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Sanpu Travel Service - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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MyTaiwanTour raises $1.5 million from Sanpu Group to expand to Japan, China

MyTaiwanTour provides personalised and customised tour packages to foreign tourists mainly from the US and Europe.

Taipei-based online tour operator MyTaiwanTour has secured NT$45 (USD 1.5) million investment from Sanpu Travel Group, an inbound tour operator and travel agency based in Taiwan.

The money will be used to expand business to China and Japan, as well as to enhance the technical strength and deepen the tourism content.

Founded in 2013 by Michael Wu, MyTaiwanTour provides personalised and customised tour packages to foreign tourists mainly from the US and Europe, offering single-day tours, Taiwan’s must-visit spots and multi-day tours around the island.

The startup’s professional tour guides will take care of every aspect of a tourist’s journey, right from booking the hotel to arranging transportation and meals. MyTaiwanTour also curates private tours for individuals and groups of all sizes.

Sanpu Travel Group is an inbound tour operator and travel agency in Taiwan that works with outbound tour operator and travel agency in Japan (H.I.S.) to provide local tours to tourists from Japan.

Another player operating in the Taiwanese online tours space is OwnRides.

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KabuK Style, a travel fintech company, has conducted a business partnership announcement event with SANPU TRAVEL GROUP, a comprehensive travel agency in Taiwan.

10:00 am Media Coverage Other Press

KabuK Style has launched the Chinese translation version of “HafH” in Taiwan and added approximately 70 new hotels, strengthening the “HafH” travel subscription service in Taiwan.

KabuK Style, a Travel Fintech company based in Nagasaki, Japan, operating the travel subscription service “HafH,” which allows stays at accommodations worldwide for a fixed monthly fee, has entered into a partnership with SANPU TRAVEL GROUP, headquartered in Taipei, Taiwan, led by President Hsieh, Hsien-Chih. With this partnership, KabuK Style has officially launched its operations in Taiwan. The business partnership announcement event was held in Taiwan on October 17, 2023 (Tuesday). The event was attended by approximately 80 people, including major Taiwanese media outlets such as the “Economic Daily News” and “Business Next.

In conjunction with this partnership, we have initiated the display of the Chinese version of “HafH” in Taiwan. We have also added approximately 70 new hotels in Taiwan, bringing the total number of available accommodations to over 150. These efforts signify an accelerated expansion of the “HafH” travel subscription service within Taiwan.

Furthermore, to commemorate this partnership, we are conducting the “GO!GO! Taiwan Campaign” in Japan, providing further impetus to travel from Japan to Taiwan. With this partnership, we aim to not only expand the accommodation options for travelers from Japan to Taiwan, which already boasts over 70,000 members, but also to facilitate an enjoyable hotel network for both existing and future members looking to explore Taiwan domestically and internationally.

Background of Business Partnership

Since its launch just four years ago, the travel subscription service “HafH,” operated by KabuK Style, has experienced remarkable growth. As of the end of September 2023, it has garnered over 76,000 members, offering access to more than 2,000 accommodations in over 30 countries worldwide.

With the vision of “utilizing the power of technology to redesign travel worldwide into something more accessible,” we are actively focusing on global expansion. On the other hand, SANPU TRAVEL GROUP is a well-established company known as a comprehensive travel agency in Taiwan. It conducts various businesses based in Taiwan, including travel, hotels, transportation, dining, investment, trading, real estate, and social welfare.

Through this recent business partnership, we aim to leverage each other’s assets and expertise to enhance the pace of facility expansion in Taiwan.

The Anticipated Effects of This Partnership / Kenji Sunada, CEO of KabuK Style

One of our strengths lies in having a wide range of accommodations, including over 1,000 excellent hotels in Japan. With the perspective of introducing Japanese accommodations that we confidently recommend, KabuK Style expanded into South Korea in February of this year, considering it as the country with the highest number of inbound visitors.

While Taiwan’s GDP is about half of South Korea’s, and it ranks second after South Korea in terms of inbound visitors, recent trends show that the spending in Japan from Taiwan exceeds that of South Korea. As a result, Taiwan can be seen as having even greater potential than South Korea when it comes to capturing inbound demand for Japan.

