The Pakistan Army and the Royal Saudi Land Forces (RSLF) this week concluded a joint military training exercise in the eastern city of Multan that was aimed at enhancing their military capabilities and exchanging expertise, the Pakistani military said on Tuesday.

Pakistan Army, Saudi land forces conclude joint military training exercise in Multan

The United Arab Emirates is in talks to buy a stake in London's Heathrow airport, potentially joining Saudi Arabia as a major investor. This move comes as Heathrow reports its first profit since the pandemic, with passenger numbers rebounding significantly.

Saudi’s investment fund bought 25% Heathrow stake last year

Saudi Arabia has a key caveat for going forward with normalizing ties with Israel. What is Saudi's demand? And can Israel meet the oil-rich nation halfway?

A bleak future for Israel-Saudi normalisation?

Saudi Arabia's decision to reverse plans to increase its oil production capacity highlights a long-term risk to the kingdom's oil revenue: competing suppliers. That is also raising concerns about the future of demand.

Saudi needs an oil price of $108 a barrel to balance its budget

West Asia Post | The Saudi regime has introduced a long-term goal of moving away from its oil-reliant economy, introducing residency plans to achieve its vision.

Explained: What is Saudi Arabia doing to diversify its economy?

So far, the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas militants has not led to the nightmare scenario -- a wider conflict in West Asia. But after recent events tensions in west asia are near boiling point. Even as Arab nations and the west look desperately to water down heating temperatures.

Israel-Hamas war: Saudi Arabia calls for immediate ceasefire, wants Palestinian issue resolved

Two explosions caused by 'terrorist attacks' killed at least 95 people and wounded scores at a ceremony in Iran to commemorate top commander Qassem Soleimani who was killed by a US drone in 2020, Iranian officials said on Wednesday.

Iran twin blasts: At least 95 killed in blasts at Qassem Soleimani memorial

<p>On Sunday (Dec 31), the PGA Tour worked hard&nbsp;to extend a deadline into 2024 in a bid to finalise&nbsp;a merger agreement with Saudi Arabian investors, with tour commissioner Jay Monahan labelling the talks "active and productive." The players were updated&nbsp;in a memo which came from Manmohan hours before&nbsp;the New Year&nbsp;to approve a framework agreement merging the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) that&nbsp;finances the upstart LIV Golf League.</p>

<p>An update on the PGA Tour website regarding talks said the memo, which&nbsp;was&nbsp;reportedly obtained by The Golf Channel and ESPN, put forward the efforts to extend the deadline into 2024. Monahan said in his memo, "While we had initially set a deadline of December 31, 2023, to reach an agreement, we are working to extend our negotiations into next year based on the progress we have made to date."</p>

<p>In addition, Monahan&nbsp;further opined that the PGA Tour had made "meaningful progress" in separate negotiations to have Strategic Sports Group (SSG) become a tour minority investor. His memo states that the goal remains to have PIF, the DP World Tour and SSG become minority co-investors in PGA Tour Enterprises in the new calendar year.</p>

<p>"These partnerships will allow us to unify, innovate and invest in the game for the benefit of the players, fans and sponsors,"&nbsp;highlighted Monahan.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-new-mother-naomi-osaka-makes-winning-return-in-brisbane-ahead-of-australian-open-2024-675426">Tennis: New mother Naomi Osaka makes winning return in Brisbane ahead of Australian Open 2024</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, ESPN reported the SSG would invest as many as $3 billion into the new entity. It, thus, suggests that it&nbsp;would be financed to more than $7 billion if the PIF investment were also taken into account. It is to be noted that the PGA Tour has been in negotiations with PIF since June with a stated Dec&nbsp;31 deadline on final details of a merger agreement. The development stunned one and all as many PGA Tour players&nbsp;demanded&nbsp;and acquired greater input in final approval of the deal.</p>

<p>In Dec&nbsp;2023, Spain's Jon Rahm --&nbsp;the reigning Masters champion --&nbsp;made heads turn when he switched&nbsp;from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. This also indicated of how things could shape up&nbsp;in 2024 with&nbsp;more talents set to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. It already comprises the likes of Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia,&nbsp;etc.&nbsp;</p>


On Sunday (Dec 31), the PGA Tour worked hard to extend a deadline into 2024 in a bid to finalise a merger agreement with Saudi Arabian investors, with tour commissioner Jay Monahan labelling the talks "active and productive.

