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Tuesday, April 07, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "Justice" (30 articles)

Construction continues at the Marriner S Eccles Federal Reserve Board Building in Washington, DC on Monday.
Business

Investors anxious over make-or-break fight for the Fed

Dollar falls, stocks slip on Trump-Powell spatMarket moves show Fed independence worries: Portfolio managerThe technocratic Fed we knew is fading: AnalystA US Justice Department investigation at the Federal Reserve and a combative response by ‌chair Jerome Powell have sharply raised the stakes in a long-running dispute that has put the independence of the world's most ‌powerful central bank openly on the line, investors said.In ‍a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Powell disclosed a probe that threatened him with criminal indictment over a building renovation project, saying it was a "pretext" to gain political influence over the Fed ⁠to lower interest rates faster.President Donald Trump told NBC ⁠that he had no knowledge of the Justice Department's actions, but renewed his attacks on Powell that have grown more frequent and pointed as the ‍Fed has chosen to cut rates more slowly than he would have liked.The investigation and Powell's pointed response sharply escalate a row that market observers fear risks upending the independence of the Fed, a bedrock of US economic policy and a cornerstone of its financial system."With his frontal attack on the Fed, Donald Trump is once again undermining confidence in the independence of the American central bank," Jens Suedekum, chief adviser to German Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil, told Reuters. "The US itself will suffer the greatest disadvantages."The growing rift also highlights how heavily the Trump administration's efforts to reshape institutions from the military to the judiciary are now coming to bear on a pillar of US ‌financial strength.The US dollar was on Monday set for its largest daily fall against a basket of major currencies in three weeks. Gold shot to a record high, US stock futures dropped and long-dated US Treasury yields rose sharply."Fed Chair Powell has deviated from his previous approach to Trump's threats, this time choosing to ‍directly address the elephant in the room — that the ⁠Fed is not moving rates as ‌the president would like," said Damien Boey, portfolio manager at Wilson Asset Management in Sydney."Gold has strengthened, equities have wobbled, and the yield curve has steepened a little. These moves have been broadly consistent with the playbook for an attack on the Fed's independence," he said.The ability of central banks to move, at least in setting interest rates, without political interference is considered a key tenet of modern economics — insulating monetary policymakers so they can make decisions for long-run stability.For investors, trust in US institutions forms part of the so-called "exorbitant privilege" that the country enjoys in financial markets as the issuer of the world's reserve currency and recipient of billions of dollars in capital inflows.Karl Schamotta, chief market strategist at Corpay in Toronto pointed to "unintended consequences" of leaning on the Fed."By trying to influence the central bank through aggressive legal threats against individual officials, the administration could drive inflation expectations higher, erode the dollar's safe-haven role, and trigger a sharp rise in long-term bond yields that raises borrowing costs across the American economy.""Pouring gasoline everywhere and then playing with matches tends not to work out well," he ​said.Powell's pushback is ‌in some sense a parting shot, since his term as chair is due to end in May, and Trump has already promised his nominee as successor will be "someone who believes in lower interest rates, by a ⁠lot".But his stand will be a frame for any replacement ‍and serve as a yardstick for shifts in the Fed's approach.Richard Yetsenga, ANZ's group chief economist, said that for the US financial markets in their entirety, the operation of all three of the Fed's policy arms is likely to be in flux — rates, the balance sheet and banking sector regulation."It's definitely too early (to tell), but the trends seem quite clear... the technocratic Fed, as we have understood it over the past few decades, is fading from view," he said.Meanwhile, investors, already starting to wonder whether their portfolios are over-allocated to the US, are on notice about the new kinds of risks the ​Trump administration is ushering in."The market has shaken off so much noise around the Fed and Fed independence and I think is probably likely to do it again, but at some point things will break," said Christopher Hodge, chief US economist for French investment bank Natixis.To be sure, the market moves were small on Monday and some saw little clear consequence for interest rates and even as a sign that Trump actually lacked influence over the Fed.Goldman Sachs' chief economist Jan Hatzius on Monday told the bank's annual strategy conference in London that the threat of a criminal indictment would add to doubts about central bank independence, but he expected the Fed to continue to make decisions based on data."I have no doubt that (Powell) in his remaining term as chair is going to make decisions based on the economic data and not be influenced one way or the other, cutting ⁠more or refusing to cut on the back of data that could push in that direction," he said. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Ministry of Justice launches legal trainer preparation program

