International

The commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine Oleksandr Syrskyi affirmed that the Ukrainian soldiers stationed in the war front line need more weapons and Ammo, renewing his call on the west to accelerate the pace of delivery of weapons and military hardware to Ukraine.The Ukrainian soldiers stationed in the front line are running short of weapons and Ammo. And the situation has remained precarious in some sites, with the Russian forces largely intensifying airstrike operations using drones that destroy the Ukrainian sites, Syrskyi told Ukrainian National News Agency 'Ukrinform'. (QNA)

Ireland said on Wednesday it would intervene in South Africa's genocide case against Israel, in the strongest signal to date of Dublin's concern about Israeli operations in Gaza since Oct. 7.Announcing the move, Foreign Minister Micheal Martin said that while it was for the World Court to decide whether genocide is being committed, he wanted to be clear that Hamas' Oct. 7 attack and what is happening in Gaza now "represents the blatant violation of international humanitarian law on a mass scale.""The taking of hostages. The purposeful withholding of humanitarian assistance to civilians. The targeting of civilians and of civilian infrastructure. The indiscriminate use of explosive weapons in populated areas. The use of civilian objects for military purposes. The collective punishment of an entire population," Martin said in a statement."The list goes on. It has to stop. The view of the international community is clear. Enough is enough."In January the International Court of Justice (ICJ), also known as the World Court, ordered Israel to refrain from any acts that could fall under the Genocide Convention and to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts against Palestinians, after South Africa accused Israel of state-led genocide in Gaza.Israel and its Western allies described the allegation as baseless. A final ruling in South Africa's ICJ case in The Hague could take years.Martin did not say what form the intervention would take or outline any argument or proposal Ireland plans to put forward.Martin's department said such third party interventions do not take a specific side in the dispute, but that the intervention would be an opportunity for Ireland to put forward its interpretation of one or more of the provisions of the Genocide Convention at issue in the case.The Hamas-led attack killed 1,200 people and resulted in more than 250 being taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's assault on Gaza has killed more than 32,000 people, according to Hamas-run health authorities in Gaza.Long a champion of Palestinian rights, Ireland last week joined Spain, Malta and Slovenia in taking the first steps toward recognising statehood declared by the Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip.

The UN expert who concluded Israel was committing acts of genocide in the Gaza Strip received broad support at the United Nations on Tuesday, with countries speaking up to back her and her report.Francesca Albanese, the special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, told the UN Human Rights Council that countries should impose an arms embargo and sanctions on Israel.Expanding in person on her report released Monday, Albanese said Israel was characterising the entire Gazan population as "targetable, killable and destroyable", and had ostentatiously laid bare its "genocidal intent" to "rid Palestine of Palestinians".Dozens of diplomats, mostly representing Arab and Muslim countries but also Latin America, took the floor to defend her mandate and her work.Pakistan, speaking for the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, backed her call for sanctions and an arms embargo."We commend your courage in documenting the... acts amounting to genocide in Gaza," Islamabad's representative said."The occupation force's dangerous and ruthless push for a final solution to the Palestinian question is plain for all to see, as its forces encircle Rafah like vultures and its ravenous land grab continues unabated in the West Bank."Egypt, speaking for Arab group countries, affirmed their support for her mandate and said they were gravely concerned about Israel's "structured and systematic attack to make the Gaza Strip uninhabitable".And Qatar, on behalf of the Gulf Cooperation Council, thanked Albanese for her report and demanded the international community "put an end to genocide being perpetrated by the Israeli war machinery".In her speech, Albanese told the top UN rights body that Israel had "destroyed Gaza"."When genocidal intent is so conspicuous, so ostentatious, as it is in Gaza, we cannot avert our eyes: we must confront genocide, we must prevent it and we must punish it," she said."The genocide in Gaza is the most extreme stage of a long-standing settler-colonial process of erasure of the native Palestinians."Special rapporteurs are independent experts appointed by the Human Rights Council but they do not speak on behalf of the UN.Albanese's speech concluded to applause in the chamber. Israel was not present, nor was its chief ally the United States.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Saturday vowed to punish those behind a "barbaric terrorist attack" on a Moscow concert hall that killed more than 130, saying Russia had arrested four gunmen who were trying to flee to Ukraine.Kyiv has strongly denied any connection, and Putin made no reference to claims of responsibility by the Islamic State group (IS) in his first public remarks on the attack.At least 133 people were killed when camouflaged gunmen stormed the Crocus City Hall, in Moscow's northern suburb of Krasnogorsk, and then set fire to the building on Friday evening.The jihadist group has claimed the attack, writing on a Telegram channel that it was "carried out by four IS fighters armed with machine guns, a pistol, knives and firebombs," as part of "the raging war" with "countries fighting Islam".Russian officials expect the death toll to rise further, with more than 100 injured in hospital."Terrorists, murderers, non-humans ... have only one unenviable fate: retribution and oblivion," Putin said in a televised address to the nation.Calling the attack a "barbaric, terrorist act", he said "all four direct perpetrators ... all those who shot and killed people, have been found and detained"."They tried to escape and were travelling towards Ukraine, where, according to preliminary data, a window was prepared for them on the Ukrainian side to cross the state border," he added.He named Sunday a day of national mourning.Russia arrested 11 people in connection with the attack on Saturday, the FSB security service said.Kyiv, facing a Russian military offensive for the past two years, had "nothing to do" with the attack, presidential aide Mykhailo Podolyak said in a statement.Some 107 people were still in hospital, many in a critical condition, Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova said.Investigators said people died both from gunshot wounds and smoke inhalation after a fire engulfed the 6,000-seater venue.The head of the state-run RT media outlet, Margarita Simonyan posted two videos claiming to be interrogations of two handcuffed suspects, who both admitted to the attack but did not say who organised it.The interior ministry said all four of the suspected gunmen were from Tajikistan, a country that borders Afghanistan and where the jihadist group is active.In Moscow, residents stood in long lines in the rain to donate blood for those hospitalised, and mourners came to lay flowers outside the concert hall.Major events were cancelled across the country.Statements of condemnation from world leaders continued to roll in.Russia's powerful intelligence services were also in the spotlight in the wake of the attack.Just three days earlier, Putin had publicly dismissed a US warning of an "imminent" attack in Moscow as propaganda designed to scare Russian citizens.The US embassy in Russia had warned on 7 March that "extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, to include concerts".Washington said after the attack it had also shared details directly with Moscow.But speaking to FSB chiefs last Tuesday, Putin had called it a "provocative" statement and "outright blackmail... to intimidate and destabilise our society".

