Israel continues to pound Gaza as Trump arrives in Qatar as part of Gulf tour

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A US-supported NGO said Wednesday it would begin distributing humanitarian aid in Gaza this month following talks with officials in Israel, which has imposed a blockade on aid since March.

"The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) today announced that it will launch operations in the Gaza Strip before the end of the month," the group said in a statement.

It added it had also asked Israel to secure distribution points in the north of the Palestinian territory.

Israel's attacks in Gaza this week send the signal they are not interested in negotiating a ceasefire, Qatar's prime minister told CNN in an interview on Wednesday.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said a U.S.-backed humanitarian aid distribution plan for Gaza was unnecessary, stressing the United Nations should be allowed to deliver aid to the war-torn enclave.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran would not "bow to any bully" in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's criticism of Tehran during his Gulf tour.

"He (Trump) thinks he can come here, chant slogans, and scare us. For us, martyrdom is far sweeter than dying in bed. You came to frighten us? We will not bow to any bully," he said on Wednesday in comments broadcast live on state TV.

Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa on Wednesday welcomed US President Donald Trump's lifting of sanctions on the country as a "historic and courageous" decision.

Speaking in a live television address, al-Sharaa said Trump's move "was a historic and courageous decision, which alleviates the suffering of the people, contributes to their rebirth and lays the foundations for stability in the region".

The United States on Wednesday unveiled fresh sanctions against six people and 12 firms - including several Chinese nationals - for their support of Iran's ballistic missile programme.

Wednesday's sanctions are aimed at organisations involved in "efforts to help the Iranian regime domestically source the manufacturing of critical materials needed for Tehran's ballistic missile program," according to the US Treasury Department.

"The United States cannot allow Iran to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles," US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a statement.

Tehran's attempts to produce missiles and components domestically "represents an unacceptable threat to the United States and the stability of the region," he added.

Those sanctioned include three Chinese nationals - Qin Jinhua, Qin Dehui, and Wang Chao - who work for a China-based firm which has exported carbon fiber precursor materials to a sanctioned Iranian firm, and another Hong Kong-based company

Doctors Without Borders slammed Israel Wednesday for creating a "deliberate humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza and accused it of trying to make aid conditional on forced displacement of Palestinians.

"We are witnessing, in real time, the creation of conditions for the eradication of Palestinian lives in Gaza," the medical charity, known by its French acronym MSF, said in a statement. "Gaza has become a hell on earth for Palestinians."

MSF warned that its medical teams on the ground had "seen a 32-percent increase in the number of patients presenting with malnutrition over the past two weeks".

It highlighted that its "teams in Gaza have received no supplies for 11 weeks and face critical shortages of essential medical items such as sterile compresses and sterile gloves".

The UN peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon protested on Wednesday at "direct fire" by the Israeli military at one of its positions, the first since a ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel.

In a statement, UNIFIL said it was "concerned by the recent aggressive posture of the Israel Defence Forces involving UNIFIL personnel and assets".

That included an "incident in which a direct fire hit the perimeter of a UNIFIL position south of the village of Kfar Shouba", which it said took place on Tuesday.

The force said it "observed two shots fired from south of the Blue Line", in reference to the de facto border between Israel and Lebanon.

It was the first time since November 27 that Israel has directly hit a UNIFIL position, it said.

The UN special envoy for Yemen warned Wednesday of a "dangerous escalation" between Israel and the Houthis, as the Israeli army carried out reprisal strikes on the Iran-backed rebel group.

Recent events have served "as stark reminders that Yemen is ensnared in the wider regional tensions," Hans Grundberg told a meeting of the UN Security Council.

He said the Houthi's May 4 attack on Israel's Ben Gurion airport and subsequent Israeli strikes in Yemen "represent a dangerous escalation, and the threats and attacks, regrettably, continue."

Grundberg on Wednesday also welcomed the recent ceasefire deal between the Houthis and the United States, calling it "an important and necessary de-escalation" and "a welcome opportunity on which we must collectively build to refocus on resolving Yemen's conflict."

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday Qatar Airways had placed a "record" order for 160 planes from Boeing, as he signed a raft of deals in Doha alongside Qatar's emir.

The order, which the White House said was Boeing's largest ever for wide-body jets, deepens ties between the US aerospace giant and the giant Middle East carrier.