Since our services are not limited to Japan but have a global reach, we plan to further expand the usage of our services by Taiwanese users who joined with the purpose of traveling in Japan to include other destinations outside Japan. In the medium term, we are committed to creating travel opportunities between Japan, Taiwan, and Korea, including the already established presence in South Korea, to stimulate activity in East Asia.

(※） https://www.mlit.go.jp/kankocho/content/001619990.pdf  

Comment from Hsieh Chang-Cheng, Vice Chairman of SANPU TRAVEL GROUP

SANPU TRAVEL GROUP is a comprehensive travel company in Taiwan specializing in inbound travel business. Since its establishment in 1978, we are now celebrating our 45th year. We have always focused on traditional travel business. We have been operating travel businesses for Japan and Korea markets for many years, and up to today, one out of every six tourists from Japan and Korea has used SANPU TRAVEL GROUP services. In response to post-pandemic travel demand, we have been actively expanding into regional development and Taiwan-Japan cooperation, in addition to travel, dining, hotels, and transportation. Also, considering the industry trends after the pandemic, we have been collaborating with various startups related to the travel ecosystem over the past few years to explore various innovative possibilities. Through collaboration with external partners, we will promote innovation within the organization and further expand into more diverse business areas by addressing services provided to businesses, hotels, and travelers more comprehensively.

Today, I am very pleased to announce the business partnership with KabuK Style. We look forward to utilizing the opportunity for us and KabuK Style, who have the know-how of Japanese travelers visiting Taiwan, to strengthen the markets in Taiwan, Japan, and Korea. Through media coverage, I hope that the new lifestyle concept of HafH will be known to more people in Taiwan. I also hope that the HafH culture of “traveling more casually” will take root in Taiwan, just like in Japan.

Overview of “GO!GO! Taiwan Campaign”

In celebration of the commencement of the business partnership with SANPU TRAVEL GROUP, we have initiated the “GO!GO! Taiwan Campaign” to promote travel from Japan to Taiwan, following the addition of over 70 new accommodation facilities in Taiwan. We have launched a campaign website dedicated to providing exclusive benefits for HafH users, including complimentary room upgrades, free late check-outs, and special gifts during their stay at the newly added hotels. Additionally, popular tour activities like the Sky Lantern Experience are available at a 10% discount for bookings made through HafH. Furthermore, we will feature articles that delve into the attractions of Taiwan, including tourist spots, gourmet experiences, and a curated list of cafes suitable for remote work.

The campaign website： https://lp.hafh.com/campaign/gogo-taiwan/20231017

＜SANPU TRAVEL GROUP（三普旅遊集團）Overview＞

SANPU TRAVEL GROUP is a unique conglomerate that operates as a “comprehensive travel agency.” It vertically integrates various travel services including transportation, accommodation, dining, merchandise, and sightseeing to provide high-quality services. Based in Taiwan, the group engages in a wide range of businesses such as travel, hotels, transportation, dining, investment, commerce, real estate, and social welfare.

https://www.sanpu.tw/en

■ About HafH HafH (Home away from Home) is a “Travel Subscription” service that allows guests to stay overnight using “HafH Coins” earned through the service. The service offers a new style of travel, not only for sightseeing and business trips, but also for “living”, “working”, and “changing one’s mind”. As of the end of September 2023, approximately 2,000 accommodations in Japan and abroad are available at fixed rates. https://www.hafh.com

■ About KabuK Style Company name: KabuK Style Co. Representative: Kenji Sunada, CEO and Founder Establishment: January 8, 2019 (Established February 5, 2018) April 1, 2019 Service launch Capital: 2,437 million yen (as of March 2023, total amount of capital raised) Business: Operation of travel subscription “HafH,” lodging and rental operations, travel agency URL: https://kabuk.com

Taiwan-based FunNow, an instant booking app, raises $15M Series B

FunNow is a booking app for spontaneous people. For example, you can reserve a manicure or restaurant seat and head right over. As people start to spend more time outside their homes, FunNow is prepping itself for expansion into more countries. The Taipei-based company announced today it has closed a Series B of $15 million.

