Insurance markets in the Maghreb region have favourable growth potential, despite short-term economic uncertainties

INTERNATIONAL. S&P opinion "reflects the increasing need for life and health insurance products in those countries as well as some largely underdeveloped personal lines, such as property."

• U.S. says Russia violated nuclear treaty, urges immediate talks
• Security Council calls for humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza
• GCC projects underpin sustainable development and diversification

Carnage at U.N. school as Israel pounds Gaza refugee camp

INTERNATIONAL. Israel killed at least 19 Palestinians sheltering in a school in Gaza's biggest refugee camp, as Egyptian mediators prepared a revised proposal to try to halt the fighting.

• Saudi Arabia 'one of the best performing G-20 economies'
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• World Bank announces US$300 million program to strengthen local governments in Tunisia

City of Byblos announce creation of first "Office of Resilience" in the Middle East

LEBANON. New concept designed to help cities integrate existing initiatives and better plan for the shocks and stresses they face, in a holistic and effective way.

• EMC celebrates achievements of Egyptian Centre of Excellence
• Ratings on Saudi Arabia-based Arab National Bank affirmed at 'A/A-1'
• Wellness programmes yield 'healthy' returns for companies