Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                      06 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (QNA)

Qatar Tourism Authority (QTA) announced Wednesday that the fifth edition of Qatar Summer Festival (QSF) will kick off on June 14 and will continue till August 31.

Held under the theme "Colour Your Summer", the country's longest festival will start its first week with special Eid Al-Fitr celebrations.

Commenting on the event, Director of Festivals and Tourism Events at QTA Mashael Shahbik said that QSF has grown over the years to become synonymous with family-friendly activities, entertainment, hospitality and shopping offers that bring color to everyones summer.

"In its fifth edition, we are particularly excited to add special activities for sports fans to enjoy the worlds most anticipated football tournament" She added.

She said that the summer festivities, which this year extend from Eid Al-Fitr to the end of August, form a key part of our efforts to energize the tourism sector through diversifying Qatars events calendar and tourist source markets.

As this years edition coincides with the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018, QSF has partnered with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and Ministry of Sports and Culture, to bring Qatar Fan Zone to Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena. The Fan Zones activations will kick off on Thursday, 14 June, and continue until the World Cup final on Sunday, 15 July.

Entry to the Qatar Fan Zone is free, offering all residents and visitors an opportunity to keep up with the excitement surrounding the month-long Russia World Cup tournament in an atmosphere that emulates the World Cup vibes.

In addition to live screenings of all matches, the zone will feature live entertainment and concerts, a gaming and activation area, and more than 40 food stalls.

Commenting on the Fan Zon, Nasser Al Khater, Assistant Secretary-General at the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy, expressed pleasure for cooperation with QTA and the Ministry of Culture and Sports to establish Fan zone in Qatar, noting that this is the second experience after the Fan Zone established during the 2014 World Cup.

He hoped that the Fan Zone will succeed to provide an exciting experience for the fans, which will reflect the atmosphere in the State of Qatar during the 2022 World Cup.

For his part, Advisor to the Minister of Culture and Sports for Sports Affairs Abdulrahman Al Dosari expressed the Ministry's pleasure for cooperation with the Supreme Committee for Delivery and Legacy and Qatar Tourism Authority to benefit from this international event, especially that Qatar will host the same event in 2022.

He said that establishing a Fan Zone is part of the Ministry's efforts to raise the level of interest and awareness of the importance of sports in the community, and to upgrade it to the point of excellence, in addition to providing a family atmosphere that allows all members of the family to enjoy the experience of the World Cup.

Chief Marketing and Promotion Officer at QTA Rashid Al Qurese underlined that Qatar Tourism Authority is always looking for new ways to boost the tourism movement in the country during summer.

He noted that the World Cup coincidence with Qatar Summer Festival is a unique opportunity for the festival to expand its offerings beyond its usual sectors of shopping, hospitality and entertainment to include sport.

From the first to the fifth day of Eid Al-Fitr, the participating malls in the Qatar Summer Festival will be putting on special free entertainment shows for shoppers and families looking for some indoor fun. The shows will be performed three times a day on rotation at all participating malls.

For a flavor of local tradition, the Qatari Ardha dance can also be enjoyed across malls this Eid.

The participating malls include Al-Khor Mall, Al-Mirqab Mall, B Square Mall, Doha Festival City, Gulf Mall, Hyatt Plaza, Landmark Mall and Mall of Qatar. Lagoona Mall is also participating with special World Cup activities, allowing shoppers to watch the tournaments matches live.

The Entertainment City, QSF family favorite, returns to open its doors to the public on the first day of Eid Al-Fitr. Spread out over the expansive ground floor of the Doha Exhibition and Convention Center, the Citys key features include the worlds largest bouncy castle, an 18-hole mini-golf course, an ice skating rink, exciting rides, skill games, video games, as well as live entertainment shows.

Visitors to the City will also be able to keep up with the World Cup excitement through while enjoying food, beverage and shopping options. Individual game prices range from 10 QAR to 35 QAR.

Meanwhile, retailers at 11 participating malls will be offering up to 50% discounts and special promotions. For every QAR 200 spent at any of the outlets in QSFs participating malls, shoppers can enter three raffle draws for a chance to win one of 27 exciting cash prizes worth QAR 2,000,000 or a car.

