Latest news with #Hamas-released
Libyan Express
4 days ago
- Politics
- Libyan Express
UN warns of catastrophic fallout if Israel expands Gaza assault
Jenca: Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state The United Nations has expressed grave concern over reports that Israel may expand its military operations across the entire Gaza Strip, warning that such a move could have catastrophic consequences for civilians already enduring immense suffering. Addressing a UN Security Council session on Tuesday, Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenča said any further escalation 'would risk catastrophic consequences' and could endanger the lives of the remaining hostages. He added that international law is unequivocal: 'Gaza is and must remain an integral part of the future Palestinian state.' The comments follow Israeli media reports that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met senior security officials to finalise a new war strategy, reportedly favouring a full military takeover of Gaza—a move likely to escalate an already devastating humanitarian crisis. China's deputy UN envoy, Geng Shuang, echoed the alarm, urging Israel to 'immediately halt such dangerous actions.' He called for an immediate ceasefire and pressed countries with influence to take meaningful steps to stop the violence. Ahead of the session, Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar criticised countries pushing for the recognition of Palestinian statehood, claiming their actions had 'assassinated' a potential ceasefire and hostage deal. His remarks came as France, Canada, and the UK announced plans to recognise Palestinian statehood at the upcoming UN General Assembly in September—unless Israel makes concrete moves to end the suffering in Gaza. Meanwhile, the United States dismissed a UN-hosted ministerial conference that called for a renewed focus on a two-state solution as 'an unproductive publicity stunt.' US Deputy Ambassador Dorothy Shea claimed it had undermined ongoing mediation efforts. The humanitarian toll remains staggering. Gaza has endured months of continuous bombardment, mass displacement, and critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Rights groups have warned of growing famine-like conditions and the collapse of essential infrastructure. In a deeply emotional plea, Ilay David, the brother of an Israeli hostage recently shown in a Hamas-released video, addressed the Security Council and urged immediate international action. He called for the release of hostages and unhindered humanitarian access to Gaza. Observers warn that any large-scale military expansion would deepen the humanitarian crisis and risk further violations of international law, which prohibits collective punishment and requires the protection of civilians—even in armed conflict.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
'Trump, Please Help': 600 Israeli Security Veterans Revolt Against Israel's War On Gaza, Seek Truce
/ Aug 06, 2025, 04:29AM IST Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces unprecedented backlash from within. In a powerful joint video, hundreds of former Israeli security chiefs, intelligence officials, and military veterans call for an end to the Gaza war — warning that Israel is on the "precipice of defeat." The video, shared by the U.S.-based grassroots group UnXeptable, urges Donald Trump to pressure Israel into halting the offensive. This comes amid growing outrage over Hamas-released videos of severely starved Israeli hostages, sparking protests across Israel and further dividing public opinion. Watch
The Sun
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Israel to allow merchant-led aid into Gaza amid famine crisis
GAZA: Israel has announced plans to permit a gradual and controlled entry of goods into Gaza through local merchants, aiming to reduce dependence on international aid agencies. The move comes as global monitors warn of famine spreading across the enclave, worsening conditions for hostages held by Hamas. Israel's military agency COGAT confirmed the cabinet-approved mechanism, which will allow basic food supplies, baby food, fruits, vegetables, and hygiene products into Gaza. 'This aims to increase the volume of aid entering the Gaza Strip, while reducing reliance on aid collection by the U.N. and international organisations,' COGAT stated. However, logistical challenges remain due to widespread destruction in Gaza. Palestinian and UN officials estimate that 600 aid trucks per day are needed to meet humanitarian needs—a figure Israel previously allowed before the war. Recent images of malnourished Palestinians, including children, have drawn global concern. A Hamas-released video showing an emaciated Israeli captive further intensified criticism from Western nations. In response, Israel has taken steps to facilitate aid, including temporary ceasefires in certain areas and protected routes for aid convoys. Hamas has offered to coordinate aid delivery to hostages via the Red Cross, provided Israel permanently opens humanitarian corridors and stops airstrikes during distributions. Meanwhile, tensions persist over aid distribution methods, with the UN rejecting a U.S.-backed organisation, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), citing neutrality concerns. The war, triggered by Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel, has led to over 60,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza health officials. Israel reports 50 hostages still in Gaza, with only 20 believed alive. - Reuters
