Latest news with #Haaretz
Yahoo
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israeli forces recover bodies of two hostages in Gaza, PM says
Israeli security forces operating in Gaza have recovered the bodies of two Israeli hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says. He named one of them as Yair (Yaya) Yaakov, 59, who was killed inside his home at Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023. His teenage sons, Or and Yagil, and his partner, Meirav Tal, were abducted alive and released in November 2023, as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu said the name of the other hostage had not yet been released, but that their family had been informed. There are now 53 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. News of the recovery of Yair Yaakov's body initially came from his sons. "Dad, I love you," Yagil wrote in a post on Instagram on Wednesday evening, according to the Haaretz newspaper. "I don't know how to respond yet. I'm sad to say this. I'm waiting for your funeral, I love you and knew this day would come." Yagil also thanked the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet internal security service and expressed hope that the remaining hostages "will be brought [back] in a deal that doesn't risk soldiers". Later, Netanyahu issued a statement saying: "Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their most beloved." "I thank the soldiers and commanders for another successful execution of the sacred mission to return our hostages." The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents many hostages' families, said in a statement that it "bows its head in sorrow over the murder of Yaya and shares in the profound grief of the Yaakov family". "There are no words to express the depth of this pain," it added. "The hostages have no time. We must bring them all home, Now!" The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the 7 October attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 55,104 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
Yahoo
5 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israeli forces recover bodies of two hostages in Gaza, PM says
Israeli security forces operating in Gaza have recovered the bodies of two Israeli hostages, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says. He named one of them as Yair (Yaya) Yaakov, 59, who was killed inside his home at Kibbutz Nir Oz during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023. His teenage sons, Or and Yagil, and his partner, Meirav Tal, were abducted alive and released in November 2023, as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. Netanyahu said the name of the other hostage had not yet been released, but that their family had been informed. There are now 53 hostages still being held by Hamas in Gaza, at least 20 of whom are believed to be alive. News of the recovery of Yair Yaakov's body initially came from his sons. "Dad, I love you," Yagil wrote in a post on Instagram on Wednesday evening, according to the Haaretz newspaper. "I don't know how to respond yet. I'm sad to say this. I'm waiting for your funeral, I love you and knew this day would come." Yagil also thanked the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and the Shin Bet internal security service and expressed hope that the remaining hostages "will be brought [back] in a deal that doesn't risk soldiers". Later, Netanyahu issued a statement saying: "Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our deepest condolences to the families who have lost their most beloved." "I thank the soldiers and commanders for another successful execution of the sacred mission to return our hostages." The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents many hostages' families, said in a statement that it "bows its head in sorrow over the murder of Yaya and shares in the profound grief of the Yaakov family". "There are no words to express the depth of this pain," it added. "The hostages have no time. We must bring them all home, Now!" The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to the 7 October attack, in which about 1,200 people were killed and 251 others were taken hostage. At least 55,104 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Israel accused of arming Palestinian gang who allegedly looted aid in Gaza
