Far-right Israeli minister criticises Gaza aid decision as ‘grave mistake'
Israel's far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich yesterday sharply criticised a cabinet decision to allow some aid into Gaza as a 'grave mistake' that he said would benefit the militant Palestinian group Hamas.
Mr Smotrich also accused prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to ensure that Israel's military is following government directives in prosecuting the war against Hamas in Gaza. He said he was considering his 'next steps' but stopped short of explicitly threatening to quit the coalition.
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The Irish Sun
42 minutes ago
- The Irish Sun
Royal Family lead nation in remembering those who lost their lives in 7/7 terror attack 20 years ago
THE Royal Family have lead commemorations to victims of the 7/7 bombings, 20 years on from the shocking terror attack. Royals have joined senior figures and survivors of the 7 Prince Edward, Duke of Edinburgh, has arrived at the ceremony at St Paul's Cathedral on behalf of the King Credit: Reuters 7 Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer arriving at the memorial this morning Credit: Getty 7 Former PM Theresa May is also in attendance Credit: Getty 7 King Charles has called on the nation to remember the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' in the face of the attacks Credit: Splash 52 people were killed, and more than 770 were injured, when four suicide bombers detonated explosives across three Tube trains and on one bus during rush hour in central London on July 7, 2005. The Other royals, including Prince William, are expected to join the touching service, dedicated to the 52 innocent victims of what were The King, today, called on the nation to remember the "extraordinary courage and compassion" in the face of the attacks. Read More on 7/7 Attacks He said: "Today, as we mark 20 years since the tragic events of 7th July 2005, my heartfelt thoughts and special prayers remain with all those whose lives were forever changed on that terrible summer's day. "We remember with profound sadness the 52 innocent people who were killed in senseless acts of evil - and the enduring grief of their loved ones. "We recall, too, the hundreds more who carry physical and psychological scars, and pray that their suffering may ease as the years pass. "In doing so, we should also remember the countless stories of extraordinary courage and compassion that emerged from the darkness of that day. Most read in Royals "The selfless bravery of our emergency services, transport workers, and fellow citizens who rushed towards danger to help strangers reminds us of the very best of humanity in the face of the very worst." King Charles has also called on the country to reaffirm its commitment to "building a society of all faiths and backgrounds, standing against those who seek to divide us". Inside 7/7 The story behind Britain's worst ever terror attack He also stressed the importance of communities coming together in times of difficulty. The monarch added: "While the horrors will never be forgotten, we may take comfort from the way such events rally communities together in solidarity, solace and determination. "It is this spirit of unity that has helped London, and our nation, to heal. "As we remember those we lost, let us therefore use this 20th anniversary to reaffirm our commitment to building a society where people of all faiths and backgrounds can live together with mutual respect and understanding, always standing firm against those who would seek to divide us." Prime Minister He said: "Today, the whole country will unite to remember the lives lost in the 7/7 attacks, and all those whose lives were changed forever. "We honour the courage shown that day- the bravery of the emergency services, the "Those who tried to divide us failed. We stood together then, and we stand together now- against hate and for the values that define us of freedom, democracy and the rule of law." 7 Mayor of London Sadiq Khan and Prime Minister Keir Starmer earlier laid wreaths at the 7 July Memorial Gardens to mark the 20th anniversary of the deadly attacks Credit: Reuters 7 52 people were killed and more than 770 were injured when four suicide bombers detonated explosives across London's transport network 7 Sadiq Khan outside St Paul's Cathedral today Credit: Getty Home Secretary "It was an appalling attack on our capital city and on democracy itself. "As we come together to mark this anniversary, my thoughts remain with the victims, survivors and all who loved them. "Amid the horror of that day, we saw the best of people, our emergency services, first responders and ordinary Londoners who bravely acted to help one another. Their courage continues to inspire us. "We will always confront the threats facing this country to keep the public safe and preserve our way of life."