Qatar Airways will honor a "$96 billion agreement to acquire up to 210 American-made Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines," according to a White House fact sheet.

"This is Boeing's largest-ever widebody order and largest-ever 787 order," it said.

Agreements signed by U.S. President Donald Trump and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani on Wednesday will "generate an economic exchange worth at least $1.2 trillion," the White House said in a fact sheet summarizing some of the deals' details.

The agreements include a $96 billion deal with Qatar Airways to buy up to 210 Boeing 787 Dreamliner and 777X airplanes with GE Aerospace engines, the fact sheet said. They also include a statement of intent that could lead to $38 billion in investments at Qatar's Al Udeid Air Base and other air defence and maritime security capabilities, it said.

Dozens of former captives held by Hamas in Gaza on Wednesday urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump to reach a "comprehensive deal" for the return of all captives still being held.

In a joint letter published by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, 67 former captives called on the US and Israeli leaders, "Only the immediate return of ALL hostages through a negotiated deal will create the foundation for hope, unity, and the renewal of our nation".

Turkey on Wednesday called for a truce "without delay" in Libya after fresh clashes erupted between armed groups in the capital Tripoli.

Violent clashes flared again Wednesday between the Radaa force and the 444 Brigade in key areas of Tripoli after fighting in recent days left at least six people dead.

"We are closely monitoring the escalating situation in and around Tripoli," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement.

"We call on all parties to implement a full and lasting ceasefire without delay and to engage in dialogue to settle disputes," the ministry said.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for a Gaza ceasefire and "unimpeded humanitarian access" to the Palestinian territory.

"In relation to Gaza, I reiterate my call for the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, unimpeded humanitarian access and an immediate cessation of hostilities allowing for an irreversible path towards a two-state solution," he said in Berlin at a meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz.

 Israel must respect international law in its military operation in Gaza, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Wednesday, calling the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave increasingly "dramatic and unjustifiable".

"Over the past months I have spoken with Prime Minister (Benjamin) Netanyahu on several occasions, and the conversations have often been difficult," Meloni told a question time session in the Italian lower house of parliament.

More than 52,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli offensive, according to local health authorities. The military campaign has left Gaza on the brink of famine, aid groups and international agencies say.

Qatar's central bank governor, Sheikh Bandar bin Mohammed bin Saoud Al Thani, met with billionaire Elon Musk in Doha on Wednesday to discuss developments in global finance and investment, the bank said on X.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of US President Donald Trump's visit to Qatar.

China has joined international criticism of the proposed US-Israeli aid distribution plan for Gaza. Speaking at the UN Security Council, Chinese envoy Fu Cong described conditions in Gaza as "a living hell" and cited warnings from the global food monitor IPC that the entire population is facing severe hunger.

"Israel must fulfil its responsibilities as the occupying power by immediately lifting the blockade and restoring full access to humanitarian supplies," Fu said.

Without directly naming the US, he condemned a "so-called humanitarian distribution plan" that UN agencies have reportedly rejected. "Humanitarian aid must never be weaponised," he added.

President Trump continued his trademark flattery during a public appearance with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

Drawing comparisons to Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, whom he met the previous day, Trump said: "You two guys get along so well… you remind me a little bit of each other. Both tall, handsome guys that happen to be very smart."

Earlier, Trump also referred to Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa as a "young, attractive guy" during a meeting in Riyadh.

US President Donald Trump has arrived at a signing ceremony with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

The two leaders formalised an aviation deal involving the purchase of Boeing jets, followed by a defence agreement that includes a joint statement of intent.

US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was also present to co-sign the defence accord.

At least 84 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza since dawn, according to medical sources speaking to Al Jazeera.

Mohammad al-Dreiny, a resident of the al-Nahda refugee camp in northern Gaza, reported that the army bombed a tent within the camp, causing multiple casualties and injuries. He added that several children who had been playing football were among the victims. 

Libya's Sirte Oil Company said on Wednesday it was suspending land transportation to the country's west, including the capital Tripoli, due to deteriorating security conditions.

The worst fighting in Libya's capital for years abated on Wednesday an hour after the government announced a ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump said Wednesday that Syrian interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa backed normalisation with Israel in the future, after the two leaders met as Washington lifted sanctions on Syria.

