Latest news with #Kretzer
Days of Palestine
04-08-2025
- Politics
- Days of Palestine
Red Cross to Netanyahu: We Can't Provide Food to Captives Unless Ceasefire Reached
DayofPal– The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) responded to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's request to provide food and medical care to Israeli captives held in Gaza, saying they can't do that unless a ceasefire is urgently reached to facilitate humanitarian access. Speaking on behalf of the ICRC, Communications Coordinator Jakob Kretzer stated that the organization has been ready since the beginning of the crisis to visit the captives and provide assistance. However, he said ongoing security risks and access restrictions, including refusals by the Israeli occupation forces have prevented any progress. 'The ICRC urgently requires a cessation of attacks to safely deliver aid to all hostages,' Kretzer said. 'We have repeatedly asked all involved parties to allow us access to those being held, but the locations of many of the hostages remain unknown, placing their lives in grave danger.' Netanyahu's call to the Red Cross comes amid growing domestic pressure and outrage after videos emerged showing two Israeli captives in visibly frail condition, fueling fears over the welfare of dozens of captives believed to be held in Gaza. In a statement released on Sunday, Al-Qassam said it is 'prepared to respond positively' to any Red Cross request regarding aid for Israeli prisoners of war. Still, it tied this readiness to a necessary condition: Israel must stop 'starving Gaza' and cease military operations that hinder aid delivery. 'We do not deliberately starve the prisoners,' the group said. 'They eat what our fighters and our people eat. They will not receive special treatment while our own people are dying of hunger under siege.' Despite the Red Cross's willingness to act, Kretzer reiterated that without cooperation from all sides and guarantees of safety, humanitarian missions cannot be carried out. The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with both civilians and captives facing increasing hardship as the war drags on. The ICRC has called for immediate steps to ensure protection for all people affected, in line with international humanitarian law. Shortlink for this post:
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Immersive Star Wars nights in Panama City: Cantina and more
PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB) – It's day three of Star Wars Week in downtown Panama City. Dozens of local businesses and organizations are taking part in the 'May the fourth be with you' celebration. 'Today is our first night of our immersive Star Wars cantina here at the Panama City Center for the Arts. We've decorated the main gallery to look like an actual Star Wars cantina. We're giving away free sodas from the portal, thanks to CBC Construction. And it's just a great night. So we've got Star Wars cosplayers here, droids walking around, it's perfect for any Star Wars fan,' Bay Arts Alliance Executive Director Jayson Kretzer said. 'This is the first time we've done an immersive event for Star Wars. We've always done it outside. It's super hot. This time we're inside with air conditioning, surrounded by sweet props and beautiful projections. So it just feels like you're immersed in the world of Star Wars, and you can't get that anywhere else,' Kretzer said. Downtown Block Party brings community together 'The Point Break Arcade has their pinball tournaments and things happening,' Kretzer added. 'All the businesses have been jumping in and getting in line with the theme, and it's just been really great,' Kretzer said. 'There's a couple of charities that do get something. So, Bay Arts Alliance, we are an arts organization downtown and runs the Center for the Arts, so a lot of the money raised tonight will go towards our programming. And then we also have the 501st Legion here,' Kretzer said. 'The 501st Legion is a cosplay organization that is dedicated to just spreading Star Wars love. And they don't get paid. They do it out of the love and passion for it. And so we'll collect money to push to a charity of their choice,' Kretzer added. If you missed tonight's exhibit, it will also be open Saturday. To find out about the other Star Wars activities this week, click here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
