Latest news with #IsraelMFA
Shafaq News
5 days ago
- Politics
- Shafaq News
Egypt sends humanitarian convoy to Gaza as famine fears grow
Shafaq News – Gaza Egypt began moving humanitarian aid toward Gaza on Sunday, according to state-run Al Qahera News. Dozens of trucks carrying food and essential supplies were reportedly en route to the Karam Abu Salem crossing in southern Gaza. The move follows mounting pressure from international relief agencies warning of a spiraling humanitarian disaster affecting Gaza's 2.2 million residents. On Saturday, Israel dropped seven pallets of food in northern Gaza, announcing plans for limited 'humanitarian corridors' and 'temporary pauses' to allow aid delivery through active war zones. Tomorrow morning Israel will apply a "humanitarian pause" in civilian centers and in humanitarian corridors to enable the distribution of aid supply. Israel has continued to facilitate the entry of aid trucks into the Gaza the UN has failed so far to collect… — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) July 26, 2025 These developments follow the collapse of ceasefire talks in Doha, with Israel claiming aid levels are adequate and blaming the UN for distribution failures—an accusation UN agencies have rejected, citing access restrictions imposed by Israeli forces. While Israel dismisses famine reports as 'Hamas propaganda,' Gaza's Health Ministry has recorded, in recent weeks, at least 127 starvation-related deaths, including 85 children, and over 100 humanitarian groups warn famine is already taking hold. 'Handala' was illegally boarded by Israel military in international waters, around 40 nautical miles off the coast of interception the 21 crew made this statement: if attacked they will join the global hunger strike for your governments now and hold them… — Freedom Flotilla Coalition (@GazaFFlotilla) July 27, 2025 Separately, Israeli naval forces intercepted the Handala aid vessel from Italy off Gaza's coast, stating it attempted to breach restricted waters and was diverted safely to Israeli shores with all passengers unharmed. The Israeli navy has stopped the vessel Navarn from illegally entering the maritime zone of the coast of vessel is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. All passengers are safe. Unauthorized attempts to breach the blockade are dangerous, unlawful, and… — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) July 26, 2025 These events unfold as Israel's offensive in Gaza continues. Since the war began on October 7, 2023, Gaza's Health Ministry reported 59,733 Palestinians killed and 144,477 wounded.
Extra.ie
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Extra.ie
US Israel ambassador's tweet slammed by Taoiseach
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has rejected comments by the US ambassador to Israel, who asked whether Ireland had fallen into a 'vat of Guinness' over the Occupied Territories Bill. Mike Huckabee made the derogatory remarks this week, accusing Ireland of 'diplomatic intoxication' and calling on the nation to 'sober up'. But his comments have drawn the ire of both the Taoiseach and prominent Irish politicians, who labelled it 'xenophobic' and 'anti-Irish'. In his full remark on social media, Mr Huckabee wrote about the Occupied Territories Bill: 'Did the Irish fall into a vat of Guinness & propose something so stupid that it would be attributed to act of diplomatic intoxication? It will harm Arabs as much as Israelis. Sober up, Ireland! Call @IsraelMFA & say you're sorry!' US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Pic:) Mr Huckabee tweeted an article from the Jerusalem Post, which highlighted the Foreign Affairs Oireachtas Committee hearing earlier this week, which addressed the passage of the Bill. His remarks came as a series of high-profile American politicians also ramped up warnings to Ireland about its pro-Palestinian position, saying that it may be a danger to the Irish economy. There is now growing concern within the Irish Government that Ireland may be targeted by the US administration for its overtly pro-Palestinian stance. In the last week, articles have appeared in US publications, such as The Hill and The Wall Street Journal, criticising the Irish legislation. A number of senior US politicians have now publicly attacked Ireland for its position. Taoiseach Micheál Martin. Pic: Stephen Collins/Collins However, Micheál Martin criticised the tweet by Mr Huckabee, remarking: 'I reject the comments made by the ambassador.' He added: 'The situation is very serious in Gaza, including an appalling loss of human life. 