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Netanyahu's announcement drew condemnation, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning that the settlement would effectively split the West Bank in two
Qatar's prime minister intensified his criticism of Israel over its attack targeting Hamas leaders in his country, saying Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu killed any hope of releasing hostages still held in the Gaza Strip. The comments from Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani ahead of appearing at the United Nations on Thursday underscored the wider anger among Gulf Arab countries over Israel's strike, which killed at least six people. I was meeting one of the hostage's families the morning of the attack, Sheikh Mohammed told CNN in an interview aired late Wednesday. They are counting on this (ceasefire) mediation, they have no other hope for that. Sheikh Mohammed added: I think that what Netanyahu has done yesterday, he just killed any hope for those hostages. Qatar and Egypt have been key mediators to try and reach a ceasefire in the war in Gaza. Qatar has hosted Hamas' political leadership for years in Doha, in part over a request by the US to encourage negotiation
Drawing references from the September 11 attack, Netanyahu said that Israel too has an event similar to September 11, referring to October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel
Both leaders expressed satisfaction over the continued progress in the India-Qatar Strategic Partnership
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday condemned the violation of Qatar's sovereignty in the wake of Israel's air strikes on Doha targeting Hamas leaders that triggered fears of further escalation of the already fragile situation in the region. The prime minister's rare criticism directed at Israel came after he spoke to Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and conveyed India's "deep concern" at the attacks in Doha. Israel carried out the air strikes on Qatari capital Doha on Tuesday in the latest in a series of attacks it launched against Syria, Iran and Lebanon. The attack on Doha triggered global outrage. "Spoke with Amir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani and expressed deep concern at the attacks in Doha," Modi said on social media. "India condemns the violation of the sovereignty of the brotherly State of Qatar. We support resolution of issues through dialogue and diplomacy, and avoiding escalation," he said. The prime minister said India "stands firmly" in
Caught between two US allies, Trump said he spoke with both Netanyahu and Qatari leaders after the strike and that he assured Qatar that such an attack wouldn't happen again
Brent crude futures settled 37 cents, or 0.6 per cent, higher at $66.39 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also climbed 37 cents, or 0.6 per cent, to close at $62.63 a barrel
Israel has killed multiple senior officials with Hamas and its regional allies since the deadly October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas-led militants in southern Israel that triggered the war in Gaza. On Tuesday, Israel struck the energy-rich nation of Qatar, which has been mediating ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Israel targeted a gathering of Hamas political leaders who were discussing the latest ceasefire proposal in Doha. Hamas said in a statement that six people were killed, but that all of the targeted officials survived. From Gaza to Lebanon to Iran, Israel has killed leaders with Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iranian military leaders. Here is a list of top officials who have been assassinated by Israel during the war: Saleh Arouri The deputy political head of Hamas and a founder of the group's military wing, Saleh Arouri was killed January 2, 2024, in a drone strike in a southern suburb of Beirut. Accused of masterminding attacks against Israel in the West
President Donald Trump was trying to walk a delicate line following Israel's attack on Hamas officials in Qatar, distancing himself from the strike Tuesday but stopping short of condemning Israel for carrying out an audacious strike on the soil of another major US ally. Trump said the unilateral action directed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not advance Israel or America's goals." He offered notably muted pushback, however, even suggesting this unfortunate incident could serve as an opportunity for peace. This was a decision made by Prime Minister Netanyahu, it was not a decision made by me, Trump said on social media hours after the strikes. Trump is seeking to soothe concerns of a Gulf ally that has played a key role in mediating between the US and Iran and its proxies, including during talks with Tehran-backed Hamas as the war with Israel in Gaza grinds on. The US also has about 10,000 troops stationed at the Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, an installation that se
Israel launched a strike targeting Hamas' leadership in Qatar on Tuesday, officials said, further widening its campaign against the militant group as negotiations over ending the war in the Gaza Strip appears stalemated before a new military offensive there. Black smoke rose over the skyline of the Qatari capital, Doha, with authorities there acknowledging the strike. It wasn't immediately clear if anyone was hurt in the attack, marking the second time the energy-rich nation has been directly attacked in the nearly two years of war that have gripped the wider Middle East since Hamas' attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. It wasn't immediately clear how the attack was carried out, though an Israeli military spokesman referred to Israel's air force carrying out the strike. Qatar Airways continued landing in Doha amid the strike, even as at least one Qatari air force aircraft took off on patrol over the country. Qatar condemned what it referred to as a cowardly Israeli attack on .
