Latest news with #GideonChariots'
Shafaq News
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Shafaq News
+95 Killed in Gaza as Israeli strikes intensify
Shafaq News/ At least 98 Palestinians, including many children, were killed over the past 24 hours as Israel intensified its bombardment of Gaza. Meanwhile, Palestinian resistance operations persisted in the south of the Strip, amid unprecedented global condemnation accusing Israel of war crimes and obstructing humanitarian access. Israeli military morale appears to be faltering, with increasing reports of troop refusals. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, the death toll reached 98 by Tuesday evening, with rescue teams still searching through rubble in Deir al-Balah, Khan Younis, and Jabalia. In Jabalia, 11 members of the Nabhan family, including children, were killed when their home on Al-Nazha Street was struck. In Deir al-Balah, five people — among them three children and an infant — were killed in a separate attack. Heavy shelling also hit neighborhoods in Khan Younis, including Abasan al-Kabira, Bani Suheila, and Qizan al-Najjar. In Gaza City's Shuja'iyya district, Israeli forces reportedly demolished multiple apartment buildings with explosives. Off Gaza's coast, Israeli naval forces shelled Al-Mawasi, injuring dozens, according to local medical sources. Israel Hayom reported that the Israeli military has initiated the first phase of its 'Gideon Chariots' campaign — a two-month ground offensive aimed at taking full control of Gaza. The plan includes concentrating the civilian population into a small zone, raising fears of mass displacement, reportedly under US coordination. Israeli troops raided the town of Silwad northeast of Ramallah, searching homes and detaining residents. Nearby, access to Turmus'ayya remained sealed for a second day, forcing commuters to take alternative routes. The Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas' armed wing, claimed responsibility for several operations in Rafah as part of a campaign titled 'Gates of Hell' in response to the breakdown of ceasefire talks: Zahraa Mosque Ambush (May 3): Killed an Israeli officer and a soldier from the elite Yahalom unit, and destroyed a Merkava tank and bulldozer. Al-Mashrou Intersection (May 7): Targeted an Israeli engineering team inside a rigged building. Al-Tannour Neighborhood (May 8): Resulted in two Israeli deaths and 17 injuries, according to al-Qassam. The Israeli military acknowledged losses. UN agencies accused Israel of preventing humanitarian relief from entering Gaza, despite worsening conditions. Convoys attempting to pass through the Rafah crossing were blocked, and strikes reportedly targeted areas near aid depots and distribution centers. On the 65th day of conflict, Israel faces growing diplomatic fallout. The UK has halted free trade negotiations and recalled its ambassador. France and Canada have warned of potential sanctions. An Israeli Foreign Ministry official told Yedioth Ahronoth, 'The world is not with us… this is the worst diplomatic crisis since the founding of the state.' Former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel's actions in Gaza 'border on war crimes,' adding that killing thousands of civilians 'serves no strategic purpose.' Opposition figure Yair Golan described the targeting of noncombatants as 'profoundly unethical.' Israeli media reported rising numbers of reserve soldiers refusing deployment, particularly after significant losses in Rafah and Khan Younis. Some troops reportedly declined to join ground operations, reflecting declining morale within the ranks. Since October 7, 2023, 53,573 Palestinians have been killed and 121,688 wounded, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Rescue efforts continue under extreme conditions as bombing persists and infrastructure collapses.
UPI
19-05-2025
- Politics
- UPI
Netanyahu approves immediate humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza
Charitable organizations distribute hot meals to Palestinians in Al-Mawasi area of Khan Yunis, Gaza, on Monday. Photo by Anas Deeb/UPI | License Photo May 18 (UPI) -- Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday night allowed the immediate resumption of humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, for Palestinians in Gaza. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was among the leaders opposing the decision, but the security cabinet did not take a vote on the matter. "On the recommendation of the IDF, and out of the operational need to enable the expansion of the intense fighting to defeat Hamas, Israel will introduce a basic amount of food to the population in order to ensure that a famine crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip," the Prime Minister's Office said in a statement obtained by the Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israel. "Such a crisis would jeopardize the continuation of the 'Gideon Chariots' operation to defeat Hamas." He concluded: "Israel will work to deny Hamas the ability to take control of the distribution of humanitarian aid to ensure that the aid does not reach Hamas terrorists." Several international organizations will provide assistance until a mechanism begins operations on Saturday, two senior Israeli officials told the Jerusalem Post. Walla reported that initial aid organizations include the United Nations World Food Program and the World Central Kitchen, as well as the United Arab Emirates. Israel has been ramping up its airstrikes in an attempt to defeat the militant Hamas and have the hostages released. Earlier Sunday, the IDF launched strikes on sites, including the last remaining functional hospital in northern Gaza. More than 100 people died overnight. Since the cease-fire between Israel and militant-run Hamas ended on March 1, Israel has frozen all supplies of food, water and medicine to the region of an estimated 2.5 million people. The United Nations said Gazans are at a "critical risk of famine" with 1 in 5, or 500,000, facing starvation as the war rages since Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. U.S. President Donald Trump has pressured Israel to allow aid in the region. "A lot of people are starving in Gaza," Trump said Friday while in the United Arab Emirates. "There's a lot of bad things going on." Gaza Humanitarian Foundation said Wednesday that the Israel government will allow the new aid group to deliver aid to Israel The foundation said it is in the final stages of committing more than 300 million meals for the initial 90 days. The estimated cost is $1.30 per pre-packaged meal, including procurement, logistics, distribution and security. Also provided will be hygiene kits and medical supplies to "move through tightly controlled corridors, monitored in real time to prevent diversion. Available food is not only in short supply but costs have risen significantly since February. For example, a 55-pound sack of wheat flour now costs between $235 and $520, representing a 3,000 percent price rise in three months."