'Terrible war crimes are being committed. Ireland has consistently condemned Hama,s and we equally condemn Israeli breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza. The slaughter of children must stop. The slaughter of innocent civilians queuing for food must stop. What is going on is beyond any moral compass. Ireland stands for peace and a political pathway forward.' contacted both spokespeople for the Taoiseach, asking Mr Martin to comment on the anti-Irish nature of Mr Huckabee's comments, but did not receive a further reply. Sinn Féin's foreign affairs spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire. Pic: Leah Farrell/ Sinn Féin's foreign affairs spokesman Donnchadh Ó Laoghaire said Mr Huckabee's comments were 'absurd, plainly xenophobic, and plainly intended to provoke. It leans into old tropes of the drunken Irish. It is quite bizarre that he assumes the only reason for having a different position from his administration is intoxication,' he said. 'Unfortunately this is not out of character, Mr Huckabee has a history of controversial comments, and is someone who does not believe in a two-state solution. His comments are wrong, but more worrying is the fact that a man who has such views as Mr Huckabee carries influence within the US administration, and what that says about US policy in the Middle East.' Mr Huckabee is staunchly pro-Israel, and in an interview in 2017 with the CNN news network, he said: 'There is no such thing as a West Bank. It's Judea and Samaria [the territory's biblical name]. There's no such thing as a settlement. They're communities, they're neighbourhoods, they're cities. There's no such thing as an occupation.' US ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. Pic:) He has gone as far as to question Palestinian identity. During his 2008 Republican presidential campaign, he said: 'I need to be careful about saying this, because people will really get upset – there's really no such thing as a Palestinian.' Gary Gannon, the Social Democrats justice spokesman, said that the comments about Ireland were 'xenophobic' and 'anti-Irish', adding that the Irish-American vote should be asked to push back at Mr Huckabee. There have been several comments about Ireland's position from senior US politicians in the last 48 hours, in what looked like a coordinated move by senior Republicans against the Bill, which seeks to ban the import and sale of goods and services from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. Gary Gannon, the Social Democrats justice spokesman. Pic: Gareth Chaney/Collins Photos Senator Lindsay Graham, a significant political ally of Donald Trump, tweeted: 'I hope that Ireland will reconsider their efforts to economically isolate Israel, as they are in a fight for their very existence. I do not believe these efforts would be well received in the United States, and they certainly would not go unnoticed.' Congressman Mike Lawler said: 'Ireland's draft BDS [Boycott, Divest and Sanctions] law is reckless and sets a dangerous precedent. Targeting Israel won't bring peace, and will only reward extremism. Ireland should reject this misguided legislation and stand against hate.' Congressman Josh Gottheimer wrote: 'Ireland's proposed legislation targets Jewish communities by singling out settlements tied to Israel. American companies with a presence in Ireland who complied with [it] would violate US anti-boycott statutes and face penalties in the US. America will continue to stand with our ally.' While Congressman Andy Ogles wrote: 'Ireland's proposed ban of Jewish-made products is nothing short of anti-semitic. This proposal not only harms American businesses but undermines the very principles of Western civilisation. I vehemently oppose this decision and urge Ireland to reconsider.' Congresswoman Lisa McClain tweeted that the Bill was 'extreme anti-semitic hate' while Rick Scott, a Republican senator from Florida, said Ireland should think twice about the message they're sending by passing this bill'. Daniel Mulhall, the former Irish Ambassador to the United States, said that Ireland could not expect a 'free lunch' for its position on Palestine in relation to how American politicians, particularly, Republicans, viewed the issue. Mr Mulhall pointed out that Mr Huckabee is a politician who became an ambassador. 'He expresses himself more like the politician he was, than the ambassador he is,' he said. Mr Mulhall said the comments were 'extreme and over the top' but they 'point to a strong set of opinions across the political world, particularly in the Republican side of the house about Israel, which means we have to be conscious that when we do things related to Israel and the Middle East, it's not a free lunch'. 'It doesn't mean we do nothing, but we should bear in mind that opinions can be perceived as hostile and to be anti-Israeli.' 'We can't ignore the reality that some of the positions we may be about to take go down very badly in the United States.'
