Palestine

Truce talks between Israel and Hamas to resume in Cairo

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Truce talks between Israel and Hamas to resume in Cairo

Truce talks between Israel and Hamas were set to resume in Cairo, with negotiations mediated by Qatar and Egypt. Israel is considering a six-week suspension of its offensive in return for the release of hostages held by Hamas. More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. Fighting has continued around Gaza City’s main hospital, Al Shifa, with conflicting reports on armed presence and casualties.

Viewpoint: Taxes, taxes, taxes

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Viewpoint: Taxes, taxes, taxes

Fact: Due to the 2017 Trump/GOP tax legislation, 35 large, wealthy corporations paid less in taxes than they paid to their top 5 executives while receiving federal tax refunds of nearly billion.

Gaza fisherman braves Israeli navy fire to support his family

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Gaza fisherman braves Israeli navy fire to support his family

– Palestinian fisherman Jalal Qaraan faces dangers at sea due to Israeli navy attacks
– More than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza war
– Fishing in Gaza has become difficult due to the war, with many families unable to enjoy fish during Ramadan

A feast of cinema: 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival

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A feast of cinema: 22nd Cyprus Film Days International Festival

The 22nd edition of the Cyprus Film Days International Festival will take place from April 12-20, 2024. The festival will feature 11 films in competition sections, with winners selected by a five-member international jury. The jury will present awards such as Best Film, Best Director, and Best Cinematography, among others. The winners will be announced on April 20, 2024, at the Closing and Awards Ceremony. Additionally, the festival will include screenings of films selected by the jury and a special programme called “The Jury Presents.”

The…angry Netanyahu and the war crimes

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The…angry Netanyahu and the war crimes

The USA abstained from the first ceasefire resolution in Gaza, angering Netanyahu who wanted Washington to exercise its veto. As a retaliatory measure, Netanyahu cancelled his delegation’s trip to Washington. The ceasefire did not hold as Israel continued its attacks on Gaza. The Security Council’s decision remained on paper, similar to the situation in Cyprus in 1974. The US government claimed there was no reason to believe Israel committed acts of genocide in Gaza. The situation in Gaza is dire, with people facing hunger and desperation. The head of European diplomacy denounced Israel’s use of hunger as a “war weapon” in Gaza. Netanyahu’s actions are seen as trying to save his political career, but the international community’s response allows the occupying power to continue its actions, which is considered a crime.

What, ’s coming up at Cyprus Film Days

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What, ’s coming up at Cyprus Film Days

The 22nd edition of Cyprus Film Days is set to take place from April 12, featuring a diverse line-up of films that address major social and artistic concerns of our times. The festival will include screenings of internationally acclaimed films such as “The Old Oak,” “Perfect Days,” “Green Border,” “Afire,” and “Do not Expect too Much from the End of the World.” Additionally, the festival will showcase films by Cypriot directors in the Cypriot Films Competition Section, as well as independent micro-budget filmmaking in the Taste of Indie section.

President optimistic for Gaza humanitarian aid progress

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President optimistic for Gaza humanitarian aid progress

President Christodoulides is optimistic about the outcomes of the European Council summit, focusing on a ceasefire in Gaza and increasing humanitarian assistance. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres supports Cyprus’s “Amalthea” humanitarian corridor initiative. A conference in Cyprus, attended by 36 states including 23 EU countries, all G7 nations, and the United Nations, discussed technical details of the initiative and a fund to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Netherlands will contribute €10 million, and the EU will initially donate around €70 million to this fund. President Christodoulides plans to meet with the UN Secretary-General to discuss Cyprus’s initiative and the Cyprus problem. He emphasizes the EU’s role in resuming negotiations with Turkey and affirms Cyprus’s readiness to prepare a second ship for the humanitarian corridor, which complements other corridors. Cyprus seeks positive outcomes and references to Euro-Turkish relations based on developments in the Cyprus problem.

United for Palestine organising Larnaca protest against Gaza war

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United for Palestine organising Larnaca protest against Gaza war

United for Palestine Limassol is organizing a protest on Sunday, March 24 at 2 p.m. at Larnaca Marina against what they claim to be Israeli manipulation and exploitation of the Palestinian plight. They accuse the Cypriot government of being complicit in facilitating Israeli actions. The press release mentions a death toll in Gaza exceeding 30,000, with many victims being women and children. It alleges that Israel is using a “humanitarian corridor” from Cyprus not to deliver aid but to extend its control over the sea of Gaza and accuses the Cypriot government of unwittingly aiding Israeli interests. The organizers call for a permanent ceasefire, non-complicity of the Cypriot government in the alleged ethnic cleansing of Palestinians, and rejection of Israeli manipulation.

Swedish Eurovision host city braces for possible protests

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Swedish Eurovision host city braces for possible protests

The Swedish city of Malmo, hosting the Eurovision Song Contest in May, expects guests from 80 countries and is preparing for possible unrest. The event, which is the world’s biggest music competition of its kind, aims to be non-political. Despite this, the European Broadcasting Union has faced pressure to exclude Israel due to its actions in Gaza but has resisted these calls. Malmo’s Safety Director, Per-Erik Ebbestahl, mentioned there is no direct threat to Eurovision, but the situation could change. Cultural events in Europe have recently been impacted by protests related to the Gaza conflict. Israel modified its Eurovision song to comply with the event’s non-political requirements. Malmo’s Mayor, Katrin Stjernfeldt Jammeh, emphasized the city’s support for democratic expression while acknowledging the potential for disruptive actions. The contest is scheduled for May 7-11.