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Monday, November 25, 2024 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.
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Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar, Costa Rica sign several MoUs to bolster ties

On the sidelines of the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to the Republic of Costa Rica, several memorandums of understanding (MoUs) were signed, on Wednesday, to further reinforce bilateral cooperation.An agreement on mutual exemption from entry visas for holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports between the Governments of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Costa Rica was signed, in addition to a MoU for cooperation in the area of health between the two governments, as well as a MoU on sports cooperation between the Ministry of Sports and Youth in the State of Qatar and the Ministry of Sports and Recreation (MIDEPOR) in the Republic of Costa Rica.Additionally, a MoU was signed for cooperation in sharing news between Qatar News Agency (QNA) and National System of Radio and Television (SINART) in the Republic of Costa Rica, along with a MoU for cooperation in the field of diplomatic training between the Diplomatic Institute at Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the State of Qatar and the Manuel Maria de Peralta Diplomatic Academy at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Costa Rica.The first executive program of the cultural cooperation agreement between the Governments of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Costa Rica for 2025, 2026, and 2027 was signed, in addition to a MoU for bilateral cooperation to establish the Joint ministerial committee for trade cooperation between the Governments of the State of Qatar and the Republic of Costa Rica.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Amir, Costa Rican president discuss ways to enhance co-operation

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and President of the Republic of Costa Rica Rodrigo Chaves Robles held an official session of talks in San Jose Wednesday.At the beginning of the session at the Presidential House, Robles welcomed the Amir and the accompanying delegation, wishing him a pleasant stay and hoping that his visit would contribute to boosting co-operation and relations between the two friendly countries across various areas.His Highness the Amir extended his thanks to the president for the warm welcome and good reception, affirming his determination to further boost relations of friendship and co-operation with Costa Rica across various fields in the interests of the two countries and peoples.During the session, the two sides discussed bilateral co-operation relations and ways to boost them across various fields, and exchanged views on a range of the latest regional and international developments.The session was attended by HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi, HE Minister of State for Energy Affairs Saad bin Sherida al-Kaabi, HE Minister of Commerce and Industry Sheikh Faisal bin Thani al-Thani, HE Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz al-Khulaifi along with senior officials from the delegation accompanying the Amir.On the Costa Rican side, it was attended by Minister for Foreign Affairs and Worship Arnoldo Andre, Minister of Economy, Industry and Trade Francisco Gamboa, Minister of Foreign Trade Manuel Tovar, and Minister of Communications Arnold Zamora.His Highness the Amir and the Costa Rican President held a bilateral meeting in which they discussed a number of issues of common concern.His Highness the Amir was accorded an official reception ceremony upon his arrival at the Presidential House.

HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and other dignitaries at the groundbreaking event for ‘Land of Legends Qatar’, Wednesday.
Qatar

PM patronises groundbreaking for ‘Land of Legends Qatar’

