Two die in church as Israeli strikes kill 22 in Gaza
Eight men tasked with protecting aid trucks were reported among the dead in air strikes that were carried out while mediators continued ceasefire talks in Doha.
A US official said this week the talks were going well but two officials from the Palestinian militant group Hamas told Reuters there had been no breakthrough as the Israeli military continued to pummel Gaza.
A man and a woman died, and several people were wounded on Thursday in "an apparent strike by the Israeli army" on Gaza's Holy Family Church, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement.
"We pray that their souls rest (in peace) and for an end to this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians," said the Patriarchate, which oversees the only Catholic church in the enclave.
Photos released by the church showed its roof had been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and that windows had been broken.
Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentine who used to regularly update the late Pope Francis about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was lightly injured in the attack.
TV footage showed him sitting receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza, with a bandage around his lower right leg.
"The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.
Pope Leo was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life and renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire, the Vatican said.
The Israel Defence Forces said it was aware of reports of casualties and was reviewing the incident, adding it made "every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them".
Israel has been trying to eradicate Hamas in Gaza in a military campaign that began after the group's deadly attack on Israel in October 2023 and has caused widespread hunger and privation in the tiny enclave.
Palestinian medics said one air strike on Thursday had killed a man, his wife and their five children in Jabalia in northern Gaza, and another in the north had killed eight men who had been handed responsibility for protecting aid trucks.
Three people were killed in an air strike in central Gaza and four in Zeitoun in eastern Gaza, medics said.
Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have hosted more than 10 days of talks on a proposed US 60-day truce.
As part of the potential deal, 10 hostages held in Gaza would be returned along with the bodies of 18 others, spread out over 60 days.
In exchange, Israel would release detained Palestinians. The exact number is not clear.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza were going well.
A Palestinian official close to the talks said such optimistic comments were "empty of substance".
Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Almost 1650 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed as a result of the conflict, including 1200 killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, according to Israeli tallies.
Israeli forces have killed at least 22 people in attacks in the Gaza Strip, including two people who died in a strike on a church that late Pope Francis used to speak to regularly.
Eight men tasked with protecting aid trucks were reported among the dead in air strikes that were carried out while mediators continued ceasefire talks in Doha.
A US official said this week the talks were going well but two officials from the Palestinian militant group Hamas told Reuters there had been no breakthrough as the Israeli military continued to pummel Gaza.
A man and a woman died, and several people were wounded on Thursday in "an apparent strike by the Israeli army" on Gaza's Holy Family Church, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement.
"We pray that their souls rest (in peace) and for an end to this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians," said the Patriarchate, which oversees the only Catholic church in the enclave.
Photos released by the church showed its roof had been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and that windows had been broken.
Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentine who used to regularly update the late Pope Francis about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was lightly injured in the attack.
TV footage showed him sitting receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza, with a bandage around his lower right leg.
"The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.
Pope Leo was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life and renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire, the Vatican said.
The Israel Defence Forces said it was aware of reports of casualties and was reviewing the incident, adding it made "every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them".
Israel has been trying to eradicate Hamas in Gaza in a military campaign that began after the group's deadly attack on Israel in October 2023 and has caused widespread hunger and privation in the tiny enclave.
Palestinian medics said one air strike on Thursday had killed a man, his wife and their five children in Jabalia in northern Gaza, and another in the north had killed eight men who had been handed responsibility for protecting aid trucks.
Three people were killed in an air strike in central Gaza and four in Zeitoun in eastern Gaza, medics said.
Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have hosted more than 10 days of talks on a proposed US 60-day truce.
As part of the potential deal, 10 hostages held in Gaza would be returned along with the bodies of 18 others, spread out over 60 days.
In exchange, Israel would release detained Palestinians. The exact number is not clear.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza were going well.
A Palestinian official close to the talks said such optimistic comments were "empty of substance".
Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Almost 1650 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed as a result of the conflict, including 1200 killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, according to Israeli tallies.
Israeli forces have killed at least 22 people in attacks in the Gaza Strip, including two people who died in a strike on a church that late Pope Francis used to speak to regularly.