"I told him (Sharaa), I hope you're going to join (the Abraham Accords) once you're straightened out and he said yes. But they have a lot of work to do," Donald Trump told reporters aboard Air Force one while heading to Doha from Riyadh.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on Wednesday said that French President Emmanuel Macron "should not preach morality", after Macron criticised Israel's blocking of aid to Gaza.

"We remember well what happened to the Jews in France when they couldn't defend themselves. President Macron should not preach morality to us," Katz said in a statement, the day after Macron accused Netanyahu's government of "unacceptable" and "shameful" behaviour in a televised interview.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday of standing with Hamas after Macron said Israel's policy in Gaza was "shameful".

Netanyahu said Israel was sticking to its war aims of securing the release of its hostages, defeating Hamas and ensuring Gaza poses no threat to Israel.

(Reuters)

Germany's new Chancellor Friedrich Merz on Wednesday urged all sides to avert a "famine" in Gaza, which has been under an aid blockade by Israel since early March.

"It is a humanitarian obligation on all parties... and I stress, on all parties - that famine in the region be averted as soon as possible," Merz told parliament.

President Donald Trump arrived in Doha this afternoon, marking the second leg of his Gulf visit after Saudi Arabia.

Upon landing, he was officially received by Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani at the Emiri Diwan, where a formal welcome ceremony was held in his honour.

US President Donald Trump described his meeting with newly appointed Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh as "great", according to The Washington Post.

Speaking aboard Air Force One en route from Saudi Arabia to Qatar, Trump responded to questions about Israel’s role during his regional tour, saying: "I think my visit to the Middle East is very good for Israel."

When asked about upcoming talks on Ukraine involving Turkey, Trump told AFP he would "probably" attend—provided Russian President Vladimir Putin also takes part.

Israel's military said it killed a Hezbollah militant in a strike on south Lebanon on Wednesday, the latest attack despite a ceasefire between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group.

"Earlier today, the Israeli struck in the area of Qaaqaaiyet El Jisr in southern Lebanon, eliminating a Hezbollah terrorist who held the position of the commander of the Qabrikha area within the Hezbollah terrorist organisation," a military statement said.

Lebanon's health ministry reported one person killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting a car.

Israel has continued to launch strikes on its neighbour despite the November 27 truce which sought to halt more than a year of hostilities with Hezbollah including two months of full-blown war.

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said there was a possibility he would head to Turkey for talks on Ukraine if his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin also travelled there.

"I don't know that he (Putin) would be there if I'm not there," Trump told reporters on Air Force One as he flew from Saudi Arabia to Qatar.

"I know he would like me to be there, and that's a possibility. If we could end the war, I'd be thinking about that," he said. Trump however noted that he was already scheduled to be in the United Arab Emirates on Thursday on the third and final leg of his Gulf tour.

But, when asked about visiting Turkey, he added: "That doesn't mean I wouldn't do it to save a lot of lives." Secretary of State Marco Rubio is already set to travel to Istanbul on Friday. "Marco is going and Marco has been very effective," Trump said.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Qatar on Wednesday, an AFP journalist reported, his second stop on a three-day tour of the Gulf.

Trump touched down at Hamad International Airport in Doha, with relations between the two governments in the spotlight over Qatar's offer to Trump of a $400 million luxury aircraft to serve as a new Air Force One and then pass into his personal use.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan said Wednesday that the United States and Saudi Arabia have agreed on the need to end the war on Gaza and release all Israeli captives, as part of President Donald Trump's ongoing regional tour.

“We need to reach a ceasefire in Gaza as soon as possible,” bin Farhan said during a press conference at the fifth US-Gulf summit in Riyadh. “It will be difficult to deliver aid to Gaza without a ceasefire.”

The minister also confirmed Saudi Arabia’s full support for US-Iran nuclear talks and welcomed Washington’s decision to lift sanctions on Syria, saying Riyadh would back Syria’s economic recovery. 

“There are many investment opportunities in Syria after the lifting of US sanctions,” he said.

Speaking following the GCC-US meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud emphasised the urgent need to end the ongoing war in Gaza.

"All sides agreed on the necessity to bring the Gaza war to an end, to ensure the release of captives and detainees, and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid," Prince Faisal stated. “We must work towards a lasting and comprehensive peace in the region."

US President Donald Trump urged vigorous enforcement of sanctions on Iran on Wednesday, even as he said he hoped to reach a negotiated agreement in nuclear talks.

