Home Blog Page 4

Takeem Launches the UAE’s First Rent Guarantee, Advancing the Evolution of the Country’s Rental Market

By
Sahfy Sahfy
-
Takeem Launches the UAE’s First Rent Guarantee, Advancing the Evolution of the Country’s Rental Market
Takeem Launches the UAE’s First Rent Guarantee, Advancing the Evolution of the Country’s Rental Market

Takeem, the award-winning UAE PropTech platform building the trust layer for the property ecosystem, has launched the GCC’s First Rental Guarantee service, a value-added offering for landlords, tenants, asset managers and agents arriving as regional markets navigate renewed uncertainty.

The Takeem Rental Guarantee (TRG) covers landlords against tenant non-payment and includes Emergency Maintenance for urgent property repairs. It is available alongside Takeem Direct Debit (TDD), the platform’s automated digital payment service that replaces post-dated cheques with monthly direct debit collection, offered separately for landlords and agencies managing rent collection at scale.

The UAE rental market has operated for decades without the protective infrastructure standard in mature economies. While landlords in the UK, Europe and the United States rely on guaranteed rent schemes, the UAE has depended on post-dated cheques, a mechanism that locks up tenant capital while offering landlords only the illusion of security. This structural gap has forced both parties into unnecessary friction, with landlords absorbing unprotected income risk, tenants surrendering cash flow flexibility, and maintenance issues escalating. 

Rakesh Mavath, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Takeem, commented: “For the first time, landlords in the UAE have a structured way to protect against tenant default, while gaining the confidence to offer monthly payment terms without compromising income certainty. By bringing together rental guarantees, automated payments and emergency maintenance into a single solution, TRG removes anxiety from the rental process. This, in turn, supports a stable and predictable market environment, strengthening investor confidence and aligning with the UAE’s broader economic and regulatory direction.”

Youssef Rabah, Property Management and Inspections Director at Provident Real Estate, shared his experience: “Takeem has enabled us to offer landlords greater certainty on their rental income while ensuring tenants are protected. It brings a level of structure and reliability that contributes to a more stable and balanced market.”

Takeem’s authority is underpinned by the scale and depth of its proprietary data. Drawing on the analysis of 611,821 rental contracts, the platform has rapidly established itself as a credible intelligence layer within the UAE’s property market. In just over one year, Takeem onboarded more than 55,000 units by early 2026, scaling to over 95,000 units by April. This represents more than AED 9 billion in annual rental value nationwide and reinforces the robustness of its insights, the growing demand for confidence in an uncertain market, and its role in shaping a more structured, data-driven rental ecosystem.

The Takeem Rental Guarantee, Emergency Maintenance, and Takeem Direct Debit are available at Takeem.ai. 

Ending malaria in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

By
Sahfy Sahfy
-
Ending malaria in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Ending malaria in the Eastern Mediterranean Region

World Malaria Day 2026 comes at a critical moment. Under the theme “Driven to End Malaria: Now We Can. Now We Must”, the World Health Organization (WHO) is calling for urgent action to halt rising risks and get malaria elimination efforts in the Eastern Mediterranean Region back on track.

Malaria is surging across parts of the Eastern Mediterranean. There were an estimated 11.1 million cases and 22 100 deaths in 2024, more than a third of them children under 5.

The Region is significantly off track to meet Global technical strategy for malaria 2016–2030 targets. Malaria incidence is 7 times higher than the 2025 milestone, and mortality rates more than seven times above target. Behind these figures are overstretched health systems, disrupted services and communities increasingly exposed to risk.

Hampered by funding shortfalls, progress is uneven, fragile and at risk of reversal. In 2024, global malaria financing reached just US$ 3.9 billion, less than half the sum required. The consequences are potentially devastating. When programmes weaken, malaria resurges, reversing years of progress and costing lives.

At the same time, scientific advances are moving faster than ever. New malaria vaccines are being rolled out in 25 countries, protecting millions of children each year. Next-generation mosquito nets now make up the majority of new distributions. Promising tools, including long-acting treatments and emerging technologies, are expanding what is possible.

“We have the tools. We have the knowledge,” says WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean Dr Hanan Balkhy. “Now we must match them with sustained investment, strong systems and collective action.”

Countries across the Region are pushing ahead despite constraints. Sudan has begun rolling out malaria vaccines, and expansion is underway; together with the introduction of preventive treatment for pregnant women, these steps will directly reduce deaths.

