Latest news with #internationalpressure
The Independent
3 days ago
- Politics
- The Independent
Egypt blocks activists aiming to march to Gaza to draw attention to humanitarian crisis
Egypt blocked activists planning to take part in a march to Gaza, halting their attempt to reach the border and challenge Israel's blockade on humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory before it could begin. To draw attention to the humanitarian crisis afflicting people in Gaza, marchers have for months planned to trek 30 miles (48 kilometers) across the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt's border with the enclave on Sunday to 'create international moral and media pressure' to open the crossing at Rafah and lift a blockade that has prevented aid from entering. Authorities have deported more than three dozen activists, mostly carrying European passports, upon their arrival at the Cairo International Airport in the past two days, an Egyptian official said Thursday. The official said the activists aimed to travel to Northern Sinai 'without obtaining required authorizations.' The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn't authorized to brief the media. Egypt has publicly denounced the restrictions on aid entering Gaza and repeatedly called for an end to the war. It has said that the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing remains open, but access to the strip has been blocked since Israel seized the Palestinian side of the border as part of its war with Hamas that began in October 2023. Food security experts warn the Gaza Strip will likely fall into famine if Israel doesn't lift its blockade and stop its military campaign. Nearly half a million Palestinians are facing possible starvation, and 1 million others can barely get enough food, according to findings by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a leading international authority. Israel has rejected the findings, saying the IPC's previous forecasts had proven unfounded. Sensitivities and security The Egyptian government has for years clamped down on dissidents and activists when their criticism touches on Cairo's political and economic ties with Israel, a sensitive issue in neighboring countries where governments maintain diplomatic relations with Israel despite broad public sympathy for Palestinians. Egypt had earlier warned that only those who received authorization would be allowed to travel the planned march route, acknowledging it had received 'numerous requests and inquiries.' 'Egypt holds the right to take all necessary measures to preserve its national security, including the regulation of the entry and movement of individuals within its territory, especially in sensitive border areas,' its foreign ministry said in a statement on Wednesday. Israel Katz, Israel's defense minister, yesterday referred to the protestors as 'jihadists' and called on Egypt to prevent them from reaching the border with Gaza. He said they 'endanger the Egyptian regime and constitute a threat to all moderate Arab regimes in the region.' The march is set to begin just days after a large convoy, which organizers said included thousands of activists, traveled overland across North Africa to Egypt. Marchers detained in Cairo Activists and attorneys said airport detentions and deportations began Wednesday with no explicit reason given by Egyptian authorities. Algerian attorney Fatima Rouibi wrote on Facebook that Algerians, including three lawyers, were detained at the airport on Wednesday before being released and ultimately deported back to Algiers on Thursday. Bilal Nieh, a Tunisian activist who lives in Germany, said he was deported along with seven others from northern Africa who also hold European passports. He wrote on Facebook early Thursday that authorities 'didn't give any reason or document stating the reason for deportation.' Governments of countries whose citizens were reportedly detained or deported, including France, had not issued any public comment on the activists as of Thursday morning. Organizers said in a statement that they had received reports that at least 170 participants had been delayed or detained in Cairo. They said they had followed the protocols laid out by Egyptian authorities, met with them and urged them to let march participants into the country. "We look forward to providing any additional information the Egyptian authorities require to ensure the march continues peacefully as planned to the Rafah border," they said in a statement. The Global March to Gaza is the latest civil society effort pressing for the entry of food, fuel, medical supplies, and other aid into Gaza. Israel imposed a total blockade in March in an attempt to pressure Hamas to disarm and to release hostages taken in Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023 attack that ignited the war in the Gaza Strip. It slightly eased restrictions last month, allowing limited aid in, but experts warn the measures fall far short. Israel's offensive has killed over 52,000 Palestinians, more than half of them women and children, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, whose count does not distinguish between civilians or combatants. __ Natalie Melzer contributed reporting from Nahariya, Israel.
