Latest news with #OperationGideon'sChariot
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dawn French ‘dismisses' Oct 7 Hamas attacks
Credit: X/@Dawn_French 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'. 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. 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.' French has been approached for comment. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
The Journal
21-05-2025
- Politics
- The Journal
How an aid blockade and a warning that 14,000 babies could die heaped Western pressure on Israel
IN THE 19 months since Israel launched war on Gaza in response to the 7 October attacks, it seemed as though Israel was able to act with a good deal of impunity from western states. However, there has been a marked change in relations towards Israel this week following a stark warning about the aid blockade on Gaza and a new operation to 'destroy' and 'conquest' Gaza. Here's a timeline of the recent actions which have resulted in western governments exerting more pressure on Israel. Aid blockade Israel stopped all deliveries of humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to Gaza on 2 March . This prompted President Michael D Higgins to warn that 'we are now also seeing starvation being used as an instrument of war'. Palestinians struggle to get donated food at a community kitchen in Jabalia, northern Gaza. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo Israel then resumed its military offensive two weeks later, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas. Since Israel resumed its strikes on Gaza on 18 March, an estimated 3,340 people have been killed in Gaza, as the death toll in the region has surpassed 53,000. Gideon's Chariot Last Saturday, 17 May, Israel then launched Operation Gideon's Chariot, which reportedly includes a plan to seize full control of Gaza and relocate its entire population to a small southern enclave. The plan was approved on 5 May and with its approval came increasingly violent rhetoric from Israeli government figures towards Gaza. Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich remarked that Operation Gideon's Chariot would involve the 'conquest of the Gaza Strip'. 'Gaza will be entirely destroyed,' he added. This operation came less than a week after Hamas released Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander who had been held hostage for more than 19 months in the Gaza Strip . It was viewed as a goodwill gesture by Hamas towards the Trump administration and one that the group hoped could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel. 'When Edan Alexander was released, we thought that moment would open a door to end this tragedy,' Qatar's prime minister said yesterday. 'But the response was a more violent wave of strikes,' said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani. Indeed, this wave of strikes is reported to have resulted in US vice president JD Vance skipping a trip to Israel on his way home from the papal inauguration of Pope Leo XIV . Palestinians inspect site of Israeli airstrike on the European hospital in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip on 13 May, 2025. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo While the White House officially said 'logistical constraints' resulted in the visit being shelved, it is reported that the actual reason is that the Trump administration did not want to be seen as endorsing the Israeli decision to launch a massive operation in Gaza. Under pressure from the Trump administration and EU allies, Israel decided on Sunday to allow some aid into Gaza. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu suggested that he was only allowing aid in because 'images of mass starvation' could undermine Israel's war effort. He also said on Monday that Israel would 'take control of all the territory' of the Gaza Strip. Only five aid trucks entered Gaza the following day, 19 May, which was described by the EU as a 'drop in the ocean'. Joint UK, France and Canada statement In a rare joint statement on Monday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said they 'strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza'. The joint statement described the suffering in Gaza as 'intolerable' and called on the 'Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza'. The statement added: 'We have always supported Israel's right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.' It also expressed opposition to 'any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank' and threatened 'targeted sanctions'. Advertisement The UK yesterday issued sanctions on individuals and illegal settler outposts and organisations 'supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank'. Daniella Weiss is one of those included in the sanctions – she is the leader of Israel settler organisation Nachala. Daniella Weiss, head of the Nachala settler organisation. BBC BBC Sometimes referred to as the 'godmother of the settler movement', she featured in a recent BBC documentary by journalist Louis Theroux which explored the actions of Jewish settlers in the West Bank, also known as the Occupied Palestinian Territories. Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu labelled the joint statement by the UK, France and Canada a 'huge prize' for Hamas. Netanyahu also said that 'Israel accepts President Trump's vision and urges all European leaders to do the same'. By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state, the leaders in London, Ottowa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more… — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 19, 2025 This was an apparent reference to Trump's proposal in February to 'take over' the Gaza Strip and permanently resettle its Palestinian residents. The plan was swiftly rejected and denounced and Trump later walked back the remarks. Review of EU-Israel agreement Meanwhile, it was warned yesterday by the UN that up to 14,000 babies are at risk of imminent death due to a lack of aid. While Israel said 93 trucks had entered Gaza yesterday, the UN said the aid had been held up. It was also announced yesterday that the EU would review its political and economic agreement with Israel over the 'catastrophic' situation in Gaza. 