tag

Sunday, August 23, 2026 | Daily Newspaper published by GPPC Doha, Qatar.

Tag Results for "deal" (40 articles)

A view shows a screen with a Thai national flag in support of the country on the top of Baiyoke Tower in Bangkok, Thailand.
International

Trump says Cambodia, Thailand 'going to be fine' after calls over conflict

US President Donald Trump said on Friday he thought Thailand and Cambodia were "going to be fine" after he sought to mediate a flare-up in their border dispute, but the Thai leader continued to demand an apology from Phnom Penh. Thailand this week suspended a US-brokered ceasefire deal and demanded an apology over allegations that Cambodia had laid fresh landmines that injured Thai soldiers, which Cambodia denies.Long-running tensions over a disputed border between the two Southeast Asian nations erupted into five days of fighting in July, when at least 48 people were killed and an estimated 300,000 temporarily displaced, before Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim brokered the ceasefire."I spoke to the prime ministers of both countries and they’re doing great. I think they’re going to be fine," Trump told reporters on Friday evening. But Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said on Saturday that Bangkok would not adhere to the agreement until Cambodia admitted its violation and issued an apology for the latest incident.Anutin posted on Facebook after speaking to Trump and Malaysia's Anwar that Thailand has the right to take any action necessary to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its people and property from foreign threats. He said he asked Trump and Anwar, who has been a mediator in the dispute, to tell Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet to abide by the agreement and not to interfere in the removal of mines.Hun Manet said in a Facebook post on Saturday that Phnom Penh would continue to implement the deal and hoped both sides would continue to work together in accordance with the agreed principles and mechanism. Trump also engaged with Malaysia on Friday, a White House official said.Anwar posted on X that Cambodia and Thailand were ready to "continue choosing the space for dialogue and diplomatic efforts as an effective path to resolution."

An employee of the Nasser Medical Complex rests near a body bag containing one of the thirty bodies of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel and released as part of the hostage exchange deal, as they arrive in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Friday. AFP
Region

Israel returns 30 bodies of Gaza martyrs

Nasser Medical Hospital in the Gaza Strip received Friday the bodies of 30 martyrs released by Israeli occupation forces.According to local sources, cited by the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), the bodies were transferred to the hospital via the International Committee of the Red Cross.This marks the fifth batch of martyrs' bodies handed over by the Israeli occupation since the ceasefire agreement in Gaza took effect.Most of the bodies bore signs of torture, burning, and execution. Many were found with bound hands and blindfolded eyes, their features severely disfigured, making identification by families nearly impossible.The handover is part of a prisoner and detainee exchange deal under the ceasefire agreement between Hamas and the Israeli entity, which came into force on Oct 10.Under the truce, Israel is to return the remains of 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli hostage returned by Hamas. Friday's transfer brings the number returned to Gaza to 225. Hamas has already returned 20 surviving hostages.Hamas insists it is committed to the ceasefire plan but is struggling to find the remaining dead because two years of Israeli bombardments have erased Gazan landmarks.Egyptian recovery teams equipped with earth-moving equipment have joined the effort to search for the bodies.

Gulf Times
International

Thailand, Cambodia sign peace deal

Thailand and Cambodia on Sunday signed a joint declaration on a peace deal, marking a formal step toward halting hostilities and restoring peace along their disputed border. The agreement was signed by Thai Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul and his Cambodian counterpart, Hun Manet, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Summit in Kuala Lumpur, which began today, according to the Malaysian news agency (BERNAMA). The signing was witnessed by Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, in his capacity as ASEAN Chair, and United States President Donald Trump, BERNAMA reported. The declaration reinforces the ceasefire understanding reached in July following talks between the two countries. It also formalises the establishment of an ASEAN Observer Team to monitor compliance and prevent renewed clashes in the border zones. The peace deal marks a milestone in ASEAN's regional diplomacy, reflecting the bloc's commitment to conflict prevention, stability and cooperation under Malaysia's 2025 Chairmanship, with its theme of "Inclusivity and Sustainability". Malaysia, as this year's ASEAN Chair, is hosting the 47th ASEAN Summit from Oct. 26 to 28 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre.