All throughout QSF, nearly 50 of Qatars five- and four-star hotels are providing a range of offers and discounts on brunches, beach and pool access, accommodation and spa treatments.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                      06 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (QNA)

The National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) said that there is nothing new about the recent statement made by Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Hajj and Umrah on welcoming Qatari citizens and residents to perform Umrah rituals.

In a statement on Wednesday, NHRC added that Saudi Arabia is just trying to improve its image through this announcement and other statements in this regard and to show that it is cooperating, however these statements have no basis in reality or clear and specific mechanisms to be implemented.

The Committee said this confirms the ongoing politicization of religious rites, which is a clear violation of article no. 18 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, article no. 18 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), article no. 30 of the Arab Charter on Human Rights (ACHR) and article no. 6 of the GCC Human Rights Declaration.

NHRC stressed that the statement made by the Saudi authorities and what was mentioned on Saudi media outlets, is only a new maneuver after condemnation was raised, which is a reminder of the complaints raised by those who tried to go to Makkah to perform Umrah during the year who were stopped, questioned, treated in humiliating ways and returned back.

NHRC reiterated its earlier demands, to allow Qatari citizens and residents to perform their religious rituals, especially that there are only two months left for Hajj.

The Committee summarized its demands in the need for the Saudi authorities to agree with Qatar's Ministry of Endowment and Islamic Affairs on clear and specific mechanisms to facilitate Hajj and Umrah procedures for Qataris and residents. In addition to opening the electronic registration of pilgrims from the State of Qatar and providing them with visas through the embassy of Oman in Doha, as well as opening the borders between the two countries to take account of humanitarian cases and residents of low income, opening direct flights from and to Qatar from Saudi Arabia for those wishing to perform Hajj and Umrah, allowing financial transfers between Qatari Hajj and Umrah companies and Saudi Hajj and Umrah agents and allowing the use of the Qatari currency to be traded in Saudi Arabia.

NHRC welcomed the global stances, the urgent callings issued by UN Special Rapporteur on freedom of religion or belief and the statement issued by Amnesty International in June 5, 2018 on preventing Qatari pilgrims from performing their religious rituals. NHRC saw that these are important steps on the matter with regards to international mechanisms of human rights in the UN and called on international organizations to intensify efforts to lift the injustice of pilgrims and prevent the politicization of religious rituals by using them as a tool for political pressure.

Despite the silence of the regional institutions, including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Arab League, the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Muslim World League, the Committee said it will continue its international efforts to condemn and hold Saudi authorities accountable for these violations.

NHRC added that it will spare no effort in resorting to all legal proceedings to sue the Saudi authorities for the psychological damage caused to individuals and the material losses suffered by pilgrimage campaign offices.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                     06 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                       (QNA)

Maryam bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Secretary General, National Human Rights Committee (NHRC)   reaffirmed that the unjust siege of Qatar is a flagrant violation of the basic human rights of citizens and residents as well as citizens of the GCC states, noting that it constitutes a blatant attack on all values and principles enshrined in international human rights conventions.

Speaking during the ceremony that NHRC organized on Wednesday to mark one year of the siege, Al Attiyah said that the countries that imposed the siege have used a serious precedent in terms of punitive measures against citizens and residents of Qatar as a tool for political pressure and management of political differences, which amounts to collective punishment affecting individuals and properties.

"We committed ourselves at NHRC since the beginning of the siege crisis to carry out our humanitarian and legal duty, to strive to lift this unjust siege and address its negative, dangerous and frightening consequences and effects on human rights conditions, lift the injustice of tens of thousands of victims, and redress and compensate those affected," Al Attiyah said.

She thanked all human rights organizations that cooperated with the committee in this area, notably the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, the Office of Special Procedures of the United Nations, the European Parliament's Subcommittee on Human Rights and international human rights non-governmental organizations.

Al Attiyah explained that despite all the challenges that resulted from this crisis, it has created beautiful stories of national solidarity and solidarity, and successes at the social and economic levels. It also created a strong opportunity to promote human rights in the State of Qatar by joining more international conventions and enacting national legislation.

Al Attiyah reassured that NHRC will continue with resolve and will not stop until the unjust siege is lifted and the victims are compensated.

