International

Qatar suspends role as mediator between Israel, Hamas

Published

4 weeks ago

November 10, 2024

Qatar suspends role as mediator between Israel, Hamas

Qatar has suspended its work as a mediator in ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas, officials say.

The country said it would resume its work when Hamas and Israel “show their willingness” to negotiate.

It comes after senior US officials reportedly said Washington would no longer accept the presence of Hamas representatives in Qatar, accusing the Palestinian group of rejecting fresh proposals for an end to the war in Gaza.

Qatar said initial reports it had withdrawn from mediation talks and said that Hamas’s political office in Doha “no longer serves its purpose” were “inaccurate”.

“Qatar notified the parties 10 days ago during the last attempts to reach an agreement, that it would stall its efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel if an agreement was not reached in that round,” a statement from the Qatari foreign ministry said.

“Qatar will resume those efforts… when the parties show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war.”

Hamas has had a base in the Qatari capital since 2012, reportedly at the request of the Obama administration.

Several news agencies reported on Saturday that Qatar had agreed with the US to tell Hamas to close its political office in Doha due to “a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith”.

But the foreign ministry said the reports were “inaccurate”. The claims have also been denied by Hamas officials.

The small but influential Gulf state is a key US ally in the region. It hosts a major American air base and has handled many delicate political negotiations, including with Iran, the Taliban and Russia.

Alongside the US and Egypt, the Qataris have also played a major role in rounds of so-far unsuccessful talks to broker a ceasefire in the year-long war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

But there is growing evidence of a shift in the relationship.

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After the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Hamas held a two-hour mourning tent in Doha in a small hall, a stark contrast to the recent three-day mourning held for Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, which was conducted with official state oversight and security.

The latest round of talks in mid-October failed to produce a deal, with Hamas rejecting a short-term ceasefire proposal. The group has always called for a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

The Qatari foreign ministry statement said: “Media reports regarding the Hamas office in Doha is inaccurate.”

“The main goal of the office in Qatar is to be a channel of communication… [which] has contributed to achieving a ceasefire in previous stages.”

Israel has also been accused of rejecting deals. Days after being fired earlier this week, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rejecting a peace deal against the advice of his security chiefs.

The call for Hamas to be expelled from Qatar appears to be an attempt by the outgoing Biden administration to force some sort of peace deal before the end of his term in January.

Were Hamas to be forced to leave Doha, it is unclear where they would base their political office. Key ally Iran would be an option, although the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July suggests they may be at risk from Israel if based there. It would also not give them anything close to the same diplomatic channels to the West.

A more likely option would be Turkey. As a Nato member but also a Sunni majority state, it would give the group a base from which to operate in relative safety. Last April President Erdogan hosted then Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and his delegation in Istanbul, where they talked about “what needs to be done to ensure adequate and uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a fair and lasting peace process in the region”.

The move would also most likely be welcomed by Ankara, which has often sought to position itself as a broker between east and west.

Key Hamas figures such as Osama Hamdan, Taher al-Nunu, and others frequently featured on news outlets have been staying in Istanbul for over a month.

Their extended presence in Turkey marks a departure from past visits, which were typically limited to brief stays.

It is thought the personal safety of Hamas leadership is now a major concern for the group, which saw two leaders killed in less than four months. As well as Haniyeh’s death in July, in October Israel killed Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the 7 October Hamas attack on southern Israel.

According to the European Council of Foreign Relations, “Hamas has adopted a temporary model of collective leadership to mitigate the effect of future Israeli assassinations”.

H A Hellyer, a senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (Rusi), told the BBC that nowhere “will give them protection from Israeli assassination attempts in the same way that being in Doha, where America has its largest military base in the region, did”.

The latest move comes as US officials appear increasingly frustrated with the approach the Israeli government has taken to ending the war. In October, the US Secretaries of State and Defense said if Israel did not allow more humanitarian aid into the territory by 12 November, they would face unspecified policy “implications”.

Last weekend a number of UN officials warned the situation in northern Gaza was “apocalyptic”. On Saturday the independent Famine Review Committee said there was a “strong likelihood that famine is imminent in areas”.