On Sunday (Dec 31), the PGA Tour worked hard to extend a deadline into 2024 in a bid to finalise a merger agreement with Saudi Arabian investors, with tour commissioner Jay Monahan labelling the talks "active and productive." The players were updated in a memo which came from Manmohan hours before the New Year to approve a framework agreement merging the PGA Tour, DP World Tour and Saudi Public Investment Fund (PIF) that finances the upstart LIV Golf League. An update on the PGA Tour website regarding talks said the memo, which was reportedly obtained by The Golf Channel and ESPN, put forward the efforts to extend the deadline into 2024. Monahan said in his memo, "While we had initially set a deadline of December 31, 2023, to reach an agreement, we are working to extend our negotiations into next year based on the progress we have made to date." In addition, Monahan further opined that the PGA Tour had made "meaningful progress" in separate negotiations to have Strategic Sports Group (SSG) become a tour minority investor. His memo states that the goal remains to have PIF, the DP World Tour and SSG become minority co-investors in PGA Tour Enterprises in the new calendar year. "These partnerships will allow us to unify, innovate and invest in the game for the benefit of the players, fans and sponsors," highlighted Monahan. Also read: Tennis: New mother Naomi Osaka makes winning return in Brisbane ahead of Australian Open 2024 Earlier, ESPN reported the SSG would invest as many as $3 billion into the new entity. It, thus, suggests that it would be financed to more than $7 billion if the PIF investment were also taken into account. It is to be noted that the PGA Tour has been in negotiations with PIF since June with a stated Dec 31 deadline on final details of a merger agreement. The development stunned one and all as many PGA Tour players demanded and acquired greater input in final approval of the deal. In Dec 2023, Spain's Jon Rahm -- the reigning Masters champion -- made heads turn when he switched from the PGA Tour to LIV Golf. This also indicated of how things could shape up in 2024 with more talents set to join the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. It already comprises the likes of Cameron Smith, Phil Mickelson, Sergio Garcia, etc.

Golf: PGA Tour works to extend 'active and productive' Saudi merger talks

The BRICS club of emerging market countries is expected to double on January 1st when Saudi Arabia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia and Egypt join the group. In August the current members of the group Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa invited six other countries to join them.

BRICS group to double in 2024 after Saudi, Iran, UAE, Egypt, Ethiopia join ranks

In the economic heart of China, signs of strain persist. Recent forecasts indicate a concerning trend. For the third consecutive month, China's manufacturing activity is expected to contract, hovering just above November's figures.

China: Manufacturing sector shrinks for third straight month

Iran has increased the rate at which it is producing near weapons-grade uranium in recent weeks, reversing a previous slowdown that started in the middle of this year, the International Atomic Energy Agency said in a report to member states.

Iran increases production of highly enriched uranium

The year of great strategic realignment; China's diplomatic coup in West. Watch the video to know more.

The year of great strategic realignment; China's diplomatic coup in West

Iran was "deeply involved" in planning operations against commercial vessels in the Red Sea and its intelligence was critical to enable Yemen's Houthi movement to target ships, the White House said on Friday.

Iran "Deeply involved" in Houthi attacks on Red Sea vessels: US

<p>The WTA is yet to decide on a venue for its 2024 season-ending Finals, the governing body of women's tennis said, amid growing speculation the championship is headed to Saudi Arabia. Cancun was named the venue for this year's edition less than two months before it began on Oct. 29 and the Mexico event drew heavy criticism from world number two Aryna Sabalenka over the standard of organisation.</p>

<p>Multiple media outlets have said the Finals are set to move to Saudi Arabia and the BBC reported that negotiations were in the late stages with both parties keen on a multi-year deal. "We are in discussions with various groups surrounding the 2024 WTA Finals and beyond and have not made any decisions at this time," a WTA spokesperson said in an email. "As with all WTA decisions, we are working closely with players and focused on continuing to build a strong future for women's tennis."</p>