"I want to make a deal with Iran. I want to do something, if it's possible," Trump told a summit of Gulf Arab leaders in Riyadh.

"But for that to happen, it must stop sponsoring terror, halt its bloody proxy wars, and permanently and verifiably cease its pursuit of nuclear weapons.

"I'm strongly urging all nations to join us in fully and totally enforcing the sanctions that I just placed on Iran," he said.

Two Palestinian children have been killed in Israeli attacks east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, Quds News Network reported.

BREAKING: At least two children were confirmed killed following an Israeli bombardment east of Khan Younis, according to medical sources. pic.twitter.com/puMPIq1fR9

— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) May 14, 2025

Speaking at the Gulf-US summit in Riyadh, US President Donald Trump said there are "positive developments" underway for peace in Gaza, following the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander. 

"We will confront threats with our partners, and there is an opportunity to de-escalate," Trump said.

The president also warned Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons, suggesting a deal could be possible if Tehran halts support for armed groups and abandons its nuclear ambitions.

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman praised President Trump's decision to lift sanctions on Syria during the Gulf-US summit, calling it a "new chapter" for the war-torn country.

He said the move could pave the way for economic recovery and regional stability. Bin Salman also highlighted the "historic and strategic" relationship between the Gulf states and Washington.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa took part in a rare virtual meeting, according to Turkey’s Anadolu Agency.

The closed-door session focused on regional cooperation, security, and the evolving situation in Syria and Gaza.

While few details were made public, the meeting signals growing international momentum for new diplomatic efforts.

US President Donald Trump met Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in Riyadh, the first meeting between American and Syrian leaders in a quarter-century.

According to a White House official, the talks took place on the sidelines of a Gulf summit, just a day after Trump announced plans to lift sanctions on Syria.

The meeting marks a major shift in US-Syria relations and could signal a new phase of engagement in the region.

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) reports that 75 per cent of households in Gaza now have even less access to water than they did just a month ago, as sanitation conditions continue to deteriorate.

Over 75% of households in Gaza report a decline in water access over the past month, amid deteriorating sanitation conditions.

UNRWA operates 5 water wells across #Gaza and plans to repair more. This is made possible by the support of the local community, helping UNRWA teams… pic.twitter.com/HOOAKsBteh

— UNRWA (@UNRWA) May 14, 2025

Israeli forces carried out multiple raids across the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, injuring and arresting several Palestinians amid a months-long military campaign in the northern city of Jenin, now in its 114th consecutive day.

According to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa, a 17-year-old was shot and wounded with a rubber-coated bullet during clashes in the town of Abwein. 

In the village of Shuqba near Ramallah, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian home, continuing a pattern of property destruction tied to the broader crackdown. Further north, in Meithalun near Jenin, troops raided several homes and detained two young men. In the nearby village of Anza, two additional arrests were reported.

Ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas are set to continue today in Qatar’s capital, Doha, as regional and international mediators press for a breakthrough. The indirect talks are being brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

Washington is represented by special envoy Steve Witkoff and hostage envoy Adam Boehler, who are expected to arrive in Doha following meetings with families of Israeli captives in Tel Aviv.

Speaking after those meetings, Witkoff said he believed there was a "genuine chance for progress" at the Doha talks, where President Trump is also expected to arrive this morning.

At least 22 children were killed in Gaza overnight Tuesday and early Wednesday in a punishing series of Israeli airstrikes on homes in northern Gaza, according to local hospitals.

The strikes killed at least 48 people in total, the Indonesian Hospital in Jabaliya reported. The strikes came a day after Hamas released an Israeli-American hostage in a deal brokered by the United States, and as President Donald Trump was visiting Saudi Arabia.

Yemen's Houthi Movement has claimed a new missile attack on Israel, targeting Ben Gurion Airport.

The Houthi military spokesman, Yahya al-Sarea, said in a statement last night that the rebel group's missile force had "successfully" targeted Israel's international airport, with a "hypersonic ballistic missile".

The military spokesman said that the attack had led to "millions of Zionists fleeing to shelters and the halting of operations at the airport for nearly an hour".

After Israel resumed its bombardment of Gaza on 18 March, the Houthi leader announced in response that the group would "do everything we can against the Israeli enemy to support the Palestinian people".