Israeli Shekel Falls to Almost 8-year Low

New Israeli Shekel banknotes are seen in this picture illustration taken November 9, 2021. REUTERS/Nir Elias/Illustration/File photo Acquire Licensing Rights
New Israeli Shekel banknotes are seen in this picture illustration taken November 9, 2021. REUTERS/Nir Elias/Illustration/File photo Acquire Licensing Rights
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Israeli Shekel Falls to Almost 8-year Low

New Israeli Shekel banknotes are seen in this picture illustration taken November 9, 2021. REUTERS/Nir Elias/Illustration/File photo Acquire Licensing Rights
New Israeli Shekel banknotes are seen in this picture illustration taken November 9, 2021. REUTERS/Nir Elias/Illustration/File photo Acquire Licensing Rights

The Israeli shekel fell to an almost eight-year low against the US dollar on Monday as conflict in the Middle East escalates.

Fighters from Hamas killed 700 Israelis and abducted dozens more as they attacked Israeli towns on Saturday.

In response, Israeli air strikes hit housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque and homes of Hamas officials in Gaza on Sunday.

According to Reuters, the currency pair is not particularly active during Asian hours.

The shekel was last down more than 3% against the dollar at 3.9581.



Saudi Arabia Pledges $25 Bln Investment to Support Africa

Engineer Waleed Al-Khuraiji attends Africa Day reception in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Engineer Waleed Al-Khuraiji attends Africa Day reception in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Arabia Pledges $25 Bln Investment to Support Africa

Engineer Waleed Al-Khuraiji attends Africa Day reception in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Engineer Waleed Al-Khuraiji attends Africa Day reception in Riyadh (Asharq Al-Awsat)

Saudi Arabia on Wednesday announced ambitious plans to scale up its diplomatic and economic presence in Africa, aiming to boost its investments on the continent to more than $25 billion by 2030, as part of a broader strategy to strengthen development and economic partnerships with African nations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed Al-Khuraiji said the Kingdom intends to expand its network of embassies across the continent to more than 40 in the coming years, underscoring Riyadh’s commitment to deepening its engagement with Africa.

Speaking at a reception marking Africa Day at the Cultural Palace in Riyadh’s Diplomatic Quarter, Al-Khuraiji revealed that Saudi Arabia would provide $10 billion in export financing and secure an additional $5 billion in development funding for African countries by the end of the decade.

“Africa holds a central position in the Kingdom’s foreign policy and diplomatic outreach,” Al-Khuraiji said, noting that Saudi Arabia is keen to enhance cooperation in trade, integration, and multilateral coordination on shared global issues.

He added that the Kingdom has already contributed more than $45 billion to development and humanitarian projects in 54 African countries.

Of that, over $450 million was provided by the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center to support efforts in 46 African nations.