment that provides education and empowerment.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Managing Director and CEO of DEWA, said: ‘We are keen to be part of all charity and humanitarian initiatives launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, a role model of generosity and a philanthropist who plays a leading role globally in extending aid to the underprivileged and those in need around the world.
Such initiatives express human solidarity and play a major role in changing the lives of millions around the world, empowering them to achieve a better life , key among which is education, by creating sustainable opportunities across underprivileged communities where people receive education and training to build capabilities and enhance stability.’

‘DEWA is honored to support the Mothers’ Endowment campaign, which celebrates and acknowledges mothers’ sacrifices and selfless giving while building upon the success of previous Ramadan campaigns launched by Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives. This campaign will significantly reduce the suffering of millions resulting from the lack of quality education -a serious challenge facing the world and hindering the fulfillment of the 4th UN sustainable development goal for 2030- to ‘ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all’,’ he added.

Proceeds from the Mothers’ Endowment campaign will go toward
s launching educational projects in underprivileged communities in partnership with humanitarian organisations.

The Mothers’ Endowment campaign continues to welcome donations and contributions to the endowment fund from institutions and individuals across six main channels including the campaign’s website (Mothersfund.ae), as well as a dedicated call center via the toll-free number (800 9999). Donations are also possible via bank transfers in the UAE dirham to the campaign bank account number with Emirates Islamic Bank (AE790340003708472909201). Donations via SMS are possible by sending the word ‘Mother’ to the following numbers (1034, 1035, 1036, 1038) for Etisalat by e and users. Other possible platforms for donating to the campaign are the DubaiNow app by clicking the ‘Donations’ tab, and Dubai’s community contributions platform Jood (Jood.ae).

Source: Emirates News Agency

Amman: As part of Jordan’s efforts to support the steadfastness of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and ease the impact of the raging Israeli war, Jordan Armed Forces – Arab Army (JAF) Saturday carried out five airdrops of medical and food aid, with the participation of Arab and friendly countries.

Two C130 aircraft of the Royal Jordanian Air Force took part in the airdrops, targeting sites in northern Gaza, one of which dropped urgent medical aid to the Jordanian field hospital, Gaza/77.

Two aircraft from Egypt and the United States also took part in the operation, along with one from Germany, which participated with JAF for the first time.

The airdrops of Jordanian aid was in cooperation with the Sultanate of Brunei and was a reaffirmation of the Kingdom’s pledge to provide assistance in all circumstances.

JAF reiterated it is continuing to send humanitarian and medical aid via an air bridge from Marka Airport to Al-Arish International Airport, airdrops or aid convoys.

Jordan is working to unify internat
ional efforts to deliver more aid to the people of Gaza to help them face the current conditions, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.

Source: Jordan News Agency

Egypt’s Ambassador to Thailand Hala Youssef discussed with Nalinee Taveesin, the Advisor to the Prime Minister and Thailand Trade Representative, prospects of boosting joint economic, trade and investment relations and taking them to a higher level, especially as both countries mark the 70th anniversary of establishing their diplomatic relations in 1954.

The two sides reviewed the volume of trade exchange that hit 1.350 billion dollars in the year 2023 as well as means of facilitating the entry of Egyptian goods to the Thai markets.

The minister highlighted Egypt’s efforts towards improving the business climate alongside key investment opportunities prioritized by the Egyptian government, namely in the domains of food industries, new and renewable energy, electronics along with the localization of automotive industries.

Youssef has further highlighted incentives offered by the Egyptian government for both local and foreign investors, according to a statement issued by the official page of the Foreign Mini
stry on the social media platform Facebook.

Meanwhile, the Thai official said that her country is keen on the development of economic relations with Egypt alongside leveraging the country’s strategic location and its free trade agreements with several countries, especially the African ones.

Source: State Information Service Egypt