Gaza city: The Ministerial Committee representing a coalition of Arab and Islamic nations, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, the Arab Republic of Egypt, the Republic of Indonesia, and several others, has issued a strong condemnation of Israel’s recent announcement to impose full military control over the Gaza Strip. The coalition, which also comprises the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, considers this move as a serious violation of international law and a dangerous escalation. According to Emirates News Agency, the statement expressed categorical rejection of Israel’s actions, describing them as an attempt to solidify illegal occupation

Cairo: The Muslim Council of Elders, under the chairmanship of His Eminence Dr. Ahmed Al-Tayeb, the Grand Imam of Al-Azhar, strongly condemned the Israeli government’s ministerial council decision to occupy the Gaza Strip. The Council asserted that such actions constitute a flagrant violation of the Palestinian people’s rights and undermine efforts to achieve peace and a just, comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue. According to Emirates News Agency, the Council emphasised that the Israeli occupation’s ongoing provocations and grave violations against the Palestinian people, including continued killings, starvation policies, and attempts at forced displacement, threaten dire consequences for peace and

Brussels: The European Union has welcomed the US-brokered agreement reached between Armenia and Azerbaijan, describing it as a ‘significant breakthrough’ towards ending decades of conflict. In an official statement, the EU praised both parties and the US administration for this progress, calling for the swift implementation of the agreed steps, foremost among them the signing and ratification of a peace treaty. According to Emirates News Agency, the statement, issued by High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, said the move marks a decisive step towards the full normalisation of relations, based on mutual recognition of sovereignty and

Ottawa: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney announced an investment of over $9 billion to support the Canadian Armed Forces with the capabilities and support they need to protect Canadians and uphold commitments around the world. According to Emirates News Agency, this investment is part of strategic efforts to meet NATO’s 2% defence spending target this year and aims to allocate 5% of the annual GDP to defence by 2035. The announcement also includes a significant pay raise for all Canadian Armed Forces members, marking the largest pay increase for the military in a generation. Speaking from a military base, Carney

Berlin: The Foreign Ministers of Australia, Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom have collectively rejected the Israeli Security Cabinet’s recent decision to initiate a new large-scale military operation in Gaza. The decision, made on August 8, has drawn significant international criticism for its potential to exacerbate the already dire humanitarian conditions in the region. According to Emirates News Agency, a joint statement from the five countries expressed concerns that the Israeli decision would worsen the humanitarian crisis, threaten the lives of hostages, and increase the risk of mass civilian displacement. The statement emphasized the group’s commitment to a

Abu dhabi: The UAE has carried out its 67th humanitarian airdrop over the Gaza Strip as part of its ‘Birds of Goodness’ initiative, under the broader Operation Chivalrous Knight 3. The airdrop was conducted in collaboration with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and included the participation of Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Greece. According to Emirates News Agency, the operation included essential food supplies for the people of the Gaza Strip, supported by several charitable institutions and organizations within the UAE. This initiative underscores the UAE’s commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and aims to alleviate their suffering amidst challenging

Dubai: The Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Islamic Culture, part of the Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai, reported significant achievements in the first half of 2025. More than 3,600 individuals embraced Islam during this period, and over 1,300 students enrolled in the Centre’s educational programmes. Additionally, the Centre organised 47 knowledge and awareness courses, benefiting over 1,400 participants, and supported more than 190 beneficiaries through the ‘Sustainable Knowledge Room’ initiative. According to Emirates News Agency, these outcomes underscore the significant impact of the Centre’s awareness and educational programmes. These initiatives aim to promote the principles and values

Tokyo: Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, visited the Tokyo National Museum. This esteemed museum is renowned for its dedication to preserving and globally presenting Japan’s rich cultural heritage. According to Emirates News Agency, Sheikha Shamma and her delegation were welcomed by Kuwano Kazutaka, Director of Cultural Research, and Samuel Tan, Director of International Relations at the museum. Their reception underscored the longstanding cultural and historical ties between the United Arab Emirates and Japan. During a guided tour of