Undelivered Gaza aid returns to Cyprus after aid workers killed
Undelivered Gaza aid returns to Cyprus after aid workers killed/node/2487811/middle-east
Undelivered Gaza aid returns to Cyprus after aid workers killed
A ship belonging to the Open Arms aid group and is one of three ships loaded with canned food destined to Gaza, has returned to the Cypriot port of Larnaca, Cyprus, Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (AP)
Undelivered Gaza aid returns to Cyprus after aid workers killed
Cyprus has offered to supplement aid getting in to Gaza by sea with a fast track on-island security screening process for aid overseen by Israel
Updated 04 April 2024
Reuters
LARNACA: A sea convoy of undelivered food for Gaza returned to Cyprus on Wednesday after aid workers of World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli airstrike on Monday evening.
A cargo ship carrying 240 metric tons of food that had been destined for the people of the beseiged Palestinian enclave sailed back to Larnaca in Cyprus following the deadly attack, dropping anchor just outside the port.
A second ship, the Open Arms owned by a Spanish NGO working with WCK, arrived earlier.
The undelivered aid was part of a consignment of about 340 tons sent to Gaza from Cyprus on March 30. The aid workers killed in Gaza had just finished unloading 100 tons from a barge, also sent from Cyprus.
WCK, active in Gaza since October, has paused operations in the territory since the killings, and turned around its flotilla of ships back to Cyprus.
In March WCK launched an inaugural sea corridor transporting aid to the enclave from the east Mediterranean island.
Cyprus has offered to supplement aid getting in to Gaza by sea with a fast track on-island security screening process for aid overseen by Israel.
Spanish charity Open Arms, which provided a salvage vessel for both missions arranged by WCK, took a group photo of activists wearing WCK t-shirts and embracing each other on the bow of the salvage ship during its sail to Cyprus.
They wrote on X: “The end of mission 110 arrives, the one we never could have imagined, the most painful.
“We miss Saifeddin, Zomi, Damian, Jacob, John, Jim, and James, but they will remain forever in our memory, and we will continue to speak up for them, for the more than 32,500 people killed in #Gaza, the hundreds of humanitarian workers, the destroyed hospitals, journalists and all the ‘isolated cases’ that are not an accident, but part of an structure of death and destruction. We will never forget you.
“Today, the pain of the @wckitchen family is also ours.”
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is one of four countries to have agreed to host Palestinian prisoners freed under a ceasefire deal that was reached between Israel and Hamas on Jan. 15 to end the Gaza war, a Palestinian news agency considered close to Hamas said in a report on Monday.
A six-week initial ceasefire phase which ended 15 months of war includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza. Among key components of the deal is that Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including all women (soldiers and civilians), children, and men over 50. In exchange, Israel will release 30 Palestinian detainees for every civilian hostage and 50 Palestinian detainees for every Israeli female soldier Hamas releases.
“The [Hamas] movement is currently in talks with several countries to secure approval for hosting the remaining freed prisoners,” the agency said in a report published on Monday, quoting a “senior Hamas official.”
“The countries that have agreed to receive them so far include Turkiye, Qatar, Pakistan and Malaysia.”
The report said 99 Palestinian prisoners freed by Israel had been deported to Egypt, with 263 expected to be freed by the completion of the first phase of the release process. It said 15 Palestinian prisoners were expected to arrive in Türkiye on Tuesday from the Egyptian capital of Cairo.
Hamas was also in talks with Algeria and Indonesia to host prisoners while Tunisia had declined to be a host, the agency reported.
The Quds Press report comes in the backdrop of negotiations due to start tomorrow, Tuesday, on an agreement for the second phase of the deal, which will see the release of remaining Israeli hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Palestinian territory – encompassing the Gaza Strip and West Bank, including East Jerusalem – has been occupied by Israel since 1967.
The latest war began after about 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 taken to Gaza as hostages when Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. The attack triggered a massive Israeli military offensive in Gaza, which has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, the Hamas-run health ministry says. The war has also led to widespread destruction in the densely populated territory, where thousands of schools, houses and hospitals have been destroyed by relentless Israeli bombardment.
