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The Independent
13 minutes ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Out of despair has sprung some unexpected hope for Gaza
It may not be a simple and direct example of cause and effect, but the calls from leading nations in the Arab world for Hamas to disarm and give up its claim to govern Gaza must be giving Sir Keir Starmer additional confidence that his decision to recognise a sovereign Palestinian state is on the right side of history. The prime minister made it clear in his historic statement that these terrorists must 'accept that they will play no part in the government of Gaza', and this evidence that the regional geopolitical balance is tipping further against them is highly encouraging. Of course, Hamas can still count on the backing of the ayatollahs in Tehran, but Iran is certainly no longer the power it once was, and their other allies, the Houthi rebels in Yemen, have been similarly quieted. Remarkably, it is almost the entire Arab world, represented by the Arab League, that has made this historic move, in concert with European nations and others. They all now want to see an end to Hamas rule in Gaza, however nominal it may now in reality be, and their call is unequivocal: 'In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.' With the recent backing for a state of Palestine by Sir Keir and President Macron, the tectonic plates have shifted. The fact that the leaders of Britain and France, two of the old colonial powers in the area, have joined at last in the cause of establishing a free and viable Palestinian state has no doubt weighed heavily in the balance in a part of the world where history matters. As David Lammy, the foreign secretary, said, that part of the Balfour Declaration pertaining to the Palestinian Arabs is now being honoured. The Arab League's declaration is by far the best news that has come from the UN summit being held in New York on a two-state solution. Israel and the United States have chosen not to attend, and the Americans also recently pulled out of the peace talks in Qatar, but even the Trump administration cannot entirely ignore this wind of change blowing through some of America's most important allies and partners – Saudi Arabia and Egypt being the pre-eminent examples. If President Trump wishes to extend the Abraham Accords process that was such a notable success in his first term, then he too should welcome these latest diplomatic initiatives and back them enthusiastically. The Abraham peace treaties, which entailed diplomatic recognition of Israel, that were concluded with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan, can and should be joined by Saudi Arabia and others – as President Trump has always intended. It would make Israel more secure, and all involved more prosperous. Indeed, the prospect of the Saudis and Israelis normalising their relations may have been one motive for the Hamas terrorists committing their atrocities on 7 October 2023 – to disrupt such peaceful trends. President Trump also said that he was content for Sir Keir to 'take a position' on Palestinian sovereignty when he was in Scotland only a few days ago, and has repeated that he doesn't have to agree with what the British and French are doing. That is far from an outright condemnation, and, as momentum builds, he may judge that he can lend more backing. In any case, the president should further brief his secretary of state, Marco Rubio, on what a return to the Abraham Accords process would mean to the administration's legacy, and the prospects for extending American power and trade across the Middle East. There are reservations. The claim made by the Israelis, by Mr Trump and others, that recognising Palestinian sovereignty is a 'reward' for Hamas terrorism is an understandable one – but it is wrong. As has been seen with the widespread demands for Hamas to give up the hostages, disarm and transfer governance to the Palestinian Authority, the organisation is hardly being rewarded for what it did. It is not Hamas that is to be recognised as a legitimate authority, but the Palestinian Authority and President Abbas, based in Ramallah, who are no allies of Hamas. The truth that Benjamin Netanyahu has to confront is that it is his conduct of the war in Gaza that has made more Western states – normally friends and partners of Israel – decide that recognition of Palestinian sovereignty has to be made now for fear that the whole project of a two-state solution and lasting peace becomes completely unviable. In other words, had the Israelis gone after the Hamas leaders and the terrorists, rather than flattening the entire territory, with the loss of an estimated 80,000 lives, these moves on establishing the state of Palestine would not be taking place. Not that it matters much in the context of a historic move towards peace that is as dramatic as it is unexpected, the prime minister has also defused the growing unrest in his own party over Gaza. Sir Keir's principled stand that Israel had a right to defend itself after the 7 October attacks cost him dear in domestic electoral terms, but he stuck with it. It stands today, too – but the disproportionate way Israel has behaved towards civilians, culminating in a growing famine, has undoubtedly weakened its international support and left the nation isolated. In that sense, in lashing out in a vengeful manner for so long, it is Mr Netanyahu who has played into Hamas's plans and damaged the long-term interests of the Israeli people. That war suited him politically, as it did Hamas, is one of the more uncomfortable aspects of this conflict. Today, out of despair has sprung some unexpected hope for Gaza and for an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people – but also for Israel to be free of attack and invasion. Mr Netanyahu's government will not be in power for ever, and the inglorious era of Hamas rule is coming to a close. Those factors are also cause for optimism. That hope for peace should be cherished, for everyone knows what the inhuman alternative looks like, and it doesn't work.
