Hamas officials say Israel delaying aid delivery to Gaza, may affect hostages' release

Displaced Palestinians cross a checkpoint manned by Hamas security at the Nezarim corridor as people make their way from the south to the northern parts of the Gaza Strip, on Salah al-Din road, in Mughraqa in central Gaza, on January 29, 2025. (AFP)
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Updated 29 January 2025
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Hamas officials say Israel delaying aid delivery to Gaza, may affect hostages' release

CAIRO: Two Hamas officials on Wednesday accused Israel of delaying the delivery of vital humanitarian aid to Gaza, as agreed in the ceasefire deal, and warned that it could impact the release of hostages.
"We warn that continued delays and failure to address these points (delivery of key aid) will affect the natural progression of the agreement, including the prisoner exchange," a senior Hamas official told AFP, while another offical said the group had asked mediators to intervene in the issue. Both spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.


KSA’s dynamic construction sector under spotlight at show

Photo: (X @thebig5saudi)
Updated 1 min 38 sec ago
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KSA’s dynamic construction sector under spotlight at show

  • Held at the ICC Theatre, Hall 6, Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event spotlighted transformative developments and opportunities, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals

Saudi Arabia’s construction industry is rapidly evolving, fueled by technological advancements, strategies in large-scale projects, policy reforms and sustainability. Returning once again to Big 5 Construct Saudi, the International Contracting Conference, organized by the Saudi Contractors Authority and dmg events and taking place on Feb. 15-16, hosted government officials, industry leaders and policymakers to share insights into navigating the Kingdom’s construction landscape and exploring new opportunities.
ICC 2025 united top contractors and international contracting experts in the Kingdom for two days of insightful dialogues and discussions focusing on topics such as the impact of Vision 2030, innovative construction methods, digital tools for project management and government-private sector collaboration. Held at the ICC Theatre, Hall 6, Riyadh Front Exhibition and Conference Center, the event spotlighted transformative developments and opportunities, aligning with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Prominent industry leaders who headlined the conference this year included: Khalid Al-Othman, president of the National Committee for Sustainability and Green Economy, Federation of Saudi Chambers; Dr. Anas Bataw, strategy and innovation director, KEO International Consultants; Prakash Senghani, CEO and co-founder, Navatech; James Irvine, managing director, Alvarez and Marshal; Alaa Arabi, principal, TBH; Alexander Sarac, partner at Addleshaw Goddard; Ayman Alwaleedi, executive director — project management at Rua Al-Madinah; Mark Sperring, regional PMC director; and Wael Allan, chief executive at Ayar International Contracting Company.

Complementing ICC, Big 5 Construct Saudi is also hosting Big 5 Talks, featuring more than 75 expert-led sessions designed to empower professionals with actionable strategies and progressive insights over two weeks. Featuring over 150 speakers, subject-matter experts and leaders, these sessions cover various topics impacting the Kingdom’s built environment, enabling attendees to have fresh ideas, practical solutions and professional growth.
The first week (Feb. 15-18) will lay strong foundations for the construction industry, covering key topics from design to execution. Discussions will explore advancements in HVAC R, modular construction, project management, health and safety and regulatory compliance.
In the second week (Feb. 24–27), the focus will shift to transforming projects from fit-out to services, with an emphasis on sustainable solutions and operational excellence. The Architect Leaders Forum will bring together industry visionaries to discuss trends shaping architectural design, while sessions on facilities management and green buildings will highlight the best practices for maintaining sustainable structures.
With more than 5,200 construction projects currently underway, including NEOM, The Red Sea Project, Qiddiya, Diriyah and others, valued at an estimated $819 billion, the Kingdom’s development initiatives showcase the immense scale and ambition of its transformation.
“As Saudi Arabia sprints toward Vision 2030, organizations and individuals must evolve to help facilitate these ambitions,” said Muhammed Kazi, senior vice president of construction at dmg events. “The panel discussions and sessions at Big 5 Construct Saudi are therefore strategically curated to address the industry challenges and provide innovative ideas and solutions to meet the Kingdom’s goals for its dynamic contracting sector.”