'The aid that Israel has allowed in is of course welcomed, but it's a drop in the ocean,' said Kaja Kallas, the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy. She added that 'aid must flow immediately without obstruction and at scale because this is what is needed'. The EU-Israel Association Agreement came into force in 2000 and aims to facilitate political dialogue and economic cooperation between the EU and Israel. The EU is Israel's biggest trading partner, accounting for 32% of Israel's total trade in goods last year. Some 34.2% of Israel's imports came from the EU while, and 28.8% of the country's exports went to the EU. Kallas said the EU was acting after 'a strong majority' of its 27 member states backed the move in a bid to pressure Israel. Junior minister at the Department of Foreign Affairs Neale Richmond told Channel 4 News last night that the Irish government and member states want to see an 'immediate and full' reopening of humanitarian corridors for aid. Channel 4 News / YouTube And while declining to name which countries voted against the review, Richmond did go on to list 'Hungary, Czechia, Germany, Slovakia and Austria' as member states that have 'consistently' supported Israel during the war. While there is the possibility of the agreement being suspended following a review, it's unlikely there would be enough support for such a move. Richmond also called on other EU member states to 'move swiftly' to formally recognise the State of Palestine. UK halts trade talks with Israel Elsewhere, the UK also decided to halt trade talks with Israel yesterday, in addition to sanctioning those involved in supporting violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank. The UK's Foreign Secretary David Lammy condemned the aid blockade in Gaza and told the House of Commons that 'we cannot stand by in the face of this new deterioration'. Times News / YouTube 'Therefore today, I am announcing that we have suspended negotiations with this Israeli government on a new free trade agreement,' said Lammy. The UK had begun began negotiations to upgrade its existing free-trade agreement with Israel in 2022. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel fires back at UK over suspended trade talks, rejects ‘external pressure'
Israel's Foreign Ministry issued a fiery statement after the U.K. suspended free trade talks over Jerusalem's handling of the war in Gaza. The U.K. simultaneously imposed new sanctions on the West Bank as it condemned the "persistent cycle of serious violence undertaken by extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank." The ministry claimed that talks for a new U.K.-Israel free trade agreement were already at a standstill before London's announcement on Tuesday. Additionally, it accused the U.K. of harming its own citizens due to its "anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations." "Even prior to today's announcement, the free trade agreement negotiations were not being advanced at all by the current UK government," Israel's Foreign Ministry wrote. "More than that, the agreement would serve the mutual benefit of both countries. If, due to anti-Israel obsession and domestic political considerations, the British government is willing to harm the British economy – that is its own prerogative." Israel also slammed the additional sanctions on the West Bank in light of the recent death of Tzeela Gez, an Israeli woman who was shot and killed in a terror attack while she was en route to the hospital to give birth. The Israeli Foreign Ministry noted that doctors are still "fighting for her newborn's life." Israeli Ambassador Lashes Out At Un Official, Condemns Uk, France, Canada Statement On Aid The ministry dismissed the U.K.'s threats toward the end of the post, saying, "[T]he British Mandate ended exactly 77 years ago. External pressure will not divert Israel from its path in defending its existence and security against enemies who seek its destruction." Read On The Fox News App Hamas Captivity Survivors Appeal To Netanyahu, Trump After Edan Alexander's Release U.K. Foreign Minister David Lammy announced the suspension of trade talks as he addressed British lawmakers, saying Israel's latest offensive in Gaza, Operation Gideon's Chariot, marked a "dark new phase in this conflict." In his announcement, Lammy said "the Netanyahu government's actions have made this necessary." Lammy reiterated U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer's demand that Israel allow aid to flow into the Gaza Strip. In a joint statement from the U.K., France and Canada, the countries urged Israel to work with the United Nations to "ensure a return to delivery of aid in line with humanitarian principles." "If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response," the statement read. Israel stopped the flow of aid into the Gaza Strip 11 weeks ago, but has resumed allowing limited aid. Israeli U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told Fox News that the NGOs that are being allowed to distribute aid have ensured that Hamas has not infiltrated their ranks or taken aid meant for civilians. Israeli Foreign Minister Slams Un, Calls It 'Rotten, Anti-israel, And Antisemitic Body' While aid is being allowed to enter Gaza, Israel has faced backlash over the stringent restrictions, with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot saying it was "insufficient." Tom Fletcher, the U.N. undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs and emergency relief coordinator who recently accused Israel of committing genocide, described the aid as "a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed" and called for "significantly more aid" to Gaza. "We have been reassured that our work will be facilitated through existing, proven mechanisms. I am grateful for that reassurance, and Israel's agreement to humanitarian notification measures that reduce the immense security threats of the operation. I am determined that our aid reach those in greatest need, and that the risk of theft by Hamas or other armed groups is minimized," Fletcher said in a statement. Efrat Lachter contributed to this article source: Israel fires back at UK over suspended trade talks, rejects 'external pressure'
