Latest news with #Hemmer
Fox News
4 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Netanyahu vows to take full control of Gaza Strip, ‘liberate' people from Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed his plans for Israel to take full control of the Gaza Strip, marking a major shift in policy nearly two decades after Israel withdrew from the region. In an exclusive interview with Fox News' Bill Hemmer, Netanyahu said the move is aimed at eliminating Hamas and eventually transferring governance to Arab authorities. "We want to liberate ourselves and liberate the people of Gaza from the awful terror of Hamas," said Netanyahu. "In order to assure our security, remove Hamas there, enable the population to be free of Gaza and to pass it to civilian governance." While Netanyahu insisted Israel is not planning to occupy Gaza for the long term, he emphasized the need for a lasting security presence and the dismantling of Hamas. "The only way that you're [going to] have a different future is to get rid of this neo-Nazi army. The Hamas are monsters," he said. Nearly two years after the October 7th terror attacks, about 50 hostages, both dead and alive, remain trapped in Gaza. Netanyahu's plans come as ceasefire negotiations with Hamas have stalled in recent weeks. U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff has previously expressed optimism about talks, but progress has since stalled. Israel's security cabinet is set to meet Thursday to discuss the future of the war and the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. The United Nations and other international groups have warned of famine and deteriorating access to necessary supplies in the region. Earlier this week, Hemmer visited a food distribution center run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, a U.S. and Israeli-backed aid organization. Despite clear logistical issues, Hemmer reported that thousands of people received food at the site. "What you saw today was controlled. Certainly, these are desperate people who are fighting for food, fighting for their lives, and are living in a war zone," said Chapin Fay, a spokesperson for the GHF. "This is the most complex humanitarian crisis of our lifetime, and we have to stop pretending that there's only one way to deliver aid to the people in Gaza." The United Nations Human Rights Council has called for the GHF's "immediate dismantling," as some human rights groups have accused the organization of firing on civilians and committing war crimes. The GHF denied the allegations. Netanyahu defended the aid distribution system in Gaza, arguing that the humanitarian crisis stems from Hamas' control and its looting of much of the provided aid. "They want people to be civilian casualties. They want a starvation policy that they themselves are trying to put into being," he said. "And we're doing everything to reverse that."
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Fox News gets inside look at Gaza humanitarian situation as Israel weighs next steps
As the world discusses the reality of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Fox News' Bill Hemmer got a look inside a distribution site operated by the controversial U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Fox News was the first outlet to witness a newly established distribution center operated mostly by former U.S. forces who coordinate with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Hemmer said that the sites are not without their problems or controversy, but that the Americans working with GHF are proud of what they have accomplished. In terms of the status of Gaza, Hemmer said that Rafah was clearly decimated by the IDF. The southern Gazan city is where Israel believes Hamas had its headquarters and where the terror group held hostages taken nearly two years ago, on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be considering a full occupation of Gaza. If Israel makes this move, it would be a complete reversal of its policy dating back to 2005 when it pulled out of the enclave. Hostages' loved ones have expressed opposition to the plan out of fear that it would put those still held captive in even more danger. Palestinians who spoke with Hemmer said they were hungry, and tired of the war and of Hamas. Hamas Losing Iron Grip On Gaza As Us-backed Group Gets Aid To Palestinians In Need Read On The Fox News App "All this food here will be gone in about 15 minutes," a GHF worker told Hemmer as the two stood in the middle of several palettes of food. "They'll all come in, they flood in here, they have bags they'll stuff the food into, throw the big bag over their shoulder and they'll head out." The worker also told Hemmer that the organization allows Palestinians to remain on the GHF site for about an hour after it opens. Hemmer's visit comes as the organization faces international condemnation and a call from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for its "immediate dismantling." "Palestinians are paying the ultimate price of the international community's legal, political and moral failure," a UNHRC statement read, citing the opinions of several U.N. experts. One such expert named in the statement is Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who has been repeatedly condemned by multiple governments, including the U.S., the U.K. and France, for making antisemitic statements. Albanese and the other experts also say that GHF is "an utterly disturbing example of how humanitarian relief can be exploited for covert military and geopolitical agendas in serious breach of international law." Gaza Humanitarian Foundation: What To Know About The