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Tag: Israel

  • Israel rejects call for Palestinian State

    Israel rejects call for Palestinian State

    “Do not threaten Israel with sanctions” as it will continue to build a “Jewish state” on the ground,” Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, warned on Friday.

    He also rebuffed a call by French President Emmanuel Macron for establishing a Palestinian State.

    In open defiance of international law, Katz claimed that world powers may recognize a Palestinian state “on paper.”

    Katz made the remarks during a visit to Sa-Nur, an illegal outpost in the northern West Bank that the Tel Aviv government recently decided to officially designate as a settlement for illegal Israeli settlers.

    In a direct message, Defense Minister Israel Katz targets French President Macron and European allies. He also dismissed the potential international consequences.

    He said: “They will recognise a Palestinian state on paper, while we will build the Jewish Israeli state on the ground.

    “Don’t threaten us with sanctions. You will not make us bow. The State of Israel will not kneel before threats.”

    His comments came hours after President Macron stated that recognising the State of Palestine was a “moral duty”.

    Macron also reiterated that France may move toward official recognition during an upcoming international conference focused on the two-state solution.

    Earlier this week, Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the Israeli Security Cabinet had secretly approved the establishment of 22 new illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

    In response, the Israeli anti-settlement group Peace Now issued a statement Thursday, revealing that 12 of the newly approved settlements were previously unauthorised outposts and farming sites established in recent years.

    According to Peace Now, there are currently 156 illegal settlements and 224 outposts across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with over 736,000 illegal Israeli settlers living on occupied Palestinian land.

    The international community, including the UN, considers the Israeli settlements illegal under international law.

    The UN has repeatedly warned that continued settlement expansion threatens the viability of a two-state solution, a framework seen as key to resolving the decades-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

    In July 2024, the International Court of Justice declared Israel’s decades-long occupation of Palestinian land illegal and demanded the evacuation of all existing settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

  • No fewer than 23 persons killed in Israeli airstrike in central Gaza

    No fewer than 23 persons killed in Israeli airstrike in central Gaza

    No fewer than 23 persons were killed in an Israeli aistrike on the central Gaza Strip, Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Thursday.

    A building in the al-Bureij refugee camp was hit, according to the report.

    In total, some 37 people were killed in Israeli attacks across Gaza since early morning, WAFA reported.

    The Israeli military has so far not commented on the reports relating to al-Bureij.

    Israel has repeatedly stressed it is taken steps to ensure the safety of civilians as it targets Palestinian extremist group Hamas.

    More than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the outbreak of the latest war following the Hamas-led massacre in Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

    While the figures compiled by Hamas-controlled health authority’s didnot distinguish between civilians and combatants, international organisations including the UN believed them to be largely credible.

    Roughly a third of those killed in Gaza were minors, according to the local health authorities.

  • Israel rejects latest Gaza ceasefire proposal

    Israel rejects latest Gaza ceasefire proposal

    The Israeli Government has rejected the latest proposal for a ceasefire and release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, local media reported on Monday.

    “The proposal received by Israel cannot be accepted by any responsible government,’’ the Times of Israel quoted an unnamed senior official as saying, who didn’t give any further details.

    According to the ynet news website, the proposal was made by a Palestinian-American businessman who has reportedly been involved in direct negotiations with Palestinian extremist group Hamas for some time.

    According to Hezbollah-affiliated Arab broadcaster Al-Mayadeen, the proposal involves a 70-day ceasefire to allow both sides to conduct negotiations on an end to the war.

    With Hamas is to release five living hostages and the bodies of a further five from Gaza.

    The draft is far removed from the proposal drawn up by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, ynet quoted an Israeli official as saying.

    Witkoff’s recently submitted draft provides for the release of 10 living hostages in exchange for 45 to 60 days of ceasefire.

    According to Israeli sources, at least 20 hostages are still being held alive in the Gaza Strip, with the fate of three further abductees unclear.

    In addition, the Islamists are still holding the bodies of 35 hostages abducted from Israel during the attacks it launched on Oct. 7, 2023.

