WASHINGTON: A proposal by Israel for enhanced cooperation with Arab states in efforts to tackle environmental issues such as climate change, global warming and water scarcity has been greeted with a muted public reception in the region, as a result of the continuing Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories and the low priority the Israeli government is perceived to place on such projects.

DUBAI: Naval forces from Kuwait completed joint drills with the UK’s Royal Marines on Monday, the Kuwait News Agency reported.

The drills, which ran for three weeks, included anti-terrorism training, maritime piracy combat, and ship inspection operations, along with first aid, medical evaluations and combat training. 
 

RABAT: Israel has decided to “recognize Morocco’s sovereignty” over the disputed Western Sahara region, the royal office in Rabat announced Monday, citing a letter from the Israeli prime minister.
According to the letter, Benjamin Netanyahu informed Morocco’s King Mohammed VI of “the State of Israel’s decision to recognize Morocco’s sovereignty” over the mineral-rich desert region, the royal office said in a statement.

LONDON: Israeli forces shot and injured two Palestinians in the West Bank on Monday, Palestine News and Information Agency reported.

A 17-year-old boy was shot during confrontations with occupation forces in the town of Azzun. He was taken to a hospital for treatment.

Another Palestinian was shot in the shoulder after Israeli forces raided the city of Nablus, firing live bullets and tear gas canisters. Forces also arrested three Palestinians after raiding and searching their homes.

ALGIERS: Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune began a state visit to China on Monday, with both economic and diplomatic priorities as the North African nation looks to become less gas-dependent and raise its global profile.

The visit follows Tebboune’s trip  last month to Russia, a long-time partner and military provider, although Algeria has remained officially neutral in Moscow’s war in Ukraine.

Tebboune spent two days in Qatar before landing in Beijing on Monday.