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Tag: Qatar

  • Ceasefire: Internet believes US-Iran strikes were ‘pre-planned’

    Ceasefire: Internet believes US-Iran strikes were ‘pre-planned’

    Hours after US President Donald Trump announced that a ceasefire has been reached between Iran and Israel, a theory surfaced online stating that America’s attack on nuclear sites and Iran’s retaliatory missile attack on the Al Udeid American air base in Qatar were pre-planned.

    Following the US attacks on Iran’s three nuclear sites, including Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan, Tehran had vowed to avenge the strikes, launching missiles at the Al Udeid Air Base.

    Describing the attack as “a very weak response” US President Donald Trump, in a post on Truth Social earlier in the day, thanked the country’s leadership for providing “early notice” of the retaliatory attack.

    The US president also announced a “complete and total” ceasefire between Israel and Iran, set to be phased out over the next 24 hours after a frenetic day of conflict in the region.

    “I am pleased to report that NO Americans were harmed, and hardly any damage was done,” Trump said.

    Qatar has confirmed that a total of 19 missiles were fired from Iran, adding that only one of those hit Al Udeid Air Base but caused no casualties.

    The US president suddenly announcing the ceasefire and Qatar’s confirmation that Iran’s missiles claimed no lives, stemmed speculations that the assault on the US base was pre-planned and scripted.

    Former central banker Kathleen Tyson took to X, writing, “[The] US moved all the aircraft off the airbase last week. This little tit for tat was scripted and agreed between Washington and Tehran.”

    The New York Times’ war correspondent Farnaz Fassihi quoted three Iranian officials as stating that Tehran gave advanced notice to Qatar before launching attacks as a way to minimise casualties at the US base.

    “Iran symbolically needed to strike back at the U.S. but at the same time carry it out in a way that allowed all sides an exit ramp, as it did in 2020,” she said, alluding to the Iranian response when it allegedly gave Iraq a heads up before firing ballistics missiles on US base in Iraq following the assassination of its top general Qasem Soleimani in a US strike on Baghdad.

    According to the New York Times, Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar is the biggest U.S. base in the Middle East and serves as the regional headquarters for the U.S. Central Command. About 10,000 troops are stationed there.

    The base is heavily fortified by an array of air defences. The U.S. military has been using Al Udeid since the days after the Sept. 11 attacks, when it positioned planes there to target the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan. Two years later, Al Udeid became the main U.S. air operations hub in the region.

  • ‘Found my peace here’: Saif Ali Khan buys dream home in Qatar

    ‘Found my peace here’: Saif Ali Khan buys dream home in Qatar

    Bollywood star Saif Ali Khan has shared his love for Qatar, calling it a safe, beautiful, and ideal destination for a holiday near India.

    According to Indian media, Saif believes that “Qatar is a great place to spend holidays where I felt peace and security, and also found a home-like environment.” 

    The actor stayed in Qatar while working on a project and was deeply impressed by the lifestyle, views, and comfort. Reports also claim that he planned to buy a house there.

    “The lifestyle, beautiful scenery, fine cuisine, and luxurious environment full of privacy really stood out to me,” he shared.

    Speaking about a particular residential property, he said, “It gave me a ‘home away from home’ feeling.”

    Sharing his priorities while selecting a vacation destination, Saif Ali Khan said, “Choosing a place to spend holidays or have a second home is important. It should be easily accessible and safe.”

    He praised Qatar’s unique setting, saying, “The concept of another island within an island is ideal for people who like a peaceful and secluded environment.”

  • Arab leaders meet to counter Trump’s Gaza plan

    Arab leaders meet to counter Trump’s Gaza plan

    Arab leaders will gather in Saudi Arabia on Friday to counter President Donald Trump’s plan for US control of Gaza and the expulsion of its inhabitants, diplomatic and government sources said.

    The plan stirred rare unity among Arab states which roundly rejected the idea, but they could still disagree over who will govern the Palestinian territory and who will pay for reconstruction.

    Umer Karim, an expert on Saudi foreign policy, told AFP the summit would be the “most consequential” in decades in relation to the wider Arab world and the Palestinian issue.

    Trump provoked international outrage when he announced that the United States would “take over the Gaza Strip”, moving 2.4 million Gazans living there to neighbouring Egypt and Jordan.

    A source close to the Saudi government told AFP Arab leaders would discuss “a reconstruction plan counter to Trump’s plan for Gaza”.

    Meeting with Trump in Washington on February 11, Jordan’s King Abdullah II said Egypt would present a plan for a way forward.

    The Saudi source said the talks would discuss “a version of the Egyptian plan” the king mentioned.

    Friday’s summit was originally planned for Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Jordan.

    However, it has been expanded to include the six Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries and the Palestinian Authority.