The round was co-led by Perfect Hexagon Commodity & Investment Bank and Ascendo Ventures, with participation from the corporate venture arms of PChome, KKday and Wistron. It also included returning investors CDIB Capital, Darwin Ventures, Accuvest, Sanpu Travel Group and CSV Venture Fund, which is jointly managed by NEC Capital Solutions and Venture Labo Investment.

Co-founder and chief executive officer TK Chen told TechCrunch that FunNow originally planned to start raising its Series B in 2020, before COVID hit. Despite dealing with the pandemic’s impact in all of its markets, including Hong Kong, Japan and Malaysia, the company began to see business improve during the second quarter of this year. Its Series B brings FunNow’s total funding, including its 2018 Series A , to about $22.5 million, and will be used to expand the number of categories in its app, adding night clubs, karaoke bars and catering, for example, and enter new countries, including Thailand and Singapore.

Taiwan startup FunNow gets $5M Series A to help locals in Asian cities find last-minute things to do

During the pandemic, FunNow faced different challenges in each of its markets. For example, cases in Kuala Lumpur were low for most of this year before an outbreak that started in May. In Taiwan, FunNow’s biggest market, life was relatively normal until an uptick in cases triggered a lockdown from May to August, causing its revenue to decline sharply, but now it has returned to about 80% of its pre-pandemic performance.

During the outbreaks, FunNow’s team adapted the app’s services. For example, in Malaysia, it talked to food and beverage merchants and discovered that customers prefer to pick up food instead of waiting for deliveries, so it added takeaway bookings. Based on that experience, it applied the same strategy when Taiwan’s lockdown began.

“Within two months, our return for takeaway was almost the same as dine-in revenue,” said co-founder and chief global strategist CC Chang.

The app already had multi-channel reservation tools, so it began adapting the types of hotel reservations offered, adding daytime options, with stays of four, six or 12-hour increments. For example, people who wanted to dine somewhere, but not in a restaurant, could book a room for a few hours and order room service. Some users, tired of WFH, booked hotel rooms to work.

FunNow founders TK Chen, CC Chang, Pei-Yi Sun and Szu-Chi Lee. Image Credits: FunNow

“We kept innovating, developing the app, developing more functions” and acquired more merchants in Taiwan, Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan, where the company has local teams, said Chen. The startup also expanded its Malaysian operations with the acquisition of Kuala Lumpur-based reservation app TABLEAPP one year ago .  “We wanted to raise money now so we can expand market share as soon as possible, once the pandemic is under control.”

He added that COVID has changed consumer habits. For example, people now use online bookings more since walk-ins are discouraged in many places, and they prefer the convenience of FunNow over a phone call. People also started taking advantage of times when the COVID situation is relatively under control to do things like get salon services.

FunNow is facing more competition, however, as startups that used to focus on international travel switched to “staycations.” For example, both SoftBank-backed Klook and PickTime now also offer local bookings for many categories that overlap with FunNow. Chen said he anticipates that “the competition between us will ultimately get bigger and bigger.”

One of the ways FunNow differentiates is its emphasis on “daily life” activities — for example, food, hair cuts, manicures or massages, instead of packages centered around destinations, like theme parks, tourist spots or other cities.

“We are really focused on instant booking,” said Chang. “It’s important to our users because it’s more convenient. You don’t have to make a phone call and we have 10 different categories that are based on daily life, so if you are used to FunNow to do your hair, your nails, make salon appointments, order bouquets or cakes for parties, you won’t easily switch to other platforms.”

FunNow’s Series B included the corporate venture arms of e-commerce platform PChome, tour and activity booking app KKday and electronics manufacturer Wistron. Chen said their investment means that FunNow will be able to work with all three companies to “accelerate the growth of a lifestyle ecosystem.”

For example, PChome, one of the most popular shopping apps in Taiwan, might feature FunNow activities during promotions. People browsing on PChome for Mother’s Day gifts could see FunNow bookings for restaurants in the app.

