middleeaststar.com latest rss headlines Provides the latest rss feeds for middleeaststar.com. For more headlines on Breaking, National, Business, Finance, Sports and World News, visit our home page middleeaststar.com http://www.middleeaststar.com en-us Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:21:21 +1100 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 19:21:21 +1100 3600 <![CDATA[Gaza suffers from catastrophic hunger global watchdog]]> A UN-backed report warns that mass death is imminent without an immediate ceasefire and food supplies

Northern Gaza has already exceeded famine levels, the global hunger monitor said on Monday. Around 300,000 people remain trapped in the Palestinian enclave amid Israeli bombardment.

The UN-backed report also warned that more than 70% of Gaza's population of 2.3 million is facing "catastroph]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179656/gaza-suffers-from-catastrophic-hunger-global-watchdog 274179656 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 08:12:56 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179656/gaza-suffers-from-catastrophic-hunger-global-watchdog <![CDATA[Biden, Netanyahu agree to discuss alternatives to ground offensive against Hamas in Rafah]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179624/biden-netanyahu-agree-to-discuss-alternatives-to-ground-offensive-against-hamas-in-rafah 274179624 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:37:34 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179624/biden-netanyahu-agree-to-discuss-alternatives-to-ground-offensive-against-hamas-in-rafah <![CDATA[Live: Israeli air strikes leave several dead in Gaza's Rafah]]> Twenty Palestinians were killed in the early hours of Tuesday in Israeli air strikes on Rafah and central parts of the Gaza Strip, Gaza health officials said. The entire population of Gaza is experiencing "severe levels of acute food insecurity", US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said earlier during a visit to the Philippines, underscoring the urgency for increasing the delivery of humanitarian aid into the Palestin]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179622/live-israeli-air-strikes-leave-several-dead-in-gaza-rafah 274179622 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 07:37:06 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179622/live-israeli-air-strikes-leave-several-dead-in-gaza-rafah <![CDATA[Israeli Military Conducts Operation in Gaza's Largest Hospital]]> Amidst escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army has initiated an operation within the region's largest hospital, "Al-Shifa." According to a statement from the military, the operation is a response to intelligence indicating that senior members of the Islamist group Hamas are utilizing the medical facility as a strategic base for launching attacks against Israel.

Reports from the Israeli military su]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179471/israeli-military-conducts-operation-in-gaza-largest-hospital 274179471 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:11:45 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179471/israeli-military-conducts-operation-in-gaza-largest-hospital <![CDATA[Hamas number three killed by Israeli operation, US says]]> Israel killed the Hamas militant group's third-in-command Marwan Issa last week, the White House said Monday, after Israel previously said he had been targeted in a Gaza airstrike but did not confirm his death. In a phone call earlier Monday, US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu he was deeply concerned about a planned ground offensive in Rafah, adding that an operation in the overcrowde]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179452/hamas-number-three-killed-by-israeli-operation-us-says 274179452 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:08:06 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179452/hamas-number-three-killed-by-israeli-operation-us-says <![CDATA[Al Jazeera: Reporter Released After Being Detained, Beaten in Gaza]]> washington - An Al Jazeera journalist covering a hospital raid in Gaza on Monday was beaten and detained by Israeli forces for around 12 hours, the network said.

Al Jazeera reported that members of the Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, assaulted their Arabic language correspondent Ismail Al-Ghoul, destroying his equipment and arresting him along with other media and hospital workers.

Al-Ghoul had been forced t]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179442/al-jazeera-reporter-released-after-being-detained-beaten-in-gaza 274179442 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:06:21 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179442/al-jazeera-reporter-released-after-being-detained-beaten-in-gaza <![CDATA[US Destroys Houthi Missiles, Drones in New Yemen Strike]]> washington - The U.S. military said it destroyed seven missiles and three drones Monday in areas of Yemen controlled by Houthi rebels that presented threats to merchant ships and U.S. Navy vessels.

Iran-backed Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea region since November in what they say is solidarity with Palestinians during Israel's war against Hamas militants in Gaza.

United States Central Comma]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179441/us-destroys-houthi-missiles-drones-in-new-yemen-strike 274179441 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:06:18 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179441/us-destroys-houthi-missiles-drones-in-new-yemen-strike <![CDATA[S. Korea's auto export falls in February]]> SEOUL, March 19 (Xinhua) -- South Korea's automotive export marked the first fall in 20 months in February due to less business days, government data showed Tuesday.

Car shipment slipped 7.8 percent from a year earlier to 5.16 billion U.S. dollars in February, according to the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy.

The number of exported vehicles was 198,653 in February, down 11.0 percent from a year ear]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179398/s-korea-auto-export-falls-in-february 274179398 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:55:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179398/s-korea-auto-export-falls-in-february <![CDATA[US Special Representative for Afghanistan to travel to India this week]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179386/us-special-representative-for-afghanistan-to-travel-to-india-this-week 274179386 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 05:37:21 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179386/us-special-representative-for-afghanistan-to-travel-to-india-this-week <![CDATA[USCIRF calls for US government to support Iraq's religious communities on anniversary of genocide determination]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179311/uscirf-calls-for-us-government-to-support-iraq-religious-communities-on-anniversary-of-genocide-determination 274179311 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 03:18:13 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179311/uscirf-calls-for-us-government-to-support-iraq-religious-communities-on-anniversary-of-genocide-determination <![CDATA[Market exchange rates in China -- March 19]]> BEIJING, March 19 (Xinhua) -- The following are the central parity rates of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, against 25 major currencies announced on Tuesday by the China Foreign Exchange Trade System:

Currency Unit Central parity rate in yuan

U.S. dollar 100 709.85

Euro 100 774.39

Japanese yen 100 4.7831

Hong Kong dollar 100 90.772

British pound 100 906.43

Au]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179289/market-exchange-rates-in-china----march-19 274179289 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 02:44:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179289/market-exchange-rates-in-china----march-19 <![CDATA[UAE joins International Atomic Energy Agency Response and Assistance Network]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179263/uae-joins-international-atomic-energy-agency-response-and-assistance-network 274179263 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 01:55:10 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179263/uae-joins-international-atomic-energy-agency-response-and-assistance-network <![CDATA[Iranians Tighten Belts for Persian New Year Festivities]]> Tehran, Iran - Millions of Iranians will travel to be with their families for Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Wednesday but economic troubles in the sanctions-hit country are weighing on the festivities.

Iranians will celebrate the start of the year 1403 at exactly 26 seconds past 6:36 a.m. on March 20, matching the astronomical time of the spring equinox.