This aerial picture shows the coastal Al-Rashid road next to destroyed buildings in Gaza City's Al-Remal neighbourhood on Thursday. AFP
Region

Palestinian factions agree to hand over Gaza administration to 'technocrats'

A number of Palestinian factions, during a meeting in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, have affirmed their support for and continued implementation of the ceasefire agreement measures in the Gaza Strip.These measures include the withdrawal of the occupation forces from the Strip, the complete lifting of the blockade imposed on it, the opening of all crossings, including the Rafah crossing, the entry of all humanitarian and health supplies, and the initiation of a comprehensive reconstruction process that will restore normal life to the Strip and end the suffering of its residents.The factions explained in a statement Friday that their meeting in Cairo came at the invitation of Egypt, complementing the efforts of mediators in Qatar, Egypt, and Turkiye to stop the war on Gaza and address its repercussions.The statement noted that the meeting aimed to discuss developments in the Palestinian issue and the second phase of US President Donald Trump's plan to stop the war on the Gaza Strip, as part of the preparations for holding a comprehensive national dialogue to protect the Palestinian national project.According to the statement, the attendees expressed their appreciation for Arab, Islamic, and international efforts, including those of President Trump, to halt the war on Gaza.They emphasised that the current phase requires a unified national stance and a political vision based on unity of voice and destiny, and the rejection of all forms of annexation and displacement in the Gaza Strip, the West Bank, and Jerusalem.They also condemned the Israeli parliament's (the Knesset) approval of the preliminary reading of the "Applying Israeli Sovereignty to the West Bank" law, considering it a dangerous aggression against Palestinian identity and existence.They also praised the US president's decision to halt this move and his promise not to repeat it. They emphasised that Palestinian national unity is the decisive response to these policies and the need to take all necessary steps to achieve this.The statement indicated that the attendees agreed to hand over the administration of the Gaza Strip to an interim Palestinian committee composed of independent "technocrats" from the Gaza Strip.This committee will be responsible for managing daily life and basic services in co-operation with Arab partners and international institutions, based on transparency and national accountability.They also agreed to establish an international committee to oversee the funding and implementation of the Gaza Strip's reconstruction, while emphasising the unity of the Palestinian political system and independent national decision-making.They also agreed to take all necessary measures to maintain security and stability in the Gaza Strip, stressing the importance of issuing a UN resolution regarding the interim UN force to monitor the ceasefire.They called for an end to all forms of torture and violations against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons, and stressed the need to hold the occupation to relevant international laws and conventions. They emphasised that the issue of prisoners will remain a top priority until their freedom is achieved.The Palestinian factions affirmed their continued joint efforts to unify visions and positions to confront the challenges facing the Palestinian cause, including calling for an urgent meeting of all Palestinian forces and factions to agree on a national strategy and revitalise the Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) to include all components of the Palestinian people and its vital forces.The participants pledged to "make this meeting a true turning point toward national unity in defense of the Palestinian people and their right to life, dignity, and freedom, and to safeguard the trust of the Palestinian cause and the rights of future generations, as well as their right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital, while ensuring the right of return for Palestinian refugees."

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi noted that this agreement represents a positive step towards consolidating stability and strengthening bridges of trust between the two countries.
Qatar

