 "FirstUp: Arab nations to discuss Trump’s Gaza plan and more… Headlines today")
February 21 is expected to be a busy day with several developments across different regions.
In Saudi Arabia, leaders from four Arab nations will meet for a summit to discuss Donald Trump’s proposal regarding a potential US takeover of Gaza.
In Germany, public transport workers across six states are set to go on strike after the latest round of wage negotiations failed to reach a settlement.
On the sporting front, the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 will hold its third match today, with Afghanistan facing South Africa at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Also, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the inaugural edition of the School of Ultimate Leadership (Soul) Conclave.
Let’s take a look at these events:
Arab states unite in Riyadh to address Trump’s Gaza plan
Saudi Arabia is set to host a summit today with leaders from four **Arab nations** to discuss Donald Trump’s proposal for a US takeover of Gaza.
The plan has been met with rare unity among Arab states, all of whom have firmly rejected the idea. However, disagreements may arise over who will govern the enclave and how its reconstruction will be financed.
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Discussions on draft proposals will also take place, with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates participating. These proposals may also explore sidelining Hamas as part of a broader agreement, Reuters reported citing sources.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsTrump’s suggestion that the US should **take over Gaza** and relocate over two million Palestinians, possibly to Egypt or Jordan, has sparked international condemnation.
Jordan, already home to over two million Palestinian refugees, has a population where more than half are of Palestinian descent.
Meanwhile, Egypt has put forward its own plan for Gaza’s reconstruction, which would allow Palestinians to remain in the territory rather than be relocated.
Major public transport strike in Germany as wage dispute continues
Public transport workers across six German states are set to go on strike today after wage negotiations failed to reach an agreement. The strike will impact Baden-Württemberg, Bremen, Lower Saxony, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, and Rhineland-Palatinate.
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Trade union Verdi announced that the strike would last the entire day on Friday, affecting 53,000 employees and around 70 municipal transport companies, according to DW News.
Workers in Berlin and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, who are involved in separate wage disputes, are also expected to walk off the job today.
The unions are pushing for an 8% wage increase, alongside additional bonuses for high-stress jobs, particularly in the healthcare sector.
ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Afghanistan vs South Africa
The **ICC Champions Trophy 2025** will witness its third match today as Afghanistan takes on South Africa at Karachi’s National Stadium.
Afghanistan has struggled in their warm-up matches, suffering heavy defeats. They lost to Pakistan by a massive 144 runs and fell short against New Zealand by two wickets.
Meanwhile, South Africa enters the contest with confidence after securing a narrow three-wicket win over Pakistan in their only warm-up match.
In their head-to-head ODI record, South Africa and Afghanistan have played five matches, with South Africa winning three and Afghanistan claiming victory in two.
PM Modi to address first-ever Soul Leadership Conclave in Delhi
Prime Minister **Narendra Modi** will inaugurate the first edition of the School of Ultimate Leadership (Soul) Conclave today at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
The two-day conclave, running from February 21 to 22, will bring together leaders from various fields, including politics, sports, arts, media, spirituality, public policy, business, and the social sector.
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The School of Ultimate Leadership, an emerging leadership institution in Gujarat, seeks to develop leaders dedicated to public service.
With inputs from agencies
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