Five Arab Israelis were shot dead at a car wash in the country's north on Thursday, police said, amid the worst crime wave in years to hit the minority.

The shooting brought the number of Arab Israelis killed this year to 96.

In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet would now help the police to tackle rampant criminal activity in the community.

Police said the shootings took place at Yafia, an Arab village just west of Nazareth, and a statement said forces were searching the area for suspects.

Speaking from the scene of the killings, police spokesman Eli Levy told public broadcaster Kan that "one person or more" opened fire at a group of men at a car wash.

A separate police official said the incident was most likely part of a gang war.

Maher Khaliliya, head of the Yafia local council, called the shooting a "massacre," accusing police of responsibility due to lax enforcement.

He told AFP he had no information about the background of the shooting, but said his town was "standing with the families of the victims as one".

Experts say Arab gangs have amassed large quantities of illegal weapons over the past two decades and are involved in drugs, arms and human trafficking, prostitution, extortion and money laundering.

Arab Israelis, descendants of Palestinians who stayed on their land after Israel's creation in 1948, comprise around 20 percent of the country's population.

They have long complained of discrimination and police inaction against violence and crime plaguing their communities.

On May 30, elected officials and representatives of the Arab minority protested in Jerusalem and called on the government to increase security.

Earlier this week, Netanyahu announced a decision to form a steering committee following a meeting with Arab lawmakers to discuss "solutions to the wave of murders in the Arab society".

On Thursday, he said he was "determined to stop this chain of murders" and would see that happen by not only reinforcing police but also "with the help of the Shin Bet".

The internal security agency does not normally investigate criminal activity.

Earlier on Thursday, a 30-year-old man and a three-year-old girl were wounded in a separate shooting in Kafr Kanna, an Arab town north of Nazareth.

Roni Halon, a reporter with Nazareth-based Radio Nas, said the Yafia shooting took place as a police helicopter was above the town searching for those behind the Kafr Kanna attack.&nbsp;

Speaking to AFP from the scene, Halon said two masked men had arrived on motorcycles and used automatic rifles to kill the men in the car wash.

Five Arab Israelis were shot dead at a car wash in the country's north on Thursday, police said, amid the worst crime wave in years to hit the minority. The shooting brought the number of Arab Israelis killed this year to 96.

Five Arab Israelis were shot dead at a car wash in the country's north on Thursday, police said, amid the worst crime wave in years to hit the minority. The shooting brought the number of Arab Israelis killed this year to 96. In response, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's internal security agency Shin Bet would now help the police to tackle rampant criminal activity in the community. Police said the shootings took place at Yafia, an Arab village just west of Nazareth, and a statement said forces were searching the area for suspects. Speaking from the scene of the killings, police spokesman Eli Levy told public broadcaster Kan that "one person or more" opened fire at a group of men at a car wash. A separate police official said the incident was most likely part of a gang war. Maher Khaliliya, head of the Yafia local council, called the shooting a "massacre," accusing police of responsibility due to lax enforcement. He told AFP he had no information about the background of the shooting, but said his town was "standing with the families of the victims as one". Experts say Arab gangs have amassed large quantities of illegal weapons over the past two decades and are involved in drugs, arms and human trafficking, prostitution, extortion and money laundering. Arab Israelis, descendants of Palestinians who stayed on their land after Israel's creation in 1948, comprise around 20 percent of the country's population. They have long complained of discrimination and police inaction against violence and crime plaguing their communities. On May 30, elected officials and representatives of the Arab minority protested in Jerusalem and called on the government to increase security. Earlier this week, Netanyahu announced a decision to form a steering committee following a meeting with Arab lawmakers to discuss "solutions to the wave of murders in the Arab society". On Thursday, he said he was "determined to stop this chain of murders" and would see that happen by not only reinforcing police but also "with the help of the Shin Bet". The internal security agency does not normally investigate criminal activity. Earlier on Thursday, a 30-year-old man and a three-year-old girl were wounded in a separate shooting in Kafr Kanna, an Arab town north of Nazareth. Roni Halon, a reporter with Nazareth-based Radio Nas, said the Yafia shooting took place as a police helicopter was above the town searching for those behind the Kafr Kanna attack. Speaking to AFP from the scene, Halon said two masked men had arrived on motorcycles and used automatic rifles to kill the men in the car wash.