India and Qatar are likely to finalise the framework for a free trade agreement in early October, with commerce minister Piyush Goyal expected to travel to Doha soon
India and Qatar are likely to finalise terms of reference for a bilateral trade agreement next month, a senior official said on Monday. Once the terms of reference of the proposed trade pact are finalised, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal may visit Qatar in October, the official said. The official also informed that there is good progress on the proposed trade pact with the EU. The EU team is currently here for the 13th round of India-EU FTA talks. "It is possible that next month Qatar's terms of reference (for trade deal) may be finalised," the official said. Minister Goyal last month had said that Qatar wants to negotiate a free trade agreement (FTA) with India. In February, India and Qatar agreed to double bilateral trade to USD 28 billion over the next five years.
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman will be finalised soon, and Qatar also wants to negotiate a pact with India. He said that India has already signed such acts with a number of developed economies, including Australia, the UK, the UAE, Mauritius, and four-European nation bloc European Free Trade Association (EFTA). Besides, India is negotiating trade pacts with the European Union (EU), the US, New Zealand, Chile, and Peru. These agreements, he said, will open up new opportunities, markets, and investment possibilities. Negotiations with the EU are moving at a faster pace, Goyal said, adding Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal is visiting Brussels next week to take stock of the trade pact talks. The India-EU official team will meet for the 13th round of negotiations from September 8 here in the national capital. After that, European Commissioner for Trade Maros Sefcovic is likely to visit India next month to tak
Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Oman will be finalised soon, and Qatar also wants to negotiate a pact with India. He also assured exporters of all support to deal with the current global uncertainties at the trade front, which was caused due to unilateral actions of a country. The government is in consultation with all the stakeholders, including Indian Missions abroad, for diversification of exports, he said. He added that domestic consumption will get a boost from GST reforms. "Our exports this year will be higher than last year," Goyal said at an event here. India's share in global trade is only about 2 per cent, and about 40 per cent of items of the total exports to the US are out of the ambit of 50 per cent tariffs, so the impact will be less. Free Trade Agreement with Oman "will be finalised soon," he said, adding "Qatar also wants to do a trade agreement", and Saudi Arabia is also keen. Goyal added that talks with
Saudi Arabia and Qatar are ready to invest in an economic zone in south Lebanon near the border with Israel that would create jobs for members of the militant Hezbollah group and its supporters once they lay down their weapons, President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East said Tuesday. Tom Barrack made his comments in Beirut after trips to Israel and Syria where he discussed with officials there the ongoing situation in Lebanon following this month's decision by the Lebanese government to disarm Hezbollah by the end of the year. Hezbollah's leader rejected the government's plan, vowing to keep the weapons. On Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israeli forces could begin withdrawing from territory they hold in southern Lebanon after the Lebanese government's momentous decision to disarm Hezbollah. The US-backed Lebanese army is preparing a plan for Hezbollah's disarmament that should be ready by the end of August. The government is expected to discuss the ...
External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar spoke to the Prime Minister of Qatar, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, on Thursday and discussed the bilateral agenda between the two nations.EAM Jaishankar, in a telephonic conversation with Prime Minister Al Thani, appreciated his assessment of the regional situation.EAM wrote on X, "A warm call with PM & FM @MBA_AlThani_ of Qatar. Appreciated his assessment of the regional situation. Discussed our bilateral agenda."Qatar's Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, played a key role in securing Iran's approval for the US-proposed ceasefire in the conflict with Israel, with Al Thani obtaining Tehran's agreement during a phone call with Iranian officials, as reported by Reuters, quoting an official briefed on the negotiation.Al Thani's conversation followed Trump's communication with Qatar's Emir, in which the US President informed him that Israel had accepted the ceasefire proposal and requested Doha's assistance in ...
Over 800,000 Indians live in Qatar, drawn by tax-free salaries, easier visas, and strong community ties. Here's why the Gulf country remains a top destination
On Monday, Iran launched missiles at the U.S.-operated Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, triggering fresh alarm across West Asia. The attack came in response to American strikes on Iranian nuclear facilitie
The State Department has lifted the shelter in place warning to Americans in Qatar that it issued earlier Monday ahead of Iranian missile launches at a US military base there in retaliation for weekend US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. The embassy in Doha, which had also instructed official personnel to stay inside, revoked the guidance in a statement issued late Monday afternoon Washington time after nearly all of the missiles were intercepted and Iran signalled there would be no more. It noted that Qatari airspace, which had been closed earlier, remained closed and that the security situation in the country could change rapidly. Russia, China and Pakistan seek UN resolution condemning US strikes on Iran and calling for ceasefire The draft Security Council resolution, circulated to its 15 members for comments and obtained by The Associated Press, is almost certain to be vetoed by the United States in its present form. It could be changed in negotiations. It condemns in