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See - Sada Elbalad
a day ago
- Politics
- See - Sada Elbalad
Italian Region "Tuscany" Cuts Ties with Israel
Taarek Refaat The Tuscany region of Italy announced the severance of ties with Israel following a vote by the regional council. Earlier, in a speech delivered at a concert held by the Teatro San Carlo Orchestra, conducted by maestro Richard Frezza, in honor of the diplomatic corps accredited to Rome on the occasion of Republic Day, Italian President Sergio Mattarella delivered a powerful humanitarian message about the tragic situation in the Gaza Strip. He described the suffering of the Strip's residents—from children to the elderly—as "inhumane and dangerous," according to the Italian news agency Nova. Mattarella stressed the need for the Israeli army to open the way for international organizations to operate in Gaza, in order to ensure the full flow of humanitarian aid to civilians suffering from hunger and blockade. He warned that the continuation of this situation portends dangerous consequences. The Italian President pointed to what he described as "the erosion of the lands attributed to the Palestinian National Authority," considering this course of action a real threat to the two-state solution. He emphasized that the Palestinians have the right to a recognized homeland within clear borders, while affirming that Israel's security is a fundamental element in any future settlement. He also considered that sowing suffering in the region fuels resentment and threatens to undermine the prospects for political solutions. Mattarella emphasized that "the refusal to apply the standards of international humanitarian law to the people of Gaza is unacceptable," calling for an immediate ceasefire and warning that the current crisis is contributing to the rise of anti-Semitism around the world. In a broader perspective, the Italian President expressed his deep concern about the threats to the decades-old global order, saying that "an international order based on mutual respect is essential to avoid conflicts and direct resources towards the major challenges facing humanity, such as sustainable development." Mattarella also recalled the war in Ukraine, affirming Italy's "firm and resolute" support for Kyiv and emphasizing the importance of working for a "just, comprehensive, and lasting peace." He concluded his remarks by emphasizing that Italian Republic Day, which falls on June 2, embodies the Italian people's choice for peace, freedom, and independence, under the banner of rejecting violence. He emphasized that Italian foreign policy, since the founding of the Republic, has been based on rejecting the concept of "the enemy," encouraging dialogue, and strengthening international organizations that seek to achieve peace and justice. read more Gold prices rise, 21 Karat at EGP 3685 NATO's Role in Israeli-Palestinian Conflict US Expresses 'Strong Opposition' to New Turkish Military Operation in Syria Shoukry Meets Director-General of FAO Lavrov: confrontation bet. nuclear powers must be avoided News Iran Summons French Ambassador over Foreign Minister Remarks News Aboul Gheit Condemns Israeli Escalation in West Bank News Greek PM: Athens Plays Key Role in Improving Energy Security in Region News One Person Injured in Explosion at Ukrainian Embassy in Madrid News China Launches Largest Ever Aircraft Carrier Sports Former Al Zamalek Player Ibrahim Shika Passes away after Long Battle with Cancer Lifestyle Get to Know 2025 Eid Al Adha Prayer Times in Egypt News Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly Inaugurates Two Indian Companies Business Fear & Greed Index Plummets to Lowest Level Ever Recorded amid Global Trade War Arts & Culture Zahi Hawass: Claims of Columns Beneath the Pyramid of Khafre Are Lies News Flights suspended at Port Sudan Airport after Drone Attacks News Shell Unveils Cost-Cutting, LNG Growth Plan Videos & Features Video: Trending Lifestyle TikToker Valeria Márquez Shot Dead during Live Stream Technology 50-Year Soviet Spacecraft 'Kosmos 482' Crashes into Indian Ocean
Irish Independent
22-05-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Israeli army firing at Irish diplomats is a clear breach of law, Tánaiste Simon Harris says
'The two diplomats have been confirmed as safe,' Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Harris confirmed. Mr Harris has been in touch directly with Feilim McLaughlin, the Representative of Ireland to the Palestinian National Authority, who was involved in the incident earlier today in Jenin town, to convey his full support and best wishes to him and his team who are based in Ramallah. A senior official in his department has been in touch with Israel's non-resident ambassador to Ireland Erlich to deliver his strongest condemnation and concerns over the incident via what is known as a démarche, or official communication. The ambassador was informed that Ireland regards this incident to be a clear breach of obligations under international law with regards to the protection of diplomats. The ambassador was informed that what had happened should not be characterised as an "inconvenience" as it had been referred to by the IDF earlier today when it expressed regret for what had happened. The ambassador was asked to register with Israeli authorities Ireland's fullest possible condemnation of the incident and that a full explanation of what had happened be provided. Mr Harris described the incident as 'utterly reprehensible' and said the Irish Government wants an investigation and full accountability for whoever in the IDF is responsible. He said it constituted "a clear breach" of law and Israel's obligations. Speaking to RTÉ's Morning Ireland, he said it appears the Israeli Defence Forces do not fully understand "the scale and gravity of what they did towards diplomats from a number of countries yesterday". "There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that this is the latest in a trend of intimidatory behaviour by the Israeli Defence Forces, in this case, towards diplomats from Ireland, other European countries and other parts of the world, and