Dr. Wafaa Al Yazidi, a Qatari mother and divorcee of a Bahraini national who is one of the siege victims, said that the siege era represents a crisis and a family break from the outside and steadfastness, and dignity from the inside for each member of her family, which represents just one of thousands of cases that had their share of the violations and multidimensional effects insistently left behind by the siege countries. Dr. Al Yazidi added that this is reflected in the attempt by these countries to target the nucleus of the Gulf society and undermine Islamic law and the content of international, Arab and Gulf covenants as well as the blatant disregard for the ties of kinship and unity of fate that bring all Gulf peoples together.

Mohammed Al Kuwari, one of the success stories during the siege and a Qatari entrepreneur, highlighted his experiment during the siege, especially in the food sector in terms of food and medicine manufacturing with products and services that compete with international companies in quality and price.

Al Kuwari said that the year of siege has been the best in terms of achievements, expressing pride in what the Qatari industries accomplished in meeting the needs of the local market in a climate of rule of law and equality.

Present on the occasion were Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al Marri, Chairman NHRC, ambassadors, dignitaries and members of the expatriate communities living in Qatar.

During the ceremony a documentary was also screened on repercussions of the siege on human rights. It also showed NHRC efforts to expose them and testimonies of some victims about their suffering.

 

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                      05 June 2018

The Consular Affairs Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a number of guidelines and advice to Qatari nationals wishing to travel abroad.

The Department stressed the need to ensure the validity of passports and identity cards in case of travel (not less than 6 months), obtaining visas and entry visas from countries requiring prior visas, d compliance with host country regulations and laws, and compliance with travel requirements and international aviation regulations and non-carrying of prohibited materials.

The Consular Affairs Department advised not to purchase air tickets from the airlines of the siege countries via the internet, and to keep official documents of passports, air tickets and valuables in safe places, and not to pledge a passport or ID card to any party in any way.

If the non-Qatari servants and non-Qatari escorts are accompanied, the sponsor must inquire about the visas and procedures followed in this regard, the Department said.

It urged the citizens travelling abroad not to carry gold jewelry and valuables in travel, not to mix or deal with nationals of some countries that have opposing positions to the State of Qatar, and to pay attention to children in gatherings and markets.

The Department stressed that security services of the host country should not be allowed to inspect the place of residence without inspection permission from the competent authority, and stressed the need to ensure the official status of persons "requesting you to show your personal identity" and to keep the numbers of Qatar Embassy in the host country for reference when necessary.

The Department noted that the passport number and personal identification number should be kept in mind when reviewing the mission in the event of loss, and not to carry large sums of money during travel with the head of the family (distribution among accompanying family members), and stressed the need to keep the money exchange receipt.

When arriving at the airport of the country of destination, the Qatari passenger must inform the customs officer of the cash he or she has (if it exceeds ten thousand euros or ten thousand US dollars) before discovering them, in order to avoid confiscating of the further amount of money and indicting him, the Department said.

The Department called for moving away from gatherings and suspicious places, and not to approach or deal with strange objects and to not wearing face cover such as niqab in countries that prohibit it, warning that in the event of any problem, head directly to inform the nearest embassy or consulate of the State of Qatar and notify officials of the content of the problem.

The Department explained that in the case of investigation with the Qatari traveler in any case, he must immediately inform the State Mission, communicate with the embassy to receive advice in the event of a terrorist act and confirm registration before traveling on the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The Department of Consular Affairs advised Qatari traveler to the United States to ensure that all legal issues related to him in the United States of America are terminated, such as paying traffic violations and attending US courts, and making sure that his electronic devices are free of any subjects that are contrary to US laws or suspected of being held accountable by the US authorities.

In the case of traveling companions (servants, nannies or driver), the passports should not be kept with the sponsor, the Department said, adding that the sponsor should take into account that the number of working hours are (8) hours per day, as well as the holidays and weekends. The Department also advised to open a bank account for the server to transfer its receivables, in case of paying in cash, proof of receipt must be taken. The sponsor must also secure adequate housing, and in case of escape, the citizen must inform the nearest Qatari diplomatic mission.

The Department of Consular Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged to see the website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs www.mofa.gov.qa to know the countries that exempt passport holders (of all types) from obtaining visas or require prior visas through embassies or visas at the country's ports upon arrival.

The Department highlighted the possibility of communicating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs via the following phone numbers from inside and outside Qatar: 401111-40111000-40111104.

New York                                                                                                                                                                                              05 June 2018

The United Nations General Assembly today elected the State of Qatar as Vice-President of the General Assembly for its 73rd session, which will begin in mid-September.