Before the pandemic, KKday offered international travel bookings, but is now focused on staycations, or local activities. By working together, Chen said the two companies plan to become more formidable rivals to Klook. “We can’t give a lot of details right now, but the basic idea is to combine resources. For example, they have a lot of activities and we have dinners and massages. If we come together, we can combine our suppliers and get more traffic and orders to merchants.”

Travel activities platform KKday raises $75 million Series C as it focuses on ‘staycations’

FunNow will seek other similar partnerships to drive low-cost traffic. Known for being one of Apple’s manufacturing contractors, Wistron’s role in FunNow’s booking ecosystem seems less obvious, but Chen explains it’s “not a pure strategy partner. Wistron has spent a lot of time focused on digitizing Taiwan’s market, and created a corporate fund to invest in startups, and we will get a lot of support from them.”

In a statement, Ascendo Ventures managing director Aaron Shin said, “FunNow’s performance during the COVID-19 pandemic shows that the company’s operating conditions are optimistic and have huge potential for overseas expansion.”

COVID-19 pivot: Travel unicorn Klook sees jump in staycations

異なる旅行サービスを垂直統合した「ユニークな」企業集団です。

私達は「旅の総合商社」として、交通、宿泊、食事、物販、観光など異なる旅行サービスを垂直型に統合したバリューチェーン（価値連鎖）を構築し、 品質の高いサービスを提供する、ユニークな企業集団です。

ベンチャー気質で情熱の有る、志し高い仲間が集まるプロ集団です。

大きな事から小さな事まで一生懸命です。小さな旅行会社を創業した時から、大きな夢と情熱は変わっていません。 チャレンジ精神旺盛でベンチャー気質な情熱有る、企業グループです。どんな事でも本気になれる、志高い仲間が集まるプロ集団です。

終わらない挑戦                     

旅行事業をベースに様々な角度からビジネスチャンスを見いだし無限の可能性を追求します。 三普グループ独自のPDCA（計画・実行・検証・改善）サイクルにより新しい事業を創出しております。

台湾の民芸品からブランド品まで数多くの品を取り揃えております。また、台湾名産の烏龍茶の専門店もご好評頂いております。

グリーンワールドホテルグループ

洛碁大飯店集団（グリーンワールドホテルグループ）では、台湾国内17拠点のホテルが世界中のお客様の受入を行っております。

弊社グループの創業の祖を受け継ぐ会社で、台湾を起点に世界の様々な商事を繋ぐ原点として事業を推進しています。

弊社独自の管理体制により、全てのお客様へ安心・安全・快適にご利用頂ける運輸サービスをご提供しております。

不動産管理から商業ビル開発まで、ユニークな視点と個々の不動産の性質を見極め、中長期的な戦略で事業開発を行っております。

気軽にお楽しみ頂けるカジュアルレストランから、最高級の素材を利用した本格的創作中華料理まで、皆様へ「美味しい」をご提供しております。

豊かな社会作りへの一環として2006年に謝憲治により「謙喜社會福利慈善事業協會」が設立されました。 恵まれない未来の子供達や障害者、救済を必要としている方へ奉仕活動を行っております。

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Moscow Travel Group - March, 2020

After great deliberation, it has been decided that the Moscow Travel Group--which usually meets the 3rd Saturday of each month--should be cancelled for March. We of course are hoping to resume meeting for the April 18 get together.

Stay healthy!

Siiiigh....so sorry we had to do this Darcy! A friend who owns a coffee shop in Moscow (not the one we go to) says they have been almost empty for a week although Cinda met a friend for coffee yesterday at the Coop and said it was busy and business as usual.

I totally understand why you made the decision to cancel. I'm on the fence about it. I'll see what happens in the next 5-6 days. Stay healthy!!

You too, Andrea, stay healthy! In fact all of you on the Travel Forum, stay healthy so you can travel as soon as possible.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

Spanish airlines increase capacity as they expect record summer demand

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Corina is a Madrid-based business reporter focusing on coverage of retail, infrastructure and tourism including some of Spain's biggest companies like Inditex and Ferrovial. She was previously a senior correspondent in Venezuela, where she reported the Chavez and later Maduro government's efforts to retain power and the effects on the economy.

