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E1 plan cuts West Bank off from East Jerusalemamilies set to lose access to schools, clinics, livelihoodsSettlements form near-total ring around cityRoad project would isolate Bedouin, split communitiesThe land available to Atallah al-Jahalin’s Bedouin community for grazing livestock near Jerusalem has steadily shrunk, as expanding Jewish settlements on Israeli-occupied territory encircle the city and push deeper into the West Bank.Now, the group of some 80 families faces eviction from the last patches of valley and scrubland they have called home for decades.Their predicament is tied to an Israeli settlement project that would slice through the West Bank, sever its connection to East Jerusalem, and — according to Israeli officials — “bury” any remaining hope of a future Palestinian state.As more Western powers move to recognise a Palestinian state amid frustration over the war in Gaza, Palestinians around Jerusalem say they are watching their land vanish under the advance of Israeli cranes and bulldozers. Settlements now form an almost unbroken ring around the city.“Where else could I go? There is nothing,” said Jahalin, seated beneath a towering cedar tree near Maale Adumim, a settlement that has already grown into a Jewish suburb of Jerusalem on Israeli-occupied Palestinian land.The so-called E1 project, recently greenlit by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, will fill the last major gap in the settlement belt — an area that, until now, had remained untouched by construction.“This actually cuts the possibility of a viable Palestinian state,” said Hagit Ofran, of Peace Now, an Israeli anti-settlement group. “The territorial continuity from North to South is going to be totally cut.” Israel previously froze construction plans at Maale Adumim in 2012 and again in 2020, following objections from the US, European allies and other powers who viewed the project as a threat to any future peace deal with the Palestinians.But in August, Netanyahu and far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that work would begin.“Whoever in the world is trying to recognise a Palestinian state today will receive our answer on the ground,” Smotrich said. “Not with documents nor with decisions or statements, but with facts. Facts of houses, facts of neighbourhoods.”The move was condemned by Australia, Britain, Canada, the European Union and Japan as a breach of international law.Palestinian presidential spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeinah condemned the announcement, calling it a violation of international law.The offices of Netanyahu and Smotrich did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.Reflecting growing criticism of the Gaza war — which has devastated much of the enclave on Israel’s southern border — Australia, Britain, Canada and Portugal recognised a Palestinian state on Sunday, joining about 140 other countries that have already done so.But the timing highlights a stark contrast between diplomatic gestures and the reality on the ground, where Israeli settlements continue to expand rapidly across the occupied West Bank.Most world powers consider all the settlements illegal under international law, although Israel says it has historical and scriptural ties to the area that it calls Judea and Samaria.A UN report says Israel has significantly expanded settlements in the West Bank in breach of international law.Today, about 700,000 Israeli settlers live among 3.4mn Palestinians in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, according to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics.Last month, Jahalin’s community was served demolition orders for their homes and told they had 60 days to tear them down themselves. Israeli security forces accompanied by dogs have repeatedly raided their homes at night, acts the community views as intimidation.“When a child wakes up and sees a dog in his face, he gets frightened, it’s a disaster,” said Mohammed al-Jahalin, Atallah’s brother.Mohammed al-Jahalin said they used to challenge the demolition notices in court, but since the Gaza war, “if you reach out to the court it will give you an immediate evacuation order.” Part of the E1 project includes the so-called “Fabric of Life Road,” which would create separate roads for Israelis and Palestinians, cutting off Palestinian access to large swathes of the West Bank. The road would also sever a vital link between Bedouin communities — like the 22 families living in Jabal Al-Baba — and the nearby Palestinian village of Al-Eizariya.As children, the Jahalin brothers walked down the stony hill to attend school in the bustling town below, and their grandchildren follow the same path today.“We are dependent on Al-Eizariya for education as the children go to school there, for health, for everything, our economic situation is also tied to Al-Eizariya,” said Atallah.A few hills over across a highway, the settlement of Maale Adumim is poised to expand under the E1 plan.“I do feel for the Palestinians,” said Shelly Brinne, a settler living in Maale Adumim, citing their struggles with checkpoints and limited work opportunities.“But unfortunately as an Israeli citizen I feel like I have to worry about my security first.” A spokesperson for the Maale Adumim settlement did not immediately respond to a request for comment.The Bedouin community came to Jabal Al-Baba after what Palestinians call the “Nakba” or catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands were dispossessed in the war at the birth of the state of Israel.“Our forefathers lived the Nakba, and today, we go through all the struggle, which we wish our children do not have to go through,” said Atallah, who is the leader of the community.In the evening one of the men made coffee over an open flame while the rest of the community lounged on cushions and traded jokes as the sun dipped behind the hills.Across the highway, the lights of Maale Adumim’s white high-rises glittered.“There is no place for us to go,” said Mohammed, sipping his coffee. “To leave the land that we were born in, and so were our fathers and forefathers, if we have to leave it, it would be like dying.”