Progress, though, remains uneven. Conflict, climate pressures and population displacement continue to fuel transmission. Weak health systems limit access to, and the quality of, essential services. Funding gaps slow the delivery of lifesaving tools and increase the risk of drug and insecticide resistance. Without sustained investment, outbreaks will become more frequent, and malaria will spread further.

The message this World Malaria Day is clear. The tools exist. The knowledge exists. The opportunity is real, but it will not last without decisive action.

WHO and its partners are urging governments and donors to act now to close the funding gap, strengthen national programmes and ensure that innovations reach the communities that need them most.

This is a pivotal moment. With sustained commitment, malaria can be eliminated. Without it, the disease will continue to take lives and undermine the future of the Region.

This World Malaria Day grasp the moment. Protect lives. Invest in a malaria-free future.

Zero malaria starts with each one of us.

Make it in the Emirates 2026 Announces EMSTEEL as the Metals & Fabrication Sector Partner

By
Sahfy Sahfy
-
Make it in the Emirates 2026 Announces EMSTEEL as the Metals & Fabrication Sector Partner
Make it in the Emirates 2026 Announces EMSTEEL as the Metals & Fabrication Sector Partner

Make it in the Emirates 2026, the UAE’s national platform for industrial growth and transformation, has announced EMSTEEL Group, one of the region’s largest publicly traded integrated steel and building materials manufacturers, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) under the symbol: EMSTEEL, as the Metals & Fabrication Sector Partner for its fifth and largest edition, reinforcing its role as a key enabler of the UAE’s industrial growth, resilience, and economic diversification.

Make it in the Emirates 2026 Announces EMSTEEL as the Metals & Fabrication Sector Partner

Hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology and organised by ADNEC Group, a Modon company, in strategic partnership with the Ministry of Culture, the Abu Dhabi Investment Office, and ADNOC, Make it in the Emirates 2026 will take place at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi from 4 to 7 May 2026.

As Sector Partner, EMSTEEL will showcase its advanced and sustainable solutions through a dedicated platform, highlighting its capabilities and advancements across the iron and steel industry, in line with the event’s strategic objectives to strengthen local manufacturing, drive innovation, and enhance industrial resilience, while reinforcing the group’s role in enabling a more competitive and future-ready national industrial ecosystem.

As one of 12 strategic sectors at Make it in the Emirates 2026, the Metals & Fabrication sector will play a pivotal role in showcasing the UAE’s industrial capabilities and manufacturing innovation. By highlighting advanced metal production techniques, sustainable fabrication processes, and the integration of cutting-edge technologies into manufacturing workflows, the sector exemplifies Make it in the Emirates’ commitment to positioning the UAE as a global hub for high-quality, industrial-grade metal products.

EMSTEEL Group will also participate in a series of high-level discussion sessions throughout the four-day event, with its leadership contributing to discussions on industrial partnerships, sustainability, and regional collaboration.

Through these engagements, EMSTEEL will highlight its role as a national industrial leader and its contribution to advancing the UAE’s industrial development agenda, strengthening supply chain resilience, and accelerating decarbonisation efforts across the steel and manufacturing sectors.

Leveraging cutting-edge technologies and an integrated operating model, EMSTEEL continues to deliver high-quality steel and building materials to key global industries, including construction, energy, and engineering, supporting Abu Dhabi’s position as a global hub for industrial innovation and strategic collaboration.

For more information on Make it in the Emirates 2026, visit the official website here.

Under the directives of Mohammed bin Rashid Dubai Humanitarian facilitates airlift of critical medical supplies from WHO, MSF, and Unicef to Afghanistan

By
شمس سيف
-
Under the directives of Mohammed bin Rashid Dubai Humanitarian facilitates airlift of critical medical supplies from WHO, MSF, and Unicef to Afghanistan
Under the directives of Mohammed bin Rashid Dubai Humanitarian facilitates airlift of critical medical supplies from WHO, MSF, and Unicef to Afghanistan

A total of 96 metric tonnes of life-saving medical supplies delivered to Kabul

Shipment expected to support more than 250,000 people over three months

Operation underscores Dubai Humanitarian’s capacity to sustain evolving aid corridors across multiple crises

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) facilitated a critical humanitarian airlift to Kabul, Afghanistan, delivering 96 metric tonnes of life-saving medicines and medical supplies to support communities facing ongoing humanitarian challenges.