Newsweek
16-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
Mike Huckabee Tells Ireland to 'Sober up' and Apologize to Israel
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. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee told Ireland to "sober up" and apologize to the Israeli foreign ministry over a bill that is set to ban imports from settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem. The legislation is currently under debate in the Irish parliament and is intended to criminalize trade with Israeli settlements regarded as illegal under international law. "Did the Irish fall into a vat of Guinness & propose something so stupid that it would be attributed to act of diplomatic intoxication?" Huckabee posted to his X account. "It will harm Arabs as much as Israelis. Sober up Ireland! Call @IsraelMFA & say you're sorry!" Newsweek has contacted the Irish Department of Foreign Affairs for comment. Separately, Huckabee also stopped by a court in Tel Aviv where Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is on trial for corruption charges. Huckabee was there to show his support for Netanyahu, an ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has sharply criticized the trial. This is a developing article. Updates to follow.
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
"IDF never targets civilians, anyone claiming otherwise is blatantly lying": Israel responds to remarks by UN Secy Gen Guterres
The Foreign Ministry of Israel issued a statement on Saturday in response to the remarks made by the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres on the humanitarian aid to Gaza, and reiterated its stance that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), does not target civilians. In its statement posted on X, the Israeli Foreign Ministry said, "Blaming Israel for the UN's failures and for Hamas's deeds is a deliberate tactic. The GHF has so far provided more than 46 million meals directly to Palestinian civilians, not to Hamas. Yet the UN is doing everything it can to oppose this effort. In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations." It further added, "The IDF never targets civilians, and anyone claiming otherwise is blatantly lying. It is Hamas that is deliberately targeting and murdering GHF (Gaza Humanitarian Fund) aid workers -- a crime the UN has never condemned -- and is also targeting civilians who are trying to collect aid from the GHF." Play Video Pause Skip Backward Skip Forward Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration 0:00 Loaded : 0% 0:00 Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 1x Playback Rate Chapters Chapters Descriptions descriptions off , selected Captions captions settings , opens captions settings dialog captions off , selected Audio Track Picture-in-Picture Fullscreen This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Text Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Caption Area Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Opacity Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Drop shadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo In its concluding remarks, the Foreign Ministry noted, "The UN must now decide: Does it prefer to preserve its monopoly and a system that benefits Hamas -- thereby prolonging the war -- or is it interested in delivering humanitarian aid to civilians in Gaza?" Live Events The remarks by Israel come after the UN Secretary-General had renewed his call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, noting that the humanitarian crisis has reached "horrific proportions". Guterres in his speech had said, "People are being killed for simply trying to feed themselves and their families. The search for food must never be a death sentence." On the amount of aid reaching Gaza, he mentioned, "A trickle of aid is not enough, what is needed now is a surge. The trickle must become an ocean. We need concrete action so that aid can reach all". Offering remarks on reports alleging IDF soldiers shooting at people, Guterres said, "We don't need a report of that nature to acknowledge that there have been messy violations of international law and indeed when there is a violation of international law, there must be accountability". Guterres, in his speech, had said, "To those in power, say, enable our operations as international humanitarian law demands. To those with influence, I say, use it. To all member states, I say, uphold the UN Charter, you recommitted to it just yesterday for the 80th anniversary. Let us bring in life-saving supplies, let us reach people where they are, and let us recognise that the solution to this problem is ultimately political. The only sustainable path to re-establishing hope is by paving the way to the two-state solution . Diplomacy and human dignity for all must prevail." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz delivered a joint statement on Friday, where they emphasised that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) soldiers have clear instructions to avoid harm to innocents. The statement issued by Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, "The State of Israel absolutely rejects the contemptible blood libels that have been published in the Ha'aretz newspaper, according to which 'IDF Soldiers Ordered to Shoot Deliberately at Unarmed Gazans Waiting for Humanitarian Aid." The conflict in Gaza started after Hamas launched an attack on Israel in 2023, in which some 1,200 people were killed and 251 were taken hostage. In response to the Hamas attack, Israel vowed to destroy the group.