This election is a recognition by the Member States of the role played by the State of Qatar in the United Nations, and the distinct status of its role at the regional and international levels.

Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Maria Fernanda Espinosa on Tuesday was elected president of the 73rd United Nations General Assembly taking over from Slovakian Foreign Affairs Minister Miroslav Lajcak. She won 128 of the votes, compared to the 62 votes the Honduras representative won out of the total 193.

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                       04 June 2018

Discover Qatar, the destination management subsidiary arm of Qatar Airways, has announced that it has launched a digital transformation project, and will implement innovative digital technology to enable Qatar’s growing inventory of hotel rooms and services to connect with global tour operators and travel providers on one digital platform.

The system provided by technology company Illusions will allow global tour operators and passengers to have an enhanced and seamless journey when searching for and booking their perfect Discover Qatar experience.

Additionally, as an inclusive project, it will empower all relevant and regulated suppliers and service providers in the Qatari market to offer their products globally via the Discover Qatar system.

Discover Qatar is the first destination management company to use this unique exchange technology platform in the region, marking another milestone for Qatar Airways. One of the major benefits of the new technology is that it offers the destination of Qatar immediate connectivity to more than 140 global travel partners already connected to the Illusions IWTX exchange platform.

Akbar Al Baker, Group Chief Executive Qatar Airways said: “At Qatar Airways, we continue to raise the bar and innovate across all areas of our business as part of our five-star product offering. Discover Qatar’s technology is one of the finest destination management company digital solutions in the world, and will provide our travel partners and our passengers with not only a flexible, reliable and scalable platform, but also access to the full range of services, experiences and accommodation that our beautiful country holds, in a seamless digital experience.

“As the national carrier of the State of Qatar, we are very proud to be playing a key role in the growth of Qatar’s tourism industry. Qatar Airways is connected to more than 30,000 travel companies globally, and this new technology will make every process easier for those global travel operators wishing to offer Qatar as a destination of choice to their customers. Through this initiative, we are looking forward to welcoming more tourists to Qatar, to experience our unique culture, warm hospitality and spectacular landscapes.”

Faisal Memon, Illusions Online Chief Executive, said: “We are delighted to be partnering with Qatar Airways on this project. Discover Qatar and the destination of Qatar itself are now able to connect their inventories to global partners, whilst also benefiting from dynamic connectivity to 90 per cent of the world’s major hotel chains global inventory. With just four years to go until Qatar 2022, the introduction of this platform now is a major enabler for Discover Qatar in the provision of beds and ground services for that tournament to Qatar Airways customers globally.

Customers can find out more about Discover Qatar, its services and offerings by visiting: www.discoverqatar.biz

Earlier this year, Discover Qatar announced its latest selection of pre-bookable city and desert tours for passengers transiting through Qatar, making it one of the world’s leading inbound tourism providers for transit passengers. Initially launched in 2015, the transit tours are aimed at passengers with a transfer time of between five and 12 hours at Hamad International Airport.

The latest selection of tours include visiting key landmarks such as The Pearl-Qatar for the finest quality shops and restaurants; Katara Cultural Village, a centre dedicated to celebrating arts and heritage; Souq Waqif, for traditional jewellery, spices and handicrafts; and the Museum of Islamic Art (MIA), for its stunning collection of art, architecture and beautiful park.

In addition, passengers can book a unique desert experience and visit Sealine Beach and the sand dunes of Mesaieed either in the exclusive off-road monster bus or a luxury 4 X 4 vehicle during their stopover. Alongside city and desert tours, transit passengers can also book the ‘Stop & Shop’ tour, which offers a chauffeur-driven car to the Mall of Qatar – home to luxury fashion brands and world-class restaurants.

In addition to the Discover Qatar transit tours, Discover Qatar offers a range of other services for passengers by bringing together the best stopover packages, hotels and ground arrangements. Visitors can select from an array of four-and five-star hotels, airport transfers, desert safari and city tours on Discover Qatar’s website: https://discoverqatar.qatarairways.com/

Last year, Discover Qatar also signed exclusive partnership agreements with four of the world’s major tour operators in Russia, Italy, Czech Republic and Ukraine to promote the country as a major tourist destination.