The relationship between President Joe Biden and Netanyahu has deteriorated over the course of the war in Gaza, with increasing pressure from Washington to improve the humanitarian situation for the Palestinians and find some sort of negotiated settlement.

But, according to Dr Hellyer, US attempts at negotiation have been fatally flawed.

“By setting red lines and allowing Netanyahu to cross them without consequence, the Biden administration effectively encouraged further impunity. I don’t think any of this will change in the next 10 weeks,” he said.

Any overtures have been repeatedly rejected by Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition, who will now also feel emboldened by the prospect of an incoming Donald Trump presidency.

While exactly what approach Trump will take to the region remains uncertain, he is thought to be more likely to allow Israel to act on its terms.

He has previously said Israel should “finish what they started” in Gaza. During his last term in the White House, he took a number of steps deemed highly favourable to Israel, including moving the US embassy to Jerusalem.

It has also been reported, however, that Trump has told Netanyahu that he wants to see an end to the fighting by the time he takes office.

Either way, it seems likely that the current US administration will have less influence over the government in Jerusalem.

They may therefore believe the best way to force some sort of deal is to apply pressure on Hamas. Whether it pays off may depend on whether Qatar, so long a reliable ally, decides to go along with it.

Qatar suspends role as mediator between Israel, Hamas

BBC

Related Topics:Hamas Israel mediator Qatar

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UK creates first carbon-14 diamond battery, capable of powering devices for thousands of years

Published

1 day ago

December 4, 2024

Trends Admin

UK creates first carbon-14 diamond battery, capable of powering devices for thousands of years

Scientists and engineers from the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA) and the University of Bristol have announced the successful creation of the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery.

This new battery technology could offer a reliable power source for thousands of years, thanks to its use of the radioactive isotope carbon-14.

The breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize a range of applications, from medical devices to space exploration.

The press release from UKAEA confirms that this carbon-14 diamond battery marks a significant step forward in energy innovation. By harnessing the power of carbon-14, the battery generates low levels of power from the radioactive decay of the isotope, which has a half-life of 5,700 years.

The diamond serves as a protective casing for the carbon-14, ensuring safety while maintaining its ability to generate power.

Applications in medical devices

One of the key potential applications for this technology is in medical devices. Bio-compatible diamond batteries could be used in implants such as ocular devices, hearing aids, and pacemakers.

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These batteries would reduce the need for replacements and minimize the distress caused to patients. Sarah Clark, Director of Tritium Fuel Cycle at UKAEA, explained, “Diamond batteries offer a safe, sustainable way to provide continuous microwatt levels of power.”

Use in extreme environments.

According to the UKAEA, the battery’s long lifespan makes it ideal for use in extreme environments, both on Earth and in space. For instance, these batteries could power devices like active radio frequency (RF) tags, which are used to track and identify objects such as spacecraft or payloads.

The ability to operate for decades without needing replacement is said to make carbon-14 diamond batteries a promising option for both space missions and remote terrestrial applications, where conventional battery replacements are not feasible.

How the carbon-14 diamond battery works

UKAEA explains that the carbon-14 diamond battery generates power by capturing fast-moving electrons produced during the radioactive decay of carbon-14. This is similar to how solar panels turn light into electricity, but instead, they use the movement of electrons within the diamond. The long lifespan of carbon-14 means the battery can provide power at low levels for thousands of years.

Collaboration between UKAEA and University of Bristol

Details inform that the development of this battery was made possible through the collaboration of scientists and engineers from both UKAEA and the University of Bristol.

The teams worked together to build a plasma deposition rig, a specialized apparatus used to grow the diamond at UKAEA’s Culham Campus. Professor Tom Scott from the University of Bristol noted, “Our micropower technology can support a whole range of important applications, from space technologies and security devices through to medical implants.” He added that the team is excited to explore these possibilities further with partners in industry and research.

UK creates first carbon-14 diamond battery, capable of powering devices for thousands of years

International

Switzerland to extend work visa quotas for foreign workers in 2025

Published

2 days ago

December 4, 2024

Trends Admin

Switzerland to extend work visa quotas for foreign workers in 2025

Switzerland has announced plans to extend its work visa quotas for foreign workers in 2025 as part of efforts to address labour shortages in key sectors.

