UAE strongly condemns Israeli attack of World Central Kitchen team in Gaza Strip

ABU DHABI: The UAE has condemned in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation forces targeting of the World Central Kitchen team – the UAE’s partner in the Amalthea Initiative to strengthen the humanitarian response to civilians in northern Gaza – which resulted in the deaths and injuries of a number of humanitarian relief workers.

The UAE held Israel fully responsible for this dangerous development, and called for an urgent, independent and transparent investigation, and punishment of those who have committed this heinous crime in contravention of international humanitarian law.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) expressed its deep regret for the loss of life, and conveyed its sincere condolences and sympathies to the families of the victims and their countries, as well as its wishes for a speedy recovery for the injured.

The Ministry stressed the importance of an immediate ceasefire, and avoiding the targeting of civilians, organisations, civilian facilities, and re
lief organisations.

The Ministry also urged to desist from imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid, and using food as a weapon, and to immediately provide protection to humanitarian relief personnel without delay.

Source: Emirates News Agency

International condemnation of the killing of 7 aid workers in the Gaza Strip in an Israeli raid

Jerusalem – Together – The killing of seven relief workers from the American non-governmental organization World Central Kitchen, which distributes food aid in the Gaza Strip, which is threatened by famine, in an Israeli raid on Monday, sparked international condemnation.

The organization explained that among the dead were citizens “from Australia, Poland, the United Kingdom, a citizen holding dual American and Canadian citizenship, and a Palestinian.” It also announced “the suspension of its operations in the region.”

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken called for a ‘quick and impartial’ investigation into the killing of the seven workers.

In turn, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese stressed, “This is completely unacceptable. Australia expects full accountability (for those responsible for) the killing of aid workers.”

He added that an Australian citizen, volunteer Zumi Frankum, was doing ‘very valuable work’ distributing food in the Gaza Strip.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called on I
srael to provide clarifications about the killing of seven humanitarian workers last night in an Israeli raid in the Gaza Strip, describing it as “brutal.”

German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock called on Israel to “conduct a rapid and in-depth investigation” into the killing of the seven aid workers. ‘Aid workers must be able to carry out their important work in complete security, all over the world and also in Gaza (…) Similar incidents must not be allowed to occur,’ she wrote on the

The British government summoned Israel’s ambassador to London to express its “firm condemnation” of the killing of seven aid workers, including three Britons, in the Israeli raid.

British Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs Andrew Mitchell said in a statement, ‘I have asked for a prompt and transparent investigation to be conducted, for the findings to be shared with the entire international community, and for those responsible (for the attack) to be held fully accountable for their actions.’

British Foreign Secreta
ry David Cameron said that the United Kingdom awaits ‘comprehensive and transparent explanations’ from Israel, adding: ‘Humanitarian workers must be protected and able to carry out their mission.’

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski announced that he requested clarifications from Israel the day after the raid that resulted in the killing of seven employees of the American relief organization World Central Kitchen, including a Pole.

‘I personally asked Israeli Ambassador Yaakov Livni for urgent clarifications. He assured me that Poland will soon receive the results of an investigation into this tragedy,’ he wrote on the X platform, adding that Warsaw intends to conduct its own investigation.

French Foreign Minister Stephane Ségournet expressed France’s “firm condemnation”, stressing that “protecting humanitarian personnel is a moral and legal duty to which the world must adhere.”

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell condemned the Israeli raid, which resulted in the deaths of seven humani
tarian workers, and called for an investigation.

‘I condemn this attack and call for an investigation to be launched as soon as possible,’ Borrell wrote on X.

He added, “Despite all the appeals to protect civilians and aid workers, we continue to see innocent people being killed.”

China expressed its “shock” over the Israeli raid that resulted in the killing of seven employees of an American relief organization in the Gaza Strip.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin announced that Beijing “opposes any action that harms civilians, destroys civilian infrastructure, or violates international law,” adding, “We condemn” this attack.

Jean-Francois Courte, vice president of Doctors of the World, said that the raid that killed seven workers at the American non-governmental food aid organization in Gaza was ‘a message sent by the Israeli army’ aimed at preventing humanitarian workers from intervening on the ground.

Jordanian King Abdullah II expressed, via the

He added, “We appreciate your sacrifices
and humanity. Humanitarian organizations in Gaza must be protected and enabled to deliver vital aid to our brothers in the Strip.”