Five Arab Israelis shot dead at car wash

Axiom-2 crew returns home after successfully concluding space mission

First Arab female reaches the International Space Station

Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut will go to space as part of Saudi Arabia's maiden space mission on May 21, as per reports citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). On board will be another Saudi astronaut, Ali al-Qarni. The two astronauts will go to the International Space Station in a historic space mission that will be launched from the United States.&nbsp;“I am honoured and happy to represent all the dreams and all the hopes of the people in Saudia Arabia. And also the hopes and dreams of all the women in the region,” said Barnawi in a pre-launch conference.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After delays, Axiom Space's Ax-2 first private mission would launch no later than May 21, according to a statement made earlier this month by NASA Space Operations. According to SPA, the astronauts will carry out 14 ground-breaking scientific experiments in microgravity that will aid in the development of new methods for creating circumstances that would allow people to explore space more effectively.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-ireland-council-elections-2023-sinn-fein-becomes-largest-party-in-local-government-594612">Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government</a>

The astronauts will live-stream three educational awareness exercises to 12,000 Saudi youngsters. The outcomes are anticipated to not only strengthen the Kingdom's position in space exploration on a worldwide scale but also to boost Saudi research facilities and improve the field of space exploration.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-streamlines-marriage-registration-process-for-migrant-workers-amid-looming-population-crisis-594576">China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis</a>

Once completed, the trip will make the Kingdom one of the select few nations to have sent two astronauts to the International Space Station at the same time. According to SPA, the Kingdom's astronaut programme, which started in September 2022, is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions to develop space research.

Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit

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Future space-related missions, engagement in scientific research, international collaboration, and top-notch educational and training programmes are all part of the program's strategy to get future astronauts and engineers ready for space.

<h2>Who is Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission?</h2>

Axiom Space's biography highlights Rayyanah Barnawi's remarkable career. She was born in 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. She is a biomedical researcher with almost ten years of expertise in the study of cancer stem cells. She will be concentrating on breast cancer and stem cell research during the trip.

<h2>UAE scripted history earlier this year&nbsp;</h2>

Sultan Al Neyadi of the UAE made history earlier this year when he became the first Arab astronaut to complete a long trip to the International Space Station. In order to meet Barnawi, Aqarni, and the other astronauts who are a part of the Ax-2 mission, Al Neyadi will still be residing on board the space station.

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Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut will go to space as part of Saudi Arabia's maiden space mission on May 21, as per reports citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA).

Rayyanah Barnawi, the first Arab woman astronaut will go to space as part of Saudi Arabia's maiden space mission on May 21, as per reports citing the Saudi Press Agency (SPA). On board will be another Saudi astronaut, Ali al-Qarni. The two astronauts will go to the International Space Station in a historic space mission that will be launched from the United States. “I am honoured and happy to represent all the dreams and all the hopes of the people in Saudia Arabia. And also the hopes and dreams of all the women in the region,” said Barnawi in a pre-launch conference. After delays, Axiom Space's Ax-2 first private mission would launch no later than May 21, according to a statement made earlier this month by NASA Space Operations. According to SPA, the astronauts will carry out 14 ground-breaking scientific experiments in microgravity that will aid in the development of new methods for creating circumstances that would allow people to explore space more effectively. Also Read | Northern Ireland council elections 2023: Sinn Fein becomes largest party in local government The astronauts will live-stream three educational awareness exercises to 12,000 Saudi youngsters. The outcomes are anticipated to not only strengthen the Kingdom's position in space exploration on a worldwide scale but also to boost Saudi research facilities and improve the field of space exploration. Also Read | China streamlines marriage registration process for migrant workers amid looming population crisis Once completed, the trip will make the Kingdom one of the select few nations to have sent two astronauts to the International Space Station at the same time. According to SPA, the Kingdom's astronaut programme, which started in September 2022, is part of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 ambitions to develop space research. Watch | Ukraine's Zelensky at centre of last day of G7 summit × Future space-related missions, engagement in scientific research, international collaboration, and top-notch educational and training programmes are all part of the program's strategy to get future astronauts and engineers ready for space. Who is Barnawi, the first Arab woman to go on a space mission? Axiom Space's biography highlights Rayyanah Barnawi's remarkable career. She was born in 1988 in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and has a Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences from Otago University in New Zealand and a Master of Biomedical Sciences from Alfaisal University in Saudi Arabia. She is a biomedical researcher with almost ten years of expertise in the study of cancer stem cells. She will be concentrating on breast cancer and stem cell research during the trip. UAE scripted history earlier this year Sultan Al Neyadi of the UAE made history earlier this year when he became the first Arab astronaut to complete a long trip to the International Space Station. In order to meet Barnawi, Aqarni, and the other astronauts who are a part of the Ax-2 mission, Al Neyadi will still be residing on board the space station. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Saudi Arabia's first woman astronaut set to blast off into space on a private mission

After more than a decade of isolation, Bashar al-Assad, the president of war-torn Syria, has been welcomed back into the Arab League.

Assad gets warm reception as Syria welcomed back into Arab League

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad arrived in the Saudi city of Jeddah on Thursday to attend the Arab League summit the following day. Watch the video to know more.

Syria's Assad arrives in Saudi Arabia for Arab league summit

Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia.

"I... take this opportunity to welcome the Syrian Arab Republic to the League of Arab States," Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told the meeting, which was broadcast live by state TV channel Al Ekhbariya.&nbsp;

Jadaan added that he was "looking forward to working with everyone to achieve what we aspire to", as the camera panned to the Syrian delegation.&nbsp;

Arab League suspended Damascus in November 2011 after the regime's violent crackdown on protests. The protests spiralled into a conflict that has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions.

Syria was brought back into the Arab League earlier this month. This was seen as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's return to the Arab fold.

