Guterres says Palestinians are being starved as world watches

UN Secretary General says Palestinians in Gaza may be enduring the 'cruellest phase' of the conflict, as Israel faces growing international criticism over its intensified offensive

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The National

an hour ago

• The National

Yemen's Houthis vow to strike US ships if America joins Israel's war on Iran

Yemen's Houthi rebels vowed on Saturday to resume attacks on US ships if American forces join Israel's war on Iran. "In the event that the Americans are involved in the attack and aggression against Iran alongside the Israeli enemy, the armed forces will target their ships and warships in the Red Sea," the Houthis said in a statement. Last week, Yemeni security sources told The National that the rebels are considering resuming strikes on US targets in the Middle East and intensifying attacks on Israel in support of Iran. US President Donald Trump said last month the Iran-backed Houthis 'capitulated' and that America would stop strikes on the rebels after they agreed to cease attacking ships in the Red Sea. The Houthis are part of the so-called Axis of Resistance, an Iran-led network that includes Hamas in Palestine, Hezbollah in Lebanon and armed groups in Iraq, whose aim is to deter Israel from conducting military action and countering its influence in the region. Many of the groups have fought against Iran's enemies in their respective countries. The groups launched attacks on Israel as part of a support campaign for Hamas and the Palestinian people after the Gaza war broke out on October 7, 2023. But months of fighting with Israel, which holds clear military dominance, have eroded the operational capacity of the axis considerably. Hezbollah was once considered Iran's first line of defence against Israeli attacks, but strikes against the group last year killed its political and military leaders and largely destroyed its arsenal. Lebanese officials have urged Hezbollah not to respond to Israeli attacks on Iran. In Iraq, sources close to the government told The National this week that some of the most prominent militant groups have made it known that any US military intervention would trigger a response.

ARN News Center

an hour ago

• ARN News Center

Ukraine asks allies to allocate 0.25% of GDP to boost its weapon production

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on Ukraine's Western partners to allocate 0.25 per cent of their GDP to helping Kyiv ramp up weapons production and said the country plans to sign agreements this summer to start exporting weapon production technologies. In remarks released for publication by his office on Saturday, Zelenskyy said Ukraine was in talks with Denmark, Norway, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom and Lithuania to launch joint weapon production. "Ukraine is part of Europe's security and we want 0.25% of the GDP of a particular partner country to be allocated for our defence industry and domestic production," Zelenskyy said. As the war with a bigger and better-equipped Russia has intensified in recent weeks, Ukraine's need for new weapons and ammunition is constantly growing. This year Kyiv had secured $43 billion to finance its domestic weapon production, Zelenskyy said. Member nations of the NATO military alliance are expected to meet next week in The Hague, to discuss higher defence spending. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has proposed that countries should each agree to spend 5 per cent of their GDP on defence and security measures. Zelenskyy said he was likely to visit the NATO summit, adding that several meetings with Western leaders had been set up on the sidelines. He also said that he hoped to meet US President Donald Trump. Last week, Zelenskyy attended the Group of Seven summit in Canada as he sought to discuss stronger sanctions against Russia and more military support for Ukraine with Trump there. But he failed to meet with the US President as Trump left a day early for Washington to address the Israel-Iran conflict. Ukraine currently covers about 40 per cent of its defence needs with domestic production, and the government is constantly looking for ways to increase production further. Kyiv plans to launch joint weapon production outside of the country and will start exporting some of its military production technologies, Zelenskyy said. "We have launched a programme 'Build with Ukraine' and in summer we will sign relevant agreements to start exporting our technologies abroad in the format of opening production lines in European countries," Zelenskyy said. The discussions focused on producing different types of drones, missiles, and potentially artillery, he added.

Gulf Business

2 hours ago

• Gulf Business

Significant reforms: Changes announced in the UAE government

Image credit: Dubai Media Office/Website Following consultations and the approval of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, announced today several changes to the UAE government. Read- Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid stated: 'Following consultations with my brother, the President, and with his approval, we announce today the following changes to the UAE government: the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade and the appointment of Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi as Minister of Foreign Trade, as well as the renaming of the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism, led by Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri.' He added: 'We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member of the Council of Ministers, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of federal entities and government companies starting in January 2026. It will support decision-making, conduct real-time analyses, offer technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies across all sectors.' Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid concluded: 'The world is undergoing a comprehensive transformation—scientifically, economically, and socially. Our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades. Our aim is to ensure continued prosperity and a dignified life for future generations.'