The groundbreaking for ‘Land of Legends Qatar’, which is set to become one of the largest theme parks in the Middle East, and the first state-of-the-art entertainment destination within Simaisma Project, was held under the patronage and presence of HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani last night.The milestone project at Simaisma, born of a dynamic partnership between the Türkiye- headquartered FTG Development and Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, is set to transform tourism and entertainment in the region.The ceremony was attended by HE the Minister of Municipality and Chairman of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company, Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah al-Attiyah, other ministers, Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company CEO Ali Mohamed al-Ali, Founder of FTG Development and President of Land of Legends in Antalya, Turkey, Fettah Tamince, CEO of Accor Group, Sebastien Bazil, among other dignitaries.Land of Legends Qatar is a “foreign investment project” in Qatar’s tourism sector and the foreign investment in the project is worth $3bn. Its a first major development within Simaisma Project, which spans over 8mn square meters and stretches along a stunning 7km beach.This expansive project emphasises sustainability, integrates smart systems, and leverages advanced construction technologies to create an environmentally responsible development with world-class features. Alongside the theme park, Simaisma will feature an 18-hole golf course, a luxury yacht marina, high-end residential villas, and a variety of dining and retail options, establishing it as a premier leisure destination.Expected to attract 2mn visitors annually, Land of Legends Qatar will play a central role in advancing Qatar’s tourism landscape and supporting the nation’s goals for economic diversification.The project, which spans over 650,000 sqm, offers an unforgettable experience, taking visitors on an enchanting journey inspired by Ibn Battuta, across seven themed zones with multi unique themed attractions.Land of Legends Qatar unfolds as a modern ‘Rihlah’, inviting guests to explore diverse landscapes, immersive experiences, and cultural marvels.This destination is packed with delights for all ages, including the family-friendly Kingdom Hotel with conference facilities and beachside activities, and Music Hotel, a multicultural destination which hosts a futuristic celebration of the world’s music and its forward evolution with a total of 1000 hotel rooms, from an impressive 80-meter-high mountain to boat parades along scenic canals and thrilling water adventures, every corner promises something extraordinary.A first ‘Moving Theater’ of the region, equipped with state-of-the-art interactive technology, promises a fully immersive cinematic experience. ‘Flying Theater’, a soaring adventure ride flying over the ‘Natural Marvels of the Arabic World Today’, which transforms into the fantastical myths and legends of the region. Visitors can also enjoy luxurious villas and a world-class dining selection, making each moment truly special.On the occasion of the groundbreaking for the first major entertainment destination within the Simaisma Project, al-Attiyah said, "This event marks an important step toward realising an ambitious vision aimed at enhancing Qatar's position regionally and internationally, establishing it as a leading tourist destination. The 'Land of Legends' project is a key component of Qatar's strategy to diversify its national economy, offering an exceptional experience that will contribute to attracting investments and advancing the tourism sector."The minister noted that the Ministry of Municipality plays a pivotal role in supporting the project through strategies aimed at improving the quality of life, promoting sustainability, fostering innovation, and providing advanced infrastructure.He also pointed out the Ministry’s commitment to careful planning and ensuring the project’s integration with the master plan for the Simaisma area, which guarantees the project's sustainability and supports the development of a sustainable and long-term community.He added: "This project not only enhances tourism but also contributes to creating promising investment opportunities and strengthening the partnership between the public and private sectors, which supports long-term economic development and lays the foundation for an integrated community that aligns with Qatar's future vision."Al-Ali said the groundbreaking event marked a significant milestone in enhancing Qatar's position as a leading tourism destination on both regional and global levels."The Simaisma Project embodies an inspiring vision that reflects our commitment to delivering a world-class entertainment experience with a distinctive Qatari touch. It also aims to attract investments in the tourism sector and create new job opportunities, all while adhering to the highest standards of sustainability, which are integral to Qatar's future vision."He highlighted that Qatari Diar possesses extensive expertise and advanced resources in real estate development, spanning over two decades across 20 cities in four continents. These projects cover diverse sectors, including entertainment, commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments, as well as smart cities, infrastructure, and their associated services.The Qatari Diar CEO added: “This wealth of experience ensures that our partnership in developing the largest entertainment city in the region is both robust and pioneering, capable of achieving exceptional outcomes."Tamince said, “We are delighted to bring the unique Land of Legends experience to Qatar with our partner Qatari Diar, creating a destination that is more than just a theme park or hotel. It is a lively world of entertainment and leisure that will add a new dimension to Qatar’s attractions and become a top choice for holidays and fun for millions in the region.”Qatari Diar has a rich portfolio of developments within and outside Qatar, having 50 investment projects under development in some 20 countries, combining an investment value of around $35bn.