Saudi King Salman has invited Assad to attend Friday's summit in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, which would be his first since the 2010 meeting in Libya.&nbsp;

Assad regime held on to power during the war in Syria and clawed back lost territory. He got crucial support from Iran and Russia during all these years. Regional capitals began warming to Assad gradually.

The United Arab Emirates re-established ties with Syria in 2018 and has been leading the recent charge to reintegrate Damascus.&nbsp;

<h2>UAE invites Syria to COP28</h2>

The United Arab Emirates has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the United Nations climate summit in Dubai later this year, Syrian state media said Monday.

Assad's first invitation to a global summit since the start of Syria's war in 2011 comes as the Arab world gradually warms to Damascus after a long spell in the diplomatic wilderness.

The Emirati charge d'affaires in Syria, Abdul Hakeem al-Nuaimi, has handed Assad an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan "to attend the COP28 climate conference", official news agency SANA reported.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia.

Officials from Syria took part in preparatory session ahead of Arab League meeting on Friday as the country marked end of over a decade of exile. The summit is due to take place in Saudi Arabia. "I... take this opportunity to welcome the Syrian Arab Republic to the League of Arab States," Saudi finance minister Mohammed al-Jadaan told the meeting, which was broadcast live by state TV channel Al Ekhbariya. Jadaan added that he was "looking forward to working with everyone to achieve what we aspire to", as the camera panned to the Syrian delegation. Arab League suspended Damascus in November 2011 after the regime's violent crackdown on protests. The protests spiralled into a conflict that has killed more than 500,000 people and displaced millions. Syria was brought back into the Arab League earlier this month. This was seen as Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's return to the Arab fold. Saudi King Salman has invited Assad to attend Friday's summit in the Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah, which would be his first since the 2010 meeting in Libya. Assad regime held on to power during the war in Syria and clawed back lost territory. He got crucial support from Iran and Russia during all these years. Regional capitals began warming to Assad gradually. The United Arab Emirates re-established ties with Syria in 2018 and has been leading the recent charge to reintegrate Damascus. UAE invites Syria to COP28 The United Arab Emirates has invited Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to attend the United Nations climate summit in Dubai later this year, Syrian state media said Monday. Assad's first invitation to a global summit since the start of Syria's war in 2011 comes as the Arab world gradually warms to Damascus after a long spell in the diplomatic wilderness. The Emirati charge d'affaires in Syria, Abdul Hakeem al-Nuaimi, has handed Assad an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan "to attend the COP28 climate conference", official news agency SANA reported. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Syria attends Arab League meet after 11 years

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad cemented his return to the Arab fold recently after Saudi Arabia said it will reopen its diplomatic mission in Syria. The announcement was made by the Saudi foreign ministry and later confirmed by Damascus. This also comes days after Syria was readmitted into the Arab League ending its years-long suspension.

Saudi Arabia, Syria to restore diplomatic ties after a decade, reopen missions

Big news for Syria as the Arab League officially end its 12-year sentence in the cold. Damascus has re-entered the Arab fold as relationships are being re-written in one of the world's most volatile regions. What led to these developments and what will be its impact? Ghadi Francis decodes the story.

Syria returns to the Arab fold | The West Asia Post

Arab nations are set to re-admit Syria into the Arab League despite repeated objections from the United States to ending the decade-long isolation of a regime that it holds accountable for the deaths of more 300,000 civilians and displacement of millions in the country’s brutal civil war.

Arab nations set to rehabilitate Syria's pariah president in defiance of US

Syrian Foreign Minister is in Saudi Arabia for a landmark visit. On the agenda is its re-entry to the Arab League. Saudi's de-facto ruler Mohammed Bin Salman is pushing a new zero-conflict foreign policy. Will the big developments usher in a new era for West Asia?

Time for Syria to return to the Arab fold? | The West Asia Post

Syrian Foreign Minister Faisal Mekdad has arrived for a visit to Saudi Arabia, as ties between Damascus and Riyadh grow, and a restoration of relations between the two Arab countries becomes increasingly likely.

Syrian FM makes first visit to Saudi Arabia since 2011

Saudi Arabia will reportedly not be giving interest-free loans to Pakistan, and now Kuwait too has asked Pakistan to clear its diesel bill. Is the Arab world turning its back on debt-stricken Pakistan? Listen in to Vikram Chandra.

This World | Pakistan Economic Crisis: Is the Arab world turning its back on Islamabad?

Just weeks after the devastating earthquake hit Syria, president Bashar al-Assad visited the UAE this week. He received a warm welcome in Abu Dhabi signalling UAE's efforts to re-integrate Syria back into the Arab world.

Syria's Arab isolation ending? | The West Asia Post

Arab nations embracing Syria | The West Asia Post

Africa, Tunisia, Senegal, South Africa, Nigeria and Kenya are seeing widespread protests over mismanaging governments. Is this wave of discontent similar to the 2010 #ArabSpring? Watch #WIONWideangle

WION Wideangle | Africa protests: Another Arab spring?