 


Shipment of ‘heavy’ US-made bombs arrives in Israel

Bunker Buster bombs staged 23 March in the hangar bay aboard USS Constellation. (AFP file photo)
Updated 21 min 32 sec ago
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Shipment of ‘heavy’ US-made bombs arrives in Israel

  • The war has devastated much of Gaza, resulting in the displacement of much of its 2.4 million population
  • In response to concerns over civilian deaths, former US President Joe Biden’s administration had blocked a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, but Trump reportedly approved them after taking office

JERUSALEM: Israel’s Defense Ministry said on Sunday that a shipment of “heavy” US-made bombs has arrived in Israel, as Marco Rubio began his first visit to the country as Washington’s top diplomat.
“A shipment of heavy aerial bombs recently released by the US government was received and unloaded overnight in Israel,” the ministry said in a statement, referring to MK-84 munitions recently authorized by President Donald Trump’s administration.
“The munitions shipment that arrived in Israel, released by the Trump administration, represents a significant asset for the air force and the military and serves as further evidence of the strong alliance” between Israel and the US, Defense Minister Israel Katz said in the statement.
The Trump administration had earlier in February approved the sale of more than $7.4 billion in bombs, missiles, and related equipment to Israel.
The sale “improves Israel’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and serves as a deterrent to regional threats,” the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said at the time.
Israel launched a hugely destructive offensive against Hamas in Gaza in October 2023 in response to an attack by the Palestinian group that month.
The war has devastated much of Gaza, resulting in the displacement of much of its 2.4 million population.
A ceasefire has been in effect since Jan.19, providing for the release of hostages seized by Hamas.
In response to concerns over civilian deaths, former US President Joe Biden’s administration had blocked a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs to Israel, but Trump reportedly approved them after taking office.
A former Israeli negotiator has said Israel missed two opportunities last year to secure a Gaza truce and hasten hostage releases, prompting a swift rebuttal from the premier’s office.
“In my view, we missed two opportunities to sign an agreement ... in March and July” last year, said Oren Setter, who resigned from the Israeli negotiating team in October, in remarks broadcast on Channel 12.
“We did not do everything we could to bring them back as quickly as possible.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused by opposition figures and some families of hostages of not doing enough to secure their release and torpedoing talks.
On Saturday, his office dismissed Setter’s remarks, stating that “his claims that an agreement could have been reached earlier are entirely baseless.”
“Had the prime minister not stood firm, at least half of the living hostages would not have been freed in the first phase” of an ongoing truce, the statement said.
“As repeatedly testified by senior US officials, Hamas refused to engage in negotiations for months and was the sole obstacle to a deal,” the statement added.
Setter clarified that he wanted to “speak about facts” and argued that the deaths of hostages in captivity and “unnecessary suffering” could have been avoided while still placing primary responsibility for last year’s negotiation deadlock on Hamas.

 


Extremist militias in Lebanon ‘part of history,’ says Druze leader

Walid Jumblatt delivers a speech during a gathering in Ain Zhalta on June 25, 2023. (AFP)
Updated 31 min 51 sec ago
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Extremist militias in Lebanon ‘part of history,’ says Druze leader

  • Walid Jumblatt calls for ‘stability to prevail’ and end to violence
  • Iran halts flights to Beirut after Lebanese authorities suspend Iranian permits

BEIRUT: Extremist militias in Lebanon have become part of history, Lebanese Druze leader Walid Jumblatt said on Sunday.

In a statement, the former Progressive Socialist Party leader also said that the situation in Lebanon “has changed due to political and military circumstances, as well as the Israeli aggression.”

He said: “We have also agreed to implement international resolutions.”

Jumblatt added: “No one opposes a political confrontation with Israel, but we have seen where the use of arms led us, despite Hezbollah’s significant sacrifices.”