Qatar secured a dramatic 1-0 victory over Oman at the Under-17 Gulf Cup Wednesday to seal their place in the semi-finals. In a tense encounter at the Grand Hamad Stadium, Faisal Saeed struck the decisive goal in the fifth minute of stoppage time, sparking jubilant celebrations among the home crowd. The result lifted Al Annabi to six points from two matches, ensuring qualification, while Oman remain without a point. In the group’s other fixture, the UAE came from behind to defeat Yemen 2-1 in a thrilling contest at Suhaim Bin Hamad Stadium. Yemen took the lead in the 30th minute through an own goal by Emirati defender Butti al-Junaibi. But the same player made amends with the equaliser in the 74th minute before Mohammed Battar struck the winner in the final minute of regular time. The victory also lifted the UAE to six points, confirming their progress to the semi-finals alongside hosts Qatar. Yemen, like Oman, remain pointless and are out of contention. The group stage continues this week, but with two rounds completed, the identity of Group A’s semi-finalists is already decided, setting up a strong run-in to the knockout phase.

The Qatari Anti-Doping Commission (QADC) organized a workshop titled "Roles and Responsibilities of Sports Bodies in Anti-Doping" on Tuesday. The event was attended by representatives from sports federations, clubs, national and paralympic committees, as well as relevant government authorities.The workshop aimed to strengthen cooperation among various sports entities in Qatar to ensure compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code and related international standards. It also highlighted the commission's responsibilities in areas such as testing, education and awareness, scientific research, therapeutic use exemptions, and results management.In this context, Dr. Nasser Al-Saad, CEO of the Qatari Anti-Doping Commission, stated:"This initiative is the cornerstone of promoting clean sports in Qatar. The commission's ongoing efforts will only be effective through a national, coordinating, and collaborative framework between all sports entities."The workshop included presentations and interactive discussions focused on promoting a clean sport culture and sharing best practices, alongside an awareness-raising activity. The event concluded with a discussion on challenges and proposed solutions to further enhance Qatar's leadership role in combating doping regionally and internationally, in alignment with Qatar Vision 2030.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with Prime Minister of the Italian Republic Giorgia Meloni and her accompanying delegation on Tuesday at the seat of the Permanent Mission of Qatar to the United Nations, on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Discussions during the meeting dealt with cooperation between the two countries and means to develop them in various fields.They also discussed key regional and international issues of common interest, particularly the latest developments in the Gaza Strip.The Italian prime minister expressed her country's solidarity with and support for Qatar, stressing that the Israeli attack constitutes a flagrant violation of all international laws and norms.The meeting was attended by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and a number of members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir.

The speech of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Amir of Qatar, at the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly represents the conscience of the Arab and Islamic Ummah and reflects the shared sentiments of humanity against the continuing atrocities in Palestine. Pakistan fully aligns with HH Amir’s vision of peace and stability in the region and beyond.Pakistan reiterates its strong condemnation of the recent treacherous Israeli attack on a residential area in Qatar, which was a blatant violation of international law and a shocking act of aggression against a country that has consistently pursued peace and mediation. Such an act, committed while Qatar was engaged in sincere efforts to mediate for an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, amounts to nothing less than a betrayal of humanitarian values, international norms and diplomacy.The extraordinary Arab-Islamic Summit convened in Doha on September 14–15 under the leadership of HH the Amir was a historic moment of unity, in which the Ummah expressed its firm rejection of Israel’s aggression and its solidarity with the people of Palestine. Pakistan pays tribute to Qatar for its decisive and principled leadership at this critical juncture.We fully endorse HH the Amir’s bold and principled stance at the UNGA for a rule-based international order, particularly his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for renewed commitment to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state based on the principles of justice and international legality.Pakistan reiterates its complete solidarity with the brotherly State of Qatar. We stand shoulder to shoulder with Qatar in its efforts for peace, justice, and the protection of innocent lives. Pakistan will continue to support Qatar’s tireless mediation role as well as its broader vision to consolidate peace, security, sustainable development, human rights, and the rule of law at all levels.