Departing from Dubai World Central Airport (Al Maktoum International Airport), the shipment comprised relief items from the World Health Organization (WHO), Doctors Without Borders (MSF), and UNICEF. The aid is expected to support more than 250,000 people over a three-month period by enabling the provision of essential healthcare services.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said: “This airlift to Afghanistan reflects the humanitarian community’s ability to adapt how assistance is delivered in response to rapidly evolving realities on the ground. While some operations continue through established channels, others require the swift identification and activation of new corridors, whether by air, land or multimodal routes. Our priority is to ensure that life-saving medicines and relief supplies continue to reach vulnerable communities. Through ongoing coordination with government partners, humanitarian organisations and logistics providers, we are able to overcome operational challenges and identify practical solutions that keep aid moving. Recent land shipments to Gaza and Lebanon, alongside this airlift to Afghanistan, demonstrate how different methods are being mobilised simultaneously to sustain humanitarian emergency response.”

Dubai Humanitarian continues to support its network of 80 members, including UN agencies, international organisations, non-profit entities and commercial partners. Over the past two weeks, it has facilitated the movement of more than 140 metric tonnes of relief supplies to Lebanon, Gaza and Afghanistan.

 Under the directives of Mohammed bin Rashid Dubai Humanitarian dispatches WHO medical aid shipment to Gaza

By
شمس سيف
-
 Under the directives of Mohammed bin Rashid Dubai Humanitarian dispatches WHO medical aid shipment to Gaza
 Under the directives of Mohammed bin Rashid Dubai Humanitarian dispatches WHO medical aid shipment to Gaza
  • Dubai Humanitarian facilitates transport of 22.3 metric tonnes of medical supplies provided by WHO to support the people of Gaza
  • Overland convoy departs from Dubai Humanitarian carrying critical medical supplies to support approximately 110,000 people
  •  Dubai Humanitarian remains fully operational despite global supply chain pressures, ensuring the continued delivery of aid to crisis-affected populations

Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) facilitated the dispatch of a critical humanitarian relief shipment to Gaza.

Through its Global Humanitarian Impact Fund (GHIF), Dubai Humanitarian enabled the overland transport of 22.3 metric tonnes of essential medical supplies via a convoy of three trucks. The shipment, carrying life-saving medical aid provided by the World Health Organization (WHO), is set to support the urgent healthcare needs of approximately 110,000 people.

Giuseppe Saba, CEO and Board Member of Dubai Humanitarian, said: “Despite mounting challenges and continued pressure on global supply chains, we are working closely with our partners to ensure critical assistance reaches communities affected by crises. Dubai Humanitarian remains fully operational, and the humanitarian community continues to mobilise all available resources to respond effectively. Through the Global Humanitarian Impact Fund, we are able to deliver vital aid efficiently across complex environments, ensuring it reaches those who need it most, without delay.”

Since the beginning of the year, international humanitarian organisations based at Dubai Humanitarian have delivered aid to more than 40 countries. Dubai Humanitarian has supported these efforts through close coordination with government entities, humanitarian organisations and commercial partners, leveraging its capacity to mobilise multimodal logistics solutions and sustain humanitarian supply chains in response to evolving global needs.

Driven by Its Commitment to Youth Empowerment, Foodics Takes Part in Egypt Career Summit 2026

By
شمس سيف
-
Driven by Its Commitment to Youth Empowerment, Foodics Takes Part in Egypt Career Summit 2026
Driven by Its Commitment to Youth Empowerment, Foodics Takes Part in Egypt Career Summit 2026

Foodics, the leading provider of restaurant management and financial tech solutions in the MENA region, participated in the 9th edition of Egypt Career Summit 2026, one of the country’s most prominent platforms for youth career development. As part of its participation, the company hosted a specialized workshop titled “Exploring Business Growth Through Customer Success,” delivered by Khaled Ashraf, Customer Operations Manager at Foodics.

Amid an increasingly complex job market, the summit offered young talent the opportunity to gain real-world insights and practical guidance. Foodics approached this moment with a clear focus: today’s youth are not just future employees but key drivers of innovation in a tech-led world, where adaptability, exposure, and awareness are essential to business success.

 The workshop emphasized practical strategies for businesses to survive and thrive under market pressures, from rising costs to operational challenges in the F&B industry. Customer success was positioned not merely as a support function but as a core business driver, impacting retention, efficiency, and sustainable growth.

Drawing on his hands-on experience scaling customer relationships and supporting business growth, Khaled Ashraf guided attendees through real-life scenarios, showing how businesses turn customer insights into actionable strategies. He highlighted how consistency, trust, and deep understanding of customer behavior drive long-term value.