As part of the implementation of the Ministry of Justice's 2025-2030 strategic plan, which included initiatives and projects specializing in training, qualification, and development of legal and practical skills for various legal categories in the country, the ministry will launch a legal trainer preparation program for the first time starting from in November 2026, in a qualitative step aimed at enhancing the quality of legal training and improving the efficiency of trainers.The Center for Legal and Judicial Studies, the main center for legal training in the country, organized the Training of Trainers (TOT) program with the aim of preparing a qualified legal training cadre capable of carrying out training tasks in accordance with the best and latest global practices, and using modern and approved training methods and means.Director of the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies Dr. Abdulla Al Khaldi confirmed that the launch of the program comes in response to the growing need for professional legal trainers. He pointed out that the legal trainer preparation program represents a strategic step to enhance the legal training system in the country and to build training capacities capable of transferring legal knowledge in modern and applied ways, which contributes to raising the efficiency of lawyers and improving the quality of institutional performance in the justice sector.Dr. Al Khaldi explained that the program aims to provide participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to design and implement distinguished legal training courses with a focus on the practical and professional aspects required by the legal profession. This contributes to preparing professional legal trainers, developing skills in preparing and delivering legal courses, preparing training packages, presentation slides and various training tools, in addition to enhancing self-confidence and communication skills with trainees, establishing the foundations of legal training, and identifying the most prominent challenges facing trainers and ways to deal with them.The program is implemented over two weeks, with 40 training hours, and targets legal professionals with scientific experience who wish to obtain a legal trainer certificate accredited by the Center for Legal and Judicial Studies at the Ministry of Justice.The program's modules were designed according to the best modern training practices, and include six modules that combine theoretical and practical aspects. The first model deals with the basics of training, while the second focuses on preparing training content, the third deals with the skills of a successful trainer, the fourth deals with the challenges facing the trainer, the fifth reviews training evaluation and follow-up, and the sixth concludes with comprehensive applied training presentations aimed at consolidating knowledge and enhancing the practical aspect for the participants.

Jallow with Malang and the accompanying delegation were received by the Qatar International Court’s Lord John and al-Sahouti.
Qatar

Qatar International Court welcomes Gambia’s attorney-general, justice minister

The Qatar International Court has welcomed Gambia Attorney-General and Minister of Justice Dawda Jallow, along with the Gambia’s ambassador to Qatar Foday Malang, and the accompanying delegation. The delegation was received by the court president, Lord John Thomas, and chief executive Faisal bin Rashid al-Sahouti. Jallow received a detailed briefing on the court’s judicial jurisdiction, which covers civil and commercial disputes arising within the Qatar Financial Centre and the free zones, as well as the nature of cases filed before the court and the procedures governing their management, which ensure independence, impartiality, and transparency for all parties. During a tour of the courtroom, the delegation observed the electronic case management system used by the court, known as the “E-Court”, which is considered one of the most advanced systems currently applied in commercial courts. The system enables litigants to file cases, submit evidence and documents, attend hearings, and subsequently obtain and enforce judgments through secure and modern digital mechanisms. Al-Sahouti emphasised the importance of this visit in enhancing avenues of co-operation in judicial fields, exchanging expertise and experience in civil and commercial matters, and exploring optimal ways to benefit from modern technology in facilitating and developing judicial procedures within commercial courts. 

