Latest news with #EU-Israel
Jordan News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Jordan News
Safadi: No Alternative to Two-State Solution for Achieving Peace - Jordan News
Jordan's Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, stressed that the two-state solution remains the only viable path to achieving a just and lasting peace that ensures security for all in the region. اضافة اعلان In a discussion today with the European Union's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Kaja Kallas, Safadi focused on efforts to reach a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and end the humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in the Strip. He emphasized the urgent need for a prisoner exchange agreement that would lead to an immediate ceasefire, open all border crossings for unrestricted humanitarian aid, and enable UN agencies to carry out effective aid distribution across Gaza. Safadi condemned Israel's ongoing assault on Gaza, describing its brutality and deliberate starvation policies as inhumane, a violation of international law, and a moral outrage that demands strong and immediate international pressure. He warned of the dangers of Israel's illegal actions in the West Bank, which he said are pushing the situation toward explosion and undermining any chance of reviving the two-state solution. Safadi welcomed recent EU measures aimed at exerting pressure on the Israeli government, including reassessing the EU-Israel partnership agreement, sanctions imposed by some European countries, and strong European support for the two-state solution. He called for a decisive international response to the massacres in Gaza. "The aggression on Gaza will not bring Israel security," he said, "Only a just peace—through the establishment of a sovereign, independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil—can ensure lasting security and stability." Safadi and Kallas also discussed regional and international efforts ahead of a Saudi-French-led international conference in New York next month, aiming to revive the peace process based on the two-state framework. On Syria, Safadi welcomed the EU's recent lifting of sanctions, reiterating the importance of supporting reconstruction efforts that preserve Syria's unity, sovereignty, and stability, eliminate terrorism, and uphold the rights of all Syrians. The two also reaffirmed the strength of the strategic partnership between Jordan and the EU, vowing to continue fostering cooperation across all fields to bolster regional security and stability.
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
MEP used AI to compose letter to von der Leyen on Gaza
Midlands North-West MEP Ciaran Mullooly has confirmed that he used artificial intelligence to write a letter to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, urging the EU to deliver more aid to Gaza. It was reported his letter contained a story of a young girl who lives in Rafah, which turned out to be fictional - while at another section lyrics from the band 'Swedish House Mafia' were used without reference. Speaking on RTÉ's Drivetime, Mr Mullooly said his motivation was "looking for measures that did not include the [EU] member states actually agreeing - because that's the problem. "That's the frustration in Brussels... the attitude of Germany and other states where for a long, long, time we couldn't get even a review of the [EU-Israel] Trade Agreement." He said that around three weeks ago, 25 pages of research were put in front of him in the European Parliament and that he asked his colleague to produce a summary of it for a letter to Mrs von der Leyen. He said AI was used to complete the "first part of the letter...I read every line of it, I looked at the references, and I was quite happy with that," he said. Mr Mullooly said the second half of the letter has received most attention and refers to a song by the 'Swedish House Mafia' group. He said it was composed by a member of his team who had read 1,000 emails from people sent to his office on the subject of Gaza. His staff member summarised those "in what has been described today as fiction, but it's actually written based on some of the information given to us by those emails," he said. One of the 1,000 "real life" emails contained a lyric from a 'Swedish House Mafia' song, which states: "Don't you worry, don't you worry child, see heaven's got a plan for you". Mr Mullooly said: "I had no idea what that was about. "I asked a colleague in the office to use AI or any other references to explain to me - and I have to be honest, I am not a fan of 'Swedish House Mafia' - and it had to be explained to me where it came from. "It [the quote] was included in an email which came to me from Gaza and to me, it summed up, when I read it, the vulnerability of the children involved, the way their lives have been turned upside down, from the comfort of their parents, to a situation where we've lost 15,000 children. "Innocent children, and I was trying to bring that point home to Ursula von der Leyen.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Netanyahu faces mounting international doubts over Gaza war
