Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani embarks on a state visit to the UK, aiming to secure a trade deal with the Gulf states, including a state banquet at Buckingham Palace and talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer. The visit comes as the UK government seeks to boost the economy through a free trade agreement with the Gulf Cooperation Council, with potential economic benefits of £1.6 billion. The visit will also include discussions on the Middle East, with Qatar playing a key role as a mediator, despite criticism over its human rights record.
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Explainer-How might the EU respond to Israel over Gaza aid crisis?
The EU is considering suspending Israeli access to its Horizon Europe research funding in response to Israel's actions in Gaza, marking a potential first step against Israel. The proposal, which requires a qualified majority to pass, aims to freeze funding for Israeli startups due to alleged human rights violations, though it faces opposition from some member states and criticism for being insufficient from human rights organizations. Want More Context? 🔎
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