  • Tension escalates as Israel orders civilians in Gaza to evacuate

    Tension escalates as Israel orders civilians in Gaza to evacuate

    The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Thursday issued an urgent call for residents in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate ahead of an expected intensification of its military offensive.

    The evacuation order covered the towns of Beit Lahia and Jabalia, the Jabalia refugee camp, and northern neighborhoods of Gaza City.

    It said that areas that Israel had already carried out heavy airstrikes in recent days, killing scores and forcing the local population to flee for the third time or more.

    “The IDF will significantly expand its military operations in your areas,: said Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the IDF, in a post on X, claiming that militants were operating in the targeted zones.

    “The areas you are in are considered dangerous combat zones. For your safety, evacuate immediately to the south,” he said.

    Israel has rejected international calls to halt the war and reach a hostage release deals with Hamas.

    On Saturday, it launched Operation Gideon’s Chariots, significantly escalating its 19-month offensive.

    Israeli officials said the aim is to defeat Hamas and secure the return of 58 hostages held in Gaza.

    The operation includes seizing control of the entire Gaza Strip, maintaining military control over the territory, and displacing the population to the south, according to Israeli sources.

    The Palestinian death toll has reached 53,655 since October 2023, according to the Gaza health authorities.

  • Reactions trail fatal shooting of Israeli embassy officials in Washington

    Reactions trail fatal shooting of Israeli embassy officials in Washington

    U.S. President Donald Trump has condemned the fatal shooting of two Israeli embassy staff outside a Jewish museum in Washington on Wednesday evening, calling it a “horrible” act of anti-Semitism.

    “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform on Thursday.

    “Hatred and Radicalism have no place in the United State. Condolences to the families of the victims. So sad that such things as this can happen!” the president said.

    Metropolitan Police chief Pamela Smith said a man and a woman were killed. She said a suspect was arrested and a weapon was recovered.

    German foreign minister shocked at killing of Israeli embassy staff

    Meanwhile, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul on Thursday expressed shock at the killing of two Israeli embassy staff members in Washington.

    “Anti-Semitic violence can never be justified,” Wadephul said.

    He was “shocked at the dastardly murder” of the two employees, he wrote on X, adding that his thoughts were with the families of the victims and colleagues in the Israeli Foreign Ministry.

    The two victims were shot dead near the Capital Jewish Museum.

    According to Israeli ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, they were a young couple who were about to get engaged.

    U.S. police said the suspect has been arrested and that after the killings he allegedly chanted the slogan “free, free Palestine.”

    Jewish leader in Germany ‘torn apart’ by Washington shooting

    Also, the head of the Central Council of Jews in Germany said his heart had been “torn apart’’ by the killing of two employees at the Israeli embassy in Washington.

    Council president Josef Schuster told dpa on Thursday that his thoughts were with the families of the victims.

    He said he had just returned from Israel, where representatives of Jewish organisations from around the world said they were witnessing the spread of hatred against Jews and Israel.

    “Just one day later, this has been confirmed in the most tragic way.

    “The rise in political and anti-Semitic violence, even in Western societies, is shocking and threatening,” Schuster said.

    Employees of Israeli missions are also particularly at risk in Germany, Schuster said.

  • SAD: 2 Israeli embassy staff killed in Washington

    SAD: 2 Israeli embassy staff killed in Washington

    A young couple that worked at the Israeli embassy was shot dead outside a Jewish museum in Washington on Wednesday evening by a gunman.

    The gunman who was allegedly chanting “free Palestine’’ while being arrested, local and federal law enforcement authorities said.

    U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio described the killings as anti-Semitic hate crimes.

    “These horrible D.C. killings, based obviously on antisemitism, must end, NOW!,’’ Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform.

    In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the leader was “shocked’’ by the horrific, anti-Semitic shooting and announced that security was being increased at its diplomatic missions around the world.

    “We are witnessing the terrible price of anti-Semitism and wild incitement against Israel.

    “The blood libels against Israel are costing us blood and must be fought relentlessly,’’ that statement said.