Matteo is an Italian journalist based in Gdansk reporting on the European markets, with focus on Spain and Portugal companies. Previously, he worked at the Spanish newspaper EL PAÍS as a Business Reporter covering stocks, entrepreneurs and labour issues.

A Russian scientist who worked on hypersonic technologies was handed a seven-year jail sentence on Thursday for treason after he was accused of passing state secrets to foreign nationals.

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Automotive parts distributor Genuine Parts raised its 2024 profit forecast on Thursday, hinging on strong demand for parts and improving automotive sales in the United States.

Marriott International and HMI Hotel Group Announces a Multi-property Conversion Deal in Japan

The conversion deal entails the rebranding of seven hotels to marriott hotels and courtyard by marriott across five of japan’s most popular travel destinations.

Marriott International and HMI Hotel Group today announced a signed agreement to rebrand seven existing HMI properties in five major cities across Japan to Marriott Hotels and Courtyard by Marriott. This signing will bring the rich legacy and guest-focused experiences of both Marriott brands to the increasingly sophisticated consumers in Japan and is part of HMI’s strategic repositioning, aimed at revitalizing and realigning these properties with the latest trends in global hospitality.

The Marriott Hotels properties planned are:

• Grand Hotel Hamamastu to Hamamastu Marriott in Naka-ku, Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture
• Hotel Heian no Mori Kyoto to Kyoto Marriott in Sakyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
• Hotel Crown Palais Kobe to Kobe Marriott in Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
• Rizzan Seapark Hotel Tancha Bay to Okinawa Marriott Rizzan Resort & Spa in Onna Village, Kunigami-gun, Okinawa Prefecture

The properties planned for Courtyard by Marriott are:

• Hotel Pearl City Kobe to Courtyard by Marriott Kobe in Chuo-ku, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
• Hotel Crown Palais Kokura to Courtyard by Marriott Kokura in Kokurakita-ku, Kitakyushu-shi, Fukuoka Prefecture
• Hotel Crown Palais Kitakyushu to Courtyard by Marriott Kitakyushu in Yahatanishi-ku, Kitakyushu City, Fukuoka Prefecture

“We are very pleased to welcome these properties to the fast-expanding portfolio of Marriott International properties across Japan,” said Rajeev Menon, President, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “Conversion continues to drive a robust growth for the company on a global scale, and we are thrilled to embark on this project with HMI in Japan. As consumer preferences evolve, these properties will have the opportunity to leverage on the strength of affiliation with Marriott’s portfolio of over 8,800 properties worldwide across more than 30 leading brands, along with Marriott Bonvoy – our award-winning travel program boasting a global membership base of over 200 million.”

“With this strategic collaboration, HMI Hotel Group aims to redefine excellence in guest service while unlocking growth opportunities in key markets. By leveraging Marriott International's expertise, the collaboration promises to introduce innovative services and amenities tailored to meet the evolving needs of modern travelers. We are thrilled to embark on this journey with Marriott International, said Mr. Ryuko Hira, President, HMI Hotel Group. “Together, we are committed to delivering unparalleled experiences that exceed the expectations of our discerning guests and set new benchmarks for excellence in the hospitality industry. Our gratitude extends to our valued partner, Hazaña Hotel Advisory (HHA), whose support has been instrumental in facilitating this deal,” he added.

As the hospitality industry continues to evolve, HMI Hotel Group remains steadfast in its commitment to driving positive change and shaping a brighter future for all stakeholders.

These properties are located in five of Japan’s most popular travel destinations which welcome millions of visitors each year. Hamamatsu is rich in history and culture, with attractions such as the 16th century Hamamatsu Castle, and the city is also renowned as a culinary hotspot. As Japan’s former imperial capital for over 1,000 years, Kyoto is one of the most enchanting cities in Japan and is home to an impressive number of iconic UNESCO World Heritage temples and shrines. Kobe is famous for its cosmopolitan atmosphere and its unique blend of Eastern and Western influences stemming from its past as a historic port city. On Okinawa Island in southern Japan, Onna Village is renowned for its stunning tropical beaches and scenic coastal landscapes. Kitakyushu City, in Fukuoka Prefecture, is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes, and is famous for its many landmarks such as Kokura Castle, a beautifully preserved feudal era castle dating back to the 17th century, and the Mojiko Retro District, famous for its Taisho-era architecture and atmosphere.

