US opposition blocks UN Security Council statement on Jerusalem violence
May 11, 2021, 10:00 am

US opposition blocks UN Security Council statement on Jerusalem violence

Palestinian protesters raise national flags as they gather near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, on April 25, 2021. (AFP)

Despite initial opposition from the United States, diplomats said late Monday that most UN Security Council member states were determined to issue a statement regarding the ongoing clashes between Palestinians and Israelis in Jerusalem.

The 15-nation Security Council met virtually behind closed doors on Monday as violence spilled over from the Al-Aqsa Mosque with rockets being fired by the Islamist Hamas movement and Israeli forces.

Tensions began last week after Israeli forces marched through Jerusalem’s Sheikh Jarrah, and Israeli settlers were seen trying to drive Palestinian families out of their homes. An Israeli court had previously ruled that Palestinians ought to be evicted, but Tel Aviv’s Supreme Court has postponed the ruling on the decision.

Monday was arguably the most violent day as hundreds of rockets were fired at Israel before Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 20 people, including nine children.

UN Security Council members met to discuss a draft statement proposed by Tunisia and Norway and supported by China, diplomats who participated in the meeting told Al Arabiya.

But no statement was issued due to objection from the US, which said such a move would “further complicate matters,” according to a senior Western diplomat.

https://twitter.com/StateDeptSpox/status/1390857688804888585

Nevertheless, a majority of the other participating member states stressed the need to release a resolution on the latest developments.

The Biden administration has issued multiple strongly-worded statements criticizing the Sheikh Jarrah evictions while also voicing support for Israel’s right to defend itself against rocket attacks.

The gathered member states stressed the need for both the Palestinians and the Israelis to de-escalate tensions, while the initial draft statement issued a harsh condemnation against Israel, calling on it to halt “settlement activities, demolitions and evictions,” according to a version seen by Al Arabiya.

Israeli forces would also be called on to exercise utmost restraint against peaceful protesters while reiterating that the only answer was a two-state solution.

A majority of the member states condemned the rocket attacks against Israel.

“It is unacceptable for the Security Council to follow the developments and not to release a statement,” the senior diplomat said.

Tunisia, Norway and China expressed their readiness to continue negotiations in an effort to agree on a final statement.

Separately, representatives from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation met to discuss the Al-Aqsa attacks and the ongoing clashes.

“The group unequivocally condemned the recent brutal use of force by the Israeli forces which injured over 300 Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and around Al-Aqsa mosque,” a statement from the OIC read.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey proposed launching diplomatic efforts to garner support for a special session of the UN General Assembly to discuss the recent developments.

source: Joseph Haboush

Image source: AFP

Levant

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BENEFIT, the Kingdom’s innovator and leading company in Fintech and electronic financial transactions service, held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the company’s headquarters in the Seef District.
During the meeting, shareholders approved all items listed on the agenda, including the ratification of the minutes of the previous AGM held on 26 March 2024. The session reviewed and approved the Board’s Annual Report on the company’s activities and financial performance for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2024, and the shareholders expressed their satisfaction with the company’s operational and financial results during the reporting period.
The meeting also reviewed the Independent External Auditor’s Report on the company’s consolidated financial statements for the year ended 31 December 2024. Subsequently, the shareholders approved the audited financial statements for the fiscal year. Based on the Board’s recommendation, the shareholders approved the distribution of a cash dividend equivalent to 10% of the paid-up share capital.
Furthermore, the shareholders endorsed the allocation of a total amount of BD 172,500 as remuneration to the members of the Board for the year ended 31 December 2024, subject to prior clearance by related authorities.
The extension of the current composition of the Board was approved, which includes ten members and one CBB observer, for a further six-month term, expiring in September 2025, pending no objection from the CBB.
The meeting reviewed and approved the Corporate Governance Report for 2024, which affirmed the company’s full compliance with the corporate governance directives issued by the CBB and other applicable regulatory frameworks. The AGM absolved the Board Members of liability for any of their actions during the year ending on 31st December 2024, in accordance with the Commercial Companies Law.
In alignment with regulatory requirements, the session approved the reappointment of Ernst & Young (EY) as the company’s External Auditors for the fiscal year 2025, covering both the parent company and its subsidiaries—Sinnad and Bahrain FinTech Bay. The Board was authorised to determine the external auditors’ professional fees, subject to approval from the CBB, and the meeting concluded with a discussion of any additional issues as per Article (207) of the Commercial Companies Law.
Speaking on the company’s performance, Mr. Mohamed Al Bastaki, Chairman BENEFIT , stated: “In terms of the financial results for 2024, I am pleased to say that the year gone by has also been proved to be a success in delivering tangible results. Growth rate for 2024 was 19 per cent. Revenue for the year was BD 17 M (US$ 45.3 Million) and net profit was 2 Million ($ 5.3 Million).

Mr. Al Bastaki also announced that the Board had formally adopted a new three-year strategic roadmap to commence in 2025. The strategy encompasses a phased international expansion, optimisation of internal operations, enhanced revenue diversification, long-term sustainability initiatives, and the advancement of innovation and digital transformation initiatives across all service lines.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the CBB for its continued support of BENEFIT and its pivotal role in fostering a stable and progressive regulatory environment for the Kingdom’s banking and financial sector—an environment that has significantly reinforced Bahrain’s standing as a leading financial hub in the region,” said Mr. Al Bastaki. “I would also like to thank our partner banks and valued customers for their trust, and our shareholders for their ongoing encouragement. The achievements of 2024 set a strong precedent, and I am confident they will serve as a foundation for yet another successful and impactful year ahead.”
Chief Executive of BENEFIT; Mr. Abdulwahed AlJanahi commented, “The year 2024 represented another pivotal chapter in BENEFIT ’s evolution. We achieved substantial progress in advancing our digital strategy across multiple sectors, while reinforcing our long-term commitment to the development of Bahrain’s financial services and payments landscape. Throughout the year, we remained firmly aligned with our objective of delivering measurable value to our shareholders, strategic partners, and customers. At the same time, we continued to play an active role in enabling Bahrain’s digital economy by introducing innovative solutions and service enhancements that directly address market needs and future opportunities.”
Mr. AlJanahi affirmed that BENEFIT has successfully developed a robust and well-integrated payment network that connects individuals and businesses across Bahrain, accelerating the adoption of emerging technologies in the banking and financial services sector and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a growing fintech hub, and added, “Our achievements of the past year reflect a long-term vision to establish a resilient electronic payment infrastructure that supports the Kingdom’s digital economy. Key developments in 2024 included the implementation of central authentication for open banking via BENEFIT Pay”
Mr. AlJanahi concluded by thanking the Board for its strategic direction, the company’s staff for their continued dedication, and the Central Bank of Bahrain, member banks, and shareholders for their valuable partnership and confidence in the company’s long-term vision.