Latest news with #ex-Israeli
Straits Times
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Straits Times
Faishal Ibrahim agrees with ex-Israeli PM that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza
Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim speaking to the media at an event at Changi Airport to send off 44 pilgrims to the annual Haj in Mecca in Saudi Arabia, on May 31. PHOTO: BERITA HARIAN Faishal Ibrahim agrees with ex-Israeli PM that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza SINGAPORE – Acting Minister-in-charge of Muslim Affairs Faishal Ibrahim on May 31 said he agreed with former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert that Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza. 'It pains me to say this, considering Israel's contributions to Singapore in our early years,' Associate Professor Faishal told reporters at an event at Changi Airport to send off 44 pilgrims to the annual haj in Mecca in Saudi Arabia. 'But I think we need to be frank. I fear an increasing number of people worldwide will agree with Mr Ehud, including myself.' On May 27, The Guardian reported on an opinion piece Mr Ehud had written for the Israeli newspaper and website Haaretz. The 12th prime minister of Israel, from 2006 to 2009, had said Israel was committing war crimes in Gaza, with thousands of innocent Palestinians and many Israeli soldiers being killed. Mr Ehud said the government of Israel was waging a war without purpose, without goals or clear planning and with no chances of success. 'What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation: the indiscriminate, limitless, cruel and criminal killing of civilians... Yes, Israel is committing war crimes,' Mr Ehud wrote. Prof Faishal had been asked about a statement by Prime Minister Lawrence Wong on May 30 that Israel may be in breach of international law by restricting the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. He reiterated that the Singapore Government believes Israel's actions are likely to be in breach of international humanitarian law. 'PM Wong spoke about the situation in Gaza yesterday, he said plainly that Israel has gone too far,' said Prof Faishal, who is also Senior Minister of State for Home Affairs. 'In particular, the restrictions it has imposed on the delivery of humanitarian supplies to Gaza are completely unacceptable.' PM Wong had said that while Singapore had always said Israel had the right to defend itself, it had gone too far and its actions had caused a terrible humanitarian disaster. He and French President Emmanuel Macron spoke on the Gaza conflict at a joint press conference to announce the upgrading of both countries' relationship across several domains including defence, intelligence and nuclear power. Mr Macron had said France could harden its position on Israel if it continued to block humanitarian aid to Gaza, and France may consider applying sanctions against Israeli settlers. Prof Faishal said the Singapore Government has joined many countries to strongly urge an immediate cease fire, the protection of civilian lives, the return of hostages and the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid. He added: 'If you reflect, Zulhijjah is a month where most Muslims turn their eyes to Mecca as millions perform their haj. That's what we saw today. However, in recent years, the focus in the Middle East has been Palestine.' The situation there, especially in Gaza, is deeply painful, he added. He said: 'The suffering of the Palestinian civilians in occupied territories, including children, is unbearable. 'As we increase our worship during this sacred month of haj, please pray for the safety of our haj pilgrims and remember the Palestinians who are in pain and are suffering. Let's also be thankful for the peace and cohesion we have enjoyed in Singapore for decades.' Prof Faishal added he was particularly thankful that leaders like former president Halimah Yacob have spoken about the crisis in Gaza and have helped all Singaporeans think of the tragedy with compassion and grace. Since March 2, Israel has imposed a near-total blockade on humanitarian aid and commercial supplies to Gaza after the breakdown of a two-month ceasefire. The Gaza war was sparked by Hamas' October 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Out of 251 hostages seized during the attack, 57 remain in Gaza, including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. The Health Ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said on May 29 that at least 3,986 people had been killed in the territory since Israel ended the ceasefire on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 54,249, mostly civilians. Join ST's WhatsApp Channel and get the latest news and must-reads.
Middle East Eye
6 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Hamas, Israel review new truce proposal by mediator of Edan Alexander release: Al Mayadeen
Hamas and Israel are looking into a newly proposed cease fire deal that was put forward by the mediator , who had facilitated the release of ex-Israeli captive Edan Alexander, the Lebanese newspaper Al Mayadeen said on Monday quoting a senior Palestinian official. According to the source, the proposal, which was submitted by Palestinian-American activist Bishara Bahbah, reportedly includes the release of 10 Israeli captives in two stages over the course of a 60-day cease-fire. Hamas agrees to release only five living captives and five bodies in two phases and a 70-day cease fire, on its first and seventh days. It also demands the entrance of 1,000 humanitarian aid trucks daily to Gaza Strip. The two parties are expected to discuss a Hamas agreement in order to 'refrain from any military action against Israel or attempt to arm itself, as well as US guaranteed negotiations on ending the war,' reports the Israeli media outlet Haaretz. The US proposal includes extending the cease fire if the negotiations last. The formation of a transitional government in Gaza, and rebuilding the strip will also be discussed.