also in recent days, towards our peacekeepers in Lebanon," he said. Mr Harris said the IDF would have been notified of the visit in advance, which he described as "quite routine" and "part and parcel of their representative work, where they'd visit refugee camps in the area". "The governor of Jenin was apparently addressing the diplomats and updating them on the situation in relation to refugees. When that address came to an end and the group of diplomats was about to disperse, my understanding from talking to our Head of Mission is that a number of members of the Israeli Defense Forces stepped forward and fired shots above their head. "Now, whether these are called 'warning shots' or whatever nice words that the Israeli Defence Forces wish to try and put on it, they were still shots, and you do not fire shots at diplomats. "It's a clear breach of law, it's a clear breach of the obligation that Israel has to protect diplomats and I do think some of the 'whataboutery' that we've heard in recent hours, it doesn't really show the IDF understanding the scale and the gravity of what they did towards diplomats from a number of countries yesterday, including from Ireland." Mr Harris said he joined the EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, in calling for a "full investigation and accountability". "We intend to pursue this. Out of my instruction, we made contact with the Israeli ambassador to Ireland - now non-resident - last night, and conveyed this too." The Israeli military said that it fired near the diplomatic delegation which it said deviated from an approved route in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday. The military said "the delegation deviated from the approved route and entered an area where they were not authorised to be" and that soldiers fired "warning shots to distance them away." No injuries or damage were reported, the military said. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, said she had heard about the incident which happened on a visit by international diplomats organised by the Palestinian Authority. "We definitely call on Israel to investigate this incident and also held these accountable who are responsible for this and any threats on diplomats' lives," she said. The Spanish Foreign Ministry said a Spaniard was among the group of diplomats, who was unhurt. "We are in contact with other affected countries to jointly coordinate a response to what happened, which we strongly condemn," it said in a statement. The Palestinian Authority's Foreign Ministry said "the delegation was undertaking an official mission to observe and assess the humanitarian situation and document the ongoing violations perpetrated by" Israel. The ministry called the Israeli military's actions a violation of international law. Footage on Israeli television showed individuals running to vehicles with diplomatic license plates as shots were heard in the distance. The Israeli military has killed dozens of Palestinians and destroyed many homes in the West Bank since it launched an operation in January in the city of Jenin to root out militants. This comes as a plan to ban imports from the Occupied Territories will be signed off by Cabinet ministers next week. Tánaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister, Simon Harris, told the Dáil the law to ban imports is 'well progressed' and he will bring proposals to Government next week. 'I can inform the house today that work on this legislation is well progressed within my own department and it is my intention to bring a memorandum to Government on this next week,' he told the Dáil. 'We have used every lever at Ireland's disposal and we will continue to do so, both building on the progress achieved yesterday from the achievement of majority support for a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement and through our own legislation to prohibit imports from illegal settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.' The opposition has called on the Government to enact Senator Frances Black's Occupied Territories bill, but the Government has said her proposed laws would not be constitutional. Instead, the Government is bringing in its own version of the Occupied Territories bill. 'The Government's analysis was that substantive amendments would be required to most, if not all, of the Bill's provisions in order to bring it in line with the Constitution and to try to reduce the risk of EU infringement procedures,' Mr Harris said. 'Until hunger in Gaza is consigned to memory, until all remaining hostages are back with their families, until hospitals and schools in Gaza are fully functioning, until the hopes of Palestinian children turn into their realities, and until we see two states – Israel and Palestine – co-existing in peace and security, Ireland will double down.' The Tánaiste told Cabinet ministers yesterday he intends to write to the newly established Committee on Defence in the Oireachtas and ask for pre-legislative scrutiny on laws to unravel the triple lock to be sped up so it can be completed before the summer. 'We need much more. We need action, we need sanctions, we need an end to the arming and funding of Israel's war machine,' Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald told the Dáil. 'Words are not enough, neither weasel words or carefully-crafted platitudes as a refugee population is being decimated. Calls for restraint won't cut it either, action is needed.' Sinn Féin has put forward legislation today to stop Ireland's involvement in the sale of Israeli war bonds. Ms McDonald said it is an 'obscenity' that the Irish Central Bank oversees the sale of Israeli war bonds across the EU, adding that it is 'completely at odds' with Ireland's own position. The Sinn Féin legislation aims to give the finance minister the power to stop the Irish Central Bank from facilitating the sale of Israeli war bonds across the EU. To be sold in the EU, bonds from non-EU countries must have their bond prospectus, which is a legal document setting out details of the bond, approved by the Central Bank of a country that is in the EU. Before Brexit, the UK carried out this work for Israel. After the UK left the EU, Israel chose Ireland to be its 'home country' for this purpose, meaning the Irish Central Bank is seen as responsible for approving its bond prospectus. Sinn Féin said Israel has raised about €12bn globally through the sale of bonds since Ireland became the 'home country' and since the beginning of the war in Gaza.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Trump suggests US ‘take' Gaza, make it ‘freedom zone'
