Jordan
Palestinian displacement a red line for Jordan — FM | Jordan Times
AMMAN — Every effort is being made to stop the war against the Gazans, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Wednesday. Jordan cannot remain silent about these developments and “the world must hear our clear stance on several critical issues”, Safadi said while addressing an emergency session of the Lower House. Referring to the efforts led by His Majesty King Abdullah, he said that there is no justification for this war.
The Muslim World
Taliban says plans to formally join China's Belt and Road Initiative | Reuters
The Taliban administration wants to formally join Chinese President Xi Jinping's huge 'Belt and Road' infrastructure initiative and will send a technical team to China for talks, Afghanistan's acting commerce minister said on Thursday.
Analysis
Why Egypt and other Arab countries are unwilling to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza | AP News
As desperate Palestinians in sealed-off Gaza try to find refuge under Israel’s relentless bombardment in retaliation for Hamas’ brutal Oct. 7 attack, many ask why neighboring Egypt or other Arab countries don’t take them in.
Secular Winter
How the Israel-Hamas War Is Tilting the Global Power Balance in Favor of Russia, China - WSJ
The war is stretching American and European resources while relieving pressure on Russia and providing new opportunities to China.
Finance and Economy
Oil slips as Venezuela sanctions ease, Middle East in focus | Reuters
Oil prices fell about 2% on Thursday as the United States eased sanctions on Venezuela to allow more oil to flow globally, but fears that Israel's military campaign in Gaza may escalate to a regional conflict kept a lid on losses.
Qatar supplies gas to Europe, vying with US to replace Russia supply | Reuters
Qatar has agreed to supply Shell in the Netherlands with gas for 27 years, the second such deal with a European buyer in a week, as the Gulf state competes with the United States to help Europe replace lost Russian supplies.
Belt and Road: China's Xi promises more market openness and new investments | AP News
Chinese President Xi Jinping is promising foreign companies more access to China’s huge market and more than $100 billion in new financing for other developing economies.
Quds Matters
Israel's endgame? No sign of post-war plan for Gaza | Reuters
Israel is vowing to wipe out Hamas in a relentless onslaught on the Gaza Strip but has no obvious endgame in sight, with no clear plan for how to govern the ravaged Palestinian enclave even if it triumphs on the battlefield.
Israel-Hamas war: Palestinians trapped in Gaza find nowhere is safe during Israel’s relentless bombing | AP News
Israel’s defense minister told ground troops to be ready to enter the Gaza Strip, though he didn’t say when the invasion will start.