Latest news with #EmbassyofIsrael
Scoop
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scoop
Statement from the Embassy of Israel: False Claims Regarding IDF Fire in Gaza
The Embassy of Israel in New Zealand would like to address and clarify recent reports regarding allegations of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) fire toward Gazan civilians near a humanitarian aid distribution site. These claims are false An initial IDF inquiry confirms that no fire was directed at civilians in or around the humanitarian aid distribution area. The incident in question occurred approximately one kilometre away from the distribution site and outside of its operating hours. During that separate event, IDF troops responded with warning shots toward individuals approaching their position under suspicious circumstances. There is no connection between this defensive action and the false claims circulating in the media. Hamas continues to exploit humanitarian aid efforts The IDF is working in coordination with the American humanitarian organisation GHF and international agencies to facilitate the delivery of aid intended for Gazan civilians — not Hamas. We wish to remind the public and the media that Hamas is a brutal terrorist organisation that deliberately endangers the lives of Gazan civilians in order to preserve its control over the Gaza Strip. Hamas systematically undermines humanitarian aid operations by seizing supplies, attacking aid convoys, and violently obstructing access to food. It uses disinformation as a strategic weapon — manipulating the media and public opinion to conceal its crimes and shift blame. Drone footage released by the IDF today shows armed individuals in southern Khan Yunis firing at Gazans trying to collect looted aid. These gunmen, identified as Hamas operatives, are seen obstructing access to food and basic necessities. You may view the footage here: We urge all members of the media to treat unverified claims from Hamas-affiliated sources with extreme caution. In past incidents, such disinformation has led to serious misreporting, ultimately harming the prospects for stability and humanitarian relief on the ground. We remain committed to supporting the safe and effective delivery of aid to Gaza's civilian population and to countering those who would weaponise suffering for political gain.
Irish Examiner
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Examiner
Netanyahu accuses leaders of Britain, France and Canada of 'emboldening Hamas'
Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the leaders of Britain, France and Canada of "emboldening Hamas", after they called for a halt to Israel's military offensive and an end to restrictions on humanitarian aid in Gaza. Earlier this week, Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney condemned the Israeli government's 'egregious' actions in Gaza, warning that the allies will take 'concrete actions' unless Mr Netanyahu changes course. In a post on X on Thursday evening, the Israeli prime minister said Hamas wanted to 'destroy the Jewish state' and 'annihilate the Jewish people'. 'I could never understand how this simple truth evades the leaders of France, Britain, Canada and others,' Mr Netanyahu said. 'I say to President Macron, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer, when mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you're on the wrong side of justice. 'Because by issuing their demand — replete with a threat of sanctions against Israel, against Israel, not Hamas — these three leaders effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power.' Mr Netanyahu said the actions of the leaders were not 'advancing peace', but 'emboldening Hamas to continue fighting forever'. The Israeli leader's comments come after two Israeli embassy staff were killed in Washington DC. The victims, a man and a woman, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the 31-year-old suspect approached. Israel's foreign minister identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. The attack has sent shockwaves around the world and prompted Israeli missions to beef up security. Elias Rodriguez, 31, told police after his arrest, 'I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,' federal authorities said on Thursday, as they announced criminal charges. Mr Starmer described the shooting as 'antisemitic'. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum in Washington (Embassy of Israel in the US via AP) He said: 'I thoroughly condemn the antisemitic attack outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC. 'Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears. 'My thoughts are with their colleagues, family and loved ones, and as always, I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.' The man accused of the fatal shooting told police after his arrest, 'I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,' federal authorities said Thursday, as they announced criminal charges. Elias Rodriguez, 31, shouted 'Free Palestine' as he was led away after his arrest and told police that he was the one who 'did it', according to charging documents that provided chilling new details of a Wednesday night attack that killed an American woman and Israeli man who were set to become engaged. Authorities described the slayings as a targeted act of terror. Rodriguez faces charges of murder of foreign officials and other crimes. Additional charges are likely, prosecutors said on Thursday, as authorities continue to investigate the killings as both a hate crime against the Jewish community and terrorism.