Her Highness, Sheikha Moza bint Nasser delivers the closing remarks at Doha Forum 2025.
Qatar

No true progress without justice: Sheikha Moza

True progress can be achieved when it stands alongside justice and call for justice is a universal human necessity, affirmed Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser, Chairperson of Education Above All Foundation and Qatar Foundation Sunday.Her Highness Sheikha Moza was addressing a gathering of international dignitaries at the closing ceremony of Doha Forum 2025 held under the theme " Justice in Action: Beyond Promises to Progress”“I believe that true progress can only be achieved when it stands alongside justice—otherwise, it ceases to be progress, and degenerates into nihilism. Since true progress lies in education, justice demands the securing of education to preserve language, traditions, and cultural identity. Together, these comprise humanity’s valuable heritage, and ensure the safety of societies and their national security.”**media[391098]**“Therefore, securing education becomes a prerequisite for achieving social justice; while neglecting education is akin to surrendering to the ignorance and regression that perpetuates a cycle of dependency," Her Highness said.Sheikha Moza noted that justice, at its core, is a faith, a culture, and a practice deeply rooted in reality."Justice must be perceived and experienced, not simply used as a rhetorical slogan. Those slogans are empty promises and false commitments deliberately designed to remain unfulfilled. The international system is marred by an absence of the principles of justice, as scenes of injustice spread across the globe - an injustice that is clearly observable but intentionally ignored and dismissed," noted the EAA Chairperson.Sheikha Moza remarked that the core issue is the implementation of justice. "I do not believe the concept of justice needs redefining; the more pressing issue lies in how justice is implemented in practice. Across various parts of the world, we have witnessed a selective application of the right to justice, as well as its outright denial in regions where people cry out to the world to restrain their oppressor and uphold justice, but those cries remain unanswered," highlighted Sheikha Moza."The call for justice is a universal human necessity. Justice is essential for the vulnerable to feel protected in the face of the powerful, and equally necessary to uphold the integrity of international relations - ensuring that no state, by virtue of its strength, wrongs another," continued Her Highness.**media[391099]**Sheikha Moza stresed that humanity must safeguard justice and fairness. "Today, humanity must safeguard justice and fairness with an unwavering commitment because of the access to instruments of mass warfare and genocide, at a rate unprecedented in the history of humanity. For nothing curbs the intoxication of power more effectively than justice and the rule of law," she stated.According to Sheikha Moza, today’s global challenges demand a courageous framework aimed at restoring the tilted scales of justice. "When justice truly prevails, it reinstates in people their sense of self-confidence. For the marginalised, who endure conflict or humanitarian crises, it not only restores their belief that they are worthy of a dignified life, but also reassures them that they are far from being a burden on this earth," pointed out, Her Highness.“Regrettably, today’s reality is shaped by sweeping narratives that recast power as the very language of truth and justice. This turns today’s struggle into a battle of narratives: to restore meaning to concepts that have been stripped of their significance, so much so that peace no longer means peace, security no longer means security, and justice - the greatest victim of all -no longer means justice," added Her Highness. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Gaza Strip 'should be managed by Palestinian Committee'

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Immigration and Egyptian Expatriates Affairs Dr Badr Abdel Aatty has affirmed that managing the daily affairs of the population of the Gaza Strip must be done through a Palestinian democratic administrative committee that undertakes the provision of essential services, including security, justice, and healthcare.He underscored that Palestine remains a singular, indivisible entity, and that Gaza cannot be severed from the West Bank.In a session on "The Gaza Reckoning: Reassessing Global Responsibilities and Pathways to Peace", as part of Doha Forum 2025 deliberations, Aatty stressed that stability in the region hinges on achieving Palestinian statehood on the territories that have been occupied since June 5, 1967, including Gaza and the West Bank.The minister highlighted that the situation in the West Bank is sometimes worse than in Gaza due to settler attacks, land seizures, and settler activities that aim to undermine the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state.Aatty added communications between Gaza and the West Bank are critically important to ensure the unity of the Palestinian territories and help the Palestinian Authority manage affairs in Gaza.The minister also said that security and humanitarian aid alone were not sufficient, as there must be a political horizon that achieves Palestinian statehood and plants hope among the Palestinians.He noted that Egypt supports commissioning all crossings with Gaza to ensure the flow of humanitarian and medical aid, emphasising that Egypt operates the Rafah crossing in an efficient manner.Aatty stressed that this crossing must not be a vehicle to drive residents out of their homeland, stating that only sick people should receive treatment abroad and return afterward.Finally, the minister asserted that Egypt would not rule Gaza or any Palestinian territory, but supports the Palestinians in managing their affairs themselves, echoing that any enduring solution for security in the region is contingent upon achieving Palestinian statehood.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar, Paraguay discuss legal ties

His Excellency the Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa al-Hassan al-Mohannadi met with Paraguay's Minister of the Supreme Court of Justice, Dr Alberto Martinez Simon, and Vice-Minister of Justice Juan Rafael Caballero Campos. Held on the sidelines of Doha Forum 2025, the meeting discussed advancing bilateral legal co-operation. 

