Algerian Envoy to Return to Paris After Months of Tensions

Algeria’s ambassador to Paris Mohamed Antar Daoud is to return to his post after he was recalled in October. (File/APS)
Algeria’s ambassador to Paris Mohamed Antar Daoud is to return to his post after he was recalled in October. (File/APS)
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Algerian Envoy to Return to Paris After Months of Tensions

Algeria’s ambassador to Paris Mohamed Antar Daoud is to return to his post after he was recalled in October. (File/APS)
Algeria’s ambassador to Paris Mohamed Antar Daoud is to return to his post after he was recalled in October. (File/APS)

The Algerian ambassador to France will return to Paris on Jan. 6, Algerian state TV reported on Wednesday, citing a presidency statement.

Mohamed Antar Daoud was recalled for consultations in October following comments attributed to French President Emmanuel Macron in which he doubted the existence of the Algerian nation before the French colonization.

President Abdelmadjid Tebboune met with Daoud on Wednesday before he resumes his post.

Algeria also decided to reopen land borders with Tunisia following two years of closure due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Algerian Interior Minister Kamel Beldjoud said the borders will be opened during the day only, and travelers are required to undergo a PCR test and respect health measures.



Rebuilding Gaza Will Cost Over $50 Billion, Says World Bank 

Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18, 2025, as people return to northern parts of Gaza during a current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18, 2025, as people return to northern parts of Gaza during a current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
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Rebuilding Gaza Will Cost Over $50 Billion, Says World Bank 

Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18, 2025, as people return to northern parts of Gaza during a current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)
Palestinians walk past tents lining the streets amid the rubble of destroyed buildings in Jabalia, in the northern Gaza Strip on February 18, 2025, as people return to northern parts of Gaza during a current ceasefire deal in the war between Israel and Hamas. (AFP)

The World Bank, United Nations and the European Union are pointing to a formidable international reconstruction effort ahead for Gaza, which they estimate will cost $53.2 billion.

“Funding will require a broad coalition of donors, diverse financing instruments, private sector resources and significant improvements in the delivery of reconstruction materials to Gaza,” said the report released Tuesday.

The organizations said they would work with partners to devise a “strategic plan” to oversee the recovery and reconstruction.

The report identified almost $30 billion in damage as a result of the war — with nearly half of that due to destruction of homes. The war has displaced an estimated 90% of Gaza’s population, and since a ceasefire took effect last month, many displaced Palestinians have returned to find their former homes in ruins.

The report said Gaza would require about $20 billion for recovery and reconstruction needs over the next three years.

It says an additional $33 billion will be needed in the long term, including funds to rebuild the territory’s social and health services and the battered economy.