Is the Arab world finally uniting? The President of Syria recently visited UAE. The President of Iran could visit Saudi Arabia soon. Molly Gambhir reports on the shifting sands in West Asia.

Gravitas: Syrian President visits UAE | Iran's President to visit Saudi Arabia

Egypt’s dual identity as an Afro-Arab nation makes Cairo an indispensable ally of India in West Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea, according to Mohammed Soliman, a strategist who conceptualised the "Indo-Abrahamic" framework.

"As a rising global power, Delhi should build strong bilateral relations with regional powers beyond South Asia— chief among them Cairo," Soliman, the intellectual architect of I2U2 and director of the Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington told WION.

Soliman underscored that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's&nbsp;visit to India is likely to produce a roadmap for bilateral relations and set the tone for cooperation in areas from “pharma to military industries and from food security to information technology.”

Egypt is a significant gateway to markets in Africa and Europe. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral trade reached a record high of $7.26 billion in 2021–22.

On&nbsp;the trade prospects, Soliman said, “Egypt is very open to Indian investment, given the historical relations between the two countries and Egypt’s appreciation of India’s global role.”

This is the first time that an Egyptian president has been invited as chief guest for the Republic Day event. Under former Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, relations between India and Egypt improved, particularly following India's support for Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis.

Soliman pointed out that "the India-Egypt alignment is consequential for regional integration in West Asia."&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Earlier, President Sisi expressed sympathy and solidarity with India during the second wave of Covid-19&nbsp;on April 30, 2021.&nbsp;On May 9, 2021, Egypt sent three aircraft carrying medical supplies to India. Egypt, which is struggling to get wheat since its main suppliers Russia and Ukraine are&nbsp;at war, wants to purchase the grain from India.

India had banned the sale of wheat to other nations but permitted the export of 61,000 tonnes to Egypt in May last year. But given the shortages, the nation needs more grains.

MEA in a statement earlier said that the visit will "further strengthen and deepen the time-tested partnership between India and Egypt."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Egypt’s dual identity as an Afro-Arab nation makes Cairo an indispensable ally of India in West Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea, according to Mohammed Soliman, a strategist who conceptualised the "Indo-Abrahamic" framework.

Egypt’s dual identity as an Afro-Arab nation makes Cairo an indispensable ally of India in West Asia, Africa, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Red Sea, according to Mohammed Soliman, a strategist who conceptualised the "Indo-Abrahamic" framework. "As a rising global power, Delhi should build strong bilateral relations with regional powers beyond South Asia— chief among them Cairo," Soliman, the intellectual architect of I2U2 and director of the Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Middle East Institute in Washington told WION. Soliman underscored that Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi's visit to India is likely to produce a roadmap for bilateral relations and set the tone for cooperation in areas from “pharma to military industries and from food security to information technology.” Egypt is a significant gateway to markets in Africa and Europe. According to India's Ministry of External Affairs, bilateral trade reached a record high of $7.26 billion in 2021–22. On the trade prospects, Soliman said, “Egypt is very open to Indian investment, given the historical relations between the two countries and Egypt’s appreciation of India’s global role.” This is the first time that an Egyptian president has been invited as chief guest for the Republic Day event. Under former Indian prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru and Egyptian president Gamal Abdel Nasser, relations between India and Egypt improved, particularly following India's support for Egypt during the 1956 Suez Crisis. Soliman pointed out that "the India-Egypt alignment is consequential for regional integration in West Asia." Earlier, President Sisi expressed sympathy and solidarity with India during the second wave of Covid-19 on April 30, 2021. On May 9, 2021, Egypt sent three aircraft carrying medical supplies to India. Egypt, which is struggling to get wheat since its main suppliers Russia and Ukraine are at war, wants to purchase the grain from India. India had banned the sale of wheat to other nations but permitted the export of 61,000 tonnes to Egypt in May last year. But given the shortages, the nation needs more grains. MEA in a statement earlier said that the visit will "further strengthen and deepen the time-tested partnership between India and Egypt." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

President El-Sisi visits as R-Day chief guest, Egypt remains Delhi’s indispensable Afro-Arab ally

Iraq hosts the 25th Arabian Gulf Cup in Basra. The event may give Iraq an opportunity to boost ties with Arab states.

The West Asia Post: Iraq hosts Arab Gulf cup

Saudi Arabia's sports ministry has decided to host&nbsp;an event to promote yoga and has invited 11 Arab countries to participate in it. The event "Arab Youth Empowerment Program" in the country's commercial capital Jeddah saw lectures and practical sessions on yoga. The country's first Yogacharinie and Padma Shri awardee Nouf AL-Marwaai gave a brief on the advantages of yoga to the participating delegates.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Saudi Yoga Committee and is the first-ever such attempt to promote yoga in other Arab societies as the Kingdom is seen liberalising rules under Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Nouf AL-Marwaai, president of the Saudi Yoga Committee, explained that the "participation of the Saudi Yoga Committee in a lecture and training workshop for Arab delegations within the Arab Youth Empowerment Program, confirms the Kingdom’s leadership in the practice of yoga at the regional level, and comes within the efforts of the Saudi Yoga Committee to transfer its expertise".