Eight men tasked with protecting aid trucks were reported among the dead in air strikes that were carried out while mediators continued ceasefire talks in Doha.
A US official said this week the talks were going well but two officials from the Palestinian militant group Hamas told Reuters there had been no breakthrough as the Israeli military continued to pummel Gaza.
A man and a woman died, and several people were wounded on Thursday in "an apparent strike by the Israeli army" on Gaza's Holy Family Church, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement.
"We pray that their souls rest (in peace) and for an end to this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians," said the Patriarchate, which oversees the only Catholic church in the enclave.
Photos released by the church showed its roof had been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and that windows had been broken.
Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentine who used to regularly update the late Pope Francis about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was lightly injured in the attack.
TV footage showed him sitting receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza, with a bandage around his lower right leg.
"The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.
Pope Leo was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life and renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire, the Vatican said.
The Israel Defence Forces said it was aware of reports of casualties and was reviewing the incident, adding it made "every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them".
Israel has been trying to eradicate Hamas in Gaza in a military campaign that began after the group's deadly attack on Israel in October 2023 and has caused widespread hunger and privation in the tiny enclave.
Palestinian medics said one air strike on Thursday had killed a man, his wife and their five children in Jabalia in northern Gaza, and another in the north had killed eight men who had been handed responsibility for protecting aid trucks.
Three people were killed in an air strike in central Gaza and four in Zeitoun in eastern Gaza, medics said.
Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have hosted more than 10 days of talks on a proposed US 60-day truce.
As part of the potential deal, 10 hostages held in Gaza would be returned along with the bodies of 18 others, spread out over 60 days.
In exchange, Israel would release detained Palestinians. The exact number is not clear.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza were going well.
A Palestinian official close to the talks said such optimistic comments were "empty of substance".
Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Almost 1650 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed as a result of the conflict, including 1200 killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, according to Israeli tallies.
Israeli forces have killed at least 22 people in attacks in the Gaza Strip, including two people who died in a strike on a church that late Pope Francis used to speak to regularly.
Eight men tasked with protecting aid trucks were reported among the dead in air strikes that were carried out while mediators continued ceasefire talks in Doha.
A US official said this week the talks were going well but two officials from the Palestinian militant group Hamas told Reuters there had been no breakthrough as the Israeli military continued to pummel Gaza.
A man and a woman died, and several people were wounded on Thursday in "an apparent strike by the Israeli army" on Gaza's Holy Family Church, the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem said in a statement.
"We pray that their souls rest (in peace) and for an end to this barbaric war. Nothing can justify the targeting of innocent civilians," said the Patriarchate, which oversees the only Catholic church in the enclave.
Photos released by the church showed its roof had been hit close to the main cross, scorching the stone facade, and that windows had been broken.
Father Gabriele Romanelli, an Argentine who used to regularly update the late Pope Francis about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, was lightly injured in the attack.
TV footage showed him sitting receiving treatment at Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza, with a bandage around his lower right leg.
"The attacks against the civilian population that Israel has been carrying out for months are unacceptable. No military action can justify such an attitude," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.
Pope Leo was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life and renewed his appeal for an immediate ceasefire, the Vatican said.
The Israel Defence Forces said it was aware of reports of casualties and was reviewing the incident, adding it made "every feasible effort to mitigate harm to civilians and civilian structures, including religious sites, and regrets any damage caused to them".
Israel has been trying to eradicate Hamas in Gaza in a military campaign that began after the group's deadly attack on Israel in October 2023 and has caused widespread hunger and privation in the tiny enclave.
Palestinian medics said one air strike on Thursday had killed a man, his wife and their five children in Jabalia in northern Gaza, and another in the north had killed eight men who had been handed responsibility for protecting aid trucks.
Three people were killed in an air strike in central Gaza and four in Zeitoun in eastern Gaza, medics said.
Arab mediators Qatar and Egypt, backed by the United States, have hosted more than 10 days of talks on a proposed US 60-day truce.
As part of the potential deal, 10 hostages held in Gaza would be returned along with the bodies of 18 others, spread out over 60 days.
In exchange, Israel would release detained Palestinians. The exact number is not clear.
On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, said that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza were going well.
