Aoun calls on French envoy to pressure Israel

Special Aoun calls on French envoy to pressure Israel
Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun, right, meets with France’s envoy to Lebanon Jean-Yves Le Drian at the Presidential Palace in Baabda, Mar. 26, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 26 March 2025
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Aoun calls on French envoy to pressure Israel

Aoun calls on French envoy to pressure Israel
  • PM Salam warns no one in Lebanon wants normalization with southern neighbor
  • Israeli military activity continues in the south of the country

BEIRUT: Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has called on the sponsors of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah to “pressure Israel to abide by it in order to maintain their credibility and ensure the implementation of what was agreed upon to restore stability.”

Aoun met France’s presidential envoy, Jean-Yves Le Drian, on Wednesday. Le Drian is visiting Lebanon as part of preparations for the French-Lebanese summit set to be held next Friday at the Elysee Palace.

According to the presidential media office, Aoun assured the French envoy that he is “determined, along with the government, to overcome the difficulties that may hinder Lebanon’s reform process in the economic, banking, financial, and judicial sectors, and to find appropriate solutions in cooperation with the relevant parties.”

Aoun said: “The administrative measures that will be taken will send a positive message both domestically and internationally.”

The president also clarified that he will raise during the Paris summit “topics of mutual interest and ways to strengthen and develop Lebanese-French relations.”

Le Drian also met with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, parliament speaker Nabih Berri, and Foreign Minister Youssef Rajji.

In a statement, he reaffirmed “France’s continuous support for Lebanon and its stability.”

He praised “the inaugural speech of the president and the vision it presented for Lebanon, as well as the seriousness of the Lebanese government's work,” highlighting “the importance of maintaining the international momentum that accompanied the new presidency and the formation of the government by implementing the necessary reforms and preserving Lebanese unity to enhance the confidence of the international and Arab communities in Lebanon and attract investments to the country.”

Salam said that “the purpose of the French envoy’s visit is to discuss reconstruction,” but warned that “no one in Lebanon wants normalization with Israel.”

He said the “international and Arab diplomatic pressure on Israel to cease its aggressions has not been exhausted,” but expressed concern over the situation in the south “in light of the ongoing Israeli attacks, especially following the rocket launch that occurred last week.”

Salam said the “five hills that Israel insists on retaining hold no military or security value, except for maintaining pressure on Lebanon.”

He rejected “all Israeli talk regarding the displacement of residents from Gaza and the West Bank, as well as the establishment of a Palestinian state outside of historical Palestine,” emphasizing the “importance of rallying Arab and international support to confront this project.”

The premier received a call last Monday from Morgan Ortagus, deputy special envoy of the US to the Middle East, following the escalation in the south due to unidentified rockets being fired from southern Lebanon toward the Metula settlement in Israel.

A source in Salam’s office told Arab News: “Ortagus assured Salam that she is closely monitoring the situation in Lebanon and will be making a visit to the country soon, but no specific date has been provided.”

Meanwhile, the visit scheduled for Wednesday by Lebanese Defense Minister Michel Mounir to Damascus to meet with his Syrian counterpart, Murhaf Abu Qasra, has been canceled.

The source from Salam’s office said that “the PM’s office was informed on Tuesday night that the visit had been postponed.”

It added that “this is attributed to the delayed announcement of the new Syrian government, which will lead to changes in the distribution of responsibilities, particularly the official in charge of the security file with Lebanon.”

On the ground, an Israeli drone carried out two strikes on Al-Shaara, near the eastern mountain range between Lebanon and Syria.

Israeli media outlets stated that “the Israeli Air Defense bombed two targets east of Lebanon.”

Reconnaissance planes continue to violate Lebanon’s airspace, reaching Baalbek and Bekaa.

The Israeli military started on Tuesday a field maneuver in western Galilee and the Lebanese border area, which will last until Thursday.

Israeli Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee said that the military exercise will include “training on different scenarios, namely protecting the area and responding to immediate threats in the field with multifaceted cooperation.”

He added that “the exercise has been planned under the 2025 annual deposition plan,” noting that “there is no fear of security incidents.”


King Abdullah of Jordan discusses Gaza during summit with Egyptian, French presidents in Cairo

King Abdullah of Jordan discusses Gaza during summit with Egyptian, French presidents in Cairo
Updated 19 min 12 sec ago
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King Abdullah of Jordan discusses Gaza during summit with Egyptian, French presidents in Cairo

King Abdullah of Jordan discusses Gaza during summit with Egyptian, French presidents in Cairo
  • Leaders urge global community to advocate for end to Israeli war in the enclave
  • Israeli attacks undermine diplomatic efforts, risk dragging region into chaos, Jordanian ruler warns

LONDON: King Abdullah II of Jordan emphasized the need to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza during a summit with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron in Cairo.

