Latest news with #American-Israeli
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Israel agrees to Trump-backed ceasefire proposal to free Gaza hostages: White House
The White House on Thursday confirmed that Israel agreed to a ceasefire proposal submitted by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and President Donald Trump in a move to return the 58 hostages who have been held in Gaza for more than 600 days. "Israel signed off on this proposal before it was sent to Hamas," White House press secretary Karoline Levitt told reporters. "I can also confirm that those discussions are continuing, and we hope that a ceasefire in Gaza will take place so we can return all of the hostages home." Hamas Faces 'Legitimacy Crisis' As Desperate Gazans Flock To Us-backed Aid Centers Levitt would not comment further on the details of the proposal, and Hamas does not yet appear to have agreed to the proposal. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce told reporters Thursday there is a sense of "important optimism" but confirmed the Hamas position is "unknown at this point." A statement released on Wednesday by the terrorist organization said, "The latest of these efforts was reaching an agreement with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff on a general framework, which achieves a permanent ceasefire, a complete withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip, the flow of humanitarian aid, and the formation of a professional committee to manage the affairs of Gaza upon the announcement of the agreement." Read On The Fox News App Trump Confirms He Told Netanyahu To Back Off Iran Strikes Amid Nuclear Talks Hamas also claimed the most recent proposal it had reviewed included the release of 10 Israeli hostages as well as "a number of bodies" in exchange for an unconfirmed number of Palestinian prisoners. It is unclear if these details were also included in the proposal agreed to by Israel. Following the release of Edan Alexander, the final American-Israeli hostage still alive in Hamas captivity this month, 58 hostages remain. An estimated 24 of the hostages are assessed to be alive, though Israeli reporting has suggested this number could be less. The bodies of four American Israelis taken on Oct. 7, 2023, continue to be held captive, including Itay Chen, Omer Neutra, Gadi Haggai and Judi Weinstein Haggai. Yonat Frilling contributed to this article source: Israel agrees to Trump-backed ceasefire proposal to free Gaza hostages: White House
Days of Palestine
4 days ago
- Politics
- Days of Palestine
UN Rapporteur: Gaza Aid Distribution a 'Sadistic Spectacle' and an American-Israeli Crime
DaysofPal — The United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right to adequate housing, Balakrishnan Rajagopal, has condemned the current system of aid distribution in Gaza, describing it as 'sadistic' and labeling it an 'American-Israeli crime.' Rajagopal stated that humanitarian aid in Gaza is no longer a lifeline but has become a method of humiliation and indirect killing. 'I have no words for the sadistic spectacle of aid delivery in Gaza,' he wrote on X. The Israeli army had earlier announced the opening of two aid centers in Tel al-Sultan and along the 'Morag Axis' in Rafah, as part of what it called a 'gradual opening' of four such facilities across southern Gaza. However, this plan has been firmly rejected by the United Nations and various humanitarian organizations, which argue that it undermines proper aid delivery mechanisms. Meanwhile, the Government Media Office in Gaza reported a massacre at one of these so-called 'aid centers' in Rafah, stating that Israeli forces opened fire on starving civilians. The attack killed at least three people, injured 46, and left seven others unaccounted for. Shortlink for this post:
France 24
5 days ago
- Politics
- France 24
‘Questions of morality': Papers discuss Gaza aid plan involving military contractors
PRESS REVIEW – Monday, May 26: The American-Israeli aid plan for Gaza is widely scrutinised in the press, as obscure private contractors are involved. Next, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe has refused to weaken the European Convention on Human Rights. Meanwhile, a series of power cuts threatened the closing ceremony of the Cannes Festival in the south of France. Also, two sports stars have emotional retirement parties. Finally, snails are celebrated in Catalonia. Israel's latest strikes on Gaza killed dozens of people over the weekend, but many papers today are focussing on the IDF's plan to take over Gaza. The Times of Israel goes over the IDF's proposal to capture 75 percent of the Gaza strip in next few months. The joint Israeli and American proposal for a new aid delivery mechanism, which is supposed to start today, has also caused alarm in the papers. The Washington Post discusses the aid plan and the 'Foundation for Gaza'. According to Haaretz, the foundation would oversee aid distribution in Gaza, supported by two private military organisations, which Libération explores in more detail. Questions on the transparency of the Israeli aid plan have led to the resignation of the CEO of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, as announced early this morning by Arab News. In Strasbourg, RFI says that the Council of Europe has refused to weaken the European Convention of Human Rights. A group of nine countries asked for a reinterpretation of the European Convention of Human Rights on questions of migration. The Guardian said that the European Court of Human Rights ruled against many of the nine countries who signed the letter, which might have motivated the