WASHINGTON: The reports of poisoned school girls in Iran is “deeply concerning” and the world needs to know what is causing the ailments, White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Thursday.
Hundreds of Iranian girls in different schools have suffered “mild poison” attacks over recent months, according to the country’s health minister, with some politicians suggesting they could have been targeted by religious groups opposed to girls’ education.

ABU DHABI: The UAE has condemned Israeli Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich after he called for the destruction of the Palestinian village of Huwara.

The country’s foreign ministry said the UAE rejected all practices and behaviors that are incompatible with moral and human values and principles, the Emirates News Agency reported. 

It said hate speech and violence must be confronted and the values of tolerance and human coexistence promoted to reduce escalation and instability in the region. 

DUBAI: The 29th annual Dubai Boat Show was officially opened on Wednesday by Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed Al-Maktoum, the chair of Dubai Media Council.

The event, featuring 1,000 exhibiting companies and brands from more than 60 countries, is the largest maritime show in the Middle East, according to the Emirates News Agency. Organizers said it showcases the latest luxury superyachts and leisure craft, and gives boating enthusiasts a chance to check out what is on the market and the latest industry trends.

BAB AL-HAWA, Syria: World Health Organization chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Wednesday visited areas of rebel-held northwestern Syria that were devastated by last month’s earthquake, an AFP correspondent reported.

Tedros, the highest-ranking United Nations official to visit Syria’s rebel-held zones since the February 6 quake, had traveled to government-controlled areas of Aleppo and Damascus the week of the disaster.

AMMAN: Persistent clashes in the West Bank between Palestinians and Israeli settlers have forced the international community to intervene. But talks in Jordan between senior Israeli and Palestinian security officials appear to have done little to ease tensions or halt hostilities.

During a summit in Jordan’s resort town of Aqaba on Sunday, Israeli and the Palestinian officials pledged in a joint statement to work together to prevent further outbreaks. Both sides “reaffirmed the need to commit to de-escalation on the ground and to prevent further violence.”