JERUSALEM: The Israeli army said Thursday that two Thai hostages earlier believed to be alive in Gaza were killed in the October 7 attack and their bodies are being held in the Palestinian territory.
“We informed the families of two kidnapped Thai citizens, who worked in agriculture in the plantations near Kibbutz Beeri, that they were murdered in the terrorist attack on October 7 and their bodies are being held by Hamas,” said army spokesman Daniel Hagari.
There are now six Thai hostages being held in Gaza, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.
Thailand has about 30,000 citizens in Israel, most of whom work in the agricultural sector.
Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of more than 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
Israel’s military retaliation has killed at least 35,272 people, also mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip.
Israel army says two Thai hostages held in Gaza are dead
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Israel army says two Thai hostages held in Gaza are dead
- There are now six Thai hostages being held in Gaza
Abu Dhabi starts ban on some Styrofoam
- The ban covers items made of expanded polystyrene, such as cups, lids, plates and beverage containers
- It will apply to food containers used for immediate consumption, whether on-site or for takeaway
ABU DHABI: Abu Dhabi on June 1 has started to ban some Styrofoam products as part of a larger campaign in the country to halt the use of plastic products, state news agency WAM reported.
The ban covers items made of expanded polystyrene, such as cups, lids, plates and beverage containers. It will apply to food containers used for immediate consumption, whether on-site or for takeaway, and those containing ready-to-eat products that do not require further preparation, such as cooking or heating.
Exemptions to the ban include products not designed for single-consumer use, such as large storage boxes and coolers as well as trays used for meat, fruit and ready-made dairy products sold in retail. Medical use items are also exempt.
Shaikha Salem Al-Dhaheri, Secretary General of the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi (EAD), said the aim of the ban was “to reduce harmful microplastics from entering the food chain, which can have detrimental effects on human health, biodiversity, and our natural ecosystems.”
She added: “We have been very selective in choosing which Styrofoam products will be banned to facilitate business continuity and comfort for consumers. All the products that are prohibited have accessible alternatives.”
The Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development will conduct field inspections to ensure the implementation of the ban across sales outlets and industrial facilities involved in plastic manufacturing.
The Abu Dhabi Single-Use Plastic Policy was introduced in 2020, and by 2022, a ban on single-use plastic bags was implemented in collaboration with retailers.
EAD, together with the government and private sectors, launched in 2023 Reverse Vending Machines for single-use plastic bottles aimed at promoting a recycling culture. Efforts were also made to eliminate single-use plastics from government operations.
Jordan to host emergency Gaza humanitarian response conference
- Israel’s war on Gaza has left 2.3 million Palestinians under extreme suffering
DUBAI: Jordan will host jointly with Egypt and the UN on June 11 an emergency international conference on the urgent humanitarian response for Gaza.
The “Call for Action: Urgent Humanitarian Response for Gaza” conference, to be held at the King Hussein bin Talal Convention Center at the Dead Sea, will gather heads of state and government as well as leaders of international humanitarian and relief organizations, state news agency Petra reported.
The meeting aims to identify ways to bolster the international community’s response to the humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza Strip, amid UN concerns that humanitarian aid allowed into the besieged enclave was not getting to civilians in need.
The conference aims to outline effective measures and procedures, as well as operational and logistical needs for this purpose, while seeking commitment for a collective coordinated response to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Petra reported.
“The aid that is getting in is not getting to the people, and that’s a major problem,” Jens Laerke, spokesman for the UN humanitarian agency OCHA, said earlier.
“We continue to insist that Israeli authorities’ obligation under the law to facilitate delivery of aid does not stop at the border,” according to Laerke.
About 2.3 million residents are under extreme suffering as Israel’s devastating war on Gaza has resulted into a threat of famine, widespread trauma and unprecedented levels of destruction, as well as lack of access to food, water, shelter or medicine.
UAE’s summer midday work break to start June 15
- Midday break will start on June 15 and last until September 15
- Kuwait’s midday outdoor work ban meanwhile started June 1 and will continue for three months
DUBAI: The UAE’s midday break for outdoor workers during summer will start on June 15 and last until September 15, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation has announced.
