Far-right Israeli lawmakers seek to visit Gaza to 'explore settlement possibilities'
Tan Safi and Robert Martin, two Australian nationals detained by the Israeli army aboard the humanitarian vessel Handala bound for Gaza, have been released, according to the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, as reported by Al Jazeera.
The Handala, carrying food and medicine along with 21 unarmed civilians, was intercepted by the Israeli military off the coast of Gaza on Saturday night.
According to the same source, Safi and Martin were released from Givon Prison in the city of Ramla and have since been transferred to the Australian Embassy in Jordan.
Far-right ministers and MPs request visit to Gaza to 'explore settlement possibilities.'
Israeli far-right ministers and members of the ruling coalition have asked Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for permission to visit the northern Gaza Strip to "explore the possibilities for settlement", according to Haaretz.
They argue that the area is fully under Israeli military control, is empty of Palestinians, and poses no significant security restrictions.
Signatories include Likud ministers Miki Zohar, May Golan, and Shlomo Karhi, as well as Itamar Ben-Gvir, Amichay Eliyahu, and Yitzhak Wasserlauf from the far-right Otzma Yehudit party, the left-leaning Israeli daily reports.
12:12 Beirut Time
Syria denies claims that Sweida is under government siege
Syrian Interior Ministry spokesperson Noureddine el-Baba stated that allegations claiming the southern province of Sweida is under siege by the Syrian government are "completely false and misleading," according to the official Syrian news agency SANA.
He added:
'The Syrian government has opened humanitarian corridors to deliver aid to our civilian compatriots in the province, in cooperation with local and international humanitarian organizations, and to allow the temporary departure of those wishing to leave areas controlled by outlawed groups.'
Israeli drone drops bomb near cemetery in Aita al-Shaab, South Lebanon
An Israeli drone dropped a bomb near the cemetery of Aita al-Shaab in southern Lebanon, according to our regional correspondent.
No casualties were reported.
12:08 Beirut Time
UK rejects criticism that recognizing Palestinian state rewards Hamas
The United Kingdom has rejected criticism suggesting that its move toward recognizing a Palestinian state amounts to rewarding Hamas.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has issued an ultimatum to Israel, giving it until September to take steps to improve the situation in Gaza and advance peace efforts.
This prompted a sharp response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who claimed it was tantamount to "rewarding Hamas and punishing the victims of the Oct. 7, 2023, attack."
Asked about this criticism, UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander, speaking on behalf of the government during a round of media interviews, said:
'This is not a reward for Hamas. Hamas is a vile terrorist organization that has committed horrific atrocities. This is about the Palestinian people. It's about the children we see starving in Gaza.'
'We need to increase pressure on the Israeli government to lift restrictions and allow the return of humanitarian aid to Gaza,' she told LBC radio.
11:34 Beirut Time
France and 14 countries, including Canada and Australia, are calling on the international community to express their willingness to recognize a Palestinian state, according to the French Foreign Minister.
" In New York, along with 14 other countries, France is issuing a joint appeal: we express our intention to recognize the State of Palestine and invite those who have not yet done so to join us," wrote Jean-Noel Barrot on X, following the 'New York Appeal' made after a ministerial conference at the UN aimed at advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel reportedly considering 'alternatives' to Gideon's Chariots Operation in Gaza
Israeli radio has reported that Israeli security organizations are exploring several "alternatives" to the military's 'Operation Gideon's Chariots' in Gaza, which they consider to have failed, particularly regarding the release of hostages still held in the enclave.
These alternatives include an 'extreme option' involving territorial annexation, a total blockade of populated areas in Gaza, and a ban on all food aid. However, these plans remain "theoretical," according to a source cited by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, pending progress in negotiations with Hamas.
11:27 Beirut Time
South Lebanon: Machine gun fire on Kfar Shuba
Israeli machine gun fire has reportedly targeted the outskirts of Kfar Shuba, in the Hasbaya district, as Israeli drones continue to fly over the entire South.
11:25 Beirut Time
Naim Qassem to speak at 6:30 p.m. in tribute to Fouad Shukur
In the context of these ongoing Israeli violations and attacks, and debates over Hezbollah disarmament, Hezbollah's deputy secretary-general Naim Qassem is scheduled to give a speech at 6:30 p.m. today to commemorate the first anniversary of the assassination of Fouad Shukur, a former military official of the group, killed on July 30 last year in an Israeli airstrike on southern Beirut.
11:24 Beirut Time
French-led diplomatic appeal for recognition of Palestine
France and 14 other countries — including Canada and Australia — are calling on the international community to express their support for recognizing a Palestinian state, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot has announced.
'In New York, with 14 other countries, France is issuing a collective appeal: we express our will to recognize the State of Palestine and invite those who haven't done so to join us,' Barrot posted on X.
This 'New York Appeal' was made following a ministerial conference at the U.N. focused on advancing a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
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