Workers connect a tanker truck filled with sustainable aviation fuel to a plane at Charles de Gaulle airport in Roissy, France. The use of SAF is rapidly advancing, with global production projected to nearly double this year as airlines around the world sign agreements with producers to purchase future SAF production.
Business

Sustainable aviation fuel plays pivotal role in airlines' decarbonisation initiatives

The use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is rapidly advancing, with global production projected to nearly double this year as airlines around the world sign agreements with producers to purchase future SAF production.Over the past two years, the airline industry made significant strides in this regard, securing some 75 offtake agreements, including 53 binding and 22 non-binding commitments, according to the global trade body of airlines – IATA.Hydrotreated esters and fatty acids (HEFA) and HEFA co-processing are the most mature and commercially viable technologies available, and they account for most SAF offtake agreements.According to IATA estimates, the aviation industry consumed between 450,000 and 500,000 tonnes of SAF at $2,500 per tonne in 2023. This unit cost is 2.8 times higher than the price for conventional aviation fuel, and thus added $756mn to the industry fuel bill in 2023.The aviation industry is set to increase its use of SAF to further reduce its carbon footprint. IATA estimates that SAF production could rise to 0.53% of airlines’ total fuel consumption in 2024, adding $2.4bn to 2024’s industry fuel bill.And this year, SAF production is expected to triple to 1.875bn litres (1.5Mt), accounting for 0.53% of aviation’s fuel need, and 6% of renewable fuel capacity.Despite this growth, analysts say, SAF will still represent less than 1% of aviation fuel demand in the short term. Europe leads in SAF production, driven by regulatory mandates such as the EU’s "Fit for 55" initiative, which requires SAF to make up 6% of aviation fuel by 2030.Meanwhile, the US aims for ambitious SAF production targets of 3bn gallons by 2030 and 35bn gallons by 2050.Undoubtedly, SAF technologies and feedstocks are diversifying. While hydro-processing of waste oils remains dominant, emerging methods like gasification of biomass, ethanol-to-jet, and power-to-liquid fuels are gaining traction. These alternatives address challenges related to feedstock sustainability and supply chain limitations.However, scaling production seems to be constrained by high costs, technological barriers, and limited market transparency.To meet the industry's decarbonisation goals, policy support, investments in infrastructure, and innovation in feedstocks will be critical.Long-term targets require SAF to constitute a significant share of aviation fuel by 2050, underscoring the importance of global collaboration and regulatory frameworksThe small percentage of current SAF output as a proportion of overall renewable fuel is primarily due to the new capacity coming online in 2023 being allocated to other renewable fuels.The 3rd Conference on Aviation Alternative Fuels (CAAF/3) hosted by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) last year agreed on a global framework to promote SAF production in all geographies for fuels used in international aviation to be 5% less carbon intensive by 2030.But to reach this level, about 17.5bn litres (14Mt) of SAF need to be produced.According to industry experts, every drop of SAF produced has been bought and used. In fact, SAF added $756mn to a record high fuel bill in 2023.Nearly 45 airlines have already committed to use some 16.25bn litres (13Mt) of SAF in 2030, with more agreements being announced regularly.Projections are for over 78bn litres (63Mt) of renewable fuels to be produced in 2029. Governments must set a policy framework that incentivises renewable fuel producers to allocate 25-30% of their output to SAF to meet the CAAF/3 ambition, existing regional and national policies as well as airline commitments.Experts affirm that effective production incentives for Sustainable Aviation Fuel should support the following objectives:Accelerating investments in SAF by traditional oil companies, ensuring renewable fuel production incentives encourage sufficient SAF quantities, focusing stakeholders on regional diversification of feedstock and SAF production, identifying and prioritising high potential production projects for investment support and delivering a global SAF Accounting Framework.Approximately 85% of SAF facilities coming on line over the next five years will use Hydrotreatment (HEFA) production technology, which relies on inedible animal fats (tallow), used cooking oil and industrial grease as feedstock, IATA says.An earlier IATA survey had revealed significant public support for Sustainable Aviation Fuel.Some 86% of travellers agreed that governments should provide production incentives for airlines to be able to access SAF.In addition, 86% agreed that it should be a priority for oil companies to supply SAF to airlines.Pratap John is Business Editor at Gulf Times. X handle: @PratapJohn

A Spirit Airlines plane at Terminal A of LaGuardia Airport in New York. The airline sought Chapter 11 protection in New York to restructure $1.6bn of debt, according to court filings.
Business