<p>Shenzhen hosted the 2019 edition as part of a lucrative 10-year deal but the event was cancelled the following year due to COVID-19 and moved to Guadalajara, Mexico in 2021. The tournament was expected to return to Shenzhen from 2022 but the WTA suspended tournaments in China due to concerns over the treatment of former doubles world number&nbsp;one&nbsp;Peng Shuai.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-rafael-nadal-and-carlos-alcaraz-to-face-off-in-netflix-exhibition-match-in-usa-next-year-668752">Tennis: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to face off in Netflix exhibition match in USA next year</a></strong></p>

<p>Fort Worth, Texas hosted the tournament that year and drew sparse crowds. The men's ATP Tour said in August its Next Gen Finals for under-21 players would be held in Jeddah from 2023 to 2027, marking its first official tournament in the Gulf state.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has pumped huge amounts of money into various sports including soccer,&nbsp;Formula&nbsp;One, boxing and golf, with critics accusing the country of using its Public Investment Fund to engage in "sportswashing" over its human rights record. The kingdom denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.</p>


The WTA is yet to decide on a venue for its 2024 season-ending Finals, the governing body of women's tennis said, amid growing speculation the championship is headed to Saudi Arabia.

The WTA is yet to decide on a venue for its 2024 season-ending Finals, the governing body of women's tennis said, amid growing speculation the championship is headed to Saudi Arabia. Cancun was named the venue for this year's edition less than two months before it began on Oct. 29 and the Mexico event drew heavy criticism from world number two Aryna Sabalenka over the standard of organisation. Multiple media outlets have said the Finals are set to move to Saudi Arabia and the BBC reported that negotiations were in the late stages with both parties keen on a multi-year deal. "We are in discussions with various groups surrounding the 2024 WTA Finals and beyond and have not made any decisions at this time," a WTA spokesperson said in an email. "As with all WTA decisions, we are working closely with players and focused on continuing to build a strong future for women's tennis." Shenzhen hosted the 2019 edition as part of a lucrative 10-year deal but the event was cancelled the following year due to COVID-19 and moved to Guadalajara, Mexico in 2021. The tournament was expected to return to Shenzhen from 2022 but the WTA suspended tournaments in China due to concerns over the treatment of former doubles world number one Peng Shuai. Also read: Tennis: Rafael Nadal and Carlos Alcaraz to face off in Netflix exhibition match in USA next year Fort Worth, Texas hosted the tournament that year and drew sparse crowds. The men's ATP Tour said in August its Next Gen Finals for under-21 players would be held in Jeddah from 2023 to 2027, marking its first official tournament in the Gulf state. Saudi Arabia has pumped huge amounts of money into various sports including soccer, Formula One, boxing and golf, with critics accusing the country of using its Public Investment Fund to engage in "sportswashing" over its human rights record. The kingdom denies accusations of human rights abuses and says it protects its national security through its laws.

Tennis: WTA affirms no decision yet on 2024 Finals host amid reported Saudi interest

Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) has announced that it has entered into a share purchase agreement to acquire a 10% stake in TopCo, the holding company of Heathrow Airport Holdings. This deal is subject to regulatory approval.

Saudi Arabia set to buy stake in London Heathrow airport

It's a big win for Saudi Arabia. Its efforts to persuade foreign companies to operate their regional businesses out of the country are paying off. Northern Trust became the first major financial firm to set up its regional hub in Riyadh.

Northern Trust sets up regional headquarters in Riyadh

Russian President Vladimir Putin got a royal welcome in Abu Dhabi, the first leg of his blitz gulf tour. UAE staged a lavish welcome ceremony with jets flying over the city leaving contrails in the colours of the Russian flag. Camel and horse cavalry guards lined the route of Putin's motorcade from the airport to the presidential palace.

Putin visits Saudi & UAE on West Asia tour; Putin all set to host Iran's Raisi in Moscow | World DNA

“The Kingdom’s position is constant and firm; there is no way to achieve security and stability in Palestine except through the implementation of international decisions related to the two-state solution,” MBS said.