Global News
10-06-2025
- Politics
- Global News
Greta Thunberg deported to France after Gaza-bound aid boat intercepted
Swedish activist Greta Thunberg departed Israel on a flight to France on Tuesday morning after being detained by Israeli forces, along with 11 other activists. She and the others were on an aid ship — the British-flagged yacht Madleen — headed for Gaza on Monday when they were intercepted. 'Greta Thunberg just departed Israel on a flight to Sweden (via France),' Israel's foreign ministry wrote on X, sharing two photos of Thunberg on a plane. Greta Thunberg just departed Israel on a flight to Sweden (via France). — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 10, 2025 Story continues below advertisement When Thunberg landed at the Charles de Gaulle airport in Paris after being deported from Israel, she accused the country of 'kidnapping us in international waters and against our will bringing us to Israel, keeping us in the bottom of the boat.' 'This is yet another intentional violation of rights that is added to the list of countless other violations that Israel is committing,' Thunberg told reporters at the airport. Thunberg added that her experience was 'nothing compared to what the Palestinians are going through.' She said she wasn't able to 'say goodbye' to the other activists who were detained with her. 'I am very worried about them. We heard many different messages pointing towards that they would not make it easy and there were troubles with being able to see lawyers,' Thunberg told reporters. 'I'm very much calling for their immediate release and calling for everyone who can to mobilize to their government and other ways to demand their immediate release.' 3:11 'We have been intercepted': Greta Thunberg sends message as Gaza aid boat detained by IDF France said five of the six French citizens detained alongside Thunberg had refused to sign their deportation orders and would be subject to judicial proceedings. Story continues below advertisement The Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC), the activist group operating the yacht, has demanded the immediate release of everyone detained. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Israel's Foreign Ministry referred to the boat as the 'Selfie Yacht,' and said the passengers 'arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries.' 'Some of the 'Selfie Yacht' passengers are expected to leave within the next few hours. Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will be brought before a judicial authority, in accordance with Israeli law, to authorize their deportation. Consuls from the passengers' home countries met them at the airport,' the ministry added. The passengers of the 'Selfie Yacht' arrived at Ben Gurion Airport to depart from Israel and return to their home countries. Some of the 'Selfie Yacht' passengers are expected to leave within the next few hours. Those who refuse to sign deportation documents and leave Israel will… — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 10, 2025 The boat, accompanied by Israel's navy, arrived in Ashdod on Monday evening, according to Israel's Foreign Ministry. It published a photo on social media of Thunberg after disembarking. Story continues below advertisement The 'Selfie Yacht' docked at Ashdod Port a short while ago. The passengers are currently undergoing medical examinations to ensure they are in good health. — Israel Foreign Ministry (@IsraelMFA) June 9, 2025 The 12 activists underwent medical checks to ensure they were in good health, the ministry said. They were expected to be held at a detention facility in Ramle before being deported, according to Adalah, a legal rights group representing them. The activists had set out to protest Israel's military campaign in Gaza and its restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid. The Freedom Flotilla Coalition, which organized the voyage, said the activists were 'kidnapped by Israeli forces' while trying to deliver desperately needed aid. 'The ship was unlawfully boarded, its unarmed civilian crew abducted and its life-saving cargo — including baby formula, food and medical supplies — confiscated,' it said in a statement. Story continues below advertisement It said the ship was seized in international waters about 200 kilometres from Gaza, and Adalah asserted that Israel had 'no legal authority' to take it over. Israel's Foreign Ministry portrayed the voyage as a public relations stunt, saying on social media that 'the 'selfie yacht' of the 'celebrities' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel.' Good morning to all our followers 🇮🇱☀️ In case you missed it: 🥪 The 'selfie yacht' is safely making its way to the shores of Israel. The passengers are safe and were provided with sandwiches and water, and are expected to return to their home countries. 🤏 The tiny amount of… — Israel ישראל (@Israel) June 9, 2025 It said the activists would return to their home countries and the aid would be sent to Gaza through established channels. It circulated footage of what appeared to be Israeli military personnel handing out sandwiches and water to the activists, who were wearing life vests. 'This wasn't humanitarian aid. It's Instagram activism,' Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said. 'Meanwhile, Israel has delivered over 1,200 truckloads in the last two weeks. So who's really feeding Gaza and who's really feeding their own ego? Greta was not bringing aid, she was bringing herself.' Story continues below advertisement The Madleen set sail from Sicily a week ago. Along the way, it stopped on Thursday to rescue four migrants who had jumped overboard to avoid being detained by Libya's coast guard, reports The Associated Press. 2:16 Greta Thunberg, activists set sail to Gaza after earlier aid vessel attacked at sea 'I urge all my friends, family and comrades to put pressure on the Swedish government to release me and the others as soon as possible,' Thunberg said in a prerecorded message released after the ship was halted. Adalah, the rights group, said in a statement that 'the arrest of the unarmed activists, who operated in a civilian manner to provide humanitarian aid, amounts to a serious breach of international law.' — With files from The Associated Press