Globally, some 300 million people will wish each othe]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179178/iranians-tighten-belts-for-persian-new-year-festivities 274179178 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:36:09 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179178/iranians-tighten-belts-for-persian-new-year-festivities <![CDATA[Al Jazeera Says Reporter Arrested in Gaza]]> washington - An Al Jazeera journalist on Monday was beaten and taken away by Israeli forces while he reported on a hospital raid in Gaza, the network said.

Al Jazeera reported that members of the Israel Defense Forces, or IDF, assaulted their Arabic language correspondent Ismail Al-Ghoul, destroying his equipment and arresting him along with other media and hospital workers.

Al-Ghoul was forced to strip nak]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179155/al-jazeera-says-reporter-arrested-in-gaza 274179155 Tue, 19 Mar 2024 00:06:09 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179155/al-jazeera-says-reporter-arrested-in-gaza <![CDATA[Israeli Forces kill Hamas internal security officer in battle in hospital]]> Tel Aviv [Israel], March 19 (ANI/TPS): During fighting with Hamas militants inside a Gaza hospital compound, Israeli soldiers killed a senior Hamas figure and arrested at least 80 other militants there, the Israel Defence Forces said on Monday.

The Hamas figure killed during the raid was identified as Faiq Mabhuoch, head of the Operations Directorate of Hamas's Internal Security. Mabhuoh was also responsible for ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179010/israeli-forces-kill-hamas-internal-security-officer-in-battle-in-hospital 274179010 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:18:06 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179010/israeli-forces-kill-hamas-internal-security-officer-in-battle-in-hospital <![CDATA[UN Chief urges Israel to ensure "complete and unfettered access" for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza]]> New York [US], March 19 (ANI): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned of an "immnent" famine in the northern part of Gaza and urged Israel to ensure "complete and unfettered access" for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza.

He called on the international community to support the UN's humanitarian efforts in Gaza. He stated that 1.1 million people in Gaza are facing catastrophic hunger.

I]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179001/un-chief-urges-israel-to-ensure-complete-and-unfettered-access-for-humanitarian-goods-throughout-gaza 274179001 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 23:03:05 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179001/un-chief-urges-israel-to-ensure-complete-and-unfettered-access-for-humanitarian-goods-throughout-gaza <![CDATA[Israeli Military Conducts Operation in Gaza's Largest Hospital]]> Amidst escalating tensions in the Gaza Strip, the Israeli army has initiated an operation within the region's largest hospital, "Al-Shifa." According to a statement from the military, the operation is a response to intelligence indicating that senior members of the Islamist group Hamas are utilizing the medical facility as a strategic base for launching attacks against Israel.

Reports from the Israeli military su]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178955/israeli-military-conducts-operation-in-gaza-largest-hospital 274178955 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:11:47 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178955/israeli-military-conducts-operation-in-gaza-largest-hospital <![CDATA[World Bank to provide 6-bln-USD support to Egypt: minister]]> CAIRO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian Minister of International Cooperation Rania Al-Mashat said on Monday that the World Bank Group (WBG) will offer a financing package for the Egyptian economy worth 6 billion U.S. dollars for the next three years.

In a statement, the Egyptian minister said the WBG intends to provide 3 billion dollars to support the economic reform program implemented by the Egyptian government,]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178922/world-bank-to-provide-6-bln-usd-support-to-egypt-minister 274178922 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:05:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178922/world-bank-to-provide-6-bln-usd-support-to-egypt-minister <![CDATA[Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, March 18]]> GAZA -- An Israeli soldier was killed during the Israeli army's raid on the Al-Shifa complex in Gaza City early Monday, the Israeli military said.

According to Israeli public radio, the soldier was a sergeant from the Hanahl Brigade, whose death brings the total number of Israeli fatalities since the start of the conflict to 593. (Gaza-Israeli Soldier-Death)

- - - -

SANAA -- Fighter jets of the U.S]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178923/xinhua-middle-east--summary-at-2200-gmt-march-18 274178923 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 22:05:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178923/xinhua-middle-east--summary-at-2200-gmt-march-18 <![CDATA[Biden knew Israel was bombing indiscriminately WaPo]]> The US president was told in October that Israeli airstrikes were often carried out without 'solid intelligence,' the newspaper claims

The White House knew since late October that Israel was regularly bombing civilian targets in Gaza, but President Joe Biden continued to publicly defend the Israeli military's conduct, the Washington Post reported on Monday.

On October 27, three weeks into I]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178857/biden-knew-israel-was-bombing-indiscriminately-wapo 274178857 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:14:26 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178857/biden-knew-israel-was-bombing-indiscriminately-wapo <![CDATA[Biden knew Israel was bombing indiscriminately - WaPo]]> The US president was told in October that Israeli airstrikes were often carried out without "solid intelligence," the newspaper claims

The White House knew since late October that Israel was regularly bombing civilian targets in Gaza, but President Joe Biden continued to publicly defend the Israeli military's conduct,]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178870/biden-knew-israel-was-bombing-indiscriminately---wapo 274178870 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:09:05 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178870/biden-knew-israel-was-bombing-indiscriminately---wapo <![CDATA[Live: Hamas number three killed by Israeli operation, US says]]> Israel killed Marwan Issa, the Hamas militant group's third-in-command, last week, the White House said Monday, after Israel previously said he had been targeted in a Gaza airstrike but did not confirm his death. In a phone call earlier Monday, US President Joe Biden told Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu he was deeply concerned about a planned ground offensive in Rafah, adding that an operation in the overcrow]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178855/live-hamas-number-three-killed-by-israeli-operation-us-says 274178855 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 21:08:06 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178855/live-hamas-number-three-killed-by-israeli-operation-us-says <![CDATA[Israeli soldier killed in Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital raid]]> GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli soldier was killed during the Israeli army's raid on the Al-Shifa complex in Gaza City early Monday, the Israeli military said.

According to Israeli public radio, the soldier was a sergeant from the Hanahl Brigade, whose death brings the total number of Israeli fatalities since the start of the conflict to 593.

The same day, the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178841/israeli-soldier-killed-in-gaza-al-shifa-hospital-raid 274178841 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:49:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178841/israeli-soldier-killed-in-gaza-al-shifa-hospital-raid <![CDATA[Famine Imminent in Northern Gaza, Food Security Experts Warn]]> United Nations - Famine is imminent in the northern Gaza Strip between now and May, and the rest of Gaza's population is facing crisis levels of hunger and worse, a United Nations-backed food security report concluded Monday.