Efforts to deliver aid to war-torn Gaza by constructing a seaport or through airdrops are a sign of international powerlessness to end the conflict, the head of Amnesty International said Wednesday.Gaza is suffering a severe humanitarian crisis as Israel's war on Hamas drags on, with the United Nations warning of looming famine as the flow of aid trucks from Egypt has slowed.With only a small fraction of the basic supplies needed to sustain Gaza's 2.4 million people coming in by land, foreign governments have turned to airdrops and a maritime corridor from Cyprus.But Agnes Callamard, Amnesty's secretary general, said nobody was holding Israel to account over the delays to deliveries by land."The international community must be prepared to hold Israel to account... We're not holding the stick that will allow for those violations to stop," she said in Madrid."So the airdrops, the construction of a port, are a sign of powerlessness and weakness on the part of the international community. Meanwhile, we continue to transfer weapons. That's really unacceptable."Earlier this month, US President Joe Biden said Washington was planning to establish a temporary port for aid deliveries to Gaza, which the Pentagon said would take up to 60 days and involve 1,000 US personnel.But Callamard said it was a "huge concern" that the international community seemed to have accepted that the deadly conflict would drag on."The proposed investment into building a port and transporting humanitarian assistance via sea appears to indicate that the international community... are expecting the situation to last. Why are you making an investment that is going to take two months?" she said."That is extremely worrisome. More than 30,000 people have died."Her remarks came after Amnesty and 24 other humanitarian organisations issued a statement saying air drops and sea routes were "no alternative to aid delivery by land" as they could only provide a fraction of the assistance."Airdrops are unable to provide the volumes of assistance that can be transported by land. While a convoy of five trucks has the capacity to carry about 100 tonnes of lifesaving assistance, recent airdrops delivered only a few tons of aid each," it said.Callamard said much more was needed."We really need to be exploring other means and building a port that's going to take two or three months is just not good enough," she said."We need to do far more if we are to uphold international obligations, including the responsibility to prevent genocide."

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani discussed, in a phone call Wednesday with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen ways to enhance and develop co-operation between Qatar and the European Union.The call also dealt with exchanging views on the most prominent regional and international developments, particularly developments in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received a phone call Wednesday from President of the European Council Charles Michel.During the call, they discussed co-operation relations between Qatar and the European Union and ways to strengthen them, in addition to the key regional and global developments, particularly the situation in the Gaza Strip and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.

