Latest news with #HamasAttacks
Telegraph
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
Dawn French ‘dismisses' Oct 7 Hamas attacks
Dawn French has been accused of dismissing the Oct 7 Hamas attacks in Israel in a new social media video. The British comedian and actress, 67, posted a video of herself to X in which she appears to mimic Israel's supporters amid the military campaign in Gaza. In the video, published by French on the social media platform on Thursday, she says about the conflict in the Middle East: 'Complicated, no, but nuanced. But [the] bottom line is no.' She then goes on to mimic apparent defences of Israel's military campaign in neighbouring Gaza since the Hamas-led massacre in 2023, saying: ''Yeah but you know they did a bad thing to us'... Yeah, but no. ''But we want that land and there's a lot of history…'. No. 'These people are not even people, are they really?' No.' In response to the viral tweet, which has been viewed more than half a million times in the 24 hours since it was published, Tracy-Ann Oberman, the West End star and playwright, branded French's tone as 'mocking'. I am so saddened by this post . This mocking voice 'bad thing' of October 7 that Dawn ( who I revere by the way) appears ro be mocking involved the most horrific terrorist attack involving rape sexual violence burning alive child mutilation and taking of civilian hostages .… — Tracy-Ann Oberman (@TracyAnnO) June 6, 2025 The Jewish actress, 58, reposted French's video and said: 'I am so saddened by this post. 'This mocking voice 'bad thing' of October 7 that Dawn (who I revere by the way) appears to be mocking involved the most horrific terrorist attack involving rape, sexual violence, burning alive child, mutilation and the taking of civilian hostages.' She added: 'Why would Dawn seem to deny that which has affected so many of us personally in the most painful way possible. 'I can mourn the horrors of the war in Gaza whilst also remembering the horrors of what started it. Is this how most of our industry feels now – Oct 7 was a 'little thing'? NO!' Israel launched a military campaign in Gaza in response to Hamas's massacre on Oct 7 2023, in which about 1,200 people were killed by the terror group and 251 others were taken hostage. There are now 56 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. Israel said its expanded offensive in the Strip, named Operation Gideon's Chariot, will increase the chances of returning the missing. 'Wow, this is really bad' The Hamas-run health ministry that operates in Gaza has said that at least 54,000 people have been killed in the territory during the war. Hamas has rejected proposed ceasefire and hostage release deals that do not guarantee a full Israel withdrawal from the Strip and an end to the war. Other responses to French's post include the financier Ben Goldsmith, who has been a strong defender of Israel's response to the Hamas terrorist attacks. He remarked: 'Wow, this is really bad. Who knew.' Elsewhere, comedy writer and self-described 'champion of Jewish rights' Lee Kern wrote: 'What you sneeringly mock as a 'bad thing' included the grieving children I met in hospital whose friends and family had been murdered, kidnapped and raped and who themselves were coming to terms with their own life-altering injuries. 'It also includes the 1,200 people murdered and tortured on October 7th… you proactively broadcast – with misplaced pride – a wicked glee in your mockery and dismissal of Jewish suffering, pain and death.' In a subsequent post following the criticism by Oberman, French clarified that she did not mean to 'support the atrocities of Oct 7th'. Writing on X, she said: 'I do not say 'a little thing'. In NO WAY do I support the atrocities of Oct 7th. Of course not. Appalling. Horrific. 'But starving innocent children is not the answer. NO is the answer to ALL of it, Tracy.'
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
EXCLUSIVE: Franklin Graham leads ceremony as Samaritan's Purse gives armored 'bulletproof' ambulance to Israel
As Israel continues to recover from the deadly Hamas attacks of October 2023, Samaritan's Purse is stepping in to help. The Christian relief group has now given 20 ambulances to Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency medical service. A total of 42 are planned, with 28 being armored to handle attacks. At a ceremony outside the Tower of David in Jerusalem, Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse, dedicated the newest ambulance alongside former Governor Mike Huckabee, MDA leaders, and Israeli terror survivors. The ambulance is equipped with a mobile intensive care unit and can operate under Idf Soldier Gives Hope, Builds Resilience In Training Severely Injured Soldiers The funds for the vehicle came from Pastor Greg Laurie and his church, Harvest Christian Fellowship. Laurie told those gathered, "We want to say as Christians that we stand with Israel. You're not alone." Franklin Graham read from the Bible, saying that Abraham was like a first responder when he rescued his nephew Lot."Abraham was the MDA of his generation," Graham said. He also took time to speak directly to three women who had lost loved ones or had been held hostage by Hamas. One of them, Karina Engel, shared her emotional story. Engel's husband, Ronen, was killed defending their home, and she and her two daughters were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. They were held for 52 days before being released. Ronen's body is still being held by Hamas. Wedding Of Paramedics Takes Place With Ambulance As Backdrop: 'Felt Only Right' Read On The Fox News App Karina told the crowd that a Samaritan's Purse ambulance, dedicated in her husband's memory, is now stationed near their home. "Every morning when I leave for work, I say 'good morning' to Ronen," she said through tears. She then placed a yellow ribbon on Graham's jacket, honoring those still held hostage. Mike Huckabee spoke at the ceremony and said the need for an armored ambulance shows how serious the threat still is. "This is an occasion brought about because of suffering," he said. "Thank God for Samaritan's Purse, Harvest Christian Fellowship, and the people who risk their lives to help others." Magen David Adom leaders praised the donation. Director General Eli Bin said the ambulance "will become part of our modern defense" and called it a symbol of "kindness and protection." Gilad Erdan, global president of MDA, said Samaritan's Purse "came to Israel's aid in its time of greatest need." Edward Graham, a military veteran and Franklin Graham's son, said in a statement that he has seen the value of quick medical help in combat zones. "We do this because God loves Israel," he said. "We pray this equipment will save lives and bring glory to God." The ambulance carries a Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11 on its side: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." The ceremony was held during Shavuot, the Jewish holiday that marks the giving of the Torah. Twenty-two more armored ambulances are being built and are expected to arrive by the end of the year. Samaritan's Purse says its work will continue as long as there is a article source: EXCLUSIVE: Franklin Graham leads ceremony as Samaritan's Purse gives armored 'bulletproof' ambulance to Israel
