Day: May 22, 2024

Jerusalem - Together - US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said, "I held detailed discussions about Rafah during my visit to Israel to reduce civilian casualties." He added, "We did not withhold any information from Israel that might lead to the arrest of those responsible for the October 7 attack." He said, "We provide all our capabilities and capabilities to work with the Israeli government in order to achieve its goals." He said, "President Biden believes in the two-state solution as the best way to bring stability to the region." He added, "We are working with Israel to defeat Hamas." He said, "We see targeted and limited Israeli operations in Gaza." He said, "Withholding funding from the Palestinian Authority is a strategic mistake that undermines its role in the West Bank." He said, "During my visit to the region, I saw Israel's plans to reduce human losses to a minimum in Rafah." Source: Maan News Agency

Moscow, His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, arrived in Moscow today, on an official state visit to the Russian Federation at the invitation of His Excellency Vladimir Putin, the President of Russia. The royal flight was accompanied by a Russian Air Force air escort mission upon its entry into the Russian airspace. The visit aims to discuss the historical Bahrain-Russia relations and the current regional and international developments. Upon his arrival at Vnukovo International Airport, HM King Hamad Hamad was received by His Excellency Mr. Mikhail Bogdanov, Russian Presidential Special Representative for the Middle East and Africa, and Deputy Foreign Minister; Igor Bogdashev, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's State Protocol Department; His Excellency Mr. Alexey Skosyrev, Ambassador of Russia to Bahrain; and His Excellency Mr. Abdulrahman Al Saati, Ambassador of Bahrain to Russia. A ceremonial reception was held in honour of HM the King's visit. It included the performance of Bahrain's natio nal anthem and Russia's national anthem. In a statement upon his arrival, HM the King expressed his appreciation to HE President Putin for his invitation, praising the advanced level of bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries. HM King Hamad commended Russia's prominent position on the global arena, under the leadership of HE President Putin. His Majesty highlighted Russia's constructive role in consolidating international peace and security. HM the King commended Russia's economic and comprehensive development advancement, affirming the keenness to strengthen Bahrain-Russia relations. Source: Bahrain News Agency

New York - Ma'an - The United Nations announced, on Wednesday, that it had suspended the distribution of food supplies in the city of Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip due to a lack of supplies and insecurity, noting that the main entry routes for relief convoys are still closed or too dangerous to reach. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) confirmed today that food distribution has been suspended due to a shortage of supplies and ongoing hostilities that have made it too dangerous for relief teams to work. UNRWA spokeswoman Louise Wattridge said in an interview with UN Radio that 'the situation in Rafah has deteriorated significantly since the initial evacuation orders were issued there on May 6, and as this military operation expands further in Rafah, this has been severe and severe.' She added, "We can now no longer access food distribution centers in this area due to active military operations, and there is no safety. In addition, we do not receive any unhindered ac cess to aid through the crossings." Source: Maan News Agency

Manama, The Kingdom of Bahrain's speech was delivered by Ambassador Jamal Fares Al Ruwaie, the Permanent Representative of Bahrain to the United Nations in New York, in the Security Council's open debate on the protection of civilians in armed conflict. The session coincided with the 25th anniversary of the adoption of Security Council Resolution 1265 (1999) and the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions for the year 1949. In the speech, Bahrain emphasised the urgent need for parties in armed conflicts to comply with international humanitarian law and international human rights law to protect civilians, stressing the need to follow a comprehensive approach to address the complexities and accumulated damage on civilians and civilian objects. Ambassador Al Ruwaie highlighted the success of the 33rd Arab Summit hosted by the Kingdom of Bahrain on May 16, and the initiatives presented by the kingdom, which were included in the Bahrain Declaration. The initiatives included a proposal on the hosting of an i nternational peace conference on the Middle East to resolve the Palestinian issue and support the acceptance of Palestine's membership in the United Nations, and providing health and educational services to those affected by conflicts and disputes in the region. The aim is to create a safe and secure environment for all the peoples of the Middle East and initiate the recovery phase for the region. The speech also highlighted the recommendations and stances in the Bahrain Declaration and the statement addressing the tragic conditions in the Gaza Strip. Source: Bahrain News Agency

Jerusalem - Ma'an - On Wednesday evening, the occupation forces stormed the Shuafat refugee camp in the city of Jerusalem. The forces dropped gas bombs heavily in the streets of the camp, targeting the entrances to residential buildings and shops. A number of residents suffered from suffocation. Source: Maan News Agency

Abu Dhabi, The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has today reaffirmed that Saadiyat Cultural District, along with its cultural institutions, is on track for completion in 2025. According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), Saadiyat Cultural District is a global platform, emanating from a rich cultural heritage, celebrating traditions, and advancing equitable culture. It is an embodiment of empowerment, showcasing museums, collections, and narratives that celebrate the region's heritage while promoting a diverse global cultural landscape. Once completed, the diversity of Saadiyat Cultural District's institutions will make the district one of the most unique cultural platforms. It is already the home of the Louvre Abu Dhabi - the first universal museum in the Arab world showcasing artworks from different cultures side by side and telling a story of human connections. Since opening in 2017, the Louvre Abu Dhabi has welcomed 5 million visitors and is recognised for its breathtaking archit ecture and its innovative narrative. Nearby, Berklee Abu Dhabi offers music, performing arts and educational programmes throughout the year. Additionally, Manarat Al Saadiyat serves as a centre for creative artistic expression and is home to two significant initiatives in Abu Dhabi's cultural calendar: Abu Dhabi Art and Culture Summit Abu Dhabi. The current construction progress of the soon-to-open institutions in Saadiyat Cultural District stands at 76 percent. Zayed National Museum, the national museum of the United Arab Emirates, will celebrate the nation's rich history and culture, as well as honour the legacy of the country's founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Additionally, teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi invites visitors to an ever-changing exploration that will transcend the limits of their imagination. It will be joined by the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, which will include a research and teaching institution that will take visitors on a 13.8 billion-year journey through the story of our universe and our planet. Guggenheim Abu Dhabi will be a museum celebrating art from the 1960s to the present and the most important artistic achievements of our time. Saadiyat Cultural District pays homage to the legacy of the late Sheikh Zayed, who defined the cultural agenda and unveiled the history of the UAE to the world through archaeological excavations and findings. This legacy began with the establishment of Al Ain Museum, the first museum in the UAE, which opened in 1971. This was followed by the inauguration of the Cultural Foundation in 1981. Sheikh Zayed's legacy continued to evolve under the guidance of the late Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan. Today, President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council, continue to build on that legacy. Mohamed Al Mubarak, Chairman of DCT Abu Dhabi, said, "Culture transcends mere connections; it shapes our very evolution and broadens our perspectives. Here in Abu Dhabi, we embrace this influence, fostering a deep appreciation that resonates throughout our community. Saadiyat Cultural District embodies 'cultural hope'. The District will convey a message of cultural diversity that will become more powerful over time, creating global connections, inspiring cultural exchange, and fostering new ways of thinking to support the region, the global South and the world. Saadiyat Cultural District is somewhere people can come to learn from the past, understand our present and focus on our future." Saadiyat Cultural District is a testament to Abu Dhabi's commitment to preserving heritage while embracing a forward-looking vision. The District invites the world to engage with diverse cultures, fostering dialogue and exchange, and offers a global cultural space that empowers the region and the global south. Source: Bahrain News Agency