In August 2017, Qatar's Ministry of Interior (MoI), QTA and Qatar Airways announced that nationals from more than 80 countries can take advantage of visa-free entry into Qatar, thanks to Qatar's new visa waiver upon arrival. Depending on the nationality of the visitor, the waiver will either be valid for 180 days from the date of issue, and allow the visitor to spend a total of 90 days in Qatar (multiple-entry waiver); or it will be valid for 30 days from the date of issue and entitle the visitor to spend up to 30 days in Qatar with the possibility of applying for an extension of the waiver for an additional 30 days (multiple-entry waiver).

 

Doha                                                                                                                                                                                                      03 June 2018

Qatar Petroleum entered into an agreement with US Supermajor, ExxonMobil, to become a 30% equity holder in two ExxonMobil affiliates in Argentina that hold different interests in hydrocarbon licenses for seven blocks in the world class Vaca Muerta play in the onshore Neuquén basin in  Argentina.

The relevant agreements were signed by Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, President & CEO of Qatar Petroleum, and  Andrew P. Swiger, Senior Vice President and Principal Financial Officer of Exxon Mobil Corporation, at a ceremony held in Doha in the presence of senior executives from both companies.

Upon closing, the signed agreements will give Qatar Petroleum a 30% shareholding in two ExxonMobil local affiliates in Argentina, namely, ExxonMobil Exploration Argentina S.R.L. and Mobil Argentina S.A., which hold rights with other partners for seven blocks under unconventional exploration licenses with active drilling plans as well as exploitation licenses with pilot drilling and production.

Speaking at a press conference held on this occasion, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi said: “We are pleased to enter into this agreement with our long-time partner ExxonMobil, and to participate in the further development of the Vaca Muerta unconventional resource in Argentina. This is an important milestone, as it marks Qatar Petroleum’s first investment in Argentina as well as its first significant international investment in unconventional oil and gas resources. We look forward to working with ExxonMobil to leverage our combined world class capabilities to unlock the potential of these assets for the benefit of all stakeholders.”

Al-Kaabi added: “This agreement is an important milestone on the road to expanding our international footprint, which is an important part of Qatar Petroleum’s growth strategy. It goes hand in hand with the planned expansion of our local production from the North Field, which will further boost Qatar’s leading global position by raising its LNG production from 77 million to 100 million tons per year; and with the recently announced Petrochemicals Complex project, which includes the largest ethane cracker in the Middle East, and one of the largest in the world.”

Al-Kaabi concluded his remarks by saying: “As we approach the first anniversary of the unjust blockade against the State of Qatar, I would like to stress that our oil and gas sector has not been impacted by the blockade, nor has our previously planned expansion. I also would like to reaffirm our commitment to making Qatar Petroleum one of the best national oil and gas companies in the world, and to continue our role to support and strengthen Qatar’s economy. Finally, I would like to thank His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the Amir of the State of Qatar, for His unlimited support and guidance to the energy sector; I would also like to thank all my oil and gas sector colleagues for their great effort, dedication, and commitment.”

Andrew Swiger said: “This agreement builds on our long-standing and successful partnership with Qatar Petroleum, and underscores our commitment to develop Argentina’s resources to further support domestic production of oil and natural gas.”

The Vaca Muerta shale in the Neuquén province in western Argentina is considered among the most prospective unconventional shale oil/gas plays outside North America.  Activity in the basin has picked up recently, mainly due to governmental incentives and rising domestic energy demand. A number of international operators have established presence in the basin and announced ambitious investment plans.

ExxonMobil’s wholly owned subsidiary, XTO Energy, which is among the world leaders in unconventional oil and gas operations, is providing operational support to the two concerned ExxonMobil affiliates in Argentina, including developing detailed appraisal and development plans for these assets, based on recently drilled wells and pilot production testing. In addition, the implementation of leading technologies will be a priority for the partners in order to maximize the value to all stakeholders, while preserving the highest safety standards and reducing operating costs.

 

Singapore                                                                                                                                                                                              03 May 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        Times of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi met US Defence Secretary Jim Mattis in Singapore and discussed security related issues, days after the Pentagon renamed its Pacific Command as Indo-Pacific Command in a largely symbolic move to signal India's importance to the US military.

Modi, who is here on the last leg of his three-nation tour, held a closed-door meeting with Mattis during which both sides discussed all security related issues of mutual and global interests, sources said.