Israel's government has been accused of arming a Palestinian criminal gang whose members have allegedly looted humanitarian aid, in an apparent attempt to counter Hamas in Gaza. Satellite images and videos verified by the Israeli newspaper Haaretz showed on Thursday that a new Palestinian militia has expanded its presence in southern Gaza, and is operating inside an area under the direct control of the Israel Defense Forces. The group, which has also been accused of ties to jihadist groups, is reportedly led by a man known as Yasser abu Shabab, a Rafah resident from a Bedouin family, known locally for his involvement in criminal activity and the looting of humanitarian aid. According to media reports, Abu Shabab's group, which calls itself the 'Anti-Terror Service', consists of about 100 armed men who operate in eastern Rafah with the tacit approval of the Israeli armed forces. It has variously been described as a militia and a criminal gang. The Times of Israel cited defence sources who said that Israel provided members of Abu Shabab's faction with Kalashnikov assault rifles, including some weapons seized from Hamas. The operation was approved by Israel's security cabinet and prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the newspaper reported, noting that its article had been approved for publication by Israel's military censor. In a video posted on social media late on Thursday, Netanyahu said Israel had 'activated' some Palestinian clans in Gaza, on the advice of 'security officials,' in order to save lives of Israeli soldiers. The prime minister's office had earlier said that 'Israel is working to defeat Hamas in various ways, on the recommendation of all heads of the security establishment.' The former defence minister and opposition lawmaker Avigdor Lieberman repeated the allegations and alleged that Abu Shabab's group was affiliated with the Islamic State terror group. 'The Israeli government is giving weapons to a group of criminals and felons, identified with Islamic State, at the direction of the prime minister,' Lieberman, who heads the opposition Yisrael Beiteinu party, told Kan Bet public radio. 'To my knowledge, this did not go through approval by the cabinet.' The basis for Lieberman's allegation of ties to IS was not clear. Abu Shabab's group has previously been accused of involvement in smuggling operations linked to Egyptian jihadi groups. A security official told Israeli news outlet Ynet that the arming of Abu Shabab was approved and led by the Shin Bet internal security service, and described the operation as 'planned and managed', with the goal of 'reducing Israeli military casualties while systematically undermining Hamas through targeted strikes, infrastructure destruction and the promotion of rival local forces.' The IDF did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In recent weeks, Abu Shabab has published anti-Hamas and anti-Palestinian Authority messages while promoting his militia's efforts on Facebook. Abu Shabab's links with Israeli forces were confirmed by his family, which issued a statement last week formally disowning him. 'We, like everyone else, were surprised by video footage broadcast by the resistance showing the involvement of Yasser's groups within a dangerous security framework, reaching the point of operating within undercover units and supporting the Zionist occupation forces, who are brutally killing our people,' the statement said. 'We affirm that we will not accept Yasser's return to the family. We have no objection to those around him liquidating him immediately, and we tell you that his blood is forfeit.' Abu Shabab has reportedly claimed his group were protecting aid convoys, while Hamas has accused him of looting the aid trucks. On 28 May, Jonathan Whittall, the head of United Nations office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs in occupied Palestinian territories said: 'Israel has publicly claimed that the UN and NGO aid is being diverted by Hamas. But this doesn't hold up to scrutiny. The real theft of aid since the beginning of the war has been carried out by criminal gangs, under the watch of Israeli forces, and they were allowed to operate in proximity to the Kerem Shalom crossing point into Gaza.' When contacted by the Guardian, Whittall confirmed he was 'referring to gangs such as Abu Shabab.' On Wednesday, a labour union representing truck drivers in Gaza said it was halting transport of aid deliveries within the strip after an incident in which several truckers were shot dead by gunmen. The Private Transport Association said it was calling the strike in response to an incident a day ago in which a convoy of trucks carrying humanitarian aid was attacked by gunmen in the central Gaza. 'This crime is not the first of its kind, but it is by far the most serious in a series of recurring assaults aimed at obstructing relief operations and preventing vital aid from reaching hundreds of thousands of civilians facing dire humanitarian conditions,' the statement said. Jihad Sleem, vice-president of the Special Transportation Association, who lost his relative, Mohammed al-Assar, in the attack, said he did not know who the gunmen were. Asked if he suspected Abu Shabab was behind the killings, he said: 'It wouldn't surprise me if he was involved in these attacks. He's a gangster.' Jamal Risheq contributed to this report
Leaders
a day ago
- Politics
- Leaders
Former Israeli PM Olmert Denounces Gaza Conflict: "What is it if not a war crime?"
Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has sharply criticized the current political leadership and military actions in Israel. In a recent interview with CNN, he expressed his inability to defend Israel against accusations of war crimes. Olmert, who served from 2006 to 2009, highlighted the ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the rising death toll among Palestinians. A Rhetorical Question on War Crimes 'What is it if not a war crime?' Olmert asked rhetorically during the interview. He accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right government members of committing actions that cannot be justified. Since the war began, Olmert has defended Israel against claims of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. He previously asserted that Israel does not deliberately target civilians, especially women and children. However, after 19 months of conflict, Olmert believes he can no longer maintain that defense. Following the publication of his op-ed in Haaretz, he stated, 'What we are doing in Gaza now is a war of devastation.' He described the military actions as indiscriminate, limitless, cruel, and criminal against civilians. CNN has reached out to the Prime Minister's Office for a response to Olmert's statements. Rising Casualties in Gaza According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 54,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza since the war began. This figure includes at least 28,000 women and children. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported in January that they had killed more than 20,000 Hamas fighters. Olmert emphasized the need to protect uninvolved civilians in Gaza from military operations, which he deemed unjustified. 'I think that we have to make sure that no uninvolved people in Gaza are hurt,' he said. Olmert directed most of his criticism toward Netanyahu and far-right ministers Itamar Ben Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich. He expressed hope that this government would soon disappear, stating, 'I believe that the majority of Israelis are sick and tired of these policies.' He lamented the damage this government has caused to Israel's moral integrity. Polls indicate that most Israelis support a comprehensive ceasefire agreement. This agreement would involve the release of the remaining 58 hostages held in Gaza and an end to the ongoing conflict. Despite this, Netanyahu has refused to commit to a ceasefire, insisting that military operations will continue until Hamas is defeated. Hope for Change Through Trump Like many hostage families who have lost faith in Netanyahu, Olmert looks to U.S. President Donald Trump for assistance in ending the war. He believes Trump is one of the few individuals capable of compelling Netanyahu to confront the reality of the situation. 'I really certainly think that he is the only person perhaps that can force the Israeli prime minister to come to terms with reality,' Olmert concluded. Short link : Post Views: 17
Arab Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab Times
Mind boggling ... experts turn blind eye to tragedy in Gaza
Ehud Olmert, former Israeli Prime Minister (2006–2009), wrote in an article published in Haaretz, 'What we are doing in Gaza is a war of destruction, indiscriminate killing, and crimes against civilians, all carried out as a result of a government policy dictated by malice, and a lack of sense of responsibility. Yes, we are committing 'war crimes.' How can Netanyahu openly say that Gaza must be starved and that two million people should be deprived of basic human needs? Yes, there are 'terrorists', and we must fight them, but what the government is doing is not a war on Hamas. Rather, it increasingly looks like a political war waged by a prime minister and a group of thugs representing the Israeli government.' Israeli Jewish historian and intellectual Ilan Pappe asked, 'Why do intellectuals become fools when they defend Israel? It is surprising to see senior academics, politicians, and journalists continue to support the current Israeli government. These are highly educated, knowledgeable people on virtually every global issue, and we respect their expertise and perspectives. Yet, when it comes to Israel, we are forced to ask - How can some of the most capable and informed among them be so blind as to uncritically echo the Israeli narrative, without criticism or questioning, despite the critical thinking they apply elsewhere? This phenomenon demands serious investigation. We call it moral stupidity. It is unbelievable and utterly foolish. 'The Germans are particularly notable in this regard. I don't know if anyone has truly engaged with German intellectuals about why they still back Israel. It is deeply embarrassing and calls for careful analysis and understanding. It's as if they are willing to humiliate themselves while believing they are intellectuals, researchers, and journalists, yet they choose to appease a state that commits daily aggression against other people.' In a powerful speech to the Security Council about the situation in Gaza, American trauma surgeon Dr. Feroz Sidhwa shared his firsthand experience witnessing the severe impact on Gaza's healthcare system during his medical missions to Khan Yunis. He said, 'I am not here as a policymaker, but as a doctor who has seen the destruction of healthcare infrastructure, the targeting of medical personnel, and the suffering of an entire community.' Dr. Sidhwa described performing surgeries under extremely difficult conditions, including operating on unsanitary floors without adequate anesthesia, and treating children suffering from preventable conditions due to restricted access to medical supplies. He also recounted caring for pregnant women with severe injuries. Dr. Sidhwa revealed that 83 percent of American medical personnel in Gaza reported treating children with gunshot wounds to the head or chest. 'This is not a failure of the system. It has been systematically dismantled through violations of international law,' he stated. He also condemned the man-made famine that is now claiming more civilian lives than the bombs. His testimony culminated in the March 18 mass casualty incident at Nasser Hospital, where 221 wounded had arrived one morning. Ninety of them were found dead on arrival, nearly half of them children, killed by an assault overwhelming any besieged healthcare system. Parents identified their children's remains by their clothing. Highlighting the psychological toll of the conflict, he said, 'Nearly half of Gaza's children are now suicidal, some asking, 'Why didn't I die with my family?'' Dr. Sidhwa appealed to the Security Council to implement seven urgent measures, including an arms embargo, condemning their inaction as 'evidence of the collapse of the global conscience' while Gaza's last doctors and a generation of Palestinians face annihilation. He concluded his testimony with a powerful statement - 'You cannot claim ignorance when children no longer want to live.' And yet, after all this, a controversial Kuwaiti writer called on Palestinians to surrender ... to their fate.
