Good afternoon and happy hump day. We’re inching past the midweek point and getting ready to slide into the weekend.

SIGN OF THE TIMES- The news cycle here at home has slowed significantly today, as all eyes remain fixed on the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

THE BIG STORY ABROAD

Updates on the Israeli-Palestinian war are continuing to lead the conversation in the international press:

  • Israel continues to ramp up their attacks on Gaza as the death toll rises to 5k in two weeks of airstrikes. (Reuters)
  • The US is preparing for mass evacuations of its citizens in the Middle East if war gets out of hand, citing the Americans living in Israel and Lebanon as their main cause of worry. (The Washington Post)
  • French President Emmanuel Macron is looking to rally an international coalition to push-back against Hamas, alongside warning Hezbollah not to fight on other fronts. He further added that Israel’s focus should be the release of all hostages, while allowing for aid to reach Gaza and give time for negotiations. (Bloomberg | Financial Times | Associated Press)

** CATCH UP QUICK on the top stories from today’s EnterpriseAM:

  • Could a third hostage release by Hamas help change the direction of Israel’s war against Gaza? That’s the suggestion that runs through Israeli and US media reports overnight after negotiations led by Egypt and Qatar saw Hamas release two hostages yesterday.
  • The Finance Ministry is looking to lure investors with tax incentives — and to make domestic businesses happy with policy stability — under a new, five-year tax policy framework now in the works. The first draft is complete and it could be finalized and ready for public review as early as next month.
  • EIPICO seeks local funding for a third pharma factory: EGX-listed Egyptian International Pharma Industries Company (EIPICO) is looking to borrow USD 70 mn in funding from Qatar National Bank (QNB) and Banque du Caire to fund the construction of its third factory.

?️ TOMORROW’S WEATHER- We are looking at a high of 32°C in the daytime and drop to 22°C in the evening, according to our favorite weather app.

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