    Washington police chief Pamela Smith named the suspect as 30-year-old Elias Rodriguez of Chicago.

    She said that he had been seen pacing back and forth outside the Capital Jewish Museum, in central Washington, before opening fire and killing a man and a woman.

    U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Israeli leaders said the victims worked at the Israeli embassy.

    According to Israeli ambassador to the U.S., Yechiel Leiter, they were a young couple who were about to get engaged.

    The man had apparently bought a ring and planned to propose to his girlfriend in Jerusalem the following week.

    The American Jewish Committee (AJC), an advocacy group, was hosting its annual Young Diplomats reception at the museum on Wednesday night.

    “We are devastated that an unspeakable act of violence took place outside the venue.

    “At this moment, as we await more information from the police about exactly what transpired, our attention and our hearts are solely with those who were harmed and their families,’’ the group said in a statement.

    Whether the suspected shooter knew the two or what connection he might have to them is unclear.

    According to Washington police, the perpetrator approached a group of four people and then opened fire.

    After the shooting, he entered the museum, where he was arrested by private security guards and chanted “free, free Palestine.’’

    The FBI said it is investigating the case as a possible hate crime.

    Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in the U.S., said.

    “This sickening shooting seems to be another horrific instance of antisemitism which as we know is all too rampant in our society.

    “I’m praying for those who were killed, all those affected, and their families.’’

    The shooting occurred after Israel’s military recently launched a major offensive in the sealed-off Gaza Strip, where around two million Palestinians live.

    Israel’s actions in the region are facing increasing international criticism, including from close allies.

    The conflict in Gaza began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Palestinian militant organisation Hamas and other terrorists invaded Israel, killing 1,200 and taking some 250 hostage.

    Israel responded with a massive attack, which has since killed more than 53,000 in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority.

    The figures do not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.

  • 20 killed in Gaza in renewed Israeli strikes

    20 killed in Gaza in renewed Israeli strikes

    No fewer than 20 people have been killed, including several children, since early Wednesday morning in the Gaza Strip in renewed Israeli attacks, the Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

    WAFA citing Gaza medical sources also reported that there were airstrikes and fatalities in Jabalia and Deir al-Balah, as well as near Khan Younis in the south of the territory.

    The information however could not be independently verified as the Israeli army had not yet provided any information on the matter.

    Dozens of deaths have been reported daily from the coastal area after Israel’s military launched a major new offensive late last week.

    Ground troops are now also deployed in the area, with Israel’s actions in the region facing increasing international criticism, including from close allies.

    On Tuesday, the United Kingdom suspended trade talks with Israel, sanctioned some West Bank settlers and summoned Israel’s ambassador to the UK.

    Also on Tuesday, EU foreign policy Chief, Kaja Kallas, said that the European Union intends to review its cooperation agreement with Israel in view of the situation in Gaza.

    The current conflict began on Oct. 7, 2023, when the Palestinian Islamist Hamas militia and others invaded Israel, killing 1,200 and took some 250 hostage.

    Israel responded with a massive attack, which has since killed more than 53,000 in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled health authority.

    The figures do not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.

  • 60 people killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza

    60 people killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza

    Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip had killed no fewer than 60 people overnight, medics told Palestinian media on Tuesday.

    This is as a result of Israel pressing ahead with its punishing new air and ground offensive against Hamas.

    While,the assault came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and take over “all areas” of the densely populated coastal territory.

    The WAFA news agency reported that 12 people were killed in the city of Deir al-Balah in the centre of the Gaza Strip.

    It said that further deaths were reported in Khan Younis in the south and near Gaza City.

    Israel’s ramped-up attacks, part of the Gideon’s Chariots operation had announced late on Friday, killing more than 100 people daily, according to tallies.

    Israel’s has said that its goal is to dismantle Hamas and free the dozens of hostages still being held by militants, 19 months after the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks.

    After a nearly three-month blockade, Netanyahu began allowing small amounts of basic aid to enter Gaza on Monday.

    He cited pressure from international partners who said the 2 million Palestinians living in the territory were being pushed into famine.