Us-backed Aid Group U.N. experts also claimed that Israeli forces and foreign military contractors indiscriminately fire at Palestinians seeking aid at GHF sites. However, GHF has consistently denied the use of force against civilians at its sites. On several occasions, the organization has sounded the alarm over threats emanating from Hamas against aid workers and seekers. This aligns with a request GHF had for Fox News, which was to blur the faces of the Palestinians working with the organization out of fear of Hamas retribution. Trump Officials Visit Gaza Aid Sites As International Community Pressures Israel GHF says it has distributed over "106 million meals efficiently and directly" since May while pushing back on criticism and claims that its sites are dangerous. The organization insists that its goal is to feed Palestinians in need while bypassing Hamas, the terror group governing the war-torn enclave. The aid organization recently received $30M from the Trump administration in addition to millions coming from donornations in the region. Recently, the U.N. released its monthly infographic on UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza. In June 2025, the U.N. reported that out of its 1,090 aid trucks, only 47 arrived at an "intended civilian destination inside Gaza." Meanwhile, the other 1,043 trucks were allegedly intercepted "either peacefully by hungry people or forcefully by armed actors" in Gaza. At the request of the U.N., Israel will let limited commercial goods enter the enclave, according to Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst. This strategy is apparently aimed at getting more goods into Gaza markets, allowing those in need of free aid to get to it article source: Fox News gets inside look at Gaza humanitarian situation as Israel weighs next steps Solve the daily Crossword
Fox News
6 days ago
- Politics
- Fox News
Fox News gets inside look at Gaza humanitarian situation as Israel weighs next steps
As the world discusses the reality of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Fox News' Bill Hemmer got a look inside a distribution site operated by the controversial U.S.- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Fox News was the first outlet to witness a newly established distribution center operated mostly by former U.S. forces who coordinate with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Hemmer said that the sites are not without their problems or controversy, but that the Americans working with GHF are proud of what they have accomplished. In terms of the status of Gaza, Hemmer said that Rafah was clearly decimated by the IDF. The southern Gazan city is where Israel believes Hamas had its headquarters and where the terror group held hostages taken nearly two years ago, on Oct. 7, 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be considering a full occupation of Gaza. If Israel makes this move, it would be a complete reversal of its policy dating back to 2005 when it pulled out of the enclave. Hostages' loved ones have expressed opposition to the plan out of fear that it would put those still held captive in even more danger. Palestinians who spoke with Hemmer said they were hungry, and tired of the war and of Hamas. Hemmer's visit comes as the organization faces international condemnation and a call from the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) for its "immediate dismantling." "Palestinians are paying the ultimate price of the international community's legal, political and moral failure," a UNHRC statement read, citing the opinions of several U.N. experts. One such expert named in the statement is Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who has been repeatedly condemned by multiple governments, including the U.S., the U.K. and France, for making antisemitic statements. Albanese and the other experts also say that GHF is "an utterly disturbing example of how humanitarian relief can be exploited for covert military and geopolitical agendas in serious breach of international law." U.N. experts also claimed that Israeli forces and foreign military contractors indiscriminately fire at Palestinians seeking aid at GHF sites. However, GHF has consistently denied the use of force against civilians at its sites. On several occasions, the organization has sounded the alarm over threats emanating from Hamas against aid workers and seekers. This aligns with a request GHF had for Fox News, which was to blur the faces of the Palestinians working with the organization out of fear of Hamas retribution. GHF says it has distributed over "106 million meals efficiently and directly" since May while pushing back on criticism and claims that its sites are dangerous. The organization insists that its goal is to feed Palestinians in need while bypassing Hamas, the terror group governing the war-torn enclave. While Fox News was given an inside look at GHF, major questions remain. It is unclear how the organization is receiving funding and how much more they can expect in the future. Recently, the U.N. released its monthly infographic on UN2720 Mechanism for Gaza. In June 2025, the U.N. reported that out of its 1,090 aid trucks, only 47 arrived at an "intended civilian destination inside Gaza." Meanwhile, the other 1,043 trucks were allegedly intercepted "either peacefully by hungry people or forcefully by armed actors" in Gaza. At the request of the U.N., Israel will let limited commercial goods enter the enclave, according to Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst. This strategy is apparently aimed at getting more goods into Gaza markets, allowing those in need of free aid to get to it first.