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First Post
15-05-2025
- First Post
Who was Valeria Marquez, Mexican influencer shot dead during TikTok livestream?
Valeria Marquez, a 23-year-old Mexican model and social media influencer, was shot dead while livestreaming from her beauty salon in the country's western state of Jalisco. She appeared to be speaking to someone off-camera, reportedly a delivery person, when she was suddenly shot and collapsed on the spot. State officials are treating her death as a possible case of femicide, a gender-based killing where women are targeted because of their gender read more She was a 23-year-old social media influencer, known for sharing beauty and makeup content online. Reuters Mexican model and social media influencer Valeria Marquez was shot dead while livestreaming on TikTok after a gunman on a motorbike opened fire at the salon she was in. Visuals from the attack in Mexico's Jalisco showed Valeria briefly looking out of the window before she was hit, once in the chest and twice in the head. Paramedics arrived quickly at the scene, but Valeria was declared dead on the spot. ALSO READ | Freed from Hamas, drugged & raped by fitness influencer: The harrowing tale of ex-Israeli hostage STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Since the incident, her social media pages have been filled with messages of grief and disbelief. Who was Valeria Marquez? How was she killed, and what do we know about the person who shot her? Here's what we know so far. Let's take a look: Who was Valeria Márquez? She was a 23-year-old social media influencer, known for sharing beauty and makeup content online. At the time of her death, she had 149,000 followers on Instagram and more than 114,000 on TikTok. Many of her followers left messages of shock and sadness in the comments of her recent posts, according to People Magazine. She was shot while livestreaming from her beauty salon, Blossom the Beauty Lounge, located in the western Mexican state of Jalisco. Paramedics arrived quickly at the scene, but Valeria was declared dead on the spot. X In the video, Valeria is seen smiling and glancing out of the window before being shot once in the chest and twice in the head. She seemed to be speaking to a delivery person off-camera when she was suddenly shot. She collapsed and died on the spot. The attack took place inside a salon in Zapopan, a municipality on the outskirts of Guadalajara. Police have launched an investigation and sealed off the salon. A search is currently underway to find the person responsible. Moments before she was shot dead Just before the shooting, Valeria was seen on her TikTok livestream sitting at a table, holding a stuffed toy. She was heard saying, 'they're coming,' followed by a voice in the background calling out, 'Hey, Vale?' 'Yes,' she responded, before muting the livestream's sound. Mexican beauty influencer smiling moments before she's shot DEAD 23yo Valeria Márquez's death livestreamed, investigated as FEMICIDE Jalisco state is one of Mexico's most violent — RT (@RT_com) May 14, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moments later, she was shot and killed. Someone then picked up her phone, and their face was briefly visible on the livestream before it ended. Earlier during the same livestream, Valeria mentioned that someone had come to the salon when she was not there and tried to deliver an 'expensive gift.' She said she was not planning to wait for the person to return, and appeared uneasy about the situation. Who shot Valeria Márquez? Who is Ricardo Ruiz Velazco? Prosecutors in Jalisco are still investigating the killing. The area is known to be under the strong influence of the Jalisco Nueva Generacion Cartel (CJNG). Local media outlet Milenio, quoting sources, reported that Ricardo Ruiz Velazco, also known by the names 'El Doble RR', 'RR', or 'El Tripa', may be connected to Marquez's killing. According to the report, Velazco was in a relationship with Marquez for several months and was reportedly angry over the expensive gifts she received from her fans. Mexican beauty influencer Valeria Marquez, 23, was fatally shot during a livestream at her beauty salon in Puerto Vallarta. A man on a motorbike entered, posing as a delivery rider, and shot her once in the chest and twice in the head. Police have not yet determined a motive.… — Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) May 14, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Authorities have not commented on the report, and it remains unclear whether Velazco has been arrested. Milenio also reported that Velazco is a leader of an armed group linked to the CJNG. State officials have said they are treating Marquez's death as a possible case of femicide, a type of gender-based killing where women are targeted because of their gender. According to Mexican authorities, femicide can include acts involving extreme violence, sexual assault, a connection between the victim and the killer, or cases where the victim's body is left in a public place. According to the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mexico is tied with Paraguay, Uruguay, and Bolivia for having the fourth-highest femicide rate in the region, with 1.3 deaths per 100,000 women in 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Jalisco ranks sixth among Mexico's 32 states, including Mexico City, in terms of homicides, with 906 cases recorded since President Claudia Sheinbaum took office in October 2024, according to TResearch. Rights groups have criticised Mexico's broader response to homicides. Human Rights Watch Americas Director Juanita Goebertus told CNN that one of the key problems is the lack of capacity among authorities to investigate cases properly and protect both victims and witnesses. With inputs from agencies