Gulf Times
Qatar

Amir reaffirms Qatar's unwavering support for Palestinian people and their inalienable rights

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani reaffirmed Qatar's unwavering support for the brotherly Palestinian people in their just struggle to restore their land, safeguard their holy sites, and secure their inalienable rights, stressing that this position reflects a moral and fraternal duty grounded in the principles of justice, freedom, and the right of peoples to self-determination. His Highness the Amir emphasised that the Palestinian cause, with its firmly established principles, remains a fundamental test of the fairness of the prevailing international order and its commitment to international law and legitimacy. The statement was delivered in a message from His Highness the Amir on the occasion of the annual celebration organized by the United Nations Office in Vienna to mark the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. The message was read on his behalf by Jassim Yaqoub al-Hammadi, Ambassador of Qatar and its Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other international organisations in Vienna. In the message, His Highness the Amir expressed his pleasure at addressing the occasion, which was designated by the United Nations General Assembly in its 1977 resolution to affirm the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people, foremost among them their natural right to self-determination and to establish their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital. His Highness noted that the day serves as an opportunity to honour the steadfast struggle of the Palestinian people and to send a clear message to their sons and daughters that the world does not forget their just cause, nor their prolonged suffering and pain. He added that the day also serves as a message to the international community and its free peoples, reminding them of their responsibilities and obligations under international law and of the necessity of upholding the principles of international law and the international order. His Highness the Amir said that the excessive use of force against the unarmed Palestinian people, along with the continued double standards in the enforcement of international law, international humanitarian law, and human rights law with regard to Palestine, undermines confidence in the international community and encourages further violations. While welcoming the voices of conscience and the forces of peace around the world, His Highness stressed that the Palestinian cause is not an issue of terrorism, but rather the cause of a people living under a prolonged occupation that must come to an end, affirming that only a just peace can guarantee security for both the Palestinian and Israeli peoples. His Highness further stated that the developments witnessed over the past two years, including the unprecedented escalation of violence, repressive measures, and Israeli violations against the brotherly Palestinian people, place a moral and legal responsibility on the international community to support a just settlement of the Palestinian issue. He added that these developments further underscore the urgent need to intensify efforts to ensure protection for the Palestinian people and their holy sites. His Highness the Amir added that the unprecedented human tragedies that have unfolded in the Gaza Strip, and whose repercussions have extended to the West Bank and the wider region, have laid bare the urgent need to put an end to the historical injustice endured by the Palestinian people. He said that for more than two years, Qatar has worked with determination and perseverance, exerting every possible effort through responsible mediation to facilitate reaching an agreement that would bring an end to the brutal Israeli war and the resulting bloodshed and unprecedented human suffering, in a manner that lays the foundation for a political path toward a just and comprehensive peace. His Highness also reviewed the efforts exerted by Qatar, in coordination with other countries in the region, to end the war on Gaza. He said that following the declaration signed with the presidents of the United States, Egypt, and Turkiye on October 13 in Sharm El-Sheikh, the success of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the US peace initiative adopted by the UN Security Council has become a collective responsibility that requires ensuring its full implementation in order to achieve peace and stability. In this context, His Highness stressed that the international community must redouble its efforts to attain a just and lasting peace for the Palestinian cause, noting that the entire world has now come to realize that the status quo is no longer viable and that occupation cannot be peaceful or civilized. He affirmed that the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, remains the only path to peace in Palestine, Israel, and the entire region. His Highness the Amir reiterated his welcome of the adoption of the "New York Declaration on the Peaceful Settlement of the Palestinian Question and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution." He also commended the growing wave of international recognition of the State of Palestine by more than 150 countries, noting that this reflects an international consensus in support of the establishment of the Palestinian state and its right to full membership in the United Nations. His Highness further emphasized that the Gaza Strip remains an integral part of the Palestinian territories and the State of Palestine. His Highness also condemned all unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution and entrench annexation and settlement activity, including Israeli laws that seek to impose so-called "sovereignty" over the West Bank and plans for settlement expansion. He reiterated Qatar's strong condemnation of the repeated attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque, stressing that any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo of the Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem are null and void under international law and relevant United Nations resolutions. His Highness the Amir affirmed that Qatar remains firmly committed to providing various forms of political and humanitarian support to the brotherly Palestinian people and to highlighting their just cause. In this context, His Highness noted that following the signing of the peace agreement in Sharm El-Sheikh, Qatar swiftly moved to extend assistance to the people of the Gaza Strip, including support for the Gaza Municipality through the Qatari Committee for the Reconstruction of Gaza to remove rubble and reopen streets, in addition to providing tens of thousands of shelter tents, as well as food and medical supplies. He added that Qatar will continue to fulfill its humanitarian and fraternal duty toward the Palestinian people through sustained humanitarian, relief, and development support, particularly in the Gaza Strip, which has endured a siege for seventeen years under severe Israeli restrictions on the movement of people and goods. His Highness expressed appreciation to the United Nations and its Secretary-General for the pivotal role and indispensable efforts exerted by the international organization, its agencies, and partners in providing support to the brotherly Palestinian people, including Palestinian refugees. He also commended the great sacrifices made by United Nations staff in the Gaza Strip, especially UNRWA. His Highness noted that Qatar has continued its financial contributions to the agency to support the pivotal role it plays in the international response to the Gaza crisis. His Highness concluded the message by expressing his appreciation to the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP), the Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People and Other Arabs of the Occupied Territories (UNSCIIP), and the United Nations Division for Palestinian Rights, commending their efforts in highlighting the Palestinian cause and mobilizing international support for the rights of the Palestinian people.

