Saudi Arabia is holding talks with Gulf allies and hosting Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi as Gaza ceasefire and hostage release talks remain deadlocked.
Mr El Sisi is meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Neom region, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency. The two leaders are expected to discuss ways to enhance bilateral co-operation as well as regional developments, including the war in Gaza, among other pressing matters.
Egypt is a key mediator in the negotiations, along with Qatar and the US.
Israel is currently studying Hamas's response to a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire and the release of half the hostages still held in Gaza.
This week, Israeli Minister for Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer met a delegation of senior Qatari officials in Paris to discuss the deal, according to Israeli media. Reports suggested Mr Dermer said that Israel was set on a comprehensive agreement only, under which Hamas would release all of the hostages and accept Israeli terms for its removal from power. Israel has yet to provide mediators with an official reply.
Hamas has demanded that Israeli troops withdraw more than 800 metres from residential areas in Gaza, an amendment to the draft agreement proposed by Qatar and Egypt. That position came after Israel insisted on the immediate release of all 50 hostages, rejecting the phased process laid out in the current proposal.
Hopes of a breakthrough dimmed further on Thursday as Israel escalated military operations in Gaza city, despite international pressure for restraint. The Israeli army announced the first steps of an offensive aimed at seizing control of the city, called up tens of thousands of reservists and launched heavy bombardments.
In response, the Saudi Foreign Ministry released a statement condemning Israel's actions.
"The kingdom affirms that these steps constitute serious violations of international law and relevant Security Council resolutions," the statement read. "The implementation of these dangerous Israeli plans and continued Israeli occupation authorities' crimes without deterrence have a significant impact on the security and stability of the region."
Talks with ministers
Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan held separate phone calls on Wednesday with foreign ministers from Bahrain, Qatar and the UAE.
Prince Faisal spoke to Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani and Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani of Bahrain.
He discussed the latest regional and international developments and issues of common interest between Riyadh and the three Gulf nations, the Saudi Foreign Ministry reported.
The talks came as French President Emmanuel Macron said France would co-chair a reconvened conference on the two-state solution with Saudi Arabia in New York in September.
Other regional concerns include fears of a renewed war between Iran and Israel. Iranian officials warned this week that war with Israel could resume at any moment, describing the current lull after June’s 12-day conflict as a temporary halt.
The comments are the latest in an exchange of belligerent remarks by both Iran and Israel since their unprecedented war. Last month, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi threatened to respond to another Israeli or US attack in a "more decisive manner".
In June, Iran retaliated for US strikes on its underground nuclear sites by targeting Al Udeid in Qatar, the largest US military base in the Middle East.
Tamkeen's offering
- Option 1: 70% in year 1, 50% in year 2, 30% in year 3
- Option 2: 50% across three years
- Option 3: 30% across five years
ENGLAND SQUAD
Goalkeepers Henderson, Pickford, Pope.
Defenders Alexander-Arnold, Chilwell, Coady, Dier, Gomez, Keane, Maguire, Maitland-Niles, Mings, Saka, Trippier, Walker.
Midfielders Henderson, Mount, Phillips, Rice, Ward-Prowse, Winks.
Forwards Abraham, Barnes, Calvert-Lewin, Grealish, Ings, Kane, Rashford, Sancho, Sterling.
More coverage from the Future Forum
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
The Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index
Mazen Abukhater, principal and actuary at global consultancy Mercer, Middle East, says the company’s Melbourne Mercer Global Pension Index - which benchmarks 34 pension schemes across the globe to assess their adequacy, sustainability and integrity - included Saudi Arabia for the first time this year to offer a glimpse into the region.
The index highlighted fundamental issues for all 34 countries, such as a rapid ageing population and a low growth / low interest environment putting pressure on expected returns. It also highlighted the increasing popularity around the world of defined contribution schemes.
“Average life expectancy has been increasing by about three years every 10 years. Someone born in 1947 is expected to live until 85 whereas someone born in 2007 is expected to live to 103,” Mr Abukhater told the Mena Pensions Conference.
“Are our systems equipped to handle these kind of life expectancies in the future? If so many people retire at 60, they are going to be in retirement for 43 years – so we need to adapt our retirement age to our changing life expectancy.”
Saudi Arabia came in the middle of Mercer’s ranking with a score of 58.9. The report said the country's index could be raised by improving the minimum level of support for the poorest aged individuals and increasing the labour force participation rate at older ages as life expectancies rise.
Mr Abukhater said the challenges of an ageing population, increased life expectancy and some individuals relying solely on their government for financial support in their retirement years will put the system under strain.
“To relieve that pressure, governments need to consider whether it is time to switch to a defined contribution scheme so that individuals can supplement their own future with the help of government support,” he said.
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Key figures in the life of the fort
Sheikh Dhiyab bin Isa (ruled 1761-1793) Built Qasr Al Hosn as a watchtower to guard over the only freshwater well on Abu Dhabi island.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Dhiyab (ruled 1793-1816) Expanded the tower into a small fort and transferred his ruling place of residence from Liwa Oasis to the fort on the island.
Sheikh Tahnoon bin Shakhbut (ruled 1818-1833) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further as Abu Dhabi grew from a small village of palm huts to a town of more than 5,000 inhabitants.
Sheikh Khalifa bin Shakhbut (ruled 1833-1845) Repaired and fortified the fort.
Sheikh Saeed bin Tahnoon (ruled 1845-1855) Turned Qasr Al Hosn into a strong two-storied structure.
Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa (ruled 1855-1909) Expanded Qasr Al Hosn further to reflect the emirate's increasing prominence.
Sheikh Shakhbut bin Sultan (ruled 1928-1966) Renovated and enlarged Qasr Al Hosn, adding a decorative arch and two new villas.
Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan (ruled 1966-2004) Moved the royal residence to Al Manhal palace and kept his diwan at Qasr Al Hosn.
Sources: Jayanti Maitra, www.adach.ae
MATCH INFO
Quarter-finals
Saturday (all times UAE)
England v Australia, 11.15am
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Wales v France, 11.15am
Japan v South Africa, 2.15pm