CTV News
40 minutes ago
- Politics
- CTV News
Qatar, Saudi, Egypt join call for Hamas to disarm, give up Gaza rule
Hamas fighters stand in formation as they prepare for the ceremony of Israeli hostages hand over to the Red Cross in Nuseirat, central Gaza Strip, Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana) United Nations, United States -- Arab countries including Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Egypt joined calls Tuesday for Hamas to disarm and end its rule of Gaza, in a bid to end the devastating war in the Palestinian territory. Seventeen countries plus the European Union and Arab League threw their weight behind a seven-page text agreed at a United Nations conference on reviving the two-state solution for Israel and the Palestinians. 'In the context of ending the war in Gaza, Hamas must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority, with international engagement and support, in line with the objective of a sovereign and independent Palestinian State,' said the declaration. It followed a call Monday by the Palestinian delegation at the United Nations for both Israel and Hamas to leave Gaza, allowing the Palestinian Authority to administer the coastal territory. The text also condemned the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attacks by Hamas against Israel, something the UN General Assembly has yet to do. France, which co-chaired the conference with Saudi Arabia, called the declaration 'both historic and unprecedented.' 'For the first time, Arab countries and those in the Middle East condemn Hamas, condemn Oct. 7, call for the disarmament of Hamas, call for its exclusion from Palestinian governance, and clearly express their intention to normalize relations with Israel in the future,' said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot. The text, co-signed by France, Britain and Canada among other western nations, also called for the possible deployment of foreign forces to stabilize Gaza after the end of hostilities. Israel and its ally the United States did not take part in the meeting. 21 months of war The document was issued at the second day of the conference in New York at which Britain announced it may recognize a Palestinian state in September. British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said London would proceed with recognition if Israel did not fulfil conditions including implementing a ceasefire in Gaza and allowing in sufficient aid. French President Emmanuel Macron last week said he would formally announce France's recognition of Palestinian statehood at the UN General Assembly in September. For decades, most of the global body's members have supported a two-state solution with Israel and a Palestinian state existing side-by-side. But after more than 21 months of war in Gaza, the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and Israeli officials declaring designs to annex occupied territory, it is feared a Palestinian state could become geographically impossible. The current war in Gaza started after the Hamas attacks on Israel, in which more than 1,200 people were killed. Israel responded with large-scale military action that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and destroyed most infrastructure in the enclave. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said at the meeting Monday 'the two-state solution is farther than ever before.' In a statement issued late Tuesday, 15 Western nations including France and Spain, affirmed their 'unwavering support to the vision of the two-state solution.' Among the signatories, nine that have not yet recognized a Palestinian state expressed 'willingness or positive consideration of their countries' to do so: Andorra, Australia, Canada, Finland, Luxembourg, Malta, New Zealand, Portugal, and San Marino. By Amélie Bottollier-Depois
GMA Network
43 minutes ago
- Health
- GMA Network
Israeli minister hints at annexing parts of Gaza
Smoke rises in Gaza, as seen from the Israeli side of the Israel-Gaza border, July 30, 2025. REUTERS/ Ronen Zvulun JERUSALEM/CAIRO/GAZA — Israel could threaten to annex parts of Gaza to increase pressure on the militant group Hamas, an Israeli minister said on Wednesday, an idea that would deal a blow to Palestinian hopes of statehood on land Israel now occupies. The comment by security cabinet member Zeev Elkin came a day after Britain said it would recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes steps to relieve suffering in Gaza and agrees to a ceasefire in the war with Hamas. France, which said last week it would recognize a Palestinian state in September, and Saudi Arabia issued a declaration on Tuesday, backed by Egypt, Qatar and the Arab League, outlining steps toward implementing a two-state solution. As part of an end to the Gaza war, they said Hamas "must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority." Israel has denounced moves to recognize a Palestinian state as rewarding Hamas for its October 2023 attack that precipitated the war. Possible ultimatum to Hamas Accusing Hamas of trying to drag out ceasefire talks to gain Israeli concessions, Elkin told public broadcaster Kan that Israel may give the group an ultimatum to reach a deal before further expanding its military actions. "The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands," he said. "A clarification to Hamas that the moment they play games with us they will lose land that they will never get back would be a significant pressure tool." Mediation efforts aimed at reaching a deal that would secure a 60-day ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas ground to a halt last week, with the sides trading blame for the impasse. Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the situation in Gaza, where a global hunger monitor has warned that a worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding. The Gaza health ministry reported seven more hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including a two-year-old girl with an existing health condition. 'Monstrous' Though recognition of a Palestinian state is largely seen as a symbolic move, Gazan man Saed al-Akhras said he hoped it marked a "real shift in how Western countries view the Palestinian cause." "Enough! Palestinians have lived for more than 70 years under killing, destruction, and occupation, while the world watches in silence," he said. Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza appealed for no recognition of a Palestinian state to come before their loved ones were returned. "Such recognition is not a step toward peace, but rather a clear violation of international law and a dangerous moral and political failure that legitimizes horrific war crimes," the Hostages Family Forum said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said Britain's decision "rewards Hamas' monstrous terrorism." Israel made similar comments last week after France's announcement. Two Hamas officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the demand for the group to hand its weapons to the PA, which now has limited control of parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas has previously rejected calls to disarm, while Israel has ruled out letting the PA run Gaza. Netanyahu said this month he wanted peace with Palestinians but described any future independent state as a potential platform to destroy Israel, so control of security must remain with Israel. His cabinet includes far-right figures who openly demand the annexation of all Palestinian land. