US President Donald Trump has appointed Michel Issa as ambassador to Lebanon, praising his extensive business background. Over 50 freed Israeli hostages have urged the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire, stressing the urgency for their remaining compatriots. Concurrently, the UAE is taking significant steps to reduce food waste during Ramadan, while Arab leaders have proposed an alternative plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, endorsed by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
On Friday, United States President Donald Trump announced the appointment of Michel Issa as the US ambassador to Lebanon. President Trump praised Mr. Issa’s extensive background, stating, “Michel is an outstanding businessman, a financial expert, and a leader with a remarkable career in Banking, Entrepreneurship, and International Trade.” This nomination reflects an emphasis on economic expertise in diplomatic representation in the region.
In a separate development, more than 50 freed Israeli hostages urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fully implement the Gaza ceasefire agreement. They emphasized that, having experienced captivity, they understand that a return to conflict poses a serious threat to those remaining in captivity. Their letter called for an immediate and complete execution of the agreement, underscoring the urgency to ensure the safety of the hostages still held by Hamas.
The recent video released by Hamas showing the Israeli captive Matan Angrest has intensified calls for action from the Israeli government. Angrest, who celebrated his 22nd birthday in captivity, also urged authorities to pursue the implementation of the ceasefire deal. Currently, out of the 251 hostages taken during the attack on Israel, 58 remain in Gaza. Discussions regarding the next steps in the ceasefire agreement are underway, with Egyptian officials meeting Hamas representatives to address progress and conditions for the second phase of the deal.
In the United Arab Emirates, a report revealed that approximately 3.27 million tons of food are wasted yearly, with the amount significantly increasing during Ramadan. As part of a national initiative, the UAE has set a goal to reduce food waste by 50 percent by 2030. During this Ramadan, the UAE Food Bank is actively collecting surplus food from various establishments to assist families in need, aiming not only to alleviate food waste but also to help those suffering from economic hardships exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Furthermore, Arab leaders recently convened to establish an alternative plan in response to President Trump’s proposal for Gaza. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation endorsed a counter-proposal to build Gaza under the administration of the Palestinian Authority. This decision was reached during an emergency meeting, emphasizing the desire to avoid the displacement of Palestinian residents. The leaders called for international support for the reconstruction trust fund aimed at revitalizing Gaza post-conflict.
In summary, President Trump’s appointment of Michel Issa as ambassador to Lebanon highlights the importance of economic expertise in US diplomacy. The ongoing situation in Gaza remains dire, with freed hostages urging immediate actions from Israeli authorities to secure the release of others still held captive. Simultaneously, the UAE’s initiatives to combat food waste reflect a commitment to social responsibility. Finally, the collective response of Arab leaders to propose an alternative to Trump’s Gaza plan indicates a significant geopolitical stance in favor of Palestinian rights and reconstruction efforts, emphasizing the importance of international support for sustainable peace.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