Western Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Benjamin Netanyahu accuses Sir Keir Starmer of 'emboldening Hamas'
Earlier this week, Sir Keir, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney condemned the Israeli government's 'egregious' actions in Gaza, warning that the UK and allies will take 'concrete actions' unless Mr Netanyahu changes course. In a post on X on Thursday evening, the Israeli prime minister said Hamas wanted to 'destroy the Jewish state' and 'annihilate the Jewish people'. Last night in Washington something horrific happened. A brutal terrorist shot in cold blood a young beautiful couple – Yaron Lischinsky and Sara Milgrim. Yaron had just bought an engagement ring for Sarah. He was planning to give it to her in Jerusalem next week. They were… — Benjamin Netanyahu – בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 22, 2025 'I could never understand how this simple truth evades the leaders of France, Britain, Canada and others,' Mr Netanyahu said. 'I say to President Macron, Prime Minister Carney and Prime Minister Starmer, when mass murderers, rapists, baby killers and kidnappers thank you, you're on the wrong side of justice. 'Because by issuing their demand – replete with a threat of sanctions against Israel, against Israel, not Hamas – these three leaders effectively said they want Hamas to remain in power.' Mr Netanyahu said the actions of the leaders were not 'advancing peace', but 'emboldening Hamas to continue fighting forever'. The Israeli leader's comments come after two Israeli embassy staff were killed in Washington DC. The victims, a man and a woman, were leaving an event at the Capital Jewish Museum when the 31-year-old suspect approached. Israel's foreign minister identified the victims as Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim. The attack has sent shockwaves around the world and prompted Israeli missions to beef up security. Elias Rodriguez, 31, told police after his arrest, 'I did it for Palestine, I did it for Gaza,' federal authorities said on Thursday, as they announced criminal charges. Sir Keir described the shooting as 'antisemitic'. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum in Washington (Embassy of Israel in the US via AP) He said: 'I thoroughly condemn the antisemitic attack outside the Israeli embassy in Washington DC. 'Antisemitism is an evil we must stamp out wherever it appears. 'My thoughts are with their colleagues, family and loved ones, and as always, I stand in solidarity with the Jewish community.' Downing Street said the Prime Minister 'stands in solidarity with the Jewish community here in the UK', adding the Government has offered its 'full support to the Israeli embassy in London'. The Prime Minister's official spokesman added: 'As you know, we continue to provide around £18 million a year in funding for protective security measures for Jewish community sites in the UK.' The Government's approach towards Israel's actions in Gaza will not change as a result of the killings, the spokesman indicated, but he said this 'does not take away at all from the fact that antisemitism is an evil that must be stamped out wherever it appears'. On Tuesday, the Government suspended trade deal talks with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers and summoned the country's ambassador, while Foreign Secretary David Lammy described Israel's actions as 'monstrous'.
South Wales Argus
22-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
Man charged with murder after Israeli embassy couple shot dead in Washington
Elias Rodriguez, 31, shouted 'Free Palestine' as he was led away after his arrest and told police that he was the one who 'did it', according to charging documents that provided chilling new details of a Wednesday night attack that killed an American woman and Israeli man who were set to become engaged. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum in Washington (Embassy of Israel in the U.S. via AP) Authorities described the slayings as a targeted act of terror. Rodriguez faces charges of murder of foreign officials and other crimes. Additional charges are likely, prosecutors said on Thursday, as authorities continue to investigate the killings as both a hate crime against the Jewish community and terrorism. Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, said: 'Violence against anyone, based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero. 'Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation's capital.' Court documents made public on Thursday say the shooting was captured on surveillance video outside the museum, which authorities say showed Rodriguez firing at the victims several more times after they fell to the ground. Police tape is tied around a gate outside of a building at an address listed in public records as the home of Elias Rodriguez, who police identified as the suspect in the killing of two staff members of the Israeli Embassy (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) After he was arrested, Rodriguez told detectives that he admired the man who set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in February 2024 and described the man as 'courageous' and a 'martyr', court documents say. Rodriguez also told detectives that he purchased tickets to the event at the museum about three hours before it started, according to the court documents. The two people killed, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American, were a young couple about to be engaged, according to Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the US. He said Mr Lischinsky had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. The stunning attack on Wednesday evening prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security and lower their flags to half-staff. It came as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally and as antisemitic acts are on the rise.
Western Telegraph
22-05-2025
- Western Telegraph
Man charged with murder after Israeli embassy couple shot dead in Washington
Elias Rodriguez, 31, shouted 'Free Palestine' as he was led away after his arrest and told police that he was the one who 'did it', according to charging documents that provided chilling new details of a Wednesday night attack that killed an American woman and Israeli man who were set to become engaged. Yaron Lischinsky and Sarah Milgrim were shot and killed while leaving an event at a Jewish museum in Washington (Embassy of Israel in the U.S. via AP) Authorities described the slayings as a targeted act of terror. Rodriguez faces charges of murder of foreign officials and other crimes. Additional charges are likely, prosecutors said on Thursday, as authorities continue to investigate the killings as both a hate crime against the Jewish community and terrorism. Jeanine Pirro, the US attorney for the District of Columbia, said: 'Violence against anyone, based on their religion is an act of cowardice. It is not an act of a hero. 'Antisemitism will not be tolerated, especially in the nation's capital.' Court documents made public on Thursday say the shooting was captured on surveillance video outside the museum, which authorities say showed Rodriguez firing at the victims several more times after they fell to the ground. Police tape is tied around a gate outside of a building at an address listed in public records as the home of Elias Rodriguez, who police identified as the suspect in the killing of two staff members of the Israeli Embassy (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) After he was arrested, Rodriguez told detectives that he admired the man who set himself on fire outside the Israeli embassy in February 2024 and described the man as 'courageous' and a 'martyr', court documents say. Rodriguez also told detectives that he purchased tickets to the event at the museum about three hours before it started, according to the court documents. The two people killed, identified as Yaron Lischinsky, an Israeli citizen, and Sarah Milgrim, an American, were a young couple about to be engaged, according to Yechiel Leiter, the Israeli ambassador to the US. He said Mr Lischinsky had purchased a ring this week with the intent to propose next week in Jerusalem. The stunning attack on Wednesday evening prompted Israeli missions to beef up their security and lower their flags to half-staff. It came as Israel has launched another major offensive in the Gaza Strip in a war with Hamas that has heightened tensions across the Middle East and internationally and as antisemitic acts are on the rise.