Palestinian presidency accuses Israel of ‘ethnic cleansing’ in West Bank
Updated 14 min 6 sec ago
AFP
RAMALLAH: The office of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Monday denounced as “ethnic cleansing” an ongoing Israeli military operation in the occupied West Bank and urged the United States to intervene.
In a statement, spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the presidency “condemned the occupation authorities’ expansion of their comprehensive war on our Palestinian people in the West Bank to implement their plans aimed at displacing citizens and ethnic cleansing.”
English attorney general involved in guide on combating Israeli apartheid
Lord Hermer detailed ways Palestinians could sue weapons firms in UK courts
Handbook, titled ‘Corporate Complicity in Israel’s Occupation,’ was published in 2011
Updated 22 min 51 sec ago
Arab News
LONDON: The attorney general for England and Wales contributed to a handbook on combating Israeli apartheid during his time as a lawyer working in private practice, the Sunday Telegraph reported.
Lord Hermer wrote a chapter in the book on ways that Palestinian victims could use British courts to sue weapons firms that sold arms to Israel.
Lawyers in the UK were in a “much better position” to take action on the matter than those in the US, he wrote in the book “Corporate Complicity in Israel’s Occupation,” published in 2011.
Lord Hermer, now legal chief to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, was working at Doughty Street Chambers as a lawyer at the time.
The book’s introduction says: “It is our hope that this book will prove useful in the fight against Israeli war crimes, occupation and apartheid.” It compiles commentary and contributions from pro-Palestinian lawyers and academics.
In the book, Lord Hermer criticizes British “export licences for weapons used by Israel in violation of international humanitarian and human rights law.”
He provides a list of “proactive steps that the UK could take” to punish firms that sell weapons to Israel that could be used to violate human rights law.
Last year, Lord Hermer played a key role in the UK government’s decision to suspend 30 arms export licenses to Israel.
He also called on the government to abide by the International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Lord Hermer’s chapter in the book explains how a Palestinian could use English courts to sue Israeli arms firm Elbit.
“If the company that was producing the drones or the missiles has a factory here, that’s sufficient (to bring legal action),” he said.
In a transcript attached to the chapter, detailing a question-and-answer session, Lord Hermer argued that the British legal system was more favorable to Palestinians than that of the US.
“There’s a much better position here than in the US. In the states, a whole host of important human rights cases have been closed down simply because they touch upon issues of foreign relations,” he said.
RLC Global Forum to address the future of Saudi Arabia’s retail landscape
Updated 25 min 3 sec ago
Nadin Hassan
RIYADH: Over 100 speakers from more than 600 organizations will convene at the Retail Leaders Circle Global Forum 2025 in Saudi Arabia to discuss collaboration amid digital innovation and economic reforms.
The two-day event, taking place from Feb. 4-5 at the Fairmont Hotel in Riyadh, will bring together industry executives, policymakers, and investors to explore strategies for navigating a rapidly changing retail landscape.
Themed “Rebuilding a Shared Future,” the event aims to address how the sector can rebuild trust and cooperation while adapting to digital transformation, shifting consumer behaviors, and new regulatory frameworks.
This year’s forum comes as Saudi Arabia’s retail sector continues to show strong resilience and sustained growth, with total sales reaching SR37.4 billion ($9.97 billion) in the third quarter of 2024, despite ongoing global economic uncertainties.
Retail sales in the Kingdom are forecast to reach $161.4 billion by 2028, according to data platform Statista, while the e-commerce sector is projected to surpass $13.2 billion by 2025.
“Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 is really shaking up the retail sector, and we’re seeing exciting changes across the board,” said Panos Linardos, chairman of the RLC Global Forum, in an interview with Arab News.
He pointed out that retail is a key pillar of the Kingdom’s diversification efforts, and “it’s evolving rapidly with digital transformation, regulatory changes, and shifting consumer expectations.”
Linardos added: “There’s a lot of opportunity ahead, but also some challenges that need to be tackled to fully unlock the sector’s potential. That’s where the RLC Global Forum comes in.”
RLC is an invitation-only platform that brings together industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators to discuss key issues shaping the retail sector.
Some of the partners involved include Diriyah Co., Apparel Group, and Cenomi Centers, the largest owner, operator, and developer of contemporary lifestyle centers in Saudi Arabia.
