Middle East Experience

As the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate, Israel and the Hamas leadership know that there is no military solution and that efforts must be focused to reduce poverty.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Israel, Gaza stuck in each other’s throat

Gulf carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways have again asked cabin crew to take voluntary unpaid leave as they try to manage the impact from the coronavirus pandemic, according to internal memos and sources familiar with the matter.Aviation has been one of the worst-hit industries during the pandemic and Emirates and Etihad of the United Arab Emirates have cut thousands of jobs, sources have said.Read the latest updates in our dedicated coronavirus section.In an internal memo, Emirates crew are told they can take unpaid leave for between one and three months from September 1 to November 30 owing to expected staffing requirements.Emirates, which in July asked pilots and crew to take four months of unpaid leave, also laid off some crew last week, two sources said, continuing a redundancy process that began in July.For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.An airline spokeswoman confirmed that unpaid leave had been offered but she declined to say how many crew had accepted.The spokeswoman did not address the layoffs.Read more:Emirates, Etihad to extend staff salary cuts into September amid coronavirus pandemicCoronavirus: UAE could reimpose lockdowns as COVID-19 cases rise, official saysCoronavirus: Air Arabia reports $46 mln loss for first half of 2020 due to COVID-19In an Etihad internal memo, staff were told that the airline has more crew than needed and that many are not being rostered on flights, which is not sustainable for the business.Crew can take between 10 days to six months of unpaid leave from September 16, the email said.Etihad, which in March asked crew to take unpaid leave, did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.Emirates and Etihad have been resuming passenger services gradually since June after grounding flights in March. Etihad reported a $758 million core operating loss in the first half of the year. Emirates’ first half ends September 30.
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Coronavirus: Emirates and Etihad airlines ask crew to take more unpaid leave

Defense ministers of the UAE and Israel discussed peace and stability in the Middle East during a phone call on Tuesday, state news agency WAM reported.Emirati Minister of State for Defense Affairs Mohammed bin Ahmad Al Bawardi and Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz discussed the historic peace agreement between the two countries, which was announced on August 13.“Both ministers expressed their conviction that this accord will enhance the chances of peace and stability in the region as it represents a positive step in this direction,” WAM reported.The ministers also discussed strengthening communication channels as well as establishing “solid bilateral relations” to benefit the UAE, Israel, and the wider region.On Monday health ministers of the two countries discussed collaboration in the healthcare field, especially the coronavirus pandemic.UAE Minister of Health and Prevention Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Al Owais and Israeli Minister of Health Yuli Edelstein discussed in a phone call “ways to strengthen cooperation in the medical field,” with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry and medical research, according to WAM.“They also discussed frameworks for cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report said, adding that vaccine trials and treatments for the coronavirus were also a topic of conversation.Two private companies in the UAE have already signed an agreement with two companies in Israel to develop research and technology to fight COVID-19.Known as the “Abraham Accord,” the diplomatic agreement between the UAE and Israel is set to establish bilateral agreements regarding investment, tourism, security, telecommunications, technology, energy, healthcare, culture, and other areas.Read more:Coronavirus: UAE, Israel health ministers discuss potential COVID-19 cooperationSeveral Arab countries on way to relations with Israel: UAE Minister GargashIsrael likely won’t stamp passports of UAE tourists: Israeli foreign ministry
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: In latest UAE-Israel talks, defense ministers pledge to strengthen communications