Gulf Times
Business

Real estate trading exceeds QAR 767 million last week

The volume of real estate trading in sales contracts at the Department of Real Estate Registration at the Ministry of Justice during the period from Nov. 16-20, 2025 reached QAR 714,376,122.Meanwhile the total sales contracts for residential units in the Real Estate Bulletin for the same period is QAR 52,770,085, bringing the total trading value for the week to approximately QAR 767.146 million.The weekly bulletin issued by the Department shows that the list of real estate properties traded for sale has included vacant land plots, houses, residential buildings, residential complexes, an office building, residential buildings, a mixed-use commercial-residential building, a commercial building (market), administrative buildings, an apartment-hotel building, and residential units.Sales were concentrated in the municipalities of Al Rayyan, Doha, Al Wakrah, Umm Salal, Al Daayen, Al Shamal, and Al Khor and Al Dakhira, as well as in the areas of Al Wukair, The Pearl, Lusail 69, Al Khuraij, Dafna 60, Al Sakhama, and Al Mashaf.The volume of real estate transactions in sales contracts registered with the Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice reached more than QAR 506 million during the period from Nov. 09 to Nov. 13. 

Front pages featuring major headlines are displayed at a newspaper stall in Abuja, Nigeria.
International

UN urges Nigeria to take 'all lawful measures' to halt kidnappings

The United Nations Tuesday condemned a surge in mass kidnappings in north-central Nigeria, calling on the authorities to take urgent steps to halt the attacks and bring perpetrators to justice."We are shocked at the recent surge in mass abductions in north-central Nigeria," UN rights office spokesman Thameen al-Kheetan told reporters in Geneva."We urge the Nigerian authorities -- at all levels -- to take all lawful measures to ensure such vile attacks are halted and to hold those responsible to account."His comments came as the recent abduction of hundreds of Nigerians, including almost 350 schoolchildren in just a matter of days, has reignited a pressing debate about the persistent security crisis gripping the country."At least 402 people, most of them schoolchildren, have been abducted in the states of Niger, Kebbi, Kwara and Borno since 17 November," Kheetan said, adding that "only 88 of them have reportedly been freed or have escaped from their captors".He called on "Nigerian authorities to ensure the safe return of all those still in captivity to their families, and to prevent further abductions"."They must also hold prompt, impartial and effective investigations into abductions and bring those responsible to justice."Mounting security fears in Africa's most populous nation have sparked a wave of school closures across some parts of the country.Since militants kidnapped nearly 300 schoolgirls from Chibok town in northeast Borno State more than a decade ago, Nigeria has struggled with a spate of mass kidnappings, mostly carried out by criminal gangs looking for ransom payments.Borno State is also the centre of a long-running insurgency that has killed more than 40,000 people since 2009.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar participates in high-level briefing on GCC WPS in Geneva

The State of Qatar participated Thursday in a high-level briefing on Wage Protection Systems (WPS) in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, convened on the margins of the International Labour Organization (ILO) Governing Body meetings in Geneva.His Excellency Minister of Labour Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri represented the State of Qatar at the session. The session, organized by the Executive Bureau of the Council of Ministers of Labour and Social Affairs in the GCC States, and supported by the Permanent Mission of the State of Qatar and the Permanent Mission of the GCC in Geneva, showcased the outcomes of a joint study undertaken with the ILO on the evolution of WPS across the region.The meeting underscored the