Netanyahu faces mounting international doubts over Gaza war (Photo: PTI) After more than 18 months of war in Gaza, international patience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be wearing thin. Most notably, close allies like Germany and the United States have seen a shift in rhetoric that challenges Israel's long-standing diplomatic insulation. Growing unease in Germany German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced rare and pointed criticism of Israel's strategy in Gaza. At the conference "re:publica" in Berlin on Monday, Merz stated that the suffering of civilians "can no longer be justified" as part of Israel's fight against Hamas. He emphasized Germany's unique responsibility towards Israel but added: "But when limits are crossed and humanitarian international law is clearly violated, then Germany — and the German Chancellor — must speak out." He added that Israel must not act in ways that could alienate even its closest allies. Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday also described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "unbearable" and called for a more effective aid delivery. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing Germany's commitment to Israel with the values of human dignity and international law. In 2023, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth €326.5 million ($363.5 million), including military equipment and war weapons, a 10-fold increase from 2022. In 2024, it was at €161.1 million ($182.8 million). Pressure from the US Criticism from the United States, Israel's closest ally, is also mounting. In a departure from his previous support, President Donald Trump told reporters in New Jersey: "Israel, we've been talking to them, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as quickly as possible." While largely symbolic, these comments mark a shift, said Elena Aoun, professor of international relations at UCLouvain to DW. "Donald Trump is not as happy with Netanyahu as he was at the start of his mandate. There is definitely more tension." Nevertheless, Aoun underlines that despite rhetoric changes, US military and financial support to Israel remains uninterrupted. EU cautious, but cracks appear in bloc The European Union has also taken tentative steps towards reevaluating its relationship with Israel. Last week, foreign ministers announced a review of the EU-Israel association agreement, which governs trade and political ties. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the current level of humanitarian aid entering Gaza as "a drop in the ocean." However, as Aoun remarks: "It's a change of words, not yet of actions. Reviewing the trade agreement is only the beginning. The EU must still decide if Israel is breaching Article 2." This article ties the trade between the bloc and Israel to human rights obligations. A total of 17 out of the EU's 27 members backed the review. Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic were among those who opposed the move, with Israel thanking them publicly. In an interview with DW, Amélie Férey from the Researcher at Security Center of Ifri in Paris underlined that Europe's leverage on the conflict remains limited: "The US are the main weapon and finacial suppliers, therefore their support, or the lack of it, make the biggest difference." The ICC warrant Next to international leaders' criticism, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant last November. Symbolically, the move is significant, but in terms of a real change, it remains limited, says Aoun. "Germany, Hungary, France and Belgium have all indicated they won't enforce the warrants. This shows a weakening of the international justice mechanisms." Férey disagrees. She emphasized that the arrest warrant restricts the freedom of movement of Netanyahu and his senior officials, making them fearful of arrest should they travel to a country that might enforce the warrant. The move marks the first time the ICC has targeted the sitting leader of a democratic country with such charges over a live conflict. Netanyahu rejected the accusations, calling them "disgraceful" and insisting that Israel is acting in self-defense. Internal pressure In the meantime, Israel's military campaign in Gaza continues. The Israeli army claims it now controls roughly 40% of the territory, and plans to capture 75% within the next two months. Despite allowing limited aid through after an eleven-week blockage, the humanitarian situation remains dire, say aid agencies like the International Red Cross. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, around 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and around 122,000 injured. The Israeli government has faced criticism not only over Gaza, but also over its policies in the West Bank. The UK has sanctioned far-right Israeli extremists pushing illegal settlement expansion, a notable escalation of British policy. Inside Israel, public opposition is growing, too. Demonstrations by hostage families and civil society groups continue. But researcher Elena Aoun points out that the majority of the public still backs the war: "Polls show that a bit over 50% support ongoing operations." Strategic goals in question Prime Minister Netanyahu insists the military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas. But analysts like Aoun remain skeptical: "The war has been going on for two years. What's new is the international perception, especially around the Palestinian suffering. Still, none of Israel's strategic goals have been clearly achieved." Here, too, researcher Amélie Férey has a different opinion: "If the aim was destroying the military threat Hamas posed to the [Israeli army] IDS, then this aim has been achieved." However, she agrees that political questions and long-lasting peace objectives remain more complicated to attain. European credibility on the line As for Amelie Ferey, European credibility is tested over Gaza, as it appears to apply a double standard when it comes to Israel: "The European Union upholds the principle of self-determination in the case of Ukraine, yet appears reluctant to apply the same standard to Palestinians in Gaza." She welcomes the plan to review the EU-Israel association agreement as a first big step in the right direction but underlines that Europe now needs a clear road map towards a two-statesolution. Both researchers agree that the next weeks will be decisive. Netanyahu seems defiant, even as his allies waver. But the critics are far from united. While symbolic gestures multiply, the question remains whether they will be followed by the kind of international pressure that might compel real policy change on the ground.