Fox News
5 days ago
- General
- Fox News
EXCLUSIVE: Franklin Graham leads ceremony as Samaritan's Purse gives armored 'bulletproof' ambulance to Israel
JERUSALEM – As Israel continues to recover from the deadly Hamas attacks of October 2023, Samaritan's Purse is stepping in to help. The Christian relief group has now given 20 ambulances to Magen David Adom, Israel's national emergency medical service. A total of 42 are planned, with 28 being armored to handle attacks. At a ceremony outside the Tower of David in Jerusalem, Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan's Purse, dedicated the newest ambulance alongside former Governor Mike Huckabee, MDA leaders, and Israeli terror survivors. The ambulance is equipped with a mobile intensive care unit and can operate under IDF SOLDIER GIVES HOPE, BUILDS RESILIENCE IN TRAINING SEVERELY INJURED SOLDIERS The funds for the vehicle came from Pastor Greg Laurie and his church, Harvest Christian Fellowship. Laurie told those gathered, "We want to say as Christians that we stand with Israel. You're not alone." Franklin Graham read from the Bible, saying that Abraham was like a first responder when he rescued his nephew Lot."Abraham was the MDA of his generation," Graham said. He also took time to speak directly to three women who had lost loved ones or had been held hostage by Hamas. One of them, Karina Engel, shared her emotional story. Engel's husband, Ronen, was killed defending their home, and she and her two daughters were kidnapped and taken to Gaza. They were held for 52 days before being released. Ronen's body is still being held by Hamas. Karina told the crowd that a Samaritan's Purse ambulance, dedicated in her husband's memory, is now stationed near their home. "Every morning when I leave for work, I say 'good morning' to Ronen," she said through tears. She then placed a yellow ribbon on Graham's jacket, honoring those still held hostage. Mike Huckabee spoke at the ceremony and said the need for an armored ambulance shows how serious the threat still is. "This is an occasion brought about because of suffering," he said. "Thank God for Samaritan's Purse, Harvest Christian Fellowship, and the people who risk their lives to help others." Magen David Adom leaders praised the donation. Director General Eli Bin said the ambulance "will become part of our modern defense" and called it a symbol of "kindness and protection." Gilad Erdan, global president of MDA, said Samaritan's Purse "came to Israel's aid in its time of greatest need." Edward Graham, a military veteran and Franklin Graham's son, said in a statement that he has seen the value of quick medical help in combat zones. "We do this because God loves Israel," he said. "We pray this equipment will save lives and bring glory to God." The ambulance carries a Bible verse from Jeremiah 29:11 on its side: "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope." The ceremony was held during Shavuot, the Jewish holiday that marks the giving of the Torah. Twenty-two more armored ambulances are being built and are expected to arrive by the end of the year. Samaritan's Purse says its work will continue as long as there is a need.
Al Arabiya
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Arabiya
New German foreign minister travels to Israel for ‘critical discussions'
The new German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, departed for Israel on Saturday for a Middle East trip in which 'critical discussions' are expected, he said when leaving Berlin. 'In both of our democracies, critical discussions about the policies of one's own government and friendly nations are part of this,' Wadephul said on Saturday. Wadephul condemned the Hamas' attacks 'in the strongest terms' and called for the liberation of all hostages. Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023 killed 1,200 people and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's campaign has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Hamas-run health authorities. 'I will ask about the strategic objective of the fighting, which has intensified again since March,' Wadephul said. According to a Foreign Office spokesperson, Wadephul will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Wadephul will also visit the Yad Vashem memorial and talk to the relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. In Ramallah, the minister will meet with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammed Mustafa.
Reuters
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
New German foreign minister travels to Israel for 'critical discussions'
BERLIN, May 10 (Reuters) - The new German foreign minister, Johann Wadephul, departed for Israel on Saturday for a Middle East trip in which "critical discussions" are expected, he said when leaving Berlin. "In both of our democracies, critical discussions about the policies of one's own government and friendly nations are part of this," Wadephul said on Saturday. Wadephul condemned the Hamas' attacks "in the strongest terms" and called for the liberation of all hostages. Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023 killed 1,200 people and 251 were taken hostage back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Israel's campaign has killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to Hamas-run health authorities. "I will ask about the strategic objective of the fighting, which has intensified again since March," Wadephul said. According to a Foreign Office spokesperson, Wadephul will meet Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Wadephul will also visit the Yad Vashem memorial and talk to the relatives of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. In Ramallah, the minister will meet with the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Mohammed Mustafa.