Saudi Crown Prince calls on all countries to stop arms exports to Israel

<p>At a joint summit in Riyadh on Saturday (Nov 11), Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries called for an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza.</p>

<p>The countries also condemned Israel for its counter-offensive and declared that Tel Aviv bears responsibility for "crimes" against Palestinians.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, gathered Arab and Muslim leaders for the summit as the kingdom exercised its impact to push the United States and Israel for an end to the conflict in war-torn Gaza.</p>

<p>Leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attended the summit.</p>

<h2><strong>Condemn war against our brothers in Palestine, says Prince Mohammed</strong></h2>

<p>Prince Mohammed said the kingdom substantiates its "condemnation and categorical rejection of this barbaric war against our brothers in Palestine".</p>

<p>"We are facing a humanitarian catastrophe that proves the failure of the Security Council and the international community to put an end to the flagrant Israeli violations of international laws," he said in an address to the summit.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/microsoft-chief-brad-smith-says-russia-spreading-disinformation-about-israel-hamas-war-657561">Microsoft chief says Russia spreading 'disinformation' about Israel-Hamas war</a></p>

<p>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Palestinians were facing a "genocidal war" further calling on the US to end Israeli "aggression".</p>

<h2><strong>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi hails Hamas</strong></h2>

<p>Voicing support for the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas for launching unprecedented attacks against Israel, Raisi urged Islamic countries to impose oil and goods sanctions on Tel Aviv.</p>

<p>"There is no other way but to resist Israel, we kiss the hands of Hamas for its resistance against Israel," he said in his address.</p>

<p>On his first visit to Saudi Arabia, after the two countries agreed to mend ties in March, Raisi said Islamic nations should designate the Israeli army a "terrorist organisation" for its conduct in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The two leaders, Prince Mohammed bin and Raisi also held their first meeting on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Summit.</p>

<p>The official Saudi Press Agency, taking to its X account, shared a picture of the two leaders saying, "HRH the #Crown_Prince meets with the president of the Islamic Republic of #Iran on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit.<br />
#SPAGOV."&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">HRH the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Crown_Prince?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Crown_Prince</a> meets with the president of the Islamic Republic of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a> on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SPAGOV?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SPAGOV</a> <a href="https://t.co/JfJlCFztGI">pic.twitter.com/JfJlCFztGI</a></p>
— SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) <a href="https://twitter.com/Spa_Eng/status/1723351060956213729?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 11, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Countries reject Israel's 'self-defence' claim</strong></h2>

<p>The final declaration rebuffed Israeli claims that dubbed its counter-offensive an act of "self-defence", calling the United Nations Security Council to adopt "a decisive and binding resolution" to halt Israel's "aggression".&nbsp;</p>

<p>It also disregarded out of hand any future political resolution to the war that would keep Gaza separate from the Israeli-occupied West Bank.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At a joint summit in Riyadh on Saturday (Nov 11), Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries called for an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza. The countries also condemned Israel for its counter-offensive and declared that Tel Aviv bears responsibility for "crimes" against Palestinians.

At a joint summit in Riyadh on Saturday (Nov 11), Saudi Arabia and other Muslim countries called for an immediate end to the ongoing war in Gaza. The countries also condemned Israel for its counter-offensive and declared that Tel Aviv bears responsibility for "crimes" against Palestinians. Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, gathered Arab and Muslim leaders for the summit as the kingdom exercised its impact to push the United States and Israel for an end to the conflict in war-torn Gaza. Leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, and Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi attended the summit. Condemn war against our brothers in Palestine, says Prince Mohammed Prince Mohammed said the kingdom substantiates its "condemnation and categorical rejection of this barbaric war against our brothers in Palestine". "We are facing a humanitarian catastrophe that proves the failure of the Security Council and the international community to put an end to the flagrant Israeli violations of international laws," he said in an address to the summit. Also read: Microsoft chief says Russia spreading 'disinformation' about Israel-Hamas war Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that the Palestinians were facing a "genocidal war" further calling on the US to end Israeli "aggression". Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi hails Hamas Voicing support for the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas for launching unprecedented attacks against Israel, Raisi urged Islamic countries to impose oil and goods sanctions on Tel Aviv. "There is no other way but to resist Israel, we kiss the hands of Hamas for its resistance against Israel," he said in his address. On his first visit to Saudi Arabia, after the two countries agreed to mend ties in March, Raisi said Islamic nations should designate the Israeli army a "terrorist organisation" for its conduct in Gaza. The two leaders, Prince Mohammed bin and Raisi also held their first meeting on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Summit. The official Saudi Press Agency, taking to its X account, shared a picture of the two leaders saying, "HRH the #Crown_Prince meets with the president of the Islamic Republic of #Iran on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit. #SPAGOV." HRH the #Crown_Prince meets with the president of the Islamic Republic of #Iran on the sidelines of the Joint Arab Islamic Extraordinary Summit.#SPAGOV pic.twitter.com/JfJlCFztGI — SPAENG (@Spa_Eng) November 11, 2023 × Countries reject Israel's 'self-defence' claim The final declaration rebuffed Israeli claims that dubbed its counter-offensive an act of "self-defence", calling the United Nations Security Council to adopt "a decisive and binding resolution" to halt Israel's "aggression". It also disregarded out of hand any future political resolution to the war that would keep Gaza separate from the Israeli-occupied West Bank. (With inputs from agencies)