Qatar, Turkiye win praise for Pakistan-Afghan truce deal

GCC Secretary-General Jassim Mohammed Albudaiwi has welcomed the diplomatic efforts undertaken by Qatar and Turkiye to reach the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan which was signed in Doha.The GCC Secretary-General noted that this agreement represents a positive step towards consolidating stability and strengthening bridges of trust between the two countries.He affirmed the GCC’s support for all initiatives aimed at establishing peace and promoting dialogue in the region and beyond, contributing to a more stable and prosperous future for peoples.Saudi Arabia and Oman also welcomed the diplomatic efforts and constructive roles played by Qatar and Turkiye.The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s welcome for signing an immediate ceasefire and establish mechanisms to consolidate lasting peace and stability between the two countries.In a statement, the ministry affirmed Saudi Arabia’s support for all regional and international efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability, and its constant commitment to ensuring security to achieve stability and prosperity for the Pakistani and Afghan peoples.Oman expressed its appreciation and gratitude for the roles of Qatar and Turkiye in reaching the agreement, expressing hope for its sustainability as well as to achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace between the two countries.Meanwhile, Kuwait welcomed the ceasefire agreement and expressed hope that this step will help end tensions and strengthen security and stability, in line with the aspirations of the peoples of both countries.In a statement issued Monday, Kuwait’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs praised the constructive efforts and tireless endeavours led by Qatar and Turkiye in hosting and sponsoring the negotiations that culminated in the agreement.The ministry stressed the importance of dialogue and adherence to diplomatic means to resolve disputes and enhance regional and international security.Official spokesman for the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Fouad Majali praised the mediation efforts made by Qatar and Turkiye to reach this agreement, stressing Jordan’s support for all efforts to establish security and stability in the border areas between the two countries.Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova said: “We welcome the agreement on a mutual ceasefire along the Afghan-Pakistani border, achieved between Kabul and Islamabad with the mediation of Qatari and Turkiye.”In a statement, she voiced Moscow’s call on Kabul and Islamabad to expand their co-operation, including in countering terrorism.In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun affirmed that his country welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Pakistan and Afghanistan.He expressed China’s support for continued dialogue and consultations between Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences, achieve a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire, and work together to maintain peace and stability in both countries and the region.

Trucks loaded with humanitarian aid on the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing wait to cross into the Gaza Strip early on Wednesday. AFP
Region

Aid trucks roll into Gaza as dispute over hostage bodies is paused

Rafah border crossing due to openAid trucks start enteringIsrael identifying hostage remainsHamas continues crackdownAid trucks rolled into Gaza on Wednesday and Israel resumed preparations to open the main Rafah crossing after a dispute over the return of the bodies of dead hostages that had threatened to derail the fragile ceasefire deal with Hamas.Israel had threatened to keep Rafah shut and reduce aid supplies because Hamas was returning bodies too slowly, showing the risks to a truce that has stopped two years of devastating warfare in Gaza and freed all living hostages held by Hamas.However, Hamas returned more Israeli bodies overnight, and an Israeli security official said on Wednesday preparations were under way to open Rafah to Gazan citizens, while a second official said that 600 aid trucks would go in.Hamas returned four bodies confirmed as dead hostages on Monday and another four bodies late on Tuesday, though Israeli authorities said one of those bodies was not that of a hostage.The dispute over the return of bodies still has the potential to upset the ceasefire deal along with other major issues that are yet to be resolved.Later phases of the truce call for Hamas to disarm and cede power, which it has so far refused to do. It has launched a security crackdown, parading its power in Gaza through public executions and clashes with local clans.Longer-term elements of the ceasefire plan, including how Gaza will be governed, the make-up of an international force to take over there and moves towards the creation of a Palestinian state have yet to emerge.Twenty-one bodies of hostages remain in Gaza, though some may be hard to find or recover because of destruction during the conflict. An international task force is meant to find them.The deal also requires Israel to return the bodies of 360 Palestinians. The first group of 45 was handed over on Tuesday and the bodies were being identified, said Palestinian health authorities.The war has caused a humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with nearly all inhabitants driven from their homes, a global hunger monitor saying famine was present in the enclave and health authorities overwhelmed."Our situation is utterly tragic. We went back to our homes in the al-Tuffah neighbourhood and found there are no homes at all. There is no shelter. Nothing," said Moemen Hassanein in Gaza City, with tents and shanties behind him.Reuters video showed a first group of trucks moving from the Egyptian side of the border into the Rafah crossing at dawn on Wednesday, some tankers carrying fuel and others loaded with pallets of aid.However, it was not clear if that convoy would complete its crossing into Gaza as part of the 600 trucks that were due to enter the enclave on Wednesday - the full daily complement required under the ceasefire plan. Aid trucks entered Gaza through other crossings."Humanitarian aid continues to enter the Gaza Strip through the Kerem Shalom Crossing and other crossings after Israeli security inspection," the Israeli security official said.Israel's public broadcaster Kan reported that Wednesday's aid deliveries would include food, medical supplies, fuel, cooking gas and equipment to repair vital infrastructure.Rafah is due to be opened to Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza either entering or exiting the enclave. But those awaiting medical evacuation told Reuters they had not yet received notification to prepare for travel.The Palestinian Authority, which governs in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, is preparing to operate the Rafah crossing into Egypt, which it previously did with EU assistance. Israel closed the crossing in 2007 after Hamas took over the enclave, but later allowed some movement through it under an agreement with Egypt.Several other Palestinian factions present in Gaza have backed the days-long Hamas security crackdown as it battles local clans that had tried to take over areas of the territory during the conflict.The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, one of the groups backing the Hamas crackdown, described the clans being targeted as "hubs of crime".The ceasefire envisaged Hamas initially restoring order in Gaza and US President Donald Trump, who brokered the deal, endorsed Hamas' crackdown on rival gangs, while warning it would face airstrikes if it did not later disarm.Israeli forces inside Gaza have pulled back to what the truce deal calls a yellow line just outside the main cities. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said it would immediately enforce any violation of the line.

