Latest news with #IsraeliOccupationForces'
Morocco World
4 days ago
- Politics
- Morocco World
Gaza: Madrid Gathers European, Arab Countries to Halt Israel's Genocide
Rabat — A high-level meeting on Sunday brought together European and Arab countries' representatives to explore ways to put pressure on Israel to stop its Genocide on Gaza. The meeting of the 'Madrid Group' comes as Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) intensify their genocidal bombardment of innocent civilians in the Palestinian enclave. Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manual Albares said that his country urges an arms embargo against Israel to end its assaults in Gaza. The aim of the gathering that brought together 20 countries and international organizations in the European country is to pressure Israel to stop its genocidal war, 'which no longer has any goal,' Albares said. Israel is losing on the diplomatic ground as countries in the European Union that it had long considered close allies have been joining the international bloc condemning IOF assaults and its humanitarian and food aid blockade on Gaza. Albares further spoke of the possibility of imposing targeted sanctions on parties 'who obstruct the two-state solution.' Speaking to reporters at Sunday's meeting, the Spanish FM said the gathering aimed to halt what he described as Israel's 'inhumane' and 'senseless' genocide on Gaza. 'The last thing the Middle East needs right now is weapons,' he noted, adding that 'silence in these moments is complicity in this massacre…' Ministers and senior representatives from organizations and countries in Europe — including France, the UK, Germany, and Italy — and the Arab world took part in the meeting, in addition to Brazil and Turkey. France and Saudi Arabia are set to preside over a UN conference on June 18 to address Palestinian statehood. According to reports, French President Emmanuel Macron plans to urge participants to 'work toward implementing the two-state solution.' Mounting calls against Israel's genocide The last weeks have seen mounting calls on the international community to take action against Israel to stop. Following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's vow to take 'full control of all of Gaza,' many have said that now is the time for world governments to force the Israeli government to order the end of its troops' genocide assaults on the Palestinian enclave. Last Monday, the UK, France, and Canada joined forces in a strong shift of their policy towards Israel. They warned of targeted sanctions if Israel does not halt its genocidal actions and allow for the immediate entry of food and humanitarian aid to Gaza. In a joint statement, the three countries lamented Israel's intensified expansion plan for Gazans, saying it is 'illegal and undermine[s] the viability of a Palestinian state and the security of both Israelis and Palestinians.' Also lamenting the inhumane situation in the war-torn enclave, the UK slammed Israel for denying 'essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population.' Such behavior is 'unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law,' the UK government fumed in the statement. Israel's expansion of its genocidal war will lead to 'permanent forced displacement,' the three countries said in their joint statement, condemning the move as a blatant 'breach of international humanitarian law.' Tags: Gaza and Israelgaza genocideGenocide GazaSpain
Morocco World
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Arab League Believes in Two-State Solution's Ability to Bring Regional Peace
Rabat – Hossam Zaki, the Assistant Secretary General of the Arab League, said on Tuesday in Rabat that the two-state solution could bring regional peace to the Middle East. 'We still believe in this solution and continue to support it as the basis for peace in the Middle East,' he said during a press conference on Tuesday following the 5th meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution. Morocco and the Netherlands organized the event as part of the preparatory campaign for the international conference that will take place in New York in June. Zaki recalled the situation in Gaza, where the Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) is waging an atrocious genocidal war, noting that Israeli forces also attempted to empty the region in defiance of international humanitarian law and the human values 'we are all supposed to share.' He said that Palestinians have the right to aspire to peace, independence and freedom, thanking Morocco for hosting the event and for its support for the Palestinian cause. Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita made similar remarks during the event, conveying Morocco's full support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. For Bourita, the two-state solution is not just a slogan or political tool, but a moral duty and a realistic political choice. 'Wars have been tried, violence has been used, but they never led to peace,' Bourita said, adding that it is time to turn this solution into a clear roadmap with specific steps. He also warned that some people don't want peace, arguing that 'extremists on both sides' feed on the 'conflict' and only pretend to support Palestinians without giving them real help. On Tuesday, the Palestinian Minister responsible for Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Faresin Aghabekian Shaheen conveyed Palestine's gratitude on Tuesday during her participation in the same event, thanking King Mohammed VI for his efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and the implementation of the two-state solution. She said that the holding of the event is part of Morocco's sustained efforts to make the State of Palestine a tangible reality. 'We place great hopes on this kind of meeting,' the minister said. Tags: Arab leagueMorocco and Palestinetwo-state solution
Morocco World
17-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
King Mohammed VI Calls for Revival of Ceasefire Negotiations as Israel Continues Gaza Genocidal War
Rabat — King Mohammed VI has called for the revival of negotiations for an immediate ceasefire against the ongoing genocidal war launched by Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) on Gaza and the West Bank. The monarch made his appeal in a speech addressed to the 34th Summit of the Arab League in Baghdad, Iraq. In the speech, the monarch called for an urgent intervention to put an end to the 'Israeli military aggressions against the West Bank, particularly the demolition of homes and the forced displacement of peaceful, unarmed populations living in areas under Israeli security control.' Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Bourita is representing the monarch during the event, convening Arab leaders and officials to discuss the ongoing challenges in the region. In his speech, the King also called for the deployment of humanitarian aid, particularly medical supplies and food, without any hindrance to the process. He also called for the maintenance and support of UN bodies like UNRWA to carry out their mandate. Additionally, he urged the importance of developing an integrated roadmap to launch the reconstruction plan adopted without any question of population displacement. He reaffirmed the need to open the path to a political solution to establish genuine and just peace in the region, guaranteeing the Palestinian people their legitimate rights and the establishment for an independent Palestinian state in accordance with the June 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and including Gaza as an integral part of its territory. The monarch also emphasized the importance of national reconciliation as a key element to reinforcing the Palestinian position, reaffirming his commitment to continue to defend the holy sites — among them Al Quds. The monarch's speech comes as Israel continues its genocidal attacks targeting Palestinians across Gaza and the West Bank. Israel is intensifying its killing campaign, and has slaughtered some 150 people over the latest 24-hour reporting period. According to the Palestinian news agency Wafa, the Palestinian death toll now stands at 53,272, with an additional 120,673 people sustaining injuries since October 2023. The majority of the victims are women and children. The real number of the fatalities remains unknown and is projected to be higher as many victims could be still buried under the rubble.