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and continued efforts toward a two-state solution, which is the only viable solution to peace in the Middle East.In his address at the start of the High-Level General Debate of the United Nations General Assembly's 80th session, he stressed that the horrors in Gaza are approaching their third year, and the scale of death and destruction exceeds any other conflict. He noted that famine has been declared in Gaza despite the International Court of Justice's declaration of measures, and that these measures must be implemented immediately.He also stressed that nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people and the systematic destruction of their livelihood.The UN Secretary-General said that the scale of death and destruction in Gaza exceeds any other conflict he has witnessed during his tenure as Secretary-General of the United Nations, emphasizing the need to implement the legally binding provisional measures issued by the International Court of Justice in the case: "Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip."He also warned that civilians in Sudan are being killed, starved, and silenced, and that women and girls are facing unspeakable violence, emphasizing that there is no military solution to the conflict.In this context, he urged all parties to end the foreign support that fuels the bloodshed in Sudan and to press for the protection of civilians.On the other hand, Guterres said that the principles of the United Nations are under siege, the pillars of peace and progress are crumbling, and that without effective multilateral institutions, the world will descend into chaos.Referring to the organization's creation after World War II, he said that 80 years ago, world leaders chose cooperation over chaos, law over lawlessness, and peace over conflict, and that this choice resulted in the birth of the United Nations.He added that the United Nations is not just a meeting place, but a moral compass, a force for peace and its preservation, a protector of international law, a catalyst for sustainable development, a lifeline for people in crises, and a beacon for human rights.The UN Secretary-General also addressed the current challenges, questioning the nature of the world we will choose, and indicating that the world is becoming increasingly multipolar. This may be a positive thing, reflecting a more diverse international arena, but multipolarity without effective multilateral institutions leads to chaos.The UN Secretary-General urged UN Member States to make five choices: peace rooted in international law, human dignity and human rights, climate justice, technology at the service of humanity, and strengthening the United Nations for the 21st century.The UN Secretary-General stressed that peace is our first commitment, adding that impunity is the mother of chaos.

An early goal by defender Nayef Aguerd gave Marseille a 1-0 win over reigning champions Paris Saint-Germain Monday, a rare success against their great rivals in a game delayed by 24 hours by storms in southern France.Moroccan defender Aguerd, signed just before the recent transfer deadline from West Ham United, scored his second goal in as many Ligue 1 appearances for his new club with five minutes gone at the Velodrome. PSG goalkeeper Lucas Chevalier came for a deflected Mason Greenwood cross but got nothing on the ball, allowing Aguerd to head into the unguarded net and score the only goal of the game.The fixture, the biggest in French football, was scheduled to go ahead on Sunday but was called off because local authorities feared forecast heavy rainfall would be a significant risk for both players and spectators. With little space in a packed calendar and both clubs involved in the Champions League, the match was put back just a day.That proved awkward for PSG as it meant a clash with the Ballon d'Or awards ceremony in Paris, at which a host of their squad were nominated for the men's player of the year prize. Among them was Ousmane Dembele, the top scorer for the Champions League winners last season who was able to attend the ceremony having been ruled out of the Marseille clash due to injury.PSG coach Luis Enrique could have done with Dembele in the game, as well as his fellow injury absentees Desire Doue and Joao Neves. Achraf Hakimi was pushed forward from his usual right-back position to the wing, but it was still a strong Paris team. Nevertheless, Marseille held onto the lead following the early goal to claim a first home league victory against PSG since November 2011.Aguerd's goal was the first time they had even found the net at home to PSG in Ligue 1 since 2017. Amine Gouiri hit the bar soon after as Marseille sought to add to their advantage. The home side also had a goal disallowed for offside in the first half, before goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli made a couple of key saves to deny the visitors after the break.Marseille saw the game out, although not before fiery coach Roberto De Zerbi was shown a late red card on the touchline. It is a first loss of the season for PSG, who had won their first four matches in Ligue 1. They fall off the top of the table, behind Monaco on goals scored.Both teams have 12 points, as do Lyon and Strasbourg who complete the top four. Marseille are up to sixth, three points adrift of the leading quartet.