collective determination of GCC countries to continue strengthening labour market governance, promote fair working conditions, and advance the objectives of the Global Coalition for Social Justice, in line with broader commitments to the Sustainable Development Goals.In his address, His Excellency Dr Ali bin Samikh al-Marri described the joint study as a significant milestone in the long-standing partnership between the GCC and the ILO. He noted that the findings reflect a shared resolve to uphold social justice, reinforce workers' rights, and entrench the principles of decent work across the region.HE the Minister highlighted that the GCC's experience in wage protection has matured into a recognized regional and international model. He emphasized that the transition from traditional regulations to integrated digital platforms has enhanced transparency, strengthened compliance, and ensured timely payment of wages - contributing to greater trust between employers and workers, and supporting long-term labour market stability.He added that this progress is anchored in a clear political commitment from GCC governments to balance robust worker protection with the growth and continuity of private-sector enterprises, through a framework grounded in transparency, accountability, and constructive engagement with international partners.His Excellency the Minister of Labour reaffirmed that wage protection remains a central pillar of Qatar's labour market reforms. He noted that the country has implemented a comprehensive suite of mechanisms - including the electronic WPS, streamlined dispute-resolution pathways, and the Workers' Support and Insurance Fund - all contributing to the broader agenda of social justice and to the objectives of the Global Coalition.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Qatar attends Arab justice ministers council in Cairo

Qatar participated in the 41st session of the Arab Ministers of Justice Council, held Wednesday at the headquarters of the Arab League in Cairo. The Qatari delegation was led by His Excellency Minister of Justice and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Ibrahim bin Ali bin Issa al-Hassan al-Mohannadi. In his speech, he reaffirmed Qatar's commitment to strengthening Arab legal and judicial co-operation. He highlighted Qatar's initiatives aimed at building sustainable justice for future generations, focusing on investment legislation, emerging technologies, governance, and dispute resolution mechanisms. The minister emphasised the role of the judicial sector in supporting investment and praised the Doha Political Declaration adopted at the Second World Summit for Social Development 2025 in Doha as a roadmap for promoting social justice, peace, security, and human rights. **media[381108]** His Excellency al-Mohannadi also expressed Qatar's gratitude to the Arab League and national committees on international humanitarian law for their collaboration in developing Qatar's proposal to establish a permanent Arab committee on international humanitarian law. He described the initiative as a milestone in Arab joint action, giving the Arab world a unified legal voice in defending justice and human dignity in conflict zones. During the session, the council discussed a range of Arab legal and legislative initiatives, including the Arab convention on combating terrorism, the Arab convention on combating money laundering and financing of terrorism, the Arab convention on cybercrime, and the Arab anti-corruption convention. The meeting also reviewed draft Arab model laws, including legislation on hate speech, protection and assistance for displaced persons, refugee status in Arab states, and the protection of children from recruitment in armed conflicts. Ministers additionally discussed measures to enhance Arab co-operation, including co-ordination between the Arab Ministries of Justice and Interior, the creation of an Arab excellence award in applied legal sciences, and the review of recommendations from the 74th meeting of the Arab Ministers of Justice Executive Office.