"More than half of all Palestinians in Gaza -1.1 million people - have completely exhausted their food supplies and are facing catastrophic hunger, according to the report," U.N. Secretary-G]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178787/famine-imminent-in-northern-gaza-food-security-experts-warn 274178787 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 20:05:47 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178787/famine-imminent-in-northern-gaza-food-security-experts-warn <![CDATA[Iraqi Kurdish party to boycott regional parliamentary elections]]> BAGHDAD, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Iraqi Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) announced Monday its decision to boycott the upcoming parliamentary elections in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan region, citing the "unconstitutional" amendments issued by the Federal Supreme Court regarding the regional parliamentary elections law.

The KDP, the main party in northern Iraq's autonomous Kurdish region, decided not to participa]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178757/iraqi-kurdish-party-to-boycott-regional-parliamentary-elections 274178757 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 19:30:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178757/iraqi-kurdish-party-to-boycott-regional-parliamentary-elections <![CDATA[MoHAP concludes nationwide campaign to boost health with fruits and vegetables]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178683/mohap-concludes-nationwide-campaign-to-boost-health-with-fruits-and-vegetables 274178683 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:55:52 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178683/mohap-concludes-nationwide-campaign-to-boost-health-with-fruits-and-vegetables <![CDATA[UAE and Angolan Presidents discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178684/uae-and-angolan-presidents-discuss-enhancing-bilateral-cooperation 274178684 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:55:52 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178684/uae-and-angolan-presidents-discuss-enhancing-bilateral-cooperation <![CDATA[Israel wants new deal from Hamas media]]> The country's top spy is en route to Qatar for ceasefire talks with the militants

Mossad chief David Barnea is traveling to Qatar to continue ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, but will not accept a deal proposed last week by the Palestinian militants, Israel's i24 News reported on Monday.

Barnea, who heads the Israeli intelligence agency, will seek to renegotiate the "bad" deal put forward]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178606/israel-wants-new-deal-from-hamas-media 274178606 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:13:52 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178606/israel-wants-new-deal-from-hamas-media <![CDATA[UN Food Security Report Warns of Imminent North Gaza Famine]]> Palestinians are facing imminent famine in northern Gaza between now and May, a United Nations-backed food security report concluded Monday.

Humanitarian aid groups have warned throughout much of the Israeli war on Hamas militants in Gaza that hundreds of thousands of Palestinians are famished because too few aid trucks are being allowed into the territory past Israeli security checkpoints. But the new report is ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178498/un-food-security-report-warns-of-imminent-north-gaza-famine 274178498 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 18:05:59 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178498/un-food-security-report-warns-of-imminent-north-gaza-famine <![CDATA[Palestinian death toll in Gaza climbs to 31,726: ministry]]> GAZA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip due to the ongoing Israeli attacks has risen to 31,726, with 73,792 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement on Monday.

The Israeli army killed 81 Palestinians and wounded 116 others during the past 24 hours, according to the ministry.

The statement noted that some victims remained under the rubble amid ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178471/palestinian-death-toll-in-gaza-climbs-to-31726-ministry 274178471 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:49:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178471/palestinian-death-toll-in-gaza-climbs-to-31726-ministry <![CDATA[Israeli army says takes over Gaza's Al-Shifa Hospital, kills 20 militants]]> JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said on Monday that it had taken over the Al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, claiming it had killed at least 20 militants.

Israeli troops have been continuing the military operation since overnight into Monday afternoon.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has expressed concern about the developments in the hospital. "Hospitals should never be battleground]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178468/israeli-army-says-takes-over-gaza-al-shifa-hospital-kills-20-militants 274178468 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:44:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178468/israeli-army-says-takes-over-gaza-al-shifa-hospital-kills-20-militants <![CDATA[Israel sees 10.5-pct drop in jobseekers in Feb.]]> JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The number of jobseekers in Israel fell by 10.5 percent in February, said a report issued by the Israel Employment Service on Monday.

The report stated that at the end of February, the number of jobseekers in the country stood at 245,500, compared to 274,300 at the end of January.

It noted that this is the most significant monthly decrease in the number of jobseekers in Isr]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178456/israel-sees-105-pct-drop-in-jobseekers-in-feb 274178456 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:30:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178456/israel-sees-105-pct-drop-in-jobseekers-in-feb <![CDATA[UN Security Council demands end to Red Sea attacks, calls for restraint]]> UNITED NATIONS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Security Council on Monday demanded an end to attacks on vessels at the Red Sea by Yemen's Houthi militia and calls for restraint in order to avoid further escalation of the situation.

In a press statement, the members of the Security Council condemned Houthi attacks against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and demanded an immediate end to such attacks.

They calle]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178457/un-security-council-demands-end-to-red-sea-attacks-calls-for-restraint 274178457 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 17:30:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178457/un-security-council-demands-end-to-red-sea-attacks-calls-for-restraint <![CDATA[UN chief calls on Israel to ensure Gaza humanitarian access]]> UNITED NATIONS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called on the Israeli authorities to ensure complete and unfettered access for humanitarian goods throughout Gaza.

Guterres made the plea after the latest acute food insecurity analysis for Gaza warns that famine in the northern part of Gaza is imminent.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis con]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178386/un-chief-calls-on-israel-to-ensure-gaza-humanitarian-access 274178386 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:44:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178386/un-chief-calls-on-israel-to-ensure-gaza-humanitarian-access <![CDATA[Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, March 18]]> MOSCOW -- Russia's incumbent President Vladimir Putin has secured a landslide victory in the country's presidential election with over 87 percent of the vote after all ballots were counted, according to the Russian Central Election Commission (CEC) on Monday.

Putin won the election with 87.28 percent of the votes, data from the CEC showed, after all ballots had been counted Monday afternoon. (Russia-Presidential]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178349/xinhua-world--summary-at-1530-gmt-march-18 274178349 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:18:14 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178349/xinhua-world--summary-at-1530-gmt-march-18 <![CDATA[Gaza tragedy exposes the West's hypocrisy, double standards]]> GENEVA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- At the 55th session of the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Council currently taking place here, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is undoubtedly one of the biggest focuses among participants, with many believing the disaster in Gaza is a tragedy created by Israeli "occupiers" and their American accomplices.

"The United States has not only justified Israel's brutal actions and]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178348/gaza-tragedy-exposes-the-west-hypocrisy-double-standards 274178348 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:18:13 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178348/gaza-tragedy-exposes-the-west-hypocrisy-double-standards <![CDATA[Kyrgyzstan calls on int'l community, U.S. to stop Gaza "genocide"]]> BISHKEK, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Kyrgyzstan on Monday called on the international community, especially Israel's main sponsor, the United States, to end the "genocide" in Gaza.