Spirit Air files bankruptcy, bondholders set to take control

Spirit Airlines Inc filed for bankruptcy on Monday with a plan to hand over control to bondholders after failing to agree on a merger with rivals.The airline sought Chapter 11 protection in New York to restructure $1.6bn of debt, according to court filings. It said will continue to operate normally throughout the bankruptcy process, which should complete in the first quarter of 2025.Spirit had been seeking to tie up with rivals amid competition from traditional carriers and higher inflation. It was forced to start restructuring talks with creditors after a federal judge blocked a $3.8bn acquisition by JetBlue Airways Corp, ruling the combination would harm cost-conscious travellers by driving up the price of airline tickets across the industry. Separate talks for a merger with Frontier Group Holdings Inc also fell apart in recent weeks, paving the way for the bankruptcy filing.The discount carrier has reached a broad overhaul agreement with creditors holding about 80% of the debt to be restructured and has enough support to receive court approval, according to court documents.Under the plan, which can be revised during the Chapter 11 process, existing bondholders will swap $795mn of their notes for equity, while shares will be de-listed. Holders of senior secured and convertible notes will receive $840mn of new secured notes. Bondholders also committed to inject $350mn of fresh equity and provide $300mn of debtor-in-possession financing to support Spirit throughout the Chapter 11 process.The carrier said it has about $3.6bn in long term debt, including $136mn in unsecured term loans it owes the federal government as part of Covid-19 pandemic-era related support.Spirit, which employs 12,800 people, has struggled following the Covid-19 pandemic as the largest US carriers stepped up use of basic economy fares to lure travellers away, while part of its fleet was grounded by an engine manufacturing defect. Most recently, fares were held down during the crucial summer travel period because airlines put too many seats into the domestic market.The developments kept Spirit from the constant growth that’s needed to keep the discount model successful, offering rock-bottom fares but making money by charging for items such as coffee, bottled water, carry-on bags and printed boarding passes.The company has posted annual losses since 2020 and its stock has plummeted 93% this year through November 15.“The airline industry (particularly in the United States) is contending with shifting consumer demand and operational headwinds, such that it is unrecognisable from what it was pre-pandemic,” Fred Cromer, chief financial officer of Spirit, said in a court document. “Low-fare carriers — whose business models rely on much slimmer margins — are disproportionately affected.”The discount carrier in recent months announced it would begin offering items like extra leg room and free checked bags in response to growing consumer demand for more upscale travel options. It also hired a “world recognised” advertising agency and a brand adviser to help shed its reputation as one of America’s most disliked airlines.Spirit’s Chief Executive Ted Christie told customers in an e-mailed letter on Monday that they could continue to book and make flights on the carrier “now and in the future,” using all tickets, credits and loyalty points as normal.“We expect to complete this process in the first quarter of 2025,” Christie said. “Other airlines that are operating successfully today have undertaken a similar process.”Spirit follows into bankruptcy budget Brazilian airline Gol Linhas Aereas Inteligentes SA, which in January filed for Chapter 11 in New York.The case is Spirit Airlines Inc, 24-11988, US Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of New York (Manhattan).