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump teases 'very, very big announcement' ahead of Middle East trip, Carney says he's 'on edge of my seat'
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways President Donald Trump teased a "very, very big announcement" ahead of his upcoming trip to the Middle East. Trump has a planned visit to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar in the coming days. "We're going to have a very, very big announcement to make, like as big as it gets," Trump told reporters in the Oval Office, where he is meeting with Canada's new Prime Minister Mark Carney. "And I won't tell you on what … and it's very positive." Israel Says Trump's Middle East Visit Is The 'Window Of Opportunity' For Hostage Deal "It is really, really positive. And that announcement will be made either Thursday or Friday or Monday before we leave," Trump added. "But it'll be one of the most important announcements that have been made in many years about a certain subject, very important subject. So you'll all be here." After that, the president asked Carney if he'd like to say a few words. Read On The Fox News App "I'm on the edge of my seat," Carney said, drawing laughter from the press before thanking Trump for his "hospitality" and "leadership." At the start of the meeting, Trump announced that the Houthis in Yemen "don't want to fight" any longer and agreed to stop its attacks on shipping lanes. In turn, the president said, the U.S. would stop its bombardment of the Iran-backed terror group. The U.S. has been launching daily airstrikes on Yemen since March 15 to defend the freedom of navigation. The Houthis claimed responsibility for a missile that struck near the main terminal of Israel's international airport outside Tel Aviv over the weekend. The Israeli Cabinet voted to approve a plan to increase fighting in Gaza, and a senior Israeli defense official reportedly said Monday that Trump's trip to the Middle East brings a "window of opportunity" for a potential deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages taken by Hamas terrorists during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, which killed 1,200 Israelis and prompted the war. "If there is no hostage deal, Operation 'Gideon Chariots' will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved," the Israeli defense official said, according to Reuters. Trump Claims Houthis 'Don't Want To Fight' And Says Us Will Stop Bombing Campaign In the Oval Office, Trump did not say whether the forthcoming announcement was related to the Israel-Hamas war. The president went on to discuss trade relations with Canada, the impact of the 145% tariff on China prompting major automobile and tech companies to invest in onshoring in the U.S., as well as the prospect of the U.S. one day obtaining control of Canada. The president then circled back to clarify that the announcement would not necessarily be related to that subject. "We're going to have a great announcement. And I'm not necessarily saying it's on trade," Trump said. "We're going to have a great announcement over the next few days. Announcement that will be, so, so incredible, so positive. And I'm not saying… I don't want you to think it's necessarily on trade." Trump said the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA), which was agreed upon in 2020, would be renegotiated shortly, but was a "transitional" and "very positive step" away from the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA.) Trump said NAFTA was the "worst trade deal in the history of our country, probably in the history of the world." Asked about a potential new trade deal with Canada with Carney in power, Trump said he has "a lot of respect" for the prime minister, who "ran a really great campaign." "Yeah, something could happen," Trump said. "Regardless of anything, we're going to be friends with Canada," he added. Carney reiterated that Canada was not for sale, but Trump said, "Never say never." "I've had many, many things that were not doable, and they ended up being doable, and only doable in a very friendly way," Trump said. "If it's to everybody's benefit, you know, Canada loves us and we love Canada. That's, I think, the number one thing that's important. But we'll see. I mean, over time, we'll see what happens." Original article source: Trump teases 'very, very big announcement' ahead of Middle East trip, Carney says he's 'on edge of my seat'
Dubai Eye
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Dubai Eye
Israel may seize all Gaza in expanded operation, officials say
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday an expanded offensive against Hamas would be "intensive" after his security cabinet approved plans that may include seizing the Gaza Strip and controlling aid. However an Israeli defence official said the operation would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit next week to the Middle East. The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a war heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight. A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing officials with knowledge of the details, said the new plan was gradual and would take months, with forces focusing first on one area of the battered region. Netanyahu said in a video message the operation would be "intensive" and would see more Palestinians in Gaza moved "for their own safety". He said Israeli troops would not follow previous tactics based on short raids by forces based outside Gaza. "The intention is the opposite," he said, echoing comments from other Israeli officials who have said Israel would hold on to the ground it has seized. US envoy Steve Witkoff said Israel is a sovereign state that makes its own decisions, according to Axios, which also reported that he hopes for progress on a hostage and ceasefire deal before or during Trump's visit. The White House did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Israeli troops have already taken over an area amounting to around a third of Gaza, displacing the population and building watchtowers and surveillance