The Independent
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
Israel-Gaza latest: Netanyahu says all of Gaza will be under Israeli control ‘in the end'
Palestinian Authority president welcomes international pressure on Israel Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority has welcomed growing international pressure on Israel. In a statement reported by Palestinian news agency Wafa, he said: "It is no longer possible to remain silent in the face of the crimes of genocide, destruction, and starvation perpetrated by the Israeli occupation forces.' He added: "We reiterate our welcome for the joint statement issued by the leaders of Britain, France, and Canada, as well as for the positions of the European Union countries, the joint statement of the donor countries, and the statement of the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on this matter. "They all rejected the policies of blockade, starvation, displacement, and land seizure.' Athena Stavrou22 May 2025 04:01 Israel draws outcry from Europe as soldiers fire near diplomats on West Bank visit European countries on Thursday condemned an incident where Israeli soldiers fired near a diplomatic delegation in the occupied West Bank, with Italy and France both summoning Israeli ambassadors to explain what happened. The Israeli military said the delegation had "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. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, in a post on social media platform X, called the incident "unacceptable," while Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said Israel's ambassador to Italy would have to explain its actions. The foreign ministry of Germany, a stalwart Israel ally, condemned what it called "unprovoked firing." It said the delegation to the West Bank city of Jenin was officially registered and was conducting diplomatic activities in coordination with both the Palestinian Authority and the Israeli Army. The EU's foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas, called for an official probe. Athena Stavrou22 May 2025 03:16 Watch: British surgeon in Gaza says it is now 'slaughterhouse' as 14,000 babies at risk of dying Athena Stavrou22 May 2025 02:35 UK government to send £4mn of aid to Gaza The UK government will send £4 million worth of aid to Gaza, as it ramps up pressure on the Israeli government to lift a blockade on the region. The aid will include essential medicines, safe drinking water and food parcels. Minister for Development Jenny Chapman, who is visiting Israel and the occupied territories announced the new UK support during a visit to a Red Crescent centre, but expressed her frustration that much of it cannot yet reach them because of the Israeli restrictions. 'The lack of aid reaching ordinary Gazans is appalling,' she said. 'The Israeli government's failure to allow full humanitarian access to aid workers is abhorrent. Far too few trucks are crossing into Gaza. 'The UN has warned nearly half a million Palestinians, including children, are facing starvation. 'The UK is clear – Israel will not achieve security through prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian people. I have heard first hand from aid workers today of the abominable impact of this behaviour on real families. 'The UK has today pledged new support for Gazans but the brutal reality is most of it is stuck in limbo.' Athena Stavrou22 May 2025 01:34 UN says Israel's attack on Gaza killed 28,000 women and girls Israel's almost two-year-long offensive in Gaza has killed more than 28,000 women and girls, UN Women said. At least one woman and one girl on average have been killed every hour in attacks by Israeli forces since they launched their retaliatory attack on the Strip in October 2023, according to UN Women's analysis. Among those killed, thousands were mothers, leaving behind devastated children, families, and communities, the agency said, adding that these figures underscore the shattering human toll of the conflict, and of lives and futures lost too soon. "Since the ceasefire collapsed in March 2025, conditions have deteriorated further in Gaza, compounded by nearly nine weeks of an ongoing blockade on humanitarian aid. The entire population in Gaza is rapidly running out of food and essential supplies with increasing risks of famine," the agency said. "This means every woman and girl, (more than 1 million) is facing catastrophic levels of hunger. Women and girls are trapped, facing displacement, rising maternal mortality rates, and a severe lack of safety and protection mechanisms." Alisha Rahaman Sarkar22 May 2025 00:39 In pictures: Palestinians queue for food Athena Stavrou21 May 2025 23:59 Gaza hospital conditions 'beyond critical' Chief international correspondent Bel Trew reports: Ahmad, a nurse at Nasser Hospital, said conditions are 'beyond critical' and the hospital which was once 'major lifeline' in the south but is now barely functioning. 'Many patients die simply because we cannot treat them in time. One of the most painful things to witness today is the suffering of children… we receive dozens of injuries, often with devastating wounds - burns, amputations, and severe head trauma,' he told The Independent from inside the medical centre. He said that medics themselves are displaced, hungry, exhausted, and mourning the loss of their own families. 'Most of the time, we have patients lying on the floor. Wounds are taking a long time to heal due to severe malnutrition and the toxic effects of the explosives on the wounds. The operating theatres are overwhelmed,' he said. 'There are severe shortages of anesthesias drugs, antibiotics, sterilised instruments, and even basic items. Many procedures are carried out with only the bare minimum. The number of wounded is overwhelming. 