Arab Media Summit puts politics, AI and Syria in focus
The opening day of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai highlighted how geopolitical, economic and technological upheaval is reshaping not only the ...
A powerful sandstorm sweeping across Gaza has further worsened living conditions for displaced Palestinians already struggling amid a deep humanitarian crisis.
The storm, carrying dust and strong winds from North Africa, has battered makeshift camps where thousands remain sheltering in tents following two years of Israeli military operations that left widespread destruction across the enclave.
Palestinian meteorologist Lays al-Allami said in a statement on social media platform X that a large-scale sandstorm formed along the northern coasts of Libya and Egypt and was moving eastward toward Palestinian territories.
In a separate post on 12 February, Allami warned that strong winds from the deserts of northeastern Africa would affect southern and central areas, with gusts intensifying at times.
The Palestinian Meteorological Service also said winds originating from Africa could be strong in places, causing heavy dust and moderate sea conditions.
Storm Intensifies Suffering in Camps
The dusty and turbulent weather has made daily life even more difficult for families living in fragile tents that offer little protection against sand and wind.
Displaced residents, particularly those suffering from chronic respiratory illnesses, fear the health impact of prolonged exposure to dust as strong gusts shake already damaged shelters.
According to the videos shared by activists on social media, powerful winds rattling tents and trees across parts of Gaza.
Despite a ceasefire in place since 10 October 2025, humanitarian conditions in the territory remain severe. Palestinians continue to face shortages of basic supplies and medical equipment, compounded by cold weather and recurring storms.
In December 2025, severe winter weather led to the collapse of buildings previously damaged during hostilities, resulting in casualties.
The latest sandstorm has added yet another layer of hardship for residents already coping with displacement and fragile living conditions.
Maritime trackers received new reports of an attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Sunday, according to the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), adding to concerns about energy supplies after Saudi Arabia shut down a vital oil pipeline on Saturday.
U.S. Central Command said 101 commercial vessels have been redirected in the Strait of Hormuz, while oil prices rose more than three per cent amid fresh regional attacks and supply concerns.
A Russian strike on a farm warehouse in Pryluky, north-central Ukraine, has killed at least three people, local police said. Meanwhile, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said an attack on a train near the Polish border was an attempt to intimidate Ukraine's allies.
U.S. President Donald Trump has again said Iran is keen to reach a deal quickly, but a senior Iranian security official rejected the claim, saying Tehran will not negotiate until its conditions are met.
A Danish military helicopter came within “metres” of being struck by flares fired by a Russian warship, Denmark's Defence Minister Jeppe Bruus said on Tuesday. Russia accused Denmark of carrying out “dangerous manoeuvres” near its ship, and said it was investigating the incident.
The opening day of the 24th Arab Media Summit in Dubai highlighted how geopolitical, economic and technological upheaval is reshaping not only the region, but the media industry itself.
Georgia's move to comply with U.S. sanctions on Iranian airlines has sparked a diplomatic exchange with Tehran, as Tbilisi faces growing scrutiny in Washington over its ties with Iran, Russia and China.
Pakistan’s courts have temporarily blocked the expulsion of Afghan medical students, allowing dozens to continue their studies as Islamabad presses ahead with its wider Afghan repatriation drive amid tensions with Kabul.
Syria says it has taken major steps to resolve long-running concerns over its nuclear programme, marking what officials describe as the beginning of a new phase of cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
Georgia has been formally integrated into the European Union's Trans-European Transport Network (TEN-T), bringing Anaklia Deep-Sea Port, Georgian Railway's main line and the East-West Highway into the network's expanded framework.
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