For six months now, the world has been observing the methodical destruction of the population in Gaza, said Edil Baisalov, deputy chairman of the cabinet of ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, at the opening of a photo exhibition commemorating]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178346/kyrgyzstan-calls-on-intl-community-us-to-stop-gaza-genocide 274178346 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:18:12 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178346/kyrgyzstan-calls-on-intl-community-us-to-stop-gaza-genocide <![CDATA[Food insecurity in eastern Africa to persist until Q2: WFP]]> NAIROBI, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Food insecurity in eastern Africa is likely to persist until the second quarter of 2024, the World Food Program (WFP) said in a report released Monday.

The UN food agency attributed the situation to conflict, inflation, and disease outbreaks.

"Food prices in the region remain high, and the trend is projected to continue, especially with an outlook for a potential escalation o]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178344/food-insecurity-in-eastern-africa-to-persist-until-q2-wfp 274178344 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:18:10 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178344/food-insecurity-in-eastern-africa-to-persist-until-q2-wfp <![CDATA[Egyptian FM reiterates addressing Sudan crisis as internal affair]]> CAIRO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Egypt on Monday reaffirmed its firm support in addressing the crisis in Sudan as an internal affair, the Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry made the remarks during a meeting in the capital Cairo with the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Tom Perriello, who visited Egypt as part of his first regional tour since his appointment.

The E]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178329/egyptian-fm-reiterates-addressing-sudan-crisis-as-internal-affair 274178329 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:18:04 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178329/egyptian-fm-reiterates-addressing-sudan-crisis-as-internal-affair <![CDATA[Jordan's king warns of Gaza conflict fallout in region]]> AMMAN, March 18 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan on Monday warned that the ongoing conflict in Gaza will have catastrophic repercussions on the entire region.

The king made the remarks at a meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on Monday during which he called for an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, the protection of civilians, and the delivery of humanitarian aid to the Strip throug]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178328/jordan-king-warns-of-gaza-conflict-fallout-in-region 274178328 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:18:03 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178328/jordan-king-warns-of-gaza-conflict-fallout-in-region <![CDATA[Feature: Chinese products popular in Egypt during Ramadan]]> by Mahmoud Fouly

CAIRO, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Chinese-made, toy-like "Ramadan lanterns" with LED lights and recorded Arabic songs, as well as similar children's toys, are popular in Egypt during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, as they are used as gifts for children.

Mostafa Mamdouh, a salesman at a store in the capital Cairo selling toys and household items, told Xinhua that "Chinese products are disting]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178327/feature-chinese-products-popular-in-egypt-during-ramadan 274178327 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 16:18:02 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178327/feature-chinese-products-popular-in-egypt-during-ramadan <![CDATA[Israel wants new deal from Hamas - media]]> The country's top spy is en route to Qatar for ceasefire talks with the militants

Mossad chief David Barnea is traveling to Qatar to continue ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, but will not accept a deal proposed last week by the Palestinian militants, Israel's i24 News reported on Monday.

Barnea, who heads the]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178231/israel-wants-new-deal-from-hamas---media 274178231 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 15:13:34 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178231/israel-wants-new-deal-from-hamas---media <![CDATA[Israel to send delegation to Washington to discuss Rafah offensive]]> WASHINGTON (CN) - Israel will send a delegation to Washington this week at the urging of President Joe Biden to present an alternative to a ground assault on the densely packed city of Rafah.

Biden's phone call with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday was the latest and potentially most significant effort by Washington to rein in Israel's conduct in its war in Gaza.

Rafah is the sole border]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178840/israel-to-send-delegation-to-washington-to-discuss-rafah-offensive 274178840 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 14:59:27 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178840/israel-to-send-delegation-to-washington-to-discuss-rafah-offensive <![CDATA[EU announces $8 billion aid package for Egypt]]> Human rights organizations have criticized the agreement in six areas, including migration

The European Union (EU) has announced an aid package worth 7.4 billion ($8 billion) for Egypt, aimed at stabilizing the North African nation's economy and reducing migrant flows to Europe.

The deal was signed on Sunday in]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178086/eu-announces-8-billion-aid-package-for-egypt 274178086 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:46:02 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178086/eu-announces-8-billion-aid-package-for-egypt <![CDATA[Gaza Reflects Power of Resistance: Iranian General]]> TEHRAN (Tasnim) - What has been unfolding in the Gaza Strip during nearly six months of relentless Israeli strikes illustrates the extent of the resistance front's power, Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Hossein Baqeri said.

- Politics news -

"The resistance shown by the people of Gaza for about six months under the harshest attacks of the Zionist regime indicates the ex]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177976/gaza-reflects-power-of-resistance-iranian-general 274177976 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:37:10 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177976/gaza-reflects-power-of-resistance-iranian-general <![CDATA[EU state praises India for freeing ship from Somali pirates]]> The South Asian country's navy has rescued a Bulgarian merchant vessel that was under the control of hijackers for three months

Bulgaria has thanked India for freeing a merchant vessel hijacked by Somali pirates in December amid ongoing turmoil in the Red Sea region. The ship, the MV Ruen, had seven Bulgarian national]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177949/eu-state-praises-india-for-freeing-ship-from-somali-pirates 274177949 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 13:00:24 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177949/eu-state-praises-india-for-freeing-ship-from-somali-pirates <![CDATA[Giant lantern lit in Lebanon's southern city to celebrate Ramadan]]> BEIRUT, March 18 (Xinhua) -- A giant lantern, standing at 18.5 meters tall, was lit on Sunday night in Nabatieh, southern Lebanon, to celebrate the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The lighting ceremony coincided with the launch of the "The Joy of Eid" Ramadan festival, organized by the Nabatieh Merchants Association.

According to the association's head Moussa Shmeisani, the lantern, which took half a year t]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177714/giant-lantern-lit-in-lebanon-southern-city-to-celebrate-ramadan 274177714 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:18:02 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177714/giant-lantern-lit-in-lebanon-southern-city-to-celebrate-ramadan <![CDATA[Kiev's ambassador to Sweden incensed by prostitution joke]]> A Swedish journalist suggested that Ukrainian women stand out at brothels during a satirical show about immigrants

Kiev's envoy to Stockholm was infuriated by a talk show which was aired by the public broadcaster SVT last week in which a journalist, Elaf Ali, poked fun of Ukrainian prostitutes. Ali responded by suggesting that Ukrainians should get thicker skin.