Countries whose delegations participated in the event were UAE, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Palestine, and Mauritania. The program that started on 22nd December, will continue till 30th December. All in all, the program aims to introduce Arab youth delegations to the sporting, cultural and recreational developments in the region, including yoga.

Nouf, who is credited for introducing yoga in Saudi Arabia pointed out, "our mission is to increase the number of practitioners and motivate them to spread awareness and enthusiasm for its practice as a way of life for all segments of society, increase and encourage events and initiatives".

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Saudi Arabia's sports ministry has decided to host an event to promote yoga and has invited 11 Arab countries to participate in it. The event "Arab Youth Empowerment Program" in the country's commercial capital Jeddah saw lectures and practical sessions on yoga.

Saudi Arabia's sports ministry has decided to host an event to promote yoga and has invited 11 Arab countries to participate in it. The event "Arab Youth Empowerment Program" in the country's commercial capital Jeddah saw lectures and practical sessions on yoga. The country's first Yogacharinie and Padma Shri awardee Nouf AL-Marwaai gave a brief on the advantages of yoga to the participating delegates. The event was organised in collaboration with the Saudi Yoga Committee and is the first-ever such attempt to promote yoga in other Arab societies as the Kingdom is seen liberalising rules under Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. Nouf AL-Marwaai, president of the Saudi Yoga Committee, explained that the "participation of the Saudi Yoga Committee in a lecture and training workshop for Arab delegations within the Arab Youth Empowerment Program, confirms the Kingdom’s leadership in the practice of yoga at the regional level, and comes within the efforts of the Saudi Yoga Committee to transfer its expertise". Countries whose delegations participated in the event were UAE, Oman, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Libya, Yemen, Palestine, and Mauritania. The program that started on 22nd December, will continue till 30th December. All in all, the program aims to introduce Arab youth delegations to the sporting, cultural and recreational developments in the region, including yoga. Nouf, who is credited for introducing yoga in Saudi Arabia pointed out, "our mission is to increase the number of practitioners and motivate them to spread awareness and enthusiasm for its practice as a way of life for all segments of society, increase and encourage events and initiatives".

Saudi sports ministry promotes yoga with participation of 11 Arab countries

At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur.&nbsp;The clashes began on&nbsp;Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported.&nbsp;A doctor said, "The number of bodies that have arrived at the hospital has reached 11." He added that some 20 people have been injured.&nbsp; 
 
Adam Regal from General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced said the death toll might be much higher as the fighting is going on.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-71-year-old-south-sudanese-prez-kiir-fit-to-rule-the-country-after-he-wets-himself-netizens-raise-concerns-545645">Also read |&nbsp;Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself</a>

According to news agency SUNA, the fight erupted after a group of herders riding camels attacked Amuri village on Friday. It added that the fight claimed the lives of four people.&nbsp;

The news agency also claimed that three people died, two prior to the attack and one after the fight spread to nearby villages.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-killed-in-sudans-blue-nile-ethnic-clashes-medics-527035">Also read |&nbsp;15 killed in ethnic clashes in Sudan's troubled southern&nbsp;Blue&nbsp;Nile&nbsp;state: Medics</a>

Witnesses have said that hundreds of people are protesting against the violence outside a government building in Nyala.&nbsp;

As per reports, clashes often erupt in Sudan's Darfur.&nbsp;This year some 900 people have been killed and 300,000 have fled their homes because of the clashes in the country, according to the UN's Humanitarian Affairs report.

UN figures claim that some 300,000 people have been killed in the clashes and 2.5 million people displaced.&nbsp; 
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At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur. The clashes began on Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported.

At least 11 people have been killed in ongoing clashes between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur. The clashes began on Wednesday between Arab herders and the Daju minority and other non-Arab groups, AFP reported. A doctor said, "The number of bodies that have arrived at the hospital has reached 11." He added that some 20 people have been injured. Adam Regal from General Coordination for Refugees and Displaced said the death toll might be much higher as the fighting is going on. Also read | Is South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, 71, fit to rule? Netizens react after he wets himself According to news agency SUNA, the fight erupted after a group of herders riding camels attacked Amuri village on Friday. It added that the fight claimed the lives of four people. The news agency also claimed that three people died, two prior to the attack and one after the fight spread to nearby villages. Also read | 15 killed in ethnic clashes in Sudan's troubled southern Blue Nile state: Medics Witnesses have said that hundreds of people are protesting against the violence outside a government building in Nyala. As per reports, clashes often erupt in Sudan's Darfur. This year some 900 people have been killed and 300,000 have fled their homes because of the clashes in the country, according to the UN's Humanitarian Affairs report. UN figures claim that some 300,000 people have been killed in the clashes and 2.5 million people displaced. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

11 killed, 20 injured as clashes erupt between Arab and non-Arab groups in Sudan's Darfur

Rashid rover embarks on its journey to lunar surface, carrying UAE's mission moon dream.

