Author: Gulf News Week

The destruction of a statue of Jesus by an Israeli soldier in Lebanon is disturbing, but Israel’s genocide in Gaza demands far greater outrage.Many Christians felt offended after a video circulated on social media showing an Israeli soldier in southern Lebanon knocking down a statue of Jesus, decapitating it and striking its head as it lay on the ground.The act is offensive and painful, particularly for Christians, for whom such an image is not only disrespectful but also a desecration. Israeli officials have dismissed the incident as an isolated act. But this raises a deeper question: What kind of culture…

The US exits Syria after 10 years – what it means for Kurdish forces, regional tensions, and the country’s future.The United States has pulled its troops out of Syria, ending a decade-long presence. But the fight isn’t over. As power shifts on the ground, Kurdish forces, regional tensions, and fragile negotiations are reshaping the country’s future. What’s behind the decision, and what comes next?In this episode: Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4The Take: The Flotillas, Part 1: What does it take to sail to Gaza?list 2 of 4The Take: Inside Kharg Island, Iran’s oil lifeline under threatlist 3…

The negotiations between the United States and Iran mediated by Pakistan have not failed. They do face significant challenges, however.The recent statements by US President Donald Trump and the shuttle diplomacy carried out by senior Pakistani military and government leaders in regional capitals have raised hopes of ending the US-Israel war with Iran through negotiations. This could initially take the form of a “framework agreement” between the United States and Iran to lay the groundwork for a final deal.Speaking to reporters at the White House on Thursday, Trump struck an optimistic tone, saying the war was “about to end”, as…

Senior officials noted that the UAE was subjected to more than 2,800 missiles and drones during the conflict, with around 96% successfully intercepted The UAE has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to safeguarding everyone within its borders, as officials stressed that citizens, residents, and visitors continue to live and work in safety despite recent regional developments. In a video shared on X by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, authorities outlined the country’s response to what were described as “terrorist, unjustified and unprovoked” attacks launched by Iran. According to the statement, more than 2,800 airstrikes were carried out, with the UAE’s integrated, multi-layered air…

The Middle East war, meanwhile, has shown that the world is as dependent as ever on “black gold,” with the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz When the international community agreed to transition away from fossil fuels at the 2023 COP28 global climate summit, some hailed the moment as the beginning of the end for oil. But little progress has been made since then, even though the vast majority of scientists agree there’s overwhelming evidence of global warming and that it is driven chiefly by the burning of fossil fuels. The Middle East war, meanwhile, has shown that the…

It must review and cancel the EU-Israel Association Agreement immediately over Israeli violations of the human rights clause.Preparations for the implementation of Israel’s new death penalty law have already begun. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has boasted that a new prison wing is under construction where the killings will take place, and new “red” uniforms for the Palestinian prisoners have already been ordered.Meanwhile, the global “condemnations” have ceased. Like others, the European Union, which prides itself on high human rights standards, continues to look away. This is despite the fact that its Association Agreement with Israel has a clear clause…

NewsFeedIran warns Hormuz will stay shut unless US lifts siege on its portsTehran is threatening to keep the Strait of Hormuz shut unless Washington lifts what it calls a ‘US siege’ on Iranian ports, halting most traffic through one of the world’s key oil chokepoints. Iranian gunboats and IRGC radio warnings have deterred commercial shipping, as overlapping ceasefires with Israel–Lebanon and the US edge towards expiry, raising fears of renewed escalation.Published On 19 Apr 202619 Apr 2026SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd media on Googleinfo

Beyond supporting de-escalation and peace, GCC states need to work towards joint defence, energy security and economic development.Amid the continuing escalation in the region, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) pursues a balanced diplomatic policy grounded in calls for negotiation and support for political processes aimed at ending the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran. GCC members stand by the principles of good neighbourliness and enhancing regional stability and are unified in their opposition to aggression and destabilisation.In the coming months and years, Gulf unity can be taken even further by pursuing regional security arrangements, establishing new energy routes…

The toing and froing over the strait cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s optimism the day before that a peace deal to end the war was ‘very close’ Iran’s military declared the Strait of Hormuz closed again on Saturday, its military command said, hours after reopening it and with more than a dozen commercial ships passing through the vital waterway. The toing and froing over the strait cast doubt on US President Donald Trump’s optimism the day before that a peace deal to end the US-Israeli war with Iran was “very close”. Tehran had on Friday declared the strait,…

Authorities urge worshippers to keep travel documents ready, ensure visas are confirmed, comply with customs regulations, and avoid carrying restricted items Pilgrims have begun arriving in Saudi Arabia today, April 18, as preparations for the Hajj season get underway. Authorities have announced several key changes ahead of the pilgrimage. From April 18 to May 31, 2026, Umrah permits will not be issued through the Nusuk platform. According to operators, no one will be allowed to remain in Makkah without a valid Hajj permit after April 18. This comes as the Kingdom starts preparing for this year’s Hajj season, expected to take place…