The State of Qatar and the French Republic reaffirmed, in a joint communique issued on the occasion of the state visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the French Republic on February 27 and 28, the depth and breadth of their strategic partnership and their rejection of the killing and starving of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.In the joint communique, the two countries stressed their opposition to any offensive on Rafah. They called for the opening of all crossings, including that in the North of the Gaza Strip to allow for the flow of humanitarian aid to resume and pledged jointly $200million aid in support of the Palestinian population.The full Communique reads as follows:At the invitation of the President of the French Republic, Emmanuel Macron, His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani conducted a state visit to France on 27 and 28 February 2024.The Amir of Qatar and President of the French Republic praised the depth and breadth of the strategic partnership between their two countries, an alliance anchored in a relationship of trust and longstanding bilateral cooperation. They welcomed the forthcoming Third France-Qatar Strategic Dialogue to be held in Paris.GazaThe Amir of Qatar and President of the French Republic expressed their deepest concern at the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.The President of the French Republic expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar's mediation efforts, to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 2023. These efforts led to a first humanitarian pause and the release of 105 hostages, the increase in emergency humanitarian assistance into Gaza and simultaneously reduced regional tensions.Both leaders expressed the necessity for the ongoing mediation efforts to succeed in delivering a truce and the release of hostages, including three French citizens. They praised the recent joint Qatar-France effort in brokering an agreement to bring vital medicines and other humanitarian aid into Gaza for the affected civilian population and for medicine to the remaining hostages.The leaders stressed the urgent need for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire, in order to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza on a massive scale and to ensure protection for civilians. They stressed their opposition to an offensive on Rafah. They called for the opening of all crossings, including in the North of the Gaza Strip to allow for humanitarian actors to resume their activities and notably the delivery of food supply and pledged jointly 200 Million dollars effort in support of the Palestinian population. The Amir of Qatar expressed his deep appreciation for Qatar's and France's continuing and coordinated efforts with regional partners to increase the emergency humanitarian assistance into Gaza and to reduce regional tensions. They reiterated the constant engagement at the highest levels of their respective governments over the last months in that regard, notably through joint humanitarian operations such as collective airdrops and freight delivery conducted on February 26th and 27th. Both leaders condemned all forms of targeting of civilians. The leaders recalled the necessity to protect journalists working in conflict zones.They recalled their commitment to advancing decisively an inclusive negotiated political process that achieves a comprehensive, permanent, and just peace and recalled that the only viable solution is the two-state solution, including the establishment of a Palestinian state based on the 1967 lines aiming at Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security. They reiterated the need for security guarantees for both States in the future, through initiatives aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence. Qatar and France strongly support the historic status quo on the holy sites of Jerusalem.Regional situationThe two leaders expressed deep concern at the risk of regional escalation in the wake of the 7 October attacks and the conflict in Gaza. Both sides expressed concern at policies that contribute to de-stabilization in the region and beyond. The leaders also reviewed policies addressing vital maritime routes and security.The leaders expressed their deep concern over threats on maritime security and navigational freedom in the Red sea, highlighting the importance of addressing these issues in line with UNSCR 2722 (2024) in order to prevent regional tensions and ensure maritime security. They emphasized the need for a cessation of attacks which impede global commerce and undermine navigational rights and freedoms in the Red Sea.LebanonBoth leaders reaffirmed their dedication to addressing the political and economic challenges afflicting Lebanon, where the population is continuously suffering. They emphasized the critical need for the election of a Lebanese President and to continue the coordination on this matter. Both leaders reminded the need to swiftly form a fully empowered government and implement the reforms needed to put an end to the crisis. They commended the aid and support granted by both France and Qatar to the Lebanese population and Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF).They highlighted the risk of regional tensions, and underscored the necessity for all involved actors to show restraint. Both leaders asserted their commitment to sovereignty and stability of Lebanon, and to contributing to de-escalation through full respect of the United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701. They also stressed their readiness to further support the Lebanese Armed Forces in this context, including through an international conference to be held in Paris. Finally, they reiterated their full support to UNIFIL and the need to preserve its freedom of movement and ability to exercise its mandate.UkraineBoth leaders expressed their firm condemnation of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine, in violation of international law and the UN Charter. They expressed their deep concern about the dire human rights and humanitarian consequences of the war and their willingness to work together to mitigate these consequences. They also deplored the global impact of the war, especially on food security, energy, nuclear security and safety and the environment.They