    For Palestinians, any attempt to force them from Gaza would have echoes of what the Arab world calls the “Nakba” or catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled in the fighting that accompanied Israel’s creation in 1948.

    Reconstruction

    Reconstruction will be a critical issue at the summit after Trump highlighted this as the key reason for moving its inhabitants out while Gaza’s infrastructure is rebuilt.

    Egypt has not yet announced its counter-initiative, but Egyptian former diplomat Mohamed Hegazy described a plan “in three technical phases over a period of three to five years”.

    The first would be a six-month “early recovery phase”, said the member of the Egyptian Council for Foreign Affairs, a think tank with strong ties to decision-making circles in Cairo.

    “Heavy machinery will be brought in to remove debris, while designated safe zones will be identified within Gaza to temporarily relocate residents,” Hegazy said.

    The second phase will require an international conference to provide details of reconstruction and would focus on rebuilding utility infrastructure, he said.

    “The final phase will oversee the urban planning of Gaza, the construction of housing units, and the provision of educational and healthcare services.”

    A UN estimate on Tuesday put the cost of rebuilding at more than $53 billion, including more than $20 billion over the first three years.

    The last phase would include “launching a political track to implement the two-state solution and so that there is… an incentive for a sustainable truce”.

    Umer Karim believes that adopting this plan would require “a degree of Arab unity not seen before in decades”.

    Finance

    One Arab diplomat familiar with the Gulf told AFP: “In the end, the biggest challenge facing the Egyptian plan is how to finance it.

    “Some countries like Kuwait will inject funds, perhaps for humanitarian reasons, but other Gulf states will set specific conditions before any financial transfer.”

    Karim said the “Saudis and Emiratis won’t spend any money if (the) Qataris and Egyptians don’t guarantee something on Hamas”.

    Egypt’s plan seeks to address the complex issue of post-war oversight for Gaza, which Hamas has controlled since 2007, with “a Palestinian administration that is not aligned with any faction”.

    It will comprise “experts” and will not be “factionally affiliated and is politically and legally subordinate to the Palestinian Authority”, Hegazy said.

    The Cairo initiative also envisions a Palestinian Authority-affiliated police force supplemented with security forces from Egypt, Arab states and other countries.

    Differences remain, however.

    Hegazy said that Hamas “will retreat from the political scene in the coming period”, while the Saudi source said Riyadh envisions a Gaza Strip controlled by the Palestinian Authority.

    Qatar, a key mediator in the war, believes the Palestinians themselves must decide Gaza’s future.

    “I think all regional actors understand that any alternative plan they propose cannot include Hamas in any form as presence of Hamas will make it unpalatable for the US administration and Israel,” Karim said.

    “So overall some things within the Strip have to fundamentally change in order for this plan to at least have a chance.”

  • Abida Parveen in a wheelchair? Here’s the truth behind the viral clip

    Abida Parveen in a wheelchair? Here’s the truth behind the viral clip

    Fans of the legendary Sufi singer Abida Parveen were left concerned after a video of her sitting in a wheelchair at an international event went viral. After her performance of the iconic ‘Man Kunto Maula’ at theNational Museum of Qatar, Doha, speculation about her health sparked on social media.

    Her team, however, reassured fans through her official Instagram account, confirming that the Main Naraye Mastana singer is in good health.

    “Hello, everybody! We have been seeing lots of concern regarding a video of Abida Ji at the National Museum of Qatar, Doha, reciting Man Kunto Maula”, her team wrote.

    Abida Parveen’s team explained that her use of a wheelchair was for convenience, reassuring fans of her well-being.

    “The concern is due to her use of a wheelchair and we would like to assure you of her well-being, Alhamdulillah. The exhibition she was visiting was a long walk, a distance of which she walked herself but for convenience reasons, a wheelchair was employed. Your concern and worry is greatly appreciated, but rest assured, she is doing well. Thank you”, her team added.

  • Sindh Governor Praises Qatar for Supporting Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

    Sindh Governor Praises Qatar for Supporting Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

    The Governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, presented a bouquet and sweets to Nayef Shahein RM Alsulaiti. In a ceremony at the Qatar Consulate, he is the Consul General of Qatar. The Sindh governor presented this gift to honor him for Qatar’s active role in the ceasefire agreement for Gaza. This is a key contribution to regional peace. Upon his arrival, the consul general and diplomatic staff warmly welcomed the governor of Sindh. During the meeting with the Qatar Consul General, he emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties between Pakistan and Qatar over time.

    He noted that the Qatari investments significantly boosted the region’s poverty reduction and employment generation. The governor urged Qatari investors to utilize the vast potential in investment areas in the province. The possibility of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Qatar and other opportunities to boost investments and trade.

