Live updates: Follow the latest on Israel-Gaza
The G7 countries on Friday urged feuding Middle East powers to take steps towards peace as they condemned Iran for causing a "dangerous escalation" by attacking Israel.
In a lengthy joint statement on the Middle East, G7 foreign ministers threatened more sanctions on Iran for "malicious and destabilising actions" as the West seeks an "active role" in calming the region.
After reports of an overnight Israeli retaliation, the ministers from the US, Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada and Japan urged both sides to "work to prevent further escalation".
"We call on all parties, both in the region and beyond, to offer their positive contribution to this collective effort," they said after three days of talks in Capri, Italy.
The plea for peace also included a call from the G7 for a ceasefire in Gaza, as the US said Hamas had "rejected generous proposals" from Israel.
Middle East tensions overshadowed the G7 talks after Iran launched an unprecedented drone and missile barrage at Israel last weekend, saying it was retaliating for an attack on its Damascus consulate.
Friday's apparent Israeli strike on the Iranian city of Isfahan - in which the US denied involvement - derailed the meeting further as discussions on the Indo-Pacific were sidelined for more Middle East talks.
The countries most negatively affected by the Houthis’ attacks include those in the region.
G7 communique
Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said the G7 countries "want this part of the conflict between Iran and Israel to come to an end". UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called for "calm heads to prevail".
The US and UK announced new sanctions on Iranian military commanders and drone manufacturers during the meeting, but the G7 as a whole did not agree specific new measures.
However, they "stand ready to adopt further sanctions" if Iran and its proxies do not stop carrying out attacks.
The G7 would also take "new and significant measures" if Iran were to provide Russia with ballistic missiles, the ministers said.
"We’ve not just taken a photograph of the situation," Mr Tajani said. "The G7 committed itself to a political role to bring peace to the Middle East."
In a 2,500-word communique on the Middle East:
· The G7 condemned a series of Iranian actions such as seizing a merchant vessel, supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, enriching uranium and repressing dissent at home
· The ministers said they oppose an Israeli attack on Rafah, in the south of Gaza, and demanded a "credible plan" from Israel to protect its civilians
· Israel was asked to "do more" to protect aid workers and told to bring violent settlers to justice, while Hamas was condemned for its violent acts and "refusal to release hostages"
· Concern was raised that Houthi attacks against Red Sea shipping are affecting energy supplies and the shipping of humanitarian aid in the region
· Ministers said they remain committed to a Syrian peace process and accountability for war crimes, as well as efforts to resolve the conflict in Yemen.
Italy said the US had shared with G7 partners that it was "informed at the last minute" about Friday's apparent Israeli strike against Iran.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken did not deny this but said Washington had "not been involved in any offensive operations".
He said the US was "committed to Israel's security" but also "to de-escalating, to trying to bring this tension to a close".
Israel has taken "important steps" to increase the flow of aid to Gaza but "we need to see sustained results", Mr Blinken said.
However, he said "the only thing standing between the Gazan people and a ceasefire is Hamas"'.
"It’s rejected generous proposals from Israel, it seems more interested in a regional conflict than it is in a ceasefire that would immediately improve the lives of the Palestinian people," Mr Blinken said.
He hailed what he called a commitment by the G7 to hold Iran to account including by "degrading its missile and drone capability".
Iran threats
The G7 statement aired a long list of grievances with Iran, leading with what it called the "dangerous escalation" of the attack on Israel.
"Iran’s actions mark an unacceptable step towards the destabilisation of the region and a further escalation, which must be avoided," it said.
The G7 urged all countries to prevent Iran from acquiring drone and missile parts, amid calls in Europe to widen the scope of sanctions linked to Russia.
If Iran gives missiles to Russia the G7 is "prepared to respond in a swift and co-ordinated manner, including with new and significant measures against Iran", it said.
Iran was urged to "cease and reverse nuclear escalations" in which it has enriched uranium beyond what diplomats say could be any civilian use.
Also raised was Iran's treatment of domestic protesters and its habit of taking dual nationals as prisoners, widely seen as a bargaining tactic.
"We condemn Iran’s harassment, intimidation and plots to kill perceived dissidents and opponents of the regime overseas," the statement said.
Gaza appeals
The G7 ministers said an "unacceptable number of civilians" had been killed in Gaza as it demanded that Israel act "humanely and with dignity".
They urged Israel to move quickly to meet pledges to speed up the entry of humanitarian aid through new land and sea routes.
"We call on Israel to do more to ensure protection of international and local humanitarian aid workers, journalists, and Palestinian civilians," they said.
In a call for a "sustainable ceasefire", the G7 said it supports US-brokered efforts for a truce that would involve the return of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas.
"We are also working, including by imposing sanctions and other measures, to deny Hamas the ability to raise funds to carry out further atrocities," the ministers said.
They urged both sides not to "undermine the prospect of a two-state solution" as they called for rising levels of violence by Israeli settlers to be reined in.
Regional conflicts
Yemen's Houthis were urged to release shipping crews taken hostage during their attacks on Red Sea shipping, which were condemned by the G7.