Topics covered included the foundations of different business models, an introduction to SaaS (Software as a Service), revenue models, and the customer journey. The workshop clarified the distinction between customer support, which resolves immediate issues, and customer success, which proactively drives long-term value, retention, and growth. Attendees were also introduced to technical tools and operational KPIs that inform strategic decision-making.

Foodics’ participation reflects its commitment to youth empowerment and its broader role in shaping industry conversations. By engaging directly with emerging talent, the company strengthens its connection with the future workforce while reinforcing its position as a brand that understands both technology and people-driven growth.

The UAE Becomes a Top 10 Global Exporter, Latest WTO Figures Show

By
شمس سيف
-
The UAE Becomes a Top 10 Global Exporter, Latest WTO Figures Show
The UAE Becomes a Top 10 Global Exporter, Latest WTO Figures Show
  • The UAE now ranks 9th among the world’s largest exporters of goods, rising from 17th place just 5 years ago.
  • The UAE’s goods and services trade surplus with the world witnessed a record 19% annual growth in 2025.
  • HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi: “The UAE’s top 10 ranking in goods exports for the first time in history is a testament to our nations’ competitiveness and a reflection of the world’s confidence in our economy. Despite the current geopolitical challenges, we are determined to build on this success and cement our position on the global trade map.”

In a historic first, the UAE has become one of the world’s top 10 exporting countries, according to the latest figures from the World Trade Organization’s “World Trade Prospects and Statistics” report. This achievement reflects the UAE’s position as a vital hub on international supply chains and its growing contribution to the wider global economy.

The WTO report noted that the UAE’s goods and services trade has risen significantly in recent years, increasing from US$949 billion (AED3.5 trillion) in 2021 to US$1.637 trillion (AED6.014 trillion) in 2025. The value of the UAE’s trade in goods reached US$1.33 trillion (AED4.9 trillion), with exports representing 53% of the total goods trade with the world. Meanwhile, services trade amounted to AED1.14 trillion, of which 61.4% were service exports to global markets. The result was a trade surplus of AED584.1 billion in 2025, compared to AED492.3 billion in 2024, a year-on-year growth of 19%. These figures reflect the vital role the UAE plays in global trade, ranking 9th in the world in goods exports and 13th in goods imports during 2025.

The report also highlighted what it described as the exceptional growth in the UAE’s foreign trade in services, which reached AED1.14 trillion in 2025 – exceeding the AED1 trillion barrier for the first time. This reflects the UAE’s proactive economic and trade policies that have opened the nation to the world, making the UAE a role model in leadership, competitiveness, and openness.

The UAE’s contribution to global goods exports amounted to 3.3%, while goods imports accounted for 2.8% of the global total. In services, the UAE accounted for 2% of global exports, and 1.4% of global imports. In the digital services sector, which is witnessing rapid growth, the UAE ranked 25th globally with an export value of US$33 billion (AED121.19 billion), contributing 0.6% of the world’s exports of digital services. This vital sector constitutes 17% of the UAE’s total exports of services to the world.

Since 2014, the UAE has maintained its regional leadership, ranking first amongst Middle Eastern and African nations in trade with the world.

HE Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Foreign Trade, said: “The UAE’s top 10 ranking in goods exports for the first time in history is a testament to our nations’ competitiveness and a reflection of the world’s confidence in our economy. Despite the current geopolitical challenges, we are determined to build on this success and cement our position on the global trade map.”

HE Al Zeyoudi added that the strength and diversity of the UAE economy is the foundation of this success. His Excellency noted the service sectors, which includes financial services, logistics, hospitality, information technology and transportation, have witnessed growth rates ranging from 9% to 14%, underlining the national economy’s ability to keep pace with global changes and overcome the geopolitical challenges that are currently affecting the region.

HE Al Zeyoudi explained that the UAE will continue to expand its trade partner network through the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) program. This allows Emirati exporters, companies and factories to reach new markets barrier-free and enhances the global competitiveness of national products. His Excellency noted that the UAE continues to work on developing its legislative and regulatory framework, as well as deploying modern technologies to improve the efficiency of supply chains.

His Excellency also reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to the principles of international cooperation in promoting the free flow of goods, services and capital, calling for reforms to the World Trade Organization in order to keep pace with the rapid changes in the global economy and ensure that all countries can participate in a fair and transparent system.