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that reestablishing Jewish settlements in Gaza was "closer than ever," calling Gaza "an inseparable part of the Land of Israel." Aid going in, but not enough A 2-year-old girl being treated for a build-up of brain fluid died overnight of hunger, her father told Reuters on Wednesday. "Mekkah, my little daughter, died of malnutrition and the lack of medication," Salah al-Gharably said by phone from Deir Al-Balah. "Doctors said the baby has to be fed a certain type of milk ... but there is no milk," he said. "She starved. We stood helpless." The deaths from starvation and malnutrition overnight raised the toll from such causes to 154, including at least 89 children, since the war's start, most in recent weeks. On Sunday the Israeli military announced steps to ease the supply of food into Gaza, including daily pauses in military operations in some areas and corridors for aid. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said the United Nations and its partners had been able to bring more food into Gaza in the first two days of pauses, but the volume was "still far from enough." "Most aid is still being offloaded by crowds before reaching where it is supposed to go. But market monitoring shows prices for basic goods are starting to drop—which could point to better operating conditions if aid flows further increase," it said in an update. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked communities in southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 251 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 60,000 people and laid waste to much of the territory, the Gaza health ministry says. — Reuters
Arab News
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Israeli minister hints at annexing parts of Gaza
JERUSALEM/CAIRO: Israel could threaten to annex parts of Gaza to increase pressure on the militant group Hamas, an Israeli minister said on Wednesday, an idea that would deal a blow to Palestinian hopes of statehood on land Israeli now occupies. The comment by security cabinet member Zeev Elkin came a day after Britain said it would recognize a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes steps to relieve suffering in Gaza and reaches a ceasefire in the war with Hamas. France, which said last week it will recognize a Palestinian state in September, and Saudi Arabia issued a declaration on Tuesday, also backed by Egypt, Qatar and the Arab League, outlining steps toward implementing a two-state solution. As part of an end to the Gaza war, they said Hamas 'must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority.' Israel has denounced moves to recognize a Palestinian state as rewarding Hamas for its October 2023 attack that precipitated the war. POSSIBLE ULTIMATUM TO HAMAS Accusing Hamas of trying to drag out ceasefire talks to gain Israeli concessions, Elkin told public broadcaster Kan that Israel may give the group an ultimatum to reach a deal before further expanding its military actions. 'The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands,' he said. 'A clarification to Hamas that the moment they play games with us they will lose land that they will never get back would be a significant pressure tool.' Mediation efforts aimed at reaching a deal that would secure a 60-day ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas ground to a halt last week, with the sides trading blame for the impasse. Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the situation in Gaza, where a global hunger monitor has warned that a worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding. The Gaza health ministry reported seven more hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including a two-year-old girl with an existing health condition. 'MONSTROUS' Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza appealed for no recognition of a Palestinian state to come before their loved ones are returned. 'Such recognition is not a step toward peace, but rather a clear violation of international law and a dangerous moral and political failure that legitimizes horrific war crimes,' the Hostages Family Forum said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said Britain's decision 'rewards Hamas' monstrous terrorism.' Israel made similar comments last week after France's announcement. Two Hamas officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the demand for the group to hand its weapons to the PA, which now has limited control of parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas has previously rejected calls to disarm, while Israel has ruled out letting the PA run Gaza. Netanyahu said this month he wanted peace with Palestinians but described any future independent state as a potential platform to destroy Israel, so control of security must remain with Israel. His cabinet includes far-right figures who openly demand the annexation of all Palestinian land. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that reestablishing Jewish settlements in Gaza was 'closer than ever,' calling Gaza 'an inseparable part of the Land of Israel.' AID GOING IN, BUT NOT ENOUGH A two-year-old girl being treated for a build-up of brain fluid died overnight of hunger, her father told Reuters on Wednesday. 'Mekkah, my little daughter, died of malnutrition and the lack of medication,' Salah Al-Gharably said by phone from Deir Al-Balah. 'Doctors said the baby has to be fed a certain type of there is no milk,' he said. 'She starved. We stood helpless.' The deaths from starvation and malnutrition overnight raised the toll from such causes to 154, including at least 89 children, since the war's start, most in recent weeks. On Sunday the Israeli military announced steps to ease the supply of food into Gaza, including daily pauses in military operations in some areas and corridors for aid. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the United Nations and its partners had been able to bring more food into Gaza in the first two days of pauses, but the volume was 'still far from enough.' 'Most aid is still being offloaded by crowds before reaching where it is supposed to go. But market monitoring shows prices for basic goods are starting to drop – which could point to better operating conditions if aid flows further increase,' it said in an update. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked communities in southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 251 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 60,000 people and laid waste to much of the territory, the Gaza health ministry says.