The leaders on Monday urged the international community to advocate for an end to the Israeli war in Gaza, restore the ceasefire agreement, and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian coastal enclave.

King Abdullah said that Israeli attacks on Gaza undermine all diplomatic and humanitarian efforts to resolve the crisis and risk dragging the entire Middle East into chaos, the Petra news agency reported.

He stressed the need for a political solution based on the two-state vision, which would ensure security and stability for both Palestinians and Israelis.

King Abdullah said that Jordan opposes the displacement of Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, warning against Israeli unilateral actions and assaults on Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, the Petra added.

The Jordanian ruler and El-Sisi welcomed France’s support for resolving the Palestinian issue. They highlighted the need for international cooperation, especially from EU countries, including France, to aid in Gaza’s reconstruction.

After arriving in Cairo on Sunday, Macron will travel to Al-Arish, 50 kilometers from the Gaza Strip, on Tuesday to meet with humanitarian and security authorities, and push for a ceasefire. On Monday, he expressed strong opposition to any displacement or annexation in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

King Abdullah, El-Sisi, and Macron highlighted the need for a political solution to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, aiming for lasting peace, the Petra reported.

The Jordanian delegation included the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriate Affairs, Ayman Safadi; Director of the King’s Office, Alaa Batayneh, and the Ambassador to Cairo, Amjad Al-Adaileh.


UAE to host World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi

UAE to host World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi
Updated 07 April 2025
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UAE to host World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi

UAE to host World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi
  • Forum to be held under patronage of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi and national security adviser
  • Sheikh Tahnoon highlights UAE’s efforts to address crises, emergencies, and disasters worldwide 

LONDON: Global resilience and policies for mitigating future risks will be explored at the World Crisis and Emergency Management Summit 2025 hosted by the UAE in Abu Dhabi this week.

The summit will be held under the patronage of Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al-Nahyan, deputy ruler of Abu Dhabi and national security adviser, from April 8-9 under the theme “Together Towards Building Global Resilience.”

Sheikh Tahnoon said the summit reflects the UAE’s “firm belief that international cooperation and cross-border collaboration are vital to achieving true global resilience.”

He highlighted Abu Dhabi’s efforts to address crises, emergencies, and disasters worldwide, the Emirate News Agency reported.

“Our strategic deployment of artificial intelligence and cutting-edge innovations places us at the forefront of leveraging technology to enhance emergency preparedness and response systems,” Sheikh Tahnoon said.

This year’s summit will focus on global resilience, strategic foresight, and enhancing partnerships among governments, international organizations, and the private sector.

Emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and advanced communication systems, will also be discussed, the WAM added.

The summit will bring together decision-makers and experts, and feature two exhibitions: the Crisis Management Technologies Exhibition 2025 and the Generation Readiness Exhibition 2025. Both will explore the connections between technology and education to promote resilient, preparedness-oriented societies.

Sheikh Tahnoon said the UAE has consistently led efforts to deliver urgent aid to crisis-stricken communities worldwide, and the summit reflects Abu Dhabi’s commitment to unifying global humanitarian initiatives and strengthening international solidarity.

“We are confident that the dialogues and outcomes of this summit will generate shared insights and unify aspirations, contributing meaningfully to the creation of a safer, more sustainable, and prosperous future for all of humanity,” he added.


Palestinians in West Bank strike to demand end to Gaza war

Palestinians in West Bank strike to demand end to Gaza war
Updated 07 April 2025
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Palestinians in West Bank strike to demand end to Gaza war

Palestinians in West Bank strike to demand end to Gaza war
  • A coalition of Palestinian political movements — including rivals Fatah and Hamas — called the strike to protest what they described as “the genocide and the ongoing massacre of our people”
  • Israel resumed air strikes on Gaza on March 18, ending nearly two months of ceasefire with Hamas