Morocco World
12-05-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Israel Says No Ceasefire Despite Hamas Releasing US-Israeli Captive Today
Rabat – Israel says it has not agreed to any ceasefire with Hamas ahead of the expected release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander. Hamas announced that the release would take place today as a goodwill gesture to the United States. The move comes after talks with American officials, and as US President Donald Trump is expected to arrive in the region, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE. Notably, he does not have plans to visit Israel. In a statement on Monday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that negotiations for a ceasefire would continue even while fighting goes on. He added that, allegedly, pressure from the Israeli Occupation Forces' constant attacks is the reason Hamas agreed to release Alexander. Israel has not committed to a ceasefire 'in any way,' the statement said, adding that there would be no release of Palestinian prisoners as part of this move. Hamas told the AFP news agency that mediators had said Israel would pause attacks briefly to allow the transfer of Alexander through a 'safe corridor.' Qatar and Egypt, two countries involved in mediation, called the move a positive step toward restarting ceasefire talks. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayyah said the group is ready to begin serious negotiations for a long-term truce. This would include ending the war, exchanging captives, and handing over control of Gaza to an independent government of technocrats. Edan Alexander's family said they are hopeful his release will lead to the return of other captives. Families of those still held in Gaza have been pushing the Israeli government to reach a deal. But. Netanyahu faces strong pressure from hardliners in his cabinet who oppose any end to the war. Are Trump and Netanyahu at odds? The fact that Trump is bypassing Israel has raised concerns about a growing rift between the US president and the Israeli prime minister. Trump's talks with Saudi Arabia will reportedly focus on increasing access to civil nuclear technology, but without plans to push the Gulf country to normalize relations with Israel. This marks a major shift from Trump's predecessor, Joe Biden, who consistently elevated this as a precondition on the negotiation table. This, along with other recent diplomatic changes in the Trump administration's communication with Netanyahu has caused a frenzy both in Israeli circles and in US media who paint the narrative that the US president and Netanyahu are 'not getting along.' However, in a Thursday interview, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee denounced these reports as 'reckless and irresponsible.' In regards to Trump bypassing Israel for his Middle East visit, Trump administration voices assert that the president is simply prioritizing US interests first, which is in line with his entire campaign message. 'What you're seeing is that President Trump has an idea of what is in our interest, and that comes first,' says former State Department official Dennis Ross, adding that the administration likely views the fact that they have given over $4 billion to Israel as proof enough that they have supported their longtime Middle East ally. Analysts argue that it is therefore unlikely that Trump's perceived change in tone has anything to do with a geopolitical shift towards supporting Gaza, and more so business motivated. Gaza onslaught continues Meanwhile, the genocide in Gaza has reached an all-time crisis point. Last week, Netanyahu said Israel is preparing for a complete military takeover of Gaza. Officials have said this major move will not begin until after Trump's visit with Gulf allies is over. Meanwhile, Israel's brutal airstrikes on Gaza have relentlessly continued. IOF killed at least 17 people today in an attack on a school that had been turned into a shelter. The total blockade of Gaza has now lasted 71 days, and the humanitarian situation continues to worsen. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, at least 52,862 Palestinians have been killed and 119,648 injured since the war began. The Government Media Office says the real death toll is likely much higher, more than 61,700, because many people remain buried under the rubble or are unaccounted for. Tags: GazaIsraelPalestine
Morocco World
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Gaza: Mediators Suggest a New Ceasefire Plan
Rabat — As Israeli Occupation Forces' (IOF) continued bombardments worsen the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Egypt has suggested a new long-term ceasefire plan to settle the dire situation in the Palestinian enclave. According to reports, the Egyptian plan suggests a five- to seven-year truce, a full exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the enclave. Sources informed that an Israeli delegation arrived in Cairo on Sunday to hold talks concerning the ceasefire proposal. Meanwhile, a Hamas delegation was reportedly expected to be in Cairo to hold talks with mediators. The development comes days after Hamas leadership opposed any 'partial' truce with Israel, effectively rejecting the country's ceasefire proposal, which included disarming the Palestinian group in return for a six-week truce. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu then vowed he would bring the remaining hostages back home without surrendering to Hamas' demands, describing this as a 'decisive phase' for Israel. Read also: Macron, Al-Sisi, and King Abdullah II Meet in Cairo to Reinstate Gaza Ceasefire The inhumane situation in Gaza is alarming. Israel has blocked food and aid entry to the enclave for 50 days now, leading to an extremely dire shortage of food, water, and other vital items. Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, has issued a stark warning, describing the blockade as 'deliberate and man-made.' Lazzarni lashed out at Israel for employing humanitarian aid as a 'weapon of war' and a means of pressure. 'How long will it take for empty words of condemnation to translate into action to lift the blockade, resume a ceasefire, and save what remains of humanity?' he wrote on X. A Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) report cited medical sources as indicating that IOF genocidal assaults have killed at least 26 Palestinians and injured 60 others in the Gaza Strip over the last 24 hours. Tags: EgyptGazaGaza ceasefireHamas and Hamas