FASTFACT

Lebanon’s army on Sunday urged residents against going to southern areas where its forces had not finished deploying under an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire deal, after Israeli gunfire killed a woman.

He added: “We do not want a segment of Lebanese society to be a tool in the hands of Iran. After all these wars, we have the right to see stability prevail.”

Jumblatt’s statement comes in the wake of a decision by Lebanese authorities to suspend Iranian flights to Beirut’s Rafic Hariri International Airport until Feb. 18.

Hossein Pourfarzaneh, head of Iran’s Civil Aviation Authority, said that in light of “security issues” at Beirut airport, all flights to Lebanon have been canceled until Feb. 18 at the earliest.

Social media users on Sunday called for sit-ins on the airport road for the fourth consecutive day despite the Lebanese army’s decision to prevent the closure of public roads.

Troops used tear gas to disperse protesters who blocked the airport road on Saturday after demonstrations escalated into attacks on UNIFIL vehicles, resulting in injuries, and causing widespread outrage both in Lebanon and internationally.

The army command on Sunday said that its intervention during Saturday’s sit-in on the road to Rafic Hariri International Airport was pre-coordinated with the organizers.

Despite agreeing to stage a peaceful demonstration, a group of protesters blocked the road and attacked military personnel assigned to maintain security, the army statement said.

Vehicles were damaged and at least 23 soldiers, including three officers, were injured in the ensuing violence.

The statement added that military units had to intervene to protect personnel and reopen the road.

Lebanon is waiting to complete deployment of its army in areas that Israeli forces are due to vacate by Feb.18.

However, Israel announced it will not remove its troops from five strategic hills along the border.

With 48 hours remaining for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, further Israeli military action took place in several border towns, including Kfarshouba.

A woman was killed and several other people wounded on Sunday when Israeli forces fired on a group of residents attempting to return to the border town of Houla.

Five people, including two paramedics, were also arrested after residents tried to cross earth barriers set up by Israeli forces.

Families bypassed the Lebanese army’s positions and tried to enter the town with the aim of “recovering the bodies of their sons” who were affiliated with Hezbollah and were killed during clashes with Israeli forces.

Khadija Hussein Atwi was killed when Israeli troops fired on the group. Her father had been killed during confrontations with Israel.

Lebanon’s army later urged residents to avoid heading to border areas where its forces had not completed deployment.

In a statement, the army command said that “citizens must not go to the southern regions where the army has not completed its deployment and must adhere to the instructions of the deployed military units, to preserve their safety and avoid the fall of innocent people, given the danger of unexploded ordnance left behind by the Israeli enemy, in addition to the possibility of the presence of enemy forces in those areas.”

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam discussed the ceasefire agreement and the withdrawal of the Israeli troops in a phone call with his Qatari counterpart and Qatar’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

The Qatari foreign minister reiterated Qatar’s support for Lebanon, its unity and territorial integrity.

A statement from Qatar’s Foreign Ministry highlighted “the importance of fully adhering to the ceasefire agreement in Lebanon and the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation from the Lebanese territories.”

Israel is committed to the ceasefire, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday.

Speaking at a press conference with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Netanyahu said that he expects Lebanon to commit to its role and to disarm Hezbollah.

The US secretary of state said that the Lebanese state “must be strong and able to disarm Hezbollah.”

 


Austria says stabbing attack suspect swore allegiance to Daesh

Updated 57 min 33 sec ago
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Austria says stabbing attack suspect swore allegiance to Daesh

  • Daesh calling for lone wolf attacks in America and Europe following a New Year attack in New Orleans, according to SITE Intelligence.
  • Daesh has not claimed responsibility for the attack so far

VILLACH: The Syrian asylum-seeker suspected of carrying out a deadly stabbing rampage in the Austrian town of Villach had sworn allegiance to Daesh and was radicalized online, authorities said on Sunday.
A 14-year-old boy was killed in Saturday afternoon’s attack in the center of Villach and five other people were wounded, three of whom are in intensive care, police said.
Interior Minister Gerhard Karner told a press conference in Villach that the 23-year-old Syrian man, who was arrested seven minutes after the first call to the police, had been rapidly radicalized on the internet and that the Daesh flag had been found in his apartment.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Police said the man, who is being charged with murder and attempted murder, had recorded himself swearing an oath of allegiance to Daesh.