Arab countries condemn Israel for 'barbaric war' against Palestinians in Gaza

A Reuters report tells us that Chinese authorities have asked an insurance group 'ping an' to take a controlling stake in a country garden. China's state council, headed by Premier Li Qiang, has instructed the Guang-doing local government to help arrange a rescue plan. However, a spokesperson for Ping said the company has not been approached by the government so far.

China's plan for country garden

Saudi Minister of Defence Prince Khalid bin Salman met US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin at the headquarters of the Department of Defense in Washington on Wednesday.

Saudi, US defense ministers hold wide-ranging talks in Washington

<p>Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is expected to visit Washington on Monday for meetings with senior Biden administration officials, Axios reported on Saturday, citing three sources with knowledge of the trip.</p>

<p>The visit had been long-scheduled, the sources told Axios, but it would come as Israel on Saturday unleashed the second phase of the Gaza war as its forces pressed ground operations against Hamas militants, vowing to "destroy the enemy above ground and below ground."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internet-connectivity-getting-restored-in-gaza-strip-internet-monitors-652517">Internet connectivity getting 'restored' in Gaza Strip: Internet monitors</a></p>

<p>Khalid bin Salman is expected to meet with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and several senators, according to the Axios report.</p>

<p>The White House National Security Council told Reuters it had nothing to confirm when asked about the possible visit.</p>

<p>U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman on a call on Tuesday discussed efforts to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from widening.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/active-shooting-situation-in-california-mall-three-injured-report-652502">Shooter at large after opening fire in California mall, three injured</a></p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has been among Arab countries that have condemned the targeting of civilians and "flagrant violations of international law" in Gaza which has been under heavy Israeli bombardment.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/idf-releases-footage-of-start-of-second-world-war-in-gaza-652518">IDF releases footage of start of 'second world war' in Gaza</a></strong></p>

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<p>Biden has said Palestinian Islamist group Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel that the Israeli government says killed about 1,400 people aimed to disrupt a potential normalization of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia.</p>

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Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is expected to visit Washington on Monday for meetings with senior Biden administration officials, Axios reported on Saturday, citing three sources with knowledge of the trip.

Saudi Arabian Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman is expected to visit Washington on Monday for meetings with senior Biden administration officials, Axios reported on Saturday, citing three sources with knowledge of the trip. The visit had been long-scheduled, the sources told Axios, but it would come as Israel on Saturday unleashed the second phase of the Gaza war as its forces pressed ground operations against Hamas militants, vowing to "destroy the enemy above ground and below ground." Also Read | Internet connectivity getting 'restored' in Gaza Strip: Internet monitors Khalid bin Salman is expected to meet with White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan, Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and several senators, according to the Axios report. The White House National Security Council told Reuters it had nothing to confirm when asked about the possible visit. U.S. President Joe Biden and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman on a call on Tuesday discussed efforts to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from widening. Also Read | Shooter at large after opening fire in California mall, three injured Saudi Arabia has been among Arab countries that have condemned the targeting of civilians and "flagrant violations of international law" in Gaza which has been under heavy Israeli bombardment. Watch | IDF releases footage of start of 'second world war' in Gaza × Biden has said Palestinian Islamist group Hamas' Oct. 7 attack on Israel that the Israeli government says killed about 1,400 people aimed to disrupt a potential normalization of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia. 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 defence minister expected to visit White House on Oct 30

Saudi Arabia's Defense Minister, Khalid bin Salman Al Saud, is expected to visit the White House to discuss the Israel-Hamas war and potential regional implications. The Saudi Foreign Ministry has expressed concern about Israeli ground operations, citing threats to Palestinian civilians.