France forward Ousmane Dembele on Monday won the men's Ballon d'Or, the most prestigious individual prize in football, rewarding his starring role in the Paris Saint-Germain side that lifted the Champions League trophy last season.Dembele, 28, pipped Barcelona and Spain teenage sensation Lamine Yamal to the prize at a ceremony in Paris and succeeds Manchester City and Spain midfielder Rodri, who won the trophy in 2024. The former Borussia Dortmund and Barcelona winger, who was part of the France team that won the World Cup in 2018, scored 35 goals in all competitions as PSG won a French league and cup double as well as the Champions League for the first time in their history."I really don't have the words. It was an incredible season with PSG," said an emotional Dembele, who said his club coach Luis Enrique had been "like a father". "It is an individual trophy but it was really the collective that won it," added Dembele, who was one of nine members of the triumphant PSG team from last season nominated for the prize. "The Ballon d'Or has not really been an objective for me in my career but I worked hard for the team to win the Champions League."The 18-year-old Yamal, who was a teammate of Dembele's at Barcelona when he first broke through in 2023, earlier won the Kopa Trophy for the best player aged under 21 - the second year running he has taken that award.Luis Enrique and Sarina Wiegman landed the top coaching accolades following their sensational seasons in charge of Paris St-Germain and England’s Lionesses. Enrique achieved the remarkable Treble with a European club for the second time in his career, previously doing so with Barcelona in the 2014-15 season. He joins Pep Guardiola, who has also done this twice. And Wiegman became the first manager in either the men's or women's game to lead a team to five consecutive major international tournament finals: two with Netherlands, three with England.Enrique said in a statement: "Thank you to my family, thank you to PSG. I also want to thank two special people: Nasser Al-Khelaifi (PSG chairman) and Luís Campos (PSG sporting director). We have a special relationship. A message to my players who are there: it’s nice to win individual awards but I think the most important thing is the recognition of the fans."Spain's Bonmati wins Women's Ballon d'OrBarcelona and Spain star Aitana Bonmati won the Women's Ballon d'Or, the third consecutive year she has taken the prize. Bonmati edged out Mariona Caldentey, her teammate in the Spain side beaten on penalties by England in the Women's Euro 2025 final in July.The 27-year-old midfielder also lost the Women's Champions League final with her club last season, at the hands of Caldentey's Arsenal. Bonmati was named player of the tournament at the Euros, despite not starting either of Spain's first two matches as she recovered from a bout of viral meningitis.Alessia Russo, one of the nominees from the triumphant England European Championship team, came in third place. The Ballon d'Or is the most prestigious individual prize in both men's and women's football, and Bonmati's run of three in a row follows back-to-back victories for her Barcelona and Spain teammate Alexia Putellas. Norway's Ada Hegerberg and USA star Megan Rapinoe are the only other players to have won the Women's Ballon d'Or since it was introduced in 2018.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani participated in the High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.The conference, held Monday on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly, at the UN headquarters in New York.The conference was attended by a number of heads of states and governments, delegations, and representatives of governmental and non-governmental organisations.The conference was attended also by HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, and a number of Their Excellencies members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan bin Abdullah has described the International Conference on the Two-State Solution as a pivotal moment to advance peace and reinforce international commitment to a just resolution of the Palestinian issue.Delivering remarks on behalf of Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al- Saud, Prince Faisal addressed the opening session of the high-level conference on the peaceful resolution of the Palestinian conflict, held on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.In his speech, the Saudi Foreign Minister condemned what he called the brutal crimes of the Israeli occupation in Gaza, ongoing violations in the West Bank, and repeated infringements on the sovereignty of Arab and Islamic nations - citing most recently the blatant aggression against the State of Qatar.Prince Faisal welcomed France's recent recognition of the State of Palestine and commended the growing number of countries taking similar positions. He also pointed to the overwhelming support for the UN General Assembly's adoption of the New York Declaration, which calls for a peaceful resolution and the realization of the two-state solution. With 142 countries voting in favor, he said, the resolution reflects a strong international consensus in support of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, grounded in international law and the Arab Peace Initiative.The minister warned that Israel's continued hostile actions threaten regional and global stability and risk derailing peace efforts. He reiterated Saudi Arabia's longstanding position that the two-state solution remains the only credible path toward a comprehensive and lasting peace.Prince Faisal affirmed the Kingdom's readiness to work closely with France and other nations committed to peace in order to implement the outcomes of the conference. He stressed the urgent need to end the conflict in Gaza, stop all unilateral measures undermining Palestinian sovereignty, and advance a political solution to the crisis.He concluded by thanking the countries that have already recognized, or declared their intention to recognize, the State of Palestine, and called on others to follow suit and take what he described as a historic and necessary step toward justice and stability.

