Palestine

Ending Gaza war would keep Hamas in power, Netanyahu says

by
Ending Gaza war would keep Hamas in power, Netanyahu says

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected Hamas demands to end the Gaza war in exchange for freeing hostages, stating that it would keep Hamas in power and pose a threat to Israel. Israel is willing to pause fighting to secure the release of over 130 hostages held by Hamas. Netanyahu expressed concern that if Hamas remained in power, they would continue carrying out massacres, rapes, and kidnappings. Hamas leaders in Cairo maintained their demand for an agreement to end the war in Gaza. The war began after Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in casualties and hostages. Israel’s military offensive has led to the deaths of over 34,600 Palestinians and caused a humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Students erect pro-Palestinian camp at Ireland’s Trinity College

by
Students erect pro-Palestinian camp at Ireland’s Trinity College

Students at Trinity College Dublin have built an encampment in protest of Israel’s war in Gaza, leading to restricted campus access and the closure of the Book of Kells exhibition, a top tourist attraction in Ireland. The protest was sparked by a fine imposed on the students’ union by the university, not solely related to the Gaza conflict. The protesters are demanding that the university cut ties with Israeli institutions and divest from companies connected to Israel. Ireland has a history of supporting Palestinian rights, with plans to formally recognize Palestine as a state.

UN official rings alarm over Rafah attack, saying it could result in ‘slaughter’

by
UN official rings alarm over Rafah attack, saying it could result in ‘slaughter’

An Israeli incursion in Rafah would endanger the lives of hundreds of thousands of Gazans and severely impact humanitarian operations in the enclave. Israel has warned of an operation against Hamas in Rafah, where displaced people are living in shelters. The U.N. humanitarian office expressed concerns about a potential civilian slaughter and disruption of aid operations, including medical clinics and food distribution. The World Health Organization has prepared a contingency plan, but it may not prevent a significant increase in casualties. Additionally, there are worries that an incursion could close the Rafah crossing, hindering the import of medical supplies.

Houthis offer education to students suspended in US protest crackdown

by
Houthis offer education to students suspended in US protest crackdown

Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia is offering a place for U.S. students suspended from universities for supporting Palestinians in the Gaza conflict. The students have been protesting against Israel’s actions in Gaza and calling on President Biden to intervene. Sanaa University, run by the Houthis, is welcoming these students to continue their studies in Yemen, condemning suppression of freedom of expression at U.S. and European universities. The offer has sparked sarcasm among Yemenis on social media.

Police mass near UCLA pro-Palestinian protest camp, a day after violent clashes

by
Police mass near UCLA pro-Palestinian protest camp, a day after violent clashes

Law enforcement officers gathered at the University of California at Los Angeles to clear out a pro-Palestinian protest camp that was attacked by pro-Israel supporters the night before. The police were met with jeers and chants from hundreds of pro-Palestinian activists as they moved in to remove the encampment. Similar protests and arrests of pro-Palestinian activists have been reported at other universities across the United States in response to the conflict between Hamas and Israel.

Reunification, workers’ demands and Palestine at the PEO May Day event

by
Reunification, workers’ demands and Palestine at the PEO May Day event

A bicommunal event organized by the PEO and T/C trade union organizations for Labor Day in Nicosia featured messages in favor of the reunification of Cyprus and workers’ demands, as well as support for Palestine. Participants gathered at Eleftheria Square before marching towards the buffer zone stadium with Turkish Cypriot trade unions. The PEO Secretary-General emphasized the joint effort of Greek and Turkish Cypriot workers to reject division and fight for improved working conditions and wages. The PEO criticized employers for resisting institutional measures to enforce labor agreements and called on the government to take action.

Kombos discusses bilateral relations with Indonesian counterpart

by
Kombos discusses bilateral relations with Indonesian counterpart

Cyprus’ Foreign Minister Constantinos Kombos discussed further developing and strengthening bilateral relations with Indonesia’s Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi. They exchanged views on the Cyprus Question and the situation in the Middle East. The Palestine issue was also discussed during the conversation.

Turkish national stabs Israeli policeman in Jerusalem, is shot dead

by
Turkish national stabs Israeli policeman in Jerusalem, is shot dead

A Turkish national stabbed an Israeli border policeman in Jerusalem, and was then shot dead by officers at the scene. The attacker was identified as a 34-year-old Turkish citizen. The border policeman was moderately wounded during the incident. Israeli security forces have been on high alert since the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks that sparked the six-month-old war in Gaza.

France shares more proposals with Israel over southern Lebanon

by
France shares more proposals with Israel over southern Lebanon

French officials have proposed measures to ease tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, as the cross-border strikes between the two sides have been escalating over the past six months. The proposals aim to implement U.N. resolution 1701 and include Hezbollah pulling back 10km from the Israeli border and Israel halting strikes in southern Lebanon. France, with historical ties to Lebanon, is trying to work as an intermediary to prevent a wider regional conflict.

Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah

by
Residents of northern Israel brace for possible all-out war with Hezbollah

Eli Harel, a former Israeli soldier, is prepared to rejoin the army to fight Hezbollah if a full-blown war breaks out. Hezbollah has been engaging in escalating cross-border strikes with Israel, prompting fears of a wider regional conflict. Thousands of residents on both sides of the border have been displaced, increasing calls for military action against Hezbollah. The Israeli military is preparing for a potential war with Hezbollah, which could result in massive destruction in both countries.