Lawyers and judges sit in the courtroom of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague on Wednesday, as they gather with the court for the first day of hearings to issue an advisory opinion on Israel's obligations to provide assistance in the occupied Palestinian territories. AFP
Region

Israel must allow UN aid into Gaza: ICJ

The United Nations' top legal body, the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on Wednesday gave an advisory opinion saying that Israel is under the obligation to ensure the basic needs of the civilian population in Gaza are met.The panel of 11 judges added Israel has to support relief efforts provided by the United Nations in the Gaza Strip, and UN entities, including UNRWA, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East."As an occupying power, Israel is obliged to ensure the basic needs of the local population, including the supplies essential for their survival," presiding judge Yuji Iwasawa said. He added that basic needs include food, water, shelter, fuel and medical services.Advisory opinions of the ICJ, also known as the World Court, carry legal and political weight, but they are not binding and the court has no enforcement power.The opinion, which was requested by the UN General Assembly in December, clarified the protections states must provide for UN staff and is expected to have effects beyond the Gaza conflict.In a post on X, Israel's foreign ministry said it categorically rejected the court's findings and added "Israel fully upholds its obligations under international law".The ICJ judges on Wednesday found that Israel had not substantiated its claims that a significant number of UNRWA employees are Hamas members.In April this year lawyers for the United Nations and Palestinian representatives at the ICJ accused Israel of breaking international law by refusing to let aid into Gaza between March and May, a time when Israel completely cut off all goods.Since then, some humanitarian aid has been allowed in but UN officials say it was nowhere near what was needed to ease a humanitarian disaster which crossed the threshold into famine. A ceasefire agreed this month calls for Israel to admit 600 trucks of aid per day, but the UN says far less is entering so far.The ICJ opinion found Palestinians in Gaza were inadequately supplied and stressed Israel cannot use starvation as a weapon of war.Paul Reichler, a lawyer acting for the Palestinians, said the findings meant Israel was not complying with its international law obligations."On the one hand, you have the court finding that starvation as a method of warfare is illegal, and on the other, the court found that Israel deliberately prevented food from reaching the civilian population in Gaza," he said.UNRWA, which serves millions of Palestinians by running schools and aid distribution, employs more than 30,000 people.Within hours of the ruling, Norway said it would propose a UN General Assembly resolution demanding that Israel lift restrictions on Gaza aid.And the Palestinian delegate to the ICJ, Ammar Hijazi, urged nations to ensure Israel complies with the court to let aid into Gaza."The responsibility is on the international community to uphold these values and oblige Israel, bring Israel into compliance," he told reporters.Before the ruling, Abeer Etefa, Middle East spokeswoman for the UN's World Food Programme (WFP), said 530 WFP trucks had crossed into Gaza since the ceasefire started on October 10.The trucks had delivered more than 6,700 tonnes of food, which she said was "enough for close to half a million people for two weeks".Etefa said around 750 tonnes a day were now coming through, well below WFP's target of around 2,000 tonnes daily.ICJ judges heard a week of evidence in April from dozens of nations and organisations, much of which revolved around the status of UNRWA.Hijazi told the April hearings that Israel was blocking aid as a "weapon of war", sparking starvation in Gaza.The case was separate from the others Israel faces under international law over its Gaza campaign.In July 2024, the ICJ issued another advisory opinion stating that Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories was "unlawful" and must end as soon as possible.ICJ judges are also weighing accusations, brought by South Africa, that Israel has broken the 1948 UN Genocide Convention with its actions in Gaza.Another court in The Hague, the International Criminal Court, has issued arrest warrants for Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.