See - Sada Elbalad
4 days ago
- Business
- See - Sada Elbalad
Ireland to Ban Imports from Israeli Settlements
Israa Farhan Ireland is set to become the first European Union member state to ban the import of goods produced in Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. This move marks a significant and symbolic stand in international trade and human rights policy. The Irish government has approved draft legislation to ban trade in products originating from settlements that are widely regarded by the international community as illegal under international law. A representative from the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed the government's decision to proceed with the legislation. The law is designed to prevent the import of goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, which Ireland views as a legal obligation based on international law. The bill is now set to be debated and voted on in the Irish Parliament. While the economic impact is expected to be minimal—total trade between Ireland and the occupied territories was valued at under €1 million between 2020 and 2024—the decision carries significant political and diplomatic weight. The proposed ban targets physical goods, such as fruit, vegetables, and timber, that are produced in Israeli settlements. The legislation will not affect services like tourism or technology. This decision follows an advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in July 2024, which reaffirmed the view that Israeli settlements in the occupied territories are illegal under international law. Ireland has chosen to align its policy with this interpretation, reaffirming its commitment to upholding international legal standards. Irish Foreign Minister Simon Harris expressed hope that Ireland's position will inspire other European nations to follow suit. By becoming the first Western country to adopt such legislation, Ireland is positioning itself as a leader in promoting legal and moral accountability in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The proposed law will be reviewed by a parliamentary committee in June, with a final vote expected in the autumn. If passed, Ireland will become the first EU country to formally restrict trade with Israeli settlements on legal and ethical grounds. This announcement comes after Ireland, Spain, and Norway officially recognised the State of Palestine in May 2024, with Slovenia joining shortly after. These moves prompted retaliatory actions from Israel, further complicating EU-Israel relations. At the same time, French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated that France may soon recognise Palestine as well. Ireland's decision follows a broader trend of increasing scrutiny of EU-Israel relations. The European Union is currently reviewing its 1995 Association Agreement with Israel, which governs trade and diplomatic relations between the two entities. The review comes amid growing concerns about Israel's settlement policies and a desire to hold Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied territories. Conor O'Neill, a representative from Christian Aid Ireland, welcomed the legislation, calling it the first meaningful trade action within the EU against illegal settlement products. He described it as a positive step that is much needed in the ongoing push for justice in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The United Nations estimates that about 500,000 Israeli settlers live illegally in the West Bank, alongside around three million Palestinians. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967, and the expansion of settlements continues to be one of the most contentious issues in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the economic impact of Ireland's decision may be limited, its symbolic significance is far-reaching. The move signals growing frustration within parts of Europe over the lack of progress in reaching a two-state solution. It could pave the way for other EU nations to consider similar actions against Israel's settlement expansion and bolster international efforts to support Palestinian statehood. As global pressure on Israel increases, Ireland's legislative action could set an important precedent, influencing EU foreign and trade policy regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in the years to come. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News Egypt confirms denial of airspace access to US B-52 bombers News Ayat Khaddoura's Final Video Captures Bombardment of Beit Lahia News Australia Fines Telegram $600,000 Over Terrorism, Child Abuse Content Arts & Culture Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban's $4.7M LA Home Burglarized Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Sports Neymar Announced for Brazil's Preliminary List for 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Arts & Culture New Archaeological Discovery from 26th Dynasty Uncovered in Karnak Temple Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies
DW
5 days ago
- Politics
- DW
Netanyahu faces mounting international doubts over Gaza war – DW – 05/27/2025
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu faces growing criticism from key allies. While support remains, statements from the US and Europe signal a shift in tone and a more complex diplomatic landscape. After more than 18 months of war in Gaza, international patience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be wearing thin. Most notably, close allies like Germany and the United States have seen a shift in rhetoric that challenges Israel's long-standing diplomatic insulation. Growing unease in Germany German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has voiced rare and pointed criticism of Israel's strategy in Gaza. At the conference "re:publica" in Berlin on Monday, Merz stated that the suffering of civilians "can no longer be justified" as part of Israel's fight against Hamas. He emphasized Germany's unique responsibility towards Israel but added: "But when limits are crossed and humanitarian international law is clearly violated, then Germany — and the German Chancellor — must speak out." He added that Israel must not act in ways that could alienate even its closest allies. At least 50,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry Image: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Monday also described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "unbearable" and called for a more effective aid delivery. He acknowledged the challenge of balancing Germany's commitment to Israel with the values of human dignity and international law. In 2023, Germany approved arms exports to Israel worth 326.5 million euros ($363.5 million), including military equipment and war weapons, a 10-fold increase from 2022. In 2024, it was at 161.1 million euros ($182.8 million). German Chancellor Merz criticizes Israel attacks on Gaza To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Pressure from the US Criticism from the United States, Israel's closest ally, is also mounting. In a departure from his previous support, President Donald Trump told reporters in New Jersey: "Israel, we've been talking to them, and we want to see if we can stop that whole situation as quickly as possible." While largely symbolic, these comments mark a shift, said Elena Aoun, professor of international relations at UCLouvain to DW. "Donald Trump is not as happy with Netanyahu as he was at the start of his mandate. There is definitely more tension." Nevertheless, Aoun underlines that despite rhetoric changes, US military and financial support to Israel remains uninterrupted. EU cautious, but cracks appear in bloc The European Union has also taken tentative steps towards reevaluating its relationship with Israel. Last week, foreign ministers announced a review of the EU-Israel association agreement, which governs trade and political ties. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas described the current level of humanitarian aid entering Gaza as "a drop in the ocean." However, as Aoun remarks: "It's a change of words, not yet of actions. Reviewing the trade agreement is only the beginning. The EU must still decide if Israel is breaching Article 2." This article ties the trade between the bloc and Israel to human rights obligations. A total of 17 out of the EU's 27 members backed the review. Germany, Hungary and the Czech Republic were among those who opposed the move, with Israel thanking them publicly. In an interview with DW, Amélie Férey from the Researcher at Security Center of Ifri in Paris underlined that Europe's leverage on the conflict remains limited: "The US are the main weapon and finacial suppliers, therefore their support, or the lack of it, make the biggest difference." At least 50,000 people have died in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry Image: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images The ICC warrant Next to international leaders' criticism, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for the Israeli Prime Minister and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant last November. Symbolically, the move is significant, but in terms of a real change, it remains limited, says Aoun. "Germany, Hungary, France and Belgium have all indicated they won't enforce the warrants. This shows a weakening of the international justice mechanisms." Férey disagrees. She emphasized that the arrest warrant restricts the freedom of movement of Netanyahu and his senior officials, making them fearful of arrest should they travel to a country that might enforce the warrant. The move marks the first time the ICC has targeted the sitting leader of a democratic country with such charges over a live conflict. Netanyahu rejected the accusations, calling them "disgraceful" and insisting that Israel is acting in self-defense. Dozens dead in Israeli strike on Gaza school To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Internal pressure In the meantime, Israel's military campaign in Gaza continues. The Israeli army claims it now controls roughly 40% of the territory, and plans to capture 75% within the next two months. Despite allowing limited aid through after an eleven-week blockage, the humanitarian situation remains dire, say aid agencies like the International Red Cross. According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, around 54,000 Palestinians have reportedly been killed in Gaza and around 122,000 injured. The Israeli government has faced criticism not only over Gaza, but also over its policies in the West Bank. The UK has sanctioned far-right Israeli extremists pushing illegal settlement expansion, a notable escalation of British policy. Inside Israel, public opposition is growing, too. Demonstrations by hostage families and civil society groups continue. But researcher Elena Aoun points out that the majority of the public still backs the war: "Polls show that a bit over 50% support ongoing operations." Israel claims it controls 40% of the Gaza strip Image: Jack Guez/AFP/Getty Images Strategic goals in question Prime Minister Netanyahu insists the military campaign aims to dismantle Hamas. But analysts like Aoun remain skeptical: "The war has been going on for two years. What's new is the international perception, especially around the Palestinian suffering. Still, none of Israel's strategic goals have been clearly achieved." Here, too, researcher Amélie Férey has a different opinion: "If the aim was destroying the military threat Hamas posed to the [Israeli army] IDS, then this aim has been achieved." However, she agrees that political questions and long-lasting peace objectives remain more complicated to attain. Cracks are even starting to appear in Germany's once unquestioning support for Israel Image: Thomas Imo/AA/IMAGO European credibility on the line As for Amélie Férey, European credibility is tested over Gaza, as it appears to apply a double standard when it comes to Israel: "The European Union upholds the principle of self-determination in the case of Ukraine, yet appears reluctant to apply the same standard to Palestinians in Gaza." She welcomes the plan to review the EU-Israel association agreement as a first big step in the right direction but underlines that Europe now needs a clear road map towards a two-statesolution. Both researchers agree that the next weeks will be decisive. Netanyahu seems defiant, even as his allies waver. But the critics are far from united. While symbolic gestures multiply, the question remains whether they will be followed by the kind of international pressure that might compel real policy change on the ground.
