US President Joe Biden is travelling to Israel to address growing global concerns about its war with Gaza. EPA
US President Joe Biden is travelling to Israel to address growing global concerns about its war with Gaza. EPA
US President Joe Biden is travelling to Israel to address growing global concerns about its war with Gaza. EPA
US President Joe Biden is travelling to Israel to address growing global concerns about its war with Gaza. EPA

White House says Biden's Arab summit in Jordan is cancelled


Jihan Abdalla
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US President Joe Biden’s Wednesday meeting in Amman with Arab leaders to discuss the escalating developments of the Israel-Gaza war has been cancelled, the White House has said.

It comes after a deadly strike on Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which resulted in at least 500 deaths.

"I am outraged and deeply saddened by the explosion at the Al Ahli Arab hospital in Gaza, and the terrible loss of life that resulted," Mr Biden said in a statement issued by the White House.

The summit, which was due to take place in the Jordanian capital after his stop in Israel, was to include Jordan's King Abdullah II, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi.

"After consulting with King Abdullah II of Jordan and in light of the days of mourning announced by President Abbas of the Palestinian Authority, President Biden will postpone his travel to Jordan and the planned meeting with these two leaders and President El Sisi of Egypt," a White House official said.

Mr Biden was expected to speak by phone with Mr Abbas and Mr Sisi while on his way back to the US.

Earlier on Tuesday, Mr Abbas announced that he would not attend the meeting in response to the Gaza hospital strike, for which Israel has denied responsibility.

"I spoke with King Abdullah II of Jordan and Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel and have directed my national security team to continue gathering information about what exactly happened," Mr Biden said in his statement.

"The United States stands unequivocally for the protection of civilian life during conflict and we mourn the patients, medical staff and other innocents killed or wounded in this tragedy."

The development comes amid growing global concerns over the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, and amid fears that the Israel-Hamas war could develop into a broader regional conflict.

Mr Biden is on his way to Israel where he is expected to repeat the US's unwavering support for Israel.

But cancellation of the stop in Jordan delivers a blow to his efforts to negotiate a humanitarian corridor that would enable the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip, and the departure of civilians, including Palestinian Americans who are trapped in the besieged enclave.

"He looks forward to consulting in person with these leaders soon, and agreed to remain regularly and directly engaged with each of them over the coming days," the White House official said.

Israel cut off water, electricity, food and medicine after Hamas gunmen launched an attack on part of southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,300 people and taking scores of others hostage.

Israel responded by bombarding the Gaza Strip, home to 2.3 million people, with aerial attacks. More than 3,000 people have been killed.

Israel also ordered Palestinians to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip before a ground invasion aimed at destroying Hamas.

The UN has condemned the move, saying that ordering the evacuation of 1.1 million civilians amounts to a breach in international law.

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Company profile

Date started: Founded in May 2017 and operational since April 2018

Founders: co-founder and chief executive, Doaa Aref; Dr Rasha Rady, co-founder and chief operating officer.

Based: Cairo, Egypt

Sector: Health-tech

Size: 22 employees

Funding: Seed funding 

Investors: Flat6labs, 500 Falcons, three angel investors

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
SPEC%20SHEET
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Credit Score explained

What is a credit score?

In the UAE your credit score is a number generated by the Al Etihad Credit Bureau (AECB), which represents your credit worthiness – in other words, your risk of defaulting on any debt repayments. In this country, the number is between 300 and 900. A low score indicates a higher risk of default, while a high score indicates you are a lower risk.

Why is it important?

Financial institutions will use it to decide whether or not you are a credit risk. Those with better scores may also receive preferential interest rates or terms on products such as loans, credit cards and mortgages.

How is it calculated?

The AECB collects information on your payment behaviour from banks as well as utilitiy and telecoms providers.

How can I improve my score?

By paying your bills on time and not missing any repayments, particularly your loan, credit card and mortgage payments. It is also wise to limit the number of credit card and loan applications you make and to reduce your outstanding balances.

How do I know if my score is low or high?

By checking it. Visit one of AECB’s Customer Happiness Centres with an original and valid Emirates ID, passport copy and valid email address. Liv. customers can also access the score directly from the banking app.

How much does it cost?

A credit report costs Dh100 while a report with the score included costs Dh150. Those only wanting the credit score pay Dh60. VAT is payable on top.

Updated: October 18, 2023, 3:28 AM`