About Marriott International Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of over 8,800 properties across more than 30 leading brands in 139 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company offers Marriott Bonvoy ® , its highly awarded travel program. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com . In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on X and Instagram .

About Marriott Hotels ® With nearly 600 hotels and resorts in over 65 countries and territories around the world, Marriott Hotels continues to elevate the art of hospitality – placing people first is the brand’s living legacy – ensuring guests always feel deeply cared for throughout their stay. Marriott Hotels raises the bar by consistently delivering heartfelt service, with modern, comfortable spaces, and by providing experiences elevated beyond the everyday. As global travelers needs and expectations evolve, so does Marriott Hotels, leading the industry with innovations including the Greatroom lobby and Mobile Guest Services that embrace style, design, and technology. For more information, please visit www.marriotthotels.com , and stay connected on Facebook , @marriott on Twitter , and @marriotthotels on Instagram . Marriott Hotels is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy ® , the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments , and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com .

About Courtyard by Marriott ® Courtyard by Marriott is the hotel brand of choice for trailblazing guests who are inspired by a passion to do great things. With over 1,300 locations in 60 countries and territories, Courtyard is passionate about empowering its guests and serving the needs of travelers everywhere, no matter the purpose of their trip. Its thoughtfully designed guestrooms provide an elevated experience to relax and recharge, complete with plush bedding and flexible workspaces. Guests are able to work, eat well, connect, and be at their best to keep moving forward to succeed. Courtyard is proud to participate in Marriott Bonvoy®, the global travel program from Marriott International. The program offers members an extraordinary portfolio of global brands, exclusive experiences on Marriott Bonvoy Moments and unparalleled benefits including free nights and Elite status recognition. To enroll for free or for more information about the program, visit marriottbonvoy.com . For more information or reservations, visit courtyard.marriott.com and stay connected on Twitter , Instagram , and Facebook .

About Hotel Management International Corporation (HMI Hotel Group) HMI Hotel Group, where hospitality transcends mere accommodation, intertwining seamlessly with the vibrant tapestry of local communities and the rich heritage of Japan. Established in 1966, HMI Hotel Group has flourished into a distinguished entity, boasting a diverse portfolio of 44 properties spanning Japan's landscapes. Our collection of meticulously curated brands is designed to exceed guest expectations and redefine the essence of hospitality. At HMI, we believe that life is a journey for fulfillment. Guided by this principle, we cherish curiosity and champion learning, enriching the hearts and minds of travelers as they traverse the world. Our mission is simple yet profound: to curate journeys of fulfillment for our guests. Rooted in the principles of "Love All, Serve All" and "Unity in Diversity," we continually elevate our service standards to craft pristine experiences unlike any other. Whether it's a corporate sojourn or a familial escape, HMI Hotel Group epitomizes "Omotenashi" – the quintessential Japanese hospitality experience, defined only through firsthand encounters. At HMI Hotel Group, we don't just provide accommodations; we curate unforgettable experiences that resonate with the soul, leaving an indelible mark on the journey of life. Welcome to a world where hospitality knows no bounds. For further information, please visit our website at www.hmihotelgroup.com .

Media Contact: Emi Ihara Communications Manager – Japan Marriott International [email protected]

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Trump hush money trial

Israel-Hamas war

April 11, 2024 - Israel-Hamas war

By Heather Chen , Antoinette Radford, Tori B. Powell , Aditi Sangal and Elise Hammond , CNN

Our live coverage of Israel's war on Hamas in Gaza has moved  here .

UN committee fails to reach consensus on full Palestinian membership, Security Council president says

From CNN’s Richard Roth and Michael Rios

A specialized UN committee failed to reach a consensus Thursday on Palestinian membership in the United Nations, according to the president of the UN Security Council.

Two-thirds of the committee members were in favor of moving on with membership, with many countries arguing that “Palestine fulfills all the criteria that are required” to be granted full state member status, Malta's Ambassador and Security Council President Vanessa Frazier said. 