• More harm would have been done had it not been for another Syrian, a food delivery driver, who saw the attacker and drove into him with his vehicle to stop him, authorities said.

Karner, a conservative, told reporters there was sadness and sympathy for the victims, then added: “But in these moments there’s also understandably often anger and rage. Anger at an attacker who randomly stabbed innocent people here in this town.”
Police said the man, who is being charged with murder and attempted murder, had recorded himself swearing an oath of allegiance to Daesh.
More harm would have been done had it not been for another Syrian, a food delivery driver, who saw the attacker and drove into him with his vehicle to stop him, authorities said.
Daesh has not claimed responsibility for the attack so far. However, the media section of Daesh’s Afghan branch, Daesh-K, recently circulated a post by Daesh calling for lone wolf attacks in America and Europe following a New Year attack in New Orleans, according to SITE Intelligence.
The bloodshed in Villach followed the thwarting of a plot in August to carry out a suicide attack at a Taylor Swift concert in Vienna by a teenager who had also sworn loyalty to Daesh.

 


SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

Updated 7 min 42 sec ago
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SINDBAD Collective takes creativity for a road trip across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain

  • Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible

ALKHOBAR: If you were in the right place at the right time, you might have caught a glimpse of something unexpected — a vehicle led by eight art experts, transformed into a roving exhibition, rolling across Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.

From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

This year’s edition, “SINDBAD: On the Road!,” is a mobile exhibition that challenges the traditional idea of gallery spaces. The collective modified an existing vehicle with a custom extension, allowing the team to exhibit, collect and connect with creative communities throughout the journey. They started in Jeddah, their home base, and made stops in Riyadh, Alkhobar and Bahrain before returning to Jeddah for a final showcase.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (Supplied)

The journey began with a pre-launch event in Jeddah on Feb. 5, featuring an open mic and pickup event at Wasl Art Space.

The road trip officially kicked off on Feb. 6, as the SINDBAD team set out for Riyadh. A car meet took place on Feb. 7, followed by a pickup and open mic at Lamaat and Beast House in JAX district on Feb. 8.

In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day. The vehicle wouldn’t fit for logistical reasons, so people had to climb the stairs to witness — and submit — art.

HIGHLIGHTS

• From Feb. 6-20, the fourth annual exhibition of the SINDBAD Collective took to the road, turning highways into hallways and city streets into gallery spaces.

• In Alkhobar, where Arab News met the fun and dynamic team, the event was held on a rooftop at Bohemia Art Cafe on Valentine’s Day.

• The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

The journey then crossed into Bahrain, where Riwaq Art Space hosted an exhibition on Feb. 15.

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats. (Supplied)

The adventure will return to Jeddah, where on Feb. 20 Naqsh Art Studio will host a final exhibition showcasing the collected works and research from the entirety of the trip.

But the journey won’t stop there. SINDBAD will also participate at the N.E.S.T. Book Launch in AlUla on March 13.

This year, the structure itself was a modular three-panel system, designed to collapse, adapt and cross boundaries — literally and figuratively. The journey wasn’t just about moving art; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. Each city hosted a mix of guerrilla-style pop-ups and community activations.

Moving art was just one part of the journey; it was about redefining how and where art can be experienced. (AN photo)

This year, the team introduced SINDBAD Radio, an online platform featuring open-mic performances, artist submissions and curated music playlists to accompany the journey.

“Whenever somebody submits a work, they come and record a voice note explaining it,” Abdullah Al-Amoudi, a co-founder of the collective, told Arab News. “We put it on SINDBAD Radio, so when you tune in, you hear their story.” The radio station also broadcast live updates from the road, allowing audiences to follow along as the team made their way across the Kingdom.