underscored Ukraine's inherent right to self-defence and their support for Ukraine sovereignty and territorial integrity. They expressed their support to a just and lasting peace, in line with international law and the UN Charter as put forth in President Zelensky's Peace Formula. They underlined the need to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law committed on the territory of Ukraine.France commended the State of Qatar for its role in mediating between Russia and Ukraine to reunify Ukrainian children abducted from their families. These efforts are continuing and have culminated in the reunification of 24 Ukrainian children with their families in Ukraine to date.Global issuesThe Amir of Qatar and the President of the French Republic recalled their joint commitment to implement the Sustainable Development Goals, as well as objectives of the Paris agreement on climate and the Montreal-Kunming Global Framework on biodiversity, and to align their nation's policies on these objectives and frameworks. They stand ready to commit to new efforts towards meeting the Sustainable Development Goals, in particular for children, together with the international community gathered in Paris for the 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and in the perspective of the United Nations Secretary General's Summit for the Future next September.Following France's participation to the fifth United Nations Conference on the Least Developed Countries in Doha in March 2023 and Qatar's participation to the Summit for a New Global Financing Pact in Paris in June 2023, the two Heads of State shared their support for a strong reform of the international financial architecture along the lines of the Paris Pact for the People and Planet to mobilize all sources of financing, including official development assistance, national resources and private investment to make sure that all countries have sufficient resources to never have to choose between fighting poverty and protecting the planet.In that spirit, they underlined the progress achieved through the One Planet Sovereign Wealth Fund network and their will to support this initiative into more concrete action towards greening the financial system.On the protection of the environment, they stated their intention to cooperate closely on the preparation of the next United Nations Ocean Conference, to be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, in France, in June 2025, inter alia to support a blue carbon economy and the fight against illicit fishing.On global health, they shared a common view that training of human resources throughout all continents is an essential component of the preparation against the next pandemics, a priority which has led to the creation of the World Health Organization Academy in Lyon.On new technologies, they welcomed the fact that Qatar joined the group of friends of the World Health Organization Academy and will continue to support the strengthening of capacities and training in the health sector, especially in least developed countries.Qatar and France expressed their commitment to support access to a safe artificial intelligence so that their economies and their citizens, as well as those of their partners around the world, can enjoy the benefits of innovation while preserving their rights. In that perspective, their shared their intention to work closely towards the next Summit on Artificial Intelligence, to be hosted by France, with a view to agree by then on a new international governance of artificial intelligence.They underlined their common attachment to Francophonie of which Qatar is an associated member and reiterated their commitment to supporting French speaking education and linguistic pluralism.The two Heads of State stated their determination to align their nations policies within these objectives and frameworks.Culture Cooperation, Education and SportIn a mark of their attachment to cooperation in the field of culture, the Amir of Qatar and the President of the French Republic welcomed the upcoming partnership between French flagship institutions and Qatar Museums as promising a wealth of new prospects for artistic and cultural exchanges highlighting a shared desire to continue forging strong cultural ties.The Amir of Qatar looked forward to further cooperation with the Institut du Monde Arabe (IMA) in its mission to promote intercultural dialogue between the Arabic and the French cultures, including through the teaching of the Arabic language in France.Qatar and France committed to support increased students mobility in between the two countries and praised in this regard the "France Days in Doha" on 3 and 4 March, aimed at promoting partnerships between French higher education institutions and Qatar. The coming study tour in France, in May, of 32 young Qatari leaders whom have been selected and trained by the Qatar Leadership Center, illustrates the promising cooperation in this field.In the field of education and research, the Amir of Qatar and the President of the French Republic welcomed the signing of agreements between several partner institutions in France and Qatar, namely the Assembly of directors of university technological institutes (ADIUT) and the University of Doha for Science and Technology, Sciences Po, HEC and Qatar University as pillars of our academic cooperation.The two Parties agreed to continue supporting the development of the two schools, Lycee Bonaparte and Lycee Voltaire, in Qatar and the creation of new education projects in the interests of both countries. They committed to upholding programs and initiatives aimed at introducing French into the Qatari state schooling system.Qatar and France are two sporting nations that aspire to develop the sporting activities of their citizens, and have solid expertise in the organization of major international sporting events. French and Qatari sports stakeholders therefore have common interests to share in terms of sport, and numerous opportunities for cooperation. The Amir of Qatar and the President of the French Republic welcomed that this cooperation between their two countries will be strengthened, in particular to contribute to the development and promotion of soccer.In forging their dynamic partnership, the State of Qatar and the French Republic remain committed to ever-deepening dialogue and long-term cooperation.