Andrey Plakhotnyuk said Ali']]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177709/kiev-ambassador-to-sweden-incensed-by-prostitution-joke 274177709 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:12:56 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177709/kiev-ambassador-to-sweden-incensed-by-prostitution-joke <![CDATA[Iran inks $13 billion worth of new oil deals]]> Contracts with domestic energy firms are aimed at boosting daily production in major fields of the sanctions-hit country

Iran's energy companies were granted their biggest contracts in the past decade on Sunday, as Tehran seeks to boost output at major oil fields, state media have reported.

Deals worth $13 billion, aimed at developing deposits and increasing production by as much as 350,000]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177706/iran-inks-13-billion-worth-of-new-oil-deals 274177706 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 12:12:45 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177706/iran-inks-13-billion-worth-of-new-oil-deals <![CDATA[Gaza conflict: Washington's patience is wearing thin over the lack of leadership from both Israel and Palestine]]> The US senate majority leader Chuck Schumer - a Democrat and the highest-ranking Jewish official in US history - has called for the removal of both Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, seeing both as representing the politics of the past.

In an incendiary interv]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178796/gaza-conflict-washington-patience-is-wearing-thin-over-the-lack-of-leadership-from-both-israel-and-palestine 274178796 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 11:38:04 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178796/gaza-conflict-washington-patience-is-wearing-thin-over-the-lack-of-leadership-from-both-israel-and-palestine <![CDATA[Israeli forces raid Shifa Hospital after Hamas attack from medical facility]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177235/israeli-forces-raid-shifa-hospital-after-hamas-attack-from-medical-facility 274177235 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:18:39 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177235/israeli-forces-raid-shifa-hospital-after-hamas-attack-from-medical-facility <![CDATA[Imported human eggs for fertility treatment found to carry Hemophilia B]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177234/imported-human-eggs-for-fertility-treatment-found-to-carry-hemophilia-b 274177234 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:18:38 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177234/imported-human-eggs-for-fertility-treatment-found-to-carry-hemophilia-b <![CDATA[EU and Egypt agree 7.4bn deal focused on energy, migration]]> The EU chief and five European leaders visited cash-strapped Egypt on Sunday to announce a 7.4-billion-euro financial package focused on boosting energy trade and stemming irregular migrant flows to the 27-member bloc.

The deal will include billions in credit over coming years for highly indebted Egypt, and stepping up energy sales that could help Europe "move further away from Russian gas", said a senior Europea]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177228/eu-and-egypt-agree-74bn-deal-focused-on-energy-migration 274177228 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 09:16:07 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177228/eu-and-egypt-agree-74bn-deal-focused-on-energy-migration <![CDATA[Israel PM Netanyahu meets with German Chancellor]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177218/israel-pm-netanyahu-meets-with-german-chancellor 274177218 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:55:46 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177218/israel-pm-netanyahu-meets-with-german-chancellor <![CDATA[Israel cracks down on reckless off road driving]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177216/israel-cracks-down-on-reckless-off-road-driving 274177216 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:55:45 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177216/israel-cracks-down-on-reckless-off-road-driving <![CDATA[Israel expects 300 million trips a year on fast electric trains by 2040]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177214/israel-expects-300-million-trips-a-year-on-fast-electric-trains-by-2040 274177214 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:55:44 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177214/israel-expects-300-million-trips-a-year-on-fast-electric-trains-by-2040 <![CDATA[Israel launches night raid at Gaza's al-Shifa hospital]]> JERUSALEM, March 18 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces launched a military operation in the al-Shifa Hospital in Gaza City before dawn on Monday, Israeli officials said.

In video footage on social networks, heavy gunfire could be heard in the vicinity of the hospital. The Israeli Ha'aretz newspaper reported that there were fatalities and injuries in the hospital.

The Health Ministry in Gaza said in a statement th]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177202/israel-launches-night-raid-at-gaza-al-shifa-hospital 274177202 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:44:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177202/israel-launches-night-raid-at-gaza-al-shifa-hospital <![CDATA[UAE: Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed meets with Prime Minister, FM of Qatar]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177195/uae-foreign-minister-abdullah-bin-zayed-meets-with-prime-minister-fm-of-qatar 274177195 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 08:37:37 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274177195/uae-foreign-minister-abdullah-bin-zayed-meets-with-prime-minister-fm-of-qatar <![CDATA[Brazilian Foreign Minister calls Israel's action in Gaza immoral]]> Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira called Israel's actions in the Gaza Strip "immoral" and "illegal", during a speech in the West Bank. He also reaffirmed Brazil's commitment to supporting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274176995/growth-comes-when-government-is-first-buyer-says-g20-sherpa-amitabh-kant 274176995 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:55:40 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274176995/growth-comes-when-government-is-first-buyer-says-g20-sherpa-amitabh-kant <![CDATA[oPt: FAO urges immediate access to deliver urgent and critical assistance to avert famine in Gaza]]> New data reveals that half of the population or about 1.1 million people are experiencing catastrophic food insecurity

18/03/2024

Rome - The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) raises alarm over rapidly deteriorating hunger crisis in the Gaza Strip, where famine is projected to occur anytime between now and May 2024 in the northern governorates, according ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179017/opt-fao-urges-immediate-access-to-deliver-urgent-and-critical-assistance-to-avert-famine-in-gaza 274179017 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:16:30 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274179017/opt-fao-urges-immediate-access-to-deliver-urgent-and-critical-assistance-to-avert-famine-in-gaza <![CDATA[Eight Palestinians arrested in the West Bank]]> Occupied Jerusalem, SANA- Israeli occupation forces arrested eight Palestinians at dawn on Monday in different areas of the West Bank.

The occupation forces stormed the cities of Ramallah, Hebron, Tulkarm, and Nablus, and arrested eight Palestinians, according to Wafa News Agency.

On Sunday, the Israeli occupation forces arrested 29 Palestinians in occupied Jerusalem and several areas of the West Bank.

<]]>
http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274176748/eight-palestinians-arrested-in-the-west-bank 274176748 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 07:09:14 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274176748/eight-palestinians-arrested-in-the-west-bank
<![CDATA[US, UK Launch Fresh Airstrikes in Yemen]]> TEHRAN (Tasnim) - The United States and the United Kingdom have carried out a series of airstrikes in Yemen's Ta'izz and Hudaydah provinces, as Yemeni forces continue maritime operations against vessels linked to Israel in the Red Sea.

