Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector

Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
TT

Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector

Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Arab League Calls for Increasing Investments in Arab Communication Sector (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Arab League called for pumping investments in the communications and information technology sector to develop infrastructure and raise the level of capabilities offered by communications networks.

The decision aims to enhance fifth-generation networks, bridge the digital gap between cities and remote areas in the Arab region, and complete digital transformation processes.

Director of the Communications and Information Technology Development Department at the Arab League Khaled Wali explained that technological development continues to impose its burdens on the communications and information technology sector in the Arab world.

He reiterated the importance of the communications and information technology sector as a significant driver of economic and social development, and a vital link between its various sectors, especially in light of the coronavirus epidemic.

Wali pointed out that information and communication technology is crucial to preserving public health and achieving social and economic stability globally, stressing the importance of digital transformation for all sectors.

The Director noted the importance of increasing citizens’ confidence in modern communication technologies, paying attention to information security in providing services and enacting laws and legislation protecting users from cybercrime.

Meanwhile, the Arab League congratulated Egypt for choosing the new administrative capital as an Arab digital capital for 2021. It also applauded Oman for choosing Muscat as the Arab digital capital for 2022.

It commended Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Egypt, which achieved progress on their international ranking for the global cybersecurity index.



Israel Plans Military Rule in Gaza

Palestinian children sit in a classroom amid the rubble of a destroyed school in the Khan Younis camp, southern Gaza Strip. (EPA)
Palestinian children sit in a classroom amid the rubble of a destroyed school in the Khan Younis camp, southern Gaza Strip. (EPA)
TT

Israel Plans Military Rule in Gaza

Palestinian children sit in a classroom amid the rubble of a destroyed school in the Khan Younis camp, southern Gaza Strip. (EPA)
Palestinian children sit in a classroom amid the rubble of a destroyed school in the Khan Younis camp, southern Gaza Strip. (EPA)

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has suggested that Israel plans to establish military rule in Gaza for an indefinite period, despite opposition from the army.

Smotrich criticized the military for refusing to take responsibility for distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling it a bigger failure than the Oct. 7, 2023 attack, which saw over 100 Israelis kidnapped by Hamas.

He argued that the army’s refusal is partly why the hostages have not been released.

“The political leadership asked and insisted, but the army rejected any responsibility for military rule,” Smotrich said.

“If it’s necessary for security, I’m not worried about us being an authoritative presence in Gaza to eliminate Hamas.”

Smotrich’s remarks add to growing concerns that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to occupy Gaza and establish military control.

Netanyahu has not outlined a clear post-conflict plan for Gaza, leading to fears that private security companies might take control of civilian life there.

While many Americans, Palestinians and Arabs believe Netanyahu wants to occupy Gaza, former defense minister Yoav Gallant warned that Israeli rule over Gaza would be harmful.

He called for a governing body that is neither Hamas nor Israel to avoid paying a heavy price.

On day 409 of the war, Israel continued its operation in northern Gaza. The operation is aimed at clearing large areas under heavy fire, and it seems to be part of a broader plan for military control.

Field sources in Gaza told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Israeli army is evacuating and isolating large areas in the north, dividing Gaza into three regions. This could signal a prolonged Israeli presence in the area.

Earlier, satellite images showed increased infrastructure activity in northern Gaza, including new and expanded roads. The activity is focused between Beit Lahiya, Jabalia and Beit Hanoun, suggesting that Israel is trying to separate these areas from the rest of Gaza.

While Israel pushes ahead with its military plans, airstrikes on Monday killed about 80 Palestinians.