It warned that of a "hindrance to the transit of energy supplies, raw materials and other commodities" through the Red Sea affecting countries in the region.
Free navigation in the area is essential for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to more than half the population of Yemen and to Sudan and Ethiopia, the ministers said.
They called on the Houthis and other warring parties in Yemen to engage in a peace process amid "great concern" for its humanitarian state.
Syria's government was likewise urged to "engage meaningfully" in a political process, with sanctions relief only possible once that occurs.
Peace in Syria "cannot be achieved" without the enduring defeat of ISIS, the G7 said.
Anti-ISIS forces led by the US remain stationed in the region and some were diverted to intercept Iran's attack on Israel last weekend.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
- In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
- Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
- Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Russia's Muslim Heartlands
Dominic Rubin, Oxford
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company%20profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EName%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Belong%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Dubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Michael%20Askew%20and%20Matthew%20Gaziano%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Technology%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETotal%20funding%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%243.5%20million%20from%20crowd%20funding%20and%20angel%20investors%3Cstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2012%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Scotland's team:
15-Sean Maitland, 14-Darcy Graham, 13-Nick Grigg, 12-Sam Johnson, 11-Byron McGuigan, 10-Finn Russell, 9-Ali Price, 8-Magnus Bradbury, 7-Hamish Watson, 6-Sam Skinner, 5-Grant Gilchrist, 4-Ben Toolis, 3-Willem Nel, 2-Stuart McInally (captain), 1-Allan Dell
Replacements: 16-Fraser Brown, 17-Gordon Reid, 18-Simon Berghan, 19-Jonny Gray, 20-Josh Strauss, 21-Greig Laidlaw, 22-Adam Hastings, 23-Chris Harris
BULKWHIZ PROFILE
Date started: February 2017
Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: E-commerce
Size: 50 employees
Funding: approximately $6m
Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait
Funk Wav Bounces Vol.1
Calvin Harris
Columbia
'Worse than a prison sentence'
Marie Byrne, a counsellor who volunteers at the UAE government's mental health crisis helpline, said the ordeal the crew had been through would take time to overcome.
“It was worse than a prison sentence, where at least someone can deal with a set amount of time incarcerated," she said.
“They were living in perpetual mystery as to how their futures would pan out, and what that would be.
“Because of coronavirus, the world is very different now to the one they left, that will also have an impact.
“It will not fully register until they are on dry land. Some have not seen their young children grow up while others will have to rebuild relationships.
“It will be a challenge mentally, and to find other work to support their families as they have been out of circulation for so long. Hopefully they will get the care they need when they get home.”
In-demand jobs and monthly salaries
- Technology expert in robotics and automation: Dh20,000 to Dh40,000
- Energy engineer: Dh25,000 to Dh30,000
- Production engineer: Dh30,000 to Dh40,000
- Data-driven supply chain management professional: Dh30,000 to Dh50,000
- HR leader: Dh40,000 to Dh60,000
- Engineering leader: Dh30,000 to Dh55,000
- Project manager: Dh55,000 to Dh65,000
- Senior reservoir engineer: Dh40,000 to Dh55,000
- Senior drilling engineer: Dh38,000 to Dh46,000
- Senior process engineer: Dh28,000 to Dh38,000
- Senior maintenance engineer: Dh22,000 to Dh34,000
- Field engineer: Dh6,500 to Dh7,500
- Field supervisor: Dh9,000 to Dh12,000
- Field operator: Dh5,000 to Dh7,000
Greatest of All Time
Starring: Vijay, Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Mohan
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Angela Bassett, Tina Fey
Directed by: Pete Doctor
Rating: 4 stars
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Coffee: black death or elixir of life?
It is among the greatest health debates of our time; splashed across newspapers with contradicting headlines - is coffee good for you or not?
Depending on what you read, it is either a cancer-causing, sleep-depriving, stomach ulcer-inducing black death or the secret to long life, cutting the chance of stroke, diabetes and cancer.
The latest research - a study of 8,412 people across the UK who each underwent an MRI heart scan - is intended to put to bed (caffeine allowing) conflicting reports of the pros and cons of consumption.
The study, funded by the British Heart Foundation, contradicted previous findings that it stiffens arteries, putting pressure on the heart and increasing the likelihood of a heart attack or stroke, leading to warnings to cut down.
Numerous studies have recognised the benefits of coffee in cutting oral and esophageal cancer, the risk of a stroke and cirrhosis of the liver.
The benefits are often linked to biologically active compounds including caffeine, flavonoids, lignans, and other polyphenols, which benefit the body. These and othetr coffee compounds regulate genes involved in DNA repair, have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with lower risk of insulin resistance, which is linked to type-2 diabetes.
But as doctors warn, too much of anything is inadvisable. The British Heart Foundation found the heaviest coffee drinkers in the study were most likely to be men who smoked and drank alcohol regularly.
Excessive amounts of coffee also unsettle the stomach causing or contributing to stomach ulcers. It also stains the teeth over time, hampers absorption of minerals and vitamins like zinc and iron.
It also raises blood pressure, which is largely problematic for people with existing conditions.