- World news -

According to Yemen's official Saba news agency, an airstrike hit Ta'izz province's At-Ta'iziyah district early on Sunday, with no immediate details on casu]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274176681/us-uk-launch-fresh-airstrikes-in-yemen 274176681 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:37:07 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274176681/us-uk-launch-fresh-airstrikes-in-yemen <![CDATA[Live: Israel launches night raid on Gaza's al-Shifa hospital]]> The Israeli army announced Monday an operation was under way in Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital, saying the complex was being used by senior Hamas militants. The Hamas government media office in Gaza condemned the operation, saying that "the storming of the Al-Shifa medical complex with tanks, drones, and weapons, and shooting inside it, is a war crime". Follow our liveblog for the latest developments on Israel's war on Hamas]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175554/live-israel-launches-night-raid-on-gaza-al-shifa-hospital 274175554 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:08:05 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175554/live-israel-launches-night-raid-on-gaza-al-shifa-hospital <![CDATA[Israel Launches Operation at Gaza City Hospital]]> Israel's military said Monday it was conducting an operation at the Shifa Hospital in Gaza City, an area where it came under international criticism for a November raid.

Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a statement that Israeli forces were acting Monday because senior Hamas officials were using the hospital to command attacks against Israel.

"We will conduct this operation ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175374/israel-launches-operation-at-gaza-city-hospital 274175374 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 06:06:03 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175374/israel-launches-operation-at-gaza-city-hospital <![CDATA[Saudi Arabia, Pakistan renew commitment to friendship cooperation]]> ISLAMABAD, Pakistan - Saudi Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman (MBS) has reaffirmed his country's commitment and support to Pakistan.

In a congratulatory call with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, he stated that both countries had close brotherly connections.

The Crown Prince congratulated the prime minister on his reelection.

The Prime Minister thanked the Saudi Crown Prince for the phone contact a]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175243/saudi-arabia-pakistan-renew-commitment-to-friendship-cooperation 274175243 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 05:47:26 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175243/saudi-arabia-pakistan-renew-commitment-to-friendship-cooperation <![CDATA[Israel launches military operation at Gaza's al-Shifa Hospital]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175195/israel-launches-military-operation-at-gaza-al-shifa-hospital 274175195 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 04:18:19 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175195/israel-launches-military-operation-at-gaza-al-shifa-hospital <![CDATA[IAEA Director General meets Iraq PM to Discuss Intensified Support for Nuclear Energy, Cancer Care and Radioactive Waste Clean-up]]> IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani on Monday 18 March. (Photo: IAEA)

IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi met with Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' Al Sudani and senior government leaders in Baghdad on Monday. Discussions centred on Iraq's plans for a possible nuclear energy programme, including small modular reactors (SMRs), with strict ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178321/iaea-director-general-meets-iraq-pm-to-discuss-intensified-support-for-nuclear-energy-cancer-care-and-radioactive-waste-clean-up 274178321 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 03:45:00 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274178321/iaea-director-general-meets-iraq-pm-to-discuss-intensified-support-for-nuclear-energy-cancer-care-and-radioactive-waste-clean-up <![CDATA[Market exchange rates in China -- March 18]]> BEIJING, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The following are the central parity rates of the Chinese currency renminbi, or the yuan, against 25 major currencies announced on Monday by the China Foreign Exchange Trade System:

Currency Unit Central parity rate in yuan

U.S. dollar 100 709.43

Euro 100 775.59

Japanese yen 100 4.7895

Hong Kong dollar 100 90.696

British pound 100 907.25

Aus]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175113/market-exchange-rates-in-china----march-18 274175113 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 02:30:02 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175113/market-exchange-rates-in-china----march-18 <![CDATA[Israel sees decrease in job vacancies]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175076/israel-sees-decrease-in-job-vacancies 274175076 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:37:14 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175076/israel-sees-decrease-in-job-vacancies <![CDATA[Ghana boxer Takyi starts his 13th African Games campaign]]> ACCRA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Ghana's boxing sensation Samuel Takyi, the Tokyo Olympic bronze medalist, started his 13th African Games campaign with an easy win at the Bukom Boxing Arena here on Sunday.

Takyi, who turned 23 last December, beat Berchami Mehdi from Morocco, in the first round of the light welterweight bout.

Takyi knocked down his opponent three times, leaving the referee with no other option ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175068/ghana-boxer-takyi-starts-his-13th-african-games-campaign 274175068 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:18:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175068/ghana-boxer-takyi-starts-his-13th-african-games-campaign <![CDATA[Xinhua world news summary at 0100 GMT, March 18]]> MOSCOW -- Russia's incumbent President Vladimir Putin is set to win with 87.3 percent of votes in the presidential elections after 57.5 percent of ballots were counted by late Sunday, showed preliminary data from the Russian Central Election Commission.

Under Russian presidential election regulations, a candidate who receives more than 50 percent of the votes will secure victory. (Russia-Presidential Vote)

http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175065/xinhua-world--summary-at-0100-gmt-march-18 274175065 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 01:05:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175065/xinhua-world--summary-at-0100-gmt-march-18
<![CDATA[Australian gov't reverses cancellation of Palestinian visas]]> CANBERRA, March 18 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has reinstated canceled visas for some Palestinians fleeing Gaza.

Rasha Abbas, executive director of the Palestine Australia Relief and Action (PARA) group, on Monday said that eight of the 11 Palestinians whom her organization was supporting after their Australian visas were canceled without warning have had them reinstated.

The federal government ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175054/australian-govt-reverses-cancellation-of-palestinian-visas 274175054 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:49:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175054/australian-govt-reverses-cancellation-of-palestinian-visas <![CDATA[Israel sees rise in consumer price index in February]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175028/israel-sees-rise-in-consumer-price-index-in-february 274175028 Mon, 18 Mar 2024 00:18:11 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274175028/israel-sees-rise-in-consumer-price-index-in-february <![CDATA[Xinhua Middle East news summary at 2200 GMT, March 17]]> GAZA -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 31,645 with 73,676 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Sunday.

Israeli army killed 92 Palestinians and wounded 130 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 31,645 and injuries to 73,676, according to the ministry. (Palestine-Israel-Death Toll)

- - - -

CAIRO -- The European ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174934/xinhua-middle-east--summary-at-2200-gmt-march-17 274174934 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:18:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174934/xinhua-middle-east--summary-at-2200-gmt-march-17 <![CDATA[First flour distribution in months starts for northern Gaza Strip families]]> GAZA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Relief and food aid, mainly flour, reaches Palestinian families in the northern Gaza Strip for the first time in about 4 months, local sources said on Sunday.

