Palestine

Adonis Floridis: Untold stories deconstruct the dominant narrative

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Adonis Floridis: Untold stories deconstruct the dominant narrative

The Cypriot director’s third feature film “Africa Star” had a successful world premiere at the Sofia Film Festival. The film explores the impact of poverty on three generations of Cypriot women and delves into the idea of how our ancestors’ actions shape our lives. The director emphasizes the importance of cinema in addressing the dark aspects of human existence and societal issues. “Africa Star” will be screened in Nicosia and Limassol as part of the 22nd International Film Days of Cyprus 2024.

Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros

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Hamas had instructions to use sexual violence as a weapon, Israeli lawyer tells Phileleftheros

An Israeli former Hamas hostage from the October 7 attack spoke out about the sexual violence and torture she endured. A UN report confirmed Israel’s allegations of ongoing sexual violence by Hamas. The victims of the attack are in the process of healing and dealing with their trauma. The Israeli government developed programmes to help survivors of the attack. Feminist organizations worldwide did not provide sufficient support to Israeli women who were victims of sexual violence. Israeli women did not receive necessary international support due to antisemitism and ignorance. It is crucial for women to stand united and demand justice for sexual violence in wartime. The Israeli army has been accused of sexual assaults against Palestinian women, but there is no evidence to justify the allegations. Hostages still in Hamas’s hands are subjected to sexual assaults, isolation, and poor living conditions.

Pro-Palestine protestors to gather in Nicosia marking six months since October 7

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Pro-Palestine protestors to gather in Nicosia marking six months since October 7

Hundreds are gathering in Nicosia on April 7 to mark six months since the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Organisers are calling it a “genocidal crime” and demanding an end to the blockade. The protest, co-organised by various left-wing groups, highlights the Palestinians’ struggles with food and medical shortages. The demonstration criticizes the Cypriot government’s support for the “Amalthea programme,” seen as a public relations move that doesn’t address the core issue of the blockade.

Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

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Pelosi joins call for Biden to stop transfer of US weapons to Israel

Nancy Pelosi and other congressional Democrats signed a letter urging President Biden to stop weapons transfers to Israel amid criticism of Israel’s military assault on Gaza, which has led to thousands of deaths and widespread hunger. Pelosi’s support highlights a growing mainstream view in the Democratic Party. The letter also called for an investigation into an Israeli airstrike that killed aid workers. The United Nations has warned of a looming famine in Gaza.

Israeli inquiry finds Oct 7 hostage likely killed by friendly fire

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Israeli inquiry finds Oct 7 hostage likely killed by friendly fire

One of the hostages seized by Hamas gunmen during an attack on Israeli communities around Gaza was likely killed by an Israeli helicopter gunship that was responding to the attack. The military conducted an investigation into the kidnapping of Efrat Katz and found that the helicopter fired at a vehicle carrying gunmen and hostages, resulting in the death of most of the terrorists and possibly Efrat Katz. The investigation concluded that the hostages could not be distinguished by existing surveillance systems, and the air force commander did not find fault in the operation.

Israel approves reopening of Erez crossing into Gaza, use of Ashdod port for aid

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Israel approves reopening of Erez crossing into Gaza, use of Ashdod port for aid

Israel approved the reopening of the Erez crossing into northern Gaza and the temporary use of Ashdod port in southern Israel following U.S. demands to increase humanitarian aid supplies into Gaza. The decision was made after U.S. President Joe Biden demanded specific steps to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and warned of potential conditions on U.S. aid if Israel did not respond. Israel also faced pressure after the killing of seven aid workers in an Israeli strike triggered global outrage. The move was welcomed by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who emphasized the need to see results on the ground in Gaza. UNRWA urged Israel to do more to prevent famine in Gaza, while a senior Hamas official expressed concerns about potential delays in the implementation of aid. Israel has faced international pressure to assist civilians in Gaza and has previously blamed distribution problems on international agencies inside Gaza.

Situation in Gaza , ‘desperate’, as WCK suspends relief

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Situation in Gaza , ‘desperate’, as WCK suspends relief

World Central Kitchen suspended its operations in Gaza after seven of its aid workers were killed in an IDF strike. President Nikos Christodoulides stated that the maritime aid corridor will remain open despite the suspension.

Israeli airstrike kills 7 air workers in Gaza, Netanyahu says it was ‘unintentional’

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Israeli airstrike kills 7 air workers in Gaza, Netanyahu says it was ‘unintentional’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his regret over an Israeli airstrike that unintentionally killed seven people working for Jose Andres’ World Central Kitchen charity in Gaza. The airstrike hit a WCK convoy, killing citizens of Australia, Britain, and Poland, as well as Palestinians and a dual citizen of the United States and Canada. The Israeli military pledged an independent inquiry into the incident, which drew widespread condemnation and increased pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

US rejected Turkish demands to ‘kill’ Cyprus humanitarian corridor to Gaza

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US rejected Turkish demands to ‘kill’ Cyprus humanitarian corridor to Gaza

Ankara has been trying to derail the ‘Amaltheia’ plan by seeking to sabotage any planning involving the Republic of Cyprus, with Turkish officials making arguments against the Cyprus maritime corridor. However, Washington has supported the Cypriot initiative and ignored Ankara’s attempts to persuade Arab governments that Cyprus is involved in transferring weapons to Israel. Turkey has also resorted to providing its own humanitarian assistance to Gaza in an attempt to block the maritime corridor. Despite this, ‘Amaltheia’ has received international support. Washington is attempting a rapprochement with Ankara, with Turkish President Tayip Erdogan scheduled to visit the States on May 9th. Cyprus has proven to be a trustworthy and reliable asset in the region.

Pope Francis, in Easter address, calls for Gaza ceasefire

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Pope Francis, in Easter address, calls for Gaza ceasefire

Pope Francis called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all Israeli hostages in his Easter Sunday address.