move. It says that more than 30 cases are pending at the court against Latvia, Lithuania and Poland after allegations of pushing people back into Belarus to prevent them from claiming asylum. French authorities have launched an investigation into the blackouts that struck the Cannes film festival. The story is on the front page of the French paper Aujourd'hui en France. It says that multiple power cuts occurred over the weekend, which were later claimed by an anarchist group targeting the Cannes festival. Libération says that French authorities are still investigating the acts of sabotage that left 200,000 homes without power. Variety reports that the Cannes closing ceremony went ahead as planned. The Palme d'Or was attributed to Iranian Director Jafar Panahi for his film 'It was just an accident'. Vogue summarises the best bits, from outfit bans to the red-carpet bee attack. While many papers like Marca are celebrating Rafael Nadal's teary retirement ceremony at Roland Garros, another sports star was making an equally teary departure in the UK. The Daily Mail reports that broadcaster and former England international footballer Gary Lineker has stepped down from his role as presenter of Match of the Day. The Guardian says that the host was forced to step down after 26 years in the job after he shared an anti-Semitic social media post, which he later deleted and apologised for. Finally, although France is known for its snails, it is the Catalans who celebrated the slimy delicacies this weekend. The Times reports on the three-day festival, in what looked like a large-scale gastropod gastropub.
Saba Yemen
6 days ago
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
Hezbollah's Secretary-General: Yemen set example of resilience against American-Israeli aggression
Beirut – Saba: Hezbollah's Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, affirmed that the ongoing Israeli aggression does not weaken the resistance but rather strengthens its resolve and determination. He emphasized the party's adherence to the triad of the army, the people, and the resistance as the foundation for shaping the future and achieving liberation. In a speech marking the 25th anniversary of Resistance and Liberation Day, Sheikh Qassem praised the resilience demonstrated by Yemen in the face of American-Israeli aggression. He also highlighted the steadfastness of the people of Gaza, who have confronted genocide and destruction backed by the United States. He stated that the resistance emerged out of necessity in confronting the enemy, stressing that Lebanon cannot remain passive against such threats. The resistance, he said, is the natural solution when the army is unable to act and serves as its support when it is capable. Sheikh Qassem explained that the resistance has transformed Lebanon from weakness to strength, proving to be the only viable path to liberation. He noted that Israel's ability to expand its influence in Lebanon has ended. He described Resistance and Liberation Day as the cornerstone that paved the way for subsequent achievements, recounting heroic stories from members of the resistance community. Sheikh Qassem pointed out that the Israeli occupation of Palestine and repeated aggressions against Lebanon and regional countries were the direct causes of the resistance's emergence in Lebanon. He reviewed the stages of the resistance since the 1970s, highlighting Hezbollah's formation in the 1980s and its pivotal role in the resistance movement. The Hezbollah leader underscored that the Israeli occupation failed to establish a lasting presence in Lebanon. He recalled that the political rivalry in Israel ahead of the 2000 elections between Ehud Barak and Benjamin Netanyahu revolved around the withdrawal from southern Lebanon. Sheikh Qassem described this victory as a monumental achievement for the resistance and the Lebanese people, emphasizing that Israel's withdrawal was unconditional and without any agreement. He dismissed Israeli predictions that the withdrawal would trigger internal strife or sectarian discord. He affirmed that this historic achievement altered the region's political, cultural, and jihadist trajectory, transforming Lebanon from despair to hope, submission to resistance, humiliation to dignity, and defeat to victory. Sheikh Qassem reiterated that the resistance continues today as it did in the past, representing the choice of the people and believers. He emphasized that resistance is a steadfast option, embodied by the will of the people, and cannot be defeated—remaining resilient through sacrifice, dignity, martyrs, prisoners, the unwavering faith of families and children eager to defend their homeland. He stressed that the resistance is inherently defensive, symbolizing a rejection of occupation and refusal to surrender. Addressing the current situation, Sheikh Qassem noted that the Lebanese state had indirectly agreed to a ceasefire with Israel and adhered to it, as did Hezbollah—despite over 3,300 Israeli violations, which constitute ongoing aggression. He demanded that Israel withdraw, cease hostilities, release prisoners, and end all obligations under the agreement before any new negotiations could begin. Sheikh Qassem held the United States responsible for the continuation of aggression, warning that the state's failure to counter it might force the resistance to consider other options. He cautioned against persistent U.S. pressure on Lebanese officials to meet Israeli demands, asserting that Lebanon faces only two choices: victory or martyrdom, with no room for surrender. The Hezbollah leader emphasized that reconstruction is the cornerstone of Lebanon's