Red Crescent vehicles and refrigerated trucks, transporting the bodies of 45 Palestinians that had been in Israeli custody, arrive at the Nasser hospital in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday. AFP
Region

Israel identifies hostage bodies, returns 45 Palestinian dead

The Israeli military said Tuesday that the remains of four deceased hostages returned by Hamas have been identified, including those of a Nepalese student.Separately, a Gaza hospital said it has received the bodies of 45 Palestinians that had been handed back by Israel, also as part of US President Donald Trump's plan to end the Gaza war.In a statement, the Israeli military named two of the victims as Guy Iluz, an Israeli national, and Bipin Joshi, an agriculture student from Nepal.The names of the other two hostages have not yet been released at the request of their families, the statement added.Iluz, who was 26 at the time of the attack, had been attending the Nova music festival when assault happened on October 7, 2023.Joshi, who was 22 at the time of the attack, was part of a Nepalese agricultural training group that had arrived in Israel three weeks before the Hamas assault.He was abducted from Kibbutz Alumim.Hamas returned the four bodies on Monday, following the release of all 20 surviving captives as part of the ceasefire deal brokered by Trump.Meanwhile, the bodies of 45 Palestinians that had been in Israeli custody were handed over to the Nasser Medical Centre in Gaza, the hospital said.Under the Trump deal, Israel was to turn over the bodies of 15 Palestinians for every deceased Israeli returned.Palestinian fighters are still holding the bodies of 24 hostages, which are expected to be returned under the terms of the ceasefire agreement.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Amir hopes summit results will lead to just solution for Palestinian cause

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani expressed his hope that the positive results from the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit will meet the aspirations of the people in the Gaza Strip and contribute to a comprehensive and just solution for the Palestinian cause.In a post on his official X account, His Highness the Amir voiced happiness with the positive outcomes of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit. He expressed hope that these results would serve as a starting point for more future agreements that fulfill the hopes of the people in Gaza and lead to a comprehensive, just, and sustainable resolution of the Palestinian cause, looking forward to all parties committing to the common understanding that has been reached, for the good of everyone.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and other world leaders who attended the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit Monday.
Qatar

