Palestine

Gaza aid shipments to resume soon, Cyprus says, as 1,000 tons of food await delivery

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Gaza aid shipments to resume soon, Cyprus says, as 1,000 tons of food await delivery

Aid shipments to Gaza from Cyprus are expected to resume soon following a pause in the project due to the killing of seven aid workers by Israel. The U.S. plans to set up a dock in Gaza for pre-screened aid deliveries with Israeli oversight. The devastated Palestinian enclave faces famine and disease after six months of conflict. The aid stored in Cyprus will be held until World Central Kitchen decides on next steps.

Spanish PM to lobby EU partners for Palestinian state recognition

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Spanish PM to lobby EU partners for Palestinian state recognition

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez is meeting with several EU counterparts to seek support for recognizing a Palestinian state. He aims to address the Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza and push for a two-state solution. Spain, Ireland, Malta, and Slovenia are working together towards Palestinian state recognition, despite Israel’s opposition. Sanchez will visit Oslo and Dublin to discuss this issue with Norway and Ireland’s leaders.

Germany denies complicity in Gaza genocide at U.N. court

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Germany denies complicity in Gaza genocide at U.N. court

Germany denied allegations of aiding genocide in Gaza by selling arms to Israel, with a lawsuit filed by Nicaragua at the U.N. court. Germany is a major arms supplier to Israel but claims its exports are scrutinized for adherence to international law. The country emphasizes its responsibility to both Israeli and Palestinian people, with a focus on Israel’s security due to historical reasons. An ICJ ruling on Nicaragua’s case is expected in weeks, but enforcing it may take years.

Chaos of Gaza war forces Christians to bury dead in Muslim cemeteries

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Chaos of Gaza war forces Christians to bury dead in Muslim cemeteries

Palestinian Christians in Gaza are burying their loved ones in Muslim cemeteries due to the dangers of traveling to their own graveyards amid the war between Israel and Hamas. The Tal al-Sultan cemetery received the body of a Christian man named Hani Suheil Abu Dawood because it was too risky for his family to travel. Cooperation between Christians and Muslims is common in Gaza, with a worker at the cemetery emphasizing the importance of respecting and protecting all human beings regardless of religion. The war has led to widespread destruction in Gaza, with many lives lost and families devastated.

Israel says more aid is entering Gaza, but figures disputed

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Israel says more aid is entering Gaza, but figures disputed

Israel is increasing aid flow into Gaza in response to international pressure, but the amount is still disputed. The United Nations states that the aid is much less than what is needed to meet humanitarian needs. Israel reported 419 trucks entering Gaza on Monday, while the Red Crescent and the United Nations reported lower figures due to Israeli inspection rules. The devastated Palestinian enclave is facing famine and disease, with most inhabitants homeless. Aid agencies criticize Israel for not ensuring enough access for humanitarian supplies. Israel denies hindering aid and blames the United Nations for delays. The international community, including the United States and France, is pressuring Israel to increase aid access. Israel has agreed to open crossings for aid supplies but distribution inside Gaza remains a challenge. UNRWA reports that only 223 trucks entered Gaza on Monday, less than half of what is required daily. Distribution problems persist inside Gaza, with food convoys to the north facing more restrictions than other humanitarian aid. Israel’s military has not responded to accusations of restricting aid convoys inside Gaza.

Australia to consider recognising Palestinian state, foreign minister says

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Australia to consider recognising Palestinian state, foreign minister says

Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, stated that Canberra is considering recognizing a Palestinian state in support of a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict. Wong emphasized the importance of a two-state solution in ending the cycle of violence and building momentum towards peace. Israel has opposed unilateral recognition of Palestinian statehood, insisting on direct negotiations. Wong also ruled out a role for Hamas in a future Palestinian state. The Palestinian Authority has requested renewed consideration for full U.N. membership, with support from Spain and other Western countries. Wong highlighted that Israel’s security depends on a two-state solution and recognition by its neighboring countries.

Israel denies Turkey’s request to drop aid into Gaza, Turkish foreign minister says

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Israel denies Turkey’s request to drop aid into Gaza, Turkish foreign minister says

Israel has denied Turkey’s request to join air drops of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza. Turkey will take new measures against Israel in response, as it has already sent tens of thousands of tons of aid to Gaza since the start of the conflict. The United States and other countries have been dropping aid into Gaza by air, but Israel rejected Turkey’s request to participate. Turkey’s Foreign Minister stated that the new measures against Israel will be implemented until a ceasefire is declared and humanitarian aid is allowed to reach Gaza without interruption.

Farah Nabulsi: Cinema holds a powerful role in addressing oppressions

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Farah Nabulsi: Cinema holds a powerful role in addressing oppressions

Farah Nabulsi started her career as an institutional equity stockbroker but transitioned to filmmaking in her late 30s after visiting Palestine. She founded Native Liberty Productions to highlight injustices faced by Palestinians. Her work, including the short film “The Present,” has received international acclaim. Nabulsi’s latest film, “The Teacher,” will be screened at the Cyprus Film Days International Festival. She believes cinema plays a crucial role in addressing oppressive realities and hopes to contribute to a narrative that inspires change.

UK sends Royal Navy ship to boost aid for Gaza and set up a new maritime corridor

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UK sends Royal Navy ship to boost aid for Gaza and set up a new maritime corridor

A British Royal Navy ship will supply aid to Gaza as part of an international effort to set up a new humanitarian maritime corridor in early May. The initiative, involving the United States, Cyprus, and other partners, aims to deliver aid directly to Gaza through a temporary pier off the coast. The British government has pledged 9.7 million pounds for aid equipment and logistical expertise. Military teams have been working on developing the safest and most effective maritime route. Last week, the killing of seven aid workers, including three British nationals, in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza led to global outrage.

Drone footage shows a lively Gaza turned to wasteland since war began

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Drone footage shows a lively Gaza turned to wasteland since war began

Drone footage of Gaza over the six months of warfare between Israel and Hamas reveals the transformation of the once vibrant Palestinian enclave into a vast wasteland of rubble and twisted steel. Residents have been forced to seek shelter from Israeli bombardment aimed at eliminating Hamas. The conflict has resulted in the destruction of buildings, streets, and mosques, leaving Gaza in a state of devastation and despair.