Palestinian president discusses latest Gaza developments with Qatari emir in Doha

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani in Doha. (QNA)
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Updated 13 February 2024
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Palestinian president discusses latest Gaza developments with Qatari emir in Doha

  • Abbas also meets Gazan photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, who fled to Qatar in January in the face of death threats

LONDON: Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Qatar’s emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, discussed the latest developments in the Gaza Strip and the other occupied Palestinian territories during a meeting in Doha on Monday.

In particular, they talked about ongoing efforts to secure an agreement for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, in a way that could pave the way for a just, comprehensive and sustainable resolution to the Palestinian issue. The two leaders also discussed the escalation of violence in the region, and reviewed bilateral ties and ways in which they might be enhanced, the Qatar News Agency reported.

Sheikh Tamim reiterated Qatar’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause and its solidarity with the Palestinian people in their efforts to achieve their rightful national aspirations.

He said his nation remains committed to diplomatic and mediation efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza, and ease unrest in the West Bank, and to its support for initiatives that can help bridge divisions among Palestinians.

Abbas thanked the sheikh for Qatar’s continued support for the Palestinian people.

The president also met Palestinian photojournalist Motaz Azaiza, known for his compelling coverage of war-torn Gaza. The photographer was evacuated to Doha in January after receiving death threats and alleged offers of bribes from Israel to stop documenting the Israeli military aggression in the territory.
 


Syrian security forces dismantle Daesh terror cell near Damascus

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Syrian security forces dismantle Daesh terror cell near Damascus

  • Authorities, in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate, struck a terrorist hideout and arrested several militants
  • Syria and the US accuse the group of carrying out a deadly ambush against its personnel in Palmyra

LONDON: Syrian internal security units dismantled a cell of the Daesh terror group in the Daraya area southwest of Damascus on Sunday.

Authorities, in coordination with the General Intelligence Directorate, raided a Daesh hideout and arrested several militants.

Syria and the United States have accused the terror group of carrying out a deadly ambush earlier this month that resulted in the deaths of three Americans and injuries to two Syrian service personnel in Palmyra, in central Syria.

Brig. Gen. Ahmad al-Dalati, head of internal security in the Damascus countryside, announced that the operation resulted in the dismantling of the cell and the arrest of a Daesh leader, along with six other members. Several weapons and ammunition were also seized, he added.

He said the operation is part of the interior ministry’s broader strategy to eliminate terrorist sources, avert threats to community security, and maintain peace and stability in the country, the Syrian Arab News Agency reported.

On Friday, the US military launched large-scale retaliatory strikes and group operations against Daesh targets and operatives in Syria.