SINDBAD Collective was founded in 2021 in Jeddah by a group of artists, designers, curators and researchers who wanted to create a more inclusive and experimental art platform.

The SINDBAD has been collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities since Feb. 6. (Supplied)

Every year, the collective hosts an open call, inviting artists and researchers to submit work that challenges traditional formats.

“The space of SINDBAD is a space of discovery. It’s a space for learning. It’s a space to make mistakes,” said his sister Ahaad Al-Amoudi, a founding member of the collective. “We take most of the works that are submitted. We never say no to any work.”

Ahaad is an accomplished artist whose work addresses history and representation. She earned degrees in visual communication from Dar Al-Hekma University in Jeddah and a master’s degree in print from the Royal College of Art, London.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker. (Supplied)

In her research about Saudi Arabia’s ethnography, Ahaad’s photography, video and print installations are meant to reinterpret historical renditions of a reforming culture.

Ahaad and Abdullah’s mother, Effat Fadag, is an associate professor of fine arts at the University of Jeddah and a multidisciplinary artist — and the biggest champion of the group.

Abdullah is a designer and artist trained in film and landscape architecture, and the co-founder of THIRD SPACE* Studio. Together, they form the core of the collective.

They chose the name SINDBAD because of its deep cultural resonance. “Everybody has a different memory of who Sindbad is, but he’s always journeying,” Ahaad explained. “That’s why we thought he fit really well. He’s young, he’s fresh, he’s journeying.”

For the SINDBAD team, this year was all about community-building. “There’s so much happening in Riyadh, in Bahrain, in Jeddah,” Ahaad said. “We wanted to create a bond where we’re coming to you in Alkhobar, but you’re also coming to us.”

The idea of an open, evolving exhibition resonated deeply with people.

“We got to Alkhobar, and we thought — Bahrain is close enough, right?” Ahaad recalled. “We can cross the border. We can take this even further.”

As they traveled, something unexpected happened: Artists started pulling out artworks from their pockets. “They would see the truck open, see the artworks inside, and then literally take pieces out of their pockets and hand them to us,” Abdullah said. “They were ready for it. Some would even go back home, grab their artworks, and return.” The trip became a testament to artistic spontaneity and inclusivity.

“A lot of young artists feel like they have to apply to an open call, that they have to be at a certain level,” the siblings said. “We’re trying to break that barrier. We want them to feel safe, to feel like they can showcase their work, even if it’s a work in progress or something they made years ago. It’s time for them to take that step.”

Since Feb. 6, the SINDBAD team has been on the road, collecting artwork, sharing music, and engaging with communities.

Abdullah, who drove the entire 15-hour stretch from Riyadh to Alkhobar, described it as part of the fun. “I enjoy it a lot,” he said. “We have a radio station this year with SINDBAD Radio. It’s curated, and we go live on Instagram. People can tune in and listen as we drive — ‘We’re coming, we’re passing through this city, we’re on our way to that city.’”

With each stop, SINDBAD brought new voices into the fold, proving that art isn’t confined to galleries — it’s everywhere.

Beyond the Al-Amoudi family, SINDBAD Collective includes a diverse group of artists and researchers.

Mohsin Ali is an architectural researcher and curator exploring post-colonial migration and decolonial processes through architecture. He is currently an assistant curator at Art Jameel.

Damon James Owen is a multidisciplinary artist and educator working in printmaking, publishing, and experimental media.

Manar Eissa is a graphic designer and illustrator whose nature-inspired art reflects her passion for storytelling.

Yasser Al-Zahrani is a production manager and art director specializing in Saudi Arabia’s contemporary art scene.

Safwan Fallatah, also known as Mista Safwan, is a music producer, photographer and filmmaker.

Together, the aim of the SINDBAD Collective is to form a community of creatives who believe in breaking barriers, taking risks and making art more accessible. And if you missed them this time, keep your eyes on the road. You never know when SINDBAD might roll through your city next.