Iraqi PM Eyes Boosting Relations with Saudi Arabia

The Iraqi Prime Minister with the Saudi Shura Council delegation (the Prime Ministry)
The Iraqi Prime Minister with the Saudi Shura Council delegation (the Prime Ministry)
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Iraqi PM Eyes Boosting Relations with Saudi Arabia

The Iraqi Prime Minister with the Saudi Shura Council delegation (the Prime Ministry)
The Iraqi Prime Minister with the Saudi Shura Council delegation (the Prime Ministry)

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shiaa al-Sudani received a delegation from the Saudi-Iraqi Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shura Council, chaired by Council Member and Chairman of the Committee, Ibrahim al-Qannas.

The meeting was attended by the Saudi ambassador to Iraq and several members of the Iraqi parliament.

Sudani welcomed the delegation and stressed the importance of sustaining and strengthening relations between Saudi Arabia and Iraq at all levels. He also reiterated consolidating economic and commercial partnerships and cultural exchange relations.

He added that, since assuming its duties, the government has followed a path that adopts strengthening ties and regional integration, which aims to confront regional challenges and crises, coordinate positions, and establish rapprochement with nations.

The Prime Minister indicated that Baghdad has become an arena to solve regional issues, contributing to stability.

The Saudi delegation confirmed that the Kingdom values relations with Iraq at various levels and looks forward to participating in the proposed development projects and available investment opportunities in a way that promotes economic cooperation between the two countries.



Israeli Military Recovers Body of a Hostage in Gaza, Is Examining Identity of a Second Body

Palestinians inspect damaged residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 12, 2024. (AP)
Palestinians inspect damaged residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 12, 2024. (AP)
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Israeli Military Recovers Body of a Hostage in Gaza, Is Examining Identity of a Second Body

Palestinians inspect damaged residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 12, 2024. (AP)
Palestinians inspect damaged residential buildings where two Israeli hostages were reportedly held before being rescued during an operation by Israeli security forces in Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, on Feb. 12, 2024. (AP)

The Israeli military said Wednesday that troops have recovered the body of a hostage held in Gaza and were examining whether another body recovered was also that of a captive.

Earlier, Israel's defense minister said that troops recovered the bodies of two hostages.

The military said the body of Yosef Al Zaydani was brought to Israel on Tuesday after being discovered in an underground tunnel near the southern Gaza city of Rafah. It said troops uncovered information about Al Zaydani's son Hamzah that "raised serious concerns for his life."

Military spokesman Col. Nadav Shoshani said the military was looking into the identity of a second set of remains recovered.

Al Zaydani and his son were taken captive during Hamas’ attack on Oct. 7, 2023, among 250 hostages snatched by the group during its cross-border raid.

Israel believes a third of the remaining 100 hostages are dead.

The body's recovery comes as Israel and Hamas are considering a ceasefire deal that would free the hostages and halt the fighting in Gaza.

However, Yosef and Hamzah Al Zaydani were believed to still be alive and their return could ramp up the pressure on Israel to move ahead on a deal.

Yosef Al Zaydani's name was on a list of 34 hostages shared by a Hamas official with The Associated Press that the group said were slated for release.

Many families of hostages say the continuation of the war in Gaza puts the lives of the remaining hostages at risk. They have demanded throughout the conflict that Israel reaches a deal with Hamas to free their loved ones.