Outdoor are mandated to take a break from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. – with work performed under direct sunlight and in open-air areas across the UAE banned during those times – to protect them from occupational hazards and injuries related to the extreme summer heat, the ministry announcement said.
“Striving to ensure our workers’ safety, the Ministry urges companies to provide shaded areas during the Midday Break, adequate cooling devices, sufficient water, hydrating materials such as salts and other food items approved by the local authorities, first aid equipment on the job sites and other essential amenities,” the ministry posted on X.
For the 20th year in a row, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) will implement the Midday Break – banning work performed under direct sunlight and in open-air areas across the UAE – between 12:30 and 3:00 pm, from 15 June, until 15 September, 2024.… pic.twitter.com/1ZN1AQbmCW
— وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) May 31, 2024
Now in its 20th year, the annual noon break provides respite for outdoor workers during summer months where temperatures could reach 50°C or even higher. Companies are required to provide shaded areas and cooling equipment for workers during the three-hour break.
Companies face fines of up to Dh5,000 per worker and a maximum of Dh50,000 for multiple violations if they are found violating the regulation.
There are however exceptions to the midday break: works deemed necessary for technical reasons such as laying asphalt or pouring concrete on road works or to address emergencies affecting public welfare including infrastructure maintenance or utility repairs are allowed.
Kuwait’s midday outdoork work ban, first introduced in 2015, meanwhile started June 1 and will continue for three months with workers allowed to take a break from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Netanyahu says Israeli Gaza proposal allows return of all hostages, elimination of Hamas
JERUSALEM: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Office said on Friday that Israel had authorized negotiators to present a Gaza truce deal after US President Joe Biden revealed details of a three-phased ceasefire plan he said was proposed by Israel.
“The Israeli government is united in the desire to return our hostages as soon as possible and is working to achieve this goal,” the statement said.
“Therefore, the prime minister has authorized the negotiating team to present an outline for achieving this goal, while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved, including the return of all our hostages and the destruction of Hamas’ military and governmental capabilities.”
Hamas says it ‘positively’ views Gaza Biden ceasefire proposal; EU chief also finds it to be ‘realistic'
- Hamas’ position signals a change in attitude from the group, which in recent months had accused the US obstructing attempts for a ceasefire
- Rifts between Biden and Netanyahu over red lines in Gaza has set up a potential showdown between the two leaders
GAZA: Hamas on Friday said it had a positive view of the contents of a three-phase ceasefire proposal announced by US President Joe Biden for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
“Hamas confirms its readiness to deal positively and in a constructive manner with any proposal that is based on the permanent ceasefire and the full withdrawal (of Israeli forces) from the Gaza Strip, the reconstruction (of Gaza), and the return of the displaced to their places, along with the fulfillment of a genuine prisoner swap deal if the occupation clearly announces commitment to such deal,” the group said in a statement.
Hamas’ position signals a change in attitude from the group, which in recent months had accused the US of siding with Israel and obstructing attempts for a ceasefire.
“Hamas sees Biden’s position now more focused on pressuring Israel to return to negotiations with a different attitude, or they (Israel) could risk clashing with the Americans,” a Palestinian official close to the mediation efforts told Reuters.
Rifts between Biden and Netanyahu over red lines in Gaza has set up a potential showdown between the two leaders, raising questions about whether the US might restrict military aid if Israel continues its offensive in the now-devastated enclave.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that Israel had authorized negotiators to present a Gaza truce deal after Biden revealed details of the ceasefire plan.
Palestinian health authorities estimate more than 36,280 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel attacked the enclave in response to an Oct. 7 Hamas assault in southern Israel. The Hamas attack killed around 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies.
EU chimes in
European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen also welcomed the Israeli roadmap toward a ceasefire in Gaza announced by US President Joe Biden as a “significant opportunity” to bring the war to an end.
“I wholeheartedly agree with Biden that the latest proposal is a significant opportunity to move toward an end to war and civilian suffering in Gaza. This three-step approach is balanced and realistic. It now needs support from all parties,” the European Commission president said on social media.
