Latest news with #Hamas-Israel
Leaders
a day ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Spain to Airdrop 12 Tons of Food into Gaza, Joining Regional Relief Effort
Spain announced on Monday it would airlift 12 tons of food into Gaza this week as the starvation crisis is worsening in the Palestinian enclave after 21 months of war, according to Al Arabiya. Gaza's Starvation Crisis Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, one of the outspoken critics of Israel's genocide in Gaza, told a news conference the aid delivery would take place from Jordan on Friday through Spanish air force planes. 'The famine in Gaza is a shame for all of humanity and stopping it, therefore, is a moral imperative,' Sanchez said. The Defense Ministry noted that the upcoming airdrops would be similar to another carried out in March 2024, when Spain airlifted 26 tons of food to Gaza. On Sunday, the Royal Jordanian Air Force and UAE Air Force C-130 aircraft successfully carried out three humanitarian airdrops full of food and basic necessities amid the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. Dozens of Gazans including children have lost their souls due to malnutrition throughout the 21 months of war, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. Spain Urges UN to Stop Cooperating with Israel In June, Sanchez called on the European Union to immediately suspend its cooperation deal with Israel. These remarks represent Sanchez's strongest condemnation to date after a lot of critical statements against Israel and its genocide in Gaza. The Spanish PM shed light on a recent human rights report by the EU's diplomatic service which tackled 'the catastrophic situation of genocide unfolding in Gaza.' Importantly, the report mentioned 'indications' that Israel was breaching its human rights obligations under the deal, which forms the basis for trade ties. Sanchez said it was 'more than obvious' that Israel was violating its obligations and that the bloc should suspend the cooperation deal 'immediately.' Furthermore, the report tackled Israel's blockade of humanitarian aid, the high number of civilian casualties, attacks on journalists and the massive displacement and destruction caused by the war. Sanchez added that 'it makes no sense' that the bloc has imposed 18 rounds of sanctions on Russia for its invasion of Ukraine but, 'in a double standard, is not even capable of suspending an association deal.' Since the beginning of Hamas-Israel War in Gaza in 2023, the Israeli strikes have killed more than 59,000 Palestinians and wounded over 142,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. Related Topics: UAE, Jordan Airlift Humanitarian Airdrops over Gaza amid Starvation Crisis Aid Trucks Start Entering Gaza from Egypt Amid Humanitarian Catastrophe Israel Announces 'Tactical Pauses' across 3 Parts in Gaza amid Starvation Crisis Short link : Post Views: 15
L'Orient-Le Jour
a day ago
- Politics
- L'Orient-Le Jour
Lebanese court sentences man to death for killing of UNIFIL peacekeeper; Israeli FM says Palestinian state now would be 'Hamas state'
12:44 Beirut Time The disaster in Gaza is reminiscent of famines in Ethiopia and Biafra, according to the UN The humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is reminiscent of famines in Ethiopia, Biafra, and Nigeria in the last century, the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) said, quoted by AFP. "This is unlike anything we've seen in this century. It reminds us of the catastrophes in Ethiopia or Biafra in the last century," Ross Smith, WFP's emergency director, told reporters in Geneva from Rome, stressing the need for "urgent action." 12:17 Beirut Time Man accused of killing Irish peacekeeper Sean Rooney in 2022 sentenced to death A Lebanese court sentenced a man to death in absentia for the murder of an Irish peacekeeper in 2022, a case in which Hezbollah was accused of involvement, a judicial official told AFP. "The military court in Lebanon delivered its verdict on Monday night in the case of the murder of Irish soldier Sean Rooney ... and handed down a death sentence in absentia against the main accused, Mohammad Ayyad," said the official, who requested anonymity. 12:10 Beirut Time Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said at a press conference on Tuesday that a Palestinian state created now would be a "Hamas state" and a "jihadist state." Referring to the two-state solution conference currently taking place in New York, he said that no Palestinian state would be established for the time being, adding: "Israel will not be the Czechoslovakia of the 21st century." The minister also said that "international pressure is directly undermining the chances of reaching a ceasefire and a hostage agreement" between Israel and Hamas, and that this pressure has only "hardened Hamas's position" during recent negotiations. According to Saar, 5,000 trucks of humanitarian aid have entered the Gaza Strip over the past two months. He added that Jordan and the United Arab Emirates are participating in the humanitarian aid airdrop operations that Israel has initiated and implemented. Asked about a possible Israeli annexation of parts of the Gaza Strip, Saar declined to comment, calling such discussions "internal." 11:59 Beirut Time Iran denies interference in Hamas-Israel talks Iran denied U.S. President Donald Trump's accusations of interfering in negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a cease-fire in Gaza, AFP reported. Donald Trump claimed Monday that Iran "interfered" in recent negotiations between Israel and Hamas and that Tehran was sending "very bad signals." "I think [the Iranians] have interfered in these negotiations by giving orders and signals to Hamas, and that's not good," Trump said during a trip to Scotland. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghai called President Trump's allegations "totally baseless" on Tuesday. Hamas "defends the interests of the oppressed people of Gaza in the most appropriate way and does not need third-party intervention in this regard," Baghai wrote in a statement, criticizing the United States for sending "deadly weapons to the occupation regime." 11:53 Beirut Time Israel rejects international pressure for a cease-fire in Gaza, AFP reported. 11:38 Beirut Time Worst-case famine scenario underway in Gaza Strip, says IPC report The "worst-case famine scenario is underway in the Gaza Strip" due to intensified fighting, massive population displacement and restrictions on humanitarian aid, according to the IPC (Integrated Food Security Phase Classification) report released Tuesday, AFP reported. The humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territory, ravaged by nearly 22 months of war, "has reached an alarming and deadly turning point," said the report, the result of the work of non-governmental organizations, regional institutions and specialized U.N. agencies. The recently authorized airdrops of food supplies by Israel "will not be sufficient to reverse the humanitarian catastrophe," the document warns, adding that these airdrops are more expensive, less effective, and more dangerous than road deliveries. Last May, the consortium, which determines the level of food insecurity according to five levels, classified 1.95 million inhabitants of the Gaza Strip (93 percent of the total) in a situation of "crisis" (level 3), including 925,000 in level 4 (emergency) and 244,000 in a situation of disaster (level 5). A new quantified analysis of the situation is underway, the report said. 10:43 Beirut Time Residents have observed intensive Israeli drone flights over Bint Jbeil, Kharayeb, Zararieh, Aadloun, Rihan, Aishieh, Jabbour, Jarmak, Aadsheet, Shaqra, Mahmoudieh, Zahrani, Habboush, Sarafand, Maarakeh, Tyr Diba, Wadi Jilou, Bazourieh, Abu al-Aswad, Qasmieh, as well as several villages in the Marjeyoun district, according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region. 10:12 Beirut Time Good morning! Thank you for joining us for our live coverage. Be sure to read the Morning Brief so you are caught up with what has been happening. Two-state solution conference begins as Israel bombs Gaza and one killed in Bint Jbeil: Everything you need to know this Tuesday Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich will no longer be allowed to travel to the Netherlands, which accuses them of repeatedly inciting violence against Palestinians and calling for "ethnic cleansing" of the Gaza Strip. The Dutch government announced it will summon the Israeli ambassador to the Netherlands to denounce the "unbearable and indefensible" situation in Gaza. It also imposed travel bans on the two far-right ministers, as detailed in a letter published Monday evening. The Dutch government was considering imposing sanctions on two Israeli ministers for their incitement to extremist violence and violations of Palestinian human rights since June. The Israeli army claimed responsibility for Monday's strike that targeted a motorcycle in Bint Jbeil. " The IDF struck and eliminated a terrorist in Hezbollah's artillery force in the area of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon," the army said, without elaborating. During the night, Israeli helicopters flew over several Israeli towns located on the border with Lebanon, opposite the western, central and eastern sectors, according to L'Orient Today's correspondent. This morning, an Israeli reconnaissance plane flew over the villages of Zahrani. 10:12 Beirut Time Hamas "must relinquish control" of the Gaza Strip and lay down its weapons, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa pleaded Monday at the U.N. General Assembly, AFP reported. "We affirm that the State of Palestine is ready to assume full responsibility for governance and security in Gaza, with Arab and international support... Hamas must return its control over the Gaza Strip and hand over its weapons to the Palestinian Authority," he said, echoing commitments made in June by President Mahmoud Abbas in a letter to France and Saudi Arabia, which are chairing a conference on the two-state solution in New York this week. The Israeli Prime Minister's Office issued a statement in English on Monday evening on X, stating that Israel will continue to work with international organizations to ensure the delivery of significant humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip. "As part of this effort, Israel has suspended [Israeli army] operations in key populated areas of Gaza from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, and designated secure routes from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. to ensure the safe passage of more aid convoys," the statement said. 10:12 Beirut Time In the U.K., the government will meet today to discuss several issues, including the situation in Gaza, according to several news agencies. The prime minister shared plans he was working on with France and Germany to "build lasting peace" with U.S. President Donald Trump during their meeting in Scotland, Downing Street said, adding that he plans to share details with Arab states and other key allies in the coming days. Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure to immediately recognize Palestinian statehood. The prime minister's spokesperson said: "This week, the Prime Minister is focused on a path to peace to ensure immediate relief for those on the ground, as well as a lasting route to a two-state solution." 