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The Arab world is coming together. It wants to create a NATO-style military alliance. The aim is to protect the 'collective interests' of Arab nations. What would this alliance look like? Who will be the members? What obstacles does it face? On Gravitas Plus, Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas Plus: Is an Arab NATO taking shape?

In March, a secret meeting of top military officials from Israel and Arab countries was convened by the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday (June 26) citing officials from the US and the region.&nbsp;

The meeting, which remained previously undisclosed, was apparently held to explore ways to coordinate against Iran's growing missile and drone capabilities.&nbsp;

The talks were held at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. As per the report, the meeting included participants from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain&nbsp;and Jordan.&nbsp;

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It is the first time that such a range of ranking Israeli and Arab officers have met under US military officials as they discussed how to defend against a common threat.&nbsp;

The WSJ report mentioned that the US was represented by the then-head of the US Central Command General Frank McKenzie.&nbsp;

According to sources familiar with the talks, participants reached an agreement on procedures for rapid notification when aerial threats are detected.&nbsp;

The sources added that the alerts would be passed by phone or computer and not through a US-style military data sharing system.&nbsp;

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Col. Joe Buccino, a Central Command spokesman of US said in a statement that the command "maintains a firm commitment to increasing regional cooperation and developing integrated air and missile defense architecture to protect our force and our regional partners."&nbsp;

He added tha Iran "is the primary destabilizing factor across the Middle East." Although he didn't acknowledge the Sharm El Sheikh meeting.&nbsp;

Notably, US President Joe Biden is planning to visit Israel and Saudi Arabia in mid-July. No details have emerged but a National Security Council spokeswoman said the White House supported "broadening and deepening Arab-Israeli ties."&nbsp;

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In March, a secret meeting of top military officials from Israel and Arab countries was convened by the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday (June 26) citing officials from the US and the region.

In March, a secret meeting of top military officials from Israel and Arab countries was convened by the United States, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday (June 26) citing officials from the US and the region. The meeting, which remained previously undisclosed, was apparently held to explore ways to coordinate against Iran's growing missile and drone capabilities. The talks were held at Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt. As per the report, the meeting included participants from Israel, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Jordan. ALSO READ | G7 announced $600 billion global infrastructure plan to rival China’s BRI It is the first time that such a range of ranking Israeli and Arab officers have met under US military officials as they discussed how to defend against a common threat. The WSJ report mentioned that the US was represented by the then-head of the US Central Command General Frank McKenzie. According to sources familiar with the talks, participants reached an agreement on procedures for rapid notification when aerial threats are detected. The sources added that the alerts would be passed by phone or computer and not through a US-style military data sharing system. ALSO READ | G7 nations to announce ban on import of new Russian gold Col. Joe Buccino, a Central Command spokesman of US said in a statement that the command "maintains a firm commitment to increasing regional cooperation and developing integrated air and missile defense architecture to protect our force and our regional partners." He added tha Iran "is the primary destabilizing factor across the Middle East." Although he didn't acknowledge the Sharm El Sheikh meeting. Notably, US President Joe Biden is planning to visit Israel and Saudi Arabia in mid-July. No details have emerged but a National Security Council spokeswoman said the White House supported "broadening and deepening Arab-Israeli ties." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

US held secret meeting of top military officials from Israel, Arab to discuss Iran: Report

An Arab NATO can be an alliance of regional foes against Iran. But What is an Arab NATO? Does West Asia need an Arab NATO? Watch this report.

What is an Arab NATO? Does West Asia need an Arab NATO?

Israel hosted foreign ministers from the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco and the U.S. at a desert retreat in the Negev. Will the summit begin a new era in Arab-Israel relations? Is America's dominance in West Asia coming to an end?

Historic Israeli-Arab Summit: The U.S. attempts to pacify miffed allies

Israel hosted foreign ministers from the UAE, Egypt, Bahrain, Morocco and the US at a desert retreat in the Negev. Will the summit begin a new era in Arab-Israel relations? Is America's dominance in West Asia coming to an end? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Israel hosts 4 Arab ministers in unprecedented summit

Watch The West Asia Post with Ghadi Francis: - The return of Bashar Al Assad - UAE helps Assad return to Arab fold - Saudi Arabia gets US military help - Yemen's children deprived of life-saving surgeries

The West Asia Post: The return of Bashar Al Assad

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made his first trip to an Arab country since the beginning of the civil war 11 years ago when he arrived in United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday. According to a number of experts, this marks a potential boost in Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbouring countries.<o:p></o:p>

In a statement posted on its social media pages, the office of the Syrian president said that he met Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai to discuss expanding bilateral relations between the two countries.

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Syria was expelled from the 22-member Arab League around 11 years ago and it led to a boycott from the Arab neighbours. Since then, the civil war has claimed a huge number of lives and it has also displaced almost half of Syria’s population who have fled to various different countries.<o:p></o:p>

However, against the backdrop of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the visit is a clear indication that the Arab countries are ready to re-engage with Syria. Assad, earlier, extended his complete support to Russian president Vladimir Putin regarding his invasion of Ukrainian cities.<o:p></o:p>

The UAE reopened its official embassy in Syria back in 2018 and that was considered as a positive sign from the Arab nation. In 2021, UAE foreign minister flew to Damascus for a private meeting with Assad and it was the first time that the country’s top diplomat has visited Syria since 2011.