A Palestinian official close to the talks said such optimistic comments were "empty of substance".
Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Almost 1650 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed as a result of the conflict, including 1200 killed in the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack, according to Israeli tallies.
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7NEWS
2 hours ago
- 7NEWS
Trump says main priority in Gaza is getting people fed, brings forward Ukraine deadline
US President Donald Trump says the number one priority in the Gaza Strip is getting people fed, because 'you have a lot of starving people,' adding that he was not going to take a position on Palestinian statehood at the moment. Trump, speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, said the United States had provided $US60 million ($92 million) for humanitarian aid and other countries would have to step up. He said he discussed the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, and she told him European countries would step up their assistance very substantially. He said he also planned to discuss the humanitarian situation with Starmer during his visit on Monday. 'We're giving a lot of money and a lot of food, and other nations are now stepping up,' Trump said. 'It's a mess. They have to get food and safety right now.' Starmer agreed, saying: 'It's a humanitarian crisis, right? It's an absolute catastrophe .... I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they're seeing on their screen.' Trump said he would not comment on a push by French President Emmanuel Macron to back Palestinian statehood. Trump also criticised the Hamas militant group for not agreeing to release more hostages, living and dead, and said he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's approach would likely have to change. 'I told Bibi that you have to maybe do it a different way,' Trump said, echoing similar comments made on Sunday. Asked if a ceasefire was still possible, Trump said, 'Yeah, a ceasefire is possible but you have to get it, you have to end it.' He did not elaborate on what he meant. Trump underscored the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying the Palestinian group had changed its position and was refusing to release more hostages. Hamas has said it is willing to release hostages under a ceasefire agreement with Israel. It submitted its response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal on Thursday at talks in Doha. Hours later, Israel withdrew its delegation from the talks. On Sunday, Trump said Israel would have to make a decision on next steps, adding, 'I know what I'd do but I don't think it's appropriate that I say it'. Israel carried out an air drop and announced a series of measures over the weekend to improve access for aid, including daily humanitarian pauses in three areas of the Gaza Strip and new safe corridors for convoys. United Nations agencies say those moves are not yet sufficient to alleviate famine-like conditions facing the enclave's residents. On Monday, the Gaza health ministry said at least 14 people had died in the past 24 hours of starvation and malnutrition, bringing the war's death toll from hunger to 147, including 89 children, most in just the last few weeks. Israel cut off all supplies to the Gaza Strip from the start of March, reopening the territory with new restrictions in May. Israel says it abides by international law but must prevent aid from being diverted by militants, and blames Hamas for the suffering of the Gaza Strip's people. 'Israel is presented as though we are applying a campaign of starvation in Gaza. What a bald-faced lie. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza,' Netanyahu said on Sunday. Trump brings forward deadline for Russia on Ukraine war Trump also said he is setting a new 10 or 12-day deadline for Russia over its war in Ukraine, underscoring his frustration with Russian President Vladimir Putin for prolonging fighting between the two sides. Trump has threatened both sanctions on Russia and buyers of its exports unless progress is made, and said he was disappointed in Putin and shortening a 50-day deadline he had set on the issue earlier this month. 'I'm going to make a new deadline of about ... 10 or 12 days from today,' Trump said during the same meeting with Starmer. 'There's no reason in waiting ... We just don't see any progress being made.' The US president has repeatedly voiced exasperation with Putin for continuing attacks on Ukraine despite US efforts to end the war. Before returning to the White House in January, Trump, who views himself as a peacemaker, had promised to end the three-and-a-half-year conflict within 24 hours. 'I'm disappointed in President Putin,' Trump said on Monday. 'I'm going to reduce that 50 days that I gave him to a lesser number because I think I already know the answer what's going to happen.' There was no immediate comment from the Kremlin. But the president, who has also expressed annoyance with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, has not always followed up on his tough talk about Putin with action, citing what he deems a good relationship that the two men have had previously. 'We thought we had that settled numerous times, and then President Putin goes out and starts launching rockets into some city like Kyiv and kills a lot of people in a nursing home or whatever,' Trump said. 'And I say that's not the way to do it.'