10:12 Beirut Time Palestinian activist shot dead by settlers, according to the Palestinian Authority The Palestinian Authority announced Monday that an anti-Israeli occupation activist in the West Bank had been shot dead by settlers, with Israeli police citing an ongoing investigation, without confirming a murder. "The Ministry of Education ... and the teaching community mourn the martyrdom of Awdah Muhammad Hathaleen," the ministry said on social media. "The teacher ... was shot dead by settlers on Monday, July 28, 2025, during their attack on the village of Um al-Khair" near Hebron, in the southern West Bank, it added. Israeli police had earlier reported an ongoing investigation following an "incident near the town of Carmel," a settlement neighboring Um al-Khair. "An Israeli citizen was arrested at the scene and then detained by police for questioning ... Following the incident, the death of a Palestinian was confirmed. His exact involvement in the incident is being verified," the statement said. Hathaleen was a resident of the Massafer Yatta area, south of Hebron. Along with neighbors, he had helped highlight the plight of this region, which Israel had declared a military zone. He was also a member of the team that filmed the Oscar-winning documentary "No Other Land." President Joseph Aoun met Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Baabda, according to a message published on X, without further details for the moment. The president is due to fly to Algiers later today. 10:12 Beirut Time Lebanese Forces leader Samir Geagea warned Tuesday in an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat of the Lebanese authorities' failure to resolve the issue of Hezbollah's weapons, which have become "useless for the protection of Lebanon and only bring damage and destruction." He also said that Lebanon faces two options: either a government decision to dissolve the armed organizations, or having to face a "hot summer," or at best, "a nasty summer." 10:12 Beirut Time Clashes erupted Monday evening in the village of al-Masriya, near the Syrian-Lebanese border, between the Abu Jabal tribe and members of Hay'at Tahrir al-Sham, leaving several people injured, according to L'Orient Today's correspondent in the region. Gunfire was also heard in the border areas around Hermel.
Middle East
5 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East
OPEN// Egypt, Qatar continue mediation efforts to reach ceasefire deal in Gaza, says statement
CAIRO, July 25 (MENA) - Egypt and Qatar announced they are continuing mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, which brings an end to the war and alleviates the humanitarian suffering in the Palestinian enclave, while ensuring the protection of Palestinian civilians and the exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. In a joint statement released on Friday, the two countries stated that some progress has been made in the recent Hamas-Israel negotiations that lasted for three weeks in Doha, noting the suspension of talks for consultations before resuming dialogue is a normal part of the process, given the complexity of these negotiations. The two states urged not to be misled by reports circulated by some media outlets in an attempt to undermine the mediation efforts and disrupt the negotiation process. They also called on international media to act responsibly and uphold journalistic ethics, through shedding light on the unprecedented suffering in Gaza rather than contributing to undermining efforts aimed at ending the war. Egypt and Qatar emphasized their commitment to pursuing their efforts in partnership with the US, to secure a comprehensive ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian enclave. (MENA) M R E/R E E
SBS Australia
6 days ago
- Politics
- SBS Australia
France to recognise State of Palestine in September, Emmanuel Macron says
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced France will recognise Palestinian statehood, amid snowballing global anger over people starving in Gaza. Macron said in a post on X that he will formalise the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September. He also posted a letter he sent to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas about the decision. "The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved," he wrote. France's stance on Hamas-Israel war The French president offered support for Israel after the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks and frequently speaks out against antisemitism, but he has grown increasingly frustrated about Israel's war in Gaza, especially in recent months. France is the biggest and most powerful European country to recognise Palestine. More than 140 countries recognise a Palestinian state, including more than a dozen in Europe. France has Europe's largest Jewish population and the largest Muslim population in western Europe, and fighting in the Middle East often spills over into protests or other tensions in France. Last month, Macron expressed his "determination to recognise the state of Palestine," and he has pushed for a broader movement toward a two-state solution, in parallel with recognition of Israel and its right to defend itself. How has Israel responded? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday said France's decision to recognise a State of Palestine "rewards terror" and poses an existential threat to Israel. Netanyahu said in a statement that the move "risks creating another Iranian proxy, just as Gaza became", which would be "a launch pad to annihilate Israel — not to live in peace beside it". "Let's be clear: the Palestinians do not seek a state alongside Israel; they seek a state instead of Israel," he added. The war between Hamas and Israel is the latest escalation in a long-standing conflict. Hamas is a Palestinian political and military group, which has governed the Gaza Strip since the most recent elections in 2006. Hamas's stated aim is to establish a Palestinian state and stop the Israeli occupation of Gaza and the West Bank, illegal under international law.
