Fighters from the Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, arrive to collect Israeli hostages under the ceasefire agreement with Israel, in Gaza City. AP
Fighters from the Ezzedine Al Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, arrive to collect Israeli hostages under the ceasefire agreement with Israel, in Gaza City. AP

US warns against Hamas assuming governance role in postwar Gaza



Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza

The US on Thursday warned against Hamas assuming any governance role in a postwar Gaza. US deputy ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea, who criticised the Palestinian group for its “brutal” attacks and “deplorable behaviour” throughout the conflict, insisted that Hamas, along with “its benefactors in Tehran”, should not have a say in the region's future.

“We must instead seize this opportunity to reshape the region in a way that affords its people a path forward,” Ms Shea told the Security Council.

She advocated for the demilitarisation of Gaza, which she said would enhance Israel's security and lead to a more hopeful future for the Palestinian people. Ms Shea expressed concern about reports that Hamas held returned Israeli hostages in UN shelters in Gaza during their long captivity and called for a “full investigation” to assess the “very serious” allegations.

The administration of former president Joe Biden had since November 2023 demanded that Gaza be “never again governed by Hamas or used as a platform for terrorism”.

After the recent Doha ceasefire agreement, President Donald Trump declared a commitment to “work closely with Israel and our allies to ensure that Gaza never again becomes a terrorist safe haven".

Former US secretary of state Antony Blinken highlighted continuing concerns in an address on the Biden administration’s Middle East policy at the Atlantic Council. He said that Hamas has replenished its ranks that had been lost since October 2023.

“We assess that Hamas has recruited almost as many new militants as it has lost,” Mr Blinken said last week. “That is a recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war.”

As international efforts focus on establishing a stable administrative authority for Gaza, the Israeli military plans to initiate a gradual withdrawal from key areas including the densely populated zones, the Philadelphi corridor along the Egyptian border, and the Netzarim corridor that bisects the territory.

This move is expected within the next 60 days to aid in the resettlement of displaced people. A full Israeli withdrawal marks the second phase of the proposed plan, with discussions on reconstruction and governance set for a third phase.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to outline a clear plan for Gaza after the conflict, beyond declaring that the militant group will not be involved and expressing distrust in the Palestinian Authority.

Established by the Oslo Accords 30 years ago to manage parts of the occupied West Bank, the PA, according to Mr Netanyahu, cannot be relied on under its present leadership.

NO OTHER LAND

Director: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham, Rachel Szor, Hamdan Ballal

Stars: Basel Adra, Yuval Abraham

Rating: 3.5/5

The rules on fostering in the UAE

A foster couple or family must:

  • be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
  • not be younger than 25 years old
  • not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
  • be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
  • have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
  • undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
  • A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
List of alleged parties

 

May 12, 2020: PM and his wife Carrie attend 'work meeting' with at least 17 staff 

May 20, 2020: They attend 'bring your own booze party'

Nov 27, 2020: PM gives speech at leaving party for his staff 

Dec 10, 2020: Staff party held by then-education secretary Gavin Williamson 

Dec 13, 2020: PM and his wife throw a party

Dec 14, 2020: London mayoral candidate Shaun Bailey holds staff event at Conservative Party headquarters 

Dec 15, 2020: PM takes part in a staff quiz 

Dec 18, 2020: Downing Street Christmas party 

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WIDE%20VIEW
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VEZEETA PROFILE

Date started: 2012

Founder: Amir Barsoum

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: HealthTech / MedTech

Size: 300 employees

Funding: $22.6 million (as of September 2018)

Investors: Technology Development Fund, Silicon Badia, Beco Capital, Vostok New Ventures, Endeavour Catalyst, Crescent Enterprises’ CE-Ventures, Saudi Technology Ventures and IFC

Dubai Rugby Sevens

November 30-December 2, at The Sevens, Dubai

Gulf Under 19

Pool A – Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jumeirah College Tigers, Dubai English Speaking School 1, Gems World Academy

Pool B – British School Al Khubairat, Bahrain Colts, Jumeirah College Lions, Dubai English Speaking School 2

Pool C - Dubai College A, Dubai Sharks, Jumeirah English Speaking School, Al Yasmina

Pool D – Dubai Exiles, Dubai Hurricanes, Al Ain Amblers, Deira International School

VERSTAPPEN'S FIRSTS

Youngest F1 driver (17 years 3 days Japan 2014)
Youngest driver to start an F1 race (17 years 166 days – Australia 2015)
Youngest F1 driver to score points (17 years 180 days - Malaysia 2015)
Youngest driver to lead an F1 race (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest driver to set an F1 fastest lap (19 years 44 days – Brazil 2016)
Youngest on F1 podium finish (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest F1 winner (18 years 228 days – Spain 2016)
Youngest multiple F1 race winner (Mexico 2017/18)
Youngest F1 driver to win the same race (Mexico 2017/18)

The specs

Engine: 1.6-litre 4-cyl turbo and dual electric motors

Power: 300hp at 6,000rpm

Torque: 520Nm at 1,500-3,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 8.0L/100km

Price: from Dh199,900

On sale: now

The Details

Kabir Singh

Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series

Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa

Rating: 2.5/5 

Company profile

Name: Infinite8

Based: Dubai

Launch year: 2017

Number of employees: 90

Sector: Online gaming industry

Funding: $1.2m from a UAE angel investor

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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'Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower'
Michael Beckley, Cornell Press

Updated: January 23, 2025, 10:57 PM