President Trump has appointed Michel Issa as the U.S. ambassador to Lebanon. Freed Israeli hostages are urging the implementation of a Gaza ceasefire deal for the release of remaining captives. The UAE aims to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030, and the OIC has endorsed an alternative plan for Gaza. Syria’s OIC membership has been reinstated, promoting its reintegration into the regional community.
In a significant development, U.S. President Donald Trump has appointed Michel Issa as the United States ambassador to Lebanon. Trump commended Issa’s outstanding attributes, describing him as a distinguished businessman, financial expert, and a leader with an exemplary career in banking, entrepreneurship, and international trade. The announcement was made via Trump’s social media platform, Truth Social.
In a related humanitarian crisis, over fifty freed Israeli hostages have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to implement the Gaza ceasefire deal comprehensively to secure the release of remaining captives. The group of 56, in an Instagram letter, articulated that having experienced the harrowing conditions as hostages, they know that a return to war will endanger those still held. They specifically called for “Implement the agreement in full, in one single maneuver.”
A video released by Hamas has shown Israeli hostage Matan Angrest alive, intensifying calls for the second phase of the ceasefire agreement. Currently, out of 251 hostages taken, 58 remain in Gaza, with negotiations ongoing. Hamas seeks a comprehensive ceasefire agreement and is set to discuss these matters with Egyptian officials. Additionally, Hamas has reiterated demands including a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a reconstruction plan for the region.
In an effort to combat food waste, the UAE has set a national target to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. This initiative was spurred by the alarming statistic that approximately 3.27 million tons of food are wasted annually in the UAE, with the waste increasing during Ramadan. The UAE Food Bank is actively collecting surplus food from various establishments to assist families in need, particularly as the pandemic has impacted many laborers economically.
Furthering international diplomacy, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has formally endorsed an Arab League counter-proposal to the plans put forth by President Trump regarding Gaza. This proposal aims to rebuild Gaza under the management of the Palestinian Authority, diverging from Trump’s controversial suggestions. The OIC asserts the necessity of a two-state solution, emphasizing peaceful coexistence.
Moreover, Syria has welcomed the reactivation of its membership in the OIC after a 13-year freeze amid ongoing political turmoil. The reactivation symbolizes a shift towards reintegration into the regional and international communities following the civil war and the changes in governance within the country. The Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council also expressed support for Syria’s efforts towards stability and security in the region.
In summary, the recent developments highlight noteworthy diplomatic appointments and significant humanitarian efforts in the Middle East. President Trump’s nomination of Michel Issa as ambassador to Lebanon indicates a focus on strong leadership in the region. The collective pleas from freed Israeli hostages signal the urgent need for resolution in the Gaza conflict. Furthermore, the UAE’s commitment to reducing food waste represents a growing awareness of sustainability and social responsibility. Finally, Syria’s re-activated OIC membership marks a hopeful step toward stability and reconciliation in the region.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