Scottish Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Scottish Sun
Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped & kidnapped innocents will be hanged in first Israeli death penalty in six decades
It would be the first time Israel has executed anyone since the only time it did so in 1962 TO THE GALLOWS Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped & kidnapped innocents will be hanged in first Israeli death penalty in six decades Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVIL Hamas terrorists who slaughtered, raped and tortured innocent civilians on October 7 are set to be executed, prosecutors told The Sun. It will be the first time Israel has exercised the death penalty in more than 60 years in a testament to the depth of depravity of the terror group's crimes. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Hamas terrorists holding up guns. Stock picture Credit: APAImages / Polaris 7 Kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel was decimated by Hamas on October 7, 2023 Credit: Katie Davis for The Sun 7 The community remains in ruins a year and a half on Credit: Katie Davis for The Sun Israeli intelligence officers have worked tirelessly to scour piles of evidence collected since Hamas triggered war in October 2023. Agents have been putting together a compelling case to charge multiple monsters who murdered and assaulted citizens after tearing through Israel's defences. Evidence found on laptops seized during military operations in Gaza has allowed intelligence chiefs to compile a strong case to go to trial. At least 22 Hamas terrorists are set to be charged - all of whom attacked kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the worst hit sites of the atrocity. The kibbutz, just a mile from the Gaza border, was attacked from three directions and Hamas brutes killed at random. Spineless terrorists torched homes as families cowered inside before dragging hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her son Ariel and Kfir and Oded Lifshitz, back to Gaza. Their bodies were sickeningly released in a stomach-churning ceremony earlier this year. Israel's leading prosecutors believe that because of the callous nature of Hamas' crimes, the beasts will likely be executed. Sources involved in the case confirmed to The Sun those found guilty could be sent to the gallows and hanged. It would be the first time the country has executed anyone since the only time it did so in 1962, when wicked Nazi Adolf Eichmann was executed. I visited kibbutz where Hamas terrorists slaughtered families & left trail of carnage… what I saw made my blood run cold Military prosecutor Alan Baker, who has been a judge on scores of high-profile terrorist cases, said Israel is also no longer concerned by international pressure in dealing with these matters. Baker, former legal adviser to Israel's Foreign Office and ex-Israeli ambassador to Canada, told The Sun: "About 30 years ago, I was the prosecutor on the trial of a particularly nasty and cruel terrorist, and I managed to get him convicted with the death penalty. "It wasn't carried out at the time, because of a theory that it could encourage terrorists to do more horrific acts, if they feel like they are going to die anyway. "There is of course, also always the concern of what the international community thinks too. "In these particular cases, because of the cruel nature of these atrocities, I don't think the sensitivity of what world will think will be considered, as there is now the feeling that the rest of the world inevitably hate us whatever we do. 'We are still as hated as we were eighty years ago. 'These people not only crossed the border illegally, but there are thousands of residents of Gaza who tagged along, who stole whatever they liked, televisions, etc. and set fire to houses. What happened to the Bibas family? HAMAS terrorists kidnapped the Bibas family from their home in Nir Oz during the horror October 7 assault. Yarden Bibas was abducted separately from his wife Shiri and son Ariel, four, and nine-month-old Kfir. They were hauled to Gaza where they were held hostage. Shiri's parents were both killed in the attack on the kibbutz. Shiri and her boys - the two youngest hostages taken from Israel on October 7 - became symbols of the hostage crisis. Late in 2023, Hamas claimed the mum and youngsters were killed in an Israeli airstrike without offering any proof. Israeli authorities were unable to confirm their deaths. Fears for Shiri, Ariel and Kfir grew as the months went by amid a lack of confirmation whether they were still alive or not. On February 1, Yarden was released amid the ceasefire after 484 days in captivity. Then on February 20, Hamas handed over coffins it said contained the bodies of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir. Ariel and Kfir's remains were verified by Israel, but the remains of the female did not match Shiri's DNA. Her body was finally handed back on the evening of February 21. Hundreds lined the streets for their funerals on February 26, with buildings and monuments around the world illuminated in orange as a tribute to the boys' hair colour. Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were buried alongside her parents in Tsoher Regional Cemetery. 'There is a vast array of offenses that have been committed, including the heavy stuff, rape and murders, and these crimes against humanity will have to be dealt with very seriously.' Baker, who now heads the international law program at the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs, has implored the prosecuting team to fully consider "the seriousness of these criminals". He added: "They committed these crimes in Israel, they invaded, they committed offences according to Israeli law, and this will have to be overseen by Israeli judges. 'I would tell them not to take into consideration what the Pope, the French government, the British etc will say, because inevitably whatever we do, whether we keep them in prison or we hang them, Israel will be condemned anyway. 'I trust they will do what they need to do, without looking at any external consideration. That is the last thing that should enter into the equation.' 7 Shiri's face became a symbol of the horrors of October 7, when she and the children were taken by Hamas Credit: Ian Whittaker 7 Kfir Bibas was just nine months when he was kidnapped Credit: Reuters As well as the 22 set for indictment, at least 300 more terrorists who took part in the October 7 attacks are being held in Israeli prisons. Maurice Hirsch, director of the Initiative for Palestinian Authority Accountability and Reform in the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, said the complexity of Israel's legal system means the cases could go in many directions. But because these are deemed the most horrific acts since the Holocaust, the death penalty upon conviction is the most likely outcome, he said. Hirsch, a senior legal analyst at Human Rights Voices, said: 'The death penalty may seem like a crazy scenario to contemplate, but it is very possible. "They should be subject to the death penalty, but it will depend on whether Israel will be able to withstand international pressure. 'There is a question of which crimes we prosecute for. If there is no specific one victim, and as they [the terrorists] don't even know who they've murdered, that could make things challenging. 'Where, when were they arrested? We can see if any of them can be linked to direct crimes. Fogs are still uncovering, but the country will do well if we can clear this up. 'It would be convenient if we could isolate 22 cases, but if I was a defense lawyer, I would ask for the evidence of mass murder.' More than a quarter of the kibbutz's residents were either killed or taken hostage in one of the most vile atrocities on October 7. Per capita, Nir Oz suffered the most bloodshed and damage. 7 Oded Lifshitz's body was released in a coffin in a vile ceremony alongside the Bibas children Credit: Getty
The Sun
03-05-2025
- Politics
- The Sun
Hamas terrorists who murdered, raped & kidnapped innocents will be hanged in first Israeli death penalty in six decades
EVIL Hamas terrorists who slaughtered, raped and tortured innocent civilians on October 7 are set to be executed, prosecutors told The Sun. It will be the first time Israel has exercised the death penalty in more than 60 years in a testament to the depth of depravity of the terror group 's crimes. 7 7 7 Israeli intelligence officers have worked tirelessly to scour piles of evidence collected since Hamas triggered war in October 2023. Agents have been putting together a compelling case to charge multiple monsters who murdered and assaulted citizens after tearing through Israel's defences. Evidence found on laptops seized during military operations in Gaza has allowed intelligence chiefs to compile a strong case to go to trial. At least 22 Hamas terrorists are set to be charged - all of whom attacked kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the worst hit sites of the atrocity. The kibbutz, just a mile from the Gaza border, was attacked from three directions and Hamas brutes killed at random. Spineless terrorists torched homes as families cowered inside before dragging hostages, including Shiri Bibas and her son Ariel and Kfir and Oded Lifshitz, back to Gaza. Their bodies were sickeningly released in a stomach-churning ceremony earlier this year. Israel's leading prosecutors believe that because of the callous nature of Hamas' crimes, the beasts will likely be executed. Sources involved in the case confirmed to The Sun those found guilty could be sent to the gallows