Gulf Times
Qatar

EAA in discussions at G20 Summit

Education Above All (EAA) Foundation, the OECD Network of Foundations Working for Development (netFWD), and Fundação Getulio Vargas’ Division for the Development of Public Management and Educational Policies (FGV-DGPE) co-hosted a high-level event, 'Catalysing Change: Education’s Role in Building a Just and Sustainable Future,' during the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Rio de Janeiro. The event highlighted the essential role of education in addressing climate change and advancing equality, aligning with Brazil’s G20 Presidency theme, 'Building a Just World and a Sustainable Planet,' a statement said Wednesday. The event brought together global leaders, educators, climate and health experts, and youth advocates to explore how education can drive resilience, equity, and sustainability across global agendas. The two-part event fostered meaningful dialogue and actionable insights on the transformative power of education. A high-level breakfast featured opening remarks from global leaders, emphasising the connection between education, climate, and health as foundational pillars for a resilient and equitable future. Following the opening, a round-table discussion focused on integrating education into climate and health policies to effectively address today’s most pressing challenges. During a technical session, panel discussions and workshops explored topics such as innovative financing for education, climate-resilient learning, the role of foundations in sustainable development, and youth-driven advocacy for systemic reform. They highlighted strategies to incorporate education into climate adaptation efforts and public health preparedness, reinforcing its central role in addressing global inequalities. Mohamed al-Kubaisi, acting CEO of Education Above All Foundation, said: “To achieve sustainable development goals and ensure equitable access to quality education, we must prioritise innovative financing solutions and collaborative approaches. EAA has provided educational opportunities to over 19mn out of school children and youth across 60 countries, leveraging nearly $3bn in co-funding through strategic partnerships. Closing the gap faced by over 260mn children and youth worldwide without access to education is critical for building a resilient, sustainable future.” Henrique Paim, director of the Public Management and Educational Policy Development Division at Fundação Getulio Vargas, stated that education is a cornerstone in addressing persistent social, environmental, economic, cultural, and ethical challenges. To achieve this, he emphasised the need to develop and strengthen pedagogical practices that are forward-looking and adaptable to today’s rapidly evolving, innovation-driven landscape. Federico Bonaglia, deputy director of the OECD Development Centre, underscored the importance of addressing today’s global challenges and calls for a more inclusive multilateral system that amplifies voices from the Global South and inclusive partnerships that engage a diverse spectrum of actors, including philanthropy.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Ahlibank partners with DHL to reduce carbon emissions

Ahlibank has announced a partnership with DHL Express to implement the GoGreen Plus service, which will reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 50% for all future air express shipments.The initiative not only supports the bank’s sustainability goals but also enables it to offer climate-neutral shipping options to its clients, with precise calculation of carbon emissions, a statement said.“We are proud to collaborate with DHL Express Qatar in adopting the GoGreen Plus service,” said Meshal al-Malek, head of Administration Department at Ahlibank.“Incorporating Sustainable Aviation Fuel into our logistics demonstrates our proactive approach to environmental stewardship and our dedication to building a sustainable future for Qatar. This initiative reflects our broader vision of integrating sustainability into all aspects of our business.”Ahmed Elfangary, country manager, DHL Express Qatar, said: "Ahlibank’s commitment to sustainability through our GoGreen Plus service highlights the crucial role that businesses can play in supporting the Qatar National Vision 2030. By switching to SAF, Ahlibank is setting a powerful example for other institutions. Together, we aim to make a lasting positive impact on the environment and contribute to Qatar’s sustainable growth.”

Gulf Times
Qatar

Yamaha Music School’s Global 70th anniversary celebrated in Qatar

Yamaha Music School’s Global 70th anniversary was celebrated under the patronage of Qatar National Library (QNL) president and Minister of State HE Dr Hamad bin Abdulaziz al-Kawari.The ceremony at QNL was hosted by Fifty One East and Yamaha Music School Doha. Japanese embassy counselor Maki Yamaguchi, Yamaha Music Gulf FZE managing director Jin Sakamoto, Yamaha Corporation's Music School Business Planning Group manager Yasuaki Inomoto, Fifty One East chairman and managing director Bader al-Darwish, and Yama Music School Doha students, their families, and teachers were present.Sakamoto stated that the event in Qatar not only commemorates Yamaha Music School’s 70-year legacy but also acknowledges Yamaha Music School Doha as a leading institution within the GCC."This school exemplifies our philosophy of spreading the joy of music and nurturing natural talent. Thanks to Fifty One East’s dedicated partnership, Yamaha Music School Doha has become a beacon for music education in the region, reflecting our shared vision of promoting musical education and cultural enrichment."Al-Darwish added: "At Fifty One East, we are honoured to celebrate this incredible milestone with Yamaha Music School, an institution that shares our passion for enriching communities through music and the arts. Over the past 30 years, our collaboration with Yamaha has nurtured a thriving music scene here in Qatar, culminating in the recognition of Fifty One East as the ‘Best Yamaha Music School Operator in the Middle East and Africa’. We believe in fostering creativity that inspires people and we’re committed to this mission throughout our remarkable journey."The anniversary event began with the National Anthem of Qatar, performed by acclaimed pianist Hala Alemadi and then the National Anthem of Japan, performed by Tomoki Kirita. Following welcome remarks, select students from Yamaha Music School Doha – Julien Torfeh, Santiago Banales, Vadim Morin and Valentina Rami – showcased their talents, along with performances by school instructors Cynthia Bousnadiego, Emanuel Travios, Gabriel Martinez, Germán Faig, and Oidel Cruz. The event concluded with a Brass Quintet performance by the Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra.Since its founding in 1954, Yamaha Music School has grown into a global institution with over 750,000 students and 20,000 teachers in 6,400 locations worldwide. The school has cultivated countless musical talents, with alumni who have gone on to become award-winning musicians, composers, and performers.Since its establishment in 2013, the Doha branch has expanded its curriculum from group classes to personalised music courses, further establishing itself as the leading music school in the region.As one of the longest-standing Yamaha partners in the Gulf region, Fifty One East has played a pivotal role in enhancing Qatar’s arts and culture scene, a statement added.