West Australian
22-07-2025
- Politics
- West Australian
Justin Amler: Call for ceasefire wilfully ignores realities of Gaza conflict
On Monday, Australia joined 27 other Western countries in signing onto a statement regarding Gaza that was not only highly critical of Israel but bereft of any value in solving the ongoing Gaza war, or ending the suffering that results from it. It demonstrated once again the profound lack of understanding of the Middle East or the Hamas-Israel conflict that has become all too common in this country. It's also incredibly ill-timed. US mediators said on the weekend that Israel is 'bending over backwards' to reach a six-week ceasefire deal with Hamas that would see the humanitarian aid situation in Gaza improve dramatically, but Hamas is still refusing. So why would Hamas agree to any deal when statements like the one we just signed on to give it every reason to continue refusing? Far from neutral, the statement actually empowers Hamas and rewards its intransigence. The statement attacks the new Gaza Humanitarian Foundation aid delivery model system set up by the US with support from Israel, saying it 'fuels instability and deprives Gazans of human dignity'. Yet it conveniently ignores the fact that the GHF has delivered almost 85 million meals to Gazans so far, and it's done so without Hamas interference — and Hamas had previously routinely hijacked aid to resell for profit and to bankroll terror. There is hunger in Gaza, but it's not because of Israel — it's because of Hamas, so while some civilians may go hungry, Hamas terrorists never do. For these countries to ignore the complicity between UN organisations and Hamas is more than just an oversight. The reason why Hamas is so adamant in its demands that the GHF be shut down is because it's a direct threat to the power of Hamas, which relies on weaponising aid by controlling civilians through food. The statement also blindly accepts as fact the figure that 800 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid, without once questioning the validity of that claim, which is based largely on information provided by Hamas itself — often with amplification by UN agencies which take Hamas claims as gospel. It is simply astounding that information from a proscribed terror organisation, whose claims have repeatedly been debunked, continues to be accepted as fact. Would we accept casualty claims from ISIS as fact? Then why from Hamas? The statement does mention the Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and condemns 'their continued detention', but calls for their release via a negotiated ceasefire. However, elsewhere it calls for an 'immediate, unconditional and permanent ceasefire.' So why should Hamas release them in exchange for a ceasefire when Australia and the others are telling Israel it must accept a ceasefire unconditionally and permanently even if Hamas does not release anyone? Hamas is currently attempting to kidnap more Israeli soldiers, so the idea of calling for an 'immediate and permanent ceasefire' without addressing Hamas' stated goals of repeating the October 7 atrocities doesn't mean an end to the conflict, but at best a pause until the next one. This provision also contradicts our Foreign Minister's and Prime Minister's repeated declarations that Hamas must have no future role in Gaza. Because just how do they propose to make that happen with a permanent ceasefire that leaves Hamas in power? The statement's call for 'all parties to protect civilians and uphold the obligations of international law' is also farcical when the entire modus operandi of Hamas is a deliberate strategy to inflict casualties on Gaza's civilians through its use of human shields. But perhaps most telling of all is that Hamas has welcomed the statement. So if a terror organisation, proscribed by Australia, and whose acts have shocked all people of good conscience in their brutality and cruelty, welcomes such a statement, it clearly means that such a statement demonstrates serious flaws in its basic understanding of right and wrong. This statement does nothing to help either Palestinians or Israelis. It is neither constructive nor helpful in bringing about the end of the conflict. It ignores the fact that Hamas has rejected repeated ceasefire offers, including the one from just a few days ago. Instead of a joint statement calling on Hamas to end the war and release the hostages, the conditions required for ending the war, it instead focuses on denouncing Israel, which is defending itself against Hamas and attempting to release the hostages. If these 28 countries genuinely want peace, let them issue a joint demand that would be genuinely reality-based and effective: Return the hostages, disarm Hamas. Then, and only then, will peace be possible, benefiting both Israelis and the long-suffering residents of Gaza. Justin Amler is a policy analyst at the Australia/Israel & Jewish Affairs Council