President Trump on Thursday suggested the U.S. would look to take control of the Gaza Strip and turn it into a 'freedom zone,' highlighting one of his more controversial foreign policy proposals during a visit to Qatar. 'I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good. Make it a freedom zone, let the United States get involved, and make it just a freedom zone' Trump said during a business roundtable. 'I'd be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone, let some good things happen. Put people in homes where they can be safe, and Hamas is going to have to be dealt with,' Trump added. Qatar has played host to periodic ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in an attempt to stop the fighting between the two sides but so far negotiations have been at a stalemate as bombings continue. The president earlier this year first proposed the idea of the U.S. taking control of Gaza, which has been devastated by Israeli military strikes as it carries out its campaign against Hamas following October 2023 terrorist attacks by the group that killed more than 1,000 Israelis. Trump has previously suggested Palestinians living in Gaza would relocate elsewhere in the region while the U.S. rebuilt the strip. He has brushed off questions about how the U.S. would takeover the territory, though he previously floated that Israel would turn it over at the conclusion of its war with Hamas. The idea has drawn pushback from the head of the Palestinian National Authority, as well as from U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
The Hill
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hill
Trump suggests US ‘take' Gaza, make it ‘freedom zone'
President Trump on Thursday suggested the U.S. would look to take control of the Gaza Strip and turn it into a 'freedom zone,' highlighting one of his more controversial foreign policy proposals during a visit to Qatar. 'I have concepts for Gaza that I think are very good. Make it a freedom zone, let the United States get involved, and make it just a freedom zone' Trump said during a business roundtable. 'I'd be proud to have the United States have it, take it, make it a freedom zone, let some good things happen. Put people in homes where they can be safe, and Hamas is going to have to be dealt with,' Trump added. Qatar has played host to periodic ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas in an attempt to stop the fighting between the two sides but so far negotiations have been at a stalemate as bombings continue. The president earlier this year first proposed the idea of the U.S. taking control of Gaza, which has been devastated by Israeli military strikes as it carries out its campaign against Hamas following October 2023 terrorist attacks by the group that killed more than 1,000 Israelis. Trump has previously suggested Palestinians living in Gaza would relocate elsewhere in the region while the U.S. rebuilt the strip. He has brushed off questions about how the U.S. would takeover the territory, though he previously floated that Israel would turn it over at the conclusion of its war with Hamas. The idea has drawn pushback from the head of the Palestinian National Authority, as well as from U.S. allies like Saudi Arabia.
Egypt Today
10-05-2025
- Politics
- Egypt Today
Egypt's Foreign Minister Meets Palestinian Vice President, Reaffirms Cairo's Ceasefire Mediation Efforts in Gaza
Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Badr Abdelatty, met on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with newly appointed Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh - press photo CAIRO – 10 May 2025: Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Emigration, Badr Abdelatty, met on Saturday, May 10, 2025, with newly appointed Palestinian Vice President Hussein Al-Sheikh during the latter's first official visit to Egypt since assuming his post. Ambassador Tamim Khallaf, Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Minister Abdelatty warmly welcomed Vice President Al-Sheikh and reiterated Egypt's unwavering support for the Palestinian National Authority and the reform efforts recently announced by the Palestinian President at the extraordinary Arab Summit in Cairo. Minister Abdelatty reaffirmed Egypt's continued mediation—alongside Qatar and the United States—to achieve a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. He also emphasized Egypt's relentless efforts to facilitate the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza amid an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis. The Minister strongly condemned Israel's use of starvation as a method of collective punishment. Abdelatty also addressed the need for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, in line with the Arab-Islamic plan. He reviewed the latest preparations for Egypt's upcoming hosting of an international conference on Gaza's reconstruction, in cooperation with the United Nations and the Palestinian government. The spokesperson added that the Foreign Minister stressed the urgency of creating a credible political horizon that can lead to a two-state solution—establishing an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He emphasized that this is the only path to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli conflict and securing long-term peace and stability in the region. For his part, Vice President Al-Sheikh expressed deep appreciation for Egypt's steadfast support of the Palestinian people and their legitimate cause. He commended Cairo's ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire, deliver humanitarian assistance, and contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza.