A man holds a crying child as displaced Palestinians check the destruction following an Israeli strike that hit a UN-run school where people had taken refuge, in the Nusseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday. AFP
Region

Israel's genocidal war wipes out 1,369 Gazan families

A Palestinian official statistic revealed that the Israeli occupying forces have wiped out 1,369 family members and entirely expunged their names from the civil registration during the genocidal war they are waging on the Gaza enclave. According to the statistic seen by Qatar News Agency (QNA), 35,060 children live without their parents or without one of them, and 211 infant children were born and martyred in the genocidal war, highlighting that 825 children were martyred during the war, and they were under the age of one, while the percentage of victims among children and women reached 70% of the total number of martyrs due to the offensive in Gaza. Official sources told QNA that the Israeli occupying forces have recently intensified their targeting of crowded residential structures in the Gaza Strip which include entire families. Throughout the recent days the Israeli occupying forces have apparently murdered entire families intentionally during their relentless offensive in the northern Gaza through by pounding the structures with heavy missiles to deliberately kill everyone inside them. Testimonies of those trapped in the northern Gaza Strip province indicate that the Israeli occupying forces destroyed dozens of homes with their residents inside, and no one was able to rescue them due to the intensity of fire and crippled operations of ambulance personnel. Director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza, Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya affirmed that the hospital receives dozens of distress calls on daily basis from families trapped under bombed-out buildings, with all attempts to reach out to them being in vain. For 411th day, the Israeli occupying forces have been prosecuting the genocidal war on the Gaza Strip, along with massacres against families, Palestinians and displaced people, resulting in over 148,000 casualties, mostly women and children, as well as over 10,000 missing people, amid a massive devastation and famine that perished dozens of children and elderly people.

Members of a Palestinian family, who fled their home in Beit Lahia on foot, receive medical attention upon their arrival at the al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday. AFP
Region