Local sources and eyewitnesses told Xinhua that 12 trucks loaded with relief and food aid entered Gaza City and reached the cities and towns of Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun, where the cargos were unloaded in warehouses be]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174928/first-flour-distribution-in-months-starts-for-northern-gaza-strip-families 274174928 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 22:05:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174928/first-flour-distribution-in-months-starts-for-northern-gaza-strip-families <![CDATA[EU provides Egypt with 7.4-bln-euro financial package: president]]> CAIRO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) agreed on Sunday to provide a financial package of approximately 7.4 billion euros (8.06 billion U.S. dollars) to bolster the Egyptian economy, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi said.

Sisi made the remarks during a press conference jointly held with visiting European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other senior officials from the bloc, durin]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174924/eu-provides-egypt-with-74-bln-euro-financial-package-president 274174924 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 21:55:02 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174924/eu-provides-egypt-with-74-bln-euro-financial-package-president <![CDATA[The sledge Russia's oldest transport]]> Russia's oldest type of carriage has become a part of popular culture. What were the different types of sledges called and what were they for?

"There were sledges, harnessed to dashing troikas [three horses - ed.], decorated with ribbons and bells with crimson jingle, simple city sledges; ugly, ridiculously heavy carriages; and hunting sledges, pulled by strong, barely restrained trotters. Visiting wives of local]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174853/the-sledge-russia-oldest-transport 274174853 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 20:55:22 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174853/the-sledge-russia-oldest-transport <![CDATA[Syria condemns U.S. destructive policies]]> DAMASCUS, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Syria's Foreign Ministry on Sunday strongly denounced a recent joint statement by the United States, Britain, France, and Germany as the perpetuation of "destructive policies."

The ministry said the joint statement was a continuation of the "destructive policies" that these countries have been imposing on Syria for the past 13 years.

On the 13th anniversary of the break out ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174845/syria-condemns-us-destructive-policies 274174845 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 20:44:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174845/syria-condemns-us-destructive-policies <![CDATA[Preventing Israel's planned Rafah attack priority: Palestinian president]]> RAMALLAH, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said Sunday that preventing Israeli forces from invading Gaza's southern city of Rafah is an urgent priority.

"The urgent matter and priority for us is to prevent Israeli forces from invading Rafah, to which more than 1.5 million Palestinians have been displaced, which will cause a humanitarian catastrophe," said Abbas during his meeting with Bra]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174824/preventing-israel-planned-rafah-attack-priority-palestinian-president 274174824 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 20:30:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174824/preventing-israel-planned-rafah-attack-priority-palestinian-president <![CDATA[Netanyahu: Israel to Push Ahead With Rafah Incursion]]> Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rebuffed international pressure, vowing that Israel would push ahead with an attack on Hamas militants in Rafah near the Gaza-Egyptian border, even as cease-fire talks were set to resume in Qatar in the coming days.

'No amount of international pressure will stop us from realizing all the goals of the war," to erase any Hamas control in Gaza, Netanyahu told a Cab]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174802/netanyahu-israel-to-push-ahead-with-rafah-incursion 274174802 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 19:36:26 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174802/netanyahu-israel-to-push-ahead-with-rafah-incursion <![CDATA[Germany stands with Israel as Rafah invasion looms]]> With Israeli Prime Minister facing a backlash in Israel and globally as he prosecutes a vicious war on Gaza, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz has arrived for his second visit to the Jewish state since October 7, and his third overall, to provide Germany's backing.

"In these dark hours my country stands with the people of Israel. From day one our message has been clear," he said at a joint press conference on Sunday.]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174726/germany-stands-with-israel-as-rafah-invasion-looms 274174726 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:33:22 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174726/germany-stands-with-israel-as-rafah-invasion-looms <![CDATA[UAE leaders congratulate President of Ireland on National Day]]> Dubai [UAE], March 17 (ANI/WAM): UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to Michael D. Higgins, President of the Republic of Ireland, on the occasion of his country's National Day.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister and Cha]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174636/uae-leaders-congratulate-president-of-ireland-on-national-day 274174636 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:18:58 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174636/uae-leaders-congratulate-president-of-ireland-on-national-day <![CDATA[EU and Egypt agree 7.4 bn euro deal focussed on energy, migration]]> The EU chief and five European leaders visited cash-strapped Egypt on Sunday to announce a 7.4-billion-euro financial package focussed on boosting energy trade and stemming irregular migrant flows to the 27-member bloc.

The deal will include billions in credit over coming years for highly indebted Egypt, and stepping up energy sales that could help Europe "move further away from Russian gas", said a senior Europe]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174632/eu-and-egypt-agree-74-bn-euro-deal-focussed-on-energy-migration 274174632 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:16:07 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174632/eu-and-egypt-agree-74-bn-euro-deal-focussed-on-energy-migration <![CDATA[More than 90 Palestinians killed in Gaza in last 24 hours]]> Occupied Jerusalem, SANA-Palestinian Health Ministry said that the Israeli occupation perpetrated over the past 24 hours, nine massacres in the strip leaving 92 martyrs and 130 wounded.

Number of victims of the ongoing occupation aggression for the 163rd day on Gaza, has risen to 31,645 martyrs and 73,676 wounded, the Ministry said in a statement Sunday.

The statement added that a number of victims are stil]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174568/more-than-90-palestinians-killed-in-gaza-in-last-24-hours 274174568 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:09:16 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174568/more-than-90-palestinians-killed-in-gaza-in-last-24-hours <![CDATA[Netanyahu: Israel to Push Ahead With Rafah Attack]]> Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday rebuffed international pressure, vowing that Israel would push ahead with an attack on Hamas militants in Rafah near the Gaza-Egyptian border, even as cease-fire talks were set to resume in Qatar in the coming days.

'No amount of international pressure will stop us from realizing all the goals of the war," to erase any Hamas control in Gaza, Netanyahu told a Cab]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174561/netanyahu-israel-to-push-ahead-with-rafah-attack 274174561 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 18:06:14 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174561/netanyahu-israel-to-push-ahead-with-rafah-attack <![CDATA[Palestine condemns Israel's use of starvation as weapon in Gaza]]>

]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174546/palestine-condemns-israel-use-of-starvation-as-weapon-in-gaza 274174546 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 17:55:02 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174546/palestine-condemns-israel-use-of-starvation-as-weapon-in-gaza <![CDATA[IACAD donates AED 1 million to Mothers' Endowment campaign]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174533/iacad-donates-aed-1-million-to-mothers-endowment-campaign 274174533 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 17:27:11 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174533/iacad-donates-aed-1-million-to-mothers-endowment-campaign <![CDATA[UAE Team Emirates' Pogacar takes podium at Milano-Sanremo]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174531/uae-team-emirates-pogacar-takes-podium-at-milano-sanremo 274174531 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 17:27:10 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174531/uae-team-emirates-pogacar-takes-podium-at-milano-sanremo <![CDATA[Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, March 17]]> WASHINGTON -- Two people were killed and five others wounded in a shooting in Washington, D.C., on early Sunday morning, local police has confirmed.