The United States Tuesday publicly criticized Turkish President Recep Tayyib Erdogan for meeting with a Palestinian Islamist group’s leaders who are designated terrorists by Washington and have a $5 million bounty for any information on their whereabouts.Erdogan met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and his deputy, Saleh al-Arouri, last weekend in Istanbul and posted a picture of the meeting on the Turkish presidency’s social media.For all the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app.“President Erdogan’s continued outreach to this terrorist organization only serves to isolate Turkey from the international community, harms the interests of the Palestinian people, and undercuts global efforts to prevent terrorist attacks launched from Gaza,” a statement from the US State Department said.The statement made note that this was the second time Erdogan hosted the Hamas delegation to Turkey. The first public meeting was Feb. 1.Read more: Turkey provides Hamas militant operatives with citizenship: Telegraph“The United States strongly objects to Turkish President Erdogan hosting two Hamas leaders in Istanbul on August 22,” the statement added.Erdogan has come under increased scrutiny for his political and military moves in recent months. The European Union has expressed its frustration with Erdogan and his policies of interference in foreign nations. France has been one of the most outspoken critics. French President Emmanuel Macron has lambasted Turkey for its “aggressive” behavior.Turkey has also defied US calls to refrain from purchasing Russian air defense systems. This led to the US kicking Turkey out of its F-35 fighter jet program.“We continue to raise our concerns about the Turkish government’s relationship with Hamas at the highest levels,” the State Department said Tuesday.Al Arabiya English previously reported about growing calls in Washington to condemn Turkey's behavior. Bipartisan efforts are mounting to change US policy toward Ankara.Read more: Turkey pushing ahead with its agenda, risking the wrath of US, EU sanctions
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: US criticizes Erdogan for meeting with Hamas leadership, warns of Turkish isolation

Central Bank Governor Riad Salameh shifted blame over the dwindling foreign currency reserves, saying 'those in charge' should 'take the necessary measures' to avoid cuts to subsidies..
Source: Albawaba
Full Article: Lebanon's central bank may stop supporting basic subsidies

The Qatari envoy’s visit also comes 24 hours after four Palestinian Islamic Jihad members accidentally blew themselves up while trying to launch rockets into Israel.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Qatari envoy’s visit, curfew may ease Gaza tensions

Pompeo takes first-ever direct flight from Tel Aviv to Khartoum.
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Israel ties not a condition for Sudan to shed terror-sponsor status - US

Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo discussed bilateral relations and the UAE-Israel agreement, over the phone on Tuesday, according to state news agency WAM.Pompeo is expected to visit the United Arab Emirates this week during his Middle East trip. He has already visited Israel and Sudan.The conversation between Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and Pompeo follows after a phone call between Israeli and Emirati defense ministers earlier on Tuesday.Emirati Minister of State for Defense Affairs Mohammed bin Ahmad Al Bawardi and Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz discussed the historic peace agreement between the two countries, according to WAM.“Both ministers expressed their conviction that this accord will enhance the chances of peace and stability in the region as it represents a positive step in this direction,” WAM reported.The ministers also discussed strengthening communication channels as well as establishing “solid bilateral relations” to benefit the UAE, Israel, and the wider region.On Monday health ministers of the UAE and Israel discussed cooperation in the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.UAE Minister of Health and Prevention Abdul Rahman bin Mohammad Al Owais and Israeli Minister of Health Yuli Edelstein discussed in a phone call “ways to strengthen cooperation in the medical field,” with a focus on the pharmaceutical industry and medical research, according to WAM.“They also discussed frameworks for cooperation in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic,” the report said, adding that vaccine trials and treatments for the coronavirus were also a topic of conversation.On August 13, the UAE became the third Arab country to normalize relations with Israel, following Jordan’s agreement in 1994 and Egypt’s in 1979.Diplomatic talks kicked off last week with UAE National Security Adviser Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan meeting Yossi Cohen, head of Israel's foreign intelligence, the Mossad.The two discussed bilateral cooperation in several fields, according to state news agency WAM.Read more:Four Jewish attractions to see in the UAEAnother Israel-Arab deal expected in coming weeks: Israeli ambassador to USUS sanctions former head of Iran’s notorious Evin prison, 13 other Iranians
Source: Al Arabiya
Full Article: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince, US Secretary Pompeo discuss UAE-Israel agreement

“It’s the beginning of a new era not only for Jews in the UAE but for Jews around the world.”
Source: Jerusalem Post
Full Article: Dubai’s Jews ready for growth spurt following Israel normalization deal

Ankara has arrested a man suspected of planning “a sensational attack” in Istanbul and six others in raids that point to a festering Islamic State problem in Turkey.
Source: Al Monitor
Full Article: Islamic State operative planning 'sensational' attack nabbed in Istanbul