Saudi Defence Minister to visit white house for talks with us officials on Israel-Hamas war

The Arab states have called for an immediate humanitarian Ceasar but Israel continues to drop bombs on the Gaza Strip,.

Saudi Arabia's Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud on Israel-Palestine war

Along with electric vehicle manufacturer Lucid Motors, Hyundai Motors has signed a contract with Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund to build a more than $500 million automobile assembly factory in the oil-rich country.

Hyundai and Lucid Motors to build Saudi Arabia plant for EVs

Hyundai & Lucid motors partner with Saudi wealth fund

<p>The White House announced that based on US intelligence gathered from aerial imagery and intercepted communications, Israel was not involved in the strike on a Gaza hospital that resulted in hundreds of casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"While we continue to collect information, our current assessment, based on analysis of overhead imagery, intercepts, and open source information, is that Israel is not responsible for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said on social media.</p>

<p>During his visit to Tel Aviv, US President Joe Biden was questioned by journalists about the horrific incident.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/the-pity-of-war-why-israel-must-be-stopped-648509">‘The pity of war’: Why Israel must be stopped</a></p>

<p>In response, the US president also mentioned the data provided by the Department of Defence, which reportedly supported the assessment that Israel was not responsible for the said explosion.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel presents evidence</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli officials also presented their own evidence, which indicated that the explosion at the Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza City was caused by a rocket misfired by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group.</p>

<p>According to Israel, the evidence showed that an Islamic Jihad rocket, fired from a cemetery, landed in the hospital's car park.</p>

<p>During his visit to Tel Aviv, President Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and engaged in discussions where he asked "tough questions." He also interacted with representatives of emergency services, showing support and empathy for those affected by recent events in the region.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-treasury-sanctions-10-hamas-members-some-connected-to-groups-secret-portfolio-648501">US Treasury sanctions 10 Hamas members, some connected to group's 'secret portfolio'</a></p>

<p>As per reports, more than 1,400 people were killed in the barbaric Hamas attacks, with 4,200 injured and 199 people taken into Gaza as hostages, including children and elderly individuals.</p>

<p>Moreover, Palestine called out Israel on its denial of involvement in the tragic Gaza hospital blast.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-biden-backs-israel-account-of-gaza-hospital-strike-648511">Israel-Palestine war: Biden backs Israel account of Gaza hospital strike</a></strong></p>

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<p>Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "liar" and countered his claims that Hamas was behind the attack. The Palestinian envoy claimed that Israeli forces were behind the strike and said that they had proof.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

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The White House announced that based on US intelligence gathered from aerial imagery and intercepted communications, Israel was not involved in the strike on a Gaza hospital that resulted in hundreds of casualties.

The White House announced that based on US intelligence gathered from aerial imagery and intercepted communications, Israel was not involved in the strike on a Gaza hospital that resulted in hundreds of casualties. "While we continue to collect information, our current assessment, based on analysis of overhead imagery, intercepts, and open source information, is that Israel is not responsible for the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday," National Security Council spokeswoman Adrienne Watson said on social media. During his visit to Tel Aviv, US President Joe Biden was questioned by journalists about the horrific incident. Also Read | ‘The pity of war’: Why Israel must be stopped In response, the US president also mentioned the data provided by the Department of Defence, which reportedly supported the assessment that Israel was not responsible for the said explosion. Israel presents evidence Israeli officials also presented their own evidence, which indicated that the explosion at the Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza City was caused by a rocket misfired by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. According to Israel, the evidence showed that an Islamic Jihad rocket, fired from a cemetery, landed in the hospital's car park. During his visit to Tel Aviv, President Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and engaged in discussions where he asked "tough questions." He also interacted with representatives of emergency services, showing support and empathy for those affected by recent events in the region. Also Read | US Treasury sanctions 10 Hamas members, some connected to group's 'secret portfolio' As per reports, more than 1,400 people were killed in the barbaric Hamas attacks, with 4,200 injured and 199 people taken into Gaza as hostages, including children and elderly individuals. Moreover, Palestine called out Israel on its denial of involvement in the tragic Gaza hospital blast. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Biden backs Israel account of Gaza hospital strike × Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "liar" and countered his claims that Hamas was behind the attack. The Palestinian envoy claimed that Israeli forces were behind the strike and said that they had proof. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 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. ×