     

    A Call for Sustained Peace Efforts

    Tessori explained that the ceasefire agreement was a significant step in the right direction but just the beginning of the long and challenging journey toward building sustainable peace in Gaza. He called on the international community, the United Nations, and the Security Council to follow ceasefire terms and adopt long-lasting measures for addressing the tension. He asked all parties to engage in bonafide and constructive dialogue for a just and everlasting peace.

     

    International Confirmation of Qatar’s Efforts

    Informed sources described as international that communities and leaders recognized Qatari diplomatic efforts leading to the Gazan ceasefire and commended it for its peace commitment. Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, reiterated a few weeks ago that Qatar stands ready to redouble its efforts toward the peace process in the region. The ceasefire agreement was once again indicated to be an attempt at confidence-building and reopening a door for further negotiations. 

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  • Talks for a possible ceasefire between Gaza and Israel underway

    Talks for a possible ceasefire between Gaza and Israel underway

    Under the latest development, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has reportedly received “an initial positive confirmation from the Hamas side” on the “general framework” for a ceasefire in Gaza.

    According to Qatari officials, Hamas has responded positively to receiving a proposal to pause the military operations in Gaza. However, the final deal is “weeks” away.

    As of January 30, reported by Al Jazeera, Hamas is “studying” a three-phased truce proposal whereas some Israeli officials have warned to “collapse the coalition” if the deal is not in accordance with their wants.

    On the other hand, journalists on social media are claiming that Hamas officials have denied confirmation of any agreement pertaining to a truce.

  • Viva Espana; Spain refuses to cut aid for Gaza

    Viva Espana; Spain refuses to cut aid for Gaza

    The Spanish foreign minister has announced that Spain will maintain its support for The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in Gaza despite USA, Canada and Australia withdrawing its support and funding, reports Alyssa Mcmurty News Agency.


    During a parliamentary commission meeting, Jose Manuel Albares called the UN agency “‘indispensable,” and said the funding helps “alleviate the terrible humanitarian situation in Gaza.”


    His announcement comes after a growing number of Western nations are freezing funding for the agency amid an internal investigation about some employees’ roles in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel after allegations were made by Israel.


    Around a dozen nations, including the United States, Canada, the UK, Germany, France, Japan Australia, and Austria, have suspended funding. Meanwhile, a minority of Western nations like Ireland, Norway, New Zealand, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Belgium, Kuwait, and Qatar have spoken out against the funding cuts.


    On Monday, Spain’s foreign minister said Spain will be following the agency’s internal investigation closely, but highlighted the inquiry is looking at the acts of “around a dozen people out of UNRWA’s 30,000 workers.”


    On Sunday, the UN agency released a statement saying its “life-saving aid may end” due to the funding freezes, adding that as the primary aid agency in Gaza, it runs shelters for over 1 million people and provides food and healthcare.


    UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has said that governments suspending funds to the UN’s agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) represents “double standards” when they continue to support Israel, whose actions “plausibly constitute” genocide.

    We are shocked by the reckless decision to cut a lifeline for an entire population by some of the very countries that had called for aid in Gaza to be stepped up and for humanitarians to be protected while doing their job,” the 21 NGOs said in a statement.


    Spain’s junior coalition party Sumar posted on X that the decision to cut aid is “an attack against humanity” and “collective punishment.” It added that it will pressure the Spanish government to boost funding for the organization.


    Meanwhile, Albares added that Spain has tripled its funding to Palestine in recent months to around €50 million ($54 million), which includes funding for UNWRA.


    The Spanish foreign minister also told politicians that Spain supports Friday’s ruling of the top UN court which calls on Israel to prevent genocide. “We urge the integral compliance with this sentence by all parties. We request an urgent cease-fire and the entrance of humanitarian aid,” he added.


    Albares warned that the violence in Israel and Palestine could spill over to neighboring nations, which could have “devastating effects for those countries, and the entire Mediterranean region, which, of course, includes Spain.”


    The Spanish government continues pushing for an international peace conference, which would, in effect, see the entire international community recognizing a “viable” Palestinian state. Albares said that 88 nations now back the idea.


    “We will not resign ourselves to watching more innocent women, men, and children killed in Gaza and more suffering of Palestinian families,” he said. “We will not resign ourselves to keep watching the suffering of the families of hostages. The violence must stop.”

  • Father kills son in Peshawar for planting PTI flag at home

    Father kills son in Peshawar for planting PTI flag at home

    A father has allegedly killed his son in Budhbir, a suburb of Peshawar after the younger man put up a PTI flag on the roof of the house following a bitter dispute, BBC Urdu has reported.

    A case has been registered on the complaint of Arifur Rahman, the brother of the deceased Atta-ul-Rehman, in which it is said that the father and son had a repeated and bitter verbal argument on politics, upon which the father got angry and opened fire on his son with a pistol.