HE Al Zeyoudi concluded his statement by stressing that the UAE is accustomed to turning challenges into opportunities and that it is determined to pursue its vision of growth and development. His Excellency stressed with UAE will continue implementing open economic policies that prioritize sustainability and innovation in order to build a diversified economy. As is has proven in the recent past, the UAE’s foreign trade will demonstrate its resilience and continue its upward trajectory.

The WTO report addressed challenges facing global trade, particularly the slowdown in growth expected in 2026 as a result of geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and rising energy prices. The report expects goods trade growth to slow to 1.9% in 2026 from 4.6% in 2025, with growth expected to return to 2.6% in 2027. Growth in services trade is expected to slow to 4.8% in 2026 and then accelerate to 5.1% in 2027. If energy prices continue to rise, growth in goods trade could slow to 1.4% and services to 4.1% in 2026, according to the report.

2026 KIA K4 AND EV9 EARN 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ AWARDS

By
شمس سيف
-
2026 KIA K4 AND EV9 EARN 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ AWARDS
2026 KIA K4 AND EV9 EARN 2026 IIHS TOP SAFETY PICK+ AWARDS
  • Two additional honors bring Kia’s 2026 IIHS TSP+ total to four models 

The 2026 Kia K4 and 2026 Kia EV9 electric three-row SUV have each earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s (IIHS) highest safety rating, the 2026 TOP SAFETY PICK+ (TSP+) designation. With these latest recognitions, Kia now has four models with the 2026 TSP+ rating, joining the previously recognized 2026 Kia Sorento (built after Sept. 2025) and Sportage (built after May 2025). Awards apply to U.S. models only.     

  • 2026 Kia K4 
  • 2026 EV9 
  • 2026 Sorento (models built after September 2025)
  • 2026 Sportage (models built after May 2025) 

“Safety isn’t a single feature. It’s a core focus across our vehicles,” said SeungKyu (Sean) Yoon, President and CEO of Kia North America and Kia America. “Expanding our IIHS recognition across more models reflects how we’re prioritizing protection as the agency’s standards in safety continue to evolve.”

For 2026, IIHS has further strengthened its testing criteria to emphasize rear-seat passenger protection and enhanced crash avoidance performance. The updated testing protocols include more rigorous requirements for rear passenger safety in moderate overlap front crashes, as well as improved performance standards for pedestrian crash prevention and higher-speed vehicle-to-vehicle crash avoidance systems.

With a starting MSRP of $22,290, the Kia K4 combines advanced safety features with strong value, offering a compelling entry point into Kia’s lineup. Standard advanced driver assistance systems include Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) and Forward Collision Avoidance (FCA), which is designed to help detect and prevent collisions from occurring in certain circumstances and detect vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists in front of the vehicle while driving (FCA-CPC), as well as oncoming vehicles while turning left at an intersection (FCA-JT). 

The award-winning EV9 three-row all-electric SUV continues to impress with its host of modern amenities and advanced driver assistance systems, including standard Highway Driving Assist 2 (HDA-2), which can help maintain a predetermined distance from other vehicles detected ahead and can keep the car centered within detected lane markers on certain highways. 

Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital launch the 2026 Women in Tech Accelerator in the UAE

By
شمس سيف
-
Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital launch the 2026 ‘Women in Tech’ Accelerator in the UAE
Standard Chartered Foundation and Village Capital launch the 2026 ‘Women in Tech’ Accelerator in the UAE

The eighth edition of the programme to empower female entrepreneurs in the UAE with skills, funding and global networks

Standard Chartered Foundation, in partnership with Village Capital, announced today the launch of the eighth edition of the Women in Tech Accelerator in the UAE, continuing its support for women-led, tech-enabled startups at a critical stage of growth.

The 2026 cohort will equip founders with investment readiness training, catalytic funding, and access to global networks, enabling them to strengthen their businesses and scale. In the UAE, the accelerator will be delivered by C3, a B Corp™ certified consultancy, leveraging its proven expertise in entrepreneur support and ecosystem development.

Rola Abu Manneh, Chief Executive Officer, UAE, Middle East and Pakistan, Standard Chartered, said: 

“The UAE’s economic agenda is centred on diversification, innovation and the continued development of a knowledge-based economy that creates sustainable opportunity. Women entrepreneurs are an important part of that progress, contributing new ideas, building scalable businesses and supporting broader economic growth. Through this programme, we are expanding access to capital, networks and expertise, enabling more women-led businesses to grow with confidence and deliver meaningful impact in the sectors shaping the UAE’s future.”