Reuters
3 hours ago
- Politics
- Reuters
Israeli minister hints at annexing parts of Gaza
JERUSALEM/CAIRO, July 30 (Reuters) - Israel could threaten to annex parts of Gaza to increase pressure on the militant group Hamas, an Israeli minister said on Wednesday, an idea that would deal a blow to Palestinian hopes of statehood on land Israeli now occupies. The comment by security cabinet member Zeev Elkin came a day after Britain said it would recognise a Palestinian state in September unless Israel takes steps to relieve suffering in Gaza and reaches a ceasefire in the war with Hamas. France, which said last week it will recognise a Palestinian state in September, and Saudi Arabia issued a declaration on Tuesday, also backed by Egypt, Qatar and the Arab League, outlining steps toward implementing a two-state solution. As part of an end to the Gaza war, they said Hamas "must end its rule in Gaza and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority". Israel has denounced moves to recognise a Palestinian state as rewarding Hamas for its October 2023 attack that precipitated the war. Accusing Hamas of trying to drag out ceasefire talks to gain Israeli concessions, Elkin told public broadcaster Kan that Israel may give the group an ultimatum to reach a deal before further expanding its military actions. "The most painful thing for our enemy is losing lands," he said. "A clarification to Hamas that the moment they play games with us they will lose land that they will never get back would be a significant pressure tool." Mediation efforts aimed at reaching a deal that would secure a 60-day ceasefire and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas ground to a halt last week, with the sides trading blame for the impasse. Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the situation in Gaza, where a global hunger monitor has warned that a worst-case scenario of famine is unfolding. The Gaza health ministry reported seven more hunger-related deaths on Wednesday, including a two-year-old girl with an existing health condition. Families of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza appealed for no recognition of a Palestinian state to come before their loved ones are returned. "Such recognition is not a step toward peace, but rather a clear violation of international law and a dangerous moral and political failure that legitimises horrific war crimes," the Hostages Family Forum said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday said Britain's decision "rewards Hamas' monstrous terrorism". Israel made similar comments last week after France's announcement. Two Hamas officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the demand for the group to hand its weapons to the PA, which now has limited control of parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas has previously rejected calls to disarm, while Israel has ruled out letting the PA run Gaza. Netanyahu said this month he wanted peace with Palestinians but described any future independent state as a potential platform to destroy Israel, so control of security must remain with Israel. His cabinet includes far-right figures who openly demand the annexation of all Palestinian land. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Tuesday that reestablishing Jewish settlements in Gaza was "closer than ever", calling Gaza "an inseparable part of the Land of Israel". A two-year-old girl being treated for a build-up of brain fluid died overnight of hunger, her father told Reuters on Wednesday. "Mekkah, my little daughter, died of malnutrition and the lack of medication," Salah al-Gharably said by phone from Deir Al-Balah. "Doctors said the baby has to be fed a certain type of there is no milk," he said. "She starved. We stood helpless." The deaths from starvation and malnutrition overnight raised the toll from such causes to 154, including at least 89 children, since the war's start, most in recent weeks. On Sunday the Israeli military announced steps to ease the supply of food into Gaza, including daily pauses in military operations in some areas and corridors for aid. The U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the United Nations and its partners had been able to bring more food into Gaza in the first two days of pauses, but the volume was "still far from enough". "Most aid is still being offloaded by crowds before reaching where it is supposed to go. But market monitoring shows prices for basic goods are starting to drop – which could point to better operating conditions if aid flows further increase," it said in an update. The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked communities in southern Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking another 251 hostage, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's offensive in the Gaza Strip has killed more than 60,000 people and laid waste to much of the territory, the Gaza health ministry says.