She added that no one explicitly objected to the membership qualifications.

Frazier also said she would circulate a draft report on the deliberations as soon as Friday. If the committee doesn’t agree on the report, it could hold another meeting to iron out any differences.

Asked whether the process of deliberating Palestinian membership in the committee is now over, Frazier said, “Unless the next step of agreeing (to) the report of the committee warrants another meeting to iron out the differences, it’s not foreseen that there would be any further committee action.”

But she noted that any UN Security Council member can still table a resolution to vote on Palestinian membership at any time, regardless of the committee's report.

The US and Middle East brace for a possible Iran attack that could escalate the conflict. Here's the latest

From CNN staff

Concerns about a possible Iranian attack against Israel has prompted many diplomatic conversations around the globe.

Here are some developments on diplomacy around the threat of an attack:

• Iran's statement: The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.
• US and UK diplomacy: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with the foreign ministers of Turkey, China and Saudi Arabia on Wednesday night and Thursday morning to tell them that countries should be urging Iran not to escalate the conflict in the Middle East after  threats made by Tehran against Israel,  according to a State Department spokesperson. The top US general for the Middle East is also in Israel . Additionally, Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict .
• Israel receives US support: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke with Blinken and US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin. The US officials expressed the country's support for Israel against Iranian threats. Gallant warned that such an attack could lead to a regional escalation.
• Travel restrictions: The US State Department restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran. “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted. US officials  are on high alert  for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Meanwhile, here's some other updates:

• Hamas on hostages: A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations. "Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza, Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose."
• Updates on aid to Gaza: It is clear that Israel is working to ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza, but it has not yet implemented all of the measures it has announced, a top United Nations humanitarian official said. Aid coming in trucks from Israel has to be "segregated from water, from food, from medical items" before it goes into Gaza, said Jamie McGoldrick, the UN’s humanitarian coordinator in Jerusalem. “Getting 400 trucks from Kerem Shalom doesn't mean 400 trucks go into Gaza,” he said, adding that the logistical complications are numerous, and take time to resolve. He also said Israel’s restrictions on movement inside the strip complicate matters.

Anera charity resumes work in Gaza after pausing when Israeli strike killed 7 World Central Kitchen staff

From CNN's Tala Alrajjal and Mohammed Tawfeeq

American Near East Refugee Aid (Anera) has resumed Gaza operations "after a temporary pause" following an airstrike that killed seven World Central Kitchen (WCK) aid workers on April 1.

"As you know, the decision to temporarily pause our operations was not an easy one. We followed the direction of our staff in Gaza, who've faced death, loss, and destruction since the start of the war," Sean Carroll, the president and CEO of Anera, said in a statement on Thursday. "After the killing of Anera staff member Mousa Shawwa , followed by the attack that killed seven aid workers from World Central Kitchen, we made the difficult but necessary decision to pause aid operations on April 2," Carroll added in the statement.

Carroll said Israeli authorities informed him during a meeting Thursday that "certain measures would be taken to protect humanitarian aid workers in Gaza – including Anera's staff."

"With the full support of our Gaza team, we have determined that the circumstances have changed sufficiently to resume our vital humanitarian work in Gaza," Carroll said. 

Anera on Thursday resumed "full operations in Gaza to deliver meals, food parcels, hygiene kits, tents, medical treatments, and more to families in dire need," according to the statement.

Iran says its imperative to punish Israel could have been avoided had UN Security Council condemned attack

From CNN’s Natalie Barr and Adam Pourahmadi

The imperative for Tehran to "punish" Israel for the deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week might have been avoided if the attack had been condemned at the United Nations, Iran’s Mission to the UN said Thursday.

“Had the UN Security Council condemned the Zionist regime’s reprehensible act of aggression on our diplomatic premises in Damascus and subsequently brought to justice its perpetrators, the imperative for Iran to punish this rogue regime might have been obviated," the  mission said on X.

The UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned the attack on April 1, according to a statement from the UN spokesperson Stephan Dujarric. A Security Council discussion was held on April 2 to discuss the attack, but differences among members prevented any formal action or condemnation from taking place.