Since its launch in the UAE, the programme has supported 61 women-led startups. In 2025, 92 per cent of participants developed business growth plans and 83 per cent reported improved performance. Alumni include Biosapien, which raised USD 7 million in pre-Series A funding, and Ostaz, which was acquired by Inspired Education Group. Five startups have also been recognised on the UAE Future 100 list by the Ministry of Economy.

Nakami Walunywa, Regional Director, Africa and Middle East at Village Capital said: 

“In 2025, 71 women-led startups in the programme across Africa, Middle East and Pakistan collectively generated over USD 2 million in additional revenue. When founders have access to structured support and catalytic funding, they can unlock sustainable impact. In 2026, we are continuing to create the conditions for even more women-led startups to thrive.”

Medea Nocentini, Founder of C3 and Partner at Global Ventures added: 

“We are proud to partner with Standard Chartered again on the Women in Tech UAE programme. The founders we work with are not waiting for the world to make space for them; they are building it themselves. What makes this programme special is the community it creates, bringing together founders who lift each other up, grow together, and carry that forward long after the programme ends. At C3, supporting women entrepreneurs is not a moment, it is a commitment, and one we take seriously now more than ever.”

The Standard Chartered Women in Tech Accelerator builds on the strong global track record, which has supported over 4,000 women across 17 markets since inception. This year, the program has allocated more than USD 600,000 in grant funding to entrepreneurs across 12 markets,  with the UAE cohort competing for equity-free cash prizes totalling USD 150,000 at Demo Day.

Women-startup founders based in the UAE are invited to apply, with applications closing on 15 May 2026. Successful applicants will participate in the Accelerator between June and October this year. Full details and availability criteria are available at: www.sc.com/ae/sustainability/women-in-tech/

AHRC Condemns Israel’s Continued Targeted Killing of Journalists

By
شمس سيف
-
AHRC Condemns Israel’s Continued Targeted Killing of Journalists
AHRC Condemns Israel’s Continued Targeted Killing of Journalists

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC‑USA) joins all peace‑loving people in condemning, in the strongest terms, the ongoing and deliberate killing of journalists, media and press personnel by Israel in Gaza and Lebanon.

The most recent attack—the targeted killing of Ali Choeib, a correspondent for Al‑Manar, and Fatima Ftouni, a correspondent for Al‑Mayadeen is another grave violation of international humanitarian law. Both journalists were deliberately killed today in a direct Israeli strike on a media vehicle in the Jezzine area of southern Lebanon.

Today’s target killing of Ali Choeib and Fatima Ftouni brings the total number of journalists killed in Lebanon to 10, according to international sources.

According to the United Nations and major press‑freedom organizations, at least 245 journalists and media workers, primarily Palestinians, have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023, marking the deadliest period for journalists ever recorded. Israel has killed more journalists in Gaza than in any other conflict in modern history, in blatant violation of the protections afforded to journalists under international humanitarian law.

In addition to the targeted killing of journalists, Israel has repeatedly attacked

ambulances, medical teams, and health facilities. At least 226 health workers have been killed in Lebanon by Israeli attacks, and at least 1,722 health workers have been killed in Gaza since October 7, 2023. These victims include doctors, nurses, paramedics, surgeons, ambulance crews, hospital staff, and humanitarian medical workers. Israel’s actions have also resulted in the destruction of civilian infrastructure and the forced displacement of medical teams and patients, further deepening the humanitarian crisis.

Israel continues to act with full impunity due to unconditional U.S. military, political, and diplomatic support. Such support—despite violations of U.S. and international law—weakens the international community and undermines the United Nations’ ability to stop ongoing crimes. The absence of accountability and deterrence has created a dangerous reality in which Israel operates above international norms and rules of war.

AHRC calls upon all media professionals, institutions, and organizations in the United States and around the world to stand in defense of all journalists—especially those reporting from front lines—and to help hold Israel accountable for its violations.

Journalists are not combatants; they are protected civilians under international humanitarian law. Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of any functioning democracy and a fundamental human right.

“Media is protected under international law, and the nationality and religion of the journalist does not make any difference,” said Imad Hamad, AHRC Executive Director. “This is a legal issue and a moral issue, and we urge everyone to take a principled stand on the matter,” added Hamad.

1...345...88Page 4 of 88

EVEN MORE NEWS

POPULAR CATEGORY

©