Israeli forces massacre 33 in Gaza

Israeli forces killed at least 33 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip Wednesday, health officials said, as troops deepened an incursion along the territory’s northern edge, bombarding a hospital and blowing up homes.Medics said at least 12 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a house in the area of Jabalia in northern Gaza earlier Wednesday, and at least 10 people remained missing as rescue operations continued.Another man was killed in tank shelling nearby, they said. Later yesterday, an Israeli air strike killed seven Palestinians, including a girl, in Al-Mawasi, in western Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip, Gaza medics said.Another air strike on a house in Remal neighbourhood in Gaza City killed four people, while a strike killed three Palestinians and wounded at least 20 others at a school sheltering displaced families in central Gaza Strip, medics said.Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, one of three medical facilities barely operational in the besieged northern area, said the hospital “was bombed across all its departments without warning.” Residents in the three towns - Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun - said forces had blown up dozens of houses. Israel’s 13-month campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 44,000 people and displaced nearly all the enclave’s population at least once.The World Health Organisation meanwhile expressed grave concern for hospitals still partly operating in war-stricken northern Gaza, where one hospital director described the situation as an "extreme catastrophe"."We are very, very concerned, and it's getting harder and harder to get the aid in. It's getting harder and harder to get the specialist personnel in at a time when there is greater and greater need," WHO spokeswoman Margaret Harris told journalists in Geneva.She said the organisation was "particularly concerned about Kamal Adwan Hospital" in Beit Lahia, where Israeli forces launched an offensive against Hamas and other Palestinian groups last month.Kamal Adwan Hospital director Hossam Abu Safiyeh told AFP by phone: "The situation in northern Gaza is that of an extreme catastrophe."We're beginning to lose patients because we lack medical supplies and personnel," he said.Abu Safiyeh added that his hospital had been "targeted many times by the occupation forces, most recently" on Monday."A large number of children and elderly people continue to arrive suffering from malnutrition," the doctor said.He accused Israel of "blocking the entry of food, water, medical staff and materials destined for the north" of the Gaza Strip.The WHO's Harris estimated that between November 8 and 16, "four WHO missions we were trying to get up to go were denied"."There's a lack of food and drinking water, shortage of medical supplies. There's really only enough for two weeks at the very best," she said.In its latest update on the situation in northern Gaza, the UN humanitarian office OCHA said Tuesday that "access to the Kamal Adwan, Al Awda and Indonesian hospitals remains severely restricted amid severe shortages of medical supplies, fuel and blood units".

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote on a draft resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, during a UN Security Council meeting to discuss the situation in the Middle East on Wednesday, at UN headquarters in New York City. AFP
Region

US vetoes UN Security Council resolution on Gaza ceasefire

The United States on Wednesday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution for a ceasefire in Israel's war in Gaza, accusing council members of cynically rejecting attempts at reaching a compromise.The 15-member council voted on a resolution put forward by its 10 non-permanent members in a meeting that called for an "immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire" and separately demand the release of hostages.Only the US voted against, using its veto as a permanent council member to block the resolution.A senior US official, who briefed reporters on condition of anonymity ahead of the vote, said the US would only support a resolution that explicitly calls for the immediate release of hostages as part of a ceasefire."As we stated many times before, we just can't support an unconditional ceasefire that does not call for the immediate release of hostages," the official said.Israel's 13-month campaign in Gaza has killed nearly 44,000 people and displaced nearly all the enclave's population at least once. It was launched in response to an attack by Hamas-led fighters who killed 1,200 people and captured more than 250 hostages in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Costa Rica Arnoldo Andre Tinoco
Qatar

Amir's visit to bolster bilateral ties: Costa Rican FM

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship of the Republic of Costa Rica Arnoldo Andre Tinoco praised the bilateral relations between Costa Rica and the State of Qatar, noting that they extend to 20 years of fruitful cooperation, and stressed that the visit of His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani will be an important turning point in strengthening these relations.In a statement to Qatar News Agency (QNA), Tinoco said that Costa Rica was the first country in Central America to open an embassy in Doha, adding that bilateral relations between the two countries are witnessing remarkable development through the exchange of ambassadors and high-level visits between the two countries, which reflects the strength of the partnership between the two sides.Tinoco pointed out that the visit will witness the strengthening of bilateral cooperation through the signing of several agreements and memoranda of understanding in various fields, including trade, culture, sports and health, with a focus on supporting diplomatic relations between the two countries. He also stressed the importance of benefiting from mutual experiences to enhance joint development and consolidate partnership in various vital sectors.Regarding Costa Rica's hosting of the HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani International Anti-Corruption Excellence Award, Tinoco emphasised that his country is proud to have been chosen to host the award's eighth edition, noting that this honor embodies Qatar's confidence in Costa Rica's continuous efforts to enhance transparency and combat corruption.Tinoco also said that Costa Rica is ranked third as the least corrupt country in Latin America, adding that they seek to be a model of a corruption-free society through strict laws and an educational system that supports integrity.Concluding, Tinoco called on Qataris to visit Costa Rica and explore investment opportunities, stressing that his country guarantees a safe investment environment thanks to the rule of law and infrastructure that supports commercial activities. He added that Costa Rica welcomes Qataris and looks forward to enhancing economic cooperation that will benefit both countries.