RAMALLAH: Shuttered storefronts lined empty streets in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank on Monday, as Palestinians held a general strike demanding an end to the Gaza war.
“I walked through the city today and couldn’t find a single place that was open,” Fadi Saadi, a shopkeeper in Bethlehem, told AFP.
Shops, schools and most public administrative offices were closed across the West Bank, which Israel has occupied since 1967.
A coalition of Palestinian political movements — including rivals Fatah and Hamas — called the strike to protest what they described as “the genocide and the ongoing massacre of our people.”
It called for the strike “in all the occupied Palestinian territories, in the refugee camps... and among those who support our cause.”
Israel resumed air strikes on Gaza on March 18, ending nearly two months of ceasefire with Hamas. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed almost daily since Israel restarted its military offensive.
“We close today about our family in Gaza, our children in Gaza,” said Imad Salman, 68, who owns a souvenir shop in Jerusalem’s Old City.
“In Jerusalem, in the West Bank, we can’t do something more than what we’re doing here now,” he told AFP.
In Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, the usually bustling commercial Salaheddin street was empty.
“This strike is in solidarity with Gaza and what is happening there, and the war being waged against the Palestinian people, whether by (US President Donald) Trump, (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, the Israeli government, or the American government,” said Ahmed, who did not want to his surname.
“This war must stop, the killing and destruction must stop, and only peace should prevail — peace, and nothing but peace.”
A rally is planned Monday in the center of the West Bank city of Ramallah, where the Palestinian Authority has its headquarters.
“This time, the strike is serious, and the population’s commitment is significant because Israeli aggression now affects all Palestinian households, whether in the West Bank or Gaza,” said Issam Baker, a community organizer in Ramallah.
“We have seen total commitment in support of the strike today throughout the West Bank, which has not happened since October 7” 2023, when the Gaza war started, said a security source from the Palestinian Authority.
Since the start of the Gaza war, violence has soared in the West Bank.
Israeli troops or settlers have killed at least 918 Palestinians, including militants, in the territory since then, according to health ministry figures.
Palestinian attacks and clashes during military raids have killed at least 33 Israelis, including soldiers, over the same period, according to official figures.


Dutch tighten controls on military and dual use exports to Israel

Dutch tighten controls on military and dual use exports to Israel
Updated 07 April 2025
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Dutch tighten controls on military and dual use exports to Israel

Dutch tighten controls on military and dual use exports to Israel

AMSTERDAM: The Dutch government said on Monday it had tightened export controls for all military and ‘dual use’ goods destined for Israel.
All direct exports and the transit of these goods to Israel will be checked to see if they comply with European regulations, and will no longer be covered by general export licenses, the government said in a letter to parliament.
“This is desirable considering the security situation in Israel, the Palestinian territories and the wider region,” foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp and trade minister Reinette Klever wrote.
“Exporters will still be able to request permits, that will then be checked against European regulations.”
The government said no military goods for Israel had been exported from the Netherlands under a general permit since Israel started its war in Gaza following the attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023.
It said that the general license for the export of “low risk information security goods,” such as routers for network security, was frequently used for export to Israel.
It estimated that between 50 and 100 permits for the export of those goods would now have to be requested on an individual basis.
A Dutch court last year ordered the government to block all exports of F-35 fighter jet parts to Israel over concerns they were being used to violate international law during the war in Gaza. Israel denies violating international law.


Dossier accuses British serving in Israeli military of war crimes in Gaza

Dossier accuses British serving in Israeli military of war crimes in Gaza
Updated 07 April 2025
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Dossier accuses British serving in Israeli military of war crimes in Gaza

Dossier accuses British serving in Israeli military of war crimes in Gaza
  • Report compiled by Hague-based UK lawyers will be handed to Metropolitan Police
  • ‘British nationals are under a legal obligation not to collude with crimes committed in Palestine’

LONDON: A group of UK citizens who served with the Israeli military in Gaza will be the subject of a war crimes complaint handed to the Metropolitan Police, The Guardian reported on Monday.

A 240-page dossier compiled by a group of lawyers based in The Hague documents the activities of 10 Brits in Gaza, with complaints against them including alleged targeting of civilians and aid workers, coordinated attacks on hospitals and protected sites, and the forced displacement of people.

The dossier, which covers the period from October 2023 to May 2024 and took six months to compile, will be handed to the Met’s war crimes unit.

The complaint against the 10 Brits, who cannot be named for legal reasons, will be brought on behalf of the Gaza-based Palestinian Centre for Human Rights and the UK-based Public Interest Law Centre.

The dossier includes eyewitness testimony from civilians in Gaza. One passage features evidence from a witness who recalled an attack on a hospital, including seeing corpses “scattered on the ground, especially in the middle of the hospital courtyard, where many dead bodies were buried in a mass grave.”

The account added that a bulldozer being used to demolish part of the hospital “ran over a dead body in a horrific and heart-wrenching scene desecrating the dead.”

Raji Sourani, director of the PCHR, said: “This is illegal, this is inhuman and enough is enough. The government cannot say we didn’t know; we are providing them with all the evidence.”

PILC legal director Paul Heron said: “We’re filing our report to make clear these war crimes are not in our name.”

The 2001 International Criminal Court Act says it “is an offence against the law of England and Wales for a person to commit genocide, a crime against humanity, or a war crime.”

Michael Mansfield KC, the lawyer leading the group, said: “If one of our nationals is committing an offence, we ought to be doing something about it. Even if we can’t stop the government of foreign countries behaving badly, we can at least stop our nationals from behaving badly.

“British nationals are under a legal obligation not to collude with crimes committed in Palestine. No one is above the law.”

Sean Summerfield, a barrister who also worked on the dossier, said: “The public will be shocked, I would have thought, to hear that there’s credible evidence that Brits have been directly involved in committing some of those atrocities.”

More than 50,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.