KUWAIT: The National Bureau for Human Rights (NBHR) on Tuesday affirmed its ongoing coordination with the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions (ANNHRI) to unify regional stances and intensify efforts to confront the grave violations committed by Zionist occupation in the Gaza Strip. In a press statement, the NBHR called on the international community to uphold its moral and legal responsibilities toward the Palestinian people, particularly in light of the genocide and starvation policies being systematically implemented in Gaza.

The bureau warned that these actions constitute severe breaches of international conventions, including the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit the use of food as a weapon in armed conflict. The bureau condemned the continued closure of crossings and the blockade imposed since early March of last year, noting that the occupation has been using humanitarian aid as a tool for blackmail — targeting civilians with bombardments while denying them essential supplies.

It described these acts as blatant violations of international humanitarian law and called for the immediate and unhindered entry of humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. The NBHR stressed the urgency of halting what it described as war crimes and crimes against humanity as the aggression on Gaza enters its third year. It reiterated its appeal to the international community to act decisively to stop the violations and bring an end to the ongoing assault on Gaza.

Separately, Secretary General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, welcomed a joint statement issued by 28 countries — including the United Kingdom and France — calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities in Gaza. In a statement, Aboul Gheit said the growing international condemnation reflects the deepening humanitarian crisis, particularly the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, as they attempt to access essential resources such as food and water.

He added that the joint statement signals a growing global consensus rejecting the continuation of what he described as an ethnic cleansing campaign by the occupying forces. “This operation has reached levels of brutality that defy conscience and humanity,” he said. Aboul Gheit called for translating these statements into concrete international pressure to halt what he termed a daily massacre. He cited the deaths of over 800 Palestinians killed near aid distribution points as a stark example of the severity of the situation.

He further accused the occupation of deliberately pursuing a policy of forced displacement by making life in Gaza unbearable through daily bombardment, starvation tactics, and obstruction of aid. “The world must take effective action to stop this massacre and confront the occupying state’s continued defiance of international humanitarian law,” Aboul Gheit said, describing the situation as a blatant and unprecedented affront to basic humanitarian principles. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Egyptian Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El-Wazir, affirmed Tuesday that Kuwait is not merely an economic partner, but a strategic ally of Egypt. His remarks came during a visit to the Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), in the presence of Egyptian Ambassador to Kuwait Osama Shaltout.

El-Wazir highlighted the deep-rooted and exemplary political and economic ties between the two countries, praising the efforts of both governments in fostering business collaboration and promoting integration between public and private sectors. He emphasized the importance of deepening cooperation with Kuwait, citing its robust investments and strategic capabilities as key to unlocking new joint markets. He also noted the existence of an ambitious initiative to establish an integrated industrial zone shared between Egypt and Kuwait. The minister lauded the role of Kuwaiti businesspeople in strengthening economic relations with Egypt and expressed hopes for increased Kuwaiti investments, particularly in integrated industrial cities and infrastructure projects. For his part, Assistant Director General of KCCI, Firas Al-Odah, noted that the visit reflects the strength of bilateral relations and underscores a shared vision for economic renaissance and sustainable development. He commended Egypt’s recent strides in infrastructure development, particularly in the transport sector, describing it as the backbone of progress.

Al-Odah also pointed to the Kuwaiti private sector’s continued interest in the Egyptian market. He noted that Kuwaiti investments in Egypt are the largest among Gulf states, with around 1,500 Kuwaiti companies currently operating in various sectors. The total volume of Kuwaiti investment in Egypt has reached approximately $20 billion, with strong potential for further growth amid the country’s expanding investment opportunities. He reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to facilitating cooperation between the business communities of both countries, aiming to promote mutual growth, development, and prosperity.

Ambassador Shaltout also addressed the gathering, expressing appreciation for the role of the Kuwaiti private sector and investors in supporting Egypt’s economy. He reiterated the Egyptian business community’s eagerness to form strategic investment partnerships with Kuwaiti companies, further deepening economic ties. On the sidelines of the visit, a Kuwaiti-Egyptian investment forum was held with the participation of 17 Egyptian companies from diverse sectors, alongside representatives from the Kuwaiti business community. — KUNA

KUWAIT: Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army, Major General (Pilot) Sheikh Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, on Tuesday conducted an inspection visit to Mohammad Al-Ahmad Naval Base, where he reviewed key responsibilities and duties carried out by the naval force in protecting the nation’s territorial waters. In a statement issued by the Army’s General Staff, it was confirmed that Major General Sheikh Sabah Al-Jaber was briefed on the naval force’s operational scope, including its role in securing maritime borders and ongoing development projects aimed at enhancing readiness and response capabilities at sea.

The visit also included a tour of the Naval Force Institute, where the Deputy Chief of Staff was briefed on the institute’s training programs, curricula and future projects. Among the key initiatives highlighted was the Naval Training Center for Simulators – a state-of-the-art facility designed to equip recruits with advanced practical training in various naval disciplines.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Army, Major General Pilot Sabah Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah visits the Mohammed Al-Ahmad Naval Base.- KUNA photos

Major General Sheikh Sabah commended the dedication and professionalism of the institute’s instructors and trainers in building a skilled and capable naval force. He expressed pride in the high level of discipline and commitment displayed by course participants, urging them to continue honing their skills and fully benefit from hands-on training exercises. He also emphasized the importance of practice, repetition, and learning from experience to avoid errors and enhance operational performance.

At the conclusion of the visit, Major General Sheikh Sabah inspected an unmanned training boat used as a mobile target in live simulation exercises. He praised the efforts of all naval personnel – officers, non-commissioned officers, and enlisted members – for their professionalism, noting that the performance and discipline he observed reflect the evolving strength and capability of Kuwait’s naval forces. The Deputy Chief of Staff was received at the base by Commander of the Naval Force, Rear Admiral Saif Al-Hamlan, along with several senior officers. — KUNA