Miami Herald
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Miami Herald
Netanyahu says latest Gaza military offensive making progress toward ‘full control'
May 19 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that a four-day-old military ground offensive in Gaza was succeeding in bringing Israel closer to controlling the Palestinian enclave. "Intensive and large-scale military activity in Gaza" meant the Israeli military was "moving toward full control of the entire Strip," Netanyahu said as he hit back at criticism from Israel's far-right of his decision to end an 11-week aid-blockade. Netanyahu said he understood their concerns but warned that people starving in Gaza would only derail Israel's war aims of defeating Hamas and getting back the remaining hostages abducted from southern Israel in the Oct. 7 attacks. "It's important to know the facts. We must avoid a situation of famine, both in substance and in perception. If there is famine, we will lose international support and won't be able to achieve victory," Netanyahu said. While this had been the case whenever Israel halted humanitarian aid to prevent it falling into the hands of Hamas, he said Israel was "approaching the red line", with its allies and friends letting him know they "cannot handle images of starvation, of mass starvation." The iron grip delivered by Israel's massive military offensive, codenamed Operation Gideon's Chariot, would, in turn, allow the Israeli military to stop Hamas from stealing the aid being brought in, he added. Netanyahu announced Sunday that Israel would allow in minimal aid, "just enough to prevent hunger." His comments came amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes overnight targeting the Indonesian Hospital and the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza and the city of Khan Yunis in the south, with hospitals saying more than 100 people had been killed in the past day. Israel Defense Forces confirmed it had five divisions, around 50,000 troops, fighting for "complete control" and that it was moving the population out of harm's way. Evacuation orders were issued to residents of Khan Yunis, Bani Suhaila and Abasan governorates Monday morning, warning of an "unprecedented attack to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations in this area." "You must evacuate immediately west to the Mawasi [designated humanitarian] area. From this moment, Khan Yunis Governorate will be considered a dangerous combat zone. Terrorist organizations have brought you disaster. For your safety, evacuate immediately," IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee wrote in a post in Arabic on X. The 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza were at "critical risk" of famine, according tp the United Nations, while other aid agencies said Israel's aid blockade constituted a starvation policy which could be a war crime. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Netanyahu says latest Gaza military offensive making progress toward 'full control'
May 19 (UPI) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that a four-day-old military ground offensive in Gaza was succeeding in bringing Israel closer to controlling the Palestinian enclave. "Intensive and large-scale military activity in Gaza" meant the Israeli military was "moving toward full control of the entire Strip," Netanyahu said as he hit back at criticism from Israel's far-right of his decision to end an 11-week aid-blockade. Netanyahu said he understood their concerns but warned that people starving in Gaza would only derail Israel's war aims of defeating Hamas and getting back the remaining hostages abducted from southern Israel in the Oct. 7 attacks. "It's important to know the facts. We must avoid a situation of famine, both in substance and in perception. If there is famine, we will lose international support and won't be able to achieve victory," Netanyahu said. While this had been the case whenever Israel halted humanitarian aid to prevent it falling into the hands of Hamas, he said Israel was "approaching the red line", with its allies and friends letting him know they "cannot handle images of starvation, of mass starvation." The iron grip delivered by Israel's massive military offensive, codenamed Operation Gideon's Chariot, would, in turn, allow the Israeli military to stop Hamas from stealing the aid being brought in, he added. Netanyahu announced Sunday that Israel would allow in minimal aid, "just enough to prevent hunger." His comments came amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes overnight targeting the Indonesian Hospital and the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza and the city of Khan Yunis in the south, with hospitals saying more than 100 people had been killed in the past day. Israel Defense Forces confirmed it had five divisions, around 50,000 troops, fighting for "complete control" and that it was moving the population out of harm's way. Evacuation orders were issued to residents of Khan Yunis, Bani Suhaila and Abasan governorates Monday morning, warning of an "unprecedented attack to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organizations in this area." "You must evacuate immediately west to the Mawasi [designated humanitarian] area. From this moment, Khan Yunis Governorate will be considered a dangerous combat zone. Terrorist organizations have brought you disaster. For your safety, evacuate immediately," IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee wrote in a post in Arabic on X. The 2.1 million Palestinians living in Gaza were at "critical risk" of famine, according tp the United Nations, while other aid agencies said Israel's aid blockade constituted a starvation policy which could be a war crime.