The Swiss Federal Council revealed that up to 8,500 highly skilled workers from non-EU countries will be eligible to work in the country under the same system as in 2024.

According to TravelBiz, the decision is designed to help Swiss businesses fill critical job vacancies by ensuring continued access to skilled talent from outside the European Union (EU) and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA).

Work visa quotas for 2025

Reports inform that Switzerland will maintain its current work visa quotas in 2025, allowing the recruitment of foreign workers in two main categories:

4,500 B Residence Permits: These permits are for long-term skilled workers and allow them to live and work in Switzerland for extended periods.

4,000 L Short-Term Residence Permits: These permits are for temporary work assignments, with stays lasting up to one year.

The Swiss Federal Council’s decision drive to support businesses struggling to find skilled workers and to meet demand in sectors experiencing labour shortages.

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Why Switzerland keeps quotas steady

Switzerland’s decision to keep work visa quotas steady indicates a measured approach to immigration. While skilled foreign workers are recognized as crucial for economic growth, the Swiss government emphasizes the need for regulated immigration.

Reports inform that the country’s key objectives include:

Supporting Economic Needs: The quota system helps Swiss companies address labour shortages by attracting skilled foreign workers.

Prioritizing Domestic and EU/EFTA Workers: Swiss employers are required to first seek qualified talent from Switzerland and the EU/EFTA before hiring from third countries.

By maintaining these quotas, Switzerland is ensuring that its labour market remains balanced and that foreign workers complement, rather than compete with, the local workforce.

Utilization of Work Quotas in Recent Years

According to TravelBiz, Switzerland has not been using all of its work visas for foreign workers. In 2023, only 78% of the available permits were issued, and by November 2024, around 63% of the permits had been filled.

This is because companies must first try to hire local workers or those from the EU/EFTA before hiring from outside those areas, which makes it harder to meet the eligibility requirements for foreign workers.

Visa options for foreign workers

For foreign workers considering opportunities in Switzerland, there are two main types of permits:

B Residence Permit: This permit is for skilled workers who have secured long-term employment in Switzerland. It is renewable annually and provides stability for both the worker and their family.
L Short-Term Permit: The L permit is for workers in temporary or project-based roles. It is typically valid for up to one year, with the possibility of extension depending on job duration.

Switzerland to extend work visa quotas for foreign workers in 2025

International

Canada increases application fees for temporary resident categories

Published

2 days ago

December 3, 2024

Trends Admin

Canada increases application fees for temporary resident categories

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced an increase in application fees for several temporary resident categories, affecting individuals seeking to restore their status or apply for various permits.

The fee hikes, which range from 2.80% to 4.69%, will apply to applicants in categories such as restoring temporary resident status, re-entering Canada after inadmissibility, and applying for Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs).

The updated fee structure impacts eight application categories, with varying increases for each. For instance, the fee for restoring Visitor Status has risen to $239.75 from $229.00.

Similarly, restoring Student Status now costs $389.75, up from $379.00, while restoring Worker Status has increased to $394.75 from $384.00. Other notable fee hikes include the cost for authorization to return to Canada, which has increased to $479.75 from $459.55, and criminal rehabilitation applications, which now range from $239.75 to $1,199.00, depending on the severity of the criminality.

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Additionally, the fee for the International Experience Canada (IEC) program, which targets young professionals and working holiday participants, has risen to $179.75, up from $172.00.

The fee for Temporary Resident Permits (TRP) has also gone up by 4.34%, while criminal rehabilitation applications for serious criminality have seen an increase of over 4%.

IRCC has emphasized that applicants must ensure they pay the correct fees at the time of application submission. For applications submitted online, the new fees should be included.

If submitting by mail before December 1st, 2024, applicants can still use the old fees, but will be required to pay the difference. Applicants are encouraged to use IRCC’s online payment tool to make any necessary additional payments.

These fee adjustments are part of IRCC’s periodic updates to account for inflation and to maintain the quality of services offered to applicants.