stability, urging the government to expedite the launch of a reconstruction fund. Sheikh Qassem affirmed that Hezbollah is integral to all positive developments in Lebanon, including presidential elections, government formation, municipal elections, and appointments. He called for thwarting any attempts at obstruction, stressing that a strong and stable Lebanon serves the interests of all its people and regional and international allies, and that no one can blackmail Lebanon over its national decisions. He urged boldness and trust in Lebanon, its people, army, and resistance, asserting that no one can defeat them and that anticipated achievements will be realized. Sheikh Qassem concluded by affirming that Hezbollah and the Amal Movement serve as a social safeguard and a pillar of national balance, with an unwavering commitment to prioritizing this role. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print
New York Post
6 days ago
- Politics
- New York Post
Memorial Day is for freedom's defenders — like our son Omer Neutra, slain by Hamas
On Monday we join all Americans to honor those brave men and women of our military who gave their lives to secure liberty — and we reflect, too, on the life of our son, Capt. Omer Neutra. Omer, raised on Long Island, was a kind, gentle soul who made people feel included and cared for. He was a protector, the captain of his high school basketball team at Solomon Schechter Day School who rooted for the Knicks. When he was accepted to SUNY Binghamton, it seemed Omer had a comfortable American life ahead of him. Instead, at age 19, he postponed college and enlisted as a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces. Advertisement Omer wanted to serve, to protect, to stand as a guardian against those who would harm the innocent. On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched their brutal attack, murdering over 1,200 innocent people and kidnapping 251 others. The dead included 45 American citizens; 12 Americans were taken hostage. Omer was one of thousands of first responders who rushed toward danger to protect civilians. He displayed selfless valor and bravery. Advertisement Wednesday marks 600 days since that horrific attack — an unthinkable number. For 421 of those days, we believed Omer was alive, held captive by Hamas. In December we learned the devastating truth: Our son was killed on Oct. 7 while defending innocent lives. His body remains held by terrorists who view human dignity as negotiable. The reality of losing our son hit us in waves — first, the shock of learning he was gone; then the surreal experience of seeing his sacrifice recognized publicly. Advertisement When we see the Nassau County street sign bearing our son's name, it's beyond comprehension. Yet it's fitting that his name marks a place where our local community has consistently gathered since Oct. 7 to fight for the return of all hostages. On the day Omer's death was announced, flags at all state buildings were lowered to half-staff. In that moment, we felt the weight of how our country honors sacrifice, how it acknowledges those who serve and pay the ultimate price — not just for their nation, but for the cause of freedom itself, wherever that battle must be fought. Advertisement Freedom requires ordinary people to make extraordinary choices. It demands that some give their lives so that others may live in liberty. The American people understand the sacred principle of 'leave no one behind' — a commitment that defines military service and bonds soldiers together in an unbreakable covenant. Two weeks ago, we witnessed the joyous release of Edan Alexander, another American-Israeli soldier who, like Omer, went to Israel to serve. Edan's family lives in New Jersey, and our sons shared so much in common. They were both at the same post on Oct. 7, and we learned in hindsight that they knew each other. Over these 20 months, we, the Alexanders and all the hostage families have united in grief, hope and determination. We're relieved Edan is back and pray that his return begins the release of all the remaining hostages. President Trump has assured us that he is committed to that goal — and his leadership has brought unprecedented progress. There's a growing realization that until it happens, real healing in the Middle East cannot occur. A deal to release all the hostages must be signed and this war needs to end. The terrorists who took our son's life and continue to hold his body, along with the 57 remaining hostages, represent the antithesis of everything we honor on Memorial Day. Advertisement They target civilians, celebrate death and use human beings as bargaining chips. They seek to destroy the very freedoms that American and Israeli service members have died to protect. On Memorial Day, we remember that the fight for freedom takes many forms and crosses many borders. Many Americans, like our Omer, serve as guardians against terror in different lands but with the same noble purpose: protecting the innocent and preserving liberty. Advertisement The values we celebrate on Monday — sacrifice, service and unwavering commitment to freedom — live in the hearts of all who choose to stand against evil, who rush toward danger when others flee, and who understand that some things are worth more than life itself. As we honor America's fallen heroes, we also honor our son Omer and all who have given their lives in defense of freedom. Their sacrifice demands that we never forget, never surrender to those who would destroy liberty, and never stop fighting for the return of those still held in darkness. Ronen and Orna Neutra are the parents of Capt. Omer Neutra.
