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UN Chief Says He Will Not Give Up Appeals for Ceasefire in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting called in response to the Secretary-General invoking Article 99 of the United Nations charter to address the humanitarian crisis being caused by conflict between Israel and Hamas in New York, New York, USA, 08 December 2023. EPA/JUSTIN LANE
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting called in response to the Secretary-General invoking Article 99 of the United Nations charter to address the humanitarian crisis being caused by conflict between Israel and Hamas in New York, New York, USA, 08 December 2023. EPA/JUSTIN LANE
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UN Chief Says He Will Not Give Up Appeals for Ceasefire in Gaza

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting called in response to the Secretary-General invoking Article 99 of the United Nations charter to address the humanitarian crisis being caused by conflict between Israel and Hamas in New York, New York, USA, 08 December 2023. EPA/JUSTIN LANE
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting called in response to the Secretary-General invoking Article 99 of the United Nations charter to address the humanitarian crisis being caused by conflict between Israel and Hamas in New York, New York, USA, 08 December 2023. EPA/JUSTIN LANE

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Sunday he will not give up appealing for a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, adding that the war undermined the credibility and authority of the Security Council.
Gueterres was speaking at the Doha Forum conference as Washington vetoed on Friday a proposed UN Security Council demand for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the war between Israel and Palestinian group Hamas, Reuters said.
"I urged the Security Council to press to avert a humanitarian catastrophe and I reiterated my appeal for a humanitarian ceasefire to be declared," Guterres said.
"Regrettably, the Security Council failed to do it, but that does not make it less necessary," he said.
"I will not give up," Guterres added.
Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani told the gathering that Doha will continue to pressure Israel and Hamas for a truce despite "narrowing" chances.
Qatar has been leading negotiations between the group and Israel.
Sheikh Mohammed said hostages were released from Gaza because of negotiations and not because of Israel's military actions.
The head of UNRWA, the UN aid agency for Palestinians, said the dehumanization of Palestinians has allowed the international community to tolerate Israel's continued attacks on Gaza.
"There is no doubt that a humanitarian ceasefire is needed if we want to put an end to hell on earth right now in Gaza," UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said.
The United States and Israel oppose a ceasefire because they believe it would only benefit Hamas. Washington instead supports pauses in fighting to protect civilians and allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas in a deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel.

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Arab World

Yemen’s Presidential Council Launches Crackdown on Corruption in Govt Institutions

The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) launches a crackdown on corruption. (Saba)
The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) launches a crackdown on corruption. (Saba)
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Yemen’s Presidential Council Launches Crackdown on Corruption in Govt Institutions

The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) launches a crackdown on corruption. (Saba)
The Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) launches a crackdown on corruption. (Saba)

Chairman of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC) Dr. Rashad al-Alimi announced on Monday a series of measures aimed at cracking down on corruption in government institutions and to safeguard public funds.

The unprecedented measures – also aimed at combating money-laundering and terrorism financing – were announced after the PLC had received reports from audit and judicial agencies on major corruption cases that have taken place in recent years.

Yemeni state media said al-Alimi issued “urgent” orders to complete probes in pending corruption cases and for follow up to take place with the relevant audit authorities.

Cases will be referred to the judiciary and wanted suspects in Yemen and abroad will be pursued.

The Yemeni people will eagerly await the outcome of the crackdown, looking forward to an improvement in government work and transparency, the establishment of a state of law and protection of state resources.

The General Prosecution consequently urged action in over 20 financial corruption, money-laundering, terrorism financing and tax evasion cases.

The Prosecution is also looking into corruption cases in contracts related to vital projects, power generation, violations of state property and illegal seizure of oil derivatives.

The Prosecution has, however, complained that some state agencies have failed to meet its request for evidence and documents, therefore impeding its investigations.

Moreover, it said that it has received requests to freeze the assets of individuals and entities involved in money-laundering and terrorism financing, including figures associated with the Iran-backed Houthi militias.

The central organization of control and audit had previously spoken of grave violations committed by the Central Bank since its headquarters were moved to Aden in 2016 and until late 2021. The violations included the manipulation of financial revenues and illegal appropriation of consular fees.

The Yemeni consulate in Jeddah alone has committed violations reaching 156 million Saudi riyals. In Egypt, it found that employees at the Yemeni embassy had seized 268,000 dollars in consular income through forged documents.

In the energy sector, the organization noted grave violations in contracts related to providing oil derivatives, including wasting over 285 million dollars in public funds.

It also spoke of systematic violations on state property, covering over 476 million square meters. It said these violations were committed by armed groups and influential figures who had exploited the war to loot state property.