Israel

US Gaza pier coming to Cyprus as logistics vessel on its way from Virginia

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US Gaza pier coming to Cyprus as logistics vessel on its way from Virginia

The U.S. Army has dispatched the General Frank S. Besson from Joint Base Langley-Eustis in Virginia to Gaza, carrying equipment to establish a temporary pier for delivering humanitarian supplies. This action follows President Joe Biden’s announcement to provide humanitarian assistance by sea to Gaza, made during his State of the Union address. The announcement came after U.N. warnings of widespread famine in Gaza, which has been under an Israeli navy blockade since 2007. The plan involves using Cyprus for cargo screening, involving Israeli officials, to facilitate aid delivery without the need for security checks in Gaza.

US, UK, French military shoot down dozens of Houthi drones after attack on bulk carrier, destroyers

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US, UK, French military shoot down dozens of Houthi drones after attack on bulk carrier, destroyers

U.S., French, and British forces downed dozens of drones in the Red Sea area after Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis targeted the bulk carrier Propel Fortune and U.S. destroyers. The Houthis have been attacking ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November, claiming solidarity with Palestinians. They targeted the cargo vessel and U.S. war destroyers with 37 drones. The U.S. military and coalition forces downed at least 28 drones over the Red Sea, with no damage to U.S., Coalition Navy vessels, or commercial ships reported. A French warship and fighter jets shot down four combat drones, protecting the cargo ship True Confidence and other vessels. Britain’s HMS Richmond repelled a Houthi drone attack, shooting down two drones with no injuries or damage reported. Three seafarers were killed in a missile strike by the Houthis on the Greek-operated True Confidence. The Propel Fortune was targeted, likely due to outdated U.S. ownership data, but all crew were safe, and the vessel proceeded to its next port.

Gaza humanitarian aid leaving Larnaca port this afternoon

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Gaza humanitarian aid leaving Larnaca port this afternoon

Cyprus will send 150 tonnes of humanitarian aid, mostly food, to Gaza from Larnaca port this afternoon. The departure time is not disclosed for security reasons. The aid is part of the Amaltheia maritime corridor initiative, aiming to address the humanitarian crisis in the region. The shipment has received approval from Israel and will be loaded onto the ‘MMS ARIS’ floating platform due to Gaza’s lack of port infrastructure.

Israel strikes landmark residential tower in southern Rafah as truce talks stall [PHOTOS]

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Israel strikes landmark residential tower in southern Rafah as truce talks stall [PHOTOS]

Israel conducted a strike on one of the largest residential towers in Rafah, located in the southern Gaza Strip. The 12-floor building, which housed around 300 residents and was situated approximately 500 meters from the Egyptian border, sustained damage. Although no casualties were reported, the strike rendered dozens of families homeless. Residents received a 30-minute warning before the building was hit, leading to a chaotic evacuation. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident. This action is part of a broader conflict that has seen nearly 31,000 Palestinians killed and over 72,500 wounded in five months, with thousands trapped under rubble. The ongoing offensive has significantly impacted Gaza, exacerbating a humanitarian crisis in the territory, which has been under a blockade for 17 years. The conflict was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 253 hostages taken, according to Israeli reports. Negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of hostages have faced challenges. The cost of rebuilding Gaza is estimated to exceed billion. In recent operations, the Israeli military reported conducting arrests, locating weapons, and killing over 30 fighters in various locations in Gaza. The Gaza health ministry reported at least 82 people killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip in the last day.

In State of the Union, Biden to sharpen contrast with Trump

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In State of the Union, Biden to sharpen contrast with Trump

U.S. President Joe Biden will use his fourth State of the Union address to highlight differences between him and Donald Trump, discuss the strong economy, advocate for higher taxes on the wealthy, and address concerns about his age. The address is part of a constitutional requirement for the president to report to Congress on the state of the union. It will take place at 9 p.m. (1400 GMT) before a joint session of the House of Representatives and the Senate, and will be nationally televised. Polls show Biden and Trump closely tied in battleground states, with most U.S. voters not enthusiastic about a rematch. Biden aims to convince voters of his efforts to protect democracy, abortion rights, and reduce costs. He will propose tax reforms targeting wealthy Americans and large corporations, support for unions, and highlight legislative successes. Biden will also emphasize U.S. leadership globally, including support for Ukraine and Israel, and push for a billion aid package. House Speaker Mike Johnson criticized Biden’s impact on the U.S. economy and reputation. The economy is performing well, but Republican voters are dissatisfied, according to polls. Biden’s campaign plans to criticize Trump on various issues. The NAACP has released a policy agenda for Biden’s address, focusing on voting rights and criminal justice reform. Concerns about Biden’s fitness for a second term due to his age will be scrutinized during his speech. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre mentioned Biden’s accomplishments and his work on the speech at Camp David.