and hanged. It would be the first time the country has executed anyone since the only time it did so in 1962, when wicked Nazi Adolf Eichmann was executed. Military prosecutor Alan Baker, who has been a judge on scores of high-profile terrorist cases, said Israel is also no longer concerned by international pressure in dealing with these matters. Baker, former legal adviser to Israel's Foreign Office and ex-Israeli ambassador to Canada, told The Sun: "About 30 years ago, I was the prosecutor on the trial of a particularly nasty and cruel terrorist, and I managed to get him convicted with the death penalty. "It wasn't carried out at the time, because of a theory that it could encourage terrorists to do more horrific acts, if they feel like they are going to die anyway. "There is of course, also always the concern of what the international community thinks too. "In these particular cases, because of the cruel nature of these atrocities, I don't think the sensitivity of what world will think will be considered, as there is now the feeling that the rest of the world inevitably hate us whatever we do. 'We are still as hated as we were eighty years ago. 'These people not only crossed the border illegally, but there are thousands of residents of Gaza who tagged along, who stole whatever they liked, televisions, etc. and set fire to houses. What happened to the Bibas family? HAMAS terrorists kidnapped the Bibas family from their home in Nir Oz during the horror October 7 assault. Yarden Bibas was abducted separately from his wife Shiri and son Ariel, four, and nine-month-old Kfir. They were hauled to Gaza where they were held hostage. Shiri's parents were both killed in the attack on the kibbutz. Shiri and her boys - the two youngest hostages taken from Israel on October 7 - became symbols of the hostage crisis. Late in 2023, Hamas claimed the mum and youngsters were killed in an Israeli airstrike without offering any proof. Israeli authorities were unable to confirm their deaths. Fears for Shiri, Ariel and Kfir grew as the months went by amid a lack of confirmation whether they were still alive or not. On February 1, Yarden was released amid the ceasefire after 484 days in captivity. Then on February 20, Hamas handed over coffins it said contained the bodies of Shiri, Ariel and Kfir. Ariel and Kfir's remains were verified by Israel, but the remains of the female did not match Shiri's DNA. Her body was finally handed back on the evening of February 21. Hundreds lined the streets for their funerals on February 26, with buildings and monuments around the world illuminated in orange as a tribute to the boys' hair colour. Shiri, Ariel and Kfir were buried alongside her parents in Tsoher Regional Cemetery. 'There is a vast array of offenses that have been committed, including the heavy stuff, rape and murders, and these crimes against humanity will have to be dealt with very seriously.' Baker, who now heads the international law program at the Jerusalem Center for Foreign and Security Affairs, has implored the prosecuting team to fully consider "the seriousness of these criminals". He added: "They committed these crimes in Israel, they invaded, they committed offences according to Israeli law, and this will have to be overseen by Israeli judges. 'I would tell them not to take into consideration what the Pope, the French government, the British etc will say, because inevitably whatever we do, whether we keep them in prison or we hang them, Israel will be condemned anyway. 'I trust they will do what they need to do, without looking at any external consideration. That is the last thing that should enter into the equation.' 7 7 As well as the 22 set for indictment, at least 300 more terrorists who took part in the October 7 attacks are being held in Israeli prisons. Maurice Hirsch, director of the Initiative for Palestinian Authority Accountability and Reform in the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs, said the complexity of Israel's legal system means the cases could go in many directions. But because these are deemed the most horrific acts since the Holocaust, the death penalty upon conviction is the most likely outcome, he said. Hirsch, a senior legal analyst at Human Rights Voices, said: 'The death penalty may seem like a crazy scenario to contemplate, but it is very possible. "They should be subject to the death penalty, but it will depend on whether Israel will be able to withstand international pressure. 'There is a question of which crimes we prosecute for. If there is no specific one victim, and as they [the terrorists] don't even know who they've murdered, that could make things challenging. 'Where, when were they arrested? We can see if any of them can be linked to direct crimes. Fogs are still uncovering, but the country will do well if we can clear this up. 'It would be convenient if we could isolate 22 cases, but if I was a defense lawyer, I would ask for the evidence of mass murder.' More than a quarter of the kibbutz's residents were either killed or taken hostage in one of the most vile atrocities on October 7. Per capita, Nir Oz suffered the most bloodshed and damage. 7