Chalhoub Group, and Panda Retail Co. are also set to attend.
Panos Linardos, chairman of the RLC Global Forum. Supplied
The event provides data-driven research, thought leadership, and best practice sharing, in line with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which seeks to diversify the economy and position the Kingdom as a global retail and business hub.
“Retailers in Saudi Arabia face several challenges, such as competition from cross-border e-commerce, changing consumer expectations, and regulatory complexities,” Linardo said.
To stay competitive, he added that retailers need to “embrace digital transformation, adopt omnichannel strategies, and use data to better understand and serve their customers.”
The Kingdom’s retail sector is experiencing significant growth and investment opportunities, driven by Vision 2030 and the accelerated digital transformation.
The demand for seamless shopping experiences and experiential retail concepts continues to rise, driving expansion in e-commerce, lifestyle destinations, and mixed-use developments.
“Mega-projects like NEOM, ROSHN, and Diriyah Gate are also fueling demand for high-end retail and hospitality-focused shopping experiences, making the market even more attractive,” Linardos said.
The forum chairman mentioned that the growing focus on smart retail solutions, AI-driven insights, and sustainable practices is creating new opportunities for forward-thinking investors.
Strengthening investment climate
Saudi Arabia’s retail sector continues to attract international investors, supported by progressive economic reforms and policies aimed at fostering a transparent and competitive market.
The Kingdom has made significant strides in streamlining regulations, enhancing investor protections, and reducing barriers to entry, creating an environment that encourages long-term growth and foreign direct investment.
“Saudi Arabia’s booming investment landscape is no accident. It’s the result of deliberate efforts to create a business-friendly and secure environment, supported by policies and reforms that align with global investment standards,” Linardos said.
He mentioned that the International Monetary Fund had described the new law as a game-changer, offering equal opportunities to both Saudi and foreign investors, along with stronger protections and clearer rules of engagement.
Linardos explained that the challenge now is getting the word out — building investor confidence and showcasing Saudi Arabia’s retail market as a high-potential, forward-thinking destination.
Future of retail innovation
The rapid integration of artificial intelligence, data analytics, and predictive modeling is transforming the global retail landscape, and Saudi Arabia is no exception.
RLC will also explore how businesses can leverage AI to optimize operations, enhance customer engagement, and drive new business models.
“Innovation and technology are reshaping Saudi Arabia’s retail sector in a big way. AI and e-commerce are no longer just buzzwords — they’re driving real change,” Linardos said.
He pointed out that AI is providing businesses with deeper insights into consumer behavior, enhancing inventory management, and enabling more personalized marketing.
“At the same time, e-commerce is making shopping more convenient and accessible, with digital payment solutions and omnichannel strategies creating seamless experiences that meet rising customer expectations,” Linardos added.
The chairman further highlighted that for retailers, integrating advanced technologies is no longer optional but a necessity in an increasingly competitive and fast-evolving market.
In essence, he added, businesses that embrace innovation early can unlock new growth opportunities, expand their customer reach, and strengthen their market position.
Unlocking full value
Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce sector is rapidly expanding, fueled by a digitally engaged population, rising consumer demand, and the government’s commitment to digital transformation, with Linardos noting the Kingdom’s emergence as one of the region’s most promising e-commerce markets.
Industry experts highlight the growing influence of social media, mobile commerce, and fintech solutions, which are reshaping how consumers shop and engage with brands.
“The Kingdom’s high social media engagement and widespread mobile use also make it a prime market for further e-commerce expansion and investment,” said Linardos.
However, he acknowledged that challenges persist, pointing out that “cross-border platforms dominate a large share of the market,” while traditional retail remains deeply embedded in consumer habits.
To fully realize Saudi Arabia’s e-commerce potential, industry leaders stress the importance of creating a balanced competitive landscape, strengthening omnichannel strategies, and integrating online and offline shopping experiences.
What’s next?
As Saudi Arabia’s retail sector undergoes transformation, Linardos expects the industry to move beyond traditional retail models in the coming years, placing greater emphasis on lifestyle-oriented concepts, integrated retail-tourism experiences, and cutting-edge digital innovations.