posts on cleared ground the military has described as security zones, but the new plan would go further. One Israeli official said the newly approved offensive would seize the entire territory of the Gaza Strip, move its civilian population southward and keep humanitarian aid from falling into Hamas' hands. The defence official said aid distribution, which has been handled by international aid groups and UN organisations, would be transferred to private companies and handed out in the southern area of Rafah once the offensive begins. The Israeli military, which throughout the war has shown little appetite for occupying Gaza, declined to comment on the remarks by government officials and politicians. Israel resumed its offensive in March after the collapse of a US-backed ceasefire that had halted fighting for two months. It has since imposed an aid blockade, drawing warnings from the UN that the 2.3 million population faces imminent famine. The defence official said Israel would hold on to security zones seized along the Gaza perimeter because they were vital for protecting Israeli communities around the enclave. But he said there was a "window of opportunity" for a ceasefire and hostage release deal during Trump's visit. "If there is no hostage deal, Operation 'Gideon Chariots' will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved," he said. Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi rejected what he called "pressure and blackmail". "No deal except a comprehensive one, which includes a complete ceasefire, full withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the release of all prisoners from both sides," he said.
7NEWS
06-05-2025
- Politics
- 7NEWS
Netanyahu plots ‘intensive' onslaught on Gaza as millions of Palestinians face famine
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says a new offensive in the Gaza Strip will be an intensive military operation aimed at defeating Hamas but has stopped short of detailing just how much of the enclave's territory will be seized. An Israeli defence official said the operation would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit next week to the Middle East. The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a war heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight. A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing officials with knowledge of the details, said the new plan was gradual and would take months, with forces focusing first on one area of the battered enclave. Netanyahu said in a video message the operation would be 'intensive' and would see more Palestinians in the Gaza Strip moved 'for their own safety'. He said Israeli troops would not follow previous tactics based on short raids by forces based outside the enclave. 'The intention is the opposite,' he said, echoing comments from other Israeli officials who have said Israel would hold on to the ground it has seized. Israel to seize more of Gaza Strip Israeli troops have already taken over an area amounting to about a third of the Gaza Strip, displacing the population and building watchtowers and surveillance posts on cleared ground the military has described as security zones but the new plan would go further. One Israeli official said the newly approved offensive would seize the entire territory of the Gaza Strip, move its civilian population southward and keep humanitarian aid from falling into Hamas' hands. The defence official said aid distribution, which has been handled by international aid groups and United Nations organisations, would be transferred to private companies and handed out in the southern area of Rafah once the offensive begins. The Israeli military, which throughout the war has shown little appetite for occupying the Gaza Strip, declined to comment on the remarks by government officials and politicians. Israel resumed its offensive in March after the collapse of a US-backed ceasefire that had halted fighting for two months. Millions face famine as aid blocked from Gaza residents It has since imposed an aid blockade, drawing warnings from the UN that the 2.3 million population faces imminent famine. The defence official said Israel would hold on to security zones seized along the Gaza Strip perimeter because they were vital for protecting Israeli communities around the enclave. But he said there was a 'window of opportunity' for a ceasefire and hostage release deal during Trump's visit. 'If there is no hostage deal, Operation 'Gideon Chariots' will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved,' he said. Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi rejected what he called 'pressure and blackmail'. 'No deal except a comprehensive one, which includes a complete ceasefire, full withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the Gaza Strip and the release of all prisoners from both sides,' he said. Israel has yet to present a clear vision for a post-war Gaza Strip after a campaign that has displaced most of the enclave's population and left it depending on aid supplies that have been dwindling rapidly since the blockade. 'We are finally going to conquer Gaza' 'We are finally going to conquer Gaza. We are no longer afraid of the word 'occupation',' Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told a pro-settler conference in an online discussion. However, opinion polls suggest the Israeli public increasingly wants a deal to bring back the remaining 59 hostages still held in the Gaza Strip and there were angry scenes outside parliament with dozens of protesters scuffling with police. 'All the families are tired,' said Ruby Chen, whose son Itay was killed in the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. 'All the families have been scared about this new manoeuvring because there is no guarantee that it will get us to where the families want.' The war was triggered by the Hamas October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies, and involved 251 people being taken hostage. Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to local health authorities, and left much of Gaza in ruins.