So the heaviest drinkers of the black stuff - some in the study had up to 25 cups per day - may want to rein it in.
Rory Reynolds
WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
More from Neighbourhood Watch:
The specs
Engine: 2.9-litre, V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: seven-speed PDK dual clutch automatic
Power: 375bhp
Torque: 520Nm
Price: Dh332,800
On sale: now
Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Zayed Sustainability Prize
The five pillars of Islam
1. Fasting
2. Prayer
3. Hajj
4. Shahada
5. Zakat
COMPANY%20PROFILE%20
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20DarDoc%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Abu%20Dhabi%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Samer%20Masri%2C%20Keswin%20Suresh%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20HealthTech%3Cbr%3ETotal%20funding%3A%20%24800%2C000%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Flat6Labs%2C%20angel%20investors%20%2B%20Incubated%20by%20Hub71%2C%20Abu%20Dhabi's%20Department%20of%20Health%3Cbr%3ENumber%20of%20employees%3A%2010%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Indoor Cricket World Cup
Venue Insportz, Dubai, September 16-23
UAE squad Saqib Nazir (captain), Aaqib Malik, Fahad Al Hashmi, Isuru Umesh, Nadir Hussain, Sachin Talwar, Nashwan Nasir, Prashath Kumara, Ramveer Rai, Sameer Nayyak, Umar Shah, Vikrant Shetty
The%20Woman%20King%20
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Gina%20Prince-Bythewood%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Viola%20Davis%2C%20Thuso%20Mbedu%2C%20Sheila%20Atim%2C%20Lashana%20Lynch%2C%20John%20Boyega%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The BIO:
He became the first Emirati to climb Mount Everest in 2011, from the south section in Nepal
He ascended Mount Everest the next year from the more treacherous north Tibetan side
By 2015, he had completed the Explorers Grand Slam
Last year, he conquered K2, the world’s second-highest mountain located on the Pakistan-Chinese border
He carries dried camel meat, dried dates and a wheat mixture for the final summit push
His new goal is to climb 14 peaks that are more than 8,000 metres above sea level
Tottenham's 10 biggest transfers (according to transfermarkt.com):
1). Moussa Sissokho - Newcastle United - £30 million (Dh143m): Flop
2). Roberto Soldado - Valencia - £25m: Flop
3). Erik Lamela - Roma - £25m: Jury still out
4). Son Heung-min - Bayer Leverkusen - £25m: Success
5). Darren Bent - Charlton Athletic - £21m: Flop
6). Vincent Janssen - AZ Alkmaar - £18m: Flop
7). David Bentley - Blackburn Rovers - £18m: Flop
8). Luka Modric - Dynamo Zagreb - £17m: Success
9). Paulinho - Corinthians - £16m: Flop
10). Mousa Dembele - Fulham - £16m: Success
12%20restaurants%20opening%20at%20the%20hotel%20this%20month
%3Cp%3EAriana%E2%80%99s%20Persian%20Kitchen%3Cbr%3EDinner%20by%20Heston%20Blumenthal%3Cbr%3EEstiatorio%20Milos%3Cbr%3EHouse%20of%20Desserts%3Cbr%3EJaleo%20by%20Jose%20Andres%3Cbr%3ELa%20Mar%3Cbr%3ELing%20Ling%3Cbr%3ELittle%20Venice%20Cake%20Company%3Cbr%3EMalibu%2090265%3Cbr%3ENobu%20by%20the%20Beach%3Cbr%3EResonance%20by%20Heston%20Blumenthal%3Cbr%3EThe%20Royal%20Tearoom%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
THE SPECS
Engine: 3-litre V6
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 424hp
Torque: 580 Nm
Price: From Dh399,000
On sale: Now
SPECS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%206-cylinder%203-litre%2C%20with%20petrol%20and%20diesel%20variants%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E8-speed%20automatic%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20286hp%20(petrol)%2C%20249hp%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E450Nm%20(petrol)%2C%20550Nm%20(diesel)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EStarting%20at%20%2469%2C800%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
STAGE%201%20RESULTS
%3Cp%3E1)%20Tim%20Merlier%20(Soudal-Quick-Step)%2C%203h%2017%E2%80%99%2035%E2%80%9D%3Cbr%3E2)%20Caleb%20Ewan%20(Lotto%20Dstny)%20same%20time%3Cbr%3E3)%20Mark%20Cavendish%20(Astana%20Qazaqstan%20Team)%20same%20time%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EGeneral%20Classification%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3E1)%20Tim%20Merlier%20(Soudal%20Quick-Step)%203%3A17%3A25%3Cbr%3E2%20-%20Caleb%20Ewan%20(Lotto%20Dstny)%20%2B4%22%3Cbr%3E3%20-%20Luke%20Plapp%20(Ineos%20Grenadiers)%20%2B5%22%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Profile
Company name: Marefa Digital
Based: Dubai Multi Commodities Centre
Number of employees: seven
Sector: e-learning
Funding stage: Pre-seed funding of Dh1.5m in 2017 and an initial seed round of Dh2m in 2019
Investors: Friends and family