The UAE condemned “in the strongest terms the Israeli occupation forces’ targeting of the Global Central Kitchen Foundation team, the UAE’s partner (…) to enhance the humanitarian response provided to civilians in the northern Gaza Strip.”

A statement by the UAE Foreign Ministry held “Israel fully responsible for this dangerous development,” demanding “an urgent, independent and transparent investigation into what happened, and the punishment of those responsible for this heinous crime, which is considered a flagrant violation of the rules of international humanitarian law.”

Source: Maan News Agency

Thousands of Quran copies distributed to worshippers at two Holy Mosques during Ramadan

MAKKAH: The Presidency for Religious Affairs of the Two Holy Mosques in Saudi Arabia continues to distribute thousands of copies of the Holy Quran to worshippers and visitors to the two holy mosques during the blessed month of Ramadan, Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Tuesday.

To enrich the religious experience of non-Arabic speakers, the presidency distributes copies of translated Quran, to take them home as a cherished memory of their time in Makkah and Madinah.

Source: Emirates News Agency

Within 24 hours, the occupation committed 7 massacres, claiming the lives of 71 martyrs


Gaza – Together – The Ministry of Health in Gaza announced that the number of victims of the Israeli war on the Strip had risen to 33,970 martyrs and 76,770 injured.

She added that the occupation committed 7 massacres during the past 24 hours, claiming 71 martyrs and 106 injuries.

She pointed out that thousands of citizens are still missing under the rubble and on the roads, and that the occupation is preventing ambulance and rescue crews from reaching them.

Source: Maan News Agency

Jubail Island launches Bada Al Jubail at development cost of AED4 billion

ABU DHABI: Jubail Island Investment Company (JIIC) has unveiled Bada Al Jubail, an exclusive beachfront community featuring luxurious mansions on Jubail Island, at a development value of AED4 billion, spanking over 446,000 square meters of land with 8 kilometres of beach frontage.

Plot areas on Bada Al Jubail will range from 2,000 sqm to 6,000 sqm, with nine typologies of mansions ranging from 1,100 sqm to 3,000 sqm.

Mounir Haidar, Managing Director of JIIC, said, ‘Following the soft launch of Bada Al Jubail, which received an overwhelmingly positive response, and with the recent handover of the residential units on Jubail Island, homeowners are beginning to appreciate the island’s unique value proposition. This is attracting affluent buyers and investors seeking a unique blend of exclusivity, world-class amenities, and an investment opportunity in a growing and dynamic market.’

The new community will offer residents a designated 30-yacht marina and a full range of watersport experiences with expert boatin
g staff overseeing the use of the facilities, a yacht club, an elegant members’ lounge, a cigar bar, cycle tracks and jogging paths, a wellness centre and spa, a fitness studio, and a kids club.

Residents of Bada Al Jubail will also have access to Jubail Island’s many amenities, including private schools, beach clubs, retail destinations, restaurants, and 1.4 million square meters of parks and open spaces.

Bada Al Jubail is due for completion by the end of 2027, and is only a short drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi, offering a prime location with excellent connectivity options.

Owned by JIIC and developed and managed by LEAD Real Estate Developer, Jubail Island will house six residential villages nestled among the breathtaking natural beauty and rich biodiversity of the mangroves.

Source: Emirates News Agency

CBUAE balance sheet soars to touch AED734.61 billion by end of January 2024

ABU DHABI: The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) saw its balance sheet soar to touch AED734.61 billion at the end of January 2024, marking a significant surge in its financial strength. This impressive growth is revealed in the bank’s latest balance sheet report.

The report highlights a robust increase in the CBUAE’s balance sheet, reaching a total of AED734.61 billion by January 2024. Compared to AED559.88 billion in January 2023, this translates to a substantial growth of AED174.73 billion.

The Central Bank’s balance sheet increased on a monthly basis to about AED720.94 billion in December 2023.

According to the statistics, the Central Bank’s balance sheet was distributed on the asset side as follows: AED331.41 billion for cash and bank balances in January 2024, in addition to investments of about AED213.17 billion, AED161.51 billion for deposits, AED1.93 billion for loans and advances, and AED26.59 billion for other assets.

The other side of the equation, liabilities and capital were as
follows: AED325.1 billion for current accounts and deposit accounts, about AED240.9 billion for cash bonds and Islamic deposit certificates, AED135.23 billion for issued banknotes and coins, AED18.31 billion for capital and reserves, and AED18.31 billion for other liabilities.

Source: Emirates News Agency