With depleted Ukrainian forces very much on the defensive, and a number of Defence Ministry corruption scandals, Ukraine’s chances of success against fighting off Russia are getting slimmer by the day. Zelenskyy recently declared that a ‘new beginning is necessary’. However, it is up for debate whether this was a real statement of claim, or just a method of muting the potential backlash against his firing General Zaluzhny – which has been the most significant change in military leadership since the invasion.Zelenskyy’s plans to reshuffle the government signify a break in nearly two years of continuity in the wartime administration as he had mostly left in place ministers serving before Russia’s full-scale invasion. Before that his government had been a revolving door of ministers. Zaluzhny has enjoyed huge support from Ukraine’s military and civil society – in a Ukrainian poll released in December, 88% of Ukrainians said that they trusted Zaluzhny, compared with 62% who trusted Zelenskyy. Zaluzhny’s dismissal therefore will undoubtably have a negative impact on military and civilian morale.The move may also fuel concerns about instability in Ukraine’s wartime leadership and raise questions about whether President Zelenskyy is moving towards becoming an undemocratic leader. Reportedly, Zelenskyy has sought to keep Zaluzhny, whom he has viewed as a potential future presidential competitor, out of the public eye, bypassing him during key moments of the war by communicating orders to the general’s subordinates. The decision in December not to hold an election as scheduled may be a demonstration of the non-democratic nature of the Ukrainian nation now, and further throws Zelenskyy’s legitimacy into doubt. Speculation regarding sincerity and a lack of transparency around decision-making processes is a sign of a trend toward authoritarianism.However, there is an alternate perspective that views Zelenskyy's actions as an earnest effort to combat corruption within the government. Several senior ministers have been suspended due to corruption allegations, on one hand reflecting the depth of the corruption in Ukrainian ranks but on the other signalling a commitment to addressing these deep-rooted issues. The Security Service of Ukraine (SSU) recently uncovered a scheme involving officials and businessmen embezzling around $40 million through securing advance payment for artillery shells that were never provided. This scandal is not an isolated incident but emblematic of systemic issues plaguing the state's governance. Officials appointed by Zelenskyy have been implicated in corporate raiding and war profiteering since the war began.One example can be found in Concorde Capital, where Ihor Mazepa, owner of the leading Ukrainian brokerage, was recently detained and later charged with running an illegal scheme to privatise land on the edge of Kyiv over a decade ago. The arrest of Mazepa, someone described as a ‘prominent figure in Ukraine's investment circles’, and the significant bail of 700 million Hryvnyas (US $18 million) initially imposed against him reportedly ‘struck a nerve’ in Ukraine’s business community, where RFE/RL suggests that frustration has been mounting since early 2023 over what some say is rising corruption in law enforcement.According to recent media, the 47-year-old had become one of the business community's most vocal critics of the security forces and the government after prosecutors last year seized his quarries and raided one of his companies that was developing a natural-gas field. His brokerage rejected the allegations, called his arrest revenge for his public comments and described the search of his office as ‘illegal’.Another example can be found with Sense Bank of Ukraine, where the former owners are seeking justice through the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) in Washington DC. The rushed nationalisation of the bank and ongoing dispute underscores the need for international intervention to protect businesses and investors from the arbitrary actions of the Ukrainian government.The reluctance of the Western bloc to provide even further assistance to Ukraine amidst these developments is unsurprising. Western investors are apprehensive about the business environment, and US Republican lawmakers express scepticism due to concerns over corruption and the perceived lack of accountability over aid. However, if Zelenskyy's actions indeed signal a much-needed overhaul, future assistance becomes more probable.Ukraine now stands at a pivotal moment. To restore Western faith in its leadership and its ability to resist Russian aggression, Zelenskyy and his nation must tread carefully. Transparent and accountable governance, a steadfast commitment to democratic principles, and genuine efforts to eradicate corruption will be imperative to garner and keep international support. The 'new beginning' promised by Zelenskyy must not be mere rhetoric but a tangible commitment to forging a stronger, more resilient Ukraine in the face of adversity.

