Latest news with #WestBank-based
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Why UK suspended free trade talks with Israel as tensions escalate over the Gaza war
The United Kingdom has suspended free trade negotiations with Israel amid mounting tensions over the ongoing war in Gaza, marking the most serious diplomatic rift between the two countries in decades. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced the decision in Parliament, condemning what he called 'repellent' and 'monstrous' rhetoric by senior Israeli ministers, including calls to 'purify Gaza' by forcibly expelling Palestinians. Lammy also criticized Israel for blocking humanitarian aid from entering the besieged strip, calling the actions morally unjustifiable and warning that such policies are damaging Israel's global reputation and standing. Israeli Ministers' 'purify Gaza' comments trigger tensions David Lammy's strongest condemnation was aimed at extremist rhetoric from within the Israeli government. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and other senior figures reportedly used language calling to 'cleanse' or 'purify' Gaza, suggesting the displacement of Palestinians to third countries. Lammy described these remarks as 'monstrous, repellent, and extremist,' warning that such views have no place in international diplomacy and are 'dangerously inflammatory. ' UK Government 's concerns over the Gaza aid The UK government expressed deep concern over Israel's refusal to allow thousands of humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, where civilians are facing mass displacement, starvation, and trauma. Lammy stated that fewer than 10 trucks had been allowed through recently, despite UN and WHO warnings of a looming humanitarian catastrophe. The UK joined international calls urging Israel to lift the blockade and allow aid to reach the most vulnerable populations. Israel's response Israel's Foreign Ministry responded harshly, accusing the UK of 'anti-Israel obsession.' Spokesperson Oren Marmorstein claimed Britain was harming its own economy for political optics and dismissed the move as symbolic. He asserted that Israel would not be swayed by external pressure in its military and security operations, defending the ongoing actions as necessary for national defence against Hamas. Trade and diplomatic ties reassessed In addition to suspending the trade talks, the UK is now reviewing its broader strategic roadmap with Israel. L ammy indicated that further actions, including sanctions and arms export restrictions, are being considered in coordination with international partners. Three Israeli settlers and four West Bank-based entities have already been sanctioned for human rights violations. However, some MPs are pressing for even more decisive action, including a recognition of Palestinian statehood and a total arms embargo. Growing political divide in the UK parliament Lammy's statement received strong backing from Labour backbenchers and some Conservative MPs, though others expressed frustration that the UK government's response remained largely symbolic. Calls were made for concrete steps such as halting arms sales and taking a tougher stance at the United Nations. Critics argued that powerful rhetoric must be backed with meaningful policy changes to influence Israeli behavior and alleviate Palestinian suffering. The UK's decision to suspend free trade talks with Israel highlights growing international concern over the intensifying conflict in Gaza and the worsening humanitarian crisis. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have reached a low point, with strong criticism of Israeli ministerial comment and aid restrictions. While the UK cites moral and humanitarian obligations, Israel defends its actions as necessary for national security. This marks a significant moment in their bilateral ties, raising questions about the future direction of diplomacy. Whether this pause results in constructive dialogue or deepens divisions will depend on actions taken by both sides in the coming weeks.
Axios
13-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
New Orleans' grocery wars: Costco rises as Walmart dips
Costco grew its market share of grocery shoppers in New Orleans last year, while Walmart's slightly shrunk. Why it matters: We all have to eat. The big picture: Walmart held onto its title as the most popular grocery chain in New Orleans metro, according to Chain Store Guide, which tracks the retail and food service industries. Walmart had 38.2% of market share in 2024, down from 39.2% the previous year. Costco, which opened a second store in the region last year in Covington, made a notable climb up the chart. It went from 4% to 7.8%. Sam's, Winn-Dixie, Whole Foods, Dollar General and Target were the other heavy hitters. Zoom in: The Top 10 list is dominated by national chains, but three local brands made the cut. Thibodaux-based Rouses Markets slightly lost market share, dipping from 12.4% to 12.1%. Dorignac's, a family-owned store in Metairie, held steady at 1.5%. And, Laborie's Budget Saver cracked the Top 10 list this year. The West Bank-based brand has four locations. The intrigue: Trader Joe's, Aldi, Robért, Breaux Mart, Fresh Market, Langenstein's and Zuppardo's each had 1% market share or less. Aldi has made in-roads in South Louisiana after buying several Winn-Dixie locations in metro New Orleans. It converted the W-D store on Airline Highway in Metairie into an Aldi and is the process of flipping the MacArthur location on the West Bank. By the numbers: Dollar General has the most stores (84) of any retailers on Top 10 list, the data shows. Then it is Walmart (24), Winn-Dixie (19), Rouses (19), Target (5), Sam's (5), Aldi (5), Whole Foods (4) and Budget Saver (4). Between the lines: Family Dollar has 45 locations in the region and only 1.25% market share for grocery shoppers.