The shooting was reported at around 3 a.m. (0700 GMT) near the Kennedy Recreation Center, local media quoted the Metropolitan Police Department as saying, adding that the police have been searching for a suspect. (U.S.-Shooting-Casualties)

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AMMA]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174459/xinhua-world--summary-at-1530-gmt-march-17 274174459 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:18:04 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174459/xinhua-world--summary-at-1530-gmt-march-17 <![CDATA[Jordan, Germany warn against Israeli attack on Rafah]]> AMMAN, March 17 (Xinhua) -- King Abdullah II of Jordan and visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Sunday cautioned against the risk of an Israeli attack on Gaza's Rafah.

At a meeting in Jordan's port city of Aqaba, the king stressed the need for reaching an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the state-run Al Mamlaka TV reported.

Calling for increased efforts to protect civilians and deliver humanitarian aid ]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174456/jordan-germany-warn-against-israeli-attack-on-rafah 274174456 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:18:02 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174456/jordan-germany-warn-against-israeli-attack-on-rafah <![CDATA[Hezbollah-Israel conflict causes 350-mln-USD loss in S. Lebanon]]> BEIRUT, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The Hezbollah-Israel conflict on the Lebanese southern border has caused an indirect cost of 350 million U.S. dollars, local news service Lebnan News reported on Sunday.

Lebnan News said that the loss is due to the partial and complete destruction of houses and infrastructure, as well as the burning of agricultural lands.

"Around 10 million square meters of agricultural land a]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174454/hezbollah-israel-conflict-causes-350-mln-usd-loss-in-s-lebanon 274174454 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:18:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174454/hezbollah-israel-conflict-causes-350-mln-usd-loss-in-s-lebanon <![CDATA[Egypt's president meets EU leaders on boosting ties]]> CAIRO, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi and visiting European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday held a meeting on boosting Egyptian-European ties, said the Egyptian presidency.

Sisi and von der Leyen discussed the expected signing of a joint political declaration document to elevate bilateral relations to "strategic and comprehensive partnership," the Egyptian p]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174455/egypt-president-meets-eu-leaders-on-boosting-ties 274174455 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 16:18:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174455/egypt-president-meets-eu-leaders-on-boosting-ties <![CDATA[Greece Alarmed by Rising Tides of Migrants]]> Athens - Greece is facing increasing illegal immigration as the Gaza crisis continues. The trend has Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and senior European Union officials heading to Egypt Sunday to sign an aid package worth just over $8 billion intended to help ease migration.

A surge in illegal migration has seen numbers entering Greece swell by more than 400% in the last month alone.

Palestinians rank hi]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174381/greece-alarmed-by-rising-tides-of-migrants 274174381 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 14:06:05 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174381/greece-alarmed-by-rising-tides-of-migrants <![CDATA[European Union Announces $8 Billion Package of Aid for Egypt]]> Cairo - The European Union on Sunday announced a $8 billion aid package for cash-strapped Egypt amid concerns that economic pressure and conflicts and chaos in neighboring countries could drive more migrants to European shores.

The deal is scheduled to be signed during a visit by European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen and the leaders of Belgium, Italy, Austria, Cyprus and Greece, according to Egyptian]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174362/european-union-announces-8-billion-package-of-aid-for-egypt 274174362 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:35:40 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174362/european-union-announces-8-billion-package-of-aid-for-egypt <![CDATA[Interior Minister, Indian Ambassador to Syria discuss cooperation]]> Damascus, SANA- Interior Minister, Mohammad Khaled al-Rahmoun discussed Sunday with Indian Ambassador to Syria Irshad Ahmed means to boost joint cooperation relations between Syria and India in all fields, especially countering terrorism.

Al-Rahmoun underlined the ministry's keenness to look after the interests of the Indian community in Damascus and provide all facilities to them.

The minister thanked Indi]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174344/interior-minister-indian-ambassador-to-syria-discuss-cooperation 274174344 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 13:09:13 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174344/interior-minister-indian-ambassador-to-syria-discuss-cooperation <![CDATA[Explosion reported near merchant vessel off Yemen coast]]> ADEN, Yemen, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) issued a warning on Sunday after receiving a report of an explosion near a merchant vessel in the Gulf of Aden.

According to the UKMTO alert, the master of the unidentified merchant ship reported an explosion near the vessel approximately 85 nautical miles east of Aden, Yemen.

While no damage to the vessel was reported,]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174218/explosion-reported-near-merchant-vessel-off-yemen-coast 274174218 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 12:30:02 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174218/explosion-reported-near-merchant-vessel-off-yemen-coast <![CDATA[Indian men's football team gets acclimatised to Abha's altitude ahead of WC Qualifiers clash against Afghanistan]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174202/indian-men-football-team-gets-acclimatised-to-abha-altitude-ahead-of-wc-qualifiers-clash-against-afghanistan 274174202 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 12:03:07 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174202/indian-men-football-team-gets-acclimatised-to-abha-altitude-ahead-of-wc-qualifiers-clash-against-afghanistan <![CDATA[Palestinian death toll in Gaza climbs to 31,645: ministry]]> GAZA, March 17 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian death toll in the Gaza Strip has risen to 31,645 with 73,676 others wounded, the Hamas-run Health Ministry said in a press statement Sunday.

Israeli army killed 92 Palestinians and wounded 130 others during the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 31,645 and injuries to 73,676, according to the ministry.

The statement noted that some victims remain und]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174176/palestinian-death-toll-in-gaza-climbs-to-31645-ministry 274174176 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:44:01 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174176/palestinian-death-toll-in-gaza-climbs-to-31645-ministry <![CDATA[Israeli Forces Conduct Night Raids across West Bank]]> TEHRAN (Tasnim) - Israeli forces carried out nighttime raids across the West Bank, resulting in clashes in Nablus and multiple arrests in other cities, according to local sources.

- World news -

Witnesses heard explosions and saw violent confrontations between Israeli forces and young Palestinians, with tear gas filling the streets earlier in the night, Al Jazeera reported.

Accompanied by a bulldo]]> http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174173/israeli-forces-conduct-night-raids-across-west-bank 274174173 Sun, 17 Mar 2024 11:37:13 GMT http://www.middleeaststar.com/news/274174173/israeli-forces-conduct-night-raids-across-west-bank