National Security Adviser Ajit Doval was also present in the meeting that lasted for nearly an hour.

The meeting was held on the sidelines of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue which was addressed by the Prime Minister last night.

"The focus of conversation was on the region in the context of PM's keynote address at the #SLD18 yesterday evening," Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

In his keynote address, Modi had said an "Asia of rivalry" will hold the region back while an Asia of cooperation will shape the current century.

Asia and the world will have a better future when India and China work together with trust and confidence while being sensitive to each other's interests, he had said.

"We should all have equal access as a right under international law to the use of common spaces on sea and in the air that would require freedom of navigation, unimpeded commerce and peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law," he had said.

Mattis also addressed the dialogue where he stressed upon freedom for all and "reaffirmation for rule based order".

The meeting between the two leaders assumes significance as in his address Mattis has stressed upon both countries working together and with other nations for ensuring peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

"It is only appropriate that waterways remain open for all nations," Mattis said.

The meeting comes days after the US renamed its oldest and largest military command - the Pacific Command - to Indo-Pacific Command, amid heightened tensions with China over the militarisation of the South China Sea.

The US move came in the wake of a series of measures by China that have raised tensions in the South China Sea.

China claims almost all of the South China Sea. Vietnam, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan have counter claims over the area. The US also rejects China's claims of ownership of the area.

Antalya, Turkey                                                                                                                                                                                   31 May 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (Anadolu News)

Tourists visit the Antalya Aquarium with 131 meter length as a diver cleans the aquarium and feeds sharks in Antalya, Turkey on May 31, 2018

Ankara                                                                                                                                                                                                  02 June 2018                                                                                                                                                                                        (Anadolu News)

Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin on Saturday criticized the U.S. for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution calling for the protection of Palestinians.

“It is not surprising that the U.S. administration vetoed the resolution for the protection of the Palestinian people,” Kalin said on Twitter.

“This confirms once more that they side with the powerful, not the righteous.

“The Palestinian people and Jerusalem are not alone. We will continue to support their just cause,” he added.

Turkey’s Foreign Ministry also “deeply regretted” the veto.

In a statement, it said it was “inexplicable” that a proposal including the security, protection and prosperity of Palestinians was vetoed in the UN Security Council, which is “the primary authorized and responsible mechanism for international peace, stability and security”.

 “The fact that the UN Security Council is once again dysfunctional in establishing accountability and deterrence in the context of violence against Palestinians has also shown that UN reform is an unpostponable necessity,” it said.

“Turkey will continue to be a follower of the Palestinian cause on all platforms, particularly in the UN General Assembly.”

On May 18, Kuwait submitted a draft resolution at the UN Security Council that condemned Israeli violence and called for "protection of the Palestinian people" in Gaza and the West Bank.

The U.S. on Friday vetoed the resolution. Ten countries voted in favor, while the UK, Poland, the Netherlands and Ethiopia abstained.

The resolution, which was revised three times and was said to have been “watered down”, previously called for international protection for the Palestinian people.

The final draft called for “the consideration of measures to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in the Gaza Strip”.

The U.S. on Friday vetoed a UN Security Council resolution on the protection of Palestinians.

Ten countries voted in favor, while the UK, Poland, the Netherlands and Ethiopia abstained.

The draft resolution, submitted by Kuwait on May 18, condemned Israeli violence and called for the "protection of the Palestinian people" in Gaza and the West Bank.

The resolution, which was revised three times and was said to have been “watered down”, previously called for international protection for Palestinian people.

The final draft called for “the consideration of measures to guarantee the safety and protection of the Palestinian civilian population in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in the Gaza Strip”.

Speaking ahead of the voting, Nikki Haley, the U.S.'s UN ambassador, said the resolution Kuwait submitted to the Security Council was unilateral and did not mention Hamas.

Later, the Security Council rejected a U.S. proposal calling for condemnation of Hamas for violence in Gaza.

The U.S. resolution was opposed by Russia, Kuwait and Bolivia while 11 countries abstained from voting.

The U.S. resolution called for condemnation in the strongest terms of the May 29 rocket attacks from Gaza on Israel which harmed its civilian infrastructure.

Since March 30, at least 118 Palestinian demonstrators have been martyred and thousands more injured by Israeli army gunfire near the Gaza-Israel security fence.