'Israel not responsible for Gaza hospital strike': US cites aerial imagery, intercepted communications

<p>Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas he was working to prevent "an expansion" of conflict after the surprise Hamas attack on Israel, Saudi state media said early Tuesday.</p>

<p>Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also told Abbas the Gulf kingdom continued "to stand by the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to a decent life, achieve their hopes and aspirations, and achieve just and lasting peace," the official Saudi Press Agency reported.</p>

<p>Reeling from the Palestinian Islamist group's unprecedented ground, air and sea attacks, Israel has counted 800 dead and launched a withering barrage of strikes on Gaza that have raised the death count there to 687.</p>

<p>The spiralling violence kicked off amid speculation that Saudi Arabia, which has never recognised Israel, would agree to normalise ties as part of a deal in which it would obtain security guarantees from the United States as well as assistance developing a civilian nuclear programme.</p>

<p>However, Prince Mohammed told Fox News last month that the Palestinian issue was "very important" for Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest sites in Islam in Mecca and Medina.</p>

<p>"We need to solve that part. We need to ease the life of the Palestinians," Prince Mohammed said.</p>

<p>Analysts say any progress towards normalisation has now been dealt a heavy blow by the ongoing fighting.</p>

<p>Prince Mohammed has also spoken about the crisis by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II, SPA reported.</p>

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Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas he was working to prevent "an expansion" of conflict after the surprise Hamas attack on Israel, Saudi state media said early Tuesday.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler told Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas he was working to prevent "an expansion" of conflict after the surprise Hamas attack on Israel, Saudi state media said early Tuesday. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also told Abbas the Gulf kingdom continued "to stand by the Palestinian people to achieve their legitimate rights to a decent life, achieve their hopes and aspirations, and achieve just and lasting peace," the official Saudi Press Agency reported. Reeling from the Palestinian Islamist group's unprecedented ground, air and sea attacks, Israel has counted 800 dead and launched a withering barrage of strikes on Gaza that have raised the death count there to 687. The spiralling violence kicked off amid speculation that Saudi Arabia, which has never recognised Israel, would agree to normalise ties as part of a deal in which it would obtain security guarantees from the United States as well as assistance developing a civilian nuclear programme. However, Prince Mohammed told Fox News last month that the Palestinian issue was "very important" for Saudi Arabia, home to the holiest sites in Islam in Mecca and Medina. "We need to solve that part. We need to ease the life of the Palestinians," Prince Mohammed said. Analysts say any progress towards normalisation has now been dealt a heavy blow by the ongoing fighting. Prince Mohammed has also spoken about the crisis by phone with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II, SPA reported. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman says 'Saudi stands by Palestinians'

At least 16 civilians were killed on Thursday in Syrian army shelling of a village in a rebel-held area of northwestern Syria, activists and emergency workers said.

Syrian army shelling kills over 16 civilians in Idlib

This week on The West Asia Post, +A graduation ceremony in Syria's military institute took a deadly turn. +Turkiye seeks retribution for a ghastly explosion in its capital. +A year after Mahsa Amini's death, Iran's morality police strikes again. This time a 16-year-old is battling for her life. +Saudi-Iran tensions spill-over to sports. +Education takes a hit amid Lebanon's economic crisis, forces children to work.

The West Asia Post: A graduation ceremony in Syria's military institute took a deadly turn

About 20 US Democrat senators including some senior Democrats have written to the American President Joe Biden to express their very serious concerns about a potential deal between the United States and Saudi Arabia

US democrats skeptical of security guarantees to Saudi Arabia

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