    Son Atta-ul-Rehman in Qatar


    Arifur Rahman, the complainant in this case and the victim’s brother, told the BBC that his brother had been living in Qatar and was working as a sanitary worker. His brother had come home to Peshawar after taking a two-month leave and was supposed to return to Qatar in 20 days.


    Arif says that the argument between his father and brother started with the hanging of the PTI party flag on the roof of the house, which escalated to bitter words and his father shot Atta-ur-Rehman in a fit of rage. He was visibly upset when the BBC interviewed him. In his words, his younger brother Atta brought the flag home and put it on the roof, but his father did not like it. According to Arif, his father urged his brother to “vote whoever you want, but raising this flag is not right.”


    Arif says that his younger brother started an argument with his father that it was not a big deal to plant the flag and eventually the argument escalated to such an extent that Noor Rehman pulled out a pistol and fired at his son.


    According to the FIR of this case, Atta-ur-Rehman was being taken to Lady Reading Hospital for treatment, but he died on the way.


    Arif has said that his father had retired from his job some time ago. His father does not seem to belong to any political party, but the Awami National Party is supported in his area and representatives of this party are elected. He says that there is an atmosphere of sadness in the house now. Our breadwinner brother is no more and the whole area is saddened by the incident. Atta-ur-Rehman has been buried. His brother relayed that it was not such a big deal, just that the bitterness in the conversation increased so much that no one understood what happened.


    The father has escaped from the house. SP President Division Abdul Salam Khalid says that raids are being conducted in search of the accused.

  • Qatar confirms Israel, Hamas reach deal on four-day truce, hostage release

    Qatar confirms Israel, Hamas reach deal on four-day truce, hostage release

    AFP – Doha, Qatar: Qatar confirmed on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement on a four-day humanitarian pause, to begin in the next 24 hours, in exchange for the release of 50 hostages in Gaza.

    “The starting time of the pause will be announced within the next 24 hours and last for four days, subject to extension,” Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

    “The agreement includes the release of 50 civilian women and children hostages currently held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of a number of Palestinian women and children detained in Israeli prisons, the number of those released will be increased in later stages of implementing the agreement,” it added.

    Qatar has been engaged in weeks of intense, behind-the-scenes negotiations aimed at freeing some of the 240 hostages held in Gaza in return for temporary ceasefire and access for humanitarian aid.

    The number agreed for release by the militants is by far the largest since Hamas gunmen stormed over Gaza’s militarised border on October 7, seizing the hostages and killing 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities.

    In response, Israel has launched a relentless bombing campaign and subsequent ground invasion in Hamas-ruled Gaza, killing more than 14,100 people — two thirds of them women or children — according to the territory’s health ministry.

    Qatar said the deal had been undertaken with Egypt and the United States as well as Hamas and Israel and would include “the entry of a larger number of humanitarian convoys and relief aid, including fuel designated for humanitarian needs”.

  • ‘We are close to reaching a deal on a truce’, claims Hamas

    ‘We are close to reaching a deal on a truce’, claims Hamas

    In a significant development in Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza that has killed over 13,000 people, Hamas has reportedly claimed a possible ceasefire might be achieved today.

    Israel has not yet confirmed the deal which is said to be mediated by Qatar.

    According to Al Jazeera, Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq said the agreement will include a ceasefire, supply of aid into Gaza and shifting the injured to other countries for treatment.

    The deal is also said to include exchange of captives in efforts to release Palestinian women and children in Israeli prisons.

    Al-Rishq adds that the talks have been going on for weeks but PM Netanyahu “was stalling”, further stating that all the brigades in the Palestinian resistance approved of the deal.

    Previously, on Sunday, the Qatari PM said a deal to free some of the captives in return for a temporary ceasefire hinged on “minor” practical issues

    On the contrary, Israel’s Channel 12 reported the country’s war cabinet had discussed on Sunday that it is eager to negotiate on the hostages and wants to send a message to Qatar that it is ready to reach a deal.

    Israeli captives under Hamas

    Israel claims at least 237 people were taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks.

    Among the hostages are nationals from more than 40 countries including at least 20 Thai farm workers and allegedly 33 children.

    Hamas has released four hostages – two Israeli citizens and two US citizens, while one was recovered during an operation in Gaza.

    Israel also claims that the bodies of two female hostages were recovered near the Al-Shifa Hospital complex.

    Palestinians captives under Israel

    About 5,200 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons before October 7 attacks.

    Since the attacks, Israel has arrested at least 2,960 more Palestinians during raids across the occupied West Bank and occupied East Jerusalem.

    These include at least 95 women and 37 journalists.

    Most of the people being held under laws and military orders that allow detention without trial or charge.

    Rights and monitoring groups report that at least 145 of them are reportedly children.

    While other reports claim that currently more than 200 children are held in Israeli prisons, including 26 on administrative detention.