“The growth won’t just come from more stores or online platforms — it will come from creating unique, immersive experiences that blend culture, entertainment, and commerce in ways that haven’t been seen before in the region,” he added.
Linardos also explained that the challenge for retailers will be to remain flexible, embracing innovation while maintaining a strong local connection.
Those who can strike the right balance — leveraging technology, data, and customer insights — will not only grow but also redefine what retail means in Saudi Arabia, he said.
GCC equity markets post monthly gains in January: Markaz
Kuwait’s All Share Index posted a monthly gain of 5.7%, Saudi Arabia’s equity market grew 3.1%
Abu Dhabi’s equity index rose 1.8%, Qatar Stock Exchange increased by 0.9%
Updated 17 min 3 sec ago
Nirmal Narayanan
RIYADH: Equity markets in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries saw strong growth in January, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia emerging as top performers, according to an analysis.
In its latest report, Kuwait Financial Center, also known as Markaz, said the substantial increase in the equity markets of Kuwait and the Kingdom pushed up the S&P GCC Composite Index by 3 percent last month.
Kuwait’s All Share Index posted a monthly gain of 5.7 percent in January, followed by Saudi Arabia’s equity market which grew by 3.1 percent during the same period.
The S&P GCC Composite Index’s performance in January was higher than the S&P 500 indices, which expanded at 2.7 percent, and the MSCI EM index, which posted a growth of 1.7 percent. The MSCI World Index grew by 3.5 percent.
GCC Markets: A Strong Start to 2025
Kuwait’s All Share Index soared 5.7% in January, fueled by robust banking earnings and strong investor confidence.
Saudi’s TASI climbed 3.1%, driven by optimism around corporate earnings and economic growth. @marmoremena#Markazpic.twitter.com/ejN2HcdwEP
“Kuwait equities outperformed global and GCC markets driven by the anticipation of strong earnings of banking stocks and the increased deal activity in the energy and real estate sectors, with most sectors closing the month in positive territory,” said Markaz.
Abu Dhabi’s equity index rose by 1.8 percent, Dubai’s index grew by 0.4 percent, and the Qatar Stock Exchange increased by 0.9 percent in January.
Bahrain’s index fell by 5.4 percent due to the decline of Aluminum Bahrain stock by 18.5 percent after officially terminating a proposed deal with the Saudi Arabian Mining Co.
Kuwait’s equity market growth was supported by the movement in key sectors like oil and gas and real estate, which expanded by 11.7 percent and 11.1 percent, respectively, according to the report.
Last month, Saudi Telecom Co. was the top gainer in Tadawul, with the company’s share price rising by 8.7 percent.
Gold surged 6.8% in January, as investors sought safe-haven assets amid market volatility.
STC Bank, the financial arm of stc Group, received a non-objection certificate from the Saudi Central Bank to commence its banking operations in the Kingdom.
STC Bank is the first licensed digital bank in the Kingdom and the latest approval aligns with the financial institution’s strategy to promote digital transformation and competitiveness within the banking sector while safeguarding monetary and financial stability, SAMA said in a press statement at the time.
Saudi Arabia’s Etihad Etisalat Co.’s share price surged by 8.4 percent, while the stock price of energy giant Saudi Aramco dipped by 0.9 percent due to a delay in phasing out OPEC+ cuts.
Markaz added that Brent crude oil closed the month at $76.8 per barrel, marking a 2.8 percent increase from December.
Interest rate policies will be a key market driver, with the Fed’s stance influencing liquidity flows into emerging markets.
“This move was driven by the US energy sanctions against Russian entities. Further clarity on (US President Donald) Trump’s trade policies, possible increase in production from the US, and the recovery of demand from China will determine the further course of oil prices,” said the report.
Gold prices also increased by 6.8 percent month on month, closing at $2,759.3 per ounce.
The analysis said that the outlook of global asset classes in the coming months could be shaped by Trump’s trade policies and possible changes in the US Fed’s rate cut trajectory.
“With China being in the crosshair of Trump’s tariffs, oil prices could take a hit if the demand recovery from China weakens. Weakness in oil prices could alter OPEC+ plans to unwind production cuts, which would in turn affect GCC economies and markets,” the report added.