    Netanyahu hits back at Starmer, Macron, Carney over Gaza criticism

    Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the leaders of Britain, France and Canada of offering Hamas a “huge prize” after they called for an end to intensified military operations in Gaza.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney earlier condemned the Israeli government’s “egregious” esclation in Gaza, warning of concrete actions unless Netanyahu changes course.

    But the Israeli prime minister said his country would press on for total victory over Hamas.

    In a joint statement, Starmer, Macron and Carney said: “If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.”

    The leaders called on Hamas to release the hostages it took in the heinous attack on October 7, 2023.

    “We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism,” the three leaders said.

    “But this escalation is wholly disproportionate.”

    Netanyahu hit back, saying: “By asking Israel to end a defensive war for our survival before Hamas terrorists on our border are destroyed and by demanding a Palestinian state.

    The leaders in London, Ottawa and Paris are offering a huge prize for the genocidal attack on Israel on October 7 while inviting more such atrocities.”

    He added: “The war can end tomorrow if the remaining hostages are released, Hamas lays down its arms, its murderous leaders are exiled and Gaza is demilitarised.

    “No nation can be expected to accept anything less and Israel certainly won’t.

    “This is a war of civilisation over barbarism. Israel will continue to defend itself by just means until total victory is achieved.”

    The UN’s humanitarian relief chief Tom Fletcher, a former British diplomat said nine aid trucks were cleared to enter after Israel’s blockade was lifted, “but it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed.”

    “Our expectations for today’s crossings are realistic: given ongoing bombardment and acute hunger levels, the risks of looting and insecurity are significant,” he warned.

  • 17 dead as Israel presses new Gaza offensive

    17 dead as Israel presses new Gaza offensive

    The Palestinian city of Khan Younis was targeted by intensive airstrikes overnight, as Israel pursued its ramped-up offensive across the Gaza Strip.

    According to Palestinian news agency WAFA on Monday, 17 people were killed in the coastal territory during the night.

    WAFA did not initially provide details on the identity of the victims.

    According to medics in Gaza, at least six people were killed and dozens injured in airstrikes on Khan Younis.

    Witnesses told dpa that there were about 30 airstrikes on the area.

    The internet connection failed in large parts of the city.

    Palestinian media reports by WAFA and others said that a special unit of the Israeli army had killed a commander of the al-Nasser Salah al-Din Brigades, which is allied with the Islamist movement Hamas.

    The information could not initially be independently verified.

    The Israeli military emphasised that it did all it can to avoid civilian casualties when attacking targets belonging to Hamas or other terrorist organizations.

    This cannot be verified either as reporters has very limited access to the area.

    The Israeli Air Force has been carrying out massive aerial attacks on targets in the Gaza Strip in recent days, and Israel announced an “extensive’’ new ground operation across the territory on Sunday.

    Dozens of Palestinian deaths are being reported daily from the Gaza Strip.

  • Netanyahu rejects idea of creating Palestinian state

    Netanyahu rejects idea of creating Palestinian state

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office  on Tuesday said that he rejected the idea of creating a Palestinian state, calling it a future “Iranian stronghold of terrorism.’’

    He said this during a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron.

    “During the conversation, the Prime Minister expressed fierce opposition to the establishment of a Palestinian state, and said that this will constitute a huge prize for terrorism,’’ the statement said.

    Netanyahu recalled that no Palestinian leader, including the leadership of the Palestinian Authority, has yet condemned the attack by the Hamas movement on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

    “The Prime Minister told the President of France that a Palestinian state will be established just a few minutes from Israeli cities and will become an Iranian stronghold of terrorism,” the statement added.

    Last week, Macron said that his country might recognise the state of Palestine in June.

    France, together with Saudi Arabia, intends to hold a peace conference on the Gaza Strip in June to “finalise this movement of recognition,’’ the president said.

    In July 2024, Israeli parliament approved by a majority vote a declaration against the creation of a Palestinian state in the West Bank.

    The document stated that Israel would resist attempts to unilaterally impose the creation of a Palestinian state.