GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al-Budaiwi has welcomed the steps taken by Hamas in response to US President Donald Trump's Gaza proposal while stressing on the importance of strengthening Gulf integration to confront accelerating global changes.
The proposal includes the release of all alive and deceased Israeli hostages within 72 hours of Israel publicly accepting the agreement.
In a statement, Al-Budaiwi further supported international and regional efforts to end the crisis in the Gaza Strip, adding on the need to reach a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire agreement, and alleviate the humanitarian suffering of Palestinians in the Strip.
He also affirmed the GCC's firm position on establishing an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
In efforts to strengthen collective collaboration, Al-Budaiwi further emphasised the need to expedite the legislation required to remove obstacles hindering progress in support of GCC cooperation during the 26th meeting of the ministerial committee tasked with following up on joint action decisions in Kuwait on Sunday.
He also praised recent achievements, notably advances in the customs union and steps toward completing the GCC common market, describing them as milestones that will significantly enhance member states’ economies and support diversification efforts.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu submitted a request to the country's president on Sunday for a pardon in his years-long corruption trial, arguing that criminal proceedings were hindering his ability to govern and a pardon would serve the interests of Israeli society.
The death toll mounted to over 600 from floods and landslides caused by torrential rains across three countries in Southeast Asia, officials said on Sunday, as relief efforts for tens of thousands of displaced people continued over the weekend.
Sri Lanka's Disaster Management Centre (DMC) said on Sunday that the death toll from Cyclone Ditwah, which has been affecting the country in recent days, has climbed to 159, with 203 still missing.
More than a thousand people turned out on Sunday to pay tribute to the victims of Hong Kong's deadliest fire in more than 75 years, as Beijing warned it would use a national security law to crack down on any "anti-China" protest in the wake of the fire.
President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has said that Commemoration Day, on November 30, is a cherished national occasion on which the nation honours the memory of its courageous heroes who gave their lives for the UAE, exemplifying the highest ideals of sacrifice in defence of their country and its values.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said that on Commemoration Day the spirit of patriotism fills the hearts of all Emiratis, and the nation takes pride in the sacrifices of its martyrs.
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of condolence to President Prabowo Subianto of Indonesia over the victims of floods and landslides on Sumatra Island, resulting in hundreds of deaths and injuries.