blockade

Rafah crossing can’t reopen unless Israel leaves Gaza, Egypt says

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Rafah crossing can’t reopen unless Israel leaves Gaza, Egypt says

The Rafah border crossing cannot operate unless Israel returns control to the Palestinians, according to Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. Israel took over the crossing last month during its offensive against Hamas in Rafah, which serves as the only connection to the outside world for Gaza’s residents. Shoukry emphasized the importance of the 1979 Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty for regional security and stability. Egypt suggested European monitors at the border if Palestinian authorities resume control. Israel is attempting to destroy tunnels between Gaza and Egypt used by Hamas, but Egypt denies their existence. Shoukry urged Hamas and Israel to accept a ceasefire proposal from U.S. President Joe Biden. Israel has accepted the framework deal for ending the Gaza war but believes it requires more work.

Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

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Recognition “victory for Palestinian rights,” Palestine’s FM tells Phileleftheros

Recognizing the State of Palestine is fully in line with international law and UN resolutions, serving as an opportunity to revive the peace process between the two sides, according to Palestine’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin. This recognition empowers the Palestinian government to fulfill its duties and address the daily needs of its citizens.

Egypt cracks down on pro-Palestine activism with student arrests

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Egypt cracks down on pro-Palestine activism with student arrests

Egypt has detained students promoting pro-Palestinian boycotts and solidarity campaigns, along with many others protesting against Israel’s military campaign. At least 125 people have been arrested since the Gaza war began in October, with 95 still in pre-trial detention. The crackdown on dissent in Egypt has intensified since 2013, with tens of thousands arrested for speaking out against the government. Public demonstrations are outlawed, and authorities fear protests over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict could fuel political dissent.

Gaza aid could reach 1,500 tonnes a week

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Gaza aid could reach 1,500 tonnes a week

Relief for aid-stricken Palestinians in the Gaza strip could reach about 1,500 tonnes a week once a U.S.-built jetty is operational, with international donors coming forward to finance the infrastructure, including a million donation from the United Arab Emirates to the Amaltheia Fund.

Tesla strike in Sweden continues, union says, contradicting Musk

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Tesla strike in Sweden continues, union says, contradicting Musk

A strike by Tesla mechanics in Sweden, one of the country’s longest labor disputes, continues to disrupt operations despite Elon Musk saying the storm is over. The strike has led to sympathy actions from various other workers, causing disruptions in Tesla’s operations. The strike is still ongoing, according to IF Metall, the union representing the mechanics, who are considering ramping up action. Investor pressure is mounting on Tesla, with Norway’s wealth fund, a significant investor, raising concerns about the strike and backing a shareholder proposal on respecting rights to collective bargaining. Some Nordic pension funds have also voiced concerns and one has even sold its shares in Tesla over the issue. The disruption caused by the strike has forced Tesla to find alternative ways to handle its operations, including changing the way cars are brought into Sweden and having employees handle waste and garbage themselves.

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.

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.

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.

Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

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Second Gaza shipment leaves Cyprus port carrying more than 300 tonnes of food

Ships carrying 332 tons of food for Gaza left Larnaca port in Cyprus in a convoy that will reach the besieged enclave early next week. This is the second shipment this month after Israel eased a 17-year naval blockade on Gaza to allow aid in from Cyprus. The aid is sourced by U.S. charity World Central Kitchen and will be delivered by a cargo ship and a barge towed by a salvage vessel. The aid mission was arranged with Spain’s Open Arms charity, financed mainly by the UAE, and supported by Cypriot authorities. The United States plans to construct a floating pier off Gaza to receive aid, with a target completion date of May 1. The United Nations has warned of imminent famine in the northern Gaza Strip, where 300,000 people are trapped by fighting. More than half of Gaza’s population could face famine by July.