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The official report further stated that Sheikh Mohammed expressed his hope “this visit would be the beginning of peace and stability for Syria and the entire region”.

It also said that Assad briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the latest developments in Syria and the two leaders discussed mutual interests in the Arab world. Assad was reported to have left the UAE later on Friday from Abu Dhabi.<o:p></o:p>

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made his first trip to an Arab country since the beginning of the civil war 11 years ago when he arrived in United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad made his first trip to an Arab country since the beginning of the civil war 11 years ago when he arrived in United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday. According to a number of experts, this marks a potential boost in Syria’s relations with its Arab neighbouring countries. In a statement posted on its social media pages, the office of the Syrian president said that he met Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid al-Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE and the ruler of Dubai to discuss expanding bilateral relations between the two countries. Also read | China reports first COVID-19 deaths in more than a year Syria was expelled from the 22-member Arab League around 11 years ago and it led to a boycott from the Arab neighbours. Since then, the civil war has claimed a huge number of lives and it has also displaced almost half of Syria’s population who have fled to various different countries. However, against the backdrop of the war between Russia and Ukraine, the visit is a clear indication that the Arab countries are ready to re-engage with Syria. Assad, earlier, extended his complete support to Russian president Vladimir Putin regarding his invasion of Ukrainian cities. The UAE reopened its official embassy in Syria back in 2018 and that was considered as a positive sign from the Arab nation. In 2021, UAE foreign minister flew to Damascus for a private meeting with Assad and it was the first time that the country’s top diplomat has visited Syria since 2011. Also read | Time for meaningful talks, says President Zelensky The official report further stated that Sheikh Mohammed expressed his hope “this visit would be the beginning of peace and stability for Syria and the entire region”. It also said that Assad briefed Sheikh Mohammed on the latest developments in Syria and the two leaders discussed mutual interests in the Arab world. Assad was reported to have left the UAE later on Friday from Abu Dhabi.

Syria's Bashar al-Assad visits UAE in first trip to Arab state since 2011

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the UAE, signalling the end of a bitter rivalry. Why is Erdogan courting the Arab world? What's in it for the UAE? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Erdogan in the UAE, first visit since 2013

The Biden administration is trying to convince its Arab allies that the United States, despite appearances to the contrary, is not fed up with the region and headed for the doors.

It is a tough sell. At a meeting Saturday in Bahrain that comes on the eve of global talks meant to rein in Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faced tough questions about how Arab allies were supposed to deal with the whiplash of an American national security policy that upends itself every four to eight years with a new president.

With President Joe Biden now trying to undo President Donald Trump’s own undoing of President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear deal, some Arab allies expressed frustration that they were caught in the middle and must go their own way. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, is taking steps to de-escalate its own tensions with Tehran, after years of striking a harsher tone.

The tumultuous US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August after 20 years, the announced withdrawal of US&nbsp;combat troops from Iraq by the end of this year, and the Biden administration’s recent hyping of China as its biggest and most serious national security priority have combined to leave officials in the Middle East, site of so much American national security angst over the past 20 years, feeling left out.

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“Now that you’re on the clock to withdraw your combat troops from Iraq, and with the withdrawal of Afghanistan, there are a lot of worries here,” Farhad Alaaldin, the chairman of the Iraq Advisory Council, a research institute in Baghdad, told Austin during a question-and-answer session Saturday at the International Institute for Strategic Studies conference in Manama, Bahrain’s capital. “Your partners on the scene are worried, and some of them are starting to run for cover.”

The defence secretary made efforts to reassure his counterparts in Bahrain that the United States would remain engaged in the Middle East. Referring to “a lot of angst that I hear,” Austin insisted that “we’re not going to abandon these interests going forward.”

As part of the diplomatic outreach this weekend, Brett McGurk, the White House Middle East coordinator, and Robert Malley, Biden’s Iran envoy, joined the defence secretary in Manama.

Austin said that the Biden administration would seek to counter Iran, even as the United States tries to resuscitate the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump abandoned. The latest round of talks to revive that deal are set to begin Nov. 29 in Vienna, and officials have been privately pessimistic that a breakthrough would come any time soon.

“We remain committed to a diplomatic outcome of the nuclear issue,” Austin said. “But if Iran isn’t willing to engage seriously, then we will look at all the options necessary to keep the United States secure.”

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Those options are limited. If Trump, for all of his often-stated antipathy toward Tehran, balked at striking Iranian nuclear facilities out of fear of prompting another prolonged US engagement in the region, Biden is even less likely to take such an action, aides acknowledge, no matter how many “options” Austin mentions. In fact, concerns over ruining the looming nuclear talks is one of the reasons the administration has so far refrained from hitting back at Iran for an armed drone attack last month on an American military base in southern Syria.