Arab News
28-04-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
15 media workers killed in Gaza 2025: Palestinian Journalists Syndicate
LONDON: At least 15 media workers have been killed in Gaza since the start of 2025, according to a new report released by the Palestinian Journalists Syndicate. The report, published over the weekend by the syndicate's Freedoms Committee, which monitors Israeli violations against journalists, highlighted the continued direct targeting of media workers. Seven journalists were killed in January and eight in March, the report stated. In addition, family members of 17 journalists were killed, while 12 reporters' homes were destroyed by rocket and shell attacks, with 11 injured in the assaults. The report noted that violence against media crews extended beyond fatal attacks. It documented the arrest of 15 journalists, either at their homes or while on assignment. Some were released within hours or days, while others remain in detention. The syndicate also recorded 49 death threats issued against journalists, many of whom were warned to evacuate the areas they were covering. Legal harassment intensified as well, with the report citing over 10 cases in which journalists — mostly from the West Bank-based Al-Quds newspaper — were summoned for interrogation and banned from reporting near Al-Aqsa Mosque and Jerusalem's Old City. In the occupied West Bank, approximately 117 journalists faced physical assaults, repression, or reporting bans, particularly in Jenin and Jerusalem. The committee also documented 16 cases of work equipment being confiscated or destroyed. The violence against journalists comes amid a renewed Israeli military campaign in Gaza following the collapse of a ceasefire deal with Hamas. Israeli forces have intensified their offensive, cutting off vital supplies to Gaza's 2.3 million residents, leaving the enclave on the brink of famine. Israel's actions are now the subject of hearings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where Tel Aviv faces accusations of violating international law by restricting humanitarian aid to Gaza. The humanitarian toll has been devastating. According to Gaza's Health Ministry, more than 61,700 people have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched its offensive on Oct. 7, 2023. More than 14,000 others are missing and presumed dead, with civilians making up the vast majority of casualties. Washington-based press watchdog, the Committee to Protect Journalists, has also raised alarm over the scale of media worker deaths, reporting that at least 176 journalists — almost all Palestinian — have been killed since Israel launched its assault on the Occupied Territories.
Epoch Times
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Epoch Times
Palestinian Authority President Calls on Hamas to Lay Down Arms
Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas called on Wednesday for Hamas to lay down arms and hand over the running of Gaza to his organization. The veteran leader urged the move as part of efforts to answer international doubts over the authority's role and capabilities in the wake of the unrest that has gripped the region for almost two years. 'Hamas must hand over [its] Gaza responsibilities and hand over its arms to the responsibility of the Palestinian Authority (PA) and transform into a political party,' Abbas said. He was speaking at a PA leadership council where he is expected to name a successor this week, amid pressure from Western and Arab nations, who are concerned that the West Bank-based group may not be able to play a viable role in securing peace. While the 89-year-old politician has in the past called on his rival Hamas to put its forces under the authority's control, he has not done so since the start of the war in Gaza. Hostilities broke out after Hamas terrorists killed around 1,200 people and seized about 250 hostages in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Related Stories 4/21/2025 4/18/2025 Abbas has previously criticized the attack, which he said gave Israel a pretext to destroy Gaza. Diplomatic efforts to formulate a plan for Gaza's future have focused on pushing aside Hamas, but Israel has also said it will not accept any role for the PA, which notionally runs the other Palestinian enclave of the West Bank. Hamas kicked the authority out of Gaza during a short civil war in 2007. The terrorist group has refused calls by Israel and the United States to lay down its arms. Abbas made his latest remarks while speaking to the Central Council of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which holds observer status at the United Nations as the legitimate representative of the Palestinian people and is the dominant force within the authority. Abbas took the helm of the Palestinian leadership following the death of PLO leader Yasser Arafat in 2004. For years, Abbas has resisted naming any deputy or successor, but the war between Hamas and Israeli forces in Gaza has intensified pressure on him to clarify succession. Last month, Arab states proposed a post-war plan for Gaza to be temporarily run by a committee before being returned to the PA's control. Washington, the European Union, and the Gulf states, who are expected to play a role in financing the post-war reconstruction of Gaza, have repeatedly called for reform of the authority. Abbas's comments come just days after The leader of the terrorist group's negotiating team, Khalil Al-Hayya, said in a televised speech on April 17 that it would not agree to more partial deals with Israel. He demanded instead a comprehensive plan to end the war and swap Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Israel had sought the release of 10 living hostages in return for a 45-day cease-fire, according to The Times of Israel. Israel also offered to free 1,231 Palestinian security prisoners and resume the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, according to the outlet. The terrorist group still holds 59 Israelis, with up to 24 believed to be alive. Israel seeks the return of the bodies of dead hostages as well. Hamas has already rejected one of Israel's conditions: That it lay down its arms. In his speech, Hayya accused Israel of offering a counterproposal with 'impossible conditions.' Hamas released 38 hostages under a cease-fire that began on Jan. 19. In March, Israel's military resumed its ground and aerial offensive on Gaza, abandoning the cease-fire after Hamas rejected proposals to extend the truce without ending the war. Israeli officials say that the offensive will continue until the remaining 59 hostages are returned and Gaza is demilitarized. Hamas says it will free hostages only as part of a deal to end the war and has rejected demands to disarm. Dan Berger contributed to this report.
Nahar Net
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Nahar Net
Palestinian foreign ministry slams Gaza 'intrusion' by Netanyahu
by Naharnet Newsdesk 7 hours The Palestinian foreign ministry on Wednesday condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Gaza the previous day, in which he vowed to keep up Israel's offensive against Hamas. "The provocative incursion by Benjamin Netanyahu into northern Gaza, along with his accompanying statements, is intended to prolong and intensify the crimes of genocide and forced displacement" in the Palestinian territory, the West Bank-based ministry said in a statement.