'The reality is devastating. The healthcare system is collapsing under the weight of this crisis, and we urgently need support, supplies, and protection for patients and medical staff.' Bel Trew21 May 2025 23:29 Analysis: Why Starmer's government has waited until now to take action on Israel Frustration spilled over in the Commons on Tuesday – from Labour MPs and others – over the time it has taken for Keir Starmer 's government to step up and take action against Israel over the Gaza crisis. As the UN warned that 14,000 babies risked death from malnutrition by Thursday without urgent aid, there was a sense that, by the time foreign secretary David Lammy got to his feet, it was already too late and not enough. As David Lammy announces the suspension of trade talks with Israel and new sanctions over the Gaza humanitarian crisis, political editor David Maddox explains why action wasn't taken sooner: The real reason Labour has waited until now to take action on Israel As David Lammy announces the suspension of trade talks with Israel and new sanctions over the Gaza humanitarian crisis, political editor David Maddox explains why action wasn't taken sooner Athena Stavrou21 May 2025 23:03 Analysis: Netanyahu is turning Israel into a global pariah – the world has finally run out of patience The joint statement by the UK, France and Canada – combined with UK sanctions and suspension of trade talks – shows the international community has finally run out of patience with Israel, writes chief international correspondent Bel Trew: Netanyahu is turning Israel into a global pariah – the world has run out of patience The joint statement by the UK, France and Canada – combined with UK sanctions and suspension of trade talks – shows the international community has finally run out of patience with Israel, writes chief international correspondent Bel Trew Athena Stavrou21 May 2025 22:28 Who are the Israeli ministers potentially facing UK sanctions? Keir Starmer is on the verge of sanctioning senior members of Benjamin Netanyahu's government - and it's understood that Israel's national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and finance minister Bezalel Smotrich are at the top of the list. Ben-Gvir is a far-right politician, who earlier this year resigned from cabinet in response to approved plans to begin a three-phase ceasefire with Hamas. He returned to the government two months later when fighting resumed, as Israeli's Haaretz reported. Last week he said the 'voluntary emigration' of Palestinians from Gaza should be promoted, the Times of Israel reported. Smotrich did not resign as a minister alongside Ben-Gvir, but he is also a far-right politician and a settler living in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, according to Haaretz. Earlier this month, he bragged that Israel was 'finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip,' before saying the territory would be 'totally destroyed' within months, the Times of Israel reports. More recently he also vowed to only allow 'the minimum necessary' amount of aid into Gaza, the Times said. Athena Stavrou21 May 2025 22:02
Al Jazeera
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Israel to allow limited food into Gaza amid intensified military offensive
Israel has said it will allow limited supplies of food into Gaza as it announced the launch of an intensified ground offensive into the battered Palestinian enclave. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday that pressure from allies was behind the move. Late the previous evening, his office had said Israel would open the way for some food to enter the Gaza Strip following a 'recommendation' from the army. The announcement came shortly after the Israeli military launched 'extensive ground operations' that are reported to have killed more than 150 people in the last 24 hours. 'Israel will allow a basic amount of food for the population to ensure that a hunger crisis does not develop in the Gaza Strip,' Netanyahu's office said in a statement late on Sunday. The announcement comes amid mounting international pressure on Israel to lift a two-month-long siege that threatens widespread famine in the besieged territory. Netanyahu said in a video address on Monday that the move came after 'allies' had voiced concern about 'images of hunger'. Israel's 'greatest friends in the world', he said without mentioning specific countries, had said there is 'one thing we cannot stand. We cannot accept images of hunger, mass hunger. We cannot stand that. We will not be able to support you.' 'Therefore, to achieve victory, we need to somehow solve the problem,' Netanyahu said. The aid that would be let into Gaza would be 'minimal', he said, without specifying precisely when supplies would resume. A spokesperson for the United Nations aid chief, Tom Fletcher, confirmed the agency had been approached by Israel to 'resume limited aid delivery', adding that discussions are ongoing about the logistics, 'given the conditions on the ground'. Munir al-Bursh, the director-general of Gaza's Ministry of Health, said Palestinian authorities had not been informed when the border would be opened, Al Jazeera Arabic reported. Netanyahu's far-right allies remain opposed to allowing any supplies into Gaza, insisting that military might and hunger will secure victory over Hamas. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the decision to allow limited food into the enclave as a 'grave mistake'. Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu, from Ben-Gvir's party, denounced the plan as a 'tragedy', saying it directly harms the 'war effort to achieve victory' in Gaza. Israel has been accused of weaponising hunger and using the blockade to try to ethnically cleanse the enclave. Despite the blockade and intensified military offensive, sources on both sides told the Reuters news agency there has been no progress in a new round of indirect talks between Israel and Hamas in Qatar. Netanyahu said the talks included discussions on a truce and a deal on the captives, as well as a proposal to end the war, in return for the exile of Hamas and the demilitarisation of the enclave – terms Hamas has previously rejected. The Israeli military suggested in a later statement that it could still scale down operations to help reach a deal in Doha, Qatar. However, Netanyahu stressed in his video address that the aim of the intensified offensive is for Israel's forces to 'take control of all' of Gaza. 'The fighting is intense and we are making progress. We will take control of all the territory of the Strip,' he said. 'We will not give up. But in order to succeed, we must act in a way that cannot be stopped.' Over the past week, Israel's military said it had conducted a preliminary wave of strikes on more than 670 Hamas targets in Gaza. It said it killed dozens of Hamas fighters. Gaza's Health Ministry said in the week to Sunday, at least 464 Palestinians were killed, many of them women and children. On Monday morning, sources told Al Jazeera that at least 23 Palestinians had been killed across Gaza since dawn, including five near al-Faluja market in Jabalia and six in Khan Younis. There have also been reports of Israeli attacks in and around Nasser Medical Complex, and the targeting of the intensive care unit at the Indonesian Hospital, where at least 55 people are trapped, including four doctors and eight nurses.