Glowing praise for Amir's pivotal role in ending Gaza war

US President Donald Trump affirmed Monday that the signing of the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Agreement has ended the war in the Gaza Strip, and that this heralds the beginning of a strong Middle East living in peace.He extended thanks to His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and to the Arab and Muslim nations that assisted in reaching the deal.Speaking at the Sharm el-Sheikh Peace Summit in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, President Trump thanked Arab and Muslim states for making the breakthrough possible. He offered particular thanks for His Highness the Amir, describing him as "an exceptional man who is greatly respected." Trump declared that the nations had collectively achieved peace in the Middle East, something widely considered impossible. He called the signed document "historic" and "the greatest deal ever," confirming that the fighting in Gaza was finished and that aid deliveries had started. He promised to lead the Middle East toward a better future.The US President assured the attendees that a Third World War would be avoided in the Middle East.While acknowledging the difficulty of the initial steps toward peace, he stated that the momentum was now moving toward achieving lasting peace in the region and that this was a unique opportunity. He urged all parties to maintain the collaborative spirit to ensure the continuation of this historic success.Trump reiterated the historical significance of the achievement, calling for a demilitarised Gaza and a safe Middle East. He also confirmed an agreement on the necessity of supporting the reconstruction of Gaza.Acknowledging the challenges ahead, the president suggested that the rebuilding of Gaza might be the most difficult phase. He noted that wealthy nations had already informed him of their willingness to assist in the reconstruction efforts. Furthermore, he mentioned that many wish to join the "Peace Council on Gaza," which may require expansion.Finally, President Trump extended his condolences to Qatar for the recent tragic incident in Sharm el- Sheikh that resulted in the deaths of several Amiri Diwan employees.His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani arrived earlier Monday in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, to head Qatar's delegation participating in the summit for peace.His Highness the Amir was welcomed upon arrival at Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport by Egyptian Minister of Culture Dr. Ahmed Fouad Hano, and Qatar's Ambassador to Egypt Tariq bin Ali al-Ansari.His Highness is accompanied by HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and an official delegation.

Gulf Times
Qatar

Amir attends agreement signing ceremony

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani participated in the signing ceremony of the agreement ending the war in Gaza, alongside President of the Arab Republic of Egypt Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, President of the President of the United States of America Donald Trump.The ceremony took place in the presence of Their Majesties, Highnesses, and Excellencies heads of states, governments, and delegations taking part in the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, held at the Sharm El Sheikh International Convention Center, in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and HE Chief of the Amiri Diwan Abdullah bin Mohammed al-Khulaifi attended the signing ceremony, alongside a lineup of members of the official delegation accompanying His Highness the Amir, members of the accompanying official delegations, representatives of regional and international organizations, and guests of the summit.

US President Donald Trump and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pose for a photo before a meeting at a summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday. AFP
Region

Egyptian, US presidents affirm importance of achieving Middle East peace

US President Donald Trump said Monday that peace is happening now in the Middle East, which is going through a very remarkable period right now."We will see a lot of progress in the Middle East", Trump said during a joint meeting with his Egyptian counterpart ahead of the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit, explaining that Gaza needs the efforts of all to remove the rubble.He also noted that the Sharm El Sheikh Peace Summit is witnessing important representation in this regard, praising Egypt's role in ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.For his part, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi commended the efforts of his US counterpart in stopping the war in Gaza, describing the Gaza ceasefire agreement as a tremendous achievement.US President is the only one capable of ending the war and achieving peace in our region, El-Sisi added, before pointing out that Egypt is working to stabilize the ceasefire as quickly as possible and urgently deliver humanitarian aid.He also said that coordination with the United States continues, expressing his country's readiness to take all necessary measures to ensure the goals of peace and stability in the Middle East are achieved.

US President Donald Trump shows a signed document during a summit on Gaza in Sharm el-Sheikh on Monday. AFP
Qatar

US, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey sign Gaza declaration

The United States, Egypt, Qatar and Turkey signed a declaration on Monday as the guarantors of a Gaza deal aimed at ending two years of war."The document is going to spell out rules and regulations and lots of other things," Trump said before signing, repeating twice that "it's going to hold up".