Key International Developments: US Ambassador Appointment, Gaza Ceasefire, and Syria’s OIC Membership

US President Trump has selected Michel Issa as the new ambassador to Lebanon. Freed Israeli hostages are urging the full implementation of the Gaza ceasefire deal. The UAE is taking significant steps to reduce food waste by 50% by 2030. The OIC endorsed an Arab alternative to Trump’s Gaza plan, and Syria’s membership in the OIC has been reactivated after 13 years.

On Friday, United States President Donald Trump announced his selection of Michel Issa as the new US ambassador to Lebanon. In a post on Truth Social, Trump described Issa as an exemplary businessman and financial expert, noting his extensive career in banking, entrepreneurship, and international trade. This selection aims to strengthen US-Lebanon relations through Issa’s expertise in finance and leadership.

In Jerusalem, a group of 56 recently freed Israeli hostages urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to fully realize the Gaza ceasefire agreement. They emphasized, through an Instagram letter, the life-threatening implications of returning to conflict for those still held captive. Among the letter’s signatories was Yarden Bibas, whose family suffered a tragic loss during their captivity. The hostages called for the complete implementation of the ceasefire deal, requesting both governmental and international action.

The Gaza ceasefire’s first phase concluded on March 1, after providing a temporary respite from hostilities through exchanges of hostages and prisoners. Israel aims to extend the ceasefire but Hamas argues for transitioning to a second phase that would establish a permanent ceasefire and improve humanitarian conditions. Currently, 58 hostages remain in Gaza, with ongoing discussions being held for potential negotiations with Egyptian officials.

The UAE is committed to halving food waste by 2030 with recent initiatives aimed at reducing wastage significantly, especially during Ramadan when food waste peaks to 60 percent. Each year, approximately 3.27 million tons of food is wasted in the UAE, prompting the launch of a collection initiative that gathers surplus food to assist those in need, alongside efforts to promote sustainable behavior around food consumption.

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) recently endorsed an Arab League proposal counteracting President Trump’s controversial plan for Gaza. This proposal, primarily crafted by Egypt, aims for the reconstruction of Gaza under the administration of the Palestinian Authority. OIC members strongly criticized any plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians and reiterated calls for a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace in the region.

Moreover, the Syrian Arab Republic celebrated the reactivation of its membership in the OIC after a hiatus of 13 years due to the civil war. This decision was made during an OIC meeting in Jeddah, signaling the return of Syria to the regional political community following a shift in its internal governance. The restored membership represents an important step in rebuilding Syria’s international relationships and addressing issues concerning its stability.

In conclusion, this article highlights significant geopolitical developments, including the appointment of Michel Issa as the US ambassador to Lebanon, urgent appeals from freed Israeli hostages for a comprehensive Gaza ceasefire, the UAE’s food waste reduction initiatives, the OIC’s response to Trump’s Gaza takeover plan, and the reactivation of Syria’s OIC membership. Each event underscores ongoing efforts towards stability and humanitarian responses in the region, as well as collaborative international diplomatic efforts.

Original Source: www.arabnews.pk