The United States is on high alert and actively preparing for a “significant” attack by Iran targeting Israeli or American assets in the region  in response to the strike in Damascus  that killed top Iranian commanders.

UK foreign secretary warns Iran not to draw Middle East into wider conflict

From CNN's Natalie Barr

Britain's foreign secretary warned his Iranian counterpart on Thursday that Tehran “must not draw” the Middle East into a wider conflict following a series of escalating threats made by Iran toward Israel.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron told Iran's Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian that the United Kingdom was "deeply concerned about the potential for miscalculation leading to further violence. Iran should instead work to de-escalate and prevent further attacks," according to a post on X .

Iran's state-aligned Tasnim news agency on Thursday reported that Amir-Abdollahian had told Cameron that the silence from the UK and the United States following Israel’s attack on the Iranian consulate in Damascus last week only served to encourage Israel to continue waging war in Gaza and expand its conflict in the region.

US and Israeli defense leaders discuss fears of Iranian attack

From CNN’s Michael Conte in Washington, DC, Tamar Michaelis in Jerusalem and Larry Register in Atlanta

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant today to “reaffirm the US ironclad commitment to Israel’s security against threats from Iran and its proxies,” according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

The call comes a day after Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said Israel " must be punished and it will be" following a strike on an Iranian embassy compound in Syria that killed seven Iranian officials.

Israel “will not tolerate an Iranian attack on its territory,” the statement read, adding that the two defense leaders also discussed detailed preparations “for an Iranian attack against the State of Israel.”

Gallant said an Iranian attack on Israel could lead to a regional escalation.

It is the second discussion held between Gallant and Austin over the past week, according to the statement. Gallant expressed his appreciation for Austin’s personal commitment to the security of the State of Israel and for the deepening cooperation between the defense establishments of both countries, as well as between the Israel Defense Forces and US CENTCOM.

State Department restricts personnel travel in Israel amid concerns over Iranian threats

From CNN's Jennifer Hansler

The US State Department has restricted the travel of US government personnel in Israel in the wake of public threats against Israel by Iran.

“Out of an abundance of caution, U.S. government employees and their family members are restricted from personal travel outside the greater Tel Aviv (including Herzliya, Netanya, and Even Yehuda), Jerusalem, and Be’er Sheva areas until further notice,” a  security alert  posted by the US Embassy Thursday said. “U.S. government personnel are authorized to transit between these three areas for personal travel.” “The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events,” the alert noted.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said he would not “speak to the specific assessments that led to us to restrict our employees and family members’ personal travel, but clearly we are monitoring the threat environment in the Middle East and specifically in Israel.”

“We have seen Iran making public threats against Israel in the past few days,” Miller said. “Israel is in a very tough neighborhood and we have been monitoring the security situation. You saw us slightly adjust for travel warnings at the beginning of this conflict and we conduct ongoing assessments all the time about the situation on the ground.”

US officials are on high alert for a potential retaliatory strike by Iran or its proxies against Israel.

Hamas says ceasefire with Israel is essential to collect data on hostages held in Gaza by different groups

From CNN's Abeer Salman and Mohammed Tawfeeq

A member of Hamas' political bureau said   a prisoner-hostage exchange is being discussed as part of larger ceasefire negotiations.

"Part of negotiations is to reach a ceasefire agreement to have enough time and safety to collect final and more precise data" on the hostages held in Gaza Basem Naim said in a statement on Thursday. "Because they (hostages) are in different palaces, (being held) by different groups, some of them are under the rubble killed with our own people, and we negotiate to get heavy equipment for this purpose," he added.

Naim's statement was in response to questions from media outlets about whether Hamas has been rejecting the latest proposal, which was made in Cairo over the weekend, because it can not release 40 hostages in the first phase of a three-stage ceasefire deal.

According to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, Hamas indicated it is currently unable to identify and track down those 40 Israeli hostages, raising fears that more hostages may be dead than are publicly known. 

CNN's record of the conditions of the hostages also suggests there are fewer than 40 living hostages who meet the proposed criteria.

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