British authorities said that the crew of a Belize-flagged, British-registered cargo vessel (Rubymar) have abandoned ship off Yemen after it was hit by missiles fired by the Houthi group.The Rubymar was in the Gulf of Aden near the Bab al-Mandab Strait when it was hit and the crew abandoned ship, (BBC) reported.On Monday a Houthi spokesman said the vessel suffered "catastrophic damage" and had sunkHe also said that Houthi forces had attacked two US-owned cargo vessels in the Gulf of Aden.The strikes on the Rubymar are among the most damaging attacks so far by the Houthis.The UK government said the Rubymar was taking on water, had been abandoned and the crew taken to safety.It condemned the attacks as "completely unacceptable" and said the UK and its allies reserved the right to respond appropriately.The Houthis have launched dozens of missiles and drones at Western commercial and naval ships since mid-November, prompting many shipping companies to stop using the critical waterway, which accounts for about 12% of global maritime trade.The US and British forces began carrying out airstrikes on military targets across Houthi-controlled western Yemen in response to their attacks last month. (QNA)

Voters in Finland are choosing Sunday between two veteran politicians to be their next president - former prime minister Alexander Stubb and former foreign minister Pekka Haavisto, in a run-off election for the presidency after no candidate secured sufficient votes in the first round two weeks ago.Stubb, a conservative, and Haavisto of the Greens garnered the most votes of the nine candidates in the first round. Stubb got 27.2% of the vote, while Haavisto got 25.8%.The victor will take office at the beginning of March, succeeding President Sauli Niinist who has completed two six-year terms and is not permitted to stand again.The Finnish president is elected directly and holds significant powers in foreign and security policy, apart from their ceremonial role. (QNA)

King Charles III has been diagnosed with a form of cancer and has begun treatment, Buckingham Palace said on Monday, just a week after he was discharged from hospital for prostate surgery.The announcement prompted a flood of messages of support, with the 75-year-old monarch's estranged son Prince Harry saying he had spoken with the king about his diagnosis and would visit his father.His younger son who now lives in California with his wife Meghan said he would travel to see the king in the UK over the coming days, a source close to Harry said.Charles, who became king upon the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, on September 8, 2022, has generally enjoyed good health, barring injuries from polo and skiing.But the palace said that during his recent hospital procedure for benign prostate enlargement "a separate issue of concern was noted"."Subsequent diagnostic tests have identified a form of cancer," the palace said in a statement, adding that he had begun treatment, but without elaborating on the type of cancer found or how advanced it was.The palace said the king "remains wholly positive" and "looks forward to returning to full public duty as soon as possible".In the meantime he had been advised by doctors to postpone public duties although he would continue to "undertake state business and official paperwork as usual", it said.The king won plaudits for being open about his benign prostate condition, with doctors saying many more members of the public had come forward with symptoms.The palace added that Charles had chosen to share his cancer diagnosis "to prevent speculation and in the hope it may assist public understanding for all those around the world who are affected by cancer".Messages wishing Charles a swift recovery flooded in following the shock statement from the palace."Wishing His Majesty a full and speedy recovery. I have no doubt he'll be back to full strength in no time and I know the whole country will be wishing him well," wrote Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on X, formerly Twitter.US President Joe Biden said he was "concerned" about King Charles while Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said he and the nation were "thinking of his majesty King Charles III as he undergoes treatment for cancer"."We're sending him our very best wishes - and hoping for a fast and full recovery," he added.The diagnosis will prolong a frontline shortage of royals created by Charles's prostate procedure and the almost simultaneous hospitalisation of Catherine, Princess of Wales.Catherine, 42, who is the wife of Charles's son and heir to the throne Prince William, underwent abdominal surgery at the same hospital where Charles was treated.She left last Monday on the same day as Charles following a stay of around of two weeks and may not return to public duties until late March.Her husband William, 41, also stepped back temporarily from planned engagements to help care for their three children.The pair's absence left Queen Camilla, Charles's 76-year-old wife, as the most visible face of the royal family.William is expected to return to royal duties this week.At the time of Catherine's operation, Kensington Palace stressed that her condition was not linked to cancer, without elaborating.