Newsweek
23-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Fox News Host Confronts Trump Adviser on Bill Adding Trillions to US Debt
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Fox News co-anchor Bill Hemmer confronted Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Friday about concerns that President Donald Trump's "big, beautiful bill" could add trillions of dollars to the nation's debt. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. Treasury for comment via email. Why It Matters The legislation extended Trump's 2017 tax cuts, reducing taxes for individuals and corporations and adding new exemptions for tipped workers and overtime pay. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated the bill would add $3.8 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, drawing criticism from Democrats and some Republicans who warn the spending cuts included in the bill would be insufficient to pay for the tax cuts and other spending priorities. The potential increase to the country's $36.2 trillion deficit was the primary source of opposition from certain House Republicans. What to Know Hemmer pressed Bessent about the CBO's report during an interview on America's Newsroom Friday morning. "This bill adds trillions to our debt. How is that acceptable to this administration?" Hemmer asked. Bessent responded: "You're referring to the CBO scoring, I believe, which is 10-year scoring, and it's D.C.-style scoring. So, we think that we can both grow the economy and control the debt. And what's important, Bill, is that the economy grows faster than the debt." The treasury secretary added: "So, what I would tell your viewers to focus on is what I'm focused on, is what [former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen] was focused on, is what is the total debt to GDP [gross domestic product] because we can grow our way out of this. That if we change the growth trajectory, of the country, of the economy, then we will stabilize our finances and grow our way out of this." The bill passed the House of Representatives early Thursday morning by a 215-214 vote. Two Republicans, Representatives Thomas Massie of Kentucky and Warren Davidson of Ohio, voted against the bill, along with every House Democrat. Both congressmen had raised concerns about the bill's impact on the deficit. "While I love many things in the bill, promising someone else will cut spending in the future does not cut spending. Deficits do matter and this bill grows them now. The only Congress we can control is the one we're in. Consequently, I cannot support this big deficit plan. NO," Davidson wrote in a post to X, formerly Twitter, Thursday morning. The bill, if signed into law in its current form, could have implications for education, defense and health care. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a news conference in Geneva on May 12. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks during a news conference in Geneva on May 12. FABRICE COFFRINI/AFP via Getty Images What People Are Saying Representative Thomas Massie said on the House floor: "I'd love to stand here and tell the American people 'we can cut your taxes and increase spending and everything is going to be fine.' But I can't because I'm here to deliver a dose of reality. This bill dramatically increases deficits in the near term but promises our government will be fiscally responsible five years from now. Where have we heard that before? How do you bind a future Congress to these promises? This bill is a debt bomb ticking." Senator Ron Johnson, a Wisconsin Republican, recently told reporters: "I couldn't care less if he's [Trump] upset. I'm concerned about my children, my grandchildren and the fact that we are stealing from them. We are stealing from our children and our grandchildren. $37 trillion in debt and we're going to add to it as Republicans? That is unacceptable." Senator Rand Paul, a Kentucky Republican, wrote on X on Friday: "Republicans promised Americans we would rein in wasteful spending and tackle the national debt if they gave us control of all three branches of government. Instead, my colleagues want to tack on more to our national debt instead of making necessary cuts." President Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social: "'THE ONE, BIG, BEAUTIFUL BILL' has PASSED the House of Representatives! This is arguably the most significant piece of Legislation that will ever be signed in the History of our Country!" What Happens Next? The bill now heads to the Senate, where it may be reworked to pass, as several Republicans have already raised concerns about it. Senators Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska have questioned whether it would cut Medicaid benefits. Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota has indicated the "goal and aspiration" is to get the bill passed by July 4.
Int'l Business Times
23-05-2025
- Business
- Int'l Business Times
Trump Official Mocked After Failing to Name Next Country Expected to Complete a Trade Deal: 'Translation: We Have No Deals'
A senior Trump administration official is being mocked by social media users online after being asked to identify the next nation the US is expected to complete a trade deal with during a televised interview. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on Fox News America's Newsroom on Friday in order to discuss the new tariffs President Donald Trump is threatening to levy against the European Union and Apple. While speaking to host Bill Hemmer, Bessent failed to name which nation would be the next to secure a trade deal with the US. "On the tariffs that you mentioned, you had a lot of discussions in Canada. Japan was a part of that. You've talked about Japan a lot. If Japan is not the next country to do a deal, who is?" Hemmer asked. "As I've mentioned before, we're far along with India. Early on, many of the asian countries have come with very good deals. There are 18 important trading partners, and I would say, with the exception of the EU, most are negotiating in very good faith," Bessent replied. "Who do you think goes first?" Hemmer further inquired. "We're gonna have to see," Bessent responded. "Is this a summer battle? Do we take this into the fall? And if we take it into the fall, are we talking about 2026 to do a deal which we can announce publicly?" Hemmer asked. "These deals are moving quickly and I think, as we approach the end of the 90 day period, we are going to see more and more of them announced," Bessent said. Frustrated social media users quickly took to online platforms to mock Bessent for his apparent confusion and inability to provide a straight answer. "@RealPNavarro said 90 deals in 90 days. What happened?" said one user, mentioning trade counselor Peter Navarro. "This is such vague bullsh-t," wrote another user. "Nobody buys this bullshit. We were 'close' a month ago to a deal with the EU," said a third. "Translation: We have no deals!" wrote a fourth. Bessent also shared that he hoped the renewed calls for tariffs against the European Union made by President Trump would expedite negotiations and allow for a deal to be reached sooner. "I would hope that this would light a fire under the EU, because... I've said before, [the] EU has a collective action problem here. It's 27 countries, but they're being represented by this one group in Brussels. So some of the feedback that I've been getting is that the underlying countries don't even know what the EU is negotiating on their behalf," Bessent said. Originally published on Latin Times