The Journal
2 hours ago
- The Journal
Trump to host Netanyahu at White House as Gaza ceasefire talks begin in Doha
ISRAELI PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu will meet US President Donald Trump in Washington today amid indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at brokering a ceasefire in Gaza. The talks, which began in Doha on Sunday evening, are also seeking to reach an agreement on the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Speaking on Sunday, Trump said there was a 'good chance' of reaching an agreement. 'We've gotten a lot of the hostages out, but pertaining to the remaining hostages, quite a few of them will be coming out,' he told journalists. Netanyahu, speaking before boarding his flight to Washington on Sunday, said his meeting with Trump could 'definitely help advance this' deal. He said he had dispatched the team to Doha with 'clear instructions' to reach an agreement 'under the conditions that we have agreed to.' He previously said Hamas's response to a draft US-backed ceasefire proposal, conveyed through Qatari and Egyptian mediators, contained 'unacceptable' demands. 'Important mission' Two Palestinian sources close to the discussions told AFP the proposal included a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and several bodies in exchange for Palestinians detained by Israel. However, they said, the group was also demanding certain conditions for Israel's withdrawal, guarantees against a resumption of fighting during negotiations, and the return of the UN-led aid distribution system. Advertisement Israeli army vehicles moves in the Gaza Strip as seen from southern Israel. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Netanyahu has an 'important mission' in Washington, 'advancing a deal to bring all our hostages home,' said Israeli President Isaac Herzog after meeting him Sunday. Trump is not scheduled to meet the Israeli premier until 6.30pm (11.30pm Irish time), the White House said, without the usual presence of journalists. Of the 251 hostages taken by Palestinian militants during the 2023 attack, 49 are still being held in Gaza, including 27 the Israeli military says are dead. Since Hamas's October 2023 attack sparked the current Israeli offensive in Gaza, mediators have brokered two temporary halts in the fighting. They have seen hostages freed in exchange for some of the thousands of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Israel broke the last ceasefire agreement and resumed its offensive on 18 March. Recent efforts to broker a new truce have repeatedly failed, with the primary point of contention being Israel's rejection of Hamas's demand for a lasting ceasefire. 'Enough blood' In Gaza, the territory's civil defense agency reported 26 people killed by Israeli forces on Sunday, 10 of them in a strike in Gaza City's Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood. 'We are losing young people, families and children every day, and this must stop now,' Sheikh Radwan resident Osama al-Hanawi told AFP. 'Enough blood has been shed.' Palestinians crowd to receive a hot meal at a food distribution point in Khan Younis. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Media restrictions in Gaza and difficulties in accessing many areas mean AFP is unable to independently verify the tolls and details provided by the civil defense agency. Contacted by AFP, the Israeli military said it could not comment on specific strikes without precise coordinates. Hundreds killed seeking aid The war has created dire humanitarian conditions for the more than two million people in the Gaza Strip. Related Reads Israeli air strikes kill 38 Palestinians in Gaza as Netanyahu prepares to fly to Washington Hamas ready to start Gaza ceasefire talks 'immediately' as Israel continues strikes on Gaza A US and Israel-backed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), took the lead in food distribution in the territory in late May, when Israel partially lifted a more than two-month blockade on aid deliveries. But its operations have had a chaotic rollout, with Palestinians seeking aid being killed near its facilities while awaiting rations on a near daily basis. UN agencies and major aid groups have refused to cooperate with the GHF over concerns it was designed to cater to Israeli military objectives. The UN human rights office said last week that more than 500 people have been killed waiting to access food from GHF distribution points. The Gaza health ministry on Sunday placed that toll even higher, at 751 killed. Hamas's October 2023 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 57,418 people in Gaza, also mostly civilians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The United Nations considers the figures reliable. With reporting from © AFP 2025 Need more information on what is happening in Israel and Gaza? Check out our new FactCheck Knowledge Bank for essential reads and guides to navigating the news online. Visit Knowledge Bank Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Irish Times
5 hours ago
- Irish Times
Trump and Netanyahu to discuss new Gaza ceasefire deal at White House
Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu said he hoped a meeting with US president Donald Trump would push forward a deal to release Israeli hostages in Gaza , as he left for Washington amid growing discontent in his cabinet about a potential ceasefire in the war with Hamas . Mr Netanyahu sent a negotiating team to Doha, Qatar on Sunday seeking to finalise a US-brokered deal to halt the fighting for 60 days, release 28 Israeli hostages and begin talks on a permanent end to the war. That came despite his office rejecting the Palestinian militant group's latest demands as 'unacceptable'. 'We're working to achieve this deal that has been discussed, according to the terms that we agreed to ... And I certainly think the conversation with President Trump can help advance this result that we're all hoping for,' Mr Netanyahu told reporters at Tel Aviv's Ben Gurion Airport on Sunday. Israeli prime minister Binyamin Netanyahu. Photograph: Stoyan Nenov/AP It will be Mr Netanyahu's third visit to the White House since the US president was inaugurated in January, more than any other world leader. It also follows last month's Israeli and US attacks on Iran . READ MORE Mr Netanyahu said he would thank Mr Trump for his 'strong enlistment on behalf of Israel ... against our common enemy, Iran,' as he vowed to 'remain vigilant' against any attempt by Tehran to obtain a nuclear weapon. Mr Trump told reporters on Sunday evening that 'we're close to a deal on Gaza' and 'we could have it this week'. 'I think there's a good chance we have a deal with Hamas during the week, during the coming week, pertaining to quite a few of the hostages. You know, we've gotten a lot of the hostages out, but pertaining to the remaining hostages, quite a few of them will be coming out,' he said. Mr Trump added that Iran would also be discussed with the Israeli prime minister. 'We're working on a lot of things with Israel, and one of the things is probably a permanent deal with Iran. Otherwise, they have to give up all of the things that you know so well,' he added. US president Donald Trump points to the new US flag, not pictured, on the South Lawn of the White House after arriving on Marine One in Washington, D.C. on Sunday. Photograph: Yuri Gripas/Abaca/Bloomberg The two leaders are also expected to discuss the possibility of normalising diplomatic relations or reaching other security deals between Israel and neighbouring Arab states such as Saudi Arabia and Syria . After the Iran war, 'clearly we have changed the Middle East beyond recognition, and we have an opportunity to change it even further,' Mr Netanyahu said on Sunday. Most Arab officials maintain that any move to normalise ties would require at the very least an end to the Gaza war, and probably a pathway to a future Palestinian state. Mr Trump has made clear his desire for a ceasefire in Gaza, and said on Friday that he was 'very optimistic'. Yet over the weekend pressure grew on Mr Netanyahu from far-right allies in his governing coalition, who voiced opposition to any halt in the war and any increase in the meagre aid allowed into the shattered enclave. More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gazan health authorities, in the conflict triggered by Hamas's October 7th, 2023 attack on Israel. As part of the proposal drafted by the US, Qatar and Egypt – seen by the Financial Times – over the course of the initial 60-day ceasefire a large influx of aid would take place through the UN and other international aid groups. This UN-led mechanism was halted in effect by Israel in March, as it first instituted a 10-week siege and then began implementing a private aid scheme, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, supported by the Trump administration. Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich criticised Mr Netanyahu on Sunday for not fulfilling what he said were previous government decisions to promote mechanisms designed to prevent aid from falling into the hands of Hamas. 'The decision made yesterday [by Mr Netanyahu's security cabinet], contrary to our position, to introduce aid in the old and bad way is unacceptable to us and we will consider our steps against it,' Mr Smotrich wrote on X. Smoke and debris billow after an Israeli strike on Gaza on Sunday. Photograph: Maya Levin/AFP via Getty Images Far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also criticised the proposal, demanding that Israeli military force reconquer the whole enclave, halt all aid and encourage Gazans to 'emigrate'. According to the draft proposals, 'serious negotiations' to end the war – a long-held Hamas demand – would start on day one, with mediators set to provide guarantees to extend the truce should more time be needed to reach a permanent ceasefire. More negotiations would be needed to determine the extent of the Israeli military's withdrawal during the truce, with Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails also being released in exchange for the hostages. Mr Netanyahu has consistently refused to commit to ending the war until 'total victory' over Hamas is achieved. Copyright The Financial Times Limited 2025