Palestinians said the World Court let them down by failing to order a halt to the Israeli military offensive in Gaza, but they also described the proceedings as a victory which had inspired hope of accountability.The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to prevent any acts of genocide against the Palestinians and do more to help suffering civilians. However, it stopped short of ordering a ceasefire as requested by South Africa, which brought the case.Friday's proceedings were broadcast live across the Arab world and in Israel, which rejects South Africa's claims that it has committed genocide.At a shelter for people displaced by Israeli bombardment in southern Gaza, people gathered around a radio to follow the news."We, the displaced, the bereaved families and those who lost their homes, had an ambition the court would call for an immediate ceasefire," said Mustafa Ibrahim, a human rights activist."Despite that, what happened was a victory," added Ibrahim, a resident of Gaza City who now lives in a shelter with his family of seven in Rafah in the south of the enclave.South Africa asked the ICJ to grant emergency measures to halt the fighting. More than 26,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to authorities in Gaza.Israel mounted the offensive in response to cross-border attacks by Hamas on Oct. 7 in which 1,200 people were killed and around 250 abducted, according to Israeli figures.The assault has laid waste to much of the Gaza Strip and uprooted most of its 2.3 million residents.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed the ICJ's decision not to order a ceasefire but rejected the claim of genocide as "outrageous" and said Israel would continue to defend itself. Israel says it makes the utmost efforts to avoid civilian casualties.Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son is being held hostage in Gaza, said he was encouraged by the ICJ's call for the release of the captives.While the ruling dashed Palestinian hopes of a binding order to halt the war, it also represented a legal setback for Israel, which had hoped to throw out a case brought under the genocide convention established after the Holocaust.Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh of the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority said Palestinians had hoped the ruling would include an immediate ceasefire.But the decision "confirms the end of Israel's time with impunity and puts it in the dock as a war criminal", he said.The court did not rule at this stage on the core of the case brought by South Africa - whether genocide has occurred in Gaza.In the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Palestinians watched on a big screen at government offices in Ramallah. One held a banner saying "Thank You South Africa".Senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the ruling was an important development that contributed to isolating Israel and exposing what it described as its crimes in Gaza.The court found that Palestinians were protected under the convention and there was a case to be heard about whether their rights were being denied in a war that it said was causing grievous humanitarian harm.Palestinian politician Mustafa Barghouti said the ICJ's acceptance of the case "means putting Israel on trial for its crimes for the first time".

Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson welcomed the Turkish Parliaments ratification of his countrys application for membership in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).Kristersson confirmed, in a press statement on Wednesday, that his country is one step away from gaining full membership in the alliance.In turn, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg welcomed the step taken by Turkiye, and urged Hungary to follow suit."I welcome the vote by the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye to ratify Sweden's membership in NATO," Stoltenberg said in a statement, adding that he would "count on Hungary to complete its national ratification as soon as possible".At the recent Vilnius summit, all NATO members agreed to invite Sweden to join our alliance, and Sweden has fulfilled its obligations, Stoltenberg added.The Turkish Parliament approved on Tuesday a draft law approving the protocol for Swedens accession to NATO. Last October, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan signed the protocol for Sweden's accession to the alliance, before referring it to Parliament.Hungary, which becomes the only country not to have ratified Sweden's accession to NATO yet, has provided its initial support, but first calls for "resolving the differences" with Sweden that prevent it from ratifying the latter's accession to the alliance. (QNA)

Deputy to the High Representative of the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs Adedeji Ebo warned of the continued flow of weapons to both sides of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis.Ebo said in his briefing to the UN Security Council (UNSC) that "the provision of military assistance and transfers of arms and ammunition to the Ukrainian Armed Forces have continued," and included the provision of battle tanks, combat aircraft, helicopters and other military equipment.He said that "there have been reports of States transferring or planning to transfer weapons such as uncrewed aerial vehicles, ballistic missiles and ammunition to the Russian Federation Armed Forces," expressing concern over reports related to the transfer and use of cluster munitions throughout the conflict.The UN official warned that "the large-scale influx of weapons and ammunition into any armed conflict raises significant concerns for peace and security."He added that the UN will continue to work to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, reiterating the UN Secretary-Generals call for " all countries to do their part to prevent further escalation, and to lay the foundations for sustainable peace."On Feb. 24, 2022, Russia began a military operation in Ukraine, and international and regional efforts have not succeeded in ending it so far. (QNA)

The Russian Ministry of Defense announced that a drone was shot down over the Russian Saratov Oblast.A statement issued by the ministry said that Russian air defense systems thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to launch an attack on targets in Russian territory on Tuesday night, and shot down a Ukrainian drone over Saratov Oblast.Governor of Saratov Oblast Roman Busargin affirmed in statements that no one was injured in the accident, and that the infrastructure and residential buildings in the area were not damaged. (QNA)