The assets of Islamic banks in the country grew by 3.9% to QR585.5bn in 2024, according to Bait Al-Mashura Finance.Quoting figures from the Qatar Central Bank (QCB), Bait Al-Mashura said in 2023 Islamic bank assets in the country totalled QR563.7bn.Islamic banks accounted for 28% of the total assets of Qatar’s banking sector, the researcher said.Domestic assets of Islamic banks increased by 4% in 2024 to QR529.7bn, while their reserves rose by 6.3% to QR20.6bn.Foreign assets amounted to QR35.2bn, a 0.4% decrease year-on-year compared to 2023.The compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of assets for Qatar’s Islamic banks over the five-year period (2020-2024) reached 5.4%, compared to 3.5% for traditional commercial banks in the country during the same period.In 2024, Islamic banks in Qatar recorded revenues of QR29.5bn, representing a growth rate of 12.6% compared to 2023.Financing and investment activities accounted for 91% of these total revenues. This growth was driven by a 13.8% increase in financing and investment revenues, along with an 8.4% decrease in the provision for credit losses compared to 2023.Over the period 2020-2024, the revenue of Islamic banks grew at a CAGR of 9%.In 2024, the four Islamic banks in Qatar achieved total net profits of QR8.7bn for their shareholders, compared to QR8.2bn in 2023, representing a 6% growth.Data from the QCB showed that total deposits in the Qatari banking system grew by 4.1% in 2024.Islamic bank deposits in Qatar increased by 8.2% during the same period, compared to a 2.2% increase in deposits at conventional commercial banks.Islamic bank deposits accounted for approximately 34% of the total deposits in the Qatari banking system, reaching a total of QR339.1bn, compared to QR313.4bn in 2023.Over the period 2020-2024, the compound annual growth rate for deposits in Islamic banks was 5%, compared to 1.5% for conventional banks.The private sector held the largest share of deposits in Islamic banks, at 57%, followed by the public sector with 38%. Non-resident deposits constituted only 5% of total deposits in Islamic banks.During 2024, the most significant growth rate was observed in public sector deposits, which increased by 20%. Private sector deposits also grew by 4%, while non-resident deposits declined by 16% compared to 2023.According to quarterly data from the QCB, financing provided by Islamic banks (in 2024) reached QR401.5bn, an increase of 4.9% compared to 2023.Credit facilities extended by traditional commercial banks also increased by 4.4%.The most significant growth in Islamic bank financing in 2024 was observed in the real estate and general trade sectors, increasing by 16% and 12.7% respectively.Financing for the services and consumer sectors also increased by 4.5% and 2.9% respectively.Conversely, financing for the industrial and construction sectors declined by 14.2% and 11.3% respectively.Islamic bank financing represented 30% of total banking sector financing in 2024.During the period 2020-2024, the CAGR for total financing by Islamic banks was 5.2%, compared to 3% for traditional commercial banks.

Qatar Chamber held a meeting Monday with a business delegation from India to discuss trade and economic relations and ways to enhance them, as well as opportunities for private sector collaboration and partnerships and promising sectors for Qatari investment in India.The delegation was led by Sanjay Beswal, co-chair of the International Affairs Committee at PHDCCI India, while Qatar Chamber board member Mohamed bin Mahdi al-Ahbabi headed the Qatari side.Addressing the meeting, al-Ahbabi highlighted the strong co-operation between Qatar and India at all levels, particularly in trade and economic relations. He noted that India is one of Qatar’s most important trading partners, with bilateral trade reaching QR48bn last year. He added that the Indian business community plays an active role in supporting Qatar’s economic development through the presence of numerous Indian companies operating across various sectors in the Qatari market.Al-Ahbabi also emphasised Qatar Chamber’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and co-operation between Qatari and Indian companies through joint investments and projects across diverse sectors, including energy, infrastructure, technology, healthcare, and food security.He invited Indian companies to explore the investment opportunities available in Qatar, highlighting the country’s advanced infrastructure and progressive legislation, which pave the way for deeper collaboration between the Qatari and Indian business communities.For his part, Beswal noted that PHDCCI is one of India’s oldest chambers, established over 128 years ago, and includes a wide range of leading companies, including SMEs across all sectors.He expressed his keenness to enhance co-operation with Qatar Chamber to develop stronger partnerships between the business sectors of both countries, especially given the shared desire to expand trade and economic co-operation. He highlighted the strong economic and commercial ties between the two countries, noting that India is one of Qatar’s leading exporters.Beswal said many Indian companies are keen to invest in Qatar and collaborate with Qatari counterparts across all sectors, inviting Qatari investors to explore India’s promising investment opportunities in infrastructure, education, healthcare, services, renewable energy, technology, and innovation, supported by legislative reforms, incentives, and a pro-business environment.He also invited Qatari businessmen and investors to visit India to explore available opportunities and meet their Indian counterparts to discuss co-operation and joint ventures.The meeting also included a presentation highlighting investment opportunities in India across sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, transport, smart cities, technology and innovation, food security, agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, and fintech.Also present at the meeting were Deepak Pundir, commercial attaché at the Indian Embassy in Qatar, along with a number of Qatari businessmen and their Indian counterparts.