From Amazon to the Gaza flotilla – the journey of an activist
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Al Jazeera
an hour ago
- Al Jazeera
Israeli captive families confront police outside army headquarters
Physical confrontations have taken place outside Israel's Ministry of Defence in Tel Aviv between security forces and family members of captives held in Gaza during a rally calling for their release, as the Israeli government appears on the verge of escalating its genocidal war to full occupation of the besieged enclave. Protesters surrounding the Kirya, Israel's central military headquarters, demanded on Wednesday that the Israeli government not go ahead with its plan, and they were pushed back by police. 'Time is running out – our loved ones can't wait any longer,' the Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement. 'We either bring them home now, or we lose them for good. There are moments in history when we must stand up and do what's right – this is that moment.' The families of Israeli captives have intensified their criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in recent months amid large protests across the country, as the expanded military ground offensive and deadly bombardment in the Palestinian territory continue to put the release of their loved ones at risk. Protesters, including the father of captive Guy Illouz, tried to force their way into the entrance of military headquarters as seen in this video verified by Al Jazeera. שוטרים תוקפים באלימות מחוץ לשערי הקריה מפגינים למען שחרור החטופים 📌*חדר מלחמה* • עדכונים שוטפים בווטסאפ 🪖 > מלחמת אחים — ישפנסיון לכלבים (@sari12222) August 6, 2025 Translation: Police violently attack protesters outside the Kirya gates demonstrating for the release of the hostages. An estimated 1,139 people were killed during the Hamas-led October 7, 2023 attacks on southern Israel, and more than 200 were taken captive. Some 50 captives remain in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to still be alive. In Israel's ensuing war on Gaza, at least 61,158 Palestinians have been killed and 151,442 wounded. The families also addressed a message directly to Israeli army Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir on Wednesday: 'You know this war has run its course, and the only path to real victory is a single deal that brings everyone home.' The local police chief requested that family members of captives speak to him, saying, 'We understand your frustration.' He acknowledged they could protest, but asked that they leave the police alone. Protesters were attempting to enter the headquarters, demanding that military action not be taken in areas where the captives are suspected to be located in Gaza. Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported on Wednesday that Itzik Horn, the father of Israeli captive Eitan Horn, said the families of the captives being held in Gaza were against the expansion of the war on Gaza. He reportedly questioned Netanyahu's motives, as Israel's defence establishment said an expansion would endanger the lives of the captives. 'I expect the prime minister to speak to the public, to explain the implications of this idea to the country and the price we'll pay,' Itzik Horn said, according to Haaretz. 'We are the people. I want the prime minister to explain why he wants to kill my son.' Meanwhile, there were minor clashes at the anti-war demonstration organised by Standing Together, the largest Arab-Israeli grassroots movement in Israel, in the Gaza Envelope, situated 7km (4.3 miles) from the Gaza border. A protester was arrested and flour was scattered on the police from the display brought by the protesters. An earlier video recorded from the Yad Mordechai Junction, a kibbutz in southern Israel, showed Standing Together activists gathering to march to the Gaza border.
Al Jazeera
4 hours ago
- Al Jazeera
Syria signs $14bn infrastructure deals, will revamp Damascus airport
Syria has signed a series of investment deals with international companies, covering 12 major strategic projects in infrastructure, transportation and real estate valued at a total of $14bn, the latest lifeline aimed at reviving its war-ravaged economy. The plans included a $4bn investment project for Damascus airport signed with Qatar's UCC Holding and a $2bn deal with the United Arab Emirates national investment corporation to establish a metro in the Syrian capital, Talal al-Hilali, head of the Syrian Investment Authority, said during the ceremony at the presidential palace in Damascus on Wednesday. It's a welcome development for President Ahmed al-Sharaa's new government as it has been grappling with the heavy fallout from sectarian violence that broke out on July 13 in the southern province of Suwayda between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Government troops were deployed to quell the conflict. The bloodshed worsened, and Israel carried out strikes on Syrian troops and also bombed the heart of the capital Damascus, under the pretext of protecting the Druze. Other major developments on the investment front destined for Damascus include the $2bn Damascus Towers project signed with the Italian-based company UBAKO, a $500m deal for the Baramkeh Towers project and another $60m agreement for Baramkeh Mall. Since the overthrow of longtime ruler Bashar al-Assad in December in a lightning rebel offensive, Syria's new authorities have worked to attract investment for the reconstruction of infrastructure destroyed in the country's devastating, nearly 14-year-long civil war. The projects 'will extend across Syria and represent a qualitative shift in infrastructure and economic life', al-Hilali said on Wednesday, adding that the agreements were 'a turning point' for Syria's future. Al-Sharaa and United States special envoy for Syria Tom Barrack were both present at the signing ceremony, Syria's official SANA news agency reported on Wednesday. Barrack congratulated Syrian authorities on 'another great accomplishment', saying they will witness the rise of a 'new hub' in 'trade and prosperity'. The United Nations has put Syria's post-war reconstruction costs at more than $400bn. Several deals have already been announced. Last month, Saudi Arabia signed major investment and partnership deals with Syria, valued at $6.4bn. Also in July, Syria signed an $800m deal with UAE-based company DP World to develop the port of Tartous, state media reported. In May, Syria signed a $7bn energy deal with a consortium of Qatari, Turkish and US companies as it seeks to revive its crippled power sector. The US and European Union have recently lifted sanctions on Syria in the wake of al-Assad's ouster, opening the nation to further investment and trade deals.
Al Jazeera
5 hours ago
- Al Jazeera
US sanctions Mexican cartel figures, including popular rapper El Makabelico
The US Department of the Treasury has announced sanctions on assets of four individuals that it linked to Mexico-based Cartel del Noreste, including the popular hip-hop artist El Makabelico. The sanctions target three 'high-ranking members' of Cartel del Noreste (Northeast Cartel), which splintered off from Los Zetas, as well as an alleged 'prominent associate' of the group, Ricardo Hernandez, a 34-year-old musician known as El Makabelico who has millions of followers on social media. The Treasury said El Makabelico's concerts and events are used to launder money on behalf of the organisation, 'with 50 percent of his royalties from streaming platforms going directly to the group.' The Treasury identified the three other individuals as Abdon Rodriguez, Antonio Romero, and Francisco Esqueda. Washington said the sanctioned individuals have played a critical role in the cartel's activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering. The Treasury said it had previously sanctioned two 'high-ranking members' of the cartel in May. The cartel was among those that President Donald Trump's administration in February designated as 'global terrorist organisations'. 'The Treasury Department will continue to be relentless in its effort to put America First by targeting terrorist drug cartels. These cartels poison Americans with fentanyl and conduct human smuggling operations along our southwest border,' said US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent in a statement by the Treasury Department. 'Treasury, in close coordination with our law enforcement partners, is committed to a full-frontal assault on the cartels, targeting the leadership and revenue streams that enable their horrific crimes.' The Cartel del Noreste is considered one of Mexico's most violent drug trafficking organisations and wields significant influence along the US-Mexico border, particularly in Laredo, Texas, the Treasury said. DEL Records, which Hernandez lists as his label on social media, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
