Libya’s Benghazi to Kick off Expanded Vaccination Campaign

A view of the vaccination center. (Benghazi health authorities)
A view of the vaccination center. (Benghazi health authorities)
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Libya’s Benghazi to Kick off Expanded Vaccination Campaign

A view of the vaccination center. (Benghazi health authorities)
A view of the vaccination center. (Benghazi health authorities)

An expanded COVID-19 vaccination campaign will kick off on Wednesday in Benghazi, Libya’s second largest city, as authorities reported 1,900 infections throughout the country.

The Benghazi health Services directorate said that it completed all preparations to launch the vaccination campaign at the Suleiman Al-Darrat Complex in the eastern city.

People above the age of 18 will be given the first doze of the Chinese-made Sinopharm shot.

Meanwhile, Libya registered 23 new COVID-19 deaths in the last 24 hours, bringing the total number of fatalities to 4,100.

Also on Tuesday, the International Organization for Migration announced that it organized with the Libyan Health Ministry a series of trainings on COVID-19 preventive measures for medical workers operating in 20 centers for illegal migrants.

The Italian government announced it has provided aid to four hospitals in Libya.

The Italian Embassy in Libya tweeted that “a first shipment of medical equipment was delivered to Surman, Sabratha and Murzuq hospitals,” and “a 500 kilowatt generator was delivered to Ibn Sina Hospital” in Sirte.

The embassy confirmed that the aid “comes in response to urgent needs”, and was “sent as part of the Italian aid bridge, in cooperation with the Libyan government and the Health Ministry.”



Hamas Sources: Trump’s Displacement Remarks Inconsistent with US Messages

US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
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Hamas Sources: Trump’s Displacement Remarks Inconsistent with US Messages

US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)
US President Donald Trump meets with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House in Washington on Monday. (Reuters)

US President Donald Trump’s recent comments about the war in Gaza have sparked cautious optimism for a potential ceasefire, while also raising serious concerns. During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House on Monday, Trump said he expects the conflict to end “soon,” adding: “I want the war in Gaza to stop.”

However, Trump reignited controversy by referencing a proposal he once floated early in his presidency: relocating the Palestinians from Gaza and placing the enclave under US control.

While Hamas has not issued an official response, sources within the Palestinian group told Asharq Al-Awsat that Trump’s statements are inconsistent with what is being conveyed behind the scenes.

“These remarks don’t align with what’s being shared with Hamas leadership or mediators,” they said.

They pointed to a shift in US policy and noted that recent American positions conveyed through intermediaries show a more measured approach. They also highlighted strong Arab opposition to any forced displacement from Gaza, which they say has contributed to Washington distancing itself from such ideas - regardless of Trump’s public rhetoric.

The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu also touched on the issue of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. Netanyahu said efforts to reach a new agreement were underway, while Trump confirmed that discussions about a new ceasefire are in progress, though he cautioned that securing the hostages’ release could be “a long process.”

Hamas sources confirmed the movement has received a new Egyptian proposal, which has also been shared with Israel, the United States, and other mediators. They linked Trump’s remarks to recent intensified mediation efforts involving Washington.

Trump’s revival of the Gaza relocation idea was interpreted by some observers as a response to questions from Israeli journalists, rather than a serious policy stance. Hamas sources downplayed the significance of the statement, suggesting it did not reflect current US efforts on the ground.

Meanwhile, Arab foreign ministers recently presented a unified plan in Doha to US envoy Steve Witkoff, centered on Gaza’s reconstruction and governance - without displacing its residents. The plan was reportedly well-received and seen as a foundation for future efforts to resolve the conflict.