Ship evacuated after first civilian fatalities in Houthis’ Red Sea attacks

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Ship evacuated after first civilian fatalities in Houthis’ Red Sea attacks

India’s navy evacuated all 20 crew members from the vessel True Confidence in the Red Sea after a Houthi missile attack, which resulted in the death of three seafarers and severe injuries to two others. The attack occurred approximately 50 nautical miles off Aden, setting the ship ablaze. The deceased included two Filipinos and one Vietnamese. The crew and three armed guards were taken to a hospital in Djibouti. The vessel, flagged by Barbados and operated by a Greek company, is now drifting and arrangements for its salvage are being made. The Houthis have been attacking vessels in the Red Sea since November, citing solidarity with Palestinians. The cost of insuring voyages through the Red Sea has significantly increased since these attacks began. The International Transport Workers’ Federation has called for better protection for seafarers and suggested diverting ships around the Cape of Good Hope until safe transit through the Red Sea can be guaranteed. The True Confidence was transporting steel products and trucks from China to Jeddah and Aqaba.

Hamas delegation leaves Cairo, ceasefire talks ongoing 

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Hamas delegation leaves Cairo, ceasefire talks ongoing 

– Hamas’s delegation left Cairo on Thursday after four days of talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt aimed at securing a 40-day ceasefire before Ramadan, but no progress was made on key issues.
– Both sides blame each other for the lack of progress, with Hamas seeking an end to Israel’s offensive, withdrawal of its forces, and freedom of entry for aid and the return of displaced people.
– Israel insists on continuing its campaign against Hamas and demands a list of hostages held by militants in Gaza.
– The U.S. President mentioned that a ceasefire deal depends on Hamas, which includes freeing some hostages held by Hamas since the Oct. 7 attack and releasing Palestinian prisoners held in Israel.
– Hamas wants a ceasefire before addressing the hostage situation, demands Israeli forces leave Gaza, and allows all Gazans to return home.
– News of the failed talks led to despair in Gaza, facing a humanitarian crisis after five months of war.
– The U.S. believes a truce accord is still possible and continues to push for one.
– Health officials in Gaza report over 30,800 deaths due to Israel’s offensive, with 83 deaths in the last 24 hours.
– Israel returned 47 bodies of Palestinians killed during the offensive.
– Hamas calls for increased visits to the Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan to pressure Israel for a ceasefire.
– Negotiators aimed for an accord before Ramadan due to concerns that the Al-Aqsa Mosque could become a violence flashpoint.
– Israel plans to allow a similar level of access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque as in previous years.

Govt to participate in interconnector project , – if conditions met

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Govt to participate in interconnector project , – if conditions met

The government of Cyprus, represented by Finance Minister Makis Keravnos, has expressed its intention to participate in the Great Sea Interconnector project alongside Greece and Israel, contingent upon the fulfillment of specific conditions set by the cabinet. This project aims to end Cyprus’s energy isolation by connecting the island to the energy networks of Europe and enhancing energy security. The decision comes after discussions with Greece’s Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO), which has urged Cyprus to expedite its participation with a contribution of up to €100 million. Keravnos highlighted the project’s significant geopolitical value and the need to assess all financial costs and potential risks before making a final government decision.

Israel destroying Gaza’s food system in ‘starvation’ tactic, UN expert says

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Israel destroying Gaza’s food system in ‘starvation’ tactic, UN expert says

A U.N. expert, Michael Fakhri, stated that Israel is destroying Gaza’s food system as part of a “starvation campaign” in its war against Hamas militants. Aid officials have warned of a looming famine, and hospitals report children dying from malnutrition. Fakhri accused Israel of denying and restricting humanitarian aid and specifically targeting the fishing sector, with around 80% of Gaza’s fishing sector destroyed since Oct. 7. Israel denies restricting relief and waging war on civilians, stating its fight is with Hamas.

Netanyahu says Israel will push on with Gaza offensive, including in Rafah

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Netanyahu says Israel will push on with Gaza offensive, including in Rafah

Israel, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will continue its offensive against Hamas, targeting the southern Gaza city of Rafah despite international calls for cessation. This decision follows a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, which resulted in 1,200 deaths and 253 abductions as per Israeli reports. The ongoing conflict has led to over 30,000 deaths in Gaza, according to Palestinian health authorities. Netanyahu emphasized the importance of unity in the face of increasing international pressure to end the conflict. He also stated that Israel aims to counteract efforts to blame it for Hamas’ actions and plans to operate throughout Gaza, including Rafah, described as the last Hamas stronghold.