President Trump has chosen Michel Issa as the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon. Freed Israeli hostages are urging full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire. Meanwhile, UAE aims to reduce food waste significantly by 2030, and the OIC supports a reconstruction plan for Gaza. Syria’s re-activated OIC membership marks a significant diplomatic milestone amidst these developments.
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Michel Issa as the United States Ambassador to Lebanon. This decision highlights Mr. Issa’s extensive background as a businessman, financial expert, and leader with a commendable career in banking, entrepreneurship, and international trade. Trump remarked on Truth Social that Issa is an exceptional choice for this crucial diplomatic role.
In Jerusalem, over 50 freed Israeli hostages have appealed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement the Gaza ceasefire deal in its entirety to secure the release of the remaining hostages. The collective letter, posted on Instagram, expresses the urgency of preventing a return to war, which they assert would be life-threatening for those still captive. Notably, Yarden Bibas, a signatory, lost his wife and young sons while in captivity.
Their plea coincides with Hamas releasing a video showing hostage Matan Angrest alive, prompting Angrest to urge the Israeli authorities to facilitate the next phase of the ceasefire agreement. Despite the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, tensions remain as negotiations continue for further progress toward a permanent resolution.
In the UAE, food waste has reached alarming levels, with 3.27 million tons discarded annually. To combat this issue, particularly during Ramadan, the UAE has set a national goal of reducing food waste by 50% by 2030. The UAE Food Bank initiated a program to collect surplus food, collaborating with Deliveroo to gather 500 tons destined for those in need, addressing food security while reducing waste.
The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has endorsed an Arab League counter-proposal aimed at rebuilding Gaza under the governance of the Palestinian Authority. This decision was taken at an emergency meeting in Jeddah, focusing on the need for a ceasefire and reconstruction efforts, contrasting with Trump’s controversial takeover proposal which has faced widespread condemnation.
In recent developments, Syria’s membership in the OIC, which had been suspended since 2012, has been re-activated following the change in government. This move symbolizes a potential restoration of ties with the international community amid ongoing stabilization efforts under the new administration following the end of Bashar Assad’s rule. The Gulf Cooperation Council has reaffirmed its support for Syria, condemning violence aimed at destabilizing the region and emphasizing the importance of security and stability for its citizens.
In summary, significant developments are occurring across various regions, including diplomatic appointments in the United States, appeals from freed hostages in Israel, initiatives to reduce food waste in the UAE, and new proposals for rebuilding Gaza endorsed by Islamic nations. Each of these areas reflects ongoing efforts to enhance stability and address humanitarian needs, amidst complex geopolitical dynamics.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
