President Trump has nominated Michel Issa as the US ambassador to Lebanon, praising his financial and leadership skills. Freed Israeli hostages called for the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire deal. In the UAE, initiatives aimed at halving food waste by 2030 are underway during Ramadan. Arab leaders proposed an alternative reconstruction plan for Gaza at a recent summit, countering Trump’s controversial takeover idea. Additionally, Syria’s membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation was reactivated, showcasing progress in regional diplomacy.
On Friday, President Donald Trump announced the nomination of Michel Issa as the US ambassador to Lebanon. Trump praised Issa on Truth Social, highlighting his extensive background and success in business, finance, and international trade.
In related news, more than 50 Israeli hostages recently called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to ensure the complete implementation of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. The group, which includes a man who suffered the loss of his family in captivity, expressed their concern for those still held by Hamas, urging the agreement to be executed at once.
Hamas, meanwhile, is negotiating with Egyptian officials for the next steps in the ceasefire. They demand a comprehensive plan for the Gaza reconstruction, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and financial support, while also offering to negotiate a prisoner exchange, including those with US citizenship.
In the UAE, efforts are underway to halve food waste by 2030, with the Ministry of Climate Change reporting approximately 3.27 million tons wasted annually. Initiatives during Ramadan aim to collect surplus food from various establishments, redistributing it to those in need. The UAE Food Bank, in partnership with Deliveroo, aims to gather significant amounts of food to assist laborers affected by economic downturns.
Arab leaders recently opposed Trump’s Gaza takeover plan at a summit, proposing instead to create an alternative approach focused on rebuilding Gaza under Palestinian Authority administration. The plan, endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, calls for international support and accountability regarding Palestinian rights, emphasizing a two-state solution and the cessation of violence.
Syria’s membership in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation has been reinstated after a hiatus since 2012, following the conflict that ousted Bashar Assad. The reactivation is seen as pivotal for Syria’s reintegration into the Arab community. Support for stability in Syria was echoed by the Gulf Cooperation Council, emphasizing the importance of securing a prosperous future for the nation while combating destabilizing violence.
In summary, the landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy remains fluid, with significant political appointments and initiatives underway. Michel Issa’s nomination as ambassador to Lebanon illustrates ongoing US involvement in regional affairs. Meanwhile, calls for the full execution of ceasefire agreements show the complexity of the conflict in Gaza. Initiatives in the UAE to reduce food waste during Ramadan represent a commitment to sustainability amid humanitarian crises. Furthermore, the endorsement of a comprehensive reconstruction plan for Gaza by Arab leaders underlines the collective regional response to ongoing instability. Finally, Syria’s reactivation into the OIC signifies a potential shift towards normalizing relations and addressing the needs for peace and security.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