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani discussed in two phone calls with British counterpart, David Cameron, and French counterpart, Catherine Colonna, the developments in the Middle East, Ukraine, and the Red Sea.The Italian Foreign Ministry stated in a statement that within the framework of the contacts of the Italian presidency of the Group of Seven countries (G7), Tajani discussed the tense situation in the Middle East and proposed to his counterparts to define common forms of pressure at the G7 level on the parties involved to achieve certain objectives.Tajani emphasized the "absolute necessity is to immediately limit the number of Palestinian civilian victims, in addition to putting pressure on the Israeli government to conclude the military operations in the Gaza Strip.He also stressed that Italy "intends to confirm the strong and coherent support of the G7 for Ukraine, which must continue to count on our commitment to a just and lasting peace, and also in light of the reconstruction process".The situation in the Red Sea was also discussed during the phone calls, with Tajani stressing "the Italian governments commitment to the security of maritime lines of communication and the need to protect trade routes linking the Mediterranean and the Indo-Pacific region." (QNA)

Farmers in Germany began on Monday week-long protests against the government's plans to reduce support for the agricultural sector.They also intend to organize demonstrations and events aimed at obstructing traffic in most parts of the country.The city of Hamburg, northern Germany, warned of traffic disruption due to farmers in the Schleswig-Holstein region intending to drive their vehicles to demonstrate in the city.Farmers in Lower Saxony also plan to move on roads to Bremen to demonstrate.Despite the government already withdrawing some subsidy reduction measures, German farmers are dissatisfied with the plan to reduce agricultural subsidies, including fuel subsidies used in the sector.The planned protests aim to ensure the government completely withdraws its plan to reduce subsides. (QNA)

Britain said it plans to spend 300 million pounds ($380 million) on a new programme to produce advanced nuclear fuel suitable for the next generation of power-generating reactors.The first production plant is scheduled to be operational by the early 2030s in the North West of England, said the energy security department in a statement.Britain sees a central role for a nuclear power revival in its long-term energy strategy, launching a competition last year to develop small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs).Such reactors are intended to be easier and cheaper to produce, avoiding the high costs and construction delays that have led to a decades-long stagnation in the expansion of global nuclear power capacity.Britain was one of over 20 countries - including the United States, France, and South Korea - that recently signed a pledge to triple global nuclear capacity by 2050 as part of international efforts to cut climate-damaging carbon emissions.Like other European nations, Britain has sought to cut its energy reliance on Russia since the start of the Ukrainian-Russian war. (QNA)

The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell denounced the inflammatory statements of two Israeli ministers calling for the displacement of Palestinians out of the Gaza Strip."I strongly condemn the inflammatory and irresponsible statements by Israeli ministers slandering the Palestinian population of Gaza and calling for a plan for their emigration," Borrell said on social media, adding that "forced displacements are strictly prohibited as a grave violation of IHL international humanitarian law (IHL)".Earlier, the US, France, and Germany condemned the Israeli ministers' statements calling for the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. (QNA)

Hundreds of flood warnings were in place in the UK on Wednesday, after strong winds and rain lashed large parts of the country, hitting travel and cutting power.The strongest gusts from Storm Henk were recorded on Tuesday afternoon on the Isle of Wight, off England's south coast, where the wind reached 94 miles (151 kilometres) per hour.The wind got up to 81 mph at Exeter airport, along the south coast in Devon, the Met Office weather agency said.Gloucestershire Police in western England said a man in his 50s was killed when a tree fell on his car during the storms near Cirencester.On Wednesday morning, the Environment Agency said it had issued 294 flood warnings -- where flooding is expected -- and 341 flood alerts -- where flooding is possible -- in England.Several residents had to be evacuated from houseboats and caravans on the River Nene near Northampton, 70 miles north of London, because of rising waters.Eight flood warnings and 32 flood alerts were in force in Wales, as well as a severe flood warning, indicating a danger to life, Natural Resources Wales said.According to the Energy Networks Association, an industry body of gas and electricity suppliers, some 10,000 customers were without power.National Highways, which operates and maintains motorways and major roads in England, said several main routes were closed because of flooding.The organisation warned that with more rain forecast in several regions throughout the day, some roads would remain shut for several hours.Train companies also warned passengers that services would be disrupted, as high winds had brought down trees onto railway lines.Scotland and northern England in particular were hit in late December by Storm Gerrit, which saw three men die when their car fell into a river.