'Direct hit' in Be'er Sheva after Iran launches fresh strikes on Israel
Iran missiles hit south Israel, media reports say
US President to make decision on joining war 'within next two weeks'
Australia shuts down Tehran embassy as conflict escalates
Iran official media denies call between Witkoff and Araghchi
Netanyahu: Regime change not a war goal, but could be the outcome
WHO chief says 'attacks on health in Iran-Israel conflict appalling'
In pictures: Israel-Iran conflict
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Middle East Eye
27 minutes ago
- Middle East Eye
Israel lashes out over Iran's UN speech ahead of Geneva talks
Israel's ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva has strongly objected to Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi addressing the UN Human Rights Council, just hours before key diplomatic talks with European leaders aimed at calming the Israel-Iran conflict. In a letter seen by Reuters, Israeli envoy Daniel Meron criticised the council's decision, writing: 'Affording the Iranian foreign minister the floor before this body continues to undermine the council's credibility and constitutes a blatant betrayal of the many victims of this regime worldwide.' Meron accused Tehran of using the platform to 'promote the regime's despotic campaign,' calling the move a blow to the Council's integrity. Despite Israel's protest, the Council confirmed Araghchi would speak, followed by talks with the EU's foreign policy chief and officials from the UK, France, and Germany. Earlier in the week, Iran's UN ambassador described Israel's military strikes as a 'war against humanity.' Israel launched the attacks last Friday, saying it intended to block Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons—claims Tehran denies, insisting its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.
Zawya
an hour ago
- Zawya
National Human Rights Institution receives Chairman of the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: As part of its ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional collaboration and promote the exchange of expertise with regional and international entities, the National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) welcomed His Excellency Counselor Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi, Chairman of the Arab Charter on Human Rights Committee, to its headquarters in Abu Dhabi. He was accompanied by Mr. Osama Al Wakeel, Secretary of the Committee. The delegation was received by His Excellency Maqsoud Kruse, Chairperson of the NHRI; Dr. Abdul Aziz Al Noman and Ms. Ameirah Al Seraidi, Members of the NHRI Board of Trustees; His Excellency Dr. Saeed Al Ghfeli, Secretary-General of the NHRI; and Ms. Fajer Al Haidan, Head of Agreements and Reports Section. During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the NHRI's mandate and functions as an independent national institution, and its central role in supporting and advancing the human rights agenda in the United Arab Emirates. Discussions highlighted the NHRI's alignment with international, regional, and national human rights frameworks. The meeting also served as a platform to explore opportunities for enhancing joint cooperation and coordination in the implementation of the Arab Charter on Human Rights. Both sides expressed their commitment to advancing institutional efforts to adopt best practices in promoting and protecting fundamental rights and freedoms. H.E. Maqsoud Kruse congratulated H.E. Counselor Mohammed Saeed Al Shehhi on his recent appointment as Chairman of the Committee, and praised the visit as a testament to the Committee's commitment to constructive engagement and regional dialogue. He emphasized the importance of such exchanges in reinforcing a shared culture of human rights and strengthening broader Arab cooperation. About the National Human Rights Institution: The National Human Rights Institution was established under Federal Law No. (12) of 2021 as an independent entity with financial and administrative autonomy in carrying out its functions, activities, and mandates. The NHRI aims to promote and protect human rights and freedoms in accordance with the provisions of the UAE Constitution, applicable laws and legislations, as well as relevant international conventions, treaties, and agreements.
Zawya
an hour ago
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Gold poised for worst week in a month as US rate cut expectations ease
Gold prices fell on Friday and were poised for their worst weekly performance in more than a month after the Federal Reserve tempered expectations for rate cuts and on a temporary easing of concerns about an imminent U.S. attack on Iran. Spot gold slipped 0.4% to $3,355.97 an ounce, as of 1029 GMT, and was down 2.2% for the week so far. U.S. gold futures shed 1% to $3,372.20. The dollar was up 0.4% so far this week and poised for its biggest weekly gain in over a month, making gold more expensive for holders of other currencies. President Donald Trump will decide in the next two weeks whether the U.S. will get involved in the Israel-Iran air war, the White House said on Thursday. Israel and Iran's air war entered a second week on Friday. Trump's two-week deadline "indicates that things could have a little bit more hope to cool down before the U.S. involvement in that military strike. And I think that's easing some of the anxiety in markets, allowing gold prices to deflate a little", said Nitesh Shah, commodities strategist at WisdomTree. Gold, a safe-haven asset during times of political and economic uncertainty, also tends to thrive in a low interest rate environment. On Wednesday, the Fed held interest rates in the central bank's current 4.25%-4.50% range, but slowed its overall outlook for rate cuts in response to a more challenging economic outlook. Trump reiterated his calls for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates, saying on Thursday the rates should be 2.5 percentage points lower. "Gold, silver, and platinum all suffered setbacks as traders booked profits after Wednesday's FOMC meeting," said Ole Hansen, head of commodity strategy at Saxo Bank. "Gold is likely to extend its current consolidation phase with support around $3,320 followed by $3,245." Elsewhere, spot silver slipped 0.7% to $36.12 per ounce, while palladium lost 0.3% to $1,047.43. Platinum fell 1.4% to $1,289.78, after hitting its highest level in over 10 years in the previous session.