The Advertiser
3 hours ago
- The Advertiser
Trump says main priority in Gaza is getting people fed
US President Donald Trump says the number one priority in the Gaza Strip is getting people fed, because "you have a lot of starving people," adding that he was not going to take a position on Palestinian statehood at the moment. Trump, speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, said the United States had provided $US60 million ($A92 million) for humanitarian aid and other countries would have to step up. He said he discussed the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, and she told him European countries would step up their assistance very substantially. He said he also planned to discuss the humanitarian situation with Starmer during his visit on Monday. "We're giving a lot of money and a lot of food, and other nations are now stepping up," Trump said. "It's a mess. They have to get food and safety right now." Starmer agreed, saying: "It's a humanitarian crisis, right? It's an absolute catastrophe .... I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they're seeing on their screen." Trump said he would not comment on a push by French President Emmanuel Macron to back Palestinian statehood. Trump also criticised the Hamas militant group for not agreeing to release more hostages, living and dead, and said he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's approach would likely have to change. "I told Bibi that you have to maybe do it a different way," Trump said, echoing similar comments made on Sunday. Asked if a ceasefire was still possible, Trump said, "Yeah, a ceasefire is possible but you have to get it, you have to end it." He did not elaborate on what he meant. Trump underscored the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying the Palestinian group had changed its position and was refusing to release more hostages. Hamas has said it is willing to release hostages under a ceasefire agreement with Israel. It submitted its response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal on Thursday at talks in Doha. Hours later, Israel withdrew its delegation from the talks. On Sunday, Trump said Israel would have to make a decision on next steps, adding, "I know what I'd do but I don't think it's appropriate that I say it". Israel carried out an air drop and announced a series of measures over the weekend to improve access for aid, including daily humanitarian pauses in three areas of the Gaza Strip and new safe corridors for convoys. United Nations agencies say those moves are not yet sufficient to alleviate famine-like conditions facing the enclave's residents. On Monday, the Gaza health ministry said at least 14 people had died in the past 24 hours of starvation and malnutrition, bringing the war's death toll from hunger to 147, including 89 children, most in just the last few weeks. Israel cut off all supplies to the Gaza Strip from the start of March, reopening the territory with new restrictions in May. Israel says it abides by international law but must prevent aid from being diverted by militants, and blames Hamas for the suffering of the Gaza Strip's people. "Israel is presented as though we are applying a campaign of starvation in Gaza. What a bald-faced lie. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza," Netanyahu said on Sunday. US President Donald Trump says the number one priority in the Gaza Strip is getting people fed, because "you have a lot of starving people," adding that he was not going to take a position on Palestinian statehood at the moment. Trump, speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, said the United States had provided $US60 million ($A92 million) for humanitarian aid and other countries would have to step up. He said he discussed the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, and she told him European countries would step up their assistance very substantially. He said he also planned to discuss the humanitarian situation with Starmer during his visit on Monday. "We're giving a lot of money and a lot of food, and other nations are now stepping up," Trump said. "It's a mess. They have to get food and safety right now." Starmer agreed, saying: "It's a humanitarian crisis, right? It's an absolute catastrophe .... I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they're seeing on their screen." Trump said he would not comment on a push by French President Emmanuel Macron to back Palestinian statehood. Trump also criticised the Hamas militant group for not agreeing to release more hostages, living and dead, and said he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's approach would likely have to change. "I told Bibi that you have to maybe do it a different way," Trump said, echoing similar comments made on Sunday. Asked if a ceasefire was still possible, Trump said, "Yeah, a ceasefire is possible but you have to get it, you have to end it." He did not elaborate on what he meant. Trump underscored the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying the Palestinian group had changed its position and was refusing to release more hostages. Hamas has said it is willing to release hostages under a ceasefire agreement with Israel. It submitted its response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal on Thursday at talks in Doha. Hours later, Israel withdrew its delegation from the talks. On Sunday, Trump said Israel would have to make a decision on next steps, adding, "I know what I'd do but I don't think it's appropriate that I say it". Israel carried out an air