US&nbsp;officials say that they believe the drone attack, which caused no casualties, was Iranian retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Syria.

Five so-called suicide drones were launched at the American base at Al Tanf on October&nbsp;20 in what the US&nbsp;Central Command called a “deliberate and coordinated” attack. Only two detonated on impact, but they were loaded with ball bearings and shrapnel with a “clear intent to kill,” a senior U.S. military official said.

Most of the 200 US troops stationed at the base, whose main role is training Syrian militias to fight the Islamic State, had been evacuated hours earlier after being tipped off by Israeli intelligence, officials said.

US&nbsp;officials said they believed that Iran directed and supplied the proxy forces that carried out the attack. Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attack, although Iranian news media applauded it.

Brian Katulis, a vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute, called the Biden administration’s policy in the region one of “treading water.” He warned that it could come with inherent problems.

“In a turbulent region,” Katulis said, “the seas can get rough and waves can swell up at a moment’s notice, making it all but impossible to keep afloat.”

The Biden administration is trying to convince its Arab allies that the United States, despite appearances to the contrary, is not fed up with the region and headed for the doors.

The Biden administration is trying to convince its Arab allies that the United States, despite appearances to the contrary, is not fed up with the region and headed for the doors. It is a tough sell. At a meeting Saturday in Bahrain that comes on the eve of global talks meant to rein in Iran’s nuclear ambitions, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin faced tough questions about how Arab allies were supposed to deal with the whiplash of an American national security policy that upends itself every four to eight years with a new president. With President Joe Biden now trying to undo President Donald Trump’s own undoing of President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear deal, some Arab allies expressed frustration that they were caught in the middle and must go their own way. The United Arab Emirates, for instance, is taking steps to de-escalate its own tensions with Tehran, after years of striking a harsher tone. The tumultuous US withdrawal from Afghanistan in August after 20 years, the announced withdrawal of US combat troops from Iraq by the end of this year, and the Biden administration’s recent hyping of China as its biggest and most serious national security priority have combined to leave officials in the Middle East, site of so much American national security angst over the past 20 years, feeling left out. Also read | Transgender day of remembrance: Biden honours 46 transgender Americans killed due to violence in US “Now that you’re on the clock to withdraw your combat troops from Iraq, and with the withdrawal of Afghanistan, there are a lot of worries here,” Farhad Alaaldin, the chairman of the Iraq Advisory Council, a research institute in Baghdad, told Austin during a question-and-answer session Saturday at the International Institute for Strategic Studies conference in Manama, Bahrain’s capital. “Your partners on the scene are worried, and some of them are starting to run for cover.” The defence secretary made efforts to reassure his counterparts in Bahrain that the United States would remain engaged in the Middle East. Referring to “a lot of angst that I hear,” Austin insisted that “we’re not going to abandon these interests going forward.” As part of the diplomatic outreach this weekend, Brett McGurk, the White House Middle East coordinator, and Robert Malley, Biden’s Iran envoy, joined the defence secretary in Manama. Austin said that the Biden administration would seek to counter Iran, even as the United States tries to resuscitate the 2015 nuclear deal that Trump abandoned. The latest round of talks to revive that deal are set to begin Nov. 29 in Vienna, and officials have been privately pessimistic that a breakthrough would come any time soon. “We remain committed to a diplomatic outcome of the nuclear issue,” Austin said. “But if Iran isn’t willing to engage seriously, then we will look at all the options necessary to keep the United States secure.” Also read | 'Very worried': WHO warns of 500,000 deaths by March amid new wave in Europe Those options are limited. If Trump, for all of his often-stated antipathy toward Tehran, balked at striking Iranian nuclear facilities out of fear of prompting another prolonged US engagement in the region, Biden is even less likely to take such an action, aides acknowledge, no matter how many “options” Austin mentions. In fact, concerns over ruining the looming nuclear talks is one of the reasons the administration has so far refrained from hitting back at Iran for an armed drone attack last month on an American military base in southern Syria. US officials say that they believe the drone attack, which caused no casualties, was Iranian retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Syria. Five so-called suicide drones were launched at the American base at Al Tanf on October 20 in what the US Central Command called a “deliberate and coordinated” attack. Only two detonated on impact, but they were loaded with ball bearings and shrapnel with a “clear intent to kill,” a senior U.S. military official said. Most of the 200 US troops stationed at the base, whose main role is training Syrian militias to fight the Islamic State, had been evacuated hours earlier after being tipped off by Israeli intelligence, officials said. US officials said they believed that Iran directed and supplied the proxy forces that carried out the attack. Iran has not claimed responsibility for the attack, although Iranian news media applauded it. Brian Katulis, a vice president for policy at the Middle East Institute, called the Biden administration’s policy in the region one of “treading water.” He warned that it could come with inherent problems. “In a turbulent region,” Katulis said, “the seas can get rough and waves can swell up at a moment’s notice, making it all but impossible to keep afloat.”

US tries to convince Arab allies it isn’t abandoning them

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