DALENA REPORTERS

  Israel’s ambassador to the UK, Tzipi Hotovely, said on Wednesday that her country will “absolutely” reject any possibility of a two-state solution after the war in Gaza ends.   Asked how peace might be achieved absent an agreement to establish a Palestinian state, she told Sky News: “Israel knows today and the world should know now … that the Palestinians never wanted to have a state next to Israel.   “They want to have a state ‘from the river to the sea.’ They are saying it loud and clear.”   Hotovely criticized the Palestinian Authority for refusing to condemn the attack on Israel by Hamas on Oct. 7. And in response to UN calls for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire, she said: “Ceasefire? No. It just basically means we would like to welcome another attack (like the one on) Oct. 7.”   She added: “Do you remember any country in the world creating a humanitarian corridor to the enemy? I don’t remember you (the UK) helping Nazi Germany … and I don’t remember America

  Israel declared its determination Wednesday to press on with its Gaza war “with or without international support,” after it came under mounting pressure even from key backer the United States. Now in its third month, the war was launched after the unprecedented October 7 attacks on Israel by Palestinian militant group Hamas that officials say killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. It has left Gaza in ruins, killing more than 18,600 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, and causing “unparallelled” damage to roads, schools and hospitals. The day after the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly backed a non-binding resolution for a cease-fire, more strikes hit Gaza and battles raged, especially in Gaza City, the biggest urban center, and Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south, AFP correspondents said. Cold wintery rains lashed the territory, where the UN estimates 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million population have been displaced, living in m

  Saudi Arabia’s minister of finance, Mohammed Al-Jadaan, has been chosen to chair the International Monetary and Financial Committee, the policy advisory body to the board of governors of the International Monetary Fund.   Members of the committee appointed him on Wednesday to serve a three-year term that will begin on Jan. 4. He succeeds Nadia Calvino, Spain’s deputy prime minister and minister for economic affairs and digital transformation, who has chaired the committee since Jan, 3, 2022.   “Saudi Arabia being selected to chair the International Monetary and Financial Affairs Committee reflects the international community’s confidence in its position regionally and internationally, and its pivotal role in promoting multilateral action,” Al-Jadaan said.    “I look forward to working with the members of the committee and the fund’s management toward enhancing the stability and effectiveness of the global monetary and financial system, and advancing global economic

  WASHINGTON: A missile launched by Iran-backed Houthi rebels struck a Norwegian-flagged tanker off Yemen on Monday, causing a fire, US Central Command said, adding that no casualties were immediately reported.   The Strinda “reported damage causing a fire on-board, but no casualties at this time,” CENTCOM said in a post on X, formerly Twitter, adding that a US Navy destroyer had heard the ship’s mayday call and was giving assistance.   The night-time attack occurred as the chemical tanker passed through the Bab El-Mandeb, the strait between Yemen and northeast Africa. The strait leads to the Red Sea, a key route toward the Suez Canal.   The attack is the latest escalation from the Houthis in Yemen, who have increasingly targeted ships off the coast with missiles and drone attacks.   US warships patrolling the Red Sea have shot down Houthi missiles and drones several times since the militants began the attacks in a show of support for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

  RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has pledged to continue its efforts to promote and protect human rights by harmonizing national legislation and practices with international human rights standards.   The voluntary pledge was made during an event to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights at the headquarters of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Sunday.    Other pledges included investing in the Kingdom’s position and global influence to continue its vital role in settling regional and international disputes, cooperating internationally to maintain the basic pillars of the UN, and continuing to launch global human rights initiatives such as the Initiative to Protect Children in the Cyber World and the Saudi and Middle East Green Initiatives.   The head of the Saudi Human Rights Commission Hala Al-Tuwaijri said the anniversary was a valuable opportunity to review what has been accomplished over the past 75 years and draw less

  The marriage between Billionaire businessman, Dilly Umenyiora and his wife of 15 years, fashion designer, Fifi Umenyiora has crashed.   Inside sources reveal that the power couple have been having issues for over one year but they've managed to keep it under wraps. Our reporter reached out to confirm from the horse's mouth and Dilly Umenyiora who is the chairman of Dilly Motors who also doubles as the Chairman Of The Dredgers Association of Nigeria says, 'yes it's true, after 17 years of dating and 15 years of being married, I'm afraid it's all crumbled due to irreconcilable differences.   He went on to add that, 'the only reason i'm responding to this is to clear the air and avoid any questions or embarrassment should either of us be seen with other partners'.   Their union is blessed with 3 kids.

  American singer and songwriter, Ciara, has welcomed her third child with her husband, NFL star, Russell Wilson. The "One, Two Step" singer and football star announced on Monday night, December 11, that they have welcomed a baby girl, whom they decided to name Amora. "Amora Princess Wilson," they wrote in the caption of a sweet Instagram photo of their daughter. "9lbs 1oz."   "We Love You so much!" they added. Ciara announced her fourth pregnancy on Instagram in August with a video set to her and Chris Brown's song, "How We Roll." The couple are also parents to Sienna Princess Wilson and Win Harrison Wilson. Ciara is also the mother of Future Zahir Wilburn, whom she shares with her ex, rapper Future.