drop and announced a series of measures over the weekend to improve access for aid, including daily humanitarian pauses in three areas of the Gaza Strip and new safe corridors for convoys. United Nations agencies say those moves are not yet sufficient to alleviate famine-like conditions facing the enclave's residents. On Monday, the Gaza health ministry said at least 14 people had died in the past 24 hours of starvation and malnutrition, bringing the war's death toll from hunger to 147, including 89 children, most in just the last few weeks. Israel cut off all supplies to the Gaza Strip from the start of March, reopening the territory with new restrictions in May. Israel says it abides by international law but must prevent aid from being diverted by militants, and blames Hamas for the suffering of the Gaza Strip's people. "Israel is presented as though we are applying a campaign of starvation in Gaza. What a bald-faced lie. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza," Netanyahu said on Sunday. US President Donald Trump says the number one priority in the Gaza Strip is getting people fed, because "you have a lot of starving people," adding that he was not going to take a position on Palestinian statehood at the moment. Trump, speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, said the United States had provided $US60 million ($A92 million) for humanitarian aid and other countries would have to step up. He said he discussed the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, and she told him European countries would step up their assistance very substantially. He said he also planned to discuss the humanitarian situation with Starmer during his visit on Monday. "We're giving a lot of money and a lot of food, and other nations are now stepping up," Trump said. "It's a mess. They have to get food and safety right now." Starmer agreed, saying: "It's a humanitarian crisis, right? It's an absolute catastrophe .... I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they're seeing on their screen." Trump said he would not comment on a push by French President Emmanuel Macron to back Palestinian statehood. Trump also criticised the Hamas militant group for not agreeing to release more hostages, living and dead, and said he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's approach would likely have to change. "I told Bibi that you have to maybe do it a different way," Trump said, echoing similar comments made on Sunday. Asked if a ceasefire was still possible, Trump said, "Yeah, a ceasefire is possible but you have to get it, you have to end it." He did not elaborate on what he meant. Trump underscored the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying the Palestinian group had changed its position and was refusing to release more hostages. Hamas has said it is willing to release hostages under a ceasefire agreement with Israel. It submitted its response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal on Thursday at talks in Doha. Hours later, Israel withdrew its delegation from the talks. On Sunday, Trump said Israel would have to make a decision on next steps, adding, "I know what I'd do but I don't think it's appropriate that I say it". Israel carried out an air drop and announced a series of measures over the weekend to improve access for aid, including daily humanitarian pauses in three areas of the Gaza Strip and new safe corridors for convoys. United Nations agencies say those moves are not yet sufficient to alleviate famine-like conditions facing the enclave's residents. On Monday, the Gaza health ministry said at least 14 people had died in the past 24 hours of starvation and malnutrition, bringing the war's death toll from hunger to 147, including 89 children, most in just the last few weeks. Israel cut off all supplies to the Gaza Strip from the start of March, reopening the territory with new restrictions in May. Israel says it abides by international law but must prevent aid from being diverted by militants, and blames Hamas for the suffering of the Gaza Strip's people. "Israel is presented as though we are applying a campaign of starvation in Gaza. What a bald-faced lie. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza," Netanyahu said on Sunday. US President Donald Trump says the number one priority in the Gaza Strip is getting people fed, because "you have a lot of starving people," adding that he was not going to take a position on Palestinian statehood at the moment. Trump, speaking alongside UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer at his golf resort in Turnberry, Scotland, said the United States had provided $US60 million ($A92 million) for humanitarian aid and other countries would have to step up. He said he discussed the issue with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen on Sunday, and she told him European countries would step up their assistance very substantially. He said he also planned to discuss the humanitarian situation with Starmer during his visit on Monday. "We're giving a lot of money and a lot of food, and other nations are now stepping up," Trump said. "It's a mess. They have to get food and safety right now." Starmer agreed, saying: "It's a humanitarian crisis, right? It's an absolute catastrophe .... I think people in Britain are revolted at seeing what they're seeing on their screen." Trump said he would not comment on a push by French President Emmanuel Macron to back Palestinian statehood. Trump also criticised the Hamas militant group for not agreeing to release more hostages, living and dead, and said he had told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Israel's approach would likely have to change. "I told Bibi that you have to maybe do it a different way," Trump said, echoing similar comments made on Sunday. Asked if a ceasefire was still possible, Trump said, "Yeah, a ceasefire is possible but you have to get it, you have to end it." He did not elaborate on what he meant. Trump underscored the importance of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, saying the Palestinian group had changed its position and was refusing to release more hostages. Hamas has said it is willing to release hostages under a ceasefire agreement with Israel. It submitted its response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal on Thursday at talks in Doha. Hours later, Israel withdrew its delegation from the talks. On Sunday, Trump said Israel would have to make a decision on next steps, adding, "I know what I'd do but I don't think it's appropriate that I say it". Israel carried out an air drop and announced a series of measures over the weekend to improve access for aid, including daily humanitarian pauses in three areas of the Gaza Strip and new safe corridors for convoys. United Nations agencies say those moves are not yet sufficient to alleviate famine-like conditions facing the enclave's residents. On Monday, the Gaza health ministry said at least 14 people had died in the past 24 hours of starvation and malnutrition, bringing the war's death toll from hunger to 147, including 89 children, most in just the last few weeks. Israel cut off all supplies to the Gaza Strip from the start of March, reopening the territory with new restrictions in May. Israel says it abides by international law but must prevent aid from being diverted by militants, and blames Hamas for the suffering of the Gaza Strip's people. "Israel is presented as though we are applying a campaign of starvation in Gaza. What a bald-faced lie. There is no policy of starvation in Gaza, and there is no starvation in Gaza," Netanyahu said on Sunday.
The Age
3 hours ago
- The Age
Israel Gaza war: Penny Wong, Anthony Albanese and rising calls for humanitarian aid to Gazans
Just two months ago, the United Nations warned: 'Every single one of the 2.1 million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip face the risk of famine. One in five faces starvation.' And we know many have been shot by Israeli soldiers while trying to get food. At the weekend, Israel announced it would take steps to restore aid. Sadly, by this stage it is difficult to know with what level of credulity to treat its government's assertions. Israel has long blamed Hamas for looting aid; on Sunday, The New York Times carried a report based on conversations with Israeli military officials: 'the Israeli military never found proof that the Palestinian militant group had systematically stolen aid from the United Nations … In fact, the Israeli military officials said, the UN aid delivery system, which Israel derided and undermined, was largely effective in providing food to Gaza's desperate and hungry population.' This backed reports of a recent American analysis with similar findings. The starvation of the people of Gaza, then, is not an accident; it is not a tragic byproduct of other actions. As de Waal wrote years ago, 'starve' should not be seen as a passive verb. It is something someone does to someone else. And, it follows, something that others permit to be done. Almost a year ago, one Israeli minister, Bezalel Smotrich, said: 'No one will allow us to starve 2 million people, even though that might be just and moral until they return the hostages.' He was wrong. Loading Wong's early call for restraint in Gaza tells us several things. It shows it was possible, at the very beginning, to glimpse some of what was coming. At the same time, Wong's early defensiveness shows how easily participants in public debate – including leading politicians – are able to be knocked off course by efforts to make certain statements unsayable. The conservative press is significant in these efforts; but the rest of the political class, politicians and media, are the ones who allow themselves to be cowed. Israel has achieved as much as it ever will from this war. In the doing, thousands more Palestinians have been killed. Together, these two facts mean that more things are now able to be said. But the moral and practical test for those with influence has shifted. Loading Of course, it's true that Australia can't by itself end the fighting. And it is hard to know what will make Netanyahu listen – or make America behave differently. And it is true, too, that statements can have some effect. The last time famine threatened in Gaza, international pressure led to an increase in aid. Obviously, though, this was only temporary. And that is why it is important to recognise that other options are available to Australia. The UK has now announced it is working with Jordan to deliver aid and will medically evacuate children. France has said it will recognise Palestine as a state, something former Labor ministers Gareth Evans, Bob Carr and Ed Husic are calling for here. On Sunday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese made clear that Israel has breached international law. This was a welcome injection of clarity. Still, the test at this late stage is no longer whether politicians can issue damning statements. The only meaningful test